Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Half-Life 2 on the Oculus Rift looks like double the trouble, fun]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/half-life-2-on-the-oculus-rift-looks-like-double-the-trouble-fu/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/half-life-2-on-the-oculus-rift-looks-like-double-the-trouble-fu/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/half-life-2-on-the-oculus-rift-looks-like-double-the-trouble-fu/#comments

Oculus Rift owner and YouTuber Vaecon recorded a 15-minute session of Half-Life 2 on Oculus Rift, and the entire experience can be summed up in a few words, spoken less than two minutes into his gameplay demo: "Whoa. This is really cool."

Valve launched official support for Half-Life 2 on the Oculus Rift virtual reality headset, in beta form, on Friday. Valve programmer Joe Ludwig cautioned that this beta was "a bit more raw" than Team Fortress 2's Oculus Rift prowess, noting HUD and UI issues.

Vaecon sported some anti-motion-sickness bands during his Half-Life 2 session, since previous games on the system left him woozy. Whether because of the bands or the game itself, Half-Life 2 on Oculus Rift didn't appear to affect Vaecon's stomach.

"This is the perfect scene to show on the Oculus because there's a lot of action, jumping and - oh, I feel like I'm swimming," he said.

JoystiqHalf-Life 2 on the Oculus Rift looks like double the trouble, fun originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 12 May 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Half-Life-2HL2oculus-riftpcvalveVirtual-RealitySun, 12 May 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Half-Life 2 gets official Oculus Rift support]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/half-life-2-gets-official-oculus-rift-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/half-life-2-gets-official-oculus-rift-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/half-life-2-gets-official-oculus-rift-support/#commentsHalfLife 2 gets official Oculus Rift support Valve has updated Half-Life 2 with Oculus Rift compatibility, Valve programmer Joe Ludwig announced on the device's developer forums. "We just shipped a beta for Half-Life 2 that includes Oculus Rift support," Ludwig writes. "To get it, open the properties for HL2 in Steam, set your command line to '-vr,' and opt-in to the SteamPipe beta. This should ship to everybody in a few weeks."

Ludwig also cautions that Half-Life 2's Oculus Rift support is "a bit more raw" than the implementation found in Valve's other provisionally Rift-supporting game, Team Fortress 2. Specifically, he mentions slight UI issues and acknowledges that the game's HUD is difficult to read, and encourages developers to let Valve know of any issues they encounter while charging around City 17.

In other Half-Life 2 news, a Linux version of the game has been released as a beta - the client can be downloaded from your Steam Library like other Steam Play-enabled titles. Well, assuming you own Half-Life 2, of course. It's not that beta.

[Thanks, Rasmus!]

JoystiqHalf-Life 2 gets official Oculus Rift support originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 May 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaexperimentalHalf-Life-2HL2oculus-riftofficialpcValvevitual-realityVRFri, 10 May 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Oculus Rift still on for March, has lens caps for vision-impaired, adjustable assembly now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/oculus-rift-still-on-for-march-has-lens-caps-for-vision-impaire/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/oculus-rift-still-on-for-march-has-lens-caps-for-vision-impaire/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/oculus-rift-still-on-for-march-has-lens-caps-for-vision-impaire/#comments Oculus Rift still on for March, now has lens caps for visionimpaired, adjustable assemblyWith Oculus Rift's initial developer unit launch scheduled for next month, the folks at Oculus have understandably been busy. After CES, they went to Hong Kong to oversee the initial manufacturing run of their "pilot" dev kit prototypes - 40 in total - and are on-track to meet their March ship deadline for the final Oculus Rift. Kickstarter backers will receive their units sometime in April.

With the extra time, Oculus added two small features the start-up hopes will make for a better experience: swappable lens caps for the inside viewing area and an adjustable assembly for a more fine-tuned fit. So if you're near-sighted or far-sighted, the three different lens caps will allow you to adjust your depth of focus to meet your vision needs; and with the adjustable assembly, now you can possibly leave your glasses on when using the Oculus Rift and get the best fit possible.

