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[Avalanche teaser images were steampunk sandbox game now 'on ice']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/avalanche-teaser-images-were-steampunk-sandbox-game-now-on-ice/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/avalanche-teaser-images-were-steampunk-sandbox-game-now-on-ice/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/avalanche-teaser-images-were-steampunk-sandbox-game-now-on-ice/#comments
Avalanche teases Just Cause 3 announcement at E3
Avalanche Studios founder Christofer Sundberg's pictorial tweet teases - generally thought to be Just Cause 3 or a Mad Max game - were actually a steampunk sandbox game the studio was working on five years ago. Speaking to Edge, Sundberg explained it's a game the studio had in development but has now been "put on ice."

Sundberg tweeted this morning, "The steampunk game was shut down in 2008. We lost ~90 [developers] in the process. Now, 5yrs later [Avalanche] is doing better than ever."

"I really love that art style, and to combine it with sandbox gameplay is a dream of mine," he told Edge. "Fortunately, being an independent developer I can control my own destiny and we'll make something in that world sooner or later."

Another "almost" Avalanche Studios project was a "massive, open world" Star Wars game, but that fell through and now is more unlikely than ever. Whatever Avalanche is really working on will hopefully be revealed by E3.

JoystiqAvalanche teaser images were steampunk sandbox game now 'on ice' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Avalanche-StudiosChristofer-SundbergJust-Cause-2just-cause-3Thu, 16 May 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Avalanche was 'almost' signed to make 'massive Star Wars open world game']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/avalanche-was-almost-signed-to-make-massive-star-wars-open-wo/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/avalanche-was-almost-signed-to-make-massive-star-wars-open-wo/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/avalanche-was-almost-signed-to-make-massive-star-wars-open-wo/#commentsAvalanche was 'almost' signed to make 'massive Star Wars open world game' At some point between 2005 and 2009, Just Cause developer Avalanche Studios "almost" signed with LucasArts on a "massive, open world" Star Wars game, according to former Avalanche Studio Manager Oskar Burman and current Chief Creative Officer Christofer Sundberg.

In the wake of EA, including DICE, obtaining exclusive rights to make Star Wars games, Burman tweeted, "Actually, wanting to work with SW goes deep in Swe [Sweden]. Long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, we almost got that deal when I was at Avalanche."

Avalanche founder Sundberg replied, "If they had given us the deal back then LucasArts would be alive today. A massive SW open world game! We would have rocked it."

Burman, currently General Manager at Rovio Stockholm, worked at Avalanche between April 2005 and May 2009. It's unclear if the deal in question was set aside as LucasArts made Star Wars 1313 an internal project, or if it relates to something separate.

When LucasArts and 1313's demise was announced last month, Sundberg tweeted that staff working on the game had told him it needed another two years to be completed.

When approached, an Avalanche spokesperson declined to comment.

JoystiqAvalanche was 'almost' signed to make 'massive Star Wars open world game' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 May 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avalanche-studioslucasartsstar-warsTue, 07 May 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Avalanche teases Just Cause 3 announcement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/avalanche-teases-just-cause-3-announcement/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/avalanche-teases-just-cause-3-announcement/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/avalanche-teases-just-cause-3-announcement/#comments Avalanche teases Just Cause 3 announcement at E3Avalanche Studios founder Christofer Sundberg is being a coquet, teasing what appears to be Just Cause 3 - or a modern Mad Max game.

Sundberg tweeted out the above image yesterday, which came a couple weeks after the same character model was teased in an action scene on a bike.

Although Just Cause 3 is the natural assumption from the images - since the character model has similar features and accessories to series protagonist Rico Rodriguez - there is still the outlying possibility it's the Mad Max game. We've known that game had been in production at Avalanche under God of War 2 director Cory Barlog until early last year.

Sundberg told Eurogamer at the time of Barlog's departure, "I can't comment on our project, but all I can say is that the projects we've been working on for the last two years and the one we recently started up in NY are sailing along like never before."

JoystiqAvalanche teases Just Cause 3 announcement originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Feb 2013 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AvalancheAvalanche-StudiosJust-Cause-2just-cause-3microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 28 Feb 2013 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Just Cause dev working on another open-world action game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/just-cause-dev-working-on-another-open-world-action-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/just-cause-dev-working-on-another-open-world-action-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/just-cause-dev-working-on-another-open-world-action-game/#comments ImageJust Cause developer Avalanche Studios is working on yet another open-world action game, Eurogamer reports. Avalanche Studios is hiring for multiple projects on both current consoles and the next generation - even two games based on film and comic properties - due in 2013 and 2014. One game we knew about: Project Mamba.

Of course, the first thing that comes to mind is Just Cause 3 - Square Enix has picked up some curious domains on top of publishing the first two Just Cause games, and Avalanche has publicly said it would love to continue working on the franchise. With multiple projects in the works, one of them could be a sequel to 2010's outing.

JoystiqJust Cause dev working on another open-world action game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 May 2012 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionavalanche-studiosopen-worldsandboxsquare-enixThu, 31 May 2012 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix registers domains for 'Just Cause 4' despite lack of Just Cause 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/square-enix-registers-domains-for-just-cause-4-despite-lack-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/square-enix-registers-domains-for-just-cause-4-despite-lack-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/square-enix-registers-domains-for-just-cause-4-despite-lack-of/#comments Just in case the Just Cause series is successful enough to get a fourth entry, Square Enix wants to make sure it can employ any necessary URLs. As such, the company registered URLs in a variety of countries for "JustCause4" via URL proxy registrant Corporation Service Company, as discovered by Fusible.

Neither Square Enix nor Avalance Studios have said much about the Just Cause series as of late, though Avalance studio head Christofer Sundberg told Develop in early 2010 that a third entry in the series is very likely. It's also rumored that Avalanche has been working on a Mad Max-based game; we haven't heard about that project since September 2010. Beyond Avalanche's Stockholm-based studio, the privately owned Swedish company opened a New York City office in 2011 to work on an unannounced game only known as "Project Mamba."

Regardless, with just a few weeks left until E3, it's likely we'll hear more about whatever Avalanche is working on sooner, rather than later.

