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 2015 AOL, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Sid Meier's 'Starships' blasts off this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/sid-meiers-starships-blast-off-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/sid-meiers-starships-blast-off-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/sid-meiers-starships-blast-off-this-year/#comments
The house Sid Meier built, Firaxis, will send out an "interstellar strategy game" for PC, Mac and iPad in early 2015. According to 2K's initial announcement, players will research new technologies and spaceship designs, pierce through the unknown reaches of the galaxy and fight in turn-based combat, all hinged on "distinctive" maps and dynamically created combat missions.

"My goal was to create an experience that focuses on starship design and combat within a universe filled with interstellar adventure, diplomacy, and exploration," says Meier.

Publisher 2K is also teasing cross-connectivity between Starships and last year's turn-based Civilization spin-off, Beyond Earth.

Continue reading Sid Meier's 'Starships' blasts off this year

JoystiqSid Meier's 'Starships' blasts off this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Jan 2015 08:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k2k-gamesfiraxisFiraxis-Gamesiosipadmacmobilepcsid-meiers-starshipsstarshipsMon, 19 Jan 2015 08:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Civilization: Beyond Earth]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/23/metareview-civilization-beyond-earth/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/23/metareview-civilization-beyond-earth/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/23/metareview-civilization-beyond-earth/#comments Joystiq's Alexander Sliwinski gave 2K's interstellar strategy game Civilization: Beyond Earth four stars in his review, alternately praising it as "a good game in the context of the Civilization franchise" while also framing it as "a cut-rate disappointment" compared to its inspiration, Alpha Centauri.

While some feel that it comes up short compared to its predecessors, Civilization: Beyond Earth still has a lot to offer for fans of the strategy genre. Here's a small sampling of what critics are saying.

Continue reading Metareview: Civilization: Beyond Earth

JoystiqMetareview: Civilization: Beyond Earth originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Oct 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamescivilization-beyond-earthfiraxisfiraxis-gamesmetareviewmetareviewspcThu, 23 Oct 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Civ: Beyond Earth lands on Mac, Linux this holiday season]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/23/civ-beyond-earth-lands-on-mac-linux-this-holiday-season/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/23/civ-beyond-earth-lands-on-mac-linux-this-holiday-season/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/23/civ-beyond-earth-lands-on-mac-linux-this-holiday-season/#comments Mac and Linux users won't have to wait long to micromanage the cosmos as Civilization: Beyond Earth will reach the two non-PC platforms in time for the holiday season.

"Players anxious to take a turn at the Mac and Linux versions may pre-order Beyond Earth right now through Aspyr's online store at GameAgent.com," reads 2K Games' official announcement. "All pre-orders through GameAgent.com will include the Exoplanets Map Pack as a free bonus. Additionally, any customers who are established GameAgent members will find a note on the Beyond Earth product page that will grant them a special 15% pre-order discount. This offer expires once the Mac and Linux versions of Beyond Earth have launched."

According to 2K, the Mac and Linux games will feature all the same content as the PC version which is slated to launch on October 24, and all versions of Civilization: Beyond Earth will feature cross-platform multiplayer functionality. Of course, that's still months away, so while you wait to build your fledgling intergalactic empire, you can bide your time by reading our four of five stars review.
[Image: 2K Games]

JoystiqCiv: Beyond Earth lands on Mac, Linux this holiday season originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Oct 2014 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamescivilization-beyond-earthFiraxis-GamesmacThu, 23 Oct 2014 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Civilization: Beyond Earth review: Buy-in Alpha Centauri]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/23/civilization-beyond-earth-review-buy-in-alpha-centauri/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/23/civilization-beyond-earth-review-buy-in-alpha-centauri/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/23/civilization-beyond-earth-review-buy-in-alpha-centauri/#comments Viewed through the idea that it's a standalone expansion to Sid Meier's Civilization 5, Sid Meier's Civilization: Beyond Earth streamlines gameplay in the long-running strategy series to enhance the pace of the historically-strapped franchise. As a spiritual successor to Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri, however, it's a cut-rate disappointment.

Beyond Earth is best described as an epilogue to the events of Civilization 5. Humanity has ruined the planet and must commit itself to starting all over again on another rock and potentially making the same mistakes. And so, various nations make conglomerate factions and shoot for another spherical mass to strategically explore, expand, exploit and exterminate (4X) one another.

Why I wish Firaxis had never mentioned Beyond Earth as a spiritual successor to Alpha Centauri is that this game doesn't look like it was given the financial resources to kick off a new franchise. It feels like it had the budget of a Civ 5 expansion, where asset creation went into making a visually interesting game world, but not its overall presentation. The characters are painfully dull and inarticulate. The tech and wonder voiceovers are all done by one person, but in many cases are attributed to faction leaders within the game (who do have their own voices). The experience doesn't feel luxe. Firaxis has been the benchmark in accessible strategy games and it's owned by triple-A publisher Take-Two Interactive, but I've seen stronger production values from independent European competitors.

Continue reading Civilization: Beyond Earth review: Buy-in Alpha Centauri

JoystiqCivilization: Beyond Earth review: Buy-in Alpha Centauri originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beyond-earthcivilizationcivilization-beyond-earthfiraxisFiraxis-GamespcThu, 23 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Civilization: Beyond Earth's intro cinematic race skywards]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/15/watch-civilization-beyond-earths-intro-cinematic-race-skywards/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/15/watch-civilization-beyond-earths-intro-cinematic-race-skywards/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/15/watch-civilization-beyond-earths-intro-cinematic-race-skywards/#comments
Alpha Centauri. Not the final frontier. This is the intro to the voyages of the starship Civ: Beyond Earth. Its October 24 mission: to explore space-based strategy. To seek out new life in a new Civlization. To boldly go where no Firaxis has gone before, except that one time.
[Image: 2K Games]

