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[Dirt Showdown ditches rally for arcade-style events]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/dirt-showdown-ditches-rally-for-arcade-style-events/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/dirt-showdown-ditches-rally-for-arcade-style-events/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/dirt-showdown-ditches-rally-for-arcade-style-events/#comments
If you lamented Dirt 3's decorum and its increased focus on the rally discipline, Codemasters has a flashy alternative in Dirt Showdown, coming to PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in May 2012. Gamespot has the first details on the spinoff, which eschews racing for a trio of arcade-style modes and a plethora of pyrotechnics.

Dirt Showdown features "Hoonigan events," in which you perform driving stunts within compounds around the world (similar to Dirt 3's gymkhana challenges). You'll also find a crunchy ode to collisions in the demolition derby events, alongside some more straightforward (minus those devilish hairpin turns) racing modes. You won't find point-to-point style dashes through lush foliage and arid landscapes here -- though Gamespot notes they'll "return with a renewed focus on simulation in Dirt 4."

The preview claims that Showdown has an answer to Need for Speed's Autolog, allowing racers to challenge and monitor each other's performance online. A "mission-based" mode provides the foundation for much of these social challenges.

It seems the game's style and tone, compared to Dirt 3, is perhaps best captured in the "King of the Ring" gametype, which sees all participating cars racing to a central point and then disintegrating into a shiny cloud of wrecked bits. And to think, we used to be so impressed when those triangles came flying off the cars in PlayStation's Destruction Derby.

JoystiqDirt Showdown ditches rally for arcade-style events originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersdirtdirt-showdownmicrosoftpcplaystationps3q2-2012racingrelease-datexboxMon, 12 Dec 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dirt 3's 'VIP Pass' can't be disabled for PS3 owners]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/dirt-3s-vip-pass-cant-be-disabled-for-ps3-owners/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/dirt-3s-vip-pass-cant-be-disabled-for-ps3-owners/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/dirt-3s-vip-pass-cant-be-disabled-for-ps3-owners/#comments WB and Netherrealm earned some goodwill from PS3 Mortal Kombat owners recently, by disabling the "Kombat Pass" and allowing players to fight online without redeeming the one-time-use code in the PlayStation Store (which is down). Unfortunately, such a concession won't be possible for Dirt 3.

"We've looked into doing something similar for Dirt 3 but it's not technically possible," a Codemasters rep told Eurogamer. "It's hard-coded into the game." Removing the VIP pass requirement would involve a patch, the publisher explained, which would likely take longer to push through than it will take for the Store to come back online.

An alternate solution to this problem (though not for Dirt 3, since it's already out) would be to cut out Online Pass schemes in general. We wonder if anyone has suggested that.

JoystiqDirt 3's 'VIP Pass' can't be disabled for PS3 owners originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 May 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersdirtdirt-3online-passplaystationplaystation-storeps3psn-outage-2011vip-passWed, 25 May 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dirt 3 review: Pep rally]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/dirt-3-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/dirt-3-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/dirt-3-review/#comments Dirt 3 really, really wants you to love rally racing as much as it does. It wants you to love the speed, the grit, and the cheers of the crowd just barely audible over the roar of your engine. It also wants you to love how difficult the sport is, how tough it is to keep your off-road vehicle on the road in muddy terrain. It's a good thing that it does, because it doesn't find any qualms with dropping you right in the middle of its world of drifts, revs, and ... zombies?

Gallery: Dirt 3

Continue reading Dirt 3 review: Pep rally

JoystiqDirt 3 review: Pep rally originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 May 2011 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersdirtdirt-3microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxMon, 23 May 2011 16:59:00 EST<![CDATA[ESPN debuts Dirt 3 in action]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/01/espn-debuts-dirt-3-in-action/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/01/espn-debuts-dirt-3-in-action/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/01/espn-debuts-dirt-3-in-action/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The first trailer for Codemasters' upcoming rally game, Dirt 3, debuted last night on ESPN's X-Games. It offers a glimpse at several environments and promises the return of chilly weather effects to the series -- well, right before a truck explodes and heats things back up. Dirt 3, which is supposed to turn all that EXTREME showboating down a notch, is due in 2011.

Have a look at the trailer just after the break.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

Continue reading ESPN debuts Dirt 3 in action

JoystiqESPN debuts Dirt 3 in action originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 01 Aug 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemasterscolin-mcraecolin-mcrae-dirt-3dirtdirt-3microsoftpcplaystationps3racingrallycrosstrailerxboxSun, 01 Aug 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Codemasters dishes on acquisition, expansion and forthcoming games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/codemasters-dishes-on-acquisition-expansion-and-forthcoming-gam/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/codemasters-dishes-on-acquisition-expansion-and-forthcoming-gam/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/codemasters-dishes-on-acquisition-expansion-and-forthcoming-gam/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Codemasters employees worried about having to pack up their stuff and head for Bangalore should probably relax, as VP of studios Gavin Cheshire denied such plans in a Develop interview. After a recent 50 percent acquisition by Indian company Reliance Big Entertainment, worry apparently spread about the possibility of Codemasters relocating development to its new parent company's home country. "I can safely say that this is absolutely not the case," Cheshire said. "There are obviously some 'strategic' moves for both partners, but in terms of development at the level we're at, it's very much about Reliance investing in our skills and abilities over here in the UK."

Let's hope Reliance is investing lots, as Cheshire spells out a whole mess of titles currently in development at the UK-based publisher's trio of development studios. "Our Guildford studio is working hard on Bodycount, and we will be looking to take that franchise further and further with the addition of more IP. In Southam it's full steam ahead with the next iteration in our Flashpoint series, as well as the next Dirt and Grid."

Thankfully, with all those games in development, the publisher has a plan -- and an upcoming game engine, EGO 2.0 -- for helping to manage it all. "We are focused on EGO 2.0 at the moment, which will be coming in with a massive title that we can't talk about just yet. That will really keep us cutting-edge." Cutting-edge, you say? Figure skating sim confirmed?! We think so!