JoystiqSquare Enix registers domains for 'Just Cause 4' despite lack of Just Cause 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2012 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avalancheavalanche-studioschristofer-sundbergcorporation-service-companydomain-registrationjust-causejust-cause-3just-cause-4square-enixurlMon, 21 May 2012 10:50:00 EST<![CDATA[God of War 2 director Cory Barlog joins Crystal Dynamics]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/god-of-war-2-director-cory-barlog-joins-crystal-dynamics/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/god-of-war-2-director-cory-barlog-joins-crystal-dynamics/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/god-of-war-2-director-cory-barlog-joins-crystal-dynamics/#comments Cory Barlog, who served as writer and director for God of War 2, as well as "story creator" for Ghost of Sparta and creative director for Chains of Olympus, has joined Crystal Dynamics to work on its forthcoming Tomb Raider reboot and "a yet to be announced new title."

Its unclear what this transition may mean for Barlog's Mad Max project, which was reportedly in production at Avalanche Studios. "I can't comment on our project, but all I can say is that the projects we've been working on for the last two years and the one we recently started up in NY are sailing along like never before," said Avalanche Studios founder Christofer Sundberg in a statement to Eurogamer.

This either means that Mad Max is continuing without Barlog at Avalanche Studios, or that it was never there to begin with. Either way, we're looking forward to seeing what kind of vengeful, face-painting influence Barlog has on Lara Croft's future, and whether his presence at Crystal Dynamics could finally lead to Gex of War.

Continue reading God of War 2 director Cory Barlog joins Crystal Dynamics

JoystiqGod of War 2 director Cory Barlog joins Crystal Dynamics originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Mar 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Avalanche-Studioscory-barlogCrystal-DynamicsGexLara-Croftmad-maxTomb-Raidertomb-raider-2011tomb-raider-2012Fri, 02 Mar 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Renegade Ops DLC adds vehicles, continues campaign storyline]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/renegade-ops-dlc-adds-vehicles-continues-campaign-storyline/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/renegade-ops-dlc-adds-vehicles-continues-campaign-storyline/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/renegade-ops-dlc-adds-vehicles-continues-campaign-storyline/#comments Starting tomorrow, operatives in the field will receive two supply drops from HQ. Renegade Ops agents can opt to bolster their fleet through The Vehicle Pack, which adds two new heroes to your ranks: Crystal and Blazemo. Each has their own unique set of weapons and abilities. They can be yours for 240 MS Points ($2.99).

The other option is codenamed Coldstrike Campaign, and adds three new war zones to the Renegade Ops mission agenda. Accepting this mission will require you to produce 400 MS Points ($5) for the cause -- the enemy is entrenched in the icy tundra and is employing new enemy variants such as the Golem, a large factory that pumps out low-flying aerial units. It's much different from our original intel, which showed the enemy enlisting the aid of Jewish sorcerers.

Relax, sorcerers do not exist.

Gallery: Renegade Ops (Coldstrike Campaign and The Vehicle Pack)

JoystiqRenegade Ops DLC adds vehicles, continues campaign storyline originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 03:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Avalanche-Studiosdlcmicrosoftpcplaystationps3renegade-opssegaxboxTue, 20 Dec 2011 03:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Avalanche Studios opens NYC studio, working on 'Project Mamba' for 2014]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/avalanche-studios-opens-nyc-studio-working-on-project-mamba-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/avalanche-studios-opens-nyc-studio-working-on-project-mamba-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/avalanche-studios-opens-nyc-studio-working-on-project-mamba-f/#comments Right on schedule, Swedish developer Avalanche Studios announced the official opening of its new New York City studio today, headed up by Activision and Atari veteran David Grijns. Avalanche, best known for its work on the Just Cause titles and this year's downloadable Renegade Ops, says the NYC location has 10,000 square feet of space with "an option on an additional 3,000 square feet for future expansion." That space will house "up to 50 new staff within the next 12 months," including a "core team comprised of senior staff from Avalanche's Stockholm headquarters."

This is all in service of Project Mamba, the unannounced AAA title teased in June when the expansion plans were first revealed. While the initial announcement only pointed to "next-generation platforms" for the 2014 project, today's announcement cites "console platforms and PC."

"Today is a great day for Avalanche Studios as we have achieved yet another goal by establishing a new studio in the greatest city in North America. We are one of the few independent, AAA-budget studios remaining in the world after the disastrous economic recession of the last few years," Avalanche Studios founder Christofer Sundberg said in a press release. "While this was a huge wake-up call for everyone in our industry, we have prepared for this expansion for over three years and it is a great feeling to execute our plans with such resounding success."

With some of the most expensive real estate in North America, an increasingly competitive AAA video game industry, and a global recession with no end in sight, we're not quite ready to call Avalanche's new studio a "resounding success" just yet, but we wish them all the best regardless.

Continue reading Avalanche Studios opens NYC studio, working on 'Project Mamba' for 2014

JoystiqAvalanche Studios opens NYC studio, working on 'Project Mamba' for 2014 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Avalanche-StudiosDavid-GrijnsNew-York-Citynycproject-mambaThu, 17 Nov 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Renegade Ops review: Twin stick drive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/20/renegade-ops-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/20/renegade-ops-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/20/renegade-ops-review/#comments Renegade Ops has a story that can be classified either as an earnest failure of seriousness, or a reminder that parodies aren't obligated to be funny. After an overacting psycho threatens to immolate the world for no discernible reason, General Bryant loses his cool over negotiations and vows to destroy evil -- in operations that have not been granted strict governmental authorization, you see. As a member of Bryant's Z-Team equivalent, your job is to foil terrorism by blowing everything up.

Continue reading Renegade Ops review: Twin stick drive

JoystiqRenegade Ops review: Twin stick drive originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avalanche-studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationps3psnrenegade-opssegasteamxblaxboxTue, 20 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Renegade Ops' co-op modes demonstrated]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/renegade-ops-co-op-modes-demonstrated/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/renegade-ops-co-op-modes-demonstrated/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/renegade-ops-co-op-modes-demonstrated/#comments
The latest Renegade Ops trailer introduces the two- and four-player co-op modes in the top-down vehicular shooter. In local co-op, the screen splits dynamically, with the divider rotating as needed; online co-op just puts more cars on your screen. Pretty intuitive, really.