JoystiqWatch Civilization: Beyond Earth's intro cinematic race skywards originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Oct 2014 08:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-GamesfiraxisFiraxis-GameslinuxmacpcTake-Two-InteractiveWed, 15 Oct 2014 08:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Civilization maestro Sid Meier discuss his storied career]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/10/watch-civilization-maestro-sid-meier-discuss-his-storied-career/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/10/watch-civilization-maestro-sid-meier-discuss-his-storied-career/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/10/watch-civilization-maestro-sid-meier-discuss-his-storied-career/#comments

While you wait for the October 24 debut of Civilization: Beyond Earth you can pass the time with this lengthy presentation from Civilization creator Sid Meier, in which the legendary developer offers insight into his impressive career and the strategy games that have made him such a revered figure.
[Image: 2K Games]

JoystiqWatch Civilization maestro Sid Meier discuss his storied career originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Oct 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Gamescivilization-beyond-earthFiraxis-Gamesmacpcsid-meierFri, 10 Oct 2014 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Civilization: Beyond Earth before planetfall 10-minute trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/01/civilization-beyond-earth-before-planetfall-10-minute-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/01/civilization-beyond-earth-before-planetfall-10-minute-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/01/civilization-beyond-earth-before-planetfall-10-minute-trailer/#comments

Civilization: Beyond Earth is all set to begin colonizing retail and digital distribution channels on October 24. Here's a deeper look at many of the strategy game's initial features. Key tactic: Don't attack the aliens (at least, not at first)!

Continue reading Civilization: Beyond Earth before planetfall 10-minute trailer

JoystiqCivilization: Beyond Earth before planetfall 10-minute trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Oct 2014 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Gamescivilization-beyond-earthfiraxisFiraxis-GamespcWed, 01 Oct 2014 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Stories we tell in quiet houses and alien invasions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/26/stories-we-tell-in-quiet-houses-and-alien-invasions/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/26/stories-we-tell-in-quiet-houses-and-alien-invasions/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/26/stories-we-tell-in-quiet-houses-and-alien-invasions/#comments Video game experiences aren't wholly relegated to what designers have deliberately laid out for you; through gameplay, a unique narrative emerges. We all have our own stories: a car chase in Grand Theft Auto V, a battle within a hidden cave in Skyrim, an ore-rich chasm in Minecraft. These discoveries highlight the promise that, if we just keep looking and keep testing a game's boundaries, we might find something that's uniquely ours.

Thanks to franchises like BioShock, Fallout and Grand Theft Auto, the idea of player-driven narrative is being explored in different ways. From collectibles to character customization and sprawling open-worlds, video games today are littered with tools people can use to manufacture stories that belong only to them. But that doesn't mean the role of the developer has been in any way diminished. On the contrary, designers now have more work to do than ever, subtly and precisely tailoring their games so that players can get a full experience without feeling like they're being led by the nose.

Continue reading Stories we tell in quiet houses and alien invasions

JoystiqStories we tell in quiet houses and alien invasions originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Sep 2014 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-GamesFiraxis-GamesGone-HomeJake-SolomonrecommendedSteve-GaynorThe-Fullbright-CompanyXCOM-Enemy-UnknownFri, 26 Sep 2014 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Civilization dev launches Firaxicon fan conference]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/25/civilization-dev-launches-firaxicon-fan-conference/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/25/civilization-dev-launches-firaxicon-fan-conference/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/25/civilization-dev-launches-firaxicon-fan-conference/#comments Following in the footsteps of Blizzard and Mojang comes Firaxicon, an upcoming conference dedicated to Civilization developer Firaxis Games.

According to Eventbrite, fans attending Firaxicon will enjoy "unique Firaxicon swag," a tour of the Firaxis offices, a chance to meet the developers and an early opportunity to play Civilization: Beyond Earth. Firaxis co-founder Sid Meier is also scheduled to host a presentation dubbed "An Evening with Sid Meier." There are no details on what Meier plans to discuss, but after three-plus decades of developing the most addictive games in history he's probably got some great anecdotes.

Tickets for Firaxicon are available for $40 and can be purchased from Eventbrite. The event itself is scheduled to kick off on September 27 at 10 a.m. and run until September 28 at 10 a.m. Though events are only scheduled through Saturday evening, the organizers plan to keep the gaming area open all night for boardgames and PC gaming.
[Image: Firaxis Games]

JoystiqCivilization dev launches Firaxicon fan conference originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Aug 2014 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>civilization-beyond-earthfiraxiconFiraxis-Gamespcsid-meierMon, 25 Aug 2014 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Civilization: Beyond Earth trades pre-orders for exoplanets]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/24/civilization-beyond-earth-trades-pre-orders-for-exoplanets/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/24/civilization-beyond-earth-trades-pre-orders-for-exoplanets/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/24/civilization-beyond-earth-trades-pre-orders-for-exoplanets/#comments
Accepting your late-night Civilization: Beyond Earth fate before the game launches on PC is beneficial, depending on your perspective: A post on Civilization's official site notes that pre-orders for both physical and digital copies of Beyond Earth will be rewarded with The Exoplanets Map Pack, a six-planet offering that uses scripts to randomly generate geography and is "inspired by real exoplanets."

Green Man Gaming shoppers can sweeten the pre-order deal further though: Siliconera has spotted a 25 percent discount code (01S6ZC-JVSB28-JRW7X4), knocking the price for Beyond Earth down to $37.50 for anyone who orders before August 29.

If you'd like a glimpse of the game in action, News Content Director Alexander Sliwinski interviewed Firaxis Games' Pete Murray on camera after previewing the game at E3.
[Image: 2K]

JoystiqCivilization: Beyond Earth trades pre-orders for exoplanets originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Aug 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamescivilizationcivilization-beyond-earthFiraxis-GamespcSun, 24 Aug 2014 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Civilization: Beyond Earth enters orbit on October 24]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/03/civilization-beyond-earth-enters-orbit-on-october-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/03/civilization-beyond-earth-enters-orbit-on-october-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/03/civilization-beyond-earth-enters-orbit-on-october-24/#comments Civilization: Beyond Earth will launch October 24, Firaxis Games announced today. Those that preorder the PC game will receive the Exoplanets Map Pack at launch, which features six maps that were inspired by real exoplanets, such as the Earth-like, forest-filled Kepler 186f, the arid Rigil Khantoris B and Tau Ceti d, a "planet of seas and archipelagos" that has a "wealth of resources."