JoystiqCodemasters dishes on acquisition, expansion and forthcoming games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bodycountcodemastersdirtego-20gavin-cheshiregridoperation-flashpointreliance-big-entertainmentMon, 26 Jul 2010 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Codemasters VP casually reveals Dirt 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/codemasters-vp-casually-reveals-dirt-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/codemasters-vp-casually-reveals-dirt-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/codemasters-vp-casually-reveals-dirt-3/#comments Up until now, we hadn't the slightest inclination that Codemasters was hard at work on a third installment in the rallycross racing series, Dirt. According to a recent interview with Edge, though, studio vice prez Gavin Cheshire confirms not only the game's development, but also says, "there's some really great stuff coming from Birmingham that's going into Dirt 3." Cheshire was being interviewed on the subject of Codemasters as one of the last "big British publishers" when he revealed the publisher's development plans for the sequel.

The exec hopes to see more of the company's home of origin (and its culture) leak into the next Dirt game, saying "Dirt 2: brilliant game, but it's all American accents, so maybe we're a little over the top with those ... maybe we should fly the flag a bit more." In addition to this week's announce of Bodycount, that brings the publisher's GDC new game reveals up to two. Will we see more before the week is out? We just dont know.

[Via VG247]

JoystiqCodemasters VP casually reveals Dirt 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CodemastersColin-McRae-DiRTdirtdirt-2dirt-3gavin-cheshireMicrosoftracingXbox-360Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Randy's Picks of 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/02/best-of-the-rest-randys-picks-of-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/02/best-of-the-rest-randys-picks-of-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/02/best-of-the-rest-randys-picks-of-2009/#comments
Might and Magic: Clash of Heroes
 If I had my way ... well, a lot of things would be different. When it came to video games, I'd make sure that everyone -- whether they own a Nintendo DS or not -- had a chance to play Might and Magic: Clash of Heroes. Now, I know, Might and Magic? Isn't that some long-dead RPG franchise that's probably best left in the ground? Well, yes -- but Clash of Heroes is about as far from any of the other games in the series as you can get. At its core, it's a puzzle game -- a combat puzzle game -- developed by Capybara, the same team behind PSN's wonderful Critter Crunch. Take that game's core mechanic, add a load of clever new ones and build a story-driven experience around it and you have one of the finest (not to mention most addicting) DS games ever.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Randy's Picks of 2009

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Randy's Picks of 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 02 Jan 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Applebest-of-the-rest-2009CanabaltcapcomCodemastersColin-McRae-DiRTDiRTExcitebikeExcitebike-WiiExcitebike-World-Rallygod-of-war-collectioniPodMicrosoftmight-and-magic-clash-of-heroesMonster-GamesNeed-For-Speed-ShiftNintendoRacingstreet-fighterstreet-fighter-ivWiiwiiwareXbox-360Sat, 02 Jan 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Okay, for serious this time, DiRT 2 is coming to PC on December 8]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/06/okay-for-serious-this-time-dirt-2-is-coming-to-pc-on-december/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/06/okay-for-serious-this-time-dirt-2-is-coming-to-pc-on-december/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/06/okay-for-serious-this-time-dirt-2-is-coming-to-pc-on-december/#comments After suffering from a series of delays, Codemasters rallycross racer DiRT 2 is arriving on PCs this December 8. As confirmed by Codies community man "Ice" on the developer's forums, the game will be arriving a week late to the PC due to a reason that is "far too boring to go into." He assures fans that it's not a "technical issue in any way, shape, or form," and that he has assurance from the US office that the game's ship date is confirmed for December 8. Just a few more days, PC-owning DiRT fans! We promise this time!

Gallery: DiRT 2

JoystiqOkay, for serious this time, DiRT 2 is coming to PC on December 8 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CodemastersColin-McRae-DiRTDiRTMicrosoftRacingrelease-dateXbox-360Sun, 06 Dec 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DiRT 2 PC demo hits the track]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/dirt-2-pc-demo-hits-the-track/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/dirt-2-pc-demo-hits-the-track/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/dirt-2-pc-demo-hits-the-track/#comments The PC version of Codies racer DiRT 2 may be a bit behind the console pack, but it's crossing the finishing line in style. The extra time has allowed the team to throw a couple of more DirectXs in there (they've got it up to 11 now!) and fine-tune all of the game's tessellation.

And if you're still on the sidelines, wondering whether the game is for you (or, more importantly, if your puny rig can handle all of this Xtreme tessellation action), then why not try the game out right now? Codemasters was kind enough to hook up our sister site Big Download with a PC demo, so feel free to get a little dirty. Just, uh, change your clothes first. Your mom would kill us if you ruined that new Nickelback T-shirt.

JoystiqDiRT 2 PC demo hits the track originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersdemodirtdirt-2ken-blockracingTue, 01 Dec 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DirectX 11-powered Dirt 2 heading to PCs in early December]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/22/directx-11-powered-dirt-2-heading-to-pcs-in-early-december/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/22/directx-11-powered-dirt-2-heading-to-pcs-in-early-december/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/22/directx-11-powered-dirt-2-heading-to-pcs-in-early-december/#commentsDuring Microsoft's big coming-out party for Windows 7 today in New York City, Codemasters showed off the new DirectX 11 version of the upcoming PC port of Dirt 2 that you see above. Though the developer said little of new content additions being made to the game, the already gorgeous visuals have been gussied up with help from DirectX 11, and cheevos will be ready for the taking on Games for Windows Live. Meeting its previously announced delay head-on, Dirt 2 starts shipping in North America on December 1, with December 3 and 4 release dates for the rest of the world (in your face, world!).