If you're late to the Oculus Rift party, know it's a virtual reality headset that has mesmerized some of the industry's most notable talent, including John Carmack and MineCraft creator Markus "Notch" Persson. In fact, they aren't the only ones - a recent Half-Life 2 head-tracking and gun-tracking mod created by Nathan Andrews, designed for the Oculus Rift, has gotten a lot of attention. Andrews put up his own AMA on Reddit to answer questions and provide more information - if you want to see the mod in action, head past the break for a video demonstration. Trust us, it's totally neat!

Continue reading Oculus Rift still on for March, has lens caps for vision-impaired, adjustable assembly now

JoystiqOculus Rift still on for March, has lens caps for vision-impaired, adjustable assembly now originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>half-life-2HL2kickstarternathan-andrewsoculusoculus-riftpcWed, 06 Feb 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Half-Life 2 Gravity Gun on sale in April, sign up for updates]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/half-life-2-gravity-gun-on-sale-in-april-sign-up-for-updates/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/half-life-2-gravity-gun-on-sale-in-april-sign-up-for-updates/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/half-life-2-gravity-gun-on-sale-in-april-sign-up-for-updates/#comments HalfLife 2 Gravity Gun on sale in April, sign up for updatesNECA's full-size Half-Life 2 Gravity Gun replica can be yours, but getting it won't be easy.

The Gravity Gun will go on sale on Think Geek in April for $150, but there will be a limited quantity. Like the Portal guns that sold out in just 30 minutes last year, once they're sold out, they're gone forever. To give yourself the best chance of scoring a Gravity Gun, sign up for an email alert now on its Think Geek page.

The NECA Gravity Gun is stocked with sound effects and LEDs, and a kickstand for all those times you're not acting out Gordon Freeman fantasies with it. Check out the full run-down on Think Geek, and if you're interested, don't forget to sign up for that email reminder.

JoystiqHalf-Life 2 Gravity Gun on sale in April, sign up for updates originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jan 2013 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gravity-gunHalf-Life-2HL2microsoftNECApcplaystationps3Think-GeekxboxWed, 09 Jan 2013 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gordon Freeman action figure has no push-button catch phrases]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/01/gordon-freeman-action-figure-has-no-push-button-catch-phrases/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/01/gordon-freeman-action-figure-has-no-push-button-catch-phrases/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/01/gordon-freeman-action-figure-has-no-push-button-catch-phrases/#commentsGordon Freeman action figure has no pushbutton catch phrasesNECA's latest Valve figurine features a surprisingly smooth-skinned Gordon Freeman in a hazard suit, and comes with two sets of interchangeable hands, even though limb detachment is a feature we don't quite remember from Half-Life 2 (at least, not voluntary limb detachment).

Freeman stands 7 inches and has 20 points of articulation, and also comes with four separate accessories: crowbar, bugbomb, gravity gun and headcrab.

The Freeman figurine runs $18 and will launch in September, Lambda Generation notes. Just in time to get grandma that headcrab she's always asked for during the holidays.

JoystiqGordon Freeman action figure has no push-button catch phrases originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 01 Jul 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>figurinesGordon-FreemanHalf-Life-2headcrabsHL2microsoftNECApcplaystationps3valvexboxSun, 01 Jul 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Dota 2 client leaked, contains 'ep3' code]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/20/rumor-dota-2-client-leaked-features-ep3-code/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/20/rumor-dota-2-client-leaked-features-ep3-code/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/20/rumor-dota-2-client-leaked-features-ep3-code/#comments You'll forgive us if we're highly speculative about code supposedly unearthed from the leaked beta client for Valve's upcoming action RTS, Dota 2. It supposedly includes information from a folder named "ep3." Now wait a minute, stop huffing -- we know, we know -- and hear us out. As reported by Valve fan site Lambda Generation, the Dota 2 beta client has apparently leaked via Vietnam, and eager fans datamined the code for info, apparently plundering a string of code regarding something called "ep3."

