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[Temple Run downloaded over 2.5 million times on Christmas day]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/29/temple-run-downloaded-over-2-5-million-times-on-christmas-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/29/temple-run-downloaded-over-2-5-million-times-on-christmas-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/29/temple-run-downloaded-over-2-5-million-times-on-christmas-day/#commentsIn the world of impressive holiday sales numbers, Minecraft doesn't stand alone with its 453K Christmas sales. Imangi Studios Founder Keith Shepherd recently tweeted that Temple Run was downloaded over 2.5 million times on Christmas day.

The numbers divide up pretty cleanly, too, as Shepard noted that a million downloads came from iOS devices, another million from Android and the final 500K from Amazon. Of course, this is all a drop in the bucket compared to Temple Run's 100 million download mark, which it crossed in early August.

JoystiqTemple Run downloaded over 2.5 million times on Christmas day originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 29 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidChristmasimangi-studiosiosipadiphonekeith-shepherdmobiletemple-runSat, 29 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sound Shapes Holiday Sound Pack is a free gift to you]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/19/sound-shapes-holiday-sound-pack-is-a-free-gift-to-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/19/sound-shapes-holiday-sound-pack-is-a-free-gift-to-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/19/sound-shapes-holiday-sound-pack-is-a-free-gift-to-you/#comments

Sound Shapes developer Queasy Games wrapped up a present for everyone this holiday season, and this package is simply stunning. Look at the care that went into that tape, the love in the creases, the compassion in the folds - oh, fine, rip it apart. Just tear it open. You animal.

The Holiday Sound Pack has five new, Christmas-themed instruments from classic carols, and it's an automatic addition to all Sound Shapes games, whether on Vita or PS3, that are connected to the internet. If you're so overwhelmed by this act of kindness, you can give back to the Queasy team by uploading your own holiday level with the tag #XMAS for them to play over the break.

That will almost make up for your treatment of the wrapping paper. Almost.

JoystiqSound Shapes Holiday Sound Pack is a free gift to you originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Dec 2012 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Christmasholidayholiday-sound-packplaystationplaystation-vitaps3sound-shapesvitaxmasWed, 19 Dec 2012 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Portal Christmas tree doubles our holiday cheer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/26/portal-christmas-tree-doubles-our-holiday-cheer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/26/portal-christmas-tree-doubles-our-holiday-cheer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/26/portal-christmas-tree-doubles-our-holiday-cheer/#comments Is there a Martha Stewart Living for Nerds monthly periodical we never knew about? We're all about games and interior decorations, but we don't know how one learns to combine those two with such grace and ease as this, the greatest Christmas tree ever, and perhaps the greatest tree ever. Behold: The Portal Christmas tree, the full glory of which can be seen after the jump.

We're typically ones to pull down (and mulch) our arboreal holiday decor on December the 26th, but we don't know that we'd ever be able to part with a tree this magical. We'd leave it up, explaining to visitors that, oh, this is our Valentine's Day tree, and also our Easter tree, and Flag Day tree, and so on.

Continue reading Portal Christmas tree doubles our holiday cheer

JoystiqPortal Christmas tree doubles our holiday cheer originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christmasholidaymicrosoftpcplaystationportal-2ps3valvexboxMon, 26 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Official 2011 Joystiq 'Post Your Swag' post]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/25/the-official-2011-joystiq-post-your-swag-post/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/25/the-official-2011-joystiq-post-your-swag-post/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/25/the-official-2011-joystiq-post-your-swag-post/#comments
Christmas is about a lot more than presents, you know. Various storied religious histories not withstanding, modern Christmas is about spending time with the people you love and making sure that we as a culture slow down enough to appreciate to the parts of our lives that really, truly matter.

That being said, what better way is there to show your appreciation for another human being than by showering them with materialism? Trick question, Jack! There is no better way to tell someone you love them than by buying them things. It's as simple as that, and since the best part of getting something awesome is bragging about it, let us know all about the baller swag your magnificence earned you this year in our comments section.

JoystiqThe Official 2011 Joystiq 'Post Your Swag' post originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 25 Dec 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christmaspost-yo-swagpost-your-swagSun, 25 Dec 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[2011 game industry holiday card blowout]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/25/2011-game-industry-holiday-card-blowout/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/25/2011-game-industry-holiday-card-blowout/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/25/2011-game-industry-holiday-card-blowout/#comments We made it through another year, folks! Take that, death! And with another year's end comes a new volley of holiday cards created by game industry developers, publishers, and publications. In honor of our features editor and most prolific writer, JC Fletcher, we've adorned the header image above with Tiny Cartridge's adorably handheld-themed card (he's half of the team that makes up Tiny Cartridge, you see).

We'd also like to thank you, dear reader, for joining us for another year of video game news, previews, reviews, and features heavily laced with puns and semi-obscure pop culture references. We'll have much, much more in the coming year, as you can imagine.

Another treat we'd suggest you check out (and one that can't be jammed into a gallery) is Destructoid's second annual Christmas album. That's some serious dedication to the holiday spirit right there! While you listen to that, might we suggest heading into the gallery below and flipping through this year's holiday cards? Or get some coffee first, perhaps -- it's okay, we'll wait. All set? Go for it!

Gallery: Game Industry Holiday Cards 2011

Joystiq2011 game industry holiday card blowout originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 25 Dec 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christmasdestructoidgame-industryhannukahholiday-cardsholiday-cards-2011holidaystiny-cartridgeSun, 25 Dec 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Elfsquad7]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-elfsquad7/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-elfsquad7/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-elfsquad7/#comments Indie developers are the starving artists of the video-game world, often brilliant and innovative, but also misunderstood, underfunded and more prone to writing free-form poetry on their LiveJournals. We at Joystiq believe no one deserves to starve, and many indie developers are entitled to a fridge full of tasty, fulfilling media coverage, right here. This week, we feature a super-special (and sparkly) Christmas title from Scott Tykoski and Stardock, titled Elfsquad7.