JoystiqRenegade Ops' co-op modes demonstrated originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jul 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Avalanche-Studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationps3psnrenegade-opssegasteamxblaxboxTue, 26 Jul 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Avalanche Studios to open New York City studio this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/avalanche-studios-to-open-new-york-city-studio-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/avalanche-studios-to-open-new-york-city-studio-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/avalanche-studios-to-open-new-york-city-studio-this-fall/#comments "Kaos and THQ Digital suffers from the twists and turns of the games biz. You are more than welcome to join the Avalanche Studios US family!" Avalanche Studios founder Christofer Sundberg teased on Twitter yesterday. Today, there's a proper announcement of a new North American expansion for the Swedish-based Avalanche and it's located in ... New York City?

Yup, it's true! Just days after THQ closed its NYC-based Kaos Studios - the publisher was never shy about the prohibitive cost of operating a developer in one of the most expensive locations in the country - Avalanche has announced the expansion, to be headed by Activision and Atari veteran David Grijns and opened in the fall of this year. The studio is expected to hire "up to 50 new staff" in its first two years of operation, to work on "large-scale, online-enabled original IP for next-generation consoles, handhelds and PC."

That whole "original IP" bit makes it seem unlikely that Avalanche's long-rumored Mad Max project will be developed in the NYC office. The press release says that the studio's "premiere project is an unannounced AAA title directed by Roland Lesterlin, former Creative Director at Mindspark Interactive, and targeted for release on next generation platforms in 2014." The NYC studio will include "senior staff" from Stockholm and will be recruiting other candidates from, say, recently closed AAA studios in the area.

JoystiqAvalanche Studios to open New York City studio this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Jun 2011 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Avalanche-StudiosDavid-Grijnsnew-york-cityNYCrenegade-opsWed, 15 Jun 2011 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Renegade Ops trailer blows up everything in the world]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/renegade-ops-trailer-blows-up-everything-in-the-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/renegade-ops-trailer-blows-up-everything-in-the-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/renegade-ops-trailer-blows-up-everything-in-the-world/#comments If you're jonesing for one of the most explosion-filled trailers we've seen since we woke up this morning, you should peep the Renegade Ops gameplay demo posted below. Man, we never knew vehicles this tiny were physically capable of causing such vast amounts of destruction.

Continue reading Renegade Ops trailer blows up everything in the world

JoystiqRenegade Ops trailer blows up everything in the world originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 May 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Avalanche-Studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationps3psnrenegade-opssegasteamxblaxboxWed, 18 May 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[See some Renegade Ops in action]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/04/see-some-renegade-ops-in-action/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/04/see-some-renegade-ops-in-action/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/04/see-some-renegade-ops-in-action/#comments Sega has provided the first look at Avalanche's Renegade Ops in this teaser trailer, which you can see after the break. When the game was first announced, it was described as "all about driving or flying around blowing stuff up while playing with your friends," which seems pretty much spot-on in light of the clip.

Renage Ops was also announced as a PSN/XBLA title, but the trailer also shows a Steam logo, and Sega's blog post mentions a PC release, as well. So that's even more people who get to drive, fly and blow stuff up together.

Continue reading See some Renegade Ops in action

JoystiqSee some Renegade Ops in action originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 May 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avalanche-studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationps3psnrenegade-opssegasteamxblaxboxWed, 04 May 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Avalanche and Sega rolling out 'Renegade Ops' for PSN and XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/avalanche-and-sega-rolling-out-renegade-ops-for-psn-and-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/avalanche-and-sega-rolling-out-renegade-ops-for-psn-and-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/avalanche-and-sega-rolling-out-renegade-ops-for-psn-and-xbla/#comments Just Cause 2 developer Avalanche Studios joins the Generic Title Squad (home to recruits like Modern Combat: Domination, Conflict: Denied Ops and Sniper: Ghost Warrior) with its new downloadable game, Renegade Ops. The game itself sounds much more distinctive.

The Sega-published PSN/XBLA title, due this year, focuses on vehicular combat, with players taking control of a commando unit fighting to defeat the evil terrorist Madman Inferno. Playing online in groups of up to four, Renegade Op-eratives will have a variety of vehicles at their disposal, capable of attacks " from dispersing electromagnetic shock waves to the deployment of a huge Gatling gun armed to the teeth."

In the announcement of the game, Avalanche senior producer Andreas Thorsén said that "the IP is all about driving or flying around blowing stuff up while playing with your friends," which he calls "a dream-project" for the studio. May we suggest a title change to "Driving or Flying Around Blowing Stuff Up?" We think it sticks better.

Continue reading Avalanche and Sega rolling out 'Renegade Ops' for PSN and XBLA

JoystiqAvalanche and Sega rolling out 'Renegade Ops' for PSN and XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avalanche-studiosmicrosoftplaystationps3psnrelease-daterenegade-opssegaxblaxboxWed, 30 Mar 2011 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Avalanche founder talks piracy, hires a lot of people with 'hacker' backgrounds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/avalanche-founder-talks-piracy-hires-a-lot-of-people-with-hack/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/avalanche-founder-talks-piracy-hires-a-lot-of-people-with-hack/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/avalanche-founder-talks-piracy-hires-a-lot-of-people-with-hack/#comments If you can't beat them, hire them, provided that they have the necessary credentials and skillsets required to achieve the task that you're hiring for. That's a little wordy to serve as a business motto, but it's a philosophy possessed by Just Cause 2 developer Avalanche Studios founder Christofer Sundberg. In a recent interview with CVG, Sundberg explained that though piracy is worrying, "50 percent of the people that work for me come from a hacker background."

Sundberg added that though some pirates "see us as evil," that "in Sweden the [hacking] scene was huge... As a studio, we've found that there's definitely a lot of talent [in that community]." Also, it has the added bonus of cutting down on piracy, since all those hired pirates (privateers?) are probably going to get free copies of the game they made, anyways. That's just smart.

