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[Modern Warfare 3's July content for Elite PS3 and Xbox 360 subscribers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/13/modern-warfare-3s-july-content-for-elite-ps3-and-xbox-360-subsc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/13/modern-warfare-3s-july-content-for-elite-ps3-and-xbox-360-subsc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/13/modern-warfare-3s-july-content-for-elite-ps3-and-xbox-360-subsc/#comments Call of Duty Elite members on Xbox 360 will get a new content drop in Modern Warfare 3 on Tuesday, July 17: three new multiplayer maps and a Spec Ops mission.

The multiplayer maps include a graveyard of derelict ocean liners called Decommission, an oil rig built for sniping called Offshore, and the remake of Modern Warfare 2's Terminal map, available to Elite members on Tuesday and free for the rest of Modern Warfare 3's Xbox 360 players the following day. In the Spec Ops mission, Vertigo, players must take down enemy troops and helicopters while perched atop the Oasis hotel.

On Thursday, July 19, Call of Duty Elite subscribers on PS3 get to tussle with three new Face-Off maps and a Spec Ops mission, content released on Xbox 360 back in June. Multiplayer maps include a tornado-rocked town called Vortex, a dilapidated middle-eastern highway in U-Turn, an urban NYC-based map called Intersection, and the Spec Ops mission, Arctic Recon, which tasks players with assaulting a Russian warship.

Gallery: Modern Warfare 3 (July Premium Content)

Continue reading Modern Warfare 3's July content for Elite PS3 and Xbox 360 subscribers

JoystiqModern Warfare 3's July content for Elite PS3 and Xbox 360 subscribers originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jul 2012 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arctic-reconCall of DutyCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 2Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3call-of-duty-elitecall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3decommissionintersectionmicrosoftMiddle Eastmodern-warfare-3offshorepcplaystationps3Sci/Techspec-opsSpecial forcesterminalU Turnu-turnvertigovortexxboxFri, 13 Jul 2012 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Call of Duty 4 multiplayer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/10/joystiq-hands-on-call-of-duty-4-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/10/joystiq-hands-on-call-of-duty-4-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/10/joystiq-hands-on-call-of-duty-4-multiplayer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


We've already had a first look at Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, and we've seen the multiplayer video that was pre-alpha, but this was the first chance for us to snatch up the controller and get our hands dirty in the actual game. Sure, it's a beta build, but the first thing we can say is yes ... it does look that good.

The second thing we can say is yes ... it does look that good, and then some. Activision had an event at a trendy bar / club in Los Angeles yesterday, and we were among one of the first groups to get our game on outside of Infinity Ward. Despite some major router issues on their end that delayed things by a couple of hours, the game still managed to blow us away thoroughly.

Gallery: Call of Duty 4: Modern Combat

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: Call of Duty 4 multiplayer

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Call of Duty 4 multiplayer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Aug 2007 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Call of DutyCall of Duty 4CoD4Infinity WardInfinityWardModern WarfarePS3Xbox-360Fri, 10 Aug 2007 19:56:00 EST<![CDATA[COD4: Modern Warfare demoed & beta announced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/cod4-modern-warfare-demoed-and-public-beta-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/cod4-modern-warfare-demoed-and-public-beta-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/cod4-modern-warfare-demoed-and-public-beta-announced/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Infinity Ward's Jason West demoed Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, showing off the game's visceral visuals and gameplay. The mission seen takes place 15 years prior to the present in the game, with you and your sniping partner infilitrating a base. The graphics are crisp, and the lighting, explosions and smoke look especially realistic. The trailer has some intense firefights and some heavy duty missile blasts.

To show that all good things come in threes, Infinity Ward announced an Xbox Live exclusive Public Beta and gave a URL to watch for developing info. This looks to set new standards in contemporary combat games.

JoystiqCOD4: Modern Warfare demoed & beta announced originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>C o DC o D 4Call of DutyCall of Duty 4CallOfDutyCallOfDuty4CODE3E3 07E3 2007E307E32007Infinity WardInfinityWardWed, 11 Jul 2007 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Today's most pre-alpha video: Call of Duty 4 multiplayer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/02/todays-most-pre-alpha-video-call-of-duty-4-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/02/todays-most-pre-alpha-video-call-of-duty-4-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/02/todays-most-pre-alpha-video-call-of-duty-4-multiplayer/#commentsFiled under: ,

While not as visually or aesthetically appealing as the Children of Men-esque landscape in a previous trailer, this footage from Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare multiplayer match gives a feeling for how their designing death match, as all we see in thirty seconds is our perspective shooter running in with a rifle, switching to pistol and getting shot. Thrilling.

The game is still in pre-alpha but already looking pretty. You know the drill: video embedded after the break.

Continue reading Today's most pre-alpha video: Call of Duty 4 multiplayer

JoystiqToday's most pre-alpha video: Call of Duty 4 multiplayer originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Jul 2007 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call of dutyCallOfDutyhottest videoHottestVideoinfinity wardInfinityWardmodern warfareModernWarfareMon, 02 Jul 2007 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty 4 footage shows bleak cityscape]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/21/call-of-duty-4-footage-shows-bleak-cityscape/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/21/call-of-duty-4-footage-shows-bleak-cityscape/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/21/call-of-duty-4-footage-shows-bleak-cityscape/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Over at Game Videos there is some new footage from a very early, pre-alpha build of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. The scene, entitled "Bog Rescue," takes place in a desolate, urban environment that reminds us of the backdrop for the last one-third of the film Children of Men.

Much of the combat takes place through night vision goggles, and a visible laser shoots out from your gun to the turret -- when you see a wall of laser sights shoot out from flanking buildings, you get a feel for the atmosphere developers Infinity Ward are going for. Video embedded above.