Beyond Earth was first announced at PAX East in April, and breaks free from history by having its roots in space exploration. The game is deemed a spiritual successor to Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri, as Firaxis Games discussed with Joystiq at E3 last month. It's also inspired by sci-fi authors such as Isaac Asimov and Arthur C. Clarke.
[Image: 2K Games]

Continue reading Civilization: Beyond Earth enters orbit on October 24

JoystiqCivilization: Beyond Earth enters orbit on October 24 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jul 2014 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Games4xCivilizationcivilization-beyond-earthFiraxis-Gamespcrelease-datespacestrategyTake-TwoTurn-Based-StrategyThu, 03 Jul 2014 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Civilization Revolution 2 announced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/23/civilization-revolution-2-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/23/civilization-revolution-2-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/23/civilization-revolution-2-announced/#comments Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution 2 was revealed this morning ... for iOS. Sneaky, sneaky, we know, but had we noted the platform in the headline you wouldn't have even read this far and jumped straight to the comments with rage.

Well, now that we do have your attention, the game will be playable on all relatively current iOS devices beginning July 2 (next week!). It is "coming soon" to Android devices, according to publisher 2K Games. No word yet on Windows phones, Ouyas or NGage.

Continue reading Civilization Revolution 2 announced

JoystiqCivilization Revolution 2 announced originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jun 2014 08:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>civilization-revolution-2firaxisFiraxis-GamesiosipadiphonemobileMon, 23 Jun 2014 08:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Civilization: Beyond Earth not just the new Alpha Centauri]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/12/civilization-beyond-earth-not-just-the-new-alpha-centauri/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/12/civilization-beyond-earth-not-just-the-new-alpha-centauri/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/12/civilization-beyond-earth-not-just-the-new-alpha-centauri/#comments

Sid Meier's Civilization: Beyond Earth is unabashedly the spiritual successor to Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri, which Electronic Arts retains the licensing rights for, keeping it safe deep within Yucca Mountain for never use.

We spoke with Pete Murray of Firaxis Games about how Beyond Earth will balance what Alpha Centauri fans expect with delivering a new experience for the uninitiated.

JoystiqCivilization: Beyond Earth not just the new Alpha Centauri originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jun 2014 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbeyond-earthcivilization-beyond-earthfiraxisFiraxis-Gamespete-murrayThu, 12 Jun 2014 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Asimov, Heinlein among inspirations for Civilization: Beyond Earth]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/05/06/asimov-heinlein-among-inspirations-for-civilization-beyond-ear/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/05/06/asimov-heinlein-among-inspirations-for-civilization-beyond-ear/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/05/06/asimov-heinlein-among-inspirations-for-civilization-beyond-ear/#comments Unlike its predecessors, Civilization: Beyond Earth is set among the stars instead of firmly on Earth's verdant soil. Why? Because you screwed it up.

Well, not you in particular, but all of humanity. According to a new Q&A with lead designer David McDonough and Will Miller, the game's story is one of redemption. After destroying our planet through wanton greed, pollution and just generally being a ravenous, bipedal blight, humanity has decided the only way to continue our species' existence is to blast itself into space. Specific details of this mass diaspora are scant, though the Q&A does mention something called "The Great Mistake" which the designers describe as "a mysterious event that is partly interpretive to the player." Based purely on the name, we're guessing this Mistake wasn't a choice to pair red wine with fish.

As a result of this wholly new setting, the Civilization: Beyond Earth design team had to create a new universe of technologies, lifeforms and extant cultures. The designers cite both modern and classic sci-fi as inspirational to the project, and specifically name such genre luminaries as Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, Ray Bradbury and Robert Heinlein among key influences.
[Image: 2K Games]

JoystiqAsimov, Heinlein among inspirations for Civilization: Beyond Earth originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 May 2014 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Gamescivilization-beyond-earthFiraxis-Gamesmacpcsci-fiTue, 06 May 2014 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM: Enemy Unknown gets acquainted with Android, out now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/24/xcom-enemy-unknown-gets-acquainted-with-android-out-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/24/xcom-enemy-unknown-gets-acquainted-with-android-out-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/24/xcom-enemy-unknown-gets-acquainted-with-android-out-now/#comments XCOM: Enemy Unknown is out now on Google Play, commander. The new Android port is priced $10/£7.14, and according to a message from XCOM HQ, an advance on the Amazon Appstore is expected "soon."

Despite claiming the lives of many of our best friends - or at least a bunch of soldiers named after them - we ranked Enemy Unknown as our second-best game of 2012. The good news: Firaxis transitioned the console and PC release into a "slick, portable package" on iOS, and hopefully that'll pan out the same way on Android.
[Image: 2K Games]

JoystiqXCOM: Enemy Unknown gets acquainted with Android, out now originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Apr 2014 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K2K-Gamesamazonamazon-appstoreandroidfiraxisFiraxis-Gamesgoogle-playmobilexcom-enemy-unknownThu, 24 Apr 2014 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Firaxis boldly bring Civilization to space from PAX East]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/17/watch-firaxis-boldly-bring-civilization-to-space-from-pax-east/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/17/watch-firaxis-boldly-bring-civilization-to-space-from-pax-east/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/17/watch-firaxis-boldly-bring-civilization-to-space-from-pax-east/#comments

Missed the PAX East panel that revealed Civilization: Beyond Earth to the world? Maybe you just want to relive the magic you already witnessed live in Boston? Firaxis has you covered either way, uploading its panel from the show, complete with a peek at the future of the Sid Meier series.