JoystiqAvalanche founder talks piracy, hires a lot of people with 'hacker' backgrounds originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 22:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Avalanche-Studioschristofer-sundberghackersJust-Cause-2microsoftpiracyplaystationps3xboxFri, 25 Mar 2011 22:10:00 EST<![CDATA['Bourne Ascendancy' was canceled Starbreeze game, corroborates ex-dev]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/14/bourne-ascendancy-was-canceled-starbreeze-game-corroborates-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/14/bourne-ascendancy-was-canceled-starbreeze-game-corroborates-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/14/bourne-ascendancy-was-canceled-starbreeze-game-corroborates-e/#comments According to one-time Starbreeze Studios game director Mikael Lindgren, a Jason Bourne game was indeed the studio's reported cancellation a year ago. Posting on his freelance game designer company site, Zoetropa, Lindgren lists "The Bourne Ascendancy (Cancelled)" on his resume, referring to himself as Starbreeze game director for the apparent EA-published project. (On his LinkedIn page, Lindgren dates his most recent stint at Starbreeze from August 2009 through April 2010 -- right about when Starbreeze confirmed the unnamed game cancellation.)

Lindgren's claim of The Bourne Ascendancy cancellation is further evidence that Starbreeze's surviving EA collaboration -- codenamed "Project RedLime" -- is the rumored Syndicate reboot. A series of trademarks and a US Copyright Office document previously linked the two companies to a possible Syndicate game. Last month, Starbreeze licensed Unreal Engine 3 for long-term use, presumably replacing its heralded proprietary game engine -- which powered its Chronicles of Riddick series and The Darkness -- for current and future projects.

Lindgren's resume also reveals a canned Avalanche Studios' game under the working title "Arcadia" that was to be published by THQ. He credits himself as a senior designer for the game and notes his Avalanche tenure as November 2007 - March 2008 on LinkedIn. It's likely that Arcadia was one of two reported publishing contracts lost by Avalanche that led to the studio's significant downsizing in late 2008.

[Pictured: Partial screencap of Mikael Lindgren's "Resume" page on Zoetropa.com]

Joystiq'Bourne Ascendancy' was canceled Starbreeze game, corroborates ex-dev originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadiaavalanche-studiosbourne-ascendancyBourneUltimatumcanceledcancellationeamikael-lindgrenproject-redlimestarbreezethqzoetropaMon, 14 Mar 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Just Cause 2 now a PS3 Classic, 360 Platinum Hit in the UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/29/just-cause-2-now-a-ps3-classic-360-platinum-hit-in-the-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/29/just-cause-2-now-a-ps3-classic-360-platinum-hit-in-the-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/29/just-cause-2-now-a-ps3-classic-360-platinum-hit-in-the-uk/#comments Despite the shortcomings of the product as a whole, there's a lot to love in Just Cause 2 -- most of which having to do with the many, many things you can do with a parachute, grappling hook and some ingenuity. By our calculation, that should earn the game a spot in the video game history books; and it seems Sony and Microsoft agree. The game has reached Platinum Hits and PS3 Classics status in the U.K., with an associated drop in price to £19.99.

We've contacted Square Enix to see if the game will receive a similar treatment in the U.S.. We certainly don't see why not. We love explosive stunts just as much as our overseas cohorts.

JoystiqJust Cause 2 now a PS3 Classic, 360 Platinum Hit in the UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Oct 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Avalanche-StudiosJust-Cause-2microsoftplatinum-hitsplaystationps3ps3-classicssquare-enixukxboxFri, 29 Oct 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Just Cause film optioned, screenwriter attached]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/03/just-cause-film-optioned-screenwriter-attached/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/03/just-cause-film-optioned-screenwriter-attached/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/03/just-cause-film-optioned-screenwriter-attached/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Eric Eisner's L+E Productions has optioned the rights to a Just Cause movie script written by Michael Ross, reports Variety. Producer Adrian Askarieh is helping the production company flesh out the project "before shopping it to the studios." L+E Productions' first project, Hamlet 2, was picked up by Focus Features for a reported $10 million in 2008, giving some hope to the possibility of Just Cause actually appearing in theaters at some point in the future. Askarieh also helped to get the Hitman film out the door, to which a sequel is currently in production.

The Just Cause film will apparently focus on the story of Rico "The Scorpion" Rodriguez as he takes on "deadly missions for the US government that come in the form of creating chaos and destrabalizing rogue nations from within and turning the bad guys against each other." Sound familiar? Let's just hope the adaptation doesn't take any of that ... questionable NPC chatter along for the ride.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

JoystiqJust Cause film optioned, screenwriter attached originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 03 Oct 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adrian-askariehavalanche-studioseric-eisnerfilmhollywoodJust-Cause-2l-and-e-productionsmichael-rossmicrosoftmoviepcplaystationproducerps3screenwriterxboxSun, 03 Oct 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Mad Max game at Avalanche Studios]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/23/report-mad-max-game-at-avalanche-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/23/report-mad-max-game-at-avalanche-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/23/report-mad-max-game-at-avalanche-studios/#commentsFiled under: , ,

God of War 2 director Cory Barlog is likely working on the Mad Max game (a supposed tie-in with the 2012 movie sequel) at Just Cause developer Avalanche Studios. Eurogamer reports Avalanche Studios' founder Christofer Sundberg told the site, "I can't comment on the projects we are working on, but Cory is working here with us in Stockholm."

We've known Barlog had been working on a Mad Max game since 2008, with production reportedly still going on last year -- we just never knew exactly where he was making the game.

The studio's Avalanche Engine would actually be fantastic for driving an enormous, lush Mad Max game -- well, if "lush" existed in the Mad Max vocabulary. The engine certainly proved its graphical power in Just Cause 2. Now, if Barlog could only help deliver a cohesive concept, instead of just an empty sandbox, that could be a truly beautiful thing.