As you might imagine, both the dataminers and gaming websites are saying the folder pertains to the comically nebulous Half-Life 2: Episode 3, with the code pointing to two weapons -- an ice gun and a flamethrower -- as well as three "weaponizers" (concrete, liquid, and metal). But wait, why would Valve leave code for another one of its projects in the beta code for Dota 2, especially a project that it refuses to acknowledge exists? In short, Valve's done some similarly cheeky things in the past to promote its games, albeit not nearly as deep as this would be. We've reached out to Valve for word, but don't expect to hear anything official.

JoystiqRumor: Dota 2 client leaked, contains 'ep3' code originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betadota-2episode-3Half-Life-2half-life-2-episode-3HL2macpcvalvevalve-softwareTue, 20 Sep 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stanley Parable is a thoughtful Half-Life 2 mod]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/the-stanley-parable-is-a-thoughtful-half-life-2-mod/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/the-stanley-parable-is-a-thoughtful-half-life-2-mod/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/the-stanley-parable-is-a-thoughtful-half-life-2-mod/#comments
"Cakebread," the creator of Half-Life 2 mod "The Stanley Parable," says the less you know about his experimental, story-driven game the better, and we're going to adhere to the spirit of that. Besides, if the trailer above doesn't make you want to play it, nothing we're going to say will help.

Continue reading The Stanley Parable is a thoughtful Half-Life 2 mod

JoystiqThe Stanley Parable is a thoughtful Half-Life 2 mod originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cakebreadHalf-Life-2HL2macpcsourcethe-stanley-parableFri, 05 Aug 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Half-Life 2 H.E.V. charging station case mod is without equal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/14/half-life-2-h-e-v-charging-station-case-mod-is-without-equal/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/14/half-life-2-h-e-v-charging-station-case-mod-is-without-equal/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/14/half-life-2-h-e-v-charging-station-case-mod-is-without-equal/#comments We've showcased some PC mods here on our humble site before, but we're pretty sure we're ready to crown Overclock forum user Frenkie "King of the PC Mods" -- his Half-Life 2-inspired H.E.V. recharge station mod seen above is total pin-up material. As you read this, we're printing out the images he posted over on Overclock, throwing them all over the floor and just rolling around in them, trying to soak up the magnificence.

Of course, the downside to all of this is that we're reminded of Half-Life 2: Episode 3 yet again ... and how much we need it.

JoystiqHalf-Life 2 H.E.V. charging station case mod is without equal originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 14 May 2011 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Half-Life-2HL2microsoftpcpc-modplaystationps3xboxSat, 14 May 2011 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ModDB removes 'School Shooter' Half-Life 2 mod to quell building controversy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/moddb-removes-school-shooter-half-life-2-mod-to-quell-building/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/moddb-removes-school-shooter-half-life-2-mod-to-quell-building/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/moddb-removes-school-shooter-half-life-2-mod-to-quell-building/#comments A mod for Half-Life 2 called "School Shooter: North American Tour 2012" has been pulled from its hosting site, ModDB, after picking up some attention for its controversial nature. The mod allowed the player to explore a school-like environment in a first-person shooter context, with the option of attacking various unarmed NPCs. ModDB has posted a short statement about why it pulled the code, saying that although it feels "people should have the right to be creative and share what they want on a community / developer run site," the "confusion and hate" surrounding the project led to the removal.

As you can see from a video of the mod posted on YouTube, there's another reason people don't need to share it around, and that's because it's just not very well made. The "Boring" effects are pulled from Bulletstorm's "Duty Calls" parody, but they fit this one just fine, too.

JoystiqModDB removes 'School Shooter' Half-Life 2 mod to quell building controversy originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Half-Life-2HL2modmoddbpcschool-shooter-north-american-tour-2012valveThu, 24 Mar 2011 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Retrospective follows the 2003 theft of Half-Life 2's code]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/21/retrospective-follows-the-2003-theft-of-half-life-2s-code/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/21/retrospective-follows-the-2003-theft-of-half-life-2s-code/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/21/retrospective-follows-the-2003-theft-of-half-life-2s-code/#comments Half-Life 2 was never destined to release on time. It is a Valve project, after all. However, Gabe Newell and company couldn't have predicted that -- months before its expected release -- the game's source code would be stolen and distributed on the internet. "Is this going to destroy the company?," a designer supposedly asked Newell when it happened in 2003.