Civilization: Beyond Earth takes the addictive franchise into space this fall, though the developer has some experience with space exploration. The developer's decision to boldly go into space allows its designers and artists to free themselves from a "historical context," Firaxis designer and programmer Anton Strenger told Joystiq at PAX East.

"We, as designers, were free to come up with really fun new gameplay systems that didn't really make sense in a more historical game, or even like a fantasy game." In Beyond Earth, Strenger said for example, players may launch satellites over a planet, influencing the events below.
[Image: Firaxis]

JoystiqWatch Firaxis boldly bring Civilization to space from PAX East originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Apr 2014 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>civilization-beyond-earthFiraxis-GamesPAX-East-2014pcThu, 17 Apr 2014 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Civilization: Beyond Earth breaks free from history, heads to the final frontier]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/12/civilization-beyond-earth-breaks-free-from-history-heads-to-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/12/civilization-beyond-earth-breaks-free-from-history-heads-to-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/12/civilization-beyond-earth-breaks-free-from-history-heads-to-th/#comments
When I ask Firaxis lead designer why the studio decided to take the Civilization series to space with Civilization: Beyond Earth - just announced at PAX East - his answer is simple: "Why not?" Designer and programmer Anton Strenger offers a little more meat. "I think that one of the things that space allows us to do as designers, and for the artists as well, is to get free from a historical context." Civilization has always been tied to human history, but Beyond Earth allows it to branch out in a fresh new direction (even if that direction isn't completely new to Firaxis).

"We, as designers, were free to come up with really fun new gameplay systems that didn't really make sense in a more historical game, or even like a fantasy game." Specifically, Strenger mentions one of Beyond Earth's new tactical elements, the orbital layer, which allows players to launch satellites over a planet, influencing the events below. Firaxis' artists had a field day creating satellite designs, says Strenger. Producer Lena Brenk chimes in, "Yeah, that was amazing to see the artists. Usually we have historic reference that they're working from, and right now they get to invent a world, basically, an alien planet in the future."

That's not to say, however, that Firaxis is just making everything up. "It's really important to us that the player be able to draw a line of plausibility through the entire experience," says lead designer Will Miller, "we want the suspension of disbelief maintained throughout." Beyond Earth begins around 200 to 250 years in the future, he says, and science-fiction fans will recognize plausible concepts like ships that fly at sub-light speeds and cryogenic stasis. "But where you end up is quite different, so we're going to draw that line from where we are now to these sort of post-human evolutions." You won't be starting NASA from scratch, in other words, but Beyond Earth starts in a believable place: Humanity travels to a new planet. The question is how you choose to master it.

Continue reading Civilization: Beyond Earth breaks free from history, heads to the final frontier

JoystiqCivilization: Beyond Earth breaks free from history, heads to the final frontier originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Apr 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamescivilizationcivilization-beyond-earthfiraxisFiraxis-Gamesmacpax-east-2014pcrecommendrecommendedSat, 12 Apr 2014 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Civilization: Beyond Earth announced, ready to colonize this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/12/civilization-beyond-earth-announced-ready-to-colonize-this-fal/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/12/civilization-beyond-earth-announced-ready-to-colonize-this-fal/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/12/civilization-beyond-earth-announced-ready-to-colonize-this-fal/#comments Sid Meier's Civilization: Beyond Earth was just announced at developer Firaxis' panel at PAX East. It's not a sequel to Alpha Centauri (those rights are owned by EA), but 2K Games is finally giving fans the spiritual successor to the sci-fi strategy game they've been constantly nagging Firaxis about for over 10 years.

The elephant in the room has been tackled right up front at the PAX East panel happening right now. Firaxis' Will Miller, who is co-lead designer on the Beyond Earth project, said, "The heart and soul [of Alpha Centauri] lives at Firaxis. For all the fans of Alpha Centauri, this is the game we've made for you."

"The biggest systematic change for Civ 5 is that tech is a web, not a tree," said David McDonough, the other co-lead on the project. "By the end of the game you've got 70 percent of the web." He notes this leads to two cultures having radically different techs, where genetically modified aliens can fight sentient robots.

Beyond Earth will have players assembling their cultural identity and craft their colony before exploring their new world. The game will also add a quest system (something very new to the series,) for players to learn more about their new planet. We've got more details here. The game is set to land this fall.

Continue reading Civilization: Beyond Earth announced, ready to colonize this fall

JoystiqCivilization: Beyond Earth announced, ready to colonize this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Apr 2014 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-GamesCivilizationcivilization-beyond-earthfiraxisFiraxis-Gamespax-east-2014pcSat, 12 Apr 2014 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM: Enemy Unknown Complete Edition lands on PC, Mac]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/04/xcom-enemy-unknown-complete-edition-lands-on-pc-mac/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/04/xcom-enemy-unknown-complete-edition-lands-on-pc-mac/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/04/xcom-enemy-unknown-complete-edition-lands-on-pc-mac/#comments The XCOM: Enemy Unknown Complete Edition is available now for PC and Mac in North America, and it launches worldwide on March 7. Most game retailers carry the Complete Edition, but for those with an itchy trigger finger, check it out on Steam. Also, buy some Gold Bond or something.

The new bundle comes with XCOM: Enemy Unknown, XCOM: Enemy Within, the Elite Soldier DLC, Slingshot DLC and Second Wave DLC. This pack is desktop-only, no console versions planned.

Speaking of XCOM: Today we hosted a livestream with franchise creator Julian Gollop and his latest strategy game, Chaos Reborn. Check out the replay of our live gameplay and chat here.
[Image: 2K Games]

JoystiqXCOM: Enemy Unknown Complete Edition lands on PC, Mac originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Mar 2014 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Gamescomplete-editionFiraxis-GamesmacpcSTEAMxcom-complete-editionxcom-enemy-unknownTue, 04 Mar 2014 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Civilization 5 mod adds playable Papers, Please nation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/12/civilization-5-mod-adds-playable-papers-please-nation/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/12/civilization-5-mod-adds-playable-papers-please-nation/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/12/civilization-5-mod-adds-playable-papers-please-nation/#comments Glory to Arstotzka! The bleak Papers, Please nation is now a playable world power in Sid Meier's Civilization 5 thanks to a Steam Workshop mod from Snakeeater337. Arstotzka comes to Sid Meier's Civilization 5 replete with its own unique units, buildings, custom dialogue and music.

