Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Sega and Gearbox targeted in Aliens: Colonial Marines lawsuit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/sega-and-gearbox-targeted-in-aliens-colonial-marines-lawsuit/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/sega-and-gearbox-targeted-in-aliens-colonial-marines-lawsuit/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/sega-and-gearbox-targeted-in-aliens-colonial-marines-lawsuit/#comments Gearbox Software and Sega have both been named in a class action lawsuit alleging that the two companies knowingly misrepresented Aliens: Colonial Marines in trade show demos.

After the game was released to negative reviews, some players and critics claimed the game's trailers and demonstrations didn't match up to the final product. The lawsuit's plaintiff, Damion Perrine, and the law firm of Edelson LLC have decided to take the matter to court for consumers.

The suit cites a tweet from Gearbox head Randy Pitchford, who called initial complaints over the delta between demo and final game "understood and fair." The legal action also suggests demos were misleadingly labeled as "actual gameplay," and that Sega embargoed press reviews until the early morning of Colonial Marines' release date, preventing early buyers from discovering the differences. Accordingly, the suit asks for class action damages for anyone who pre-ordered the game or bought it on release day.

The next step in a class action suit like this will be for the courts to certify the class. Unless Sega and Gearbox fight for a settlement right away, Edelson will next need to figure out how many players were mislead in the way described in the lawsuit. Once determined, the class will be notified of the suit, and the case can move forward.

JoystiqSega and Gearbox targeted in Aliens: Colonial Marines lawsuit originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliensaliens-colonial-marinesclass-action-lawsuitdamion-perrinedemosedelsongearbox-softwarelawlegalmicrosoftmisleadingpcplaystationps3randy-pitchfordsegasuitxboxTue, 30 Apr 2013 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Aliens: Colonial Marines gets new mode with Bug Hunt DLC today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/aliens-colonial-marines-gets-new-mode-with-bug-hunt-dlc-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/aliens-colonial-marines-gets-new-mode-with-bug-hunt-dlc-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/aliens-colonial-marines-gets-new-mode-with-bug-hunt-dlc-today/#comments Aliens Colonial Marines gets new mode with Bug Hunt DLC todayThe Bug Hunt DLC for Aliens: Colonial Marines is available today on Steam, Xbox Live, or the PlayStation Network.

Bug Hunt is a new mode in the game that pits up to four players against waves of incoming xenos and enemy soldiers across three new maps: Broadside, Mercenary, and Tribute. You can earn money on the map by killing enemies, and then spend that money to open up extra areas, or buy more guns, ammo, or health.

If you invested in the Season Pass for the game, you'll get this DLC for free. Everybody else has to pony up the equivalent of around $15, though Steam has the game itself on sale for 33 percent off.

Careful, as fighting giant monsters with acid blood in cramped quarters might be exactly as fun as it sounds.

JoystiqAliens: Colonial Marines gets new mode with Bug Hunt DLC today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Mar 2013 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliensbug-huntbug-hunt-dlcdlcmicrosoftpcplaystationps3psnsteamxblxboxTue, 19 Mar 2013 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[What could have been in Obsidian's Aliens RPG]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/18/what-could-have-been-in-obsidians-aliens-rpg/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/18/what-could-have-been-in-obsidians-aliens-rpg/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/18/what-could-have-been-in-obsidians-aliens-rpg/#comments

In 2009, Sega had three games in the Aliens universe under its control: Gearbox's Aliens: Colonial Marines, Rebellion's Aliens vs. Predator and an Aliens RPG subtitled Crucible from Obsidian. Sega decided to cancel one of these projects - we assume through a sophisticated "close your eyes, spin around and point" method - and Obsidian's RPG got the boot.

Back then Sega didn't offer a taste of what the game would look like, but now we have a video of some creepy-crawly creatures from Obsidian's Aliens RPG, courtesy of character animator Danny Garnett.

In 2010, Obsidian CEO Feargus Urquhart said the Aliens RPG was basically a finished game when Sega pulled the plug. "That's how close we were," he said. "It looked and felt like it was ready to ship." We wish we could say the same about Colonial Marines.

JoystiqWhat could have been in Obsidian's Aliens RPG originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Feb 2013 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliensaliens-crucibleAliens-RPGmicrosoftobsidianObsidian-Entertainmentpcplaystationps3SegaxboxMon, 18 Feb 2013 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Aliens: Colonial Marines 'Bug Hunt' DLC coming in March, more on the way]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/09/aliens-colonial-marines-bug-hunt-dlc-coming-in-march-more-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/09/aliens-colonial-marines-bug-hunt-dlc-coming-in-march-more-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/09/aliens-colonial-marines-bug-hunt-dlc-coming-in-march-more-on/#comments Aliens: Colonial Marines will receive four add-on packs starting with the launch of the Bug Hunt DLC in March. Bug Hunt has players cooperatively taking on waves of enemies in three new maps. The other three content packs, a mixture of campaign and multiplayer DLC, will be available by the end of August.

All four of the DLC packs will be available individually and for Season Pass holders, which Sega confirmed is "a $29.99 / 2400 Microsoft Point bundle that offers a savings of almost 40% over buying the content individually." The Season Pass can be bought on Steam right now for $27, and will make its way to Xbox 360 and PS3 in the near future.

JoystiqAliens: Colonial Marines 'Bug Hunt' DLC coming in March, more on the way originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliensAliens-Colonial-Marinesbug-huntDLCgearboxgearbox-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3season-passSegaxboxSat, 09 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rockstar: Grand Theft Auto 5 delay for quality purposes only]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/04/rockstar-grand-theft-auto-5-delay-for-quality-purposes-only/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/04/rockstar-grand-theft-auto-5-delay-for-quality-purposes-only/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/04/rockstar-grand-theft-auto-5-delay-for-quality-purposes-only/#comments Rockstar tells GTA5 delay conspiracy theorists to stop itGrand Theft Auto 5 has a release date of September 17, which is later than its original launch window of spring this year. Yes, this is a delay. No, it isn't because aliens beamed down to Rockstar headquarters and possessed the entire Grand Theft Auto 5 development team. At least that's what Rockstar is telling its fans:

"To those of you saying or seeing various conspiracy theories about there being some other ulterior motive for this delay, rest assured that they're all nonsense - literally the only reason we've delayed the release is because we want the game to be as good as it needs to be," Rockstar writes in the comments of its launch date announcement.