JoystiqReport: Mad Max game at Avalanche Studios originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Avalanche-EngineAvalanche-Studioscory-barlogJust-Cause-2mad-maxmad-max-fury-roadmad-max-gameThu, 23 Sep 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Toy Story 3 Hybrid Premium Edition contains PS3 game and original movie]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/toy-story-3-hybrid-premium-edition-contains-ps3-game-and-origina/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/toy-story-3-hybrid-premium-edition-contains-ps3-game-and-origina/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/toy-story-3-hybrid-premium-edition-contains-ps3-game-and-origina/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If your concern for the well-being of mother nature has already led you to purchase a hybrid automobile, you might want to think of incorporating your environmentalist considerations into other aspects of your shopping habits. For instance, if you were thinking about picking up Avalanche's video game adaptation of Toy Story 3, perhaps you'd be interested in the title's "Hybrid Premium Edition," which includes the game and the original Toy Story film on a single Blu-ray disc for $64.99.

A recent PlayStation.Blog post announced that the bundle will be released to retailers this week, so keep an eye out for it at your local brick and mortar in the coming days. In the meantime just think about all the endangered species you're preserving by placing the two products into one container.

JoystiqToy Story 3 Hybrid Premium Edition contains PS3 game and original movie originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Avalanche-Studiosblu-raydisney-interactive-studiospixarplaystationps3toy-storyToy-Story-3Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Just Cause 2 gets free rocket-launching Tuk Tuk DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/22/just-cause-2-gets-free-rocket-launching-tuk-tuk-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/22/just-cause-2-gets-free-rocket-launching-tuk-tuk-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/22/just-cause-2-gets-free-rocket-launching-tuk-tuk-dlc/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ah, the Tuk Tuk. Almost universally recognized as the most useless vehicle of all time in regards to its implementation in video games. (You ever try to rack up a huge crash score while driving a Tuk Tuk in Burnout 3? It is impossible.) Avalanche, however, recently gave the poor, pod-shaped vehicle a facelift with a new piece of free DLC for Just Cause 2: Introducing the "Tuk Tuk Boom Boom" (pictured right), available today through Xbox Live, PSN and Steam.

You'll notice that Avalanche has peeled the roof off of this particular model of the vehicle, leaving just enough room for a massive, powerful cannon. It's also faster and handles better than the rollover-friendly standard version, meaning the Tuk Tuk Boom Boom might just become your new mode of transportation of choice when it's time to raid that enemy base -- or, you know, that impoverished civilian village.

JoystiqJust Cause 2 gets free rocket-launching Tuk Tuk DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jun 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avalanche-studiosdlceidosJust-Cause-2microsoftpcplaystationps3PSNsquare-enixsteamXBLMxboxTue, 22 Jun 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Avalanche Studios working on licensed action game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/avalanche-studios-working-on-licensed-action-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/avalanche-studios-working-on-licensed-action-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/avalanche-studios-working-on-licensed-action-game/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Avalanche Studios is working on a new action game, according to studio head Christofer Sundberg. Rather than another Just Cause, this new game will be the start of a new franchise -- a licensed one, in fact.

"I can't talk much about our next project, but it's definitively within the action genre," Sundberg told CVG. "But we have made a move towards the more controlled experience to better convey a strong storyline." Of course, "more controlled" than Just Cause 2 is an apt description of pretty much every game ever made. "We'll never leave our big game worlds and spectacular explosive action, though," Sundberg promised. He called the as-yet unannounced licensed project "perfect" for the studio.

It's not Toy Story -- that's for sure. That's already in the hands of a different Avalanche.

JoystiqAvalanche Studios working on licensed action game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 13:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionavalanche-studiosChristofer-SundbergThu, 10 Jun 2010 13:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Toy Story 3: The Video Game (PS3)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/hands-on-toy-story-3-the-video-game-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/hands-on-toy-story-3-the-video-game-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/hands-on-toy-story-3-the-video-game-ps3/#comments Disney Interactive Studios has been making a lot of noise about refining and improving its approach to licensed games, and while Toy Story 3: The Video Game is still meant for the younger members of Pixar's vast following, it's the best evidence yet that Disney is serious about trying to use licenses right.

I got to play the game at a recent pre-E3 event, and it was a solid, kid-friendly experience, with bright and beautiful graphics surrounding intuitive racing and platforming mechanics. With innovative features like a very dynamic difficulty system and lots and lots of collectibles and game modes, Disney's Avalanche Studios has created something here that you, as someone who enjoys fine game design, can actually be proud to have your kids play.

Gallery: Toy Story 3: The Video Game (Pre-E3 2010)

Continue reading Hands-on: Toy Story 3: The Video Game (PS3)

JoystiqHands-on: Toy Story 3: The Video Game (PS3) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 May 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avalanche-studioscustomizationdisneydisney-interactivee3-2010enchanted-glenjohn-ratzenbergerkristen-schaallicensedMicrosoftmovieNintendopixarporkshoppre-e3rainbowsacred-cowtim-allentom-hankstoy-story-3toy-story-3-the-video-gameWiiXbox-360Thu, 20 May 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Just Cause 2: Black Market Aerial Pack now available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/29/just-cause-2-black-market-aerial-pack-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/29/just-cause-2-black-market-aerial-pack-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/29/just-cause-2-black-market-aerial-pack-now-available/#comments
We don't know how one tires of wreaking havoc across the countryside of a third-world island nation. What more do you need? But if you have, you'll be happy to be reminded that the "Black Market Aerial Pack" is now available for Just Cause 2. For 160 /$2 you can add the the chaingun-toting F-33 DragonFly Jet Fighter, a multi-lock missile launcher and a hangtime-extending parachute thruster to your cavalcade of chaos.

The destruction's already begun on Xbox Live, but you can look for it to continue on PS3s when the PSN update arrives today.

Xbox.com: Add Just Cause 2: Black Market Aerial Pack ($2) to your download queue

JoystiqJust Cause 2: Black Market Aerial Pack now available originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avalanche-studiosdlceidosjust-cause-2square-enixThu, 29 Apr 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Toy Story 3 trailer explains the customizable 'Toy Box' mode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/25/toy-story-3-trailer-explains-the-customizable-toy-box-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/25/toy-story-3-trailer-explains-the-customizable-toy-box-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/25/toy-story-3-trailer-explains-the-customizable-toy-box-mode/#comments We've got to hand it to Avalanche Software: You guys sure know how to inject a modicum of ingenuity into an extremely tired genre. For instance, the upcoming game adaptation of Toy Story 3 was off our proverbial radar moments after it was first announced -- however, a recent trailer for the game's "Toy Box" mode, which allows its (presumably juvenile) players to make their own levels and missions, it's now taking up a tiny place in our minds. (And our hearts.) Check out the highly customizable trailer above.