Arstotzka has its own custom Border Guard unit, a cheaper version of the Rifleman that gets combat bonuses fighting on native soil. There's also the Border Checkpoint building, which adds protection from spies and produces extra gold each turn. Arstotzka begins the game with its custom "Glory to Arstotzka" trait, which increases worker production at the cost of population happiness and city growth speed. All cities also start with a free worker.

The only downside to this mod is that it requires Brave New World, the latest expansion for Sid Meier's Civilization 5, in order to play. Sid Meier's Civilization 5: The Complete Edition, along with several other games bearing the eponymous developer's name, are currently available in the Humble Sid Meier's Bundle.
[Image: Snakeeater337 on Steam]

JoystiqCivilization 5 mod adds playable Papers, Please nation originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Feb 2014 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamescivilization-5firaxis-gameslucas-popemacmodmodspapers-pleasepcsteamsteam-workshopWed, 12 Feb 2014 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM: Enemy Unknown among 2K games discounted on iOS this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/25/xcom-enemy-unknown-among-2k-games-discounted-on-ios-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/25/xcom-enemy-unknown-among-2k-games-discounted-on-ios-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/25/xcom-enemy-unknown-among-2k-games-discounted-on-ios-this-week/#comments 2K is discounting a number of its mobile games this week, the publisher announced. The Mobile Fall Sale runs from November 27 through December 2 and applies to six iOS games.

Among the 2K-published games on sale this week are NHL 2K11, Civilization Revolution and Sid Meier's Pirates, each discounted to 99 cents. Lucid Games' racer 2K Drive, which launched in September for $7, will be $1.99 on iOS as of Wednesday. Lastly, NBA 2K14 will drop down to $2.99 while XCOM: Enemy Unknown will be $9.99.

Continue reading XCOM: Enemy Unknown among 2K games discounted on iOS this week

JoystiqXCOM: Enemy Unknown among 2K games discounted on iOS this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Nov 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k2k-drive2K-Games2K-SportsCivilization-Revolutionfall-mobile-saleFiraxis-Gamesiosipadiphonelucid-gamesmobilenba-2k14nhl-2k11salesid-meiers-piratesxcom-enemy-unknownMon, 25 Nov 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sid Meier's Ace Patrol: Pacific Skies lands on Steam, iOS next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/29/sid-meiers-ace-patrol-pacific-skies-lands-on-steam-ios-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/29/sid-meiers-ace-patrol-pacific-skies-lands-on-steam-ios-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/29/sid-meiers-ace-patrol-pacific-skies-lands-on-steam-ios-next-week/#comments Steam and iOS have laid out the landing strip for Sid Meier's Ace Patrol: Pacific Skies. On November 5, the game will be available for download on Steam and later on November 7 for iOS, 2K Games announced in an email today. It will be priced at $4.99 on both platforms.

Sid Meier's Ace Patrol: Pacific Skies, the sequel to the original Ace Patrol, is a turn-based tactical dogfighting game that takes place during World War II. The iOS version supports iPad 2 and up, iPad mini, iPod touch 4 and up, and iPhone 4S and up on iOS devices.

JoystiqSid Meier's Ace Patrol: Pacific Skies lands on Steam, iOS next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Oct 2013 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxis-gamesiosipadiphonemobilepcsid-meiers-ace-patrol-pacific-skiesTue, 29 Oct 2013 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[WWII's Pacific Theater sets the stage for Sid Meier's Ace Patrol: Pacific Skies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/21/wwiis-pacific-theater-sets-the-stage-for-sid-meiers-ace-patrol/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/21/wwiis-pacific-theater-sets-the-stage-for-sid-meiers-ace-patrol/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/21/wwiis-pacific-theater-sets-the-stage-for-sid-meiers-ace-patrol/#comments Firaxis Games is preparing to launch a follow-up to Sid Meier's turn-based mobile darling, Sid Meier's Ace Patrol.

Set within the Pacific Theater during World War II, Sid Meier's Ace Patrol: Pacific Skies recreates historical battles at Pearl Harbor, Midway and Guadalcanal as players create a pilot and nurture their rise in ranks. Pacific Skies will support iPad 2 and up, iPad mini, iPod touch 4 and up, and iPhone 4S and up on iOS devices. The PC version will be available for download through Steam.

Sid Meier's Ace Patrol: Pacific Skies launches this fall. 2K Games has not announced price, but the press release pass the break calls it a "premium" game so adjust your expectations accordingly.

Continue reading WWII's Pacific Theater sets the stage for Sid Meier's Ace Patrol: Pacific Skies

JoystiqWWII's Pacific Theater sets the stage for Sid Meier's Ace Patrol: Pacific Skies originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Oct 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxis-gamesiosipadiphonemobilepcsid-meiers-ace-patrolsid-meiers-ace-patrol-pacific-skiessteamMon, 21 Oct 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Multiplayer added to XCOM: Enemy Unknown iOS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/10/multiplayer-finally-added-to-xcom-enemy-unknown-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/10/multiplayer-finally-added-to-xcom-enemy-unknown-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/10/multiplayer-finally-added-to-xcom-enemy-unknown-ios/#comments A new update adding multiplayer is available for XCOM: Enemy Unknown on iOS. Multiplayer in XCOM on iOS is asynchronous, allowing players to conduct turns at their convenience.