JoystiqCall of Duty 4 footage shows bleak cityscape originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Jun 2007 01:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call of dutyCallOfDutyinfinity wardInfinityWardmodern warfareModernWarfarePCPS3sand boxSandBoxXbox-360Thu, 21 Jun 2007 01:55:00 EST<![CDATA[New Call of Duty 4 trailer astounds in a non-WWII kind of way]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/20/new-call-of-duty-4-trailer-astounds-in-a-non-wwii-kind-of-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/20/new-call-of-duty-4-trailer-astounds-in-a-non-wwii-kind-of-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/20/new-call-of-duty-4-trailer-astounds-in-a-non-wwii-kind-of-way/#commentsFiled under:

We have to admit we weren't really excited at the last Call of Duty reiteration, Call of Duty 3. A fine game, to be sure, but we couldn't overcome the been-there done-that feeling. Then the announcement and subsequent first peek at Call of Duty 4 in action, which did more than generate a frenzy of renewed interest. We had long since grown tired of WWII shooters and now, the leader of WWII shooters was going all modern. We took a peek at the latest trailer and literally, were blown away. The lighting on your fellow solders, the smoke entrails from heat-seeking rockets, the spinning and exploding helicopter: jack the sound up as you watch and you may find yourself sharing similar "OMFG" sentiments. Call of Duty 4 is reported to be on track for an Xbox 360, PS3 and PC release, sometime this fall and it's definitely on our "must buy" list now. How about yours?

JoystiqNew Call of Duty 4 trailer astounds in a non-WWII kind of way originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Jun 2007 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall of dutycall of duty 4CallOfDutyCallOfDuty4gametrailersinfinity wardInfinityWardWed, 20 Jun 2007 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty dev rejects Live Anywhere]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/15/call-of-duty-dev-rejects-live-anywhere/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/15/call-of-duty-dev-rejects-live-anywhere/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/15/call-of-duty-dev-rejects-live-anywhere/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Infinity Ward's studio head Grant Collier, who we reported yesterday was unhappy with the overuse of sandbox gameplay and destructible environments, told IGN in an interview that there was no interest in using Live Anywhere for PC and Xbox 360 cross-play.

The Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare developer put it bluntly: "We said no and they didn't call back." Clarifying, Collier said "[it's cool] if you're playing online poker, but who wants to be playing an RTS on a console and have some guy on a PC clicking and dragging all his troops, attacking your base while you're sitting there with your thumb sticks." The keyboard/mouse vs. gamepad argument is a long-standing battle, and clearly Collier feels that they cannot be equals for fast-paced strategy or first-person shooter titles.

Live Anywhere is currently in use by Halo 2 (update: nevermind), Shadowrun and the action-packed Uno.

JoystiqCall of Duty dev rejects Live Anywhere originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Jun 2007 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call of dutycall of duty 4CallOfDutyCallOfDuty4infinity wardInfinityWardlive anywhereLiveAnywheremodern warfareModernWarfarePCvistawindowsxbox liveXbox-360XboxLiveFri, 15 Jun 2007 18:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty dev down on destructible environments, sandbox gameplay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/14/call-of-duty-dev-down-on-destructible-environments-sandbox-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/14/call-of-duty-dev-down-on-destructible-environments-sandbox-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/14/call-of-duty-dev-down-on-destructible-environments-sandbox-game/#commentsFiled under: ,

Sandbox gameplay. Destructible environments. Those are a few of the latest video game buzzwords used to sell ideas, and Grant Collier, studio head of Infinity Ward (Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare), is not happy with it.

In an interview with IGN, Collier sees a problematic trend with using sandbox gameplay and "total destructibility" without first considering if it will make the game fun. "And total destructibility, you can really ruin the gameplay," he said.

Collier cites Counter-Strike's über-popular Dust map, where the two choke points serve as the focal point of entertainment, and how that could be compromised with destructible environments.

"It's not fun because you can blow up everything," he said, "it's fun because you know where the action's going to be and there's races against time to get to that action."

"So I think right now it's a fad, and the fad will pass, we're not going to be bite on in it - we want the game to be fun first, and destructibility comes second," he said. The over-indulgence may be a fad, but the interaction that destructible environments and sandbox gameplay adds is something that isn't (and shouldn't) go away, and we think Collier would agree that said features, if properly implemented, can potentially augment gameplay.

JoystiqCall of Duty dev down on destructible environments, sandbox gameplay originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Jun 2007 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call of dutyCallOfDutycounter strikeCounterStrikeinfinity wardInfinityWardmodern warfareModernWarfaresand boxSandBoxThu, 14 Jun 2007 15:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty 4 screens deployed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/13/call-of-duty-4-screens-deployed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/13/call-of-duty-4-screens-deployed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/13/call-of-duty-4-screens-deployed/#commentsFiled under:


Xboxygen got their hands on 4 more screenshots of Infinity Ward's Call of Duty 4. Unfortunately, none of the shots are 360° flybys of a given scene, but it'll do. Still, the game seems to be coming along graphically and these screens have some great examples of the engine's explosion, lighting, rain and realistic smoke capabilities. Are you digging the art direction, as well as the move to modern day combat scenarios in this next installment of the Call of Duty series?

[Thanks, gaetge]

JoystiqCall of Duty 4 screens deployed originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Jun 2007 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>C o DC o D 4Call of DutyCall of Duty 4CallOfDutyCallOfDuty4CODCOD4Infinity WardInfinityWardWed, 13 Jun 2007 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Pachter: Hey Activision, watch out for Rock Band]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/04/pachter-hey-activision-watch-out-for-rock-band/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/04/pachter-hey-activision-watch-out-for-rock-band/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/04/pachter-hey-activision-watch-out-for-rock-band/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Unfortunately, we can't attribute Michael Pachter's warning to Activision as a direct quote, as analysts are forbidden from saying "Hey" and are forced to substitute the informal greeting with "pardon me" or "pay attention to me, please." In commenting on Activision's glowing fiscal report and strong NPD presence to GameDaily BIZ, Pachter draws attention to several challenges Activision faces in the coming months. "All things are not perfect in Activision's world," he says.

Pachter predicts that the glaring imperfections (to put it mildly) highlighted by reviewers in the Spider-Man 3 games will curtail sales, and that Call of Duty 4's proposed Iraq setting may prove to leave an equally bad taste in the consumer's mouth. More interestingly, the analyst notes that if Harmonix's EA-published Rock Band is fully playable with just a guitar controller, it will "compete quite favorably with Activision's [Guitar Hero]." He suspects the instrument protagonist genre will remain kind to RedOctane's owner, but adds that "new entrants will impact future growth of the band." Or did he mean brand?