JoystiqDirectX 11-powered Dirt 2 heading to PCs in early December originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemasterscolin-mcrae-dirt-2directxdirectx-11dirtdirt-2games-for-windowsgames-for-windows-livemicrosoftrelease-datetrailerThu, 22 Oct 2009 16:31:00 EST<![CDATA[GTA IV, Dead Space coming to Xbox 360 Games on Demand this month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/09/gta-iv-dead-space-coming-to-xbox-360-games-on-demand-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/09/gta-iv-dead-space-coming-to-xbox-360-games-on-demand-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/09/gta-iv-dead-space-coming-to-xbox-360-games-on-demand-this-month/#comments
The Xbox 360's Games on Demand service is getting quite the booster shot this month, as Microsoft has announced six new titles coming to the service in October. The festivities kicked off earlier this week with the release of Rainbow Six Vegas 2 and Call of Duty 3. Here's what the rest of this month has in store:

October 13
October 20
 October 27
 There's no word on price for any of these titles right now, so we've checked with Microsoft and will be sure to update you when we hear back.

JoystiqGTA IV, Dead Space coming to Xbox 360 Games on Demand this month originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>army-of-twocodemastersdead-spacedirteaElectronic-Artsgames-on-demandgta-ivMicrosoftmidnight-club-los-angelesrockstarsegasonic-unleashedXbox-360Fri, 09 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Codemasters' go-to driving dev departs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/01/codemasters-go-to-driving-dev-departs/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/01/codemasters-go-to-driving-dev-departs/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/01/codemasters-go-to-driving-dev-departs/#comments
Gavin Raeburn, the guy who may be most responsible for beloved Codies-brand racers like DiRT 2 and GRID, has resigned from the company, VG247 reports. After a stint lasting more than 20 years, the former executive producer has "moved on to pastures new," said Gavin Cheshire, VP of Codemasters Development.

Cheshire added, "it's positive for any individual to move when they feel they're at the top." "[Raeburn] leaves having built an incredibly talented team that's led by key players who will drive our racing portfolio forward." There's no word on where Raeburn is headed, but there's a good chance it's Disney World.

JoystiqCodemasters' go-to driving dev departs originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemasterscodiesdirtdirt-2gavin-raeburngridThu, 01 Oct 2009 13:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Dirt 2 is the 'breast' tattoo simulator ever]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/03/dirt-2-is-the-breast-tattoo-simulator-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/03/dirt-2-is-the-breast-tattoo-simulator-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/03/dirt-2-is-the-breast-tattoo-simulator-ever/#comments
Somehow we totally missed Dirt 2's reinvention of digital "dirt" -- from dusty rally racing to busty Sally tracing. At least, that's what the ploy at Dirtytats.com (NSFW) would have us believe. The game's promotional site presents visitors with a pair of animated assets to put one's ink on. We decided to give our models a lace bra-like tattoo to cover up the ample skin real estate and express -- in a word -- what we thought about this type of marketing being tied into a racing game (after the break, fellow art lovers).

Now, if Saints Row 2 had done something like this ... brilliant! It's all about context.

Gallery: DiRT 2

Continue reading Dirt 2 is the 'breast' tattoo simulator ever

JoystiqDirt 2 is the 'breast' tattoo simulator ever originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breastesescodemastersdirtdirt-2marketingtattooThu, 03 Sep 2009 11:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony publishing DiRT 2 for PSP, PS3 in PAL regions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/27/sony-publishing-dirt-2-for-psp-ps3-in-pal-regions/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/27/sony-publishing-dirt-2-for-psp-ps3-in-pal-regions/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/27/sony-publishing-dirt-2-for-psp-ps3-in-pal-regions/#comments
Sony continues its third-party publishing strategy in PAL territories today by taking up Codemasters' DiRT 2. Unlike the Ghostbusters venture, however, this is not a timed exclusive for PlayStation platforms. MCV reports that Sony will publish the PSP and PS3 versions of the game, while Codemasters handles publishing duties on all other platforms.

Codemasters' senior VP of publishing for EPAC, Axel Herr, is glad to have Sony take over, citing the series' "great affinity with the PlayStation brand in PAL territories for over 10 years" as one of the key factors behind the decision. We're sure all of the buzz around the PS3 Slim didn't hurt either.

JoystiqSony publishing DiRT 2 for PSP, PS3 in PAL regions originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersdirtdirt-2palracingsonyThu, 27 Aug 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Dirt 2 trailers feature fancy cars, lots of dirt]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/25/new-dirt-2-trailers-feature-fancy-cars-lots-of-dirt/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/25/new-dirt-2-trailers-feature-fancy-cars-lots-of-dirt/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/25/new-dirt-2-trailers-feature-fancy-cars-lots-of-dirt/#commentsWhat do a BMW Z4 Coupe, a Subaru WRX Hatch, and a mess of big trucks have in common? They'll all be at your disposal in upcoming rally-racer Dirt 2, silly! Aside from the game's striking visuals -- the ones that we marveled over when we saw it last February -- gameplay has always been a strong suit for Codemasters' dirt racer. While the video above, titled "Baja Raid," looks vaguely similar to games like Motorstorm and Pure, we expect a different, more simulation than arcade, feel from Dirt 2. Check out the rest of the trailers after the break or head over to our sister site Big Download and snag them for yourself in full HD glory.

Gallery: DiRT 2

Continue reading New Dirt 2 trailers feature fancy cars, lots of dirt

JoystiqNew Dirt 2 trailers feature fancy cars, lots of dirt originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 25 Jul 2009 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemasterscolin-mcraedirtdirt-2Microsoftpcracingrallysumo-digitalXbox-360Sat, 25 Jul 2009 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dirt 2 release date all cleaned up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/16/dirt-2-release-date-all-cleaned-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/16/dirt-2-release-date-all-cleaned-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/16/dirt-2-release-date-all-cleaned-up/#comments Codemasters today announced the official release dates for Dirt 2. The utterly filthy racing game will hit US shores on September 8, Europe on September 10 and the UK on September 11. For those out there who aren't filthy rich enough to own all the consoles, have no fear, for Dirt 2 will be available on PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, DS and PSP. Much like actual dirt, you should be able to find it just about anywhere.