The update also adds multiplayer leaderboards, optimizes the game for iOS 7 and fixes a few lingering bugs. And to celebrate this new update, XCOM: Enemy Unknown is on sale for $10 until October 13.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown made its debut on iOS back in June, in a full mobile port we found to be on par with the console and PC offering. XCOM: Enemy Within, a new expansion for the PC and console version of the game, is due on November 12.

JoystiqMultiplayer added to XCOM: Enemy Unknown iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Oct 2013 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxis-gamesiosipadiphonemobilemultiplayerxcom-enemy-unknownThu, 10 Oct 2013 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM: Enemy Within's clandestine 'Exalt' wants to rule the world]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/09/xcom-enemy-withins-clandestine-exalt-wants-to-rule-the-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/09/xcom-enemy-withins-clandestine-exalt-wants-to-rule-the-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/09/xcom-enemy-withins-clandestine-exalt-wants-to-rule-the-world/#comments
Exalt, the third faction introduced in the XCOM: Enemy Unknown expansion, XCOM: Enemy Within, is a renegade human organization whose ultimate goal is the genetic perfection of the human race. They view themselves as the rightful rulers of Earth, ushering the species into a new era of evolution.

They're an organization that strikes from the shadows, enacting nefarious and secretive plots to disrupt XCOM operations and weaken the organization's presence worldwide.

For Exalt, it's all about achieving that goal - regardless of how many human lives are lost in the process.

Continue reading XCOM: Enemy Within's clandestine 'Exalt' wants to rule the world

JoystiqXCOM: Enemy Within's clandestine 'Exalt' wants to rule the world originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Oct 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesananda-guptafiraxis-gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxxcom-enemy-unknownWed, 09 Oct 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM: Enemy Unknown on PC with DLC for $10 through Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/09/06/xcom-enemy-unknown-on-pc-with-dlc-for-10-through-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/09/06/xcom-enemy-unknown-on-pc-with-dlc-for-10-through-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/09/06/xcom-enemy-unknown-on-pc-with-dlc-for-10-through-amazon/#commentsdeal XCOM PC plus all DLC for $10 Commander, XCOM: Enemy Unknown is currently $10 through Amazon's digital distribution network. We don't believe this is a Sectoid conspiracy, but that's a pretty good deal, especially since it includes both the Elite Soldier and Slingshot downloadable content packs.

XCOM's Enemy Within expansion, which will add new tech, enemies and maps, is currently scheduled for November 12. The expansion is priced at $30 on PC, so if you've yet to pick up XCOM, this deal would be the same as getting the Xbox 360 or PS3 "Commander Edition." That version includes a copy of Enemy Unknown, along with the Slingshot and Elite Soldier content packs for $40.

JoystiqXCOM: Enemy Unknown on PC with DLC for $10 through Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Sep 2013 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxisFiraxis-Gamespcxcom-enemy-unknownFri, 06 Sep 2013 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM: Enemy Within narrated trailer shows contents within]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/09/04/xcom-enemy-within-narrated-trailer-shows-contents-within/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/09/04/xcom-enemy-within-narrated-trailer-shows-contents-within/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/09/04/xcom-enemy-within-narrated-trailer-shows-contents-within/#comments

Commander, you shouldn't be required to wait in line, so here's the XCOM: Enemy Within gameplay demonstration from Gamescom and PAX Prime 2013 direct to your personal device. In it, Lead Designer Ananda Gupta briefs you on new weapons, abilities and enemies.

JoystiqXCOM: Enemy Within narrated trailer shows contents within originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Sep 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-GamesfiraxisFiraxis-Gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxxcom-enemy-unknownxcom-enemy-withinWed, 04 Sep 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM: Enemy Within 'too big' to be DLC on Xbox 360, PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/09/02/xcom-enemy-within-too-big-to-be-dlc-on-xbox-360-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/09/02/xcom-enemy-within-too-big-to-be-dlc-on-xbox-360-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/09/02/xcom-enemy-within-too-big-to-be-dlc-on-xbox-360-ps3/#comments XCOM: Enemy Unknown's expansion, Enemy Within, will be issued as DLC on PC and Mac for $30, but the only way to get it on consoles is through a new Commander's Edition - a retail re-release that includes the XCOM: Enemy Unknown game, the Slingshot and Elite Soldier add-ons, plus the Enemy Within expansion.

The reason for issuing the Commander's Edition is because Enemy Within is simply too large a file to patch into the console game as DLC. "For the expansion on the PC, it was fairly straightforward," Garth DeAngelis, senior producer at Firaxis Games, said during a PAX Prime interview. "But when it came to the consoles, it was too big. If we wanted to deliver the same content to the console players, we had to do it this way as a standalone expansion on a disc. We couldn't simply just patch it in."

DeAngelis added that Enemy Within includes so many changes to the base XCOM: Enemy Unknown experience - new unit types, upgrades and even skill changes - it necessitated an entire re-issue of the game. "These things are tied deeply into Enemy Unknown so we wanted to release [the Commander's Edition] as sort of the ultimate edition, with all the previous DLC on this one disc. It was either deliver it this way or not deliver it at all."

XCOM: Enemy Within, announced at Gamescom nearly a week ago, launches on November 12.

JoystiqXCOM: Enemy Within 'too big' to be DLC on Xbox 360, PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Sep 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxis-gamesgarth-deangelismicrosoftpax-prime-2013pcplaystationps3xboxxcom-enemy-unknownMon, 02 Sep 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM: Enemy Within 'War Machines' trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/09/01/xcom-enemy-within-war-machines-trailer-has-war-and-machines/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/09/01/xcom-enemy-within-war-machines-trailer-has-war-and-machines/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/09/01/xcom-enemy-within-war-machines-trailer-has-war-and-machines/#comments
The XCOM initiative is up against new, vicious extraterrestrials, but enemies aren't the only ones with aces up their cybernetically enhanced sleeves. Choose between alien psychic powers or heavily armored mecha exoskeletons and get to augmenting your soldiers in this XCOM: Enemy Within trailer.