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

Elfsquad7 is a frantic, fun, 1-4-player holiday game about wrapping toys, grabbing gifts and saving Christmas. Despite its overly saccharine holiday theme, it's designed so that even the most hardcore gamer can enjoy playing it, and it's available now on XBLIG.

What's the coolest aspect of Elfsquad7?

I really like that the end boss resembles Lavos from Chrono Trigger. Only his name is Kevin.

I'm also really happy with how the item shop plays into gameplay, especially on the harder-difficulty levels. There are some real strategic choices that the player has to make, and the game design is considerably stronger for it.

Oh, and items are delivered by a fat pink cat strapped to a hot-air balloon. I can proudly boast that is a first in the world of gaming.

Continue reading The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Elfsquad7

JoystiqThe Joystiq Indie Pitch: Elfsquad7 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Dec 2011 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Christmaselfsquad7elvesjoystiq-indie-pitchmicrosoftScott-TykoskistardockxboxFri, 23 Dec 2011 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam's Holiday Sale discounts everything ever, gives gifts, games and coal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/steams-holiday-sale-discounts-everything-ever-gives-gifts-gam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/steams-holiday-sale-discounts-everything-ever-gives-gifts-gam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/steams-holiday-sale-discounts-everything-ever-gives-gifts-gam/#comments Well, we're all screwed. The annual Steam holiday deals have gone live, discounting ... let's just say "all the games" to be efficient, okay? All the games are discounted, as are a bunch of humongous packs which similarly include all the games, and, if that weren't enough, Steam is giving away free games to folks who play other games. Congratulations! We all get more games than any of us could ever hope to play in our lifetimes.

Those free games are earned by completing a series of in-game objectives which cycle everyday until January 1. Completing them either gets you a freebie off the "Great Gift Pile" or a lump of coal, seven of which can also be traded in for an actual gift. Alternatively, you could save your lumps up -- each counts as an entry into a Steam sweepstakes, the grand prize for which is every game on Steam ever. Seriously, that's not hyperbole. The prize is every game.

JoystiqSteam's Holiday Sale discounts everything ever, gives gifts, games and coal originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdachristmaseaholidaymacpcsteamubisoftvalveMon, 19 Dec 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield Heroes adding content every day up until Christmas]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/battlefield-heroes-adding-content-every-day-up-until-christmas/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/battlefield-heroes-adding-content-every-day-up-until-christmas/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/battlefield-heroes-adding-content-every-day-up-until-christmas/#comments EA is taking a cue from those advent calendars, but instead of giving us a piece of scrumptious milk chocolate every day, they're adding content to Battlefield Heroes on the daily leading up to Christmas. Today, it's a pair of new battle rifles: the M16-203 and AK74-30.

Outside of guns, there also promised events, additional content and more. Sorry, no word on the chocolate thing. Frankly, if we don't get at least one Hershey Kiss in the mail this month, we're going to boycott the game forever, in a totally rational and real way. If there's one thing we don't joke about here, it's seasonal chocolates.

JoystiqBattlefield Heroes adding content every day up until Christmas originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advent-calendarbattlefield-heroeschristmaschristmas-calendareafree-to-playpcFri, 02 Dec 2011 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox's David Dennis on December NPDs, 'best month ever for Xbox 360 hardware sales']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/13/xboxs-david-dennis-on-december-npds-the-best-month-ever-for-x/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/13/xboxs-david-dennis-on-december-npds-the-best-month-ever-for-x/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/13/xboxs-david-dennis-on-december-npds-the-best-month-ever-for-x/#comments Xbox 360 had a good year. It could've been exclusive hits like Halo Reach, which landed in the No. 3 spot on the top selling games of 2010, according to NPD. Or it could've been the Xbox 360 S console refresh which, since its unveiling at E3 last June, has remained on top of the monthly home console sales numbers for an impressive six months straight. Or maybe it was the Kinect, which shipped a whopping eight million units by the end of the year, and sold well over its five million unit goal.

In actuality, it was all three, and Xbox's David Dennis was making the media rounds tonight to talk about it. "We're super pleased with the response we saw," Dennis said, "and we're just working hard to get supply back on the shelves and keep January and February on track as well." During the second half of the December, Dennis said Microsoft resorted to air shipping consoles in to meet customer demand.

"For us, the focus was trying to get as much on the shelves before that last push before Christmas. It's not cheap to do things like that but we've got a bunch of really smart MBAs to figure out the right balance when to shift back to our traditional process." That traditional process is the far more affordable, but far slower, ocean-based freight. It's not like there aren't any more Xboxes to go around, retailers will simply have "fewer than [they] normally would have."

Continue reading Xbox's David Dennis on December NPDs, 'best month ever for Xbox 360 hardware sales'

JoystiqXbox's David Dennis on December NPDs, 'best month ever for Xbox 360 hardware sales' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christmasDance-CentralDavid-DenniskinectKinect-SportsmicrosoftNPDxboxThu, 13 Jan 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gran Turismo 5 gets three free premium cars for Christmas ... in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/gran-turismo-5-gets-three-free-premium-cars-for-christmas-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/gran-turismo-5-gets-three-free-premium-cars-for-christmas-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/gran-turismo-5-gets-three-free-premium-cars-for-christmas-in/#comments Sony Japan is putting a special Christmas gift in the stockings of Gran Turismo 5 owners in that territory. From December 24 to January 31, Japanese GT5 drivers will be able to download a Lamborghini Murcielago LP 640, a BMW M3 Coupe and a Jaguar XJ13 completely free for use in the game. The Lambo and the Beemer were originally included in the game's collector's edition, and the Jag was a promotional extra from Facebook.