Once the dust settles in the battle of the fake bands, will Pachter still stand by his belief that Activision was right to buy RedOctane over Harmonix?

JoystiqPachter: Hey Activision, watch out for Rock Band originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Jun 2007 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionAnalystCall of DutyCall of Duty 4CallOfDutyCallOfDuty4Guitar HeroGuitarHeroMichael PachterMichaelPachterPachterPS2PS3Spider-Man 3Spider-man3WiiXbox-360Mon, 04 Jun 2007 12:01:00 EST<![CDATA[New COD3 maps storm Xbox Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/31/new-cod3-maps-storm-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/31/new-cod3-maps-storm-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/31/new-cod3-maps-storm-xbox-live/#commentsFiled under: ,


For those of you who have yet to tire of fighting it out in the trenches, new content has arrived for Call of Duty 3. Specifically, the Bravo Map Pack can now be downloaded for 800 points. The pack contains 5 maps, including 2 maps from the original Call of Duty and Call of Duty: United Offensive. The old maps, for old-school COD fans that are dying to know, are Gare Centrale and Marseilles. Gare Centrale features a train depot, which seems like the hot thing in multiplayer maps these days, while Marseilles utilizes open space and lots of vehicles.

Anyone plan on grabbing the new maps, or are you comfortable waiting for Call of Duty 4?

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqNew COD3 maps storm Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 May 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall of dutycall of duty 3CallOfDutyCallOfDuty3cod3treyarchThu, 31 May 2007 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[COD4 trailer assaults Marketplace]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/25/cod4-trailer-assaults-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/25/cod4-trailer-assaults-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/25/cod4-trailer-assaults-marketplace/#commentsFiled under: ,


The Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare trailer that was released late last month is now available on Xbox Live Marketplace. Granted, it's been available in high definition from the promotional CharlieOscarDelta.com website since last month, but this will save you the trouble of registering for a marketing website. For those unfamiliar with the game, COD4 ditches WWII action in favor of, well, modern warfare. Check out the trailer and be sure to check out the 3D screenshot if you haven't already.

JoystiqCOD4 trailer assaults Marketplace originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall of dutycall of duty 4call of duty 4 modern warfareCallOfDutyCallOfDuty4CallOfDuty4ModernWarfarecodcod 4cod 4 modern warfareCod4Cod4ModernWarfareinfinity wardInfinityWardmodern warfareModernWarfareFri, 25 May 2007 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Call of Duty 4 3D screenshot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/08/video-call-of-duty-4-3d-screenshot/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/08/video-call-of-duty-4-3d-screenshot/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/08/video-call-of-duty-4-3d-screenshot/#commentsFiled under: ,


Infinity Ward released a cool 3D screenshot from Call of Duty 4, similar to what Bungie did for Halo 2 all those years ago. This one depicts some soldiers deploying from a helicopter into the battlefield below. The High Definition torrent for the Quicktime VR file can be found at Xboxyde and is definitely worth the look, along with some screen captures of the scene taken from multiple angles. So what do you think of the lighting, models, etc? Do you think modern combat is a step in the right direction for the Call of Duty series?

JoystiqVideo: Call of Duty 4 3D screenshot originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>C o D 4Call of DutyCall of Duty 4CallOfDutyCallOfDuty4COD4Infinity WardInfinityWardTue, 08 May 2007 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinity Ward announcement coming next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/21/infinity-ward-announcement-coming-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/21/infinity-ward-announcement-coming-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/21/infinity-ward-announcement-coming-next-week/#commentsFiled under:

Yesterday, in a post on Infinity Ward's official forums, admin fourzerotwo hinted at a major announcement that will be coming next week. More specifically, fourzerotwo listed important events in history that occurred on April 28th (like the discovery of a vaccine for the yellow fever) and followed by saying that "what goes down this April 28th is equal to, if not surpasses, the magnitude of any of those". Yup, Infinity Ward's April 28th announcement is going to be bigger than James Monroe's birthday! So, will the news be something as simple as some more Call of Duty 4 details or are you thinking something on a much more grand scale? Speculate away ...

[Via Arrogantics, Thanks zizzy]

JoystiqInfinity Ward announcement coming next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Apr 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call of cuty 4call of dutyCallOfCuty4CallOfDutycodcod 4Cod4infinity wardInfinityWardSat, 21 Apr 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSP Fanboy review: Call of Duty Roads to Victory]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/04/psp-fanboy-review-call-of-duty-roads-to-victory/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/04/psp-fanboy-review-call-of-duty-roads-to-victory/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/04/psp-fanboy-review-call-of-duty-roads-to-victory/#commentsFiled under: ,

Most people only read reviews to find out if they should buy, try or avoid a particular game. With that in mind, here's that info on Call of Duty: Roads to Victory for those who don't want to read a full review.

Buy: If you are a Call of Duty fan and are willing to deal with less accurate controls.

Try: If you are incredibly picky on how your FPS games control or haven't played the Call of Duty series before.

Avoid: If you don't like Call of Duty or FPS games that play with anything other than a mouse or 2 analog sticks.

Continue reading PSP Fanboy review: Call of Duty Roads to Victory

JoystiqPSP Fanboy review: Call of Duty Roads to Victory originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Apr 2007 23:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall of dutycall of duty: roads to victoryCallOfDutyCallOfDuty:RoadsToVictoryreviewWed, 04 Apr 2007 23:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Call of Duty [Update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/16/metareview-call-of-duty/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/16/metareview-call-of-duty/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/16/metareview-call-of-duty/#commentsFiled under: ,

Just like the other WWII FPS game on the PSP, Call of Duty has been getting some spectacularly mixed reviews. Who to believe? Are the controls really that great? Are they really that terrible? Message boards across the internet have been producing quite a variety of responses. For once, the critics reviews may not actually inform anyone on the "correct" purchasing decision for this game.
  • UGO (87/100) loves the incredibly generous auto-aim: "Call of Duty: Roads to Victory is one of the few must-own titles for the handheld. If you've ever gotten a kick out of picking up a gun and killing evil people in a video game, look no further."
  • IGN (66/100) hated the controls and the gameplay: "The sluggish and somewhat delayed controls wouldn't be so bad if the gameplay accounted for it, but it doesn't."
  • Gamespot (62/100) thinks the game feels more like a free mod than an actual game: "The poor AI, combined with frequent respawning of soldiers, makes it feel as if you're playing some sort of WWII-themed shooting gallery at times."
Do any of our PSP Fanboy readers have this game? What do you think about this game?