When Rockstar first posted the September release date, it said, "We know this is about four months later than originally planned and we know that this short delay will come as a disappointment to many of you, but, trust us, it will be worth the extra time." While we study the weaknesses of your puny human race, we assume is how that originally ended.

JoystiqRockstar: Grand Theft Auto 5 delay for quality purposes only originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Feb 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliensconspiracyDelaygrand-theft-auto-5gta5microsoftplaystationps3RockStarxboxMon, 04 Feb 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Game on, man! Aliens: Colonial Marines is ready for pre-order]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/14/game-on-man-aliens-colonial-marines-is-ready-for-pre-order/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/14/game-on-man-aliens-colonial-marines-is-ready-for-pre-order/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/14/game-on-man-aliens-colonial-marines-is-ready-for-pre-order/#comments

The release of Gearbox's Aliens: Colonial Marines is finally zeroing in towards us, with publisher Sega launching a new television teaser to promote the oft-delayed title. For PC soldiers, Colonial Marines features a number of bonuses on Steam if players are willing to sign up for the Weyland-Yutani sponsored expedition before its launch.

Steam pre-order bonuses include a Sonic-Harpoon Artillery Remote Projectile (or S.H.A.R.P.) stick rifle, a weapon referenced in James Cameron's Aliens that fires explosive darts. Aliens: Colonial Marines will also be available for Xbox 360, Wii U, and the PlayStation 3, when it launches on February 12.

JoystiqGame on, man! Aliens: Colonial Marines is ready for pre-order originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Jan 2013 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliensAliens-Colonial-Marinesdealfebruarygearboxpcpreordersegasharp-sticksteamtrailerMon, 14 Jan 2013 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Aliens: Colonial Marines story trailer investigates a deserted ship]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/29/aliens-colonial-marines-story-trailer-investigates-a-deserted-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/29/aliens-colonial-marines-story-trailer-investigates-a-deserted-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/29/aliens-colonial-marines-story-trailer-investigates-a-deserted-s/#comments
This trailer for Aliens: Colonial Marines shows a certain Captain Cruise ordering his crew to investigate a 17-week-old distress signal on the U.S.S. Sulaco. As indicated by the trailer's dramatic music and the word "aliens" in the game's title, the "liquid situation" has players leading the highly-skilled group of marines into battle against hostile alien beings (surprise!).

The Gearbox-developed game uses environments drawn specifically from the movie series of the same name, such as LV-426 and Hadley's Hope. Aliens: Colonial Marines is coming to Xbox 360, PC, Wii U and PS3 on February 12, 2013.

JoystiqAliens: Colonial Marines story trailer investigates a deserted ship originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 29 Dec 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliensAliens-Colonial-Marinesgearboxmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3Segastorytrailervideowii-uxboxSat, 29 Dec 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Aliens: Colonial Marines trailer is looking stylish]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/15/aliens-colonial-marines-trailer-is-looking-stylish/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/15/aliens-colonial-marines-trailer-is-looking-stylish/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/15/aliens-colonial-marines-trailer-is-looking-stylish/#comments Aliens Colonial Marines trailer is looking stylish

The latest trailer out of Gamescom for Aliens: Colonial Marines has it all: Gruesome scenes of H.R. Giger's creations terrorizing marines, and a little behind-the-scenes on the upcoming release. The trailer talks about both the tension buildup that's so important to the Aliens franchise, and the freedom that Gearbox had to both make use of the movie's most familiar locations, and also create their own in new and interesting ways.

Oh, and there are some weirdly extraneous "action" shots of the game's creative team, mixed in among the commentary and game videos. Gearbox's Chief Creative Officer Brian Martel is a standout offender on that one. Nice hat tip there, bud.

JoystiqAliens: Colonial Marines trailer is looking stylish originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Aug 2012 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionaliensAliens-Colonial-Marinesbrian-martelgearboxmicrosoftpcplaystationps3shotstrailerxboxWed, 15 Aug 2012 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Saints Row: The Third throws Gangstas in Space on Feb. 21]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/saints-row-the-third-throws-gangtsas-in-space-on-feb-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/saints-row-the-third-throws-gangtsas-in-space-on-feb-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/saints-row-the-third-throws-gangtsas-in-space-on-feb-21/#commentsThe next in a line of classy, reputable DLC packs for Saints Row: The Third is Gangstas in Space, and it's lifting off from Xbox 360, PS3 and PC on Tuesday, February 21 for $6.99.

Gangstas in Space is the second of three downloadable add-ons included in THQ's Season Pass, which snags users 15 percent off the total price of the DLC packs when bought separately.

Gangstas in Space sees the Boss and new character Jenny Jaros attempt to make a movie... in space. A series of new missions (that may or may not include blow-up dolls) will feature an alien invasion, which shouldn't be too different from the Earthbound missions. The aliens will probably be wearing less outrageous clothing than any of the people you've fought previously.

Update: The first headline read "Gangtsas," which it turns out is not how the cool kids are spelling "Gangstas" nowadays. It has been fixed and the cool kid who lied to us has been sacked. [Thanks, Mallemall.]

JoystiqSaints Row: The Third throws Gangstas in Space on Feb. 21 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliensDLCGangstas-in-Spacemicrosoftpcplaystationps3release-datesaints-row-the-thirdxboxFri, 17 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Zigfrak]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/31/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-zigfrak/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/31/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-zigfrak/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/31/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-zigfrak/#comments Indie developers are the starving artists of the video-game world, often brilliant and innovative, but also misunderstood, underfunded and more prone to writing free-form poetry on their LiveJournals. We at Joystiq believe no one deserves to starve, and many indie developers are entitled to a fridge full of tasty, fulfilling media coverage, right here. This week, Alex Ayars discusses (a few of) the potential downsides of an alien invasion with his space-based RPG, Zigfrak.

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

Zigfrak is a game of deep-space conflict and discovery. Players begin in the midst of a human civil war, complicated by the invasion of technologically superior aliens.

Is the Zigfrak story inspired by any real-life events? How pivotal is the story to the gameplay?

The underlying story draws inspiration from historical and modern day events. Ronald Reagan gave an address to the UN in the '80s, at one point positing that the conflicts between human nations might dissolve if we were to be confronted by a truly alien threat. A big angle of Zigfrak's story is that his statement probably wasn't true -- that humans would continue on with their petty squabbles, even when faced with annihilation by a superior alien adversary.