JoystiqXCOM: Enemy Within 'War Machines' trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 01 Sep 2013 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k2K-GamesFiraxis-Gamesiosipadmicrosoftmobilepcplaystationps3xboxXComxcom-enemy-unknownxcom-enemy-withinSun, 01 Sep 2013 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM: Enemy Within listed by Korean ratings board]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/07/31/xcom-enemy-within-listed-by-korean-ratings-board/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/07/31/xcom-enemy-within-listed-by-korean-ratings-board/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/07/31/xcom-enemy-within-listed-by-korean-ratings-board/#commentsXCOM Enemy Within listed by Korean ratings board A listing on Korea's Game Rating Board site indicates that a game by the name of XCOM: Enemy Within exists. The classifications board listed the game for PC, Xbox 360 and PS3.

Whether the as-yet-unannounced game is a stand-alone product or extension of last year's XCOM: Enemy Unknown is, well, unknown. We also wonder what said enemy is within.

JoystiqXCOM: Enemy Within listed by Korean ratings board originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Jul 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-GamesFiraxis-Gamesgrbkorean-ratings-boardmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Take-Twoxboxxcomxcom-enemy-unknownxcom-enemy-withinWed, 31 Jul 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Civilization 5's brave new launch trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/28/civilization-5s-brave-new-launch-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/28/civilization-5s-brave-new-launch-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/28/civilization-5s-brave-new-launch-trailer/#comments

Sid Meier's Civilization 5 enters a "Brave New World" of trade and culture when the expansion pack launches July 9. Similar to Civilization 4's Beyond the Sword, this new expansion is meant for the culture snobs, who believe in taking over the world with a LOLCAT wave.

JoystiqCivilization 5's brave new launch trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Jun 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamescivilization-5firaxisFiraxis-GamespcFri, 28 Jun 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: XCOM: Enemy Unknown lands on iOS today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/20/psa-xcom-enemy-unknown-lands-on-ios-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/20/psa-xcom-enemy-unknown-lands-on-ios-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/20/psa-xcom-enemy-unknown-lands-on-ios-today/#comments
Firaxis Games' reboot XCOM: Enemy Unknown is now available on iOS. We certainly enjoyed our time with the $20 touch-enabled port, which you can read all about right here. And while the iOS game doesn't include multiplayer right now, it's been promised as a free update later down the road. Good luck, Commander!

Gallery: XCOM: Enemy Unknown iOS (6/19/13)

JoystiqPSA: XCOM: Enemy Unknown lands on iOS today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Jun 2013 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxis-gamesiosipadiphonemobilexcom-enemy-unknownThu, 20 Jun 2013 10:35:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM: Enemy Unknown on iOS is spec-tap-ular]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/19/xcom-enemy-unknown-review-portabliss/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/19/xcom-enemy-unknown-review-portabliss/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/19/xcom-enemy-unknown-review-portabliss/#commentsThis is Portabliss, a column about downloadable games that can be played on the go.

XCOM Enemy Unknown on iOS is spectapular
XCOM: Enemy Unknown seems like it was built for iPad. The touch-screen controls on the iOS port are so good that the game feels like it was lovingly crafted specifically for touch devices from the get-go.

These controls are easily the highlight of the iOS version of XCOM (which also runs on the iPhone, by the way). With a redesigned HUD full of chunky buttons, completing actions in the game is a cinch. I actually prefer the touch scheme to wielding a controller. It's a simpler, more intuitive process, and the meat of the game is every bit as good as its console and PC counterparts.

Gallery: XCOM: Enemy Unknown iOS (6/19/13)

Continue reading XCOM: Enemy Unknown on iOS is spec-tap-ular

JoystiqXCOM: Enemy Unknown on iOS is spec-tap-ular originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxis-gamesiosipadiphonemobileportablissxcom-enemy-unknownWed, 19 Jun 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Commander, XCOM: Enemy Unknown is on iOS June 20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/17/xcom-enemy-unknown-ios-june-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/17/xcom-enemy-unknown-ios-june-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/17/xcom-enemy-unknown-ios-june-20/#comments XCOM: Enemy Unknown will be available on iOS devices this Thursday, June 20, for $19.99. Commanders of the XCOM Project will now have mobile access across iPad 2+, iPhone 4S+ and fifth generation iPod touch devices.

The iOS XCOM is a the PC experience with the exception of the head-to-head multiplayer, which will be added at a later time as a free update.

Gallery: XCOM: Enemy Unknown (iOS)

JoystiqCommander, XCOM: Enemy Unknown is on iOS June 20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Jun 2013 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Firaxis-Gamesiosipadiphonemobilexcom-enemy-unknownMon, 17 Jun 2013 08:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam free-play weekend: Civilization 5, Saints Row: The Third]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/07/steam-free-play-weekend-civilization-5-saints-row-the-third/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/07/steam-free-play-weekend-civilization-5-saints-row-the-third/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/07/steam-free-play-weekend-civilization-5-saints-row-the-third/#comments Civilization 5 and Saints Row: The Third are free to play on Steam, starting now and concluding on Sunday, June 9 at 1 p.m. PT. Both games are on sale for 75 percent off, bringing Saints Row: The Third to $10 and Civilization 5 to $7.50. All accompanying DLC is also on sale.

Civilization 5, which launched in 2010, is set to receive the Brave New World expansion in July, introducing new civilizations and mechanics to Firaxis' flagship series. Saints Row 4, meanwhile, is due on August 20 for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC. An elaborate special edition, which includes a dubstep gun, was announced yesterday.

JoystiqSteam free-play weekend: Civilization 5, Saints Row: The Third originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Jun 2013 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>civilization-5firaxisFiraxis-Gamesfree-play-weekendmacpcsaints-row-the-thirdsteamvalvevolitionvolition-incFri, 07 Jun 2013 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM iOS multiplayer to be added after launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/30/xcom-ios-multiplayer-to-be-added-after-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/30/xcom-ios-multiplayer-to-be-added-after-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/30/xcom-ios-multiplayer-to-be-added-after-launch/#comments The iOS version of XCOM: Enemy Unknown will launch with the full single-player experience seen on consoles and PC, with multiplayer modes following later.