JoystiqToy Story 3 trailer explains the customizable 'Toy Box' mode originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 25 Apr 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avalanche-studioscustomizationdisneyMicrosoftNintendoplatformertoy-boxtoy-storytoy-story-3trailervideoWiiXbox-360Sun, 25 Apr 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Just Cause 2 and BioShock 2 getting DLC April 29]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/20/just-cause-2-and-bioshock-2-getting-dlc-april-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/20/just-cause-2-and-bioshock-2-getting-dlc-april-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/20/just-cause-2-and-bioshock-2-getting-dlc-april-29/#comments The latest Xbox Live Newsbeat update included release dates for two pieces of downloadable content that we didn't even know existed. We typically don't care for surprises, but we're willing to make an exception if it means we get more maps for the multiplayer component of BioShock 2 and more things to explode in Just Cause 2.

On April 29, six new multiplayer maps will be added to BioShock 2 as part of the "Rapture Metro Map Pack." For 800 ($10), players get the new arenas, three new masks, a "Kill 'Em Kindly" Melee deathmatch mode, and three new Achievements. Just Cause 2 will receive the "Black Market Aerial Pack," a 160 ($2) booster which adds the chaingun-toting F-33 DragonFly Jet Fighter, a multi-lock missile launcher and a parachute thruster which extends your airtime whilst leisurely sailing across the Panauan landscape. How... unexpextedly soothing!

JoystiqJust Cause 2 and BioShock 2 getting DLC April 29 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-games2k-marinavalanche-studiosbioshockbioshock-2dlcjust-cause-2Microsoftrelease-datesquare-enix-europexblmXbox-360Tue, 20 Apr 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Just Cause 2 gets free 'pimped-up' ice cream truck DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/just-cause-2-gets-free-pimped-up-ice-cream-truck-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/just-cause-2-gets-free-pimped-up-ice-cream-truck-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/just-cause-2-gets-free-pimped-up-ice-cream-truck-dlc/#comments Since it's universally accepted that Just Cause 2 is completely butt-crazy-gonzo, we weren't really surprised by today's release of a free, downloadable, "pimped-up" (according to the Xbox Live listing) ice cream truck for all platforms of the game. The "Chevalier Ice Breaker" features ultra low suspension (for those hairpin mountainous curves), front-mounted bull bars (for the ramming of things) and, presumably, more ice cream sandwiches than you could shake a Popsicle stick at.


Xbox.com: Add Chevalier Ice Breaker to your Xbox 360 download queue

Also available via PlayStation Store later today and for PC.

JoystiqJust Cause 2 gets free 'pimped-up' ice cream truck DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avalanche-studioschevalier-ice-breakerdlceidosice-cream-truckjust-causejust-cause-2Microsoftpsnsquare-enix-europexblmXbox-360Thu, 08 Apr 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Avalanche: You 'shouldn't be surprised' if Just Cause 3 is announced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/you-shouldnt-be-surprised-if-just-cause-3-is-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/you-shouldnt-be-surprised-if-just-cause-3-is-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/you-shouldnt-be-surprised-if-just-cause-3-is-announced/#commentsJust like the all-grappling hero of the Just Cause franchise, developer Avalanche Studios is exercising an unusual amount of freedom. Like the freedom to start talking about Just Cause 3 one week after the release of Just Cause 2. Studio head Christofer Sundberg told Develop that we "shouldn't be surprised" to hear another sequel announced. "We are absolutely interested in working with the Just Cause IP again," Sundberg said.

Sundberg is confident that Avalanche would be behind the continued development of the franchise, as well. "The studio lives and breathes the Just Cause franchise, and handing that over to another developer would spoil it," he said. "No one has the attachment to this IP as we do."

He told Develop that after a series of layoffs, the company is being cautious about growth. "We now have a very reasonable staff size in terms of requirements, and we now have a core team who can produce quality and give each project the care it deserves." Well, that core team and a new casual-focused studio. But that's it.

JoystiqAvalanche: You 'shouldn't be surprised' if Just Cause 3 is announced originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avalanche-studioschristofer-sundbergjust-causejust-cause-3MicrosoftXbox-360Tue, 30 Mar 2010 11:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Joyswag: Just Cause 2 (Xbox 360) [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/joyswag-just-cause-2-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/joyswag-just-cause-2-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/joyswag-just-cause-2-xbox-360/#comments Update: The contest is now over and two winners will be emailed, so keep an eye on your commenter-tied inboxes.

We understand that, during the game flood this March, you might be forced to choose your battles (financially speaking) carefully, possibly to the detriment of a game like Just Cause 2. And while we respect your decision, we'd like to inform you politely that:

A.) The game's (mostly) a lot of fun! Didn't you read our review?
B.) We've got a couple of copies for the Xbox 360 that you're welcome to try and win by entering our week-long contest.

All you've gotta do is let us know which of the many, many Just Cause 2 trailers was your favorite in the comments below. Next Wednesday we'll pull two of you at random and forward a copy for the Xbox 360! Does March seem a bit less stressful now? Good! Oh, and keep an eye out for us at PAX East -- we've got some JC2 swag to put in your eager hands.
  • Leave a comment telling us which of the many, many Just Cause 2 trailers was your favorite.
  • You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec).
  • Limit 1 entry per person per day.
  • This entry period ends at 12:01AM ET on Wednesday, March 31.
  • At that time, we'll randomly select two winners to receive one copy each of Just Cause 2 for Xbox 360 (ARV: $59.99).
  • For a list of complete rules, click here.
What is Joyswag? Since we don't keep the games and merchandise we receive for review or promotional purposes, it becomes "Joyswag," which is passed along to our readers. Please note that Joyswag may be in "used" condition. For more info on our policy, click here.