The promotion is currently for Japan only, so you US and European players will have to live with the usual coal in your stocking. Maybe next year, try not being so naughty?

JoystiqGran Turismo 5 gets three free premium cars for Christmas ... in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwchristmasdlcfreegran-turismoGran-Turismo-5japanlamborghiniplaystationpolyphony-digitalps3sonysony-computer-entertainment-japanThu, 16 Dec 2010 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Christmas lights programmed into 'Snowball Blaster' video game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/christmas-lights-programmed-into-snowball-blaster-video-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/christmas-lights-programmed-into-snowball-blaster-video-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/christmas-lights-programmed-into-snowball-blaster-video-game/#comments Well, it's official: Ric Turner is an insane person. We didn't think he'd be able to top last year's interactive, luminous masterpiece, but his latest Christmas lights-based game, Snowball Blaster, is the coolest thing ever. (Though, you'd probably disagree if you were Ric Turner's neighbor.)

Continue reading Christmas lights programmed into 'Snowball Blaster' video game

JoystiqChristmas lights programmed into 'Snowball Blaster' video game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christmaschristmas-lightsholiday-2010holidaysmoddingric-turnerTue, 14 Dec 2010 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Killing Floor gets most inappropriate Christmas content ever]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/10/killing-floor-gets-most-inappropriate-christmas-content-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/10/killing-floor-gets-most-inappropriate-christmas-content-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/10/killing-floor-gets-most-inappropriate-christmas-content-ever/#comments Games often receive Christmas content over the holidays. It's a merry season, after all, so it's only natural forOHGOD look at the evil reindeer monsters. Killing Floor's upcoming "Twisted Christmas" adds lots of disturbing Christmas content starting December 14 and ending January 14.

Players will be treated to new, horrifying Christmas monsters, a new unlockable character, some cheery new achievements and a new map, "Santa's Evil Lair." As if that wasn't enough, Team Fortress 2's Pyro is crossing over to join the festivities. Playing as the Pyro will even unlock new items for him in Team Fortress 2. See a teaser of the gory holiday fun after the break.

Continue reading Killing Floor gets most inappropriate Christmas content ever

JoystiqKilling Floor gets most inappropriate Christmas content ever originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Dec 2010 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christmaskilling-floorpcsteamtripwire-interactivetwisted-christmasvalveFri, 10 Dec 2010 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A very Korg DS-10 Plus Christmas]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/a-very-korg-ds-10-plus-christmas/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/a-very-korg-ds-10-plus-christmas/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/a-very-korg-ds-10-plus-christmas/#commentsKanji Honma created an entire Christmas album using Korg DS-10 Plus. Christmas Dinner is available on iTunes and Amazon, if you want to finally one Mannheim Steamroller album your parents insist on playing for his synthesized music. Check out a surprisingly funky "Jingle Bells" after the break.

Continue reading A very Korg DS-10 Plus Christmas

JoystiqA very Korg DS-10 Plus Christmas originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 09:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christmaschristmas-dinnerdsds-i-love-youkanji-honmakorg-ds10-plusmusicnintendoxseedThu, 02 Dec 2010 09:39:00 EST<![CDATA[This '8-bit Xmas' NES cart makes your heart, NES glow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/31/this-8-bit-xmas-nes-cart-makes-your-heart-nes-glow/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/31/this-8-bit-xmas-nes-cart-makes-your-heart-nes-glow/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/31/this-8-bit-xmas-nes-cart-makes-your-heart-nes-glow/#comments We apparently missed one release in our Now Playing list for this week: 8-bit Xmas 2009 for the NES. The cart was apparently constructed entirely from new parts and -- aside from incorporating the festive light display you see above -- is actually a fully functional NES game. The best part: you can totally buy it.

RetroZone is selling the cart up until tomorrow for $43 and there's even a demo you can try out right in your browser. If you forgot someone on your gift-giving list, you can throw down $5 more and get a personalized title screen added along with a nice Christmas card. If there ever was a way to make up for being such a Procrastinating Pete, this is probably it.

[Via Video Games Blogger]

JoystiqThis '8-bit Xmas' NES cart makes your heart, NES glow originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Dec 2009 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8-bit8-bit-xmascartcartridgechristmascraftsholiday-2009nesxmasThu, 31 Dec 2009 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Left 4 Dead 2's Midnight Riders wish you a Merry Christmas]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/26/left-4-dead-2s-midnight-riders-wish-you-a-merry-christmas/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/26/left-4-dead-2s-midnight-riders-wish-you-a-merry-christmas/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/26/left-4-dead-2s-midnight-riders-wish-you-a-merry-christmas/#comments We were far too busy a-wassailing yesterday to notice, but Valve released a soon-to-be-holiday-classic that we think is going to catch on like wildfire. It's the latest track from Left 4 Dead 2's quartet of bearded troubadours, the Midnight Riders, titled "All I Want for Christmas (Is To Kick Your Ass)." It's a lot like that one song with the similar title, only ... with more ass-kicking, we guess. Unsurprisingly, it's not suitable for work -- but incredibly suitable for your family gatherings. Click past the jump to rekindle that holiday spirit.