Unless you want to pick up the PC version, which was recently delayed in order to accommodate DirectX 11. Expect it to arrive in December.

Gallery: DiRT 2

JoystiqDirt 2 release date all cleaned up originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemasterscolin-mcrae-dirt-2dirtdirt-2DSMicrosoftNintendoWiiXbox-360Thu, 16 Jul 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[First DiRT 2 media lacks polish]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/23/first-dirt-2-media-lacks-polish/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/23/first-dirt-2-media-lacks-polish/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/23/first-dirt-2-media-lacks-polish/#commentsWhen people criticize the Wii, the graphics are usually one of the first things mentioned. Codemasters' DiRT 2 is sure to bring about cries of "N64!" and other such malarkey, because, well, it looks bad. We'd like to be more diplomatic, but, yeah, you can see it in the trailer above and in the screens in the gallery below. Bad, right?

JoystiqFirst DiRT 2 media lacks polish originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CodemastersColin-McRae-DiRT-2DiRTDiRT-2RacingTue, 23 Jun 2009 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[DiRT 2 tips its hat to the late Colin McRae]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/18/dirt-2-tips-its-hat-to-the-late-colin-mcrae/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/18/dirt-2-tips-its-hat-to-the-late-colin-mcrae/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/18/dirt-2-tips-its-hat-to-the-late-colin-mcrae/#comments
When Scottish rally racer Colin McRae died in a tragic helicopter accident in September 2007, many wondered how his passing would affect the final version of DiRT, the McRae-branded racing game that would come out later that month. The answer? Well, it was too late in the game's development to include any significant changes -- but Codemasters is making sure that the upcoming sequel to the well-reviewed racer adequately tips its hat to the driver who spawned the series.

MTV Multiplayer checked out DiRT 2 during a recent preview in NYC, and reports that players will be working to qualify for the Colin McRae Memorial Cup -- what's more, Codemasters' Mark Turosz explained that players will "hear other drivers talking about him," and that "he's the central figure in the narrative." Rarely do video games dabble in real-life tragedies -- though it looks like Codemasters is handling it with a refreshing touch of class.

Gallery: DiRT 2

JoystiqDiRT 2 tips its hat to the late Colin McRae originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 20:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>colin-mcraedirtdirt-2MicrosoftracingXbox-360Thu, 18 Jun 2009 20:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Codemasters signs Ken Block for DiRT 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/31/codemasters-signs-ken-block-for-dirt-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/31/codemasters-signs-ken-block-for-dirt-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/31/codemasters-signs-ken-block-for-dirt-2/#commentsTaking up duties as the face of the DiRT franchise, popular rally driver Ken Block tells us why he wanted to be involved in Codemasters' racer in the video above. Taking inspiration from the late (and sorely missed) Colin McRae, the new kid on the block regales his story of getting involved in the sport of rally racing and how he hopes to fill the gigantic shoes left behind. The video isn't all sitting around and talking, however, as it also shows Ken's influence in the sequel, with some brief snippets of gameplay. Expect plenty of big air opportunities in DiRT 2, as is Ken's style.

DiRT 2 is drifting toward a Fall release on the PS3, PSP, Xbox 360, Wii, ColecoVision, DS, Virtual Boy, and PC.

Gallery: DiRT 2

JoystiqCodemasters signs Ken Block for DiRT 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersdirtdirt-2DSken-blockMicrosoftNintendopcracingrallyWiiXbox-360Tue, 31 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Codemasters wants 'gamer's games' on Wii, finds other publisher strategies 'bewildering']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/codemasters-wants-gamers-games-on-wii-finds-other-publisher/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/codemasters-wants-gamers-games-on-wii-finds-other-publisher/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/codemasters-wants-gamers-games-on-wii-finds-other-publisher/#comments
Codemasters has a couple new execs talking about the publisher's "cautious strategy" on the Wii -- and, by "cautious," they mean making titles that appeal to core gamers. UK General Manager Jeremy Wigmore and Marketing VP Alex Bertie tell MCV that Codemasters "can't ignore Wii," despite the publisher's emphasis on next-gen titles.

Bertie finds it "bewildering" to see what other companies are doing with Nintendo's juggernaut. He expresses that Codies isn't going to make "cheap, crappy ports" and expects the company to produce "gamer's games." Wigmore believes that other publishers constantly going to retail with a "mass-market product" only makes those games become "white noise." It'll be interesting to see if Codemasters retains its thinking about Wii after Overlord: Dark Legend releases in a few months and the publisher starts seeing sales figures.

JoystiqCodemasters wants 'gamer's games' on Wii, finds other publisher strategies 'bewildering' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersdirtNintendooverlord-dark-legendWiiWed, 04 Mar 2009 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Codemasters kicks up DiRT 2 for PSP too]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/20/codemasters-kicks-up-dirt-2-for-psp-too/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/20/codemasters-kicks-up-dirt-2-for-psp-too/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/20/codemasters-kicks-up-dirt-2-for-psp-too/#commentsFiled under:

Codemaster's critically acclaimed DiRT racing game is coming to PSP. Specifically, the sequel will be hitting the platform. This is surprising considering the first game never released on the handheld. DiRT 2 will launch on the PSP simultaneously with its big brother cousins on PS3 and Xbox 360 in 2009.

[Thanks, David B.!]

JoystiqCodemasters kicks up DiRT 2 for PSP too originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CodemastersColin-McRae-DiRT-2DiRTDiRT-2RacingThu, 20 Nov 2008 19:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii to get DiRTy in 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/20/wii-to-get-dirty-in-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/20/wii-to-get-dirty-in-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/20/wii-to-get-dirty-in-2009/#commentsFiled under:

The sequel to 2007's gem of a racing game, DiRT, is going to be releasing on Wii, says Codemasters. What do we say? Yay! We're pumped!