The backstory is also inspired by the American Revolution and the contemporary debate surrounding the security theater. I try to present this nonpolitically, leaving the door open for players to interpret events however they are most comfortable with.

Zigfrak's story helps to prop things up, but is auxiliary to the many approaches one might take when playing. Each hub of content is a platform for telling a self-contained and lighthearted short story, with the player taking on a pivotal role.

Continue reading The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Zigfrak

JoystiqThe Joystiq Indie Pitch: Zigfrak originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 Dec 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alex-AyarsalienspcZigfrakSat, 31 Dec 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Aliens: Colonial Marines trailer kills a whole lot of humans]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/aliens-colonial-marines-trailer-kills-a-whole-lot-of-humans/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/aliens-colonial-marines-trailer-kills-a-whole-lot-of-humans/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/aliens-colonial-marines-trailer-kills-a-whole-lot-of-humans/#comments
If we had a nickel for each of the titular soldiers that gets massacred in this (apparently leaked) trailer for Aliens: Colonial Marines, we'd probably have enough money to afford the therapy we'll need to get over how many titular soldiers we just saw get massacred. Come, join our distress!

JoystiqAliens: Colonial Marines trailer kills a whole lot of humans originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 11:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliensAliens-Colonial-Marinesgearboxgearbox-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3segaxboxWed, 24 Aug 2011 11:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Aliens: Infestation is a side-scrolling action game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/aliens-infestation-is-a-side-scrolling-action-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/aliens-infestation-is-a-side-scrolling-action-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/aliens-infestation-is-a-side-scrolling-action-game/#comments
Aliens: Infestation, the long-gestating xenomorph game for the Nintendo DS, has been rated by the ESRB. The classification board describes the teen-rated title as an action game, in which "players run and jump through side-scrolling levels, they use rifles, pistols, flamethrowers, and explosives to kill enemy soldiers and aliens (i.e., 'xenomorphs')." There are also the obligatory scenes of chest bursting and some "briefly exposed" male buttocks in a locker room. That one's less obligatory, but still edgy.

Infestation, which has still not been officially announced by Sega, must be close to exploding out of the company's marketing abdomen by now. After a long period of silence, the game was classified by the Australians in May, with WayForward Technologies (Bloodrayne: Betrayal, A Boy and His Blob) indicated as developer.

JoystiqAliens: Infestation is a side-scrolling action game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 09:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliensAliens-InfestationdsESRBnintendoSEGAWayForwardWayForward-TechnologiesFri, 15 Jul 2011 09:37:00 EST<![CDATA['Aliens Infestation' rated down under]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/26/aliens-infestation-rated-down-under/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/26/aliens-infestation-rated-down-under/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/26/aliens-infestation-rated-down-under/#comments Aliens Infestation has been classified by the Australians for publisher Sega and developer WayForward Technologies. The rating makes no mention of platform. Previously, we were aware of WayForward working on a DS companion game to Aliens: Colonial Marines, but there's no clear indication from the classification that Infestation is that game.

Sega's experimentation with the xenomorphs has gotten messier than a chest-bursting at dinner, so here's where things currently stand from what we can gather: Gearbox is working on Aliens: Colonial Marines, The Creative Assembly (Total War) is working on some Alien IP, and WayForward is working on Aliens Infestation. An Aliens RPG was canceled back in 2009, even though developer Obsidian felt it had made worthwhile progress.

Joystiq'Aliens Infestation' rated down under originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 May 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AliensAliens-InfestationdsnintendoWayForwardWayForward-TechnologiesThu, 26 May 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Square's unreleased Aliens game for Famicom Disk System uncovered]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/15/squares-unreleased-aliens-game-for-famicom-disk-system-uncovere/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/15/squares-unreleased-aliens-game-for-famicom-disk-system-uncovere/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/15/squares-unreleased-aliens-game-for-famicom-disk-system-uncovere/#comments Man, what is it about the Aliens franchise that makes its video game adaptations so easily cancelable? Long, long before Obsidian's Aliens RPG ended up on the cutting room floor, Square had its own unreleased entry into the franchise: A 1987 side-scrolling action game for the Famicom Disk System (the disk-loading NES attachment which never quite made it stateside).

A ROM for the canned title recently appeared online; you can check out some footage from an emulated version of the game over at 1UP. It actually doesn't look too terrible -- though back in 1987, we really only had room in our hearts for one unstoppable, alien-obliterating heroine, and that room was totally already spoken for.

JoystiqSquare's unreleased Aliens game for Famicom Disk System uncovered originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 15 Jan 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alienscanceledfamicomfamicom-disk-systemnessquareSquare-EnixSat, 15 Jan 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Obsidian CEO: Aliens RPG felt like a finished game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/obsidian-ceo-aliens-rpg-felt-like-a-finished-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/obsidian-ceo-aliens-rpg-felt-like-a-finished-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/obsidian-ceo-aliens-rpg-felt-like-a-finished-game/#comments Of the perils one encounters when writing about games, the most painful is arguably following the games that almost were; games that were canceled just shy of release. Some are simply vaporware, announced one day and then were never heard from again, and others are in the spotlight for years, before being banished to a dusty hard drive in a closet somewhere. Duke Nukem Forever will stand ... well, forever as the most prominent example of the latter, but the Obsidian-developed Aliens RPG that Sega canceled could very well hold the second-place trophy.

At a press event last week, we asked Obsidian CEO Feargus Urquhart some followup questions about the axed title, which he'd previously asked us to do; however, it still hasn't been the required year since we first talked to him, so we're still missing the details as to why the title got the guillotine. But we did learn that the game looked and felt nearly complete before its cancellation. "Oh, if you had come in and played any of the last builds we were working on, you would have said it was a finished game," Urquhart told Joystiq. "That's how close we were. It looked and felt like it was ready to ship."

He went on to explain that you only played as the Colonial Marines in the game (not to be confused with these Colonial Marines), and that missions would have involved tasks like protecting the robot sentry guns that were featured in a deleted scene in Aliens. One of the biggest challenges, Urquhart said, was, "How do you make a 15-foot long Alien turn around at the end of a hallway?" Besides terrifying turn-based hallway combat, there also would have been multiple types of Marines, lots of gear to play with and ... wait. This is just like pouring salt in a freshly reopened wound. Thanks, Feargus!