Continue reading Left 4 Dead 2's Midnight Riders wish you a Merry Christmas

JoystiqLeft 4 Dead 2's Midnight Riders wish you a Merry Christmas originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 Dec 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christmasholidaysleft-4-deadleft-4-dead-2Microsoftmidnight-ridersmusicsongvalveXbox-360Sat, 26 Dec 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Uncharted 2 double cash weekend, Santa hats in play]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/26/psa-uncharted-2-double-cash-weekend-santa-hats-in-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/26/psa-uncharted-2-double-cash-weekend-santa-hats-in-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/26/psa-uncharted-2-double-cash-weekend-santa-hats-in-play/#comments In our rush to the yule late this past week, we nearly forgot to mention that Nathan Drake and Nathan Drake lookalikes (Drakealikes?) have the chance to earn double cash (read: XP) this weekend in Uncharted 2's multiplayer mode. Donning the ubiquitous red cap (and apparently two brand new invisible hands), those taking Drake online will encounter not just jollier looking foes, but also "double for all kills and medals," according to Naughty Dog marketing man Arne Meyer on the PlayStation Blog. The temporary XP boost kicked in on Christmas Eve (December 24) at 10AM PST and goes until tomorrow at 11AM PST, so there are still at least another 24 or so hours to shoot some of those dastardly Drakealikes in multiplayer.

Gallery: Uncharted 2: Multiplayer

JoystiqPSA: Uncharted 2 double cash weekend, Santa hats in play originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 Dec 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arne-meyerchristmasdouble-xpdouble-xp-weekendmultiplayernathan-drakenaughty-dogonline-multiplayerplaystation-blogpsauncharteduncharted-2Uncharted-2-Among-ThievesSat, 26 Dec 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Quake Live's 'Silent Night' map adds festive fragging fun]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/24/quake-lives-silent-night-map-adds-festive-fragging-fun/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/24/quake-lives-silent-night-map-adds-festive-fragging-fun/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/24/quake-lives-silent-night-map-adds-festive-fragging-fun/#comments
Click image to deck the halls with larger images

This time of year is usually one of peace and safe comfort for just about everyone. The same can't be said for the land of Quake Live, where id Software has injected some Yuletide spirit into the browser-based frag-em-up's usual industrial surroundings. For two weeks, players can enjoy a Christmas-themed remake of Team Arena map "Distant Screams," now named "Silent Night."

This update doesn't add particularly festive weapons to the mix, but the fresh coat of winter wonderland paint is certainly welcome. Nothing tops off the Christmas spirit tank like a little rocket play beneath giant candy canes and a star-filled sky, after all.

Gallery: Quake Live (Christmas 2009)


[Via CVG]

JoystiqQuake Live's 'Silent Night' map adds festive fragging fun originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Dec 2009 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christmasfpsholidaysholidays-2009idid-softwarequakequake-liveThu, 24 Dec 2009 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Satire: Xbox Live prepares for its 'annual' holiday weekend outage [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/24/xbox-live-prepares-for-its-annual-holiday-weekend-outage/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/24/xbox-live-prepares-for-its-annual-holiday-weekend-outage/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/24/xbox-live-prepares-for-its-annual-holiday-weekend-outage/#comments Update: The joke's on us, folks. The source article is, of course, satirical -- something we conveyed rather poorly in the story below. We've seen no signs of Xbox Live so much as flinching this holiday, so far, and it has continued to provide us with a legitimate excuse to ignore that one cousin that nobody seems to know but someone keeps inviting for Christmas lunch. If you can give us your forgiveness for the error, that would be a really fine gift.

Can't wait to get home to the family for the holiday this weekend ... and then completely ignore them with a Left 4 Dead 2 marathon on Xbox Live? You're not the only one. Microsoft is bracing itself for a flood of online gameplay this weekend, including players trying catch up on all of the games they were too busy (baking cookies and wrapping presents) to play since November, as well as all the new folks who just unwrapped new games from under the tree. It's become a holiday tradition -- last year two years, the outage lasted for 11 days, from the weekend before Christmas to the end of the year, and spawned not only a free game, but a class action lawsuit to boot.

Previously, the problem was compounded by most of the tech staff being offline with their families, but this year, we're sure Microsoft has both servers and staff on notice to solve problems the second a clatter happens to arise. And if not, maybe we'll get another free game. Hopefully one better than Undertow.

JoystiqSatire: Xbox Live prepares for its 'annual' holiday weekend outage [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Dec 2009 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>annualchristmasfamiliesholidaymicrosoftofflineoutagetraditionweekendXbox-360xbox-liveThu, 24 Dec 2009 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone It In: A Christmas Santa]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/23/iphone-it-in-a-christmas-santa/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/23/iphone-it-in-a-christmas-santa/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/23/iphone-it-in-a-christmas-santa/#comments You're going to think I'm messing with you, that this is some sort of holiday gag, but I assure you that it is not: I can not remember ever being as addicted to a game as I was to A Christmas Santa. For a full calendar day it absolutely ruled my life, and then, just as quickly as it appeared, it was gone.

You think it's easy to type these words and admit that as you sit there all smug and judgmental? Well, it's not. But give me a chance to explain myself and I'm hopeful that you'll walk away -- if not convinced, perhaps just a bit more tolerant.

Gallery: A Christmas Santa (iPhone)

Continue reading iPhone It In: A Christmas Santa

JoystiqiPhone It In: A Christmas Santa originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-christmas-santaAppleblue-windcasualchristmasholidayiphone-it-iniPodWed, 23 Dec 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[LocoRoco wallpapers make for a cute Christmas]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/23/locoroco-wallpapers-make-for-a-cute-christmas/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/23/locoroco-wallpapers-make-for-a-cute-christmas/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/23/locoroco-wallpapers-make-for-a-cute-christmas/#comments Our biggest problem when not playing LocoRoco is that we wished we were playing it. Sometimes, you're stuck in a situation where you just can't game, but that doesn't mean you can't have those cute and cuddly little blobs a mere glance away. That's where the PlayStation Blog comes in, as it's just posted some festive LocoRoco wallpapers for all to enjoy, which differ somewhat from those posted by the American site yesterday.