The Wii version will release simultaneously with the other console ports of the game next year, and is to include a "tuned-up car-handling physics system" and "new damage engine effects." We're hoping the game will be solid on the Wii, as it could benefit from the Wiimote. Think Excite Truck, but better.

So, who's excited for DiRT 2 next year?

JoystiqWii to get DiRTy in 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CodemastersColin-McRae-DiRT-2DiRTDiRT-2RacingThu, 20 Nov 2008 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Colin McRae: DiRT 2 is official, arrives 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/20/colin-mcrae-dirt-2-is-official-arrives-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/20/colin-mcrae-dirt-2-is-official-arrives-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/20/colin-mcrae-dirt-2-is-official-arrives-2009/#commentsFiled under:

In a recent interview with IGN UK, Codemasters' Gavin Raeburn spilled some of the first detaiils on Colin McRae: DiRT 2. First, Raeburn spoke to the decision to keep McRae's name in the title -- McRae died tragically in 2007. According to Raeburn, the decision was made by Codemasters in conjunction with the McRae family. He added that Colin McRae's "ventures into events such as the X-Games, Dakar Rally and the Race of Champions have inspired [Codemasters] to look at events covering the extremes of off-road motorsport. Raeburn says DiRT 2 will move in that direction and that "Colin will play a part in that." Raeburn concluded that "DiRT 2 will be a great tribute."

The game will be running on an improved version of the EGO engine, which powered the previous DiRT as well as the more recent GRiD. Among some of the improvements are "more physical modelling of the environment, improving lighting and shadowing" as well as greater use of a streaming system "to allow much higher texture detail." Raeburn adds that Codemasters is "pushing the boundaries of what is possible with the hardware as much as possible, and we're confident in our ability to lift the quality bar again." Given that DiRT is still considered one of the best looking games available, these are some hefty statements to make.

Players can also expect revamped single-player and multiplayer experiences, with Raeburn promising "progressive reward system and community features" for online multiplayer. DiRT 2 is scheduled to launch in 2009.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqColin McRae: DiRT 2 is official, arrives 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CodemastersColin-McRae-DiRTColin-McRae-DiRT-2DiRTDirt-2RacingThu, 20 Nov 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Codemasters talks Colin McRae: DiRT 2, coming 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/codemasters-talks-colin-mcrae-dirt-2-coming-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/codemasters-talks-colin-mcrae-dirt-2-coming-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/codemasters-talks-colin-mcrae-dirt-2-coming-2009/#commentsFiled under: , ,

IGN UK has an interview up in which Codemasters provides some, well, dirt on Colin McRae: DiRT 2, due next year. Yes, the game is in development (for PC, PS3, and 360), and yes, the Colin McRae branding is being retained despite the legendary rally driver's untimely death last year.

So, what's new for the off-road racing series that caused Ludwig bodily injury? Not the engine - it's running on the EGO tech that drove the original DiRT and GRID, albeit an enhanced version of it. "More physical modeling of the environment, improving lighting and shadowing, and broadening the use of our streaming system to allow much higher texture detail," are to be expected, according to executive producer Gaven Raeburn.

It's not just retaining McRae's name, either. "His ventures into events such as the X-Games, Dakar Rally and the Race of Champions have inspired us to look at events covering the extremes of off-road motorsport," said Raeburn. "DiRT 2 will be a great tribute, and we'll be revealing more about this over the coming months."

Hopefully, Ludwig will still be playing Far Cry 2 when DiRT 2 hits, so we won't have to insitute a Joystiq Injury Watch program.

[Via Shacknews]

JoystiqCodemasters talks Colin McRae: DiRT 2, coming 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemasterscolin-mcrae-dirt-2dirtdirt-2PS3Xbox-360Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: Keeping it clean]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/ds-daily-keeping-it-clean/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/ds-daily-keeping-it-clean/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/ds-daily-keeping-it-clean/#commentsFiled under:

Although this blogger personally prefers the cool, Mac-esque appearance of the Polar White DS (it is, after all, the perfect match for the Wii), there's a good reason I don't own one: it gets hella dirty, hella quickly. It's just fairly unavoidable -- the thing is called a handheld. Hands aren't always clean.

Not that DSes of a different shade are much better. Indeed, as beautiful as the DS Lite is, they all have their fair share of grooves for dirt to creep into. Fingerprints on the glossy casing and grime that accumulates around the edges of the screens are particular culprits.

So today's question is simple: what's your cleaning routine for keeping your DS sparkling and muck-free? How often do you give it a clean (you do clean it, right?), and are there any useful techniques you'd like to share for those of us who'd prefer to keep our DSes skinless?

JoystiqDS Daily: Keeping it clean originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cleandirtdsdmaintenanceThu, 05 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Codies share design knowhow with automotive tech firm]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/codies-share-design-knowhow-with-automotive-tech-firm/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/codies-share-design-knowhow-with-automotive-tech-firm/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/codies-share-design-knowhow-with-automotive-tech-firm/#commentsFiled under: ,


Worlds are colliding, as Codemasters has announced what it calls a "strategic partnership" with automotive 3D effects firm Realtime Technology to share vehicle rendering and modeling practices for upcoming projects.

The partnership includes collaboration over rendering tools such as RTT DeltaGen and RealTrace, used in rendering CAD models in real time, and Codemasters' EGO game engine, seen in titles such as last year's DiRT and the upcoming Race Driver: GRID. What exactly this meeting of the minds will mean for gamers remains fuzzy, though considering Realtime Technology's considerable footprint in the automotive industry with clients such as Audi, Maserati and Rolls-Royce among many others, maybe this is all part of Codemasters' grand scheme to make racing games exciting once more.