[Update 1: Added Gamespot's review.]

JoystiqMetareview: Call of Duty [Update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Mar 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call of dutyCallOfDutyfpsignmetareviewpgnxreviewroads to victoryRoadsToVictoryugoworld war iiWorldWarIiwwiiFri, 16 Mar 2007 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Never mind the art, here's a Shadowrun preview]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/25/never-mind-the-art-heres-a-shadowrun-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/25/never-mind-the-art-heres-a-shadowrun-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/25/never-mind-the-art-heres-a-shadowrun-preview/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


As the first game under the Windows Live brand to bring both PC and Xbox 360 gamers together, Shadowrun isn't the most casual-friendly title imaginable. So unexpectedly complex that after the initial training exercises and multiplayer matches, we were overwhelmed to say the least. A few hours and a dozen or so matches later, it hadn't fully connected, but the pieces were starting to fall into place.

Like we said in our previous coverage of the game, Shadowrun is about finding your niche and sticking to it. In other shooters, your niche can be as simple as controlling the rocket launcher or defending the flag. In Shadowrun, it's defined by the powers you equip, how you utilize them and what role you take in your group. Even if you consider yourself a sponge for tactical knowledge, a learning curve this high won't be conquered in your first hour of play. And for a high profile, predominantly multiplayer shooter, that could spell trouble for Microsoft and FASA Studios.

Gallery: Shadowrun

Continue reading Never mind the art, here's a Shadowrun preview

JoystiqNever mind the art, here's a Shadowrun preview originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 25 Feb 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call of dutyCallOfDutycounter-strikefasa studiosFasaStudioshalomicrosoft game studiosMicrosoftGameStudiosPCshadowrunXbox-360Sun, 25 Feb 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty lawsuits explored]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/23/call-of-duty-lawsuits-explored/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/23/call-of-duty-lawsuits-explored/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/23/call-of-duty-lawsuits-explored/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

If you've ever wanted to see just how ugly modern game development can get, Gamasutra has just the article for you. Released in November 2004, Spark Interactive's Call of Duty: Finest Hour is still home to plenty of discussion, as long as you're looking in a courtroom to find it.

The story itself begins in 2002 when future employees of Spark were still employed by Electronic Arts Los Angeles and, even better, actively working on the Medal of Honor series. It all hit the fan about the time twenty of EA's employees jumped ship over to the Activision owned Spark Interactive and it has been trouble ever since.

Considering all the roadblocks and meltdowns that occurred during the development of Finest Hour, it's amazing that it even found its way to store shelves in the amount of time given. Unfortunately, the legal battle it stirred up will long outlast the impact of the game itself.

JoystiqCall of Duty lawsuits explored originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Feb 2007 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall of dutyCallOfDutyelectronic artsElectronicArtsGameCubePS2spark interactiveSparkInteractiveXboxFri, 23 Feb 2007 14:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty's road to PSP: first trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/10/call-of-duty-rtv-first-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/10/call-of-duty-rtv-first-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/10/call-of-duty-rtv-first-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The trailer certainly depicts what I'd expect from a Call of Duty game, but can a good FPS exist on the PSP with its lack of a 2nd analog stick? It'd be great if the controls were as good as the game looks. Reading GameZone's developer diary gives me some hope, but I remain skeptical. Weirder things have happened than a good FPS on PSP (like a dating sim actually coming to the US). Call of Duty: Roads to Vitory is available in March.


JoystiqCall of Duty's road to PSP: first trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Feb 2007 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall of dutycall of duty:roads to victoryCallOfDutyCallOfDuty:roadsToVictorygametrailersSat, 10 Feb 2007 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[COD3 map pack has issues]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/18/cod3-map-pack-has-issues/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/18/cod3-map-pack-has-issues/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/18/cod3-map-pack-has-issues/#comments
It looks like there are some problems with the Call of Duty 3 Valor map pack released earlier today. We have numerous readers reporting that once the maps are downloaded, they are not recognized on the 360 or within Call of Duty 3. It's reported that MS Points are debited when this happens, so prospective buyers may want to wait until Microsoft and Treyarch come up with a fix. Major Nelson advises that you keep an eye on this Xbox.com forum post for updates. If anyone hears anything, be sure and let us know.

JoystiqCOD3 map pack has issues originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Jan 2007 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall of dutycall of duty 3CallOfDutyCallOfDuty3cod 3Cod3marketplacetreyarchThu, 18 Jan 2007 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[COD3 Valor map pack available [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/18/cod3-valor-map-pack-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/18/cod3-valor-map-pack-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/18/cod3-valor-map-pack-available/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Update: As many of you have pointed out, there are problems with this download. Click here for details.

Hot on the heels of the free bonus map, Champs, comes the Valor map pack for Call of Duty 3. The pack cost 800 points and contains 5 brand new maps. Stalag 13 is an abandoned prison camp, La Bourgade has you fight in a French village, Ironclad sets you in a naval shipyard, the Crossing puts players at a strategic choke point, and Wildwood gives you a chance to fight it out inside a forest setting. Call of Duty fans, be sure to come back here and tell us what you think.

Is it worth 800 points?