JoystiqObsidian CEO: Aliens RPG felt like a finished game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AliensAliens-RPGFeargus-UrquhartMicrosoftObsidianSegaXbox-360Wed, 28 Apr 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega replacing busted Facehuggers in AvP Hunter Edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/18/sega-replacing-avp-hunter-editions-busted-facehuggers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/18/sega-replacing-avp-hunter-editions-busted-facehuggers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/18/sega-replacing-avp-hunter-editions-busted-facehuggers/#comments Is the "Facehugger" figurine that came bundled with your Hunter Edition of Aliens vs. Predator missing its tail appendage? That's an important component for the Facehugger's chest-impregnating ritual, you know. How else is the little guy supposed to keep his balance whilst tenderly inserting its glistening ovipositor into your larynx and filling your chest cavity with its ripe brood-seed?

Fortunately, Sega's replacing the broken 'huggers -- just fill out this form using the map pack download code that came with the Hunter Edition, and wait for your new, skittering friend to arrive. We highly suggest picking up extra flamethrower fuel during the interim.

JoystiqSega replacing busted Facehuggers in AvP Hunter Edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Feb 2010 14:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliensaliens-vs-predatorcollectiblesfacehuggerhunter-editionMicrosoftsegaspecial-editionXbox-360Thu, 18 Feb 2010 14:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Aliens vs. Predator system requirements de-cloaked]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/aliens-vs-predator-system-requirements-de-cloaked/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/aliens-vs-predator-system-requirements-de-cloaked/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/aliens-vs-predator-system-requirements-de-cloaked/#comments Are you curious whether your computer's robot brain is beefy enough To Catch an Aliens vs. Predator? You don't have to stress about it any longer: Sega recently revealed the system requirements for the PC version of the game. There's nothing too prohibitive in there (unless you're still vehemently sticking to your Windows 95 OS), and as Big Download reminds us, AvP will be one of the first games to natively support DirectX 11. Check out the full list of requirements after the jump!

Continue reading Aliens vs. Predator system requirements de-cloaked

JoystiqAliens vs. Predator system requirements de-cloaked originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliensaliens-vs-predatordirectx11rebellionsegasystem-requirementsThu, 21 Jan 2010 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Leaked footage from canned Aliens RPG]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/11/rumor-leaked-footage-from-canned-aliens-rpg/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/11/rumor-leaked-footage-from-canned-aliens-rpg/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/11/rumor-leaked-footage-from-canned-aliens-rpg/#comments It's never been made clear just how far Obsidian got with Aliens RPG, a project that started back in 2006 and was then canceled in June of last year. If alleged footage from the uncompleted game is any indication, there was more than a solid foundation laid down. The brief snippet of supposed gameplay paints Obsidian's game as more of a third-person shooter than a traditional RPG -- though we're quite used to that sort of thing by now.

Head past the break to see the footage, but make sure you turn up your brightness before doing so. This video is dark.

[Via Superannuation]

Continue reading Rumor: Leaked footage from canned Aliens RPG

JoystiqRumor: Leaked footage from canned Aliens RPG originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliensaliens-rpgobsidianobsidian-entertainmentrpgsegashooterMon, 11 Jan 2010 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[New Aliens vs. Predator trailer says it's about story, actually about gutting]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/new-aliens-vs-predator-trailer-says-its-about-story-actually/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/new-aliens-vs-predator-trailer-says-its-about-story-actually/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/new-aliens-vs-predator-trailer-says-its-about-story-actually/#commentsThis is one of those situations where we wish we could just call up Mr. Sega (that's who runs Sega, right?) and ask him what he was thinking. How could he have possibly claimed this latest Aliens vs. Predator trailer has something to do with "story?"

Here's the entire plot: There are humans, there are also Aliens, as well as a Predator. That's it! What else do you need, folks? Much like the snake and the mongoose (or 50 Cent and helicopters), these factions are natural enemies of each other. No story is required for them to make with the murdalizing -- they just do. Check out the trailer above for further confirmation of our position on the subject.

Gallery: Aliens vs Predator

JoystiqNew Aliens vs. Predator trailer says it's about story, actually about gutting originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliensaliens-vs-predatorfpsgameplayMicrosoftpredatorrebellionrebellion-studiossegatrailerXbox-360Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Australian Attorney General offers insight into Aliens vs. Predator classification refusal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/11/australian-attorney-general-offers-insight-into-aliens-vs-preda/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/11/australian-attorney-general-offers-insight-into-aliens-vs-preda/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/11/australian-attorney-general-offers-insight-into-aliens-vs-preda/#comments We've heard from Australian Attorney General Michael Atkinson in the past on why he thinks certain games shouldn't be available to Australian consumers. And when he was asked recently by ABC why the upcoming Aliens vs. Predator was refused classification in his country (read: banned), he echoed previous sentiments on the interactivity of games having a stronger affect on people than other mediums. "I accept that 98 percent, 99 percent of gamers will tell the difference between fantasy and reality, but the 1 to 2 percent could go on to be motivated by these games to commit horrible acts of violence," Atkinson said.

When the subject of AvP comes up, though, Atkinson put on his game reviewer cap and offered, "You don't need to be playing a game in which you impale, decapitate and dismember people." So, what're you thinking, Mr. Atkinson -- 5.0/10 maybe? 4.7/10? We're all ears.

[Via GamesIndustry.biz]

JoystiqAustralian Attorney General offers insight into Aliens vs. Predator classification refusal originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliensaliens-vs-predatorattorney-generalaustraliaavpclassificationfpslawmichael-atkinsonMicrosoftOFLCpredatorrebellionrebellion-studiossegaXbox-360Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Three different Aliens vs. Predator bundles dated in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/10/three-different-aliens-vs-predator-bundles-dated-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/10/three-different-aliens-vs-predator-bundles-dated-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/10/three-different-aliens-vs-predator-bundles-dated-in-europe/#commentsSega, Rebellion, some Aliens, Predators, and even Space Marines are all teaming up in February to get your money. Sega announced that Aliens vs. Predator will be released in Europe on February 19 of next year.

The game will arrive in three versions, each for three different levels of enthusiasm about the FPS. The Standard Edition is for the average gamer looking for a new game. The Survivor Edition comes in the requisite steel case and includes codes for extra multiplayer maps, to be released after the launch date. The Hunter Edition is for the collector who may not even be opening the game, as it includes a facehugger model, a lenticular postcard, and a "Weyland-Yutani sleeve badge."