"We're sort of focusing our design resources on the single-player experience. We're certainly going to provide [multiplayer] after launch," XCOM: Enemy Unknown designer Jake Solomon tells Joystiq. "The single-player is what we really - we know that for it to feel like XCOM, the single-player needs a lot of our focus. So we're playing, giving feedback, making sure it feels nice and polished. It's just we're focusing our resources on single-player first."

2K Games is tentatively slating XCOM: Enemy Unknown for launch on iOS sometime this summer. Pricing is still being determined, though Solomon says the game will exact an up-front fee and won't hinge on in-app purchases.

Gallery: XCOM: Enemy Unknown (iOS)

JoystiqXCOM iOS multiplayer to be added after launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 May 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxis-gamesiosipadiphonemobilexcom-enemy-unknownThu, 30 May 2013 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Jake Solomon on XCOM iOS and the 'happy accident' of mobile strategy games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/30/jake-solomon-on-xcom-ios-and-the-happy-accident-of-mobile-stra/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/30/jake-solomon-on-xcom-ios-and-the-happy-accident-of-mobile-stra/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/30/jake-solomon-on-xcom-ios-and-the-happy-accident-of-mobile-stra/#comments "This isn't just like a port to a new platform," XCOM: Enemy Unknown designer Jake Solomon tells me over the phone. "From a development angle, this is one of the - and I honestly can't think of another experience except for The Walking Dead - where it's a game, a AAA game that we just put out on consoles, and we're putting the whole thing out to tablet. This is something that I can't take any design credit for, but turn-based strategy games work really well on mobile devices. It's sort of a happy accident, in that sense."

The project can be traced back to the time when Firaxis was finishing up its work on XCOM: Enemy Unknown for PC and consoles. 2K China presented a version of the game running on iOS, and from there Firaxis would work with them on the portable incarnation due this summer. It features the full functionality seen on other platforms, thanks to the Unreal foundation that has played nice with iOS since late 2010.

"Without Unreal, it certainly wouldn't have been possible," Solomon says.

Gallery: XCOM: Enemy Unknown (iOS)

Continue reading Jake Solomon on XCOM iOS and the 'happy accident' of mobile strategy games

JoystiqJake Solomon on XCOM iOS and the 'happy accident' of mobile strategy games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxis-gamesiosipadiphonejake-solomonmobilexcom-enemy-unknownThu, 30 May 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cheap Firaxis bundle headlines Amazon Digital Mayhem sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/cheap-firaxis-bundle-headlines-amazon-digital-mayhem-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/cheap-firaxis-bundle-headlines-amazon-digital-mayhem-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/cheap-firaxis-bundle-headlines-amazon-digital-mayhem-sale/#comments Amazon is bundling together three of Firaxis Games' most recent at a really low price. For $20, you can snag PC download codes of XCOM: Enemy Unknown, Civilization 5: Gold Edition - a definitive version with Gods and Kings and a bunch of other DLC - and Civilization 4: The Complete Edition, also including a host of DLC and extra goodies.

The Firaxis bundle headlines Amazon's Digital Mayhem promotion, with other discounts spanning Telltale's The Walking Dead, Battlefield 3, BioShock, Mark of the Ninja and many more. The sale ends on May 31, so feel free to take your time perusing the hundreds of eligible discounts.

JoystiqCheap Firaxis bundle headlines Amazon Digital Mayhem sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 May 2013 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon-digital-mayhemfiraxis-gamesmacpcxcom-enemy-unknownTue, 21 May 2013 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Civilization 5's 'Brave New World' expansion adds Indonesia, Morocco]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/civilization-5s-brave-new-world-expansion-adds-indonesia-mor/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/civilization-5s-brave-new-world-expansion-adds-indonesia-mor/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/civilization-5s-brave-new-world-expansion-adds-indonesia-mor/#comments Two more factions, Indonesia and Morocco, have been revealed for upcoming Civilization 5 expansion, Brave New World. Leading Indonesia is Gaja Mada, famous for his military insight as prime minister of the Majapahit Empire; Ahmad al-Mansur leads the Moroccans, sultan of the Saadi dynasty in the 1500s.

Brave New World, the second expansion to Civilization 5, is due in July and will add nine new civilizations, several new wonders and modified mechanics from the base game. The first expansion, Gods and Kings, arrived last summer, adding new espionage and religious mechanics.

Gallery: Civilization 5: Brave New World (Indonesia and Morocco)

JoystiqCivilization 5's 'Brave New World' expansion adds Indonesia, Morocco originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 May 2013 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesAhmad-al-Mansurbrave-new-worldcivilization-5expansionfiraxis-gamesgaja-madaindonesiamoroccopcTue, 21 May 2013 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sid Meier's Ace Patrol review: Strategy simplified]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/ace-patrol-review-sid-meier/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/ace-patrol-review-sid-meier/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/ace-patrol-review-sid-meier/#comments
There's a certain stigma attached to strategy games, where deep systems and mechanics can hoist a sky-high barrier for the uninitiated. Sid Meier's Ace Patrol sidesteps these stigmas, presenting a turn-based experience so simple that even the strategically challenged will be able to play and excel.

Designed for iOS devices, Ace Patrol is a dogfighting game set in WWI. With a series of taps, intense air combat is engaged over a battlefield of hexagonal grids. Using these taps, players execute everything from strafing to swooping dives, hard banking, the Immelman turn and other expert maneuvers.

Gallery: Sid Meier's Ace Patrol

Continue reading Sid Meier's Ace Patrol review: Strategy simplified

JoystiqSid Meier's Ace Patrol review: Strategy simplified originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxisFiraxis-Gamesiosipadiphonemobilesid-meiersid-meiers-ace-patrolMon, 13 May 2013 18:00:00 EST