JoystiqCodies share design knowhow with automotive tech firm originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 09:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersdirtegogridrealtime-technologyrealtimetechnologyrttThu, 10 Apr 2008 09:10:00 EST<![CDATA[GameTap Thursday: Mardi kicks up DiRT and Pop-A-Tronic Warlords]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/gametap-thursday-mardi-kicks-up-dirt-and-pop-a-tronic-warlords/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/gametap-thursday-mardi-kicks-up-dirt-and-pop-a-tronic-warlords/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/gametap-thursday-mardi-kicks-up-dirt-and-pop-a-tronic-warlords/#commentsFiled under: , ,


GameTap pulls one of its random Tuesday updates this week immediately causing us to become suspicious. There must be some dastardly trick in here somewhere for this April Fool's update to make sense?! Typically the Tuesday updates are only reserved for exclusive releases or holidays. We're pretty sure it's got nothing to do with this week's three new games.
  • DiRT (Windows) - An exceptional racer that broke one of our writers. Hours of gameplay to be had for those looking for something between simulation and arcade style racing.
  • Pop-A-Tronic (Windows) - It's a color matching casual game. As with all match-three color games it's best enjoyed with some pharmacological enhancement. Not that we condone such actions.
  • Warlords (DOS) - A strategy game from many moons ago which eventually transformed into the Warlords Battlecry series.
Well, there was nothing nefarious in that update. After the break we've posted GameTap's list of free games, which adds the enjoyable Mr. Robot and Captain McGrandpa -- Memory of the Forgotten. Qu'est-ce que c'est? What's Captain McGrandpa? Hmm, we may have to check out the GameTap forums later to see what this mélange of trick and treat might be.

Continue reading GameTap Thursday: Mardi kicks up DiRT and Pop-A-Tronic Warlords

JoystiqGameTap Thursday: Mardi kicks up DiRT and Pop-A-Tronic Warlords originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Apr 2008 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dirtgametapgametapthursdayMacPCpop-a-tronicwarlordsTue, 01 Apr 2008 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Deal of the Day: Rock Band goes on sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/26/deal-of-the-day-rock-band-goes-on-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/26/deal-of-the-day-rock-band-goes-on-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/26/deal-of-the-day-rock-band-goes-on-sale/#commentsFiled under:

Yes, it's a $148 deal. amazon.com has the Rock Band Special Edition (with guitar, drums and microphone) for $148 -- that's $22 cheaper than elsewhere. And with free shipping, you won't have to lug this beast of a package around.

The drum kit is also available by itself, for $69. That's $11 off the regular price.

Oh, and if you don't like music, there's the racing game DiRT for $30.

[Via CAG]

JoystiqDeal of the Day: Rock Band goes on sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Mar 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CodemastersdealdealofthedaydealsDiRTRacingrock-bandWed, 26 Mar 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Ludwig's picks of 2007]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/best-of-the-rest-ludwigs-picks-of-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/best-of-the-rest-ludwigs-picks-of-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/best-of-the-rest-ludwigs-picks-of-2007/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure (Wii)

Though its puzzles may occasionally infuriate, the real source of frustration regarding Zack & Wiki stems from the fact that nobody bought it. Every year has its share of titles that deserve an audience yet never find one, and in this regard, Zack & Wiki is easily one of the most tragic games to put an uncontrollable smile on your face. Relentlessly charming and beautifully presented, the debut of Capcom's choc-chomping pirate and his simian sidekick challenges the mind and warms that cynical, meh-spouting lump in your chest. How refreshing it was to overcome obstacles and bosses by choosing the power of the mind over an impossibly large bazooka.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Ludwig's picks of 2007

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Ludwig's picks of 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jan 2008 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Best-of-the-rest-2007BlueDragonDirtDSGOTY-2007Metroid-PrimeMetroidPrime3Pac-ManPCPhantom-HourglassPhantomHourglassPhoenix-WrightPhoenixWrightPS3StrangleholdSuperPaperMarioTheDarknessTomb-RaiderTomb-Raider-AnniversaryUnchartedWiiXbox-360Zack-and-WikiZack-and-Wiki-Quest-for-Barbaros-TreasureZeldaWed, 02 Jan 2008 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Codemasters pushed into record year by US sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/codemasters-pushed-into-record-year-by-us-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/codemasters-pushed-into-record-year-by-us-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/codemasters-pushed-into-record-year-by-us-sales/#commentsFiled under:


Overlord, Dirt and Meh-richo publisher Codemasters has announced its financial results for the full year ending June 30th, a year the European company claims was its best in the 22 years since inception. A 38% rise in sales and an increase of revenues to $149 million is largely to blame on a 332% improvement in sales within the US retail channel. Perhaps blasting rally fans with the faux hip voice of Travis Pastrana wasn't such a bad move after all.

A Gamasutra report further notes that these positive results follow from a recent $84.3 in game design and development, as well as a prominent marketing and distribution agreement with Warner Bros. home entertainment group. Mind you, releasing solid games such as Overlord and Dirt couldn't have hurt either.

JoystiqCodemasters pushed into record year by US sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Nov 2007 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CodemastersDirtJerichoOverlordMon, 19 Nov 2007 18:55:00 EST<![CDATA[The B[ack]log: Coming clean (about Dirt)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/17/the-b-ack-log-coming-clean-about-dirt/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/17/the-b-ack-log-coming-clean-about-dirt/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/17/the-b-ack-log-coming-clean-about-dirt/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


[The B[ack]log now returns from hiatus which, given the subject matter, is probably a bad thing.]

A few weeks ago, I experienced my first proper gaming injury... and it wasn't at all how I imagined it would be. My fantasies of physical folly usually involve a mangled foot on a Dance Dance Revolution machine or a Wii remote lodged in an eye socket, bodily damage incurred from activities that largely require, you know, activity. I considered it a dubious achievement to have unlocked pain in a part of my body simply by sitting on a couch and fervently pushing buttons. How fragile my body is!