JoystiqCOD3 Valor map pack available [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Jan 2007 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall of dutycall of duty 3CallOfDutyCallOfDuty3cod3live marketplaceLiveMarketplacemarketplacetreyarchxbox live marketplaceXboxLiveMarketplaceThu, 18 Jan 2007 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Light reading: The Call of Duty contract]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/14/light-reading-the-call-of-duty-contract/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/14/light-reading-the-call-of-duty-contract/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/14/light-reading-the-call-of-duty-contract/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Gamasutra published the full development contract for Call of Duty: Finest Hour. The backstory is in 2005 developer Spark sued Activision for "breach of contract, fraud and misrepresentation." Activision "counter-sued for fraud, breach of contract, misappropriation of trade secrets, trade-mark infringement, false designation of origin, and false advertising." To make the legal jargon make sense to those without a law degree, Gamastura got together three game attorneys to comment on every page of the contract. The document includes "milestone payment specifics" and other tidbits on the purely business side of game development. This contract was publicly released as part of the legal dispute between Activision and developer Spark.

Attorney Tom Buscaglia explains, "Contracts such as these are rarely made public because they inevitably contain confidentiality provisions that prohibit the publication of or even talking about their terms. But once the contract was filed as an exhibit in the lawsuit, and then unsealed by the court, the contract became public information." It's a fascinating read for those interested in learning what goes on behind-the-scenes. Plus, it beats the normal way of getting information about development: Hooking up code monkeys with a lot of booze at the Game Developers Conference and pumping them for information.

JoystiqLight reading: The Call of Duty contract originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 Jan 2007 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall of dutyCallOfDutycontractslegalPCPS2sparkXboxSun, 14 Jan 2007 13:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Gold goodies: Call of Duty 3 map available for paying customers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/11/gold-goodies-call-of-duty-3-map-available-for-paying-customers/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/11/gold-goodies-call-of-duty-3-map-available-for-paying-customers/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/11/gold-goodies-call-of-duty-3-map-available-for-paying-customers/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

call of duty 3The first in a series of new Call of Duty 3 maps is now available to Xbox Live Gold members. Dubbed "Champs," the mid-sized map is free to download; although the forthcoming Valor Map Pack won't be (guess Activision couldn't find a sponsor). Still, with Gears maps yesterday, and a COD3 map today, we're content -- and glad to have the spare change to spend elsewhere.

JoystiqGold goodies: Call of Duty 3 map available for paying customers originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Jan 2007 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360ActivisionCall of DutyCall of Duty 3CallOfDutyCallOfDuty3DownloadMapMultiplayerTreyarchXbox 360Xbox LiveXbox-360Xbox360XboxLiveThu, 11 Jan 2007 12:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty 3 bonus map now available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/11/call-of-duty-3-bonus-map-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/11/call-of-duty-3-bonus-map-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/11/call-of-duty-3-bonus-map-now-available/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Gears of War is generally the drug of choice around Fanboy Towers (well, that and snorting mustard), but for those of you who prefer war games about real wars, a new map is available* for Call of Duty 3. The map is called "Champs" and takes place in Port Royal de Champs, France. As we reported earlier, the map is well suited for small to medium sized games. The map is free and available now. Go grab it while it's hot.

*On a side note, yesterday's prognostications were correct. As such, we're predicting that Halo 3 will launch ... right now! ... Damn it. It was worth a shot.

JoystiqCall of Duty 3 bonus map now available originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Jan 2007 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall of dutycall of duty 3CallOfDutyCallOfDuty3cod3treyarchThu, 11 Jan 2007 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Alive and gaming in Baghdad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/10/alive-and-gaming-in-baghdad/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/10/alive-and-gaming-in-baghdad/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/10/alive-and-gaming-in-baghdad/#commentsFiled under:

"We can't go outside, so I prefer to keep inside and keep myself alive."

The words are from Wisam, a gamer living in Baghdad. Wisam is a rarity, and listening to his story on Iraq blog / vlog Alive In Baghdad explains why. Wisam, a recent graduate of the Baghdad University English Department, explains that he spends upwards of $200 on electricity each month -- partly from a local generator that runs 4 p.m. until midnight and partly from the fuel he buys for his personal generator. That's a hefty sum

Wisam said he learned his English from games such as Metal Gear Solid and Final Fantasy. MTV News' Stephen Totilo has a thorough piece on Wisam and the crew of Alive in Baghdad. Among the game-related topics discussed, Wisam talked about the decline in interest for war shooters like Medal of Honor and Call of Duty. "We hate the attacking, the gunfire in games," Wisam told MTV News. "We started to hate it."

In a sad note, Wisam described how Grand Theft Auto is much like Baghdad right now. Omar Abdullah, who interviewed Wisam for Alive in Baghdad, concurred, telling MTV News that "it was very, very similar to Baghdad. We were like, 'Oh my God. These are the same actions that happen in Baghdad.' There are some places that are divided. For each place, there is a gang ruling that place. You can go down the street and drive any car. If you want to jump on a motorcycle, you can do it."

With all the news that circulates about Baghdad, include tonight's U.S. Presidential address, it's thought-provoking to see a often missed perspective on the region.

JoystiqAlive and gaming in Baghdad originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Jan 2007 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alive in baghdadAliveInBaghdadbaghdadcall of dutyCallOfDutyfffinal fantasyFinalFantasygrand theft autoGrandTheftAutogtairaqkonamimedal of honorMedalOfHonormetal gear solidMetalGearSolidmgsmtvrock starRockStarsquare enixSquareEnixtotilowisamWed, 10 Jan 2007 18:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty 3 patched, new maps inbound]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/20/call-of-duty-3-patched-new-maps-inbound/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/20/call-of-duty-3-patched-new-maps-inbound/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/20/call-of-duty-3-patched-new-maps-inbound/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

reload!The Call of Duty 3 Multiplayer Team released its Xbox 360 patch today, addressing Ranked and Player Match issues (full details here). The fix-up seems in part to be preparation for a map pack release expected after the holidays. With its multiplayer better intact, Activision hopes to build on the small fortune its amassed selling COD-related premium content to Xbox Live users.

Valor Map Pack (800 points) will include five multiplayer maps; Activision will also offer an additional map, "Champs," for free. Set in Port Royal de Champs, France, the bonus map is ideal for small- to mid-sized matches. No announcement has been made about offering the Valor maps or alternative content to PlayStation 3 COD3 players.