How do we sign up for the bundle Lance Henriksen's getting -- the one with your own likeness in the game? That one's probably really expensive.

Gallery: Aliens vs. Predator (2010): Packshots [PAL]

JoystiqThree different Aliens vs. Predator bundles dated in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliensaliens-vs-predatoreuropeMicrosoftpredatorrebellionrelease-datesci-fisegaspecial-editionXbox-360Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Aliens vs. Predator multiplayer trailer watches your back, stabs it]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/27/aliens-vs-predator-multiplayer-trailer-watches-your-back-stabs/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/27/aliens-vs-predator-multiplayer-trailer-watches-your-back-stabs/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/27/aliens-vs-predator-multiplayer-trailer-watches-your-back-stabs/#comments Something's always struck us as kind of ... off about the title Aliens vs. Predator. For one, there are "colonial marines" up in there, mixing it up. More confusing, though, is the fact that both "Aliens" and "Predators" are, in fact, aliens. [And aren't all of them predators? - Ed.] At least Sega is keeping our minds diverted from these recondite questions with the latest multiplayer footage (found after the break).

Aside from trotting out a handful of European game writers who all tell the same "This game is SO awesome" story, we're treated to a smattering of gameplay snippets from all three sides of the equation. We're only left wondering one thing after watching them - if you can play as a predator against eight colonial marines, who would ever choose the marines side?

Gallery: Aliens vs Predator


[Thanks, Ikarop]

Continue reading Aliens vs. Predator multiplayer trailer watches your back, stabs it

JoystiqAliens vs. Predator multiplayer trailer watches your back, stabs it originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliensaliens-vs-predatorcolonial-marinesfpsMicrosoftmultiplayermultiplayer-gamers-daypcpredatorvideoXbox-360Fri, 27 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest Aliens vs. Predator trailer shows strengths of the former]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/16/latest-aliens-vs-predator-trailer-shows-strengths-of-the-former/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/16/latest-aliens-vs-predator-trailer-shows-strengths-of-the-former/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/16/latest-aliens-vs-predator-trailer-shows-strengths-of-the-former/#comments Alright, look. We've tried to remain as impartial as possible in the undying debate of Aliens vs. Predator, but we think the winner of this struggle is clear. Sure, Predators have cloaking devices and wrist-mounted swords, and humans have ... well, inimitable pluck, we guess. However, Aliens possess fanged proboscises. Sorry, other guys, but acid-coated tongue-jaws are an impossible act to follow.

You can see the Aliens' strengths in action in the latest trailer for the Sega's AvP, posted above. For reasons which will become clear to you upon viewing, we've affectionately titled the video "Aliens vs. Predator: Sorry About Your Face."

[Thanks, Ikarop.]

Gallery: Aliens vs Predator (GamesCom 2009)

JoystiqLatest Aliens vs. Predator trailer shows strengths of the former originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20th-century-foxaliensaliens-vs-predatorMicrosoftrebellionsegaXbox-360Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Obsidian CEO almost talks about canceled Aliens RPG]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/obsidian-ceo-almost-talks-about-canceled-aliens-rpg/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/obsidian-ceo-almost-talks-about-canceled-aliens-rpg/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/obsidian-ceo-almost-talks-about-canceled-aliens-rpg/#comments We cornered Obsidian's CEO Feargus Urquhart with a motion tracker (notepad) and a an M41A1 Pulse Rifle (pen) at Austin GDC to ask him exactly what happened with the canceled Aliens RPG the company was working on for Sega. The game was announced back in 2006, and then canceled abruptly in February earlier this year. Of course, it took Sega four months to officially let us know about it. So what did happen?

The good news? There's an answer. The bad news? You're going to have to wait until February 2011 to get it. We hope we remember the question that far in the future. If that makes anyone think about The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, you get bonus points. Read on after the break for what he said, which did not include the proper pronunciation of his name.

Continue reading Obsidian CEO almost talks about canceled Aliens RPG

JoystiqObsidian CEO almost talks about canceled Aliens RPG originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AliensAliens-RPGFeargus-UrquhartObsidianRPGSegaThu, 17 Sep 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega sticks with 'early 2010' AvP release, despite own website announcing February launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/05/sega-sticks-with-early-2010-avp-release-despite-own-website-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/05/sega-sticks-with-early-2010-avp-release-despite-own-website-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/05/sega-sticks-with-early-2010-avp-release-despite-own-website-a/#comments
Like a magnifying glass over a Xenomorphic ant (scariest image today!), Sega has quietly focused its release ray on February for Aliens vs. Predator's spawning at retailer. As noticed by Destructoid, the company's game page now gives the title a sub-orbital drop window of February, where the game previously had a vague early 2010 release.

We followed up with Sega and a company spokesperson stated, "Early 2010 is all we can confirm at the moment." Better talk to the website guys, huh?

Gallery: Aliens vs Predator

JoystiqSega sticks with 'early 2010' AvP release, despite own website announcing February launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliensaliens-vs-predatorMicrosoftpredatorrebellionsegaXbox-360Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Aliens vs. Predator 'Marines' trailer highlights the plight of puny humans]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/aliens-vs-predator-marines-trailer-highlights-the-plight-of-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/aliens-vs-predator-marines-trailer-highlights-the-plight-of-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/aliens-vs-predator-marines-trailer-highlights-the-plight-of-p/#commentsSega's Aliens vs. Predator recently received a new trailer, titled "Marines" -- seriously, are they trying to make us confuse this game with Aliens: Colonial Marines? It's bad enough that there's like, seven Aliens games being developed right now. You don't need to make this any harder on us, guy-in-charge-of-naming-trailers.

However, the moniker does fit -- the video above tells the terrifying story of the unsung third party in the AvP conflict: Humans. Traditionally, most shooters let their human protagonists mow down waves of extraterrestrials with little trouble -- however, said extraterrestrials usually don't have acid spit. Nor can they turn invisible. Nor do they have giant arm swords. Nor do they make alien babies in our chests. Hey, we had a good run, humanity. Looks like it's time to pack it in.