Feel free to slap 'em on your computer or on your PSP. And if anyone catches you staring and asks why you're crying, ignore them because that just means they don't get it at all.

JoystiqLocoRoco wallpapers make for a cute Christmas originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christmasjapan-studiolocorocosceatsutomu-kounowallpaperwallpapersWed, 23 Dec 2009 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA['Tis the season: Rare holiday theme available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/tis-the-season-rare-holiday-theme-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/tis-the-season-rare-holiday-theme-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/tis-the-season-rare-holiday-theme-available/#comments
Click image for hi-hi-hi res
Rare has seen fit to brighten up your Xbox Dashboard with a new holiday-inspired theme. Everyone will be able to download this new free theme -- wait, it's not free? It costs 240? Wow, we guess Christmas really is all commercial now.

Shortcut: Add Rare Holiday Theme to your Xbox 360 queue [Via Xbox.com]

Gallery: Rare Holiday Dashboard Theme

Joystiq'Tis the season: Rare holiday theme available originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christmasholidayrarerare-holiday-themeWed, 16 Dec 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Tis the season for new Scribblenauts artwork]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/07/tis-the-season-for-new-scribblenauts-artwork/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/07/tis-the-season-for-new-scribblenauts-artwork/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/07/tis-the-season-for-new-scribblenauts-artwork/#comments
Click to download in Santa-sizeWe thought the Scribblenauts Halloween wallpaper was a one-off, an excuse to promote the game a bit more in the period immediately following its release. But, to our delight, 5TH Cell has delivered the Christmas present we didn't dare hope for: new Scribblenauts artwork by character designer Edison Yan. It's a Christmas miracle! Well, okay, it may not be miraculous, but it's really nice! We don't even care if it is a promotional effort to remind people to put Scribblenauts on their holiday shopping lists.

There are also two new Christmas-themed screenshots in our gallery. In retrospect, it was a pretty clever idea to make a game that includes multiple holiday-themed items as part of its nature.

Joystiq'Tis the season for new Scribblenauts artwork originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5th-cellchristmasDSholidayNintendoPuzzlescribblenautswarner-bros-interactiveWarner-Bros-Interactive-EntertainmentWBIEMon, 07 Dec 2009 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Game controller Christmas tree ornaments, minus all the plastic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/25/game-controller-christmas-tree-ornaments-minus-all-the-plastic/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/25/game-controller-christmas-tree-ornaments-minus-all-the-plastic/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/25/game-controller-christmas-tree-ornaments-minus-all-the-plastic/#comments
If you're anything like us, you've spent countless hours of your youth hollowing out old gaming controllers for use as gigantic Christmas tree ornaments. Though these might have resulted in years of lopsided tree dilemmas, our penchant for hanging something that at least resembles our favorite gaming controllers on the tree never subsided.

Lucky for us that Ponoko user "digits" shares our unique affectation, making a variety of controller-themed ornaments in a handful of different colors. For $25 (plus $10 domestic shipping, more for other territories) we can have all the style we want without all the weight that drives our tree's limbs plunging downward. Talk about a Christmas miracle!

[Via GeekSugar]

JoystiqGame controller Christmas tree ornaments, minus all the plastic originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christmaschristmas-treecontrollerdigitsgame-controllerholidaysornamentsponokoWed, 25 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Canadian receives spirit of N64 kid for Christmas]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/02/canadian-receives-spirit-of-n64-kid-for-christmas/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/02/canadian-receives-spirit-of-n64-kid-for-christmas/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/02/canadian-receives-spirit-of-n64-kid-for-christmas/#commentsFiled under:


Remember the kid that was so happy to get himself an N64 for Christmas? Of course you do, who doesn't? Well, it would appear the torch has been passed on to a small Canadian child, who is a bottomless well of excitement upon receiving a certain gift this Christmas. We won't ruin the surprise (you probably already guessed, anyway), so just head past the break and watch the video. Oh, and if you need a refresher on the N64 kid, hit up the video above.

Continue reading Canadian receives spirit of N64 kid for Christmas

JoystiqCanadian receives spirit of N64 kid for Christmas originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 14:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadachristmasholidaze-2008n64n64-kidFri, 02 Jan 2009 14:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii doubles December sales, breaks PS2's all-time record? [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/30/wii-doubles-december-sales-breaks-ps2s-all-time-record/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/30/wii-doubles-december-sales-breaks-ps2s-all-time-record/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/30/wii-doubles-december-sales-breaks-ps2s-all-time-record/#commentsFiled under:

[Update: Sorry, but it looks like I got this one horribly wrong, folks -- the WSJ was in fact referring to November sales. Thanks, Jay!]

Big surprise: early reports from the NPD indicate that the Wii utterly owned December, "doubling" its sales from December 2007. As it shifted 1.35 million units a year ago, that means this December saw approximately 2.7 million Wiis sold. For those who care, PS3 December sales dipped 19% from 2007, while the Xbox 360 got an 8% year-on-year lift.

More precise data concerning the Wii won't be released until the middle of January, but this could mean the Wii breaks the all-time record for U.S. hardware sales in a single month. Currently, the PlayStation 2 holds that honor, with -- aha! -- 2.7 million sales in December 2002. It's going to be close, in other words.