JoystiqCall of Duty 3 patched, new maps inbound originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Dec 2006 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionCall of DutyCall of Duty 3CallOfDutyCallOfDuty3DownloadMapMap PackMapPackMarketplaceMultiplayerPatchPremium ContentPremiumContentPS3TreyarchUpdateXbox LiveXbox-360XboxLiveWed, 20 Dec 2006 19:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Reggie sez: Online in Q2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/04/reggie-sez-online-in-q2/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/04/reggie-sez-online-in-q2/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/04/reggie-sez-online-in-q2/#commentsFiled under: ,

Swiit.When the big man speaks, we listen. And yes, we're referring to the deity that is Reggie Fils-Aime, standing atop his mighty pedestal after supplanting Zeus for the title. He was recently on Spike TV's GameHead, speaking rather generically about the Wii. But, as you may have guessed, there was a diamond in the rough: the news that the first multiplayer online Wii games will be announced in Q1 2007 and start shipping in Q2. Finally!

We're a little disappointed that online didn't come right out of the box; God knows some games really could have benefitted: Madden 07, Call of Duty 3, and Red Steel certainly could have used the boost. Still, at least a smidgeon of online functionality is coming quite soon, with the ability to trade custom levels in Elebits via the magic of the internet intertron. That's its new name. Thus have we spoken, and thus it is so.

[We don't normally steal our sister site Joystiq's pictures, but this one was just too good.]

JoystiqReggie sez: Online in Q2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Dec 2006 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Call of DutyCallOfDutyFils-AimeInternetIntertronMaddenMultiplayerNFCOnlinePlayQ2Red SteelRedSteelReggieWi-FiWii-FiWirelessMon, 04 Dec 2006 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamestop selling some Wii games early]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/16/gamestop-selling-some-wii-games-early/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/16/gamestop-selling-some-wii-games-early/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/16/gamestop-selling-some-wii-games-early/#commentsFiled under:

For those of you who just can't wait until Sunday to get your hands on something Wii-branded, some North American Gamestop stores are already selling select Wii games that were shipped to stores on Tuesday. Our local store was selling Super Moneky Ball: Banana Blitz, Trauma Center: Second Opinion, Call of Duty 3, and GT Pro Series (other titles were in stock but explicitly embargoed until launch day). Of course, supplies and availability may vary at your local store, so call ahead first if you're planning on jumping the gun.

While you obviously won't be able to actually play the games until you have your hands on the system this weekend, you can stand them up next to your Wii accessories from Target and stare at them lovingly as you count down the seconds.

JoystiqGamestop selling some Wii games early originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Nov 2006 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call of dutyCallOfDutyCodgamesgtmonkey ballMonkeyBallretailselltrauma centerTraumaCenterwiiThu, 16 Nov 2006 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty 4 to ditch World War II?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/14/call-of-duty-4-to-ditch-world-war-ii/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/14/call-of-duty-4-to-ditch-world-war-ii/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/14/call-of-duty-4-to-ditch-world-war-ii/#commentsFiled under:

Amped news is reporting that an inside source has confirmed the existence of Call of Duty 4. What is more, the source claims that Call of Duty 4 will forgo the World War II setting in favor of more modern warfare. Many are speculating that Call of Duty will shift its focus to the Middle East, as EA did with its Battlefield series. This would seem to confirm a similar rumor reported by Joystiq way back in March.

Development of the 4th installment of Call of Duty will be handed back to its original developer, Infinity Ward. Call of Duty 4 will also mark the series' return to the PC. According to the source, a deal has been made with Activision regarding future titles. Supposedly, Infinity Ward will now handle the development of all even numbered COD games, and Treyarch will develop all odd numbered COD titles. If true, this maneuver was probably executed to decrease the gap between sequels, though it will be interesting to note the future differences between Infinity Ward's and Treyarch's entries. Also worth noting, Call of Duty 4 is reported to have many technical improvements, including 16 critical points mapped to the head of each character. This allows for very detailed hit detection -- for example, shooting at the side of the head will tear off an ear or make a soldier's helmet spin. Finally, multiplayer is rumored to support 54 players.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqCall of Duty 4 to ditch World War II? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Nov 2006 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall of dutycall of duty 3call of duty 4CallOfDutyCallOfDuty3CallOfDuty4infinity wardInfinityWardtreyarchTue, 14 Nov 2006 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[More hearsay about modern Call of Duty]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/14/more-hearsay-about-modern-call-of-duty/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/14/more-hearsay-about-modern-call-of-duty/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/14/more-hearsay-about-modern-call-of-duty/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

the next call of duty?Back in March, some reliable intel informed us that the Call of Duty franchise was splitting off in two directions. We learned that a studio other than Infinity Ward was working on another WWII-based CoD entry. As suspected, this turned out to be Treyarch's Call of Duty 3. Our sources also detailed Infinity Ward's next CoD effort, dubbed Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, which would introduce the series to the 'war on terror.'

Some eight months later, Amped IGO reports its sources have re-confirmed Infinity Ward's modern-day CoD installment. The major bullet point posted in this report is that each rendered head will feature 16 critical points of contact, allowing players to experiment with trick shots like spinning an enemy's helmet by shooting the corresponding point. Allegedly, you'll even be able to blast off your enemy's ear.

Amped also claims that Infinity Ward's Call of Duty 4 (what Amped refers to the game as) will bring the franchise back to PC (in addition to consoles) -- Treyarch's Call of Duty 3 is currently console-only. Sources have placed multiplayer support at up to 54 players.

JoystiqMore hearsay about modern Call of Duty originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Nov 2006 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionall of Duty: Modern WarfareAllOfDuty:ModernWarfareCall of DutyCallOfDutyInfinity WardInfinityWardPCPS2PS3WiiXboxXbox-360Tue, 14 Nov 2006 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision's CoD3 and THP8 not hitting 720p]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/13/cod3-thp8-not-720p/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/13/cod3-thp8-not-720p/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/13/cod3-thp8-not-720p/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Someone call Activision and let 'em know that 720p means 1280x720, please. Games-Aktuell, a German gaming outlet, has discovered that Call of Duty 3 and Tony Hawk's Project 8 are not running at a 720p high-def resolution.