JoystiqAliens vs. Predator 'Marines' trailer highlights the plight of puny humans originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliensaliens-vs-predatorfpsmarinesMicrosoftpcrebellionsegatrailerXbox-360Wed, 29 Jul 2009 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Obsidian confirms the cancellation of Aliens RPG [Update: Sega agrees]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/27/obsidian-confirms-the-cancellation-of-aliens-rpg/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/27/obsidian-confirms-the-cancellation-of-aliens-rpg/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/27/obsidian-confirms-the-cancellation-of-aliens-rpg/#comments
[Update: And, not with a bang but a whimper, Sega has confirmed the cancellation of Aliens RPG, telling Giant Bomb, "At this point, SEGA has no plans to move forward with the Aliens RPG. The Aliens franchise offers us so much content to choose from that we feel it important to take a step back and carefully consider the type of game we want to release. We plan to continue working with the Aliens franchise and ask fans to be patient and stay tuned for more information about what SEGA has coming out for the Aliens series of games, starting with the upcoming Alien vs. Predator game. We are very excited about and focused on Alien vs. Predator, which promises gamers a fantastic single player game and an equally compelling multiplayer experience. We are confident that it provides all the excitement and fun that the Aliens and Predator fans are looking for!"]

[Original: Finally, Aliens RPG's will it, won't it dance has come to an official, if disappointing, end. We were hoping the many, many rumors of its cancellation would be for naught, but a moderator at the Obsidian forums has confirmed that the project is dead; "unfortunately, it is true that we are no longer working on the game, and we wanted to finally announce that officially to everyone who has been following its development."

Hopefully the same isn't true for Aliens: Colonial Marines, or that would leave Sega with only Aliens vs Predator in development. The Japanese publisher further confirmed the project's termination to GameSpot, saying, "At this point, Sega has no plans to move forward with the Aliens RPG."]

[Via Big Download]

JoystiqObsidian confirms the cancellation of Aliens RPG [Update: Sega agrees] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Jun 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliensaliens-rpgcanceledobsidiansegaSat, 27 Jun 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega: game not over for Aliens: Colonial Marines, Aliens RPG]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/15/sega-game-not-over-for-aliens-colonial-marines-aliens-rpg/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/15/sega-game-not-over-for-aliens-colonial-marines-aliens-rpg/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/15/sega-game-not-over-for-aliens-colonial-marines-aliens-rpg/#comments The big, green gooey eggs containing Sega's long in development Aliens: Colonial Marines and Aliens RPG are going to hatch -- just not soon. When we asked why the games were absent from this year's E3, Sega replied, "Aliens vs. Predator will be the first to ship out of our triplet of Aliens titles; hence it was shown at this year's E3. We'll have more news to share about the other two games in the near future so stay tuned." Rumors of both titles being jettisoned out an airlock have been swirling since earlier this year.

In addition, Gearbox Software prez Randy Pitchford has confirmed to Kotaku that Colonial Marines lives on in now-gen console and handheld form on DS. Pitchford told the site that Gearbox is not developing the portable title, lending more credence to purported footage of a WayForward-developed Colonial Marines that leapt out of the darkness last month. We've put word into Obsidian, developers of Aliens RPG, for confirmation of that title's status.

JoystiqSega: game not over for Aliens: Colonial Marines, Aliens RPG originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliensaliens-colonial-marinesaliens-rpgaliens-vs-predatorDSgearboxgearbox-softwareMicrosoftNintendoobsidianwayforwardXbox-360Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumored video of Aliens: Colonial Marines for DS surfaces ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/26/is-this-a-video-of-aliens-colonial-marines-for-the-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/26/is-this-a-video-of-aliens-colonial-marines-for-the-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/26/is-this-a-video-of-aliens-colonial-marines-for-the-ds/#comments What's the real deal with the Aliens franchise, recently? Ask Sega -- except don't, because you're pretty unlikely to get a straight answer from the company regarding the whereabouts of Aliens: Colonial Marines or the Obsidian-developed Aliens RPG. This new video, which can be seen after the break, is even more mysterious. It appears to be a 2D side-scrolling Aliens game developed by WayForward -- the people making A Boy and His Blob -- and Gearbox, developer of the console and PC version of Colonial Marines (if it still exists, that is).

Could this be a DS version of that same title, or is this something completely separate? Is it in development, or scrapped? The video description says it's a canceled project that was completed and shelved due to financial trouble at Sega. We've reached out to Sega for comment, but we're not counting on finding out much.

[Via Destructoid]

Continue reading Rumored video of Aliens: Colonial Marines for DS surfaces

JoystiqRumored video of Aliens: Colonial Marines for DS surfaces originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 May 2009 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AliensAliens-colonial-marinesGearboxSegaTue, 26 May 2009 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Aliens Vs Predator details and teaser trailer unleashed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/20/aliens-vs-predator-details-and-teaser-trailer-unleashed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/20/aliens-vs-predator-details-and-teaser-trailer-unleashed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/20/aliens-vs-predator-details-and-teaser-trailer-unleashed/#comments
As promised, Sega has revealed a couple more Aliens Vs Predator screenshots, as well as the first details of the game and a teaser trailer, which you can view above. The three screenies that our gallery now consists of show off what appear to be some impressive volumetric lighting effects from the perspective of an alien, a predator and a marine.

Each of the playable species has its own "distinct story-driven single-player campaign mode that interweaves with the campaigns of the other two species." In addition, the game will feature three-way online multiplayer, though the maximum number of online players is unspecified. Check out the Sega UK blog post for more details on the story and be sure to cast your eyes over the very brief teaser trailer above.

Gallery: Aliens vs Predator

JoystiqAliens Vs Predator details and teaser trailer unleashed originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 May 2009 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliensaliens-vs-predatorMicrosoftpredatorRebellionsegaXbox-360Wed, 20 May 2009 11:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Famous movie scenes recreated using game development tools]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/07/famous-movie-scenes-recreated-using-game-development-tools/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/07/famous-movie-scenes-recreated-using-game-development-tools/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/07/famous-movie-scenes-recreated-using-game-development-tools/#comments
The Game Artist forums recently held a competition to determine who could best recreate a scene from a movie in a real-time game environment. The winners were a trio of forum users, going by the names of shadows, in3d, and Alina, who appropriately called themselves "The Replicants." They recreated the the classic Blade Runner scene you see above, and we're sure we don't have to tell you why it's the best of the bunch.

Rounding out the rest of the winners were scenes from Hook (Ruffio! Ruffio! Ruf-ee-oh!), X2: X-Men United, I am Legend, and Aliens. You can blast your eyeballs with those entries by clicking here.