Eurogamer interviewed Axel Gembe, the young man responsible for breaching Valve's security and stealing the code. Gembe describes himself as a devoted fan of Valve, admitting that the original Half-Life was his favorite game. After his computer became infected with malware, he became inspired: instead of trying to remove the program, he reverse-engineered it to understand how it worked, and then began working on his own code. Hungry for details on the long-delayed Half-Life 2, Gembe knocked on Valve's virtual doors and found it "easy" to get access.

After the breach, Valve struggled in finding leads on how the source code got stolen. But on February 14, 2004, Newell received a rather odd e-mail. Gembe was confessing to the crime, noting that he was "sorry for what happened." Naively, he asked Newell for a job at Valve, thinking it would be best for both parties involved. "I hoped for the best," although Valve was already coordinating with the FBI for his arrest. "I was not the brightest kid back then."

After serving a two-year probation, Gembe eventually found work in the security sector, wisened from his experience. "I was naïve and did things that I should never have done," he told Eurogamer. "There were so many better uses of my time. I regret having caused Valve Software trouble and financial loss."

JoystiqRetrospective follows the 2003 theft of Half-Life 2's code originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>axel-gembegabe-newellhackHalf-Life-2HL2pcsecurityMon, 21 Feb 2011 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Gabe Newell speaks to a high school marketing class]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/19/gabe-newell-speaks-to-a-high-school-marketing-class/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/19/gabe-newell-speaks-to-a-high-school-marketing-class/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/19/gabe-newell-speaks-to-a-high-school-marketing-class/#comments Valve co-founder Gabe Newell recently discovered another thing he could do instead of releasing Half-Life 2: Episode 3 -- speaking to a high school class about the business of interactive entertainment. Check out a lengthy video of the teleconference below -- you might just learn a little something.

Continue reading Gabe Newell speaks to a high school marketing class

JoystiqGabe Newell speaks to a high school marketing class originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Feb 2011 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesseducationgabe-newellHalf-Life-2high-schoolHL2pcvalveSat, 19 Feb 2011 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Half-Life 2 Headcrab Zombie figure pre-orders open Oct. 4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/half-life-2-headcrab-zombie-figure-pre-orders-open-oct-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/half-life-2-headcrab-zombie-figure-pre-orders-open-oct-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/half-life-2-headcrab-zombie-figure-pre-orders-open-oct-4/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Some people like coffee when they need a pick-me-up, some people like a snack -- heck, some people do sit-ups. But, for a select few, only mortal fear can motivate. So don't judge anybody who may be interested in pre-ordering Gaming Heads' Crabhead figurine on October 4, okay?

JoystiqHalf-Life 2 Headcrab Zombie figure pre-orders open Oct. 4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gaming-headshalf-lifehalf-life-2HL2microsoftpcplaystationps3valvexboxFri, 01 Oct 2010 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Garry's Mod hits the Mac, 50% off]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/25/garrys-mod-hits-the-mac-50-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/25/garrys-mod-hits-the-mac-50-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/25/garrys-mod-hits-the-mac-50-off/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The versatile Garry's Mod is available now for Mac. To celebrate, the app will be $5 for the next week -- that's 50 percent off the regular price. Though, remember, if you own the PC version, you automagically own the Mac port. The one caveat with Garry's Mod is that you need to own another Source Engine game before use.

In the right hands, the mod can be used to make engaging Machinima like "The Jacknife Chronicles." In our hands, it would be used to make the umpteenth version of Gman doing "Banana Phone."

JoystiqGarry's Mod hits the Mac, 50% off originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 25 Sep 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>garrys-modgarrys-mod-macHalf-Life-2HL2macpcsteamsteam-macSat, 25 Sep 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fan-made Half-Life 2 movie trailer leaves us wanting more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/fan-made-half-life-2-movie-trailer-leaves-us-wanting-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/fan-made-half-life-2-movie-trailer-leaves-us-wanting-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/fan-made-half-life-2-movie-trailer-leaves-us-wanting-more/#comments While not the first fan-made trailer for the Half-Life 2 movie which never-will-be, animator Marco Spitoni's stab at cinemafying the beloved shooter might be the best one to date. Watch the all-CG trailer posted after the jump, and join us in furiously wishing for a full feature film in this style.