Though the process of waking up is generally one I try to avoid -- it feels too much like being dragged through the dangling rubber strips at the top of an airport baggage claim -- I immediately knew that Monday morning was off to an even worse start than usual. The immobilizing lower back pain was the obvious clue, its origin being quite the mystery at first. Was I picking up refrigerators in my sleep? Did someone replace my mattress with a pile of rakes? Or did I really manage to hurt myself by playing Dirt non-stop for a weekend?

Continue reading The B[ack]log: Coming clean (about Dirt)

JoystiqThe B[ack]log: Coming clean (about Dirt) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Oct 2007 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BacklogDirtPCPS3RallyXbox-360Wed, 17 Oct 2007 19:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Codemasters pulls McRae ads]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/20/codemasters-pulls-mcrae-ads/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/20/codemasters-pulls-mcrae-ads/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/20/codemasters-pulls-mcrae-ads/#commentsFiled under: ,


Following the death of rally car driver Colin McRae last weekend in a helicopter crash, Codemasters has decided to pull advertising for the PS3 version of Colin McRae: DiRT out of respect. Codemasters says that the ads are being stopped "with consideration to and in agreement with McRae's family." The helicopter crash in which McRae died also claimed the life of his five-year-old son.

We're curious to see how McRae's death will impact the future of the series. Considering the American version of DiRT didn't really have McRae's name attached to it, it's more of a question about the European versions.

JoystiqCodemasters pulls McRae ads originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Sep 2007 18:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>colinmcraecommercialdirtPS3tragedyThu, 20 Sep 2007 18:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Breaking news: Racer Colin McRae dies in helicopter crash]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/16/breaking-news-racer-colin-mcrae-dies-in-helicopter-crash/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/16/breaking-news-racer-colin-mcrae-dies-in-helicopter-crash/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/16/breaking-news-racer-colin-mcrae-dies-in-helicopter-crash/#commentsFiled under: ,


[Update: Codemasters, publisher of the Colin McRae games, has issued an official statement.]

A sad day for fans of racer Colin McRae on Saturday as news broke that he died in a helicopter crash. He was apparently piloting a chopper near his home in Lanarkshire when something went tragically wrong, and according to eyewitnesses it exploded in a fireball. It's not known who else was onboard with him, but some reports say his five year old son may have been aboard as well. McRae's five-year-old son was also killed in the crash.

The official Colin McRae website is completely black as a sign of mourning, and our thoughts go out to his friends and family during this tragedy. The last video game bearing his name, Colin McRae: DiRT was released earlier this summer, and sold over 500k copies in its first week of release. Born in Lanark in 1968, McRae was the son of five-time British Rally Champion, Jimmy McRae. He was the first Briton to be named world champion when he won the event in the mid-1990s and was awarded an MBE by the Queen for his outstanding achievements.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

JoystiqBreaking news: Racer Colin McRae dies in helicopter crash originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 16 Sep 2007 04:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsColin McRaeColinMcraeDiRTrallytragedySun, 16 Sep 2007 04:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Worldwide PS3 releases for the week of September 10th]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/09/worldwide-ps3-releases-for-the-week-of-september-9th/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/09/worldwide-ps3-releases-for-the-week-of-september-9th/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/09/worldwide-ps3-releases-for-the-week-of-september-9th/#commentsFiled under: ,

This week's release list can only be described as ... heavenly. We've been waiting for a long time for this. Heavenly Sword is finally available to the masses this week and we can't wait to get our hands on it. Here's the full release list:

US Games
European Games
 Asian Games
 Check it out. Two potentially great games being released simultaneously throughout America and Europe. This is what we really love to see. As for Megazone 23: Aoi Garland, we've never heard of it. If you're intrigued and want to try it out then go right ahead, your PS3 will play games from any region. Release dates are constantly subject to change, so always keep that in mind.

JoystiqWorldwide PS3 releases for the week of September 10th originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 09 Sep 2007 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CodemastersColin-McRae-DiRT-2DiRTDiRT-2euroreleasesheavenlyswordRacingreleasesSun, 09 Sep 2007 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Network store gets a DiRTy update]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/17/playstation-network-store-gets-a-dirty-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/17/playstation-network-store-gets-a-dirty-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/17/playstation-network-store-gets-a-dirty-update/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We don't know if you realized this, but since July 16th, the only new releases for the Xbox 360 and the PS3 have been three football games and a NASCAR game. When times get this tight, you've got to take the fun where you can get it, and PS3 gamers got a nice fun infusion yesterday with a big update to the PSN store.

You can now find demos for DiRT and NCAA Football 08, trailers for Folklore and Timeshift, a making-of doc for Heavenly Sword and a few assorted movie trailers. Hopefully, there's enough there to get you guys through, just remember, when times get tough: Warhawk's just around the corner.

JoystiqPlayStation Network store gets a DiRTy update originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Aug 2007 08:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demosdirtncaafootballPS3psnwarhawkFri, 17 Aug 2007 08:35:00 EST<![CDATA[PSP Fanboy Theatre: Volume 29]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/12/psp-fanboy-theatre-volume-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/12/psp-fanboy-theatre-volume-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/12/psp-fanboy-theatre-volume-29/#commentsFiled under:

Finally, after a long E3-related hiatus, PSP Fanboy Theatre is back with an all new edition. Every weekend, PSP owners can download files wirelessly via m.pspfanboy.com.

Instructions: Save all movie and thumbnail files to the VIDEO folder. These high resolution 480x272 videos require firmware 3.30 or above. (Note: OE custom firmware will also play these videos.)

New for PSP: Get selected videos delivered automatically to your PSP via our new RSS feed.


Legend of the Heavenly Sword: Part 1
Download MP4 (13.0MB) | Download JPG

The following videos are featured after the break: Tekken: Dark Resurrection, Stranglehold, WWE Smackdown Vs RAW 08, Haze, Dirt.