[Via Fidgit]

JoystiqFamous movie scenes recreated using game development tools originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 May 2009 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliensblade-runnerbladerunnerenvironmenthooki-am-legendx2x2-xmen-unitedThu, 07 May 2009 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Gearbox Software is hiring, Aliens: Colonial Marines still in development]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/03/gearbox-software-is-hiring-aliens-colonial-marines-still-in-de/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/03/gearbox-software-is-hiring-aliens-colonial-marines-still-in-de/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/03/gearbox-software-is-hiring-aliens-colonial-marines-still-in-de/#comments
Aliens: Colonial Marines, one of the three Alien titles allegedly in production, has had a lot of ups and downs over the past six months. First we were unclear whether layoffs at developer Gearbox Software would affect the title, then we were assured it was to be released in Q1 2009, then we were tipped it was supposedly canceled -- so what's actually going on with the game? Well, we're still not really sure.

Shacknews noticed that over on Gearbox's website, the company is recruiting for "all projects," and furthermore, the Alien project was listed at time of press as "in-development" (currently it lists development as "TBA," having updated that specific page on the website as of today). We contacted Steve Gibson, marketing director for Gearbox, to ask about the recent news and if Aliens: Colonial Marines is still being developed by the studio. "Neither Sega nor Gearbox have ever announced any status changes. We're not making any announcements at this time beyond that we are recruiting for all projects," he told us this morning.

While not directly confirming the continued development of the game, Mr. Gibson's answer leads us to believe that, as the game has never been officially canceled, the studio is still working on it. As you're likely used to hearing around this time of year, we're just going to have to wait 'til E3 to find out for sure what's going on.

JoystiqGearbox Software is hiring, Aliens: Colonial Marines still in development originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 03 May 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliensaliens-colonial-marinese3-2009gearboxgearbox-softwareMicrosoftsegashacknewssteve-gibsonXbox-360Sun, 03 May 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ex-Obsidian staffer's CV confirms Aliens RPG canceled]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/25/ex-obsidian-staffers-cv-confirms-aliens-rpg-canceled/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/25/ex-obsidian-staffers-cv-confirms-aliens-rpg-canceled/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/25/ex-obsidian-staffers-cv-confirms-aliens-rpg-canceled/#comments
This is never how you want to get confirmation for a story, but we do what we must. Ex-Obsidian designer David Kondor's LinkedIn profile lists his involvement in a "canceled third-person action Aliens RPG (Xbox 360, PS3, & PC)." The listing lends credence to rumors of the game's cancellation, which circulated earlier this month. We still haven't heard back from Sega for official word, but we've put in another request for comment this morning.

If you're curious about what might have been (but what almost certainly won't be), you can see more details from Kondor's listing right here.

JoystiqEx-Obsidian staffer's CV confirms Aliens RPG canceled originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliensaliens-rpglayoffsobsidiansegaWed, 25 Feb 2009 11:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Obsidian CEO says company is 'doing fine']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/14/obsidian-ceo-says-company-is-doing-fine/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/14/obsidian-ceo-says-company-is-doing-fine/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/14/obsidian-ceo-says-company-is-doing-fine/#comments
"We are doing fine," says Feargus Urquhart, CEO of Obsidian, just a day after Aliens RPG, arguably the developer's most anticipated project, was said to have been forcibly burst from its chest by publisher Sega. Despite the rumored bloodletting, the executive seems encouragingly upbeat, telling our sister site Big Download that the studio has no plans to close up shop. In fact, the exec says that work continues on its espionage RPG Alpha Protocol and, according to Urquhart, "another couple of properties."

Yesterday's rumor painted a much bleaker picture for the company, with multiple sources claiming Sega's reported actions had left the Neverwinter Nights 2 dev in dire straits with some 20 employees let go as a result. Urquhart wouldn't confirm any of this, however, leaving us wondering if by "doing fine" he is being sincere or is simply in shock. If all of this turns out to be true, we doubt we could put on a brave face while staring down at our freshly eviscerated trunk.

JoystiqObsidian CEO says company is 'doing fine' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 14 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliensaliens-rpgalpha-protocollayoffsobsidianobsidian-entertainmentsegaSat, 14 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Sega pulls funding on Aliens: Colonial Marines, Aliens RPG]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/12/rumor-sega-pulls-funding-on-aliens-colonial-marines-aliens-rp/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/12/rumor-sega-pulls-funding-on-aliens-colonial-marines-aliens-rp/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/12/rumor-sega-pulls-funding-on-aliens-colonial-marines-aliens-rp/#comments Sega has allegedly pulled funding from both Obsidian's Aliens RPG and Gearbox's Aliens: Colonial Marines, sources have revealed to Joystiq. Supposedly, 20 people were laid off from Obsidian yesterday and more could soon lose their jobs. The layoffs also affected the team working on Alpha Protocol, another Obsidian-developed, Sega-published title. Without the Aliens RPG, Obsidian is apparently on the ropes, our sources say.

As for Gearbox, Sega allegedly stopped paying the developer for its work on Colonial Marines for "a while" -- production has since ceased. At this point, it's unclear whether Colonial Marines has been "halted" or "canceled," which Gearbox president Randy Pitchford - in response to a previous rumor - called an "inaccurate characterization."

This rumor comes less than 24 hours after Sega announced Aliens vs. Predator and refused to answer questions about the previously announced Aliens titles. Sega turning off the money tap wouldn't exactly be shocking, given the company plans to lay off 560 people and already lost $119 million in the first three quarters of its fiscal year. Requests for clarification from Sega and Gearbox on the status of the titles have not yet been returned as of press time. An Obsidian representative responded with "no comment" to our inquiry. If you're one of those let go, or have any further information, please feel free to contact us.

JoystiqRumor: Sega pulls funding on Aliens: Colonial Marines, Aliens RPG originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliensaliens-colonial-marinesAliens-RPGAliens-vs-Predatorgearboxgearbox-softwarelayoffsobsidianobsidian-entertainmentsegaThu, 12 Feb 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega pits Aliens vs Predator on 360, PS3 in 'early 2010']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/11/sega-pits-aliens-vs-predator-on-360-ps3-in-early-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/11/sega-pits-aliens-vs-predator-on-360-ps3-in-early-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/11/sega-pits-aliens-vs-predator-on-360-ps3-in-early-2010/#comments
Announced at a Sega event in London today, the "all-new" Aliens vs. Predator (that's a working title, folks) will mark the return of Rebellion, developers of the 1999 game of the same name that Sega calls a "legendary title that went on to define an entire generation of multiplayer gaming." But all this excitement doesn't come cheap: "With the opportunity to publish what promises to be a landmark game, SEGA has strategically updated the release of the other upcoming Aliens titles currently in development within its portfolio." We'll translate that for you: you won't be seeing Gearbox's Aliens: Colonial Marines FPS and Obsidian's is-that-still-in-development Aliens RPG anytime soon.