Gallery: Just Cause 2

JoystiqJoyswag: Just Cause 2 (Xbox 360) [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avalancheavalanche-studioseidosgiveawayjoyswagjust-causejust-cause-2Microsoftpax-eastsquare-enixXbox-360Wed, 24 Mar 2010 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Avalanche opens casual online studio Expansive Worlds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/avalanche-opens-casual-online-studio-expansive-worlds/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/avalanche-opens-casual-online-studio-expansive-worlds/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/avalanche-opens-casual-online-studio-expansive-worlds/#comments
The Hunter (well, technically, the hunted)

Having created massive worlds for the Just Cause series, Swedish developer Avalanche has formed a new studio called Massive Worlds focusing on games in the casual online space. GamesIndustry.biz (login required) reports that the new unit will (unsurprisingly) be developing games using Avalanche's in-house game engine -- the same engine that powers Just Cause 2 -- but hasn't announced any specific titles just yet.

The company recently acquired full rights to the free-to-play online hunting sim The Hunter, which it co-developed with UK studio Emote. Further development of the game -- along with the rest of the studio's titles -- will be overseen by Stefan Pettersson, who joins Expansive Worlds as managing director. Prior to taking the job, Pettersson worked as a consultant and, at one point, a producer/designer at Avalanche. (We're sure that had nothing whatsoever to do with his selection.)

JoystiqAvalanche opens casual online studio Expansive Worlds originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Avalancheavalanche-studioscasualexpansive-worldsjust-cause-2the-hunterWed, 24 Mar 2010 03:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: Just Cause 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/just-cause-2-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/just-cause-2-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/just-cause-2-review/#comments You have to promise me you won't play Just Cause 2.

Now, don't misunderstand me, because you should absolutely buy Just Cause 2. It's got a lush, almost dauntingly large world to explore (and destroy); it's got a combination of grappling hook and parachute travel that lets you swoop through the world in a way that's just as, if not more thrilling than anything the Spider-Man series has ever cooked up; and it's got a lot of explosions.

But the moment you play as intended, helping CIA agent Rico Rodriguez as he attempts to eject dictator "Baby" Panay from the island of Panau, you'll discover the sad truth: The tools at Rico's disposal are a hell of a lot more fun than what he's asked to use them on.

Gallery: Just Cause 2

Continue reading Review: Just Cause 2

JoystiqReview: Just Cause 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avalancheavalanche-studioseidosjust-cause-2MicrosoftSquare-EnixXbox-360Tue, 23 Mar 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[You can expect 'a lot' of Just Cause 2 DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/expect-a-lot-of-just-cause-2-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/expect-a-lot-of-just-cause-2-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/expect-a-lot-of-just-cause-2-dlc/#comments Say you were to jump a sweet speedboat off an even sweeter ramp, then climb onto that speedboat and shoot a rocket at a dude in a tower (which is a real thing that happens in Just Cause 2) for 15 to 20 hours. Afterward, if someone asked you how much more time you wanted to spend doing things like that, we imagine the answer would be "a lot." Perhaps it's no coincidence, then, that that's exactly how much DLC lead designer Peter Johansson tells Eurogamer is coming to the Just Cause 2: "a lot."

And that's on top of all the content already on the game disc, which, by all external signs, is pretty darn imposing. Johannsson claims that his 60-percent-complete save file is about 55 game hours worth of playtime, which, if you let the math play out, means that if you were to play all 100 percent of the game, it would take roughly 73,000 hours. Roughly.

JoystiqYou can expect 'a lot' of Just Cause 2 DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avalanche-studiosdlceidosjust-cause-2MicrosoftSquare-EnixXbox-360Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Reminder: Just Cause 2 demo grapples XBLM]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/reminder-just-cause-2-demo-grapples-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/reminder-just-cause-2-demo-grapples-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/reminder-just-cause-2-demo-grapples-xblm/#comments As promised, the Just Cause 2 demo is now available on Xbox Live Marketplace. While this post was written as a reminder of that fact, the game itself also serves as a reminder. You see, it reminds just how incredibly handy grappling hooks are. Watching the various trailers released for the game thus far, it's kind of hard to imagine starting a revolution without one. Just remember to bring your parachute.

Shortcut: Add the Just Cause 2 demo to your Xbox 360 download queue [Via Xbox.com]

JoystiqReminder: Just Cause 2 demo grapples XBLM originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Avalancheavalanche-studiosdemoeidosjust-causejust-cause-2Square-Enixsquare-enix-europexblmThu, 04 Mar 2010 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Just Cause 2 demo drops in March 4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/26/just-cause-2-demo-drops-in-march-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/26/just-cause-2-demo-drops-in-march-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/26/just-cause-2-demo-drops-in-march-4/#comments
Just as promised, operative, you'll soon get your chance to bone up on your rocket car skills before entering the field, as the Just Cause 2 demo has been set for release next Thursday, March 4. The demo will arrive on Xbox Live, PSN and Steam and will grant access to 35 square miles of the Lautan Lama Desert -- one of the islands making up the game's promised 400 sq. miles of explorable Panau archipelago. So oil up that grappling gun and get your best black ops duds off to the dry cleaners. We want Rico looking mucho suavé out there!

Just Cause 2 is set to dive into retail on March 23 for the Xbox 360, PS3 and Games for Windows platforms.

JoystiqJust Cause 2 demo drops in March 4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Feb 2010 11:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avalanche-studiosdemoeidosjust-causejust-cause-2Microsoftpsnrelease-datesquare-enixsquare-enix-europesteamxblmXbox-360Fri, 26 Feb 2010 11:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Just Cause 2 plays chicken in second 'Anatomy of a Stunt' trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/23/just-cause-2-plays-chicken-in-second-anatomy-of-a-stunt-traile/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/23/just-cause-2-plays-chicken-in-second-anatomy-of-a-stunt-traile/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/23/just-cause-2-plays-chicken-in-second-anatomy-of-a-stunt-traile/#commentsIf Just Cause 2's previous trailers have taught us anything, it's that the second game in Eidos' "do crazy sh##" series will absolutely relish in the lengths to which it enables you to live out its mission statement.