Continue reading PSP Fanboy Theatre: Volume 29

JoystiqPSP Fanboy Theatre: Volume 29 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 12 Aug 2007 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CodemastersColin-McRae-DiRT-2DiRTDiRT-2hazeRacingsmackdownstrangleholdtekkentheatreSun, 12 Aug 2007 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Get Dirt on your PS3 this September]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/01/get-dirt-on-your-ps3-this-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/01/get-dirt-on-your-ps3-this-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/01/get-dirt-on-your-ps3-this-september/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Codemasters has announced that the PlayStation 3 version of gratuitously grimy off-road racer, Dirt, will skid into stores this September. Having already crushed several Xbox 360 controllers due to the sheer tension experienced when rapidly hurling a screeching hunk of metal through a tight corner, we're pleased to note that the Playstation 3 version will support sturdy racing wheels and force feedback functionality. Several PlayStation 2 peripherals, including the Logitech Driving Force range, are more than welcome at these rally events.

One feature touted as being unique to the PlayStation 3 is 7.1 audio, bolstered by "third-order Ambisonic soundfields for the most realistic positioning." We're not sure what that is exactly, but it sounds like something we'd enjoy. There's no mention of Sixaxis motion support in the release, though shaking the controller violently would be an appropriate way of strangling Dirt's annoying co-driver. Take that, "Mr. Smooth!"

JoystiqGet Dirt on your PS3 this September originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Aug 2007 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CodemastersDirtPCPS3RallyXbox-360Wed, 01 Aug 2007 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Picking up the PS3 version of DiRT? It's ready to rumble]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/picking-up-the-ps3-version-of-dirt-its-ready-to-rumble/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/picking-up-the-ps3-version-of-dirt-its-ready-to-rumble/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/picking-up-the-ps3-version-of-dirt-its-ready-to-rumble/#commentsJohn Yan recently took the time to tour the booths at E3 and came away with his impressions for a few games, but one bit near the end caught our attention above all else. He saw the PS3 version of Colin McRae's DiRT and claimed it looked more refined than the 360 and PC counterparts. We're not worried about the graphics and all that, though. There was something else that piqued our interest.

There was a rumble option in the game's options screen. John asked the folks showcasing the game if the rumble feature would exist in the final product for the PS3 and they answered yes. DiRT is prepared to take advantage of the new rumble feature coming to the Sixaxis controller in a matter of months. Isn't that exciting? The controller isn't out yet, but game developers are already prepared to offer the feature in their games. It's great news for all of us, especially those who really need to feel some vibrations in their hands. You know who you are!

[Thanks, John!]

JoystiqPicking up the PS3 version of DiRT? It's ready to rumble originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jul 2007 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CodemastersColin-McRae-DiRTDiRTRacingMon, 16 Jul 2007 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DiRT for the PS3 "looks fantastic compared to the 360"]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/dirt-for-the-ps3-looks-fantastic-compared-to-the-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/dirt-for-the-ps3-looks-fantastic-compared-to-the-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/dirt-for-the-ps3-looks-fantastic-compared-to-the-360/#commentsFiled under:

PlayStation 3 owners currently have to deal with some headaches when it comes to third party multiplatform titles. Games like Rainbow 6 and GRAW 2 come months and months after the 360/PC versions and games like The Darkness that arrive on time frequently are missing a couple of the graphical flourishes found on the other versions. It's frustrating though not entirely unexpected considering the complexity of the PS3 and it's shorter time on the market. Fortunately, as developers get more accustomed to developing for the PlayStation 3 they're getting better and better at making the PS3 version of multiplatform games.

Codemaster's DiRT is a good example, while it is arriving a couple months after the PC/360 version it's not a huge delay and it appears that the time isn't being spent simply bringing the PS3 version up to the quality of the 360 version. No, according to a Gamespot interview, the time is being spent making the PS3 one better than the other versions. The developer espouses at length about how much better the PS3 version will be, saying that it "looks fantastic compared to the 360." He further explains that the framerate is better, that there is full support for all the PS2 steering wheels, and that they now have full uncompressed 7.1 surround sound -- something 'the 360 didn't allow us to do.'

Great news all around for PS3 owners frustrated about the delay of the highly anticipated racer. While it's always nice getting a game as soon as possible, getting a better game by waiting a couple months is a pretty solid trade-off. DiRT will be out this fall (around September) and according to the developer we'll also be getting a demo before then, so keep an eye on the PS Store for more gorgeous offroad racing.

[Via N4G]

JoystiqDiRT for the PS3 "looks fantastic compared to the 360" originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jul 2007 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersdirtmultiplatformThu, 12 Jul 2007 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Codemasters says DiRT sold 500,000 in one week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/codemasters-claims-dirt-sold-500-000-cites-vg-chartz/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/codemasters-claims-dirt-sold-500-000-cites-vg-chartz/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/codemasters-claims-dirt-sold-500-000-cites-vg-chartz/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Behold the power of mud! Rally racer DiRT has sold globally 500,000 copies in its first week of release, according to Codemasters. The publisher cites statistics from web site VG Chartz that the Colin McRae-less US version was number one on the Xbox 360 charts, a move that is sure to get the NPD a little hot and bothered.

Speaking with Joystiq, VG Chartz president Brett Walton said that the 500,000 shipment figure "is likely to be a shipment figure" (i.e. Codemasters has sold 500,000 to the retailers, not necessarily to the consumer). Walton said that the sales were 110,000 in the US (70,000 for Xbox 360 and 40,000 on the PC) and around 150,000 total in Europe.

JoystiqCodemasters says DiRT sold 500,000 in one week originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jun 2007 20:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemasterscolin mcraeColinMcraedirtnpdPCvg chartzVgChartzXbox-360Thu, 28 Jun 2007 20:25:00 EST