When the tests were run, CoD3 was shown to be running at 1040x620 pixels and THP8 at 1040x584 pixels. The pixel drop reflects a resolution drop of 30% and 34%, respectively. The resolution drop could be assumed to help keep framerates up, but THP8 reportedly has framerate problems. So what's up?

Activision Germany told Cynamite.de that they weren't aware of the problem and are looking into it. Lower resolution is not something that normally just happens by accident, but given the recent quality assurance problems with CoD3, these resolution problems may just be another woeful mistake. If intentional, why the resolution drop in THP8 when the 360 is clearly powerful enough to handle something like Gears of War just fine?

We've included a machine-translated link of the original German post.

JoystiqActivision's CoD3 and THP8 not hitting 720p originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Nov 2006 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360ActivisionCall of DutyCall of Duty 3CallOfDutyCallOfDuty3CoD3Project 8Project8THP8Tony HawkTony Hawk 8Tony Hawk's Project 8TonyHawkTonyHawk'sProject8TonyHawk8XboxXbox 360Xbox-360Xbox360Mon, 13 Nov 2006 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[CoD2 vets have flashbacks in CoD3 multiplayer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/09/cod2-vets-have-flashbacks-in-cod3-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/09/cod2-vets-have-flashbacks-in-cod3-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/09/cod2-vets-have-flashbacks-in-cod3-multiplayer/#commentsFiled under: ,

It would appear Call of Duty fans are experiencing déjà vu. Back when Call of Duty 2 released for the Xbox 360, the game had serious multiplayer problems; problems that took four months to fix. To the dismay of gamers, Call of Duty 3 has its own set of online problems, despite being made by a different developer than CoD2.

Buzz on the official Xbox.com message boards says that CoD3 players are unable to enter into ranked matches or (in some cases) any at all. Some players are unable to find any games, regardless of what skill level is entered into the system. Others join games and find themselves sitting in lobbies indefinitely. A different group find the multiplayer menu locking up on them. One theory suggests that anyone trying to join a ranked game ends up making a new lobby, which would result in thousands of one player online matches.

Console games are supposed to be simple plug and play affairs. We might expect these Call of Duty 3 multiplayer issues in a PC version, not a 360 version. Because of unified hardware and online components, console games should always ship (mostly) bug-free. We hope Call of Duty 3 is an isolated affair, but after issues with Dead Rising and Saint's Row, are we beginning to see an ugly trend in console games? The release now, patch later method is unacceptable on the PC, even more so on a game console.

[Thanks The Wallbanger]

JoystiqCoD2 vets have flashbacks in CoD3 multiplayer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Nov 2006 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360Call of DutyCall of Duty 2Call of Duty 3CallOfDutyCallOfDuty2CallOfDuty3LiveLive!XboxXbox 360Xbox LiveXbox Live!Xbox-360Xbox360XboxLiveXboxLive!Thu, 09 Nov 2006 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii and GameCube side-by-side]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/02/wii-and-gamecube-side-by-side/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/02/wii-and-gamecube-side-by-side/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/02/wii-and-gamecube-side-by-side/#commentsFiled under:

Loads of people, especially Nintendo haters, have been questioning the quality of the Wii graphics. French site, NGCFrance, has put up 13 sets of images from games featured on the GameCube and Wii one after the other to compare the difference, if any.

We wouldn't completely trust these screens, fellow Wii fanboys/gals. We aren't saying that the site intentionally altered screens to try and make a negative point nor that the pictures are wrong due to our Nintendo fandom, we are just saying to look with an open mind. We especially love the Fire Emblem comparison. Magic blast vs. magic blast. Sweet.

On a lighter note, Google translator is teh awesome. Check out what a Nintendo Fanboy from France had to say in Nintendo's defense:

me yesterday I played there the mgs and DIFFERENCE EAST MUCH CLEARER than that!!!!!!!! because laWii same on a screen of 120cm reacted very well and remains super beautiful!! and sonic be superb!!! not no concern it above Wii will be more beautiful, more powerful and heuresement!! ^^ zelda tp pouwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwa!!! brilliant comamdes!!!

Word.

JoystiqWii and GameCube side-by-side originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Nov 2006 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battalion warsBattalionWarsbleachcall of dutyCallOfDutycarsdragon ball zDragonBallZFire-EmblemMadden2007metroid primeMetroidPrimenintendo wiiNintendoWiiover the hedgeOverTheHedgepokemonsonicsuper mario strikersSuperMarioStrikerswiiThu, 02 Nov 2006 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[More Nazis to kill in Call of Duty]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/26/more-nazis-to-kill-in-call-of-duty/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/26/more-nazis-to-kill-in-call-of-duty/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/26/more-nazis-to-kill-in-call-of-duty/#commentsFiled under:


World War II shooters are like cockroaches. You see one, but there's another one (or two) lurking somewhere not too far behind it. Call of Duty: Roads to Victory is sure to satiate WWII afficiandos, once they're done with Medal of Honor Heroes. IGN has some new images from the game. Is it me, or does this game look worse than Medal of Honors graphically?

Roads to Victory will also feature multiplayer of some sort, but will it be able to compete against EA's terrific offering? We'll find out more later; the game's not due until spring 2007 anyways.

JoystiqMore Nazis to kill in Call of Duty originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Oct 2006 19:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call of dutyCallOfDutyfpsroads to victoryRoadsToVictoryworld war iiWorldWarIiwwiiThu, 26 Oct 2006 19:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Be Called to Duty on Nov. 10th]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/16/be-called-to-duty-on-nov-10th/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/16/be-called-to-duty-on-nov-10th/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/16/be-called-to-duty-on-nov-10th/#commentsFiled under: ,


Call of Duty fans mark your calendars, Call of Duty 3 has been dated. CVG lists the 360 version for November 10th, well before any other version (the PS3 version is set for March 07). Curiously absent from Activision's announcement is the date for the Xbox version. CVG speculates that this could mean the Xbox version has been canceled. It seems doubtful, but COD2 is the 360's first million seller. Maybe Activision and Mircrosoft are hoping COD3 will drive sales of the 360. Regardless, 360 owners will be the first to play.