CEO of Sega West, Naoya Tsurumi, explains, "By adjusting the release of our other Aliens titles to accommodate [Aliens vs. Predator], SEGA will ensure that every title lives up to the high expectations of Aliens and AvP fans." We've asked Sega to clarify the delay (it's just a delay, right?) of both previously announced titles. Is Aliens vs. Predator "the first to launch in a series" of AvP games, or "the first to launch in a series" of Aliens games, including the previously announced two?

[Update: Sega got back to us, and said simply, "We'll have more news on the other games in the future. Today we are concentrating on the Rebellion partnership announcement." Anyone out there have any details on either game they'd be willing to share, we're all ears!]

JoystiqSega pits Aliens vs Predator on 360, PS3 in 'early 2010' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AliensAliens-vs-PredatorMicrosoftRebellionSegaXbox-360Wed, 11 Feb 2009 11:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Aliens: Colonial Marines, Alpha Protocol slated for Q1 '09 release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/aliens-colonial-marines-alpha-protocol-slated-for-q1-09-relea/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/aliens-colonial-marines-alpha-protocol-slated-for-q1-09-relea/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/aliens-colonial-marines-alpha-protocol-slated-for-q1-09-relea/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


No, we don't believe it either, but at least Sega has confirmed that the nebulous development of Gearbox's Aliens: Colonial Marines is still ongoing. According to a release list issued to UK site VideoGamer.com, Sega currently has the xenophobic first-person shooter pinned to the first quarter of its 2009 release calendar -- though the article questions whether said calendar is Gregorian or fiscal.

Joining Colonial Marines in the Q1 '09 release window is Obsidian's Bauer-esque spy RPG, Alpha Protocol. We've contacted Sega of America to clarify these dates and confirm the other titles on the list, including House of the Dead: Overkill (February), Sonic and the Black Knight (March) and Bayonetta (a vague "2009").

JoystiqAliens: Colonial Marines, Alpha Protocol slated for Q1 '09 release originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AliensAliens-Colonial-MarinesAlpha-ProtocolGearboxObsidianPCPS3SegaXbox-360Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Aliens: Colonial Marines glimpsed in Jace Hall Show]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/aliens-colonial-marines-glimpsed-in-jace-hall-show/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/aliens-colonial-marines-glimpsed-in-jace-hall-show/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/aliens-colonial-marines-glimpsed-in-jace-hall-show/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Those of you who took the E3 absence of Aliens: Colonial Marines to mean that Gearbox had naught to show for its FPS efforts have been proven utterly wrong. As indistinctly evidenced by some new (and brief) off-screen footage, the so-not-coming-out-in-2008 shocker is shaping up to be everything you could have hoped for:
  1. It is a game.
  2. It is presented in the first-person perspective.
  3. You are equipped with a device that rapidly transports projectiles into snarling faces, often attached to slimy extraterrestrials.
The footage was captured by the folks behind The Jace Hall Show, who came over, man, came over to have a look at the game in the final moments of their season finale. You can view the episode after the break or, alternatively, see the edited clip at Shacknews.

Continue reading Aliens: Colonial Marines glimpsed in Jace Hall Show

JoystiqAliens: Colonial Marines glimpsed in Jace Hall Show originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AliensAliens-Colonial-MarinesFPSGearboxMy-Chest-HurtsPCPS3SegaXbox-360Mon, 01 Sep 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Aliens: Colonial Marines E3 absence explained]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/20/aliens-colonial-marines-e3-absence-explained/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/20/aliens-colonial-marines-e3-absence-explained/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/20/aliens-colonial-marines-e3-absence-explained/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Sega's E3 presence was among the weakest at last week's event, trumped only by the pitiful showing at Camp Belmont, a notion not helped by the absence of Gearbox-developed Aliens: Colonial Marines from either the show floor or Sega's own booth. Videogamer.com cornered Gearbox president Randy Pitchford about the missing shooter, a no-show he blamed squarely on Sega's marketing strategy, adding that "the game is in great shape. People are going to freak out when they see it."

By people, he obviously didn't mean Sega's own marketing VP Sean Ratcliffe, who told us that while the publisher was considering showing the game at E3, Sega didn't feel that it was quite ready for prime time. "I think it needs a little more time before we want to put it in front of the press," the exec told us. He added that more news regarding the status of Aliens: Colonial Marines will be announced sometime after E3, though we continue to hope that Sega will release game as planned in late 2008 and not nuke the site from orbit.

[Thanks Cellien]

JoystiqAliens: Colonial Marines E3 absence explained originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 Jul 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliensAliens-Colonial-Marinese32008gearboxPCPS3segaXbox-360Sun, 20 Jul 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Stalin to save Mother Russia from aliens in new RTS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/27/stalin-to-save-mother-russia-from-aliens-in-new-rts/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/27/stalin-to-save-mother-russia-from-aliens-in-new-rts/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/27/stalin-to-save-mother-russia-from-aliens-in-new-rts/#commentsFiled under: ,


The second World War has fueled a nearly uncountable sea of video game titles, but while most have drawn inspiration from the same handful of historic events, none yet have captured the reality that was Joseph Stalin. But reality is boring, which is why we're much more interested in a new RTS by a trio of Russian devs (Wing Foundation, Dreamlore, and N-game) that takes an alternate history stab by pitting the Soviet leader's Red Army against an invasion from outer space. Wait...what?

The brilliantly titled Stalin Vs. Martians is billed as a simplified game designed "for anyone who just hates the strategy genre," with fun and action taking top billing over the kind of micromanagement that's normally the genre's calling card. Says the game's website: "The only resources you can find on the map are power-ups. They look like they should: like shiny rotating coins of bright colors." The devs even state that Stalin himself will be a playable unit in the later stages of the game, as he lumbers on the field as "a huge colossus, five times higher than any other creature. Just like it was in the real life." We can all look forward to driving the extra terrestrials out of Holy Mother Russia when the game ships for the PC this fall.

Gallery: Stalin vs. Martians

JoystiqStalin to save Mother Russia from aliens in new RTS originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 Apr 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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