[Via SlipperyBrick]

JoystiqWii doubles December sales, breaks PS2's all-time record? [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Dec 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesschristmasholidazenpdTue, 30 Dec 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Couple come to blows over Wii gift]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/29/couple-come-to-blows-over-wii-gift/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/29/couple-come-to-blows-over-wii-gift/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/29/couple-come-to-blows-over-wii-gift/#commentsFiled under:

Man, some people's kids. A couple from Portsmouth, New Hampshire got themselves arrested on Christmas Day for exchanging punches over an unwanted gift -- a Wii, of all things. Heath Blom and Randi Young , aged 8 26 and 6 24 respectively, repeatedly punched one another, pulled hair, and ended up tumbling down two flights of stairs together. Joys be thine!

Things started turning sour when poor Heathy-Weathy didn't get the $1,000 RC airplane he had asked his grandparents for. When his girlfriend produced a Wii, he "got really upset," Young told The Boston Herald. Blom admitted he had "disparaged" the Wii (and somehow we don't think he was offering a sober criticism of third-party support), which understandably peeved Young.

The argument mushroomed from there, with Young packing her bags and some punches being thrown, mainly in the direction of the deserving Blom. It all finished with the pair falling down the stairs together, and the police arresting the loons shortly thereafter.


[Via Shacknews]

JoystiqCouple come to blows over Wii gift originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christmasfamilyholidazeMon, 29 Dec 2008 15:52:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Wii slot is for discs only, not credit cards]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/29/psa-wii-slot-is-for-discs-only-not-credit-cards/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/29/psa-wii-slot-is-for-discs-only-not-credit-cards/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/29/psa-wii-slot-is-for-discs-only-not-credit-cards/#commentsFiled under:


... not the physical cards. Here's an item of post-holiday hilarity from NeoGAF's HUELEN10. It may stretch credibility a bit, but it's a great story regardless of veracity!

According to HUELEN10, some neighbors with whom he is casually acquainted informed him that they had just given their kids a Wii for Christmas, and then solicited game recommendations. HUELEN10 suggested a few retail games as well as the Sega Master System version of Sonic the Hedgehog 2. Unfamiliar with the Virtual Console, the mother asked for further explanation, which HUELEN10 offered, saying, among other things, that it requires the user to "put in her credit card when prompted on the Shop Channel, and get the amount of points she wanted."

Which she did, unfortunately. Some time later, the mother called her neighbor, furious that their new Wii had been broken by following his advice. She put the credit cards into the Wii, just like he said.

Right into the disc slot.

And when one didn't work, she went ahead and jammed two more credit cards in there. Now, with three unusable credit cards and one busted Wii, she has demanded that HUELEN10 pay for repairs.

Look forward to a new warning screen on Wii games, right after the Health and Safety screen and the wrist strap warning!

JoystiqPSA: Wii slot is for discs only, not credit cards originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christmascredit-cardMon, 29 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[It's-a Mario World: Our Unfulfilled Christmas List]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/27/its-a-mario-world-our-unfulfilled-christmas-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/27/its-a-mario-world-our-unfulfilled-christmas-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/27/its-a-mario-world-our-unfulfilled-christmas-list/#commentsFiled under:


In the days immediately following Christmas, we do several things: Sink hours into replaying timeless Mario classics (currently we're collecting Ace coins in Super Mario Advance), ponder all kinds of Mario-related things we could buy with our Christmas money and begin scrawling out a list of Mario gifts we want for next Christmas. Pretty standard, right? Problem is, there are so many wonderful Mario trinkets and toys that have been released in the last twenty years that it's hard to decide which search terms to use on eBay.

Worry not, Mario fiends! This week we present a gallery teeming with Mario stocking-stuffers old and new. Yeah, some of them were released only in Japan over ten years ago, but that doesn't mean we can't covet them greedily. Others are available on shelves at the time of writing. Either way, you're sure to be amazed at the breadth of material goods upon which Mario's trademark has been shamelessly stamped. Check out these sweet toys!
It's-a Mario World is a recurring feature in which the ubiquity of Nintendo's flagship character is celebrated. Check back each week to find out what strange and wonderful thing has us seeing power stars. * * * Link of the week: Mario vs. Master Chief!

JoystiqIt's-a Mario World: Our Unfulfilled Christmas List originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Dec 2008 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christmasgiftsits-a-mario-worldjoystiqfeaturesmario-brothersmario-toyssuper-mario-brosSat, 27 Dec 2008 15:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Merry Consumermas ... so what didja get?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/25/happy-consumermas-from-joystiq-so-what-didja-get/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/25/happy-consumermas-from-joystiq-so-what-didja-get/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/25/happy-consumermas-from-joystiq-so-what-didja-get/#commentsFiled under:

Christmas, Xmas, Consumermas, Christmahanakwanza, Ludachristmas. If you celebrated any of these holidays, or if you had to cower in fear as robot Santa flew overhead looking for easy prey, we want to hear about it. More importantly, we want to know what presents you got, too -- game-related mostly, but if you want to tell us about your other presents, we'll sit here politely and listen. Our gift to you is after the break -- trust us, if you haven't seen Santa Claus Conquers the Martians before, you're really missing out.

For a trip down memory lane, check out our Consumermas posts from 2006 and 2007.

Continue reading Merry Consumermas ... so what didja get?

JoystiqMerry Consumermas ... so what didja get? originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Dec 2008 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christmasconsuermasholidayholidaysjs-twitterxmasThu, 25 Dec 2008 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[The obligatory 'What did you get?' post]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/25/the-obligatory-what-did-you-get-post/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/25/the-obligatory-what-did-you-get-post/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/25/the-obligatory-what-did-you-get-post/#comments
We realize not everyone celebrates Christmas, but a lot of us do. As such, use this post to discuss any and all Christmas gifts you got this year. Did you score a Wii? Get a new DS Lite? Did your folks buy you a, uh ... Xbox? So, relax, sip some eggnog and tell us if Santa deemed you naughty or nice in the comments below.

Merry Christmas and thanks for reading!

JoystiqThe obligatory 'What did you get?' post originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Dec 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christmasholidaze-2008Thu, 25 Dec 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The obligatory 'What did you get?' post]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/25/the-obligatory-what-did-you-get-post/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/25/the-obligatory-what-did-you-get-post/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/25/the-obligatory-what-did-you-get-post/#comments
We realize not everyone celebrates Christmas, but a lot of us do. As such, use this post to discuss any and all Christmas gifts you got this year. Did you score a Wii? Get a new DS Lite? Did your folks buy you a, uh ... Xbox? So, relax, sip some eggnog and tell us if Santa deemed you naughty or nice in the comments below.

Merry Christmas and thanks for reading!

JoystiqThe obligatory 'What did you get?' post originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Dec 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christmasholidaysholidaze-2008Thu, 25 Dec 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Procrastinators, unite!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/24/wii-warm-up-procrastinators-unite/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/24/wii-warm-up-procrastinators-unite/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/24/wii-warm-up-procrastinators-unite/#commentsFiled under:


With this being Christmas Eve and all, it's the last shopping day before Santa comes shuffling down that chimney. So, do you have to pick up any last-minute gifts? If not, did you pick up any gaming gifts this year? Wii stuff? If the particular individual reads us and knows your account name, then, uh, lie.

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Procrastinators, unite! originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Dec 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christmasholidaze-2008procrastinationshoppingWed, 24 Dec 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Show and Tell: The holiday spirit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/23/show-and-tell-the-holiday-spirit/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/23/show-and-tell-the-holiday-spirit/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/23/show-and-tell-the-holiday-spirit/#commentsFiled under:

While we're often awash in gamer crafts -- particularly in this space! -- we just don't see that many holiday-themed gamer projects. Every year there's the occasional tree or set of ornaments, but it just seems there should be more. We dug around and managed to find a few interesting projects, however, and the results range from edibles to a pixelated tree. Just jump into the gallery below to check out holiday projects!

Gallery: Show and Tell: The Holiday Spirit

Show and Tell is all about fan stuff, so long as it's Nintendo-related. We love to see your collections, your crafts, your frosted creations, your t-shirts and swag of all sorts.Just snap a few pictures, tell us what's up, and send it all to showmeit [at] dsfanboy [dot] com. We'll take care of the rest. Not a handy type, but found something neat? Send us a link instead.

JoystiqShow and Tell: The holiday spirit originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artchristmascookiesdiyholidayornamentspapercraftpokemontreezeldaTue, 23 Dec 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[2008 holiday card blowout, now with exclusive music!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/23/2008-holiday-card-blowout-now-with-exclusive-music/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/23/2008-holiday-card-blowout-now-with-exclusive-music/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/23/2008-holiday-card-blowout-now-with-exclusive-music/#commentsFiled under: ,


click for all the Holiday cheer!

It's that time of year: delayed travel, cold weather, spiked egg nog, and holiday gaming cards from the video game industry. They range from Konami's fairly plain jane attempt (No Snake? No Hideo?), all the way up to the custom old-school card created for us by The Minus World. What, no $20 gift card love from Sony this year? (But they did give us their AC Adapter peripheral.) At least Sony tried -- where's the love Microsoft, Nintendo? We'll even accept some coal -- just send us something for the holidays! Please?

Foundation 9 wins the award for the niftiest card so far this year. It sent out a holiday card with an exclusive CD inside, complete with 11 tracks of holiday chip tune music created by 8 Bit Weapon, Leeni, Computeher, and others. We've got an exclusive track that you can enjoy without leaving the warm comfort of this post. Check out Doctor Octoroc's version of "We Three Kings" right here. Happy Holidaze!

Some notable cards:

Gallery: Game Industry 2008 Holiday Cards

Reverb CommunicationsSony Computer Entertainment AmericaSquare EnixLucasfilm

Joystiq2008 holiday card blowout, now with exclusive music! originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CardsChristmasChristmas-Cardsholidaze-2008Tue, 23 Dec 2008 12:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Top 5: Christmastime in Gaming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/22/top-5-christmastime-in-gaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/22/top-5-christmastime-in-gaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/22/top-5-christmastime-in-gaming/#commentsFiled under:


Ahh, Christmastime. Every year, we look forward to cherished traditions such as fighting traffic, stressing out over finding gifts, and even the occasional Black Friday trampling. Yet one would be surprised to learn that December 25th has a history which shares very little with frivolous lawsuits and Bill O'Reilly frothing at the mouth.

Indeed, aside from its litigatious and hostile depiction on the news, Christmas is largely an excuse to shower our loved ones with food, presents, and joy. It's also an easy inspiration for a stressed columnist trying to finish his Christmas shopping to create a Top 5 list. As such examples of religious-based holidays are rare in gaming, this list will not be Nintendo-specific. For those who celebrate the date, I wish you a Merry Christmas. For those who don't, I wish you well just the same.



The Top 5 is a weekly feature that provides us with a forum to share our opinions on various aspects of the video game culture, and provides you with a forum to tell us how wrong we are. To further voice your opinions, submit a vote in the Wii Fanboy Poll, and take part in the daily discussions of Wii Warm Up.

JoystiqTop 5: Christmastime in Gaming originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christmasdonkey-kong-countrydonkey-kong-country-3hit-and-runjoystiqfeaturesnightsnights-into-dreamsnights-journey-of-dreamssantasaturnsecret-of-manasegasega-saturnsimpsonsthe-simpsonstoejam-and-earlMon, 22 Dec 2008 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Joys be thine: Rock Band getting Holiday-themed DLC [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/joys-be-thine-rock-band-getting-holiday-themed-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/joys-be-thine-rock-band-getting-holiday-themed-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/joys-be-thine-rock-band-getting-holiday-themed-dlc/#commentsFiled under:


[Update: Ruh-roh -- Harmonix has just sent out a press release in which the Wii isn't mentioned. Looks like we're waiting for these!]

Here's something to while away those Christmas Day hours traditionally spent arguing with family/feigning enthusiasm for horrible presents: Rock Band downloads! Harmonix has announced a trio of Holiday tracks, all of which should be available for download on December 23:
  • "Hanukkah Blessings" by Barenaked Ladies
  • "Christmas Is The Time To Say I Love You" by Billy Squier
  • "Blue Christmas" by The Pretenders
No "Fairytale of New York"? Bah. Also, MTV Multiplayer reports that neither Activision or Konami has anything Holiday-related planned for Guitar Hero World Tour or Rock Revolution. Wait, people actually bought Rock Revolution? How ... quaint. Footage of all three lies in wait past the break!

Continue reading Joys be thine: Rock Band getting Holiday-themed DLC [update]

JoystiqJoys be thine: Rock Band getting Holiday-themed DLC [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 18:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barenaked-ladiesbilly-squierchristmasdlceaguitar-hero-world-tourharmonixmusicpretendersrhythmrock-bandrock-band-2rock-revolutionThu, 18 Dec 2008 18:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Jane Jensen teases Gray Matter with Christmas tale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/jane-jensen-teases-gray-matter-with-christmas-tale/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/jane-jensen-teases-gray-matter-with-christmas-tale/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/jane-jensen-teases-gray-matter-with-christmas-tale/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Jane Jensen has gift wrapped a bone and tossed it to fans waiting patiently for her next adventure game, Gray Matter. The Gabriel Knight author has released a short Christmas story that serves as a prequel to her oft-delayed project, offering an early look at what the characters have been up to while waiting for their upcoming adventures in pointing and clicking.

As of now, Gray Matter, which was handed over to French developer Wizarbox last September, is still on track for release in 2009. While you continue to wait, check out the story on Jensen's blog, which is available for download in PDF format.

JoystiqJane Jensen teases Gray Matter with Christmas tale originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christmasgray-mattergraymatterjane-jensenPCThu, 18 Dec 2008 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[First LittleBigPlanet level pack coming Dec. 18]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/16/first-littlebigplanet-level-pack-coming-dec-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/16/first-littlebigplanet-level-pack-coming-dec-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/16/first-littlebigplanet-level-pack-coming-dec-18/#commentsFiled under:

Sony has announced that LittleBigPlanet level packs will soon be proliferating the PlayStation Store -- are these the "very substantial" packs Alex Evans mentioned at the Spike VGAs? Each one is expected to cost you $2.99, which is less than the price of two Street Fightin' SackBoys.

The first one, Festive Level Pack, is coming this Thursday, December 18, and includes two new costumes, one new create material, two new objects, six new decorations and a "ton" of new stickers. It's worth noting that levels are not included -- sorry folks, this is a DIY set. The pack will only remain in-store until January 8, 2009. Looking for free handouts, TinyBigTim? Don't forget you've got a gratis Santa costume available now.

JoystiqFirst LittleBigPlanet level pack coming Dec. 18 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christmasholidaylbplbp-dlclittlebigplanetlittlebigplanet-dlcmedia-moleculePS3sonyTue, 16 Dec 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Resistance stuff on the PSN Store tomorrow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/free-resistance-stuff-on-the-psn-store-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/free-resistance-stuff-on-the-psn-store-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/free-resistance-stuff-on-the-psn-store-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: ,

It seems everyone's getting into the Christmas spirit today. First free Santa costumes and now we find out that Insomniac are releasing some Resistance related gifts onto the PSN Store during tomorrow's update. These gifts take the form of Resistance 2 XMB themes and a new trailer for the game. Not only that but the map packs for Resistance: Fall of Man will be made available to download for free, in case you're feeling retro this Christmas.

Bryan Intihar also states that more Resistance 2 patches are on the way and that "some really cool" new features are coming to MyResistance.net. The PlayStation Blog will have more news on both of these in the near future. In the meantime, be sure to grab all these free goodies when they arrive tomorrow and check out G4's X-Play this Friday at 8pm to see Ted Price talk about his favorite games.

JoystiqFree Resistance stuff on the PSN Store tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christmasinsomniacresistanceresistance-2themesWed, 10 Dec 2008 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[LittleBigPlanet and PAIN getting free Xmas-themed costumes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/littlebigplanet-and-pain-getting-free-xmas-themed-costumes/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/littlebigplanet-and-pain-getting-free-xmas-themed-costumes/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/littlebigplanet-and-pain-getting-free-xmas-themed-costumes/#commentsFiled under:


'Tis the season to be jolly ... and get free costumes. This week's free LittleBigPlanet costume is themed for the holidays. Everyone, meet Santa Sackboy. He'll be available for download on the PlayStation Store -- in two parts. But that's not the only free costume you'll be finding this holiday season.

PAIN players will discover a new character unlocked in the next game patch: Reindeer Ed (see him after the break). The next PAIN update will not only add a free character, but it will offer YouTube integration as well (something the game always needed!). No date on the PAIN patch, but we doubt it'll take too long.

Continue reading LittleBigPlanet and PAIN getting free Xmas-themed costumes

JoystiqLittleBigPlanet and PAIN getting free Xmas-themed costumes originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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