We can't help but note that it's going to be impossible to sample all the 360 goodness this holiday. Gears of War, Phantasy Star, Splinter Cell, Viva Piñata, R6 Vegas, the list just keeps going. Who's planning on squeezing Call of Duty 3 in there?

[Via Evil Avatar]

JoystiqBe Called to Duty on Nov. 10th originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Oct 2006 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call of dutycall of duty 3CallOfDutyCallOfDuty3cod3phantasy starphantasy star universePhantasyStarPhantasyStarUniverserainbow 6 vegasrainbow six vegasRainbow6VegasRainbowSixVegassplinter cellSplinterCellviva pinataVivaPinataMon, 16 Oct 2006 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty 2, other Activision games on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/12/call-of-duty-2-other-activision-games-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/12/call-of-duty-2-other-activision-games-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/12/call-of-duty-2-other-activision-games-on-steam/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Just after our keyboards cooled from typing the Psychonauts-on-Steam story, we learned that four Activision titles -- Call of Duty, Call of Duty 2, Call of Duty: United Offensive, and Gun -- are on the way to Valve's game download service. Oh, we'll play your game, Activision/Valve PR, and give you another post now. But you're on thin ice.

Despite the PR play, we're interested in a big publisher putting somewhat-recent, top-tier games on Steam. We're not convinced that all games will shift to download-only sales -- brick-and-mortar is still magical to us -- but we expect most games to be offered as a physical/virtual choice. (And we don't think downloading in a physical store is the answer.)

However, we expect to save money downloading a game, and these releases will cost about the same as the ones with glossy boxes and printed manuals. Where's the value? We never have to leave home? Call of Duty 2 will be $39.95, and all of the others will cost $19.95. All four will be 10%-off for their initial two weeks, but Valve couldn't tell us the exact launch schedule other than that it will happen this month. Maybe the company is saving the date for another press release.

See also:
Psychonauts and Valve make steamy, Steam-y love
RoboBlitz hitting Steam
EB-Gamestop launches download service, "largely garbage" declares 1UP

JoystiqCall of Duty 2, other Activision games on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Oct 2006 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall of dutyCallOfDutygunPCsteamsteam gamesSteamGamesvalveThu, 12 Oct 2006 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Call of Duty 3 screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/10/new-call-of-duty-3-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/10/new-call-of-duty-3-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/10/new-call-of-duty-3-screens/#commentsFiled under:

The Call of Duty series has been praised for intense cinematics, great multiplayer modes and more. Call of Duty 3, unlike other installments, allows players to fight for four different sides (America, Britain, Canada and Poland) through the Normandy Breakout. If you slept through history class like we did, educate yourself here.

Call of Duty 3 is promising a lot to players with interviews from actual soldiers to no loading bar when switching sides. Unfortunately there won't be an online mode for Wii players but we don't care do we? While those suckers are using analog sticks to turn, aim and throw grenades, we get to use our arms like big girls and boys.

Check out a few new screens after the break!

Continue reading New Call of Duty 3 screens

JoystiqNew Call of Duty 3 screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Oct 2006 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nielsen Media Research released their newest Active Gamer Study a few days ago, and according to the new stats more than 56% of the 117 million gamers in the U.S. spend at least five hours a week gaming socially in places like Xbox Live, World of Warcraft, and on WiFi platforms such as the PlayStation Portable and the Nintendo DS.

Social gaming reaches more gamers every year with the addition of new hardware and games that allow people to compete or cooperate online. Last week's episode of The Office featured Jim and his coworkers playing Call of Duty, and South Park showed us the evils of WoW, which only attests to the growing popularity of both. If you've ever doubted the popularity of social gaming, you need to read about how our very own Christopher Grant got some ass within moments of hooking up his Xbox Vision Camera.

Social networking in the U.S. is currently dominated by MySpace, where more than half of its 90 million U.S. users are over the age of 35. As social gaming and networking continue to grow, their areas of influence are bound to overlap. Companies would love to sink their teeth into a demographic that uses their product for more then five hours a week, and users want an online experience that puts them in touch with with old and new friends, while pimping themselves out. Don't be surprised when your gamertag turns into your MySpace page, complete with sparkling stars, unicorns, and a Ben Kweller song that starts playing at full volume immediately upon loading.

You only have a few months until My SecondLifeSpace of Warcraft Live is released worldwide by Rupert Murdoch, don't tell us you weren't warned.

JoystiqOnline gaming to become MySpace? originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Oct 2006 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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According to our patrons at Joystiq, who never let us in on any of their fun, the Wii's Call of Duty 3 may not boast the power of its rivals on the PS3 and 360, but it brings something far more important to the table: fun. Yes, an actual fun video game! Try not to wet yourself with glee. Joystiq's Kevin Kelly got to spend some time with all three, and has written up a great comparison of what each version can offer.

Unlike the last minute twists and turns on the PS3 controller, the "Battle Actions" performed with the Wiimote and nunchuk feel natural, Kelly reports. It pulls you into the game. Does that mean we're all going to look like the guys in the various Red Steel trailers? Probably. Draw the shades and drop the blinds before you pick up the Wiimote.

But while the Wii is kicking eight sorts of ass in the controls department, it's not all sunshine and roses. The Call of Duty franchise really benefits from online multiplayer, which is a feature we will not have. And the graphics are not quite up to the quality of the other consoles, though from the screenshot above, we're not seeing much to complain about.

JoystiqWii CoD3 compared and contrasted originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Oct 2006 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Joystiq stormed the doors of Activision lately, and demanded access to the upcoming Call of Duty 3. We waged a vicious and hard-fought campaign against the ruthless receptionist who finally let us into the trenches to get some game on.

Controversy strikes! Yes, the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii versions of the game are graphically different. Looking across the field of battle through the field glasses on the 360 looked crisp and sharp. Running through a forest full of hidden Germans looked photorealistic, even with falling leaves that you could zoom in on and see every close-up detail. Running through burned out buildings on the Wii looked ... GameCubish. We pressed the Treyarch to tell us which version they favored, but they resisted our interrogation. Something was amiss, and headquarters didn't want us to know about it. Loose lips sink ships and all that.

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: Call of Duty 3

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Call of Duty 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Oct 2006 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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