Continue reading Fan-made Half-Life 2 movie trailer leaves us wanting more

JoystiqFan-made Half-Life 2 movie trailer leaves us wanting more originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fan-madeHalf-Life-2HL2marco-spitonipctrailervalveTue, 21 Sep 2010 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The best Garry's Mod-chinima we've ever seen: Jacknife Chronicles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/the-best-garrys-mod-chinima-weve-ever-seen-jacknife-chronicle/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/the-best-garrys-mod-chinima-weve-ever-seen-jacknife-chronicle/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/the-best-garrys-mod-chinima-weve-ever-seen-jacknife-chronicle/#comments Do you feel like taking a break from the toils of your day to watch an action-packed blockbuster, but don't really feel like dedicating ninety minutes to watching a film? There's an easy solution to that: check out YouTube user Kitty0706's "The Jacknife Chronicles," a twelve-minute, remarkably violent revenge story created entirely within Garry's Mod for Half-Life 2. We anticipate that it will it satisfy your action cravings in a fairly efficient manner.

The short film, which borrows more than a few locales and soundtrack clips from Mirror's Edge and Portal, can be found in its entirety after the jump. It's a little NSFW -- especially if you happen to work as a security guard in a high-tech compound.

Continue reading The best Garry's Mod-chinima we've ever seen: Jacknife Chronicles

JoystiqThe best Garry's Mod-chinima we've ever seen: Jacknife Chronicles originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>garrys-modHalf-Life-2HL2machinimapcthe-jacknife-chroniclesvalveTue, 24 Aug 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Beyond Black Mesa fan film trailer looks pretty amazing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/10/beyond-black-mesa-fan-film-trailer-looks-pretty-amazing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/10/beyond-black-mesa-fan-film-trailer-looks-pretty-amazing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/10/beyond-black-mesa-fan-film-trailer-looks-pretty-amazing/#comments Half-Life has proven itself to be a pretty popular universe for fans to set their fan films within -- but that doesn't mean we're not hungry for more. We recently got our fix from the trailer for Beyond Black Mesa, a short film chronicling the adventures of a small band of anti-Combine rebels.

Continue reading Beyond Black Mesa fan film trailer looks pretty amazing

JoystiqBeyond Black Mesa fan film trailer looks pretty amazing originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Jul 2010 02:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beyond-black-mesafan-filmHalf-Life-2HL2movietrailerValve-TimeSat, 10 Jul 2010 02:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Today in Joystiq: July 11, 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/today-in-joystiq-july-11-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/today-in-joystiq-july-11-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/today-in-joystiq-july-11-2008/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Part of this year's Into the Pixel collection is a sketch from "Half Life EP3" (wonder what that could be), coming to Xbox 360, PC and PlayStation 3. We're not exactly surprised to learn there's concept art for Episode 3, but it's still nice to a glimpse. We're still not betting on a surprise E3 performance. Check out the highlights for today:

Joystiquery
BigDownload plays conference-wide PC bingo
DS Fanboy Lite: July 5 - July 11
Joystiq Podcast 057 - Girls or vacations edition
Nintendo E3 2008 press conference: Let's play bingo
This Week in Review is preparing for the storm
WRUP: One million polygons per second edition

News
Mainstream jumps on Xbox 360 price cut bandwagon
505 Games sinks its teeth into new DS Buffy game
Major features cut from Warhammer Online
Sega announces console-specific RTS in Stormrise
Midway launches online arcade, digital storefront
Don't be sad, but a Far Cry 2 demo isn't happening
Variety: Microsoft to show 'singing game' at E3 (read: Lips)
We just noticed: Rhythm Tengoku Gold coming to Japan July 31
Sony CFO: PS3 'plan is to not reduce the price'
Flagship Studios confirms layoffs, extent unknown
Ion reveals $299.99 price for premium Rock Band drums
MTV Games finds Konami's Rock Band lawsuit 'surprising'