As evidenced once more in the second "Anatomy of a Stunt" trailer, wherein the game's main character mounts a speeding fire engine and takes on an aircraft, the game certainly seems to be jam-packed with the kind of insanity we like from our games (ask Red Faction Guerrilla!). Just wait until the trailers introduce a shark into that equation -- and the shark's on fire! But hey, you gotta save something for March 23 when the game comes out, right?

Gallery: Just Cause 2

JoystiqJust Cause 2 plays chicken in second 'Anatomy of a Stunt' trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anatomy-of-a-stuntavalancheavalanche-studioseidoseidos-interactivejust-causejust-cause-2Microsoftred-faction-guerrillasquare-enixsquare-enix-europetrailerXbox-360Tue, 23 Feb 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Just Cause 2 trailers dissect the 'Anatomy of a Stunt']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/20/new-just-cause-2-trailers-dissect-the-anatomy-of-a-stunt/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/20/new-just-cause-2-trailers-dissect-the-anatomy-of-a-stunt/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/20/new-just-cause-2-trailers-dissect-the-anatomy-of-a-stunt/#comments
We love that Just Cause 2's trailers have simply devolved into demo reels showing off the ridiculous destructive powers the player can harness using a hookshot, a parachute and a bit of ingenuity. Two such videos were recently released by Square Enix, subtitled "Anatomy of a Stunt." The first, which shows a rather exhilarating car jump over explosive-lined jet fuel tanks, is posted above. The second, embedded after the jump, shows all the clever ways one can dispatch enemies using gravity.

Sorry, Square Enix marketing team, but we're not comfortable classifying "murder" as a "stunt," no matter how creative said "murder" might be.

Continue reading New Just Cause 2 trailers dissect the 'Anatomy of a Stunt'

JoystiqNew Just Cause 2 trailers dissect the 'Anatomy of a Stunt' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 20 Feb 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avalanche-studioseidosjust-causejust-cause-2Microsoftsquare-enixsquare-enix-europestunttrailervideoXbox-360Sat, 20 Feb 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Just Cause 2 trailer focuses on 'Freedom and Chaos']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/just-cause-2-trailer-focuses-on-freedom-and-chaos/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/just-cause-2-trailer-focuses-on-freedom-and-chaos/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/just-cause-2-trailer-focuses-on-freedom-and-chaos/#comments Look, we were going to start off this post by making some ham-fisted joke about how the Just Cause 2 trailer posted above shares a moniker with our rippling biceps -- that is to say, "Freedom and Chaos." We're not going to do that, though. We're simply going to advise you to press that little play button (assuming you're of age, of course), and skip ahead to the 35 second mark. Don't even watch the beginning of the trailer -- just skip to that point, and watch it. We'll wait.

Holy crap, right? Okay, feel free to watch the rest of the video. There's some pretty great stuff in the remainder; but nothing quite as rad as an improvised personal space shuttle.

JoystiqJust Cause 2 trailer focuses on 'Freedom and Chaos' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avalanche-studioseidosjust-causejust-cause-2MicrosofttrailervideoXbox-360Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Just Cause 2 visits small island, kills everyone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/19/just-cause-2-visits-small-island-kills-everyone/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/19/just-cause-2-visits-small-island-kills-everyone/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/19/just-cause-2-visits-small-island-kills-everyone/#commentsThe acquisition of Eidos by Japanese publisher Square Enix earlier this year brought with it some strange consequences. Aside from the obvious Tomb Raider/Final Fantasy crossover that we all know is bound to happen, the above trailer for Just Cause 2 ends with a glaring Square Enix logo that still feels a bit out of place to us. Maybe it's the theme of deposing a South East Asian dictator, the pronounced "Engrish," and the musclebound American protagonist in the trailer -- or maybe it's just us being weird! Who knows?! We do know that the gameplay itself looks like a ripe barrel of monkeys and we're looking forward to its release on March 23, 2010.

Gallery: Just Cause 2

JoystiqJust Cause 2 visits small island, kills everyone originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Dec 2009 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avalancheavalanche-studioseidosgameplayjust-causejust-cause-2Microsoftpenausquare-enixtrailervideoXbox-360Sat, 19 Dec 2009 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Just Cause 2 grapples onto March 23 release date]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/24/just-cause-2-grapples-onto-march-23-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/24/just-cause-2-grapples-onto-march-23-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/24/just-cause-2-grapples-onto-march-23-release-date/#comments
 A recent Square Enix press release has dropped some rather unfortunate news in our laps: Just Cause 2 won't be hitting North American store shelves until March 23, 2010 (or March 26 for Europe, Australia and the Middle East). That's quite a ways past the title's original Q3 2009 launch date -- in fact, that's two whole Qs later than we initially hoped.

Oh, well. It's difficult for us to get in a huff about the game's distant launch date. See, as soon as we feel the huff approaching, we simply watch a bit of Just Cause 2's grapple-and-parachute-centric gameplay, and then we feel inexplicably soothed to our very core.

Gallery: Just Cause 2

JoystiqJust Cause 2 grapples onto March 23 release date originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avalanche-studioseidosjust-causejust-cause-2Microsoftrelease-datesquare-enixXbox-360Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Just Cause 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/13/hands-on-just-cause-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/13/hands-on-just-cause-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/13/hands-on-just-cause-2/#comments
Action movie sequels always aim to be bigger and better than the original. Having played two missions from Just Cause 2, we can unequivocally say it's bigger than the first game, a cult favorite open-world romp starring a South American super-agent with an inexhaustible supply of parachutes. But better? That would require much more playtime to answer.

We've posted no fewer than six videos of Just Cause 2 to date, but this week I had my first chance to actually get behind the controls of the Avalanche Studios developed title, which reintroduces us to Rico Rodriguez, who's bringing his Desperado-era Antonia Banderas looks (sans the long locks this time) to the massive -- yet fictional -- island sandbox of Panau.

Gallery: Just Cause 2

Continue reading Hands-on: Just Cause 2

JoystiqHands-on: Just Cause 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avalancheavalanche-studioseidosgrappling-hookjust-causejust-cause-2Microsoftsquare-enixXbox-360Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST