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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Gravity Rush started life as a PS3 title, inspired by Crackdown]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/gravity-rush-started-life-as-a-ps3-title-inspired-by-crackdown/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/gravity-rush-started-life-as-a-ps3-title-inspired-by-crackdown/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/gravity-rush-started-life-as-a-ps3-title-inspired-by-crackdown/#comments When Sony's internal Japan Studio set out to work on Gravity Rush (Gravity Daze in Japan), the game was positioned as a PlayStation 3 title. According to an interview with the US PlayStation Blog, the team "came across PS Vita along the way" and realized it was "perfect for the game."

That's not the weird part, though. The game's primary influence is cited as Realtime Worlds' 2007 Xbox 360 game, Crackdown. "I really like the aspect of unlocking skills and becoming more powerful, and achieving a higher level of freedom as you become more powerful," one team member said. "I enjoyed moving in that game." Given that Gravity Rush is an open world game in a third-person view with an upgradable character, the comparison makes sense. Both games feature unrealistic art styles accentuating the fantastical gameplay, making their crossover even clearer.

While Gravity Daze has been out for a bit in Japan, Gravity Rush won't float to US shores for another few months.

[Image credit: PlayStation Blog]

JoystiqGravity Rush started life as a PS3 title, inspired by Crackdown originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crackdowngravitygravity-dazegravity-rushinfluencejapan-studioplaystationplaystation-vitaps3realtime-worldssony-japan-studiovitaThu, 15 Mar 2012 12:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: Crackdown 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/05/review-crackdown-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/05/review-crackdown-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/05/review-crackdown-2/#comments As the always astute Chris Hecker once pointed out, the thing video games do best are power fantasies. While we're literally trying to rescue our family or kill the evil guy, the metaphorical (and arguably more important) journey is in watching our character grow from weakling to demigod, whether that's through the collection of the most powerful weapons or the fastest cars. The balance then is in making the literal journey just present enough that the metaphorical one means something.

For all its strengths, Crackdown's major failing was in not nailing this balance. Punching, jumping and exploding your way to superherodom was amazing, but the story and missions were so threadbare that there was nothing really pulling you through, there was no momentum. Though narrative was never going to be its strong suit, it needed just a few more breadcrumbs to get you from point A to point B.

Disappointingly, Crackdown 2 does not fix the balance between literal and metaphorical journey. In fact, it seems much more content to pretend it doesn't exist.

Gallery: Crackdown 2 (TGS 2009)

Continue reading Review: Crackdown 2

JoystiqReview: Crackdown 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CrackdownCrackdown-2microsoftRiot-Act-2ruffian-gamesxboxMon, 05 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Crackdown 2 save unlocks Agent 4 in Perfect Dark multiplayer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/crackdown-2-save-unlocks-agent-4-in-perfect-dark-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/crackdown-2-save-unlocks-agent-4-in-perfect-dark-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/crackdown-2-save-unlocks-agent-4-in-perfect-dark-multiplayer/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We're now only days away from the release of Crackdown 2, and in a stroke of corporate synergy, Microsoft Game Studios has hatched a cross-game promotion between Ruffian's impending sandbox shooter and the recent HD remake of Perfect Dark for Xbox Live Arcade. With a Crackdown 2 save on your console, you can unlock a new playable character in Perfect Dark: Agent 4.

No codes, no impossible speed runs -- Agent 4 is unlocked in Perfect Dark's Combat Simulator (multiplayer mode) as soon as your Crackdown 2 save is detected. Happy hunting, agents!

Gallery: Agent 4 in Perfect Dark

JoystiqCrackdown 2 save unlocks Agent 4 in Perfect Dark multiplayer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agent-4crackdowncrackdown-2Easter-eggmicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosPerfect-DarkPerfect-Dark-XBLArareruffian-gamesxboxFri, 02 Jul 2010 11:04:00 EST<![CDATA[New Crackdown 2 prequel short explains origins of the mutants]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/01/new-crackdown-2-prequel-short-explains-origins-of-the-mutants/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/01/new-crackdown-2-prequel-short-explains-origins-of-the-mutants/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/01/new-crackdown-2-prequel-short-explains-origins-of-the-mutants/#comments Ever since we found out that the mean streets of Pacific City had been ravaged by even meaner mutants in Crackdown 2, we've been curious about from whence said mutants sprung. Our curiosity was satisfied by the second episode in the animated "Pacific City Archives" prequel series, which tells of the exploits of twisted ex-Agency medical researcher Catalina Thorne.

Check out the episode after the jump to see Thorne's fall from grace and how she introduced the mutant virus into the helpless population of Pacific City. If that's not grounds for reaching archvillain status in Crackdown 2, we're not sure what is.

Continue reading New Crackdown 2 prequel short explains origins of the mutants

JoystiqNew Crackdown 2 prequel short explains origins of the mutants originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Jun 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actioncrackdowncrackdown-2microsoftMicrosoft-Game-Studiosopen-worldprequelRiot-Act-2ruffian-gamesSandboxvideoXbox-360Tue, 01 Jun 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The worlds of Crackdown and Crackdown 2 compared]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/26/the-worlds-of-crackdown-and-crackdown-2-compared/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/26/the-worlds-of-crackdown-and-crackdown-2-compared/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/26/the-worlds-of-crackdown-and-crackdown-2-compared/#comments If the recent animated prequel didn't convince you that Pacific City, the setting for the Crackdown series, has gone to hell in a handbasket since the franchise's first installment, then perhaps this will do the trick. BitMob recently posted a panoramic comparison of the city as it looked in Crackdown to how it looks in Crackdown 2. In short, it looks like a really, really terrible place to live now.

Watch as some of the notable landmarks from the first game crumble, decay or simply become derelict due to the influx of violent mutants that plague Crackdown 2. It looks like Pacific City has become a generally more dangerous place to take up residence -- though, as a concern, we imagine that ranks second behind what this gruesome makeover has done to the city's property values.

JoystiqThe worlds of Crackdown and Crackdown 2 compared originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 May 2010 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActioncomparisonCrackdowncrackdown-2Microsoftmicrosoft-game-studiosRiot-Act-2ruffian-gamesSandboxXbox-360Wed, 26 May 2010 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Third Crackdown 2 ViDoc revels in mass destruction]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/25/third-crackdown-2-vidoc-revels-in-mass-destruction/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/25/third-crackdown-2-vidoc-revels-in-mass-destruction/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/25/third-crackdown-2-vidoc-revels-in-mass-destruction/#comments We should warn you right off the bat that the ViDoc for Crackdown 2 embedded above does at one point feature a Ruffian Games employee using the word "awesomeness," though he thankfully catches himself quickly before the madness spreads too far. While his excitement for this summer's Xbox 360 release is appreciable, we're not so sure that devolving into Valley Girl-isms is the way to play up the game's comically destructive sandbox gameplay.

As senior designer Dean Smith puts it, "For some reason, there's a lot of explosive things lying around Pacific City as well, so there's always a new prop to grab or a new explodable of some type." Now that's what gets us excited for more Crackdown: stuff exploding! Lots of stuff exploding! Hooray explosions!

JoystiqThird Crackdown 2 ViDoc revels in mass destruction originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 May 2010 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actioncrackdowncrackdown-2dean-smithinside-the-toy-boxMicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosRiot-Act-2ruffianruffian-gamesSandboxtrailervidocXbox-360Tue, 25 May 2010 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Viral Crackdown 2 contest offers early demo access]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/24/viral-crackdown-2-contest-offers-early-demo-access/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/24/viral-crackdown-2-contest-offers-early-demo-access/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/24/viral-crackdown-2-contest-offers-early-demo-access/#commentsThis is your lucky day, agent. Today you get to participate in viral marketing, easily the best kind of marketing in Pacific City. This marketing, as you may have guessed, is for Crackdown 2. You might be wondering why you'd participate in such a thing. After all, you loved the first Crackdown, you've read the hands-on coverage for the sequel, your pre-order money has been set aside and you're just coasting your way to July. The answer is simple: early demo access.

To get started, pick up Microsoft's Tag Reader app for your mobile phone (find it at gettag.mobi). Then, watch this video. At the end you'll see a hidden orb, which you can scan with Tag Reader. If you'd rather not watch the video (again), you can just scan the image to the right. Once scanned, you can register for a contest account, which will provide you with text message clues about the locations of the remaining "orbs." Find them, scan them and you're in.

Orbs for demos, agent. Orbs for demos. Unless you don't have a texting plan, of course.

JoystiqViral Crackdown 2 contest offers early demo access originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 May 2010 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionCrackdownCrackdown-2demoMicrosoft-Game-StudiosRiot-Act-2ruffian-gamesSandboxtag-readerxbox-liveMon, 24 May 2010 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Crackdown 2 gets ultra-violent prequel cartoon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/22/crackdown-2-gets-ultra-violent-prequel-cartoon/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/22/crackdown-2-gets-ultra-violent-prequel-cartoon/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/22/crackdown-2-gets-ultra-violent-prequel-cartoon/#comments You know what violent video gaming franchise we always thought would make an excellent Saturday morning cartoon? Crackdown. We're thinking of a modern day GI Joe series, with rugged super soldiers, death-defying acrobatic feats, the occasional car chase and a helpful PSA at the end of each episode. However, Machinima.com recently posted the first episode in a real cartoon series based on Crackdown 2, and ... well, let's just say they went in a much different direction with it. A much bloodier direction.

Check past the jump to see the first installment in "The Pacific City Archives," and think about how happy you are that whatever city you may be living in is relatively killer-mutant-free.

[Via Kotaku]

Continue reading Crackdown 2 gets ultra-violent prequel cartoon

JoystiqCrackdown 2 gets ultra-violent prequel cartoon originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 22 May 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actioncartooncrackdowncrackdown-2Microsoftmicrosoft-game-studiospacific-cityprequelRiot-Act-2ruffian-gamesSandboxvideoXbox-360Sat, 22 May 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: Audio Director Kristofor Mellroth on the sounds of Crackdown 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/14/interview-audio-director-kristofor-mellroth-on-the-sounds-of-cr/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/14/interview-audio-director-kristofor-mellroth-on-the-sounds-of-cr/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/14/interview-audio-director-kristofor-mellroth-on-the-sounds-of-cr/#comments It's fair to say Crackdown was a surprise -- even if you didn't buy it for the Halo 3 beta key, odds are that you downloaded the demo and found a pretty impressive pre-GTA IV open-world shooter. That seems like a blessing and a curse for Audio Director Kristofor Mellroth and the rest of the dev team at Ruffian Games working on the sequel: on the one hand, we have fond memories of the original game, but on the other, there are more great open-world games out there now. Will we go back to Pacific City now that we've got a choice?

Mellroth is doing everything on his end to make sure that we do. From the music of the game (which features remixes from the likes of Bob Dylan and Creedence Clearwater Revival, as well as electronic beats by artists like Tokyo Black Star and Adam Freeland) to gunshots, explosions, and the ever-present tones of Michael McConnohie, he's put a lot of thought into what Crackdown 2 should sound like and why. Read on for an exclusive interview with the game's audio director.

Continue reading Interview: Audio Director Kristofor Mellroth on the sounds of Crackdown 2

JoystiqInterview: Audio Director Kristofor Mellroth on the sounds of Crackdown 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 May 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionbob-dylancrackdowncrackdown-2creedence-clearwater-revivalfreakskristofor-mellrothMicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosmusicopen-worldRiot-Act-2ruffian-gamesSandboxsound-designsound-effectsvoiceoverXbox-360zombiesFri, 14 May 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Crackdown 2 vidoc shows that nothing is sacred]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/19/crackdown-2-vidoc-shows-that-nothing-is-sacred/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/19/crackdown-2-vidoc-shows-that-nothing-is-sacred/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/19/crackdown-2-vidoc-shows-that-nothing-is-sacred/#comments Despite its title, the latest Crackdown 2 vidoc, "Nothing is Sacred," reveals at least one sacred thing in Ruffian's upcoming game: humor. The amusing action becomes apparent when you knock someone upside the head with a sign post, or attach a satchel charge to their face.

The first game certainly had its share of guffaw-inducing moments and, come July 6, we'll know if -- on top of skills for kills -- agents will get lulz for kills.

JoystiqCrackdown 2 vidoc shows that nothing is sacred originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Apr 2010 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionCrackdowncrackdown-2Microsoftmicrosoft-game-studiosRiot-Act-2ruffianruffian-gamesSandboxXbox-360Mon, 19 Apr 2010 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Crackdown 2 will not feature female agents]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/crackdown-2-will-not-feature-female-agents/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/crackdown-2-will-not-feature-female-agents/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/crackdown-2-will-not-feature-female-agents/#comments Admitting that the ability to create and play as a female agent in the first Crackdown was originally intended (but eventually cut), Billy Thomson, Ruffian Games creative director and former lead designer of Crackdown at Realtime Worlds, explained to 1UP that the functionality won't be making an appearance in the sequel either. According to Thomson, it was excluded from the first game due to memory constraints that would've required a "massive reduction" to other parts of the game.

Similar limitations will keep playable female characters out of Crackdown 2 at launch, Thomson claimed. "You've got four players (in cooperative play), and that means every single player can be a different character, and that has to be in memory all the time ... we had to save memory all over the place because we've got so much more content in this game than we had in the first game ... we don't stream." While the studio isn't making any promises about a female agent DLC update, "we never know what happens in the future," teased producer James Cope.

JoystiqCrackdown 2 will not feature female agents originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionbilly-thomsoncrackdowncrackdown-2female-charactersjames-copeMicrosoftRiot-Act-2ruffian-gamesSandboxXbox-360Thu, 01 Apr 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Crackdown 2 touches down July 6]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/crackdown-2-july-6-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/crackdown-2-july-6-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/crackdown-2-july-6-release-date/#comments Microsoft has announced the date for your return trip to Pacific City ... when you'll tear it to shreds in the name of justice! Crackdown 2 will launch in North America on July 6, with Asia, Australia and New Zealand releases following on July 8, and Europe's on July 9 -- narrowly missing the "first half of 2010" release estimate.

Producer James Cope previously said that a demo will be forthcoming before the release of the game, so we'll be playing some small portion of Crackdown 2 sooner than July 6. We're going to start playing even sooner than that, actually -- our dreams are littered with orbs.

[Update: New multiplayer ViDoc embedded above.]

Gallery: Crackdown 2 (X10)

JoystiqCrackdown 2 touches down July 6 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actioncrackdowncrackdown-2microsoftmicrosoft-game-studiosq3-2010release-dateRiot-Act-2ruffian-gamesSandboxXbox-360Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Crackdown 2 producer: 'Expect a demo' before release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/19/crackdown-2-producer-expect-a-demo-before-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/19/crackdown-2-producer-expect-a-demo-before-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/19/crackdown-2-producer-expect-a-demo-before-release/#comments
 Crackdown 2 producer James Cope doesn't want you to have any doubt in your mind that a demo is headed to Xbox Live before the game's release, telling IGN UK in an interview, "You can definitely expect a demo to hit Live before the game is out." While we know the game's set to release in the "first half of 2010," Cope wouldn't get any more specific about the release date.

Cope, however, did explain the revamped orb collection system (which adds "new types of Orbs for Agility and Driving skills") and admitted that "the Agency has finally discovered the power of flight." More specifically, he's referring to helicopters, the armored vehicles that will aid you in your destruction clean-up campaign across Pacific City -- and something criminally absent from the first Crackdown. For a handful of more granular details about the upcoming city-jumping sim sequel, peep the rest of the source interview.

Gallery: Crackdown 2 (11/24/09)


[Via Xbox360Achievements.org]

JoystiqCrackdown 2 producer: 'Expect a demo' before release originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actioncrackdowncrackdown-2Demojames-copeMicrosoftRiot-Act-2Ruffian-GamesSandboxxblmXbox-360Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Greenberg: Crackdown 2 coming first half of 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/21/greenberg-crackdown-2-coming-first-half-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/21/greenberg-crackdown-2-coming-first-half-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/21/greenberg-crackdown-2-coming-first-half-of-2010/#comments On Major Nelson's weekly podcast -- with a host left laughing and teary-eyed due to the Xbox head's dental-related lisp -- Aaron Greenberg did some NPD boasting before ruminating on the first half of 2010. After pointing out Mass Effect 2, Splinter Cell Conviction, and Alan Wake, he confirmed Crackdown 2 as part of Microsoft's list of "triple-A, exclusive" titles heading to the Xbox 360 during "the first half of the year."

"Those are just the exclusives, that doesn't include Final Fantasy ... there's no way we had a first half of the year like that last year," Greenberg added. The back end of the upcoming year is no slouch either in his eyes, with Halo Reach and Fable 3 said to be on schedule for launch in the Fall. Considering the first Crackdown's February release date, we're hoping for a similarly timed release of the sequel (just in time for its third birthday!). We've followed up with Greenberg and will update this post if we hear more.

Gallery: Crackdown 2 (11/24/09)

JoystiqGreenberg: Crackdown 2 coming first half of 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010aaron-greenbergActionCrackdownCrackdown-2halo-reachMicrosoftrelease-dateRiot-Act-2Ruffian-GamesSandboxsplinter-cell-convictionXbox-360Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Crackdown 2's VGA trailer invites you to 'blow #&$^ up' with it]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/13/crackdown-2s-vga-trailer-invites-you-to-blow-and-up-with-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/13/crackdown-2s-vga-trailer-invites-you-to-blow-and-up-with-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/13/crackdown-2s-vga-trailer-invites-you-to-blow-and-up-with-it/#comments
As you might have already guessed, last night's Spike Video Game Awards show's "World Premiere" trailers have landed on the web via GameTrailers.com. First up for us this morning: Crackdown 2. Featuring the first campaign footage from the game that we've seen, it looks as though we'll be cooperatively taking down enemies with other agents when the game launches. Moreover, the entire trailer glories in the mass destruction introduced to us in the first Crackdown, backed up by a "Would you like to blow &%^$ up with me?" soundtrack. Color us excited.

Gallery: Crackdown 2 (11/24/09)

JoystiqCrackdown 2's VGA trailer invites you to 'blow #&$^ up' with it originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 Dec 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actioncampaigncrackdowncrackdown-2gameplaymicrosoftRiot-Act-2ruffianruffian-gamesSandboxspike-vgaspike-vga-2009trailervga-2009Xbox-360Sun, 13 Dec 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Crackdown leaps into Games on Demand lineup]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/crackdown-leaps-into-games-on-demand-lineup/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/crackdown-leaps-into-games-on-demand-lineup/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/crackdown-leaps-into-games-on-demand-lineup/#comments Games on Demand's latest additions are all about two types of orbs: agility and katamaris. The 6GB Crackdown is reasonably priced at $20, with the "Getting Busy Bonus Pack" DLC permanently reduced to 400 ($5). Those looking for a cheaper solution to obtaining Crackdown are advised to permanently borrow the copy their Spartan-obsessed buddies purchased for access to the Halo 3 beta years ago.

If you happen to live in Japan and are interested in collecting a single, incredibly huge sphere, Beautiful Katamari is now available. Helping the Prince keep his egomaniacal father happy will cost 2000 in Japan -- there's no word on a global release yet.

JoystiqCrackdown leaps into Games on Demand lineup originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionbeautiful-katamaricrackdowngames-on-demandMicrosoft-Game-StudiosRealtime-WorldsRiot-ActSandboxTue, 01 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Here's your Crackdown 2 weapon loadout, agent!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/24/heres-your-crackdown-2-weapon-loadout-agent/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/24/heres-your-crackdown-2-weapon-loadout-agent/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/24/heres-your-crackdown-2-weapon-loadout-agent/#comments Doling out only a handful of fresh screens for Crackdown 2 with a smattering of in-game renders, Ruffian Games has done little to supply us with more information on its upcoming game in today's media release. Everything from various character designs to about two dozen weapon types can be found in the gallery below, showcasing the visually gussied-up artwork from the sequel to 2007's surprise hit. It appears as though the few screenshots included are of areas we've seen in the past, though (as you can see in the image above) we're now treated to many more explosions. Now if only we could get some sort of a release date, we could start getting properly excited for Crackdown 2. The thrill just ain't there without an end in sight, ya know?

Gallery: Crackdown 2 (11/24/09)

JoystiqHere's your Crackdown 2 weapon loadout, agent! originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionCrackdownCrackdown-2Microsoft-Game-StudiosRiot-Act-2Ruffian-GamesSandboxTue, 24 Nov 2009 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Get your graffiti in Crackdown 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/24/get-your-graffiti-in-crackdown-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/24/get-your-graffiti-in-crackdown-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/24/get-your-graffiti-in-crackdown-2/#comments Why waste your graffiti on something as temporary as the rear wall of the nearby Rio Grande or Ronald's Cheese Corner when you could have it enshrined forever, digitally? That's the opportunity being offered by Ruffian Games, which is looking for graffiti submissions from fans who'll have a chance to get their art in the game and their name in the credits, if their work is among the best, that is.

If you're having trouble deciding what exactly, the theme - the jumping off point, if you will - of your e-vandalism should be, may we suggest ... Mighty Horse?

JoystiqGet your graffiti in Crackdown 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActioncontestsCrackdownCrackdown-2graffitiMicrosoft-Game-StudiosRiot-Act-2Ruffian-GamesSandboxucgTue, 24 Nov 2009 15:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Crackdown HDD installation now available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/09/crackdown-hdd-installation-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/09/crackdown-hdd-installation-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/09/crackdown-hdd-installation-now-available/#comments One of the conveniences introduced by the NXE last year was the ability to install games onto the Xbox 360 hard drive. Unfortunately, a select few games don't support the feature. Chief among the unsupported titles is Crackdown, Microsoft's addicting open-world action game. At least, it was until now, as Major Nelson has informed the masses that a title update is now available on Live that enables HDD installation of Crackdown.

Remember agent, installing isn't just for convenience, it's also for saving wear and tear on the DVD drive -- especially in games like Crackdown, which stream data constantly.

JoystiqCrackdown HDD installation now available originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActioncrackdownhddinstallationMicrosoft-Game-StudiosnxeRealtime-WorldsRiot-ActSandboxMon, 09 Nov 2009 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: Crackdown 2 lead designer Steve Iannetta]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/19/interview-crackdown-2-lead-designer-steve-iannetta/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/19/interview-crackdown-2-lead-designer-steve-iannetta/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/19/interview-crackdown-2-lead-designer-steve-iannetta/#comments In 2010, the agents are returning to action, this time with a new development team at the helm. Following a demo of Crackdown 2's single-player in action and a multiplayer deathmatch session, Ruffian Games' lead designer Steve Iannetta took time to discuss everything from new concepts and features in the sequel, the media's reaction to the RealTime Worlds "controversy" and evolving the co-operative world of Pacific City.

Gallery: Crackdown 2 (TGS 2009)

Continue reading Interview: Crackdown 2 lead designer Steve Iannetta

JoystiqInterview: Crackdown 2 lead designer Steve Iannetta originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actioncrackdowncrackdown-2interviewMicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosrealtime-worldsRiot-Act-2ruffian-gamesSandboxsteve-IannettaXbox-360Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: Microsoft Game Studios' Phil Spencer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/interview-microsoft-game-studios-phil-spencer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/interview-microsoft-game-studios-phil-spencer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/interview-microsoft-game-studios-phil-spencer/#comments If given the choice of becoming a (presumably) anthropomorphic vegetable, Phil Spencer would opt for an eggplant. Sure, we spoke to the confident head of Microsoft Game Studios about other things -- Halo, Project Natal, Fable, Crackdown, the Xbox 360's successor, blah blah blah -- but with that profound scoop out of the way, there's barely any reason to read this interview.

Mind you, the part where Spencer suggests that alternate forms of input (whether in addition to or in substitute of traditional controllers) might become a common expectation is pretty interesting. You should definitely read that.

Joystiq: We just came out of the Tokyo Game Show panel discussion for Project Natal ...

Phil Spencer: The creators panel.

Yes, the creators panel. Hideo Kojima was there; they brainstormed about all these games. How much focus is Microsoft Game Studios placing on Natal development internally in comparison to other projects?

It's a big focus for us in first party. As a first party, I think it's our duty, it's our responsibility to look at the new technologies that we bring to our platform. We did this with Live. We did at launch of 360. When we look at Project Natal as an opportunity for first party to truly innovate on our platform, creating new experiences, new intellectual property, we're very focused. A large percentage of the studio right now is thinking about Natal as part of what they're doing.

Continue reading Interview: Microsoft Game Studios' Phil Spencer

JoystiqInterview: Microsoft Game Studios' Phil Spencer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alan-WakeCrackdownCrackdown-2FableHaloHalo-3-ODSTinterviewMicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosODSTPhil-SpencerProject-Natalspawnpoint-studiosTGSTGS-2009Xbox-360Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview: Crackdown 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/30/preview-crackdown-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/30/preview-crackdown-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/30/preview-crackdown-2/#comments A hands-on preview of Crackdown 2 at TGS last week came with a catch: deathmatch only. No matter how much potential for greatness a game might possess, it's hard to gauge its true character when limited to a boring multiplayer mode. That's not to say that my time with Crackdown 2 was entirely boring -- it wasn't -- but simply playing the most generic mode of all didn't raise my enthusiasm beyond a mild passing interest.

While I wasn't able to play the game's single-player campaign, I was shown a rough portion of it in action. Ruffian lead designer Steve Iannetta and producer James Cope showcased the game's new weapons and enemies (the mutated citizens of Pacific City that were simply referred to as "The Freaks"). Unlike the deathmatch portion of the preview session, this part was interesting.

Gallery: Crackdown 2 (TGS 2009)

Continue reading Preview: Crackdown 2

JoystiqPreview: Crackdown 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actioncrackdowncrackdown-2deathmatchMicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosmultiplayerRiot-Act-2ruffianruffian-gamesSandboxtgs-2009Xbox-360Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:16:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS 2009: Watch a Crackdown 2 deathmatch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/tgs-2009-watch-a-crackdown-2-deathmatch/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/tgs-2009-watch-a-crackdown-2-deathmatch/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/tgs-2009-watch-a-crackdown-2-deathmatch/#comments One of the biggest surprises to come out of TGS 2009 is the presence of Crackdown 2 -- and it's playable! While the Ruffian Games developed sequel was only just announced at E3, Microsoft decided to let press in Tokyo step into an early build of the new Pacific City. Some textures were missing, and a few glitches popped up, but it was to be expected in what we were told was a game "roughly at 60 percent" complete.

Stay tuned, we'll post our impressions soon, along with an interview with Ruffian lead designer Steve Iannetta. (Oh, and just in case you were wondering: we mopped the floor with the competition.)

Gallery: Crackdown 2 (TGS 2009)

JoystiqTGS 2009: Watch a Crackdown 2 deathmatch originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actioncrackdowncrackdown-2deathmatchmicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosmultiplayerRiot-Act-2ruffian-gamesSandboxtgstgs-2009Xbox-360Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Overheard@TGS: Putting the 'crack' in Crackdown 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/overheard-tgs-putting-the-crack-in-crackdown-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/overheard-tgs-putting-the-crack-in-crackdown-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/overheard-tgs-putting-the-crack-in-crackdown-2/#comments During a behind-closed-doors presentation of Crackdown 2, Ruffian Games lead designer Steve Iannetta broke it down like this: "The orbs are the 'crack,' in Crackdown."

It's true, and Iannetta says that orb fiends will not be disappointed when they go hunting for the returning collectible in Crackdown 2. Stay tuned for gameplay footage and our hands-on impressions of the upcoming sandbox title.

Gallery: Crackdown 2 (TGS 2009)

JoystiqOverheard@TGS: Putting the 'crack' in Crackdown 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actioncrackdowncrackdown-2microsoftmicrosoft-game-studiosoverheardRiot-Act-2ruffianruffian-gamesSandboxsteve-iannettatgs-2009Xbox-360Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[New Crackdown 2 screens -- zombies included [updated]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/24/new-crackdown-2-screens-zombies-included/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/24/new-crackdown-2-screens-zombies-included/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/24/new-crackdown-2-screens-zombies-included/#comments
Click to embiggen
Is it still kosher to assume zombies are what's being featured in these Crackdown 2 screens? We saw a glimpse of the ... let's call them "mutated" enemies in the trailer released back at E3, but we'd yet to see them being punched, kicked, and exploded so vociferously before. With any luck, we'll nab some new gameplay video -- or maybe just impressions of new gameplay video -- when we check out the game this week at the Tokyo Game Show.

Update: After spotting 10 unlisted Crackdown 2 images on Ruffian's Flickr page, we were asked by Microsoft to remove the screens due to an exclusivity agreement with Game Informer magazine. In the interest of playing nice, we've complied with the request. We'll have the images back on Joystiq as soon as possible, we assure you ... though a Google Images search might net you results a bit sooner.

Gallery: Crackdown 2 (TGS 2009)

JoystiqNew Crackdown 2 screens -- zombies included [updated] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actioncrackdowncrackdown-2MicrosoftRiot-Act-2ruffianruffian-gamesSandboxscreenshotstgstgs-2009Xbox-360Thu, 24 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Crackdown shows up in Psych, writers obviously not familiar with video games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/10/crackdown-shows-up-in-psych-writers-obviously-not-familiar-with/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/10/crackdown-shows-up-in-psych-writers-obviously-not-familiar-with/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/10/crackdown-shows-up-in-psych-writers-obviously-not-familiar-with/#comments Video games often find their way into other forms of media, with cameos of upcoming software in vampire shows or how our consoles will one day rise up and destroy us all. In nearly every instance, TV show and film writers prove they aren't familiar with how games work or ditch logic for a silly premise. During the August 28 episode of Psych, we saw it happen again.

When faux psychic detective Shawn Spencer (James Roday) visits his father (played by Corbin Bernsen, above) for advice, we find the retired officer red-eyed and fixated on the console, waving a plastic toy gun as the game's controller. Although the game isn't named, we can see it's Crackdown, which Bernsen's character claims "lets you feel like a cop, without all the guilt after you shoot someone."

It's a funny cameo that weaves itself nicely into the episode's story, but goes a little crazy with the wacky video game accessory. Besides, everyone knows Crackdown 2 uses no controller and will be completely mapped to a player's body when Natal hits stores* in 2010. Check out a clip of all the episode's video game related gags after the break.

*We kid. We hope.

[Thanks, PsychOut]

Continue reading Crackdown shows up in Psych, writers obviously not familiar with video games

JoystiqCrackdown shows up in Psych, writers obviously not familiar with video games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actioncorbin-bernsenCrackdowndule-hilljames-rodayMicrosoft-Game-StudiosPsychRealtime-WorldsRiot-ActSandboxusa-networkxbox-360Thu, 10 Sep 2009 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft explains why Ruffian is the right choice for Crackdown 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/07/microsoft-explains-why-ruffian-is-the-right-choice-for-crackdown/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/07/microsoft-explains-why-ruffian-is-the-right-choice-for-crackdown/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/07/microsoft-explains-why-ruffian-is-the-right-choice-for-crackdown/#comments Before Microsoft revealed that Ruffian Games would be developing the upcoming Crackdown sequel, the original game's developer, Realtime Worlds, expressed some skepticism towards the idea. "I very much doubt that Microsoft would harm an otherwise fruitful existing development relationship by gambling on funding Crackdown 2 with a startup on RTW's doorstep, for obvious reasons," RTW's Colin MacDonald said last year. Things weren't so cut and dry for self-accused Crackdown fanboy (and Microsoft exec) Phil Spencer, who recently told Develop, "When Billy Thomson, the lead designer of the game [Crackdown 1], left Realtime Worlds, there was an opportunity."

Apparently, it would seem Mr. Spencer believes Realtime Worlds is simply too busy developing APB to give a Crackdown sequel the attention it deserves. "I wanted to make sure that anything we work on is correctly nurtured ... we had to find the right team who really understood what game it is - and that was Billy [Thompson] and the team at Ruffian." Crackdown 2 will be the first game developed by Ruffian Games since the studio's inception late last year.

JoystiqMicrosoft explains why Ruffian is the right choice for Crackdown 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Sep 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionapbbilly-thompsoncolin-macdonaldcrackdowncrackdown-2developmicrosoftphil-spencerrealtime-worldsRiot-Act-2ruffianruffian-gamesSandboxXbox-360Mon, 07 Sep 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Realtime Worlds celebrates new office opening, ever-expanding staff]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/28/realtime-worlds-celebrates-new-office-opening-ever-expanding-st/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/28/realtime-worlds-celebrates-new-office-opening-ever-expanding-st/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/28/realtime-worlds-celebrates-new-office-opening-ever-expanding-st/#comments Like the Scottish equivalent of George and Weezie, Crackdown developer Realtime Worlds is movin' on up. Rather than a deeeluxe apartment in the sky, the company has just opened an 8,000 sq. ft. office, adding to its already existing 26,000 sq. ft. location. Quite a feat considering the company moved into its current studio less than three years ago and has only ever shipped one game.

"We've had tremendous commercial and critical success, and have done the lion's share of the work towards a successful launch of our online title APB," studio manager Colin MacDonald says in the press release, referring to the company's upcoming PC MMO. Considering the down economy and flood of layoffs we saw earlier in the year, it's always good to see some expansion -- RTW is looking to reach over 300 employees by years end. And you could be one of them, as the company wants to remind everyone that "over 40 vacancies" exist in the careers section at the Realtime Worlds website. You live in Scotland, right?

JoystiqRealtime Worlds celebrates new office opening, ever-expanding staff originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionapbbusinesscrackdowneconomyhiringMicrosoftmmorealtime-worldsrealtimeworldsRiot-ActrtmSandboxscotlandthe-jeffersonsXbox-360Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[1.5 million copies of Crackdown sold is 'breaking even' for Realtime Worlds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/16/1-5-million-copies-of-crackdown-sold-is-breaking-even-for-real/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/16/1-5-million-copies-of-crackdown-sold-is-breaking-even-for-real/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/16/1-5-million-copies-of-crackdown-sold-is-breaking-even-for-real/#comments During a recent interview with Gamasutra, Realtime Worlds CEO David Jones talked about the success of the first Crackdown. Well, okay, maybe it wasn't a really huge success or anything, even though 1.5 million copies of the Halo 3 beta Crackdown were snatched up by consumers. It turns out that Realtime Worlds only broke even, which it partially blames on GameStop's used game sales.

"With Crackdown we sold about 1.5 million copies, but even at that we pretty much only managed to break even," Jones said. "It was due to the amount of factors that were out of our control as the developer, influences such as GameStop's amazing used-game sales; we know 1.5 million new copies were sold, but it's likely there were 2.5, three million sold when you include used." Hey, that sounds like another game we've heard about recently! Hopefully this whole game downloading thing will help with some of those trade-ins. Not that it's Realtime Worlds' problem to worry about any more.

Joystiq1.5 million copies of Crackdown sold is 'breaking even' for Realtime Worlds originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actioncrackdowncrackdown-2david-jonesgamestopMicrosoftrealtime-worldsRiot-ActsalesSandboxXbox-360Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Realtime Worlds explains shift to MMOs, says online market is 'untapped']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/15/realtime-worlds-explains-shift-to-mmos-says-online-market-is-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/15/realtime-worlds-explains-shift-to-mmos-says-online-market-is-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/15/realtime-worlds-explains-shift-to-mmos-says-online-market-is-u/#comments
(click to MMO-size)

Crackdown developer Realtime Worlds -- currently working on upcoming MMO All Points Bulletin -- is pretty excited about cashing in on the online market. During his keynote at the Develop conference this week, RTW exec David Jones explained his company's shift to MMO development as one with the intention of heading where "the big dollars are."

"Online ... is very, very much untapped -- it's kind of like winding the clock back 10 or 15 years," he said during the speech. Jones apparently cited Call of Duty 4 and Halo 3 as examples of games where players "invest hours" in the single-player campaign but "ten times that online" -- but isn't your game PC-only, Mr. Jones? We're not so sure, considering Jones' repeated references to "next-gen technology" throughout the keynote, 100-person servers for online play, and the recent EA partnership announcement -- though we'd be a lot more inclined to believe it if even a single MMO existed on current-gen consoles in any real capacity. When we asked RTW for comment on the possibility of APB coming to consoles, a representative told us, "There's no update on that front." Hey, we tried, right?

JoystiqRealtime Worlds explains shift to MMOs, says online market is 'untapped' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinapbbusinesscall-of-duty-4crackdowndave-jonesdevelop-conferencehalo-3mmopcrealtime-worldsWed, 15 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Crackdown 2 spotted on iPhone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/14/crackdown-2-spotted-on-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/14/crackdown-2-spotted-on-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/14/crackdown-2-spotted-on-iphone/#comments Get it? It's not an iPhone version of Crackdown 2. It's literally an iPhone with Crackdown 2 emblazoned across its shiny, shiny surface. It's a joke, see? The offending iPhone was spotted on the Ruffian blog, which noted it belonged to an unnamed executive producer at Microsoft.

Certainly, it's not quite as cool as a portable version of Crackdown 2 -- assuming it was a good portable version, anyway -- but it's cool nonetheless. At any rate, with the complete absence of any concrete Crackdown 2 details, we suppose it wil have to do for now.

JoystiqCrackdown 2 spotted on iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActioncrackdownCrackdown-2Microsoft-Game-StudiosRiot-Act-2ruffianRuffian-GamesSandboxTue, 14 Jul 2009 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Crackdown 2 features 4-player co-op, 16-player online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/crackdown-2-features-4-player-co-op-16-player-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/crackdown-2-features-4-player-co-op-16-player-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/crackdown-2-features-4-player-co-op-16-player-online/#comments Details posted to Xbox.com reveal that Ruffian Games' sequel to Crackdown -- the sleeper open-world, super-powered crime fighting game -- will feature cooperative four-player gameplay. The original game featured two-player, drop-in, drop-out co-op. Also noted: 16-player online multiplayer -- though not confirmed, this is presumably competitive and team-based. If you haven't done it yet, watch the official reveal trailer.

[Thanks, Erluti!]

JoystiqCrackdown 2 features 4-player co-op, 16-player online originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actioncrackdowncrackdown-2e3-2009microsoftRiot-Act-2Ruffian-GamesSandboxXbox-360Tue, 02 Jun 2009 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[The Agency is recruiting again: First Crackdown 2 trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/the-agency-is-recruiting-again-first-crackdown-2-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/the-agency-is-recruiting-again-first-crackdown-2-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/the-agency-is-recruiting-again-first-crackdown-2-trailer/#comments "The city is infected. You are the cure."

So begins the first trailer for Crackdown 2. The trailer subsequently showcases one of the Agency's supercops doing what he does best. If you've played the first Crackdown, you'll know that what an Agent does best is basically to be a complete and total badass. The only difference is that this time, it looks like the Agents just might have met their match. We won't spoil it for you, so just go ahead and give it a watch.

JoystiqThe Agency is recruiting again: First Crackdown 2 trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actioncrackdowncrackdown-2e3-2009mgsMicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosRiot-Act-2ruffianruffian-gamesSandboxXbox-360Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Crackdown 2 announced for Xbox 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/01/crackdown-2-announced-for-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/01/crackdown-2-announced-for-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/01/crackdown-2-announced-for-xbox-360/#comments Microsoft answered many an open-world action game fan's prayers today by finally confirming Crackdown 2 for Xbox 360. The game -- which has been rumored for some time -- was shown in trailer form during the company's pre-e3 press conference, currently underway in LA.

The footage appeared to be an in-game cinematic and showed a monster emerging from a sewer. We noticed that, while the game's art style is reminiscent of the original's, it did appear slightly more realistic. Also as rumored, the game is being developed by Ruffian Games, a studio comprised of many former Realtime Worlds staffers who worked on the first game. No release timeframe was teased. We'll do our best to crack down Microsoft's PR walls and get more info on the game over the next four days.

JoystiqCrackdown 2 announced for Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actioncrackdowncrackdown-2e3-2009microsoftRiot-Act-2ruffian-gamesSandboxXbox-360Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Ruffian Games expands team by 15, 'itching' to reveal first project]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/22/ruffian-games-expands-team-by-15-itching-to-reveal-first-proj/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/22/ruffian-games-expands-team-by-15-itching-to-reveal-first-proj/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/22/ruffian-games-expands-team-by-15-itching-to-reveal-first-proj/#comments While many other development studios are withering beneath the sweltering heat of the recession, it seems at least one studio is blossoming -- Ruffian Games, founded earlier this year by a number of former Fable II, Crackdown and GTA devs, recently announced that it had bolstered its staff with 15 new recruits.

This is great news for the unorthodoxly expanding studio (and for the recently employed developers), but we still don't know what Ruffian is working on. Apparently, this fact bothers them as much as it bothers us -- studio head Gaz Liddon said, "Now we're in full production, we're itching to share the fantastic work these guys have been producing," adding that he hoped said sharing "won't be too far away." We hope so too, as our attention span is pretty limited as far as -- Hey, a butterfly! Neat!

JoystiqRuffian Games expands team by 15, 'itching' to reveal first project originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 May 2009 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActioncrackdownCrackdown-2developmenthiringMicrosoftrecessionRiot-Act-2ruffianruffian-gamesSandboxstudioXbox-360Fri, 22 May 2009 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Industry professionals having trouble finding work]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/01/industry-professionals-having-trouble-finding-work/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/01/industry-professionals-having-trouble-finding-work/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/01/industry-professionals-having-trouble-finding-work/#comments
Things are tough all over, and after months of industry cutbacks and studio closures, a number of video game professionals have been left holding the bag in one hand and a pink slip in the other. While last week's Game Developers Conference gave many jobless developers the opportunity to hand out resumes, a new report from the LA Times writes that many are still having a difficult time finding work.

One issue is that with so many industry professionals pounding the streets, studios have their pick of talent. According to the Times, Ray Miller, an exec at Crackdown dev Realtime Words, collected a shopping bag full of resumes from job seekers at GDC, commenting, "We've been so busy talking to people that we haven't even touched our lunches." Still, as ECA blog GameCulture points out, all is not doom and gloom for those still on the outside, and with game sales in the US showing a steady increase so far in 2009 there is reason to hope that the recently unemployed will be able to find work soon. Then again, they could just start up their own company instead. That's working out alright for some of the downturn's victims so far.

[Via GameCulture]
[Image]

JoystiqIndustry professionals having trouble finding work originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 08:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crackdownecaeconomygdc-2009layoffsrealtime-worldsrecessionWed, 01 Apr 2009 08:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Ruffian Games job ad is decidedly Crackdown-free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/07/ruffian-games-job-ad-is-decidedly-crackdown-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/07/ruffian-games-job-ad-is-decidedly-crackdown-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/07/ruffian-games-job-ad-is-decidedly-crackdown-free/#comments
Scottish development house Ruffian Games has been the subject of a long-running rumor -- a rumor it is developing a sequel to Realtime Worlds' open-world 360 action title, Crackdown. To date, much of the speculation has centered around the high percentage of former Realtime Worlds staff now employed by Ruffian; staff that previously worked on Crackdown.

Now, up pops a Ruffian recruitment ad on Flickr, featuring a piece of artwork that looks wholly un-Crackdown-like. In fact, it's some sort of hideous beast. (In the good sense; no offense to the artist who drew it.) So, is this proof against the studio producing the rumored sequel or just Ruffian trying to throw us off the trail? We'd still wager we're not barking up the wrong developer, er ... tree.

JoystiqRuffian Games job ad is decidedly Crackdown-free originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Mar 2009 00:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actioncrackdowncrackdown-2MicrosoftRiot-Act-2ruffian-gamesSandboxXbox-360Sat, 07 Mar 2009 00:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Wheelman, Crackdown designers join Ruffian Games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/24/wheelman-crackdown-designers-join-ruffian-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/24/wheelman-crackdown-designers-join-ruffian-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/24/wheelman-crackdown-designers-join-ruffian-games/#comments It's fully a month on and we're still no closer to discovering just what newly founded Ruffian Games is up to than we were when it first broke ground. The fledgling company was first announced in January, formed by team members having worked on such titles and franchises as Fable 2, Grand Theft Auto and Crackdown.

Now a pair of new faces have joined the Scotland-based studio's eclectic cast, including Steve Iannetta, former lead world designer on Wheelman for Midway Newcastle. Iannetta was also a designer on Crackdown alongside Ed Campbell, who also joined the company. With so much former Crackdown talent on Ruffian Games' payroll (most everyone at the company had at least some part in the game's development), the smell of open worlds and explosions coming out of the Ruffian's kitchen is unmistakable.

JoystiqWheelman, Crackdown designers join Ruffian Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actioncrackdownfable-2grand-theft-autoLionheadLionhead-StudiosMGSMicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosRealtime-WorldsRiot-ActRPGruffianruffian-gamesSandboxwheelmanXbox-360Tue, 24 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fable 2, Crackdown, MotoGP devs form Ruffian]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/fable-2-crackdown-motogp-devs-form-ruffian/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/fable-2-crackdown-motogp-devs-form-ruffian/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/fable-2-crackdown-motogp-devs-form-ruffian/#commentsFiled under:

Writing about the announcement of a new studio is always tough, because there's just not a lot of information to go on. Take, for instance, newly founded Ruffian Games. It's located in Scotland, which seems like a good a place as any. Its mission? "To bring the best in action gaming to current generation consoles." Which, yeah, we guess we're on board with that.

The team members have worked on games like Fable 2, Crackdown, MotoGP and Grand Theft Auto, which all seem pretty ... disparate? What are we supposed to derive from this? Maybe we'd be better off just wishing Ruffian the best of luck and sitting on our hands until we see an actual game.

JoystiqFable 2, Crackdown, MotoGP devs form Ruffian originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jan 2009 16:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actioncrackdowngrand-theft-autoMicrosoftRealtime-WorldsRiot-Actruffian-gamesSandboxXbox-360Tue, 20 Jan 2009 16:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Realtime Worlds in 'discussions' with Microsoft about Crackdown 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/22/realtime-worlds-in-discussions-with-microsoft-about-crackdown/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/22/realtime-worlds-in-discussions-with-microsoft-about-crackdown/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/22/realtime-worlds-in-discussions-with-microsoft-about-crackdown/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Realtime Worlds honcho Colin MacDonald confirmed the studio is in "ongoing discussions" with Microsoft about the possibility of Crackdown 2. In a statement sent to VG247, MacDonald responded to rumors that a sequel is currently in development by Ruffian games, a new studio that allegedly employs several former Realtime Worlds staffers from the Crackdown development team.

The statement from MacDonald relays that about "five or six" ex-Realtime Worlds staff are employed by Ruffian, noting that he doubts whether Microsoft would harm its "otherwise fruitful existing development relationship" by funding a Crackdown sequel with a start-up on RTW's doorstep. We'll have to wait and see what happens, but if Ruffian does develop a potential Crackdown 2, it sounds like Realtime Worlds wouldn't be too happy.

[Thanks John. P]

JoystiqRealtime Worlds in 'discussions' with Microsoft about Crackdown 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crackdowncrackdown-2microsoftrealtime-worldsruffianruffian-gamesXbox-360Mon, 22 Dec 2008 08:30:00 EST