Rumors & Speculation
Rumor: Motus Games' Darwin is Xbox 360's motion controller
Rumor: Animal Crossing, Punch-Out!! Wii being revealed at E3
Rumor: Xbox 360's 'Lips' microphone, box art leaked

Culture & Community
Bethesda to host post-apocalyptic film festival in August

JoystiqToday in Joystiq: July 11, 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Jul 2008 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dailyrecaphalf-lifehalf-life-2half-life-2-episode-3hl2hl2ep3into-the-pixelPCPS3Xbox-360Fri, 11 Jul 2008 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Individual Orange Box games hit retail April 9]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/individual-orange-box-games-hit-retail-april-9/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/individual-orange-box-games-hit-retail-april-9/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/individual-orange-box-games-hit-retail-april-9/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Perhaps you've been burnt by digital distribution in the past, and now refuse to even touch the likes of Steam. Perhaps you found one or more of the games in Valve's critically acclaimed Orange Box to be lacking in a peel. Perhaps you'd like us to stop with the excruciating puns you jerks and report the news already geez.

So, have at it: Valve has confirmed to Joystiq that the individually boxed Orange Box PC games are due to hit physical shelves on April 9th. The separate SKUs, which will be available worldwide, consist of first-person puzzler Portal, caricatured multiplayer romp Team Fortress 2, and a crowbar double-whammy in the form of Half-Life 2: Episode One and Two. Valve has yet to officially announce pricing details, but retailers currently list Portal at $19.99 and the other two packages at $29.99 each. Expect more details soon.

JoystiqIndividual Orange Box games hit retail April 9 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BreakingNewsHalf-LifeHalf-Life-2Half-Life2HL2Orange-BoxOrangeBoxPCPortalSteamTeam-Fortress-2TeamFortress2ValveWed, 05 Mar 2008 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve: More Portal coming 'for sure']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/01/valve-more-portal-coming-for-sure/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/01/valve-more-portal-coming-for-sure/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/01/valve-more-portal-coming-for-sure/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Though we'd be GlaDOS can be to have another slice of Portal's topsy-turvy displacement gameplay, we'd almost certainly be unsatisfied with a quick 'n dirty content boost to our 2007 game of the year. Thankfully, Valve's Doug Lombardi has told Eurogamer that the developer isn't looking to simply throw a handful of new puzzles at us. "There'll be more Portal, for sure," he said. "But the details of that, to be honest, we're still working out."

Also being worked out at Valve headquarters are the continuing adventures of crowbar-wielding physicist, Gordon Freeman, who's due to appear in Half-Life 2: Episode Three. "With Episode Three we want to live up to the promise of where we are taking things to; there's a lot of work being done to make sure we deliver on that promise." If you're dying to learn more about where said things are being taken to, you're going to have wait a bit, "probably months not weeks." And don't even get us started on how long you might have to wait for the actual game.

At least you'll have some upcoming Team Fortress 2 content to keep you busy which, as per Valve's desire for all its additional content, will be free.

JoystiqValve: More Portal coming 'for sure' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Feb 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CakeDLCEAElectronic-ArtsFPSHalf-LifeHalf-Life-2Half-Life2HL2Orange-BoxOrangeBoxPCPortalPS3SteamTeam-Fortress-2TeamFortress2ValveXbox-360Fri, 01 Feb 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Orange Box PS3 vs. 360 video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/14/orange-box-ps3-vs-360-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/14/orange-box-ps3-vs-360-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/14/orange-box-ps3-vs-360-video/#commentsFiled under: ,

We know, we know, these comparison videos are sort of old hat nowadays, but with numerous reviews citing problems with the PS3 version of The Orange Box, this particular 360 vs. PS3 video is pretty interesting. The two videos posted by GameVideos compare Portal and Half-Life 2. For the most part, the games look virtually identical, as we've come to expect from more recent titles. Where the games differ is in the frame rates and loading times. In both instances, the PS3 version loads more slowly, though it takes much longer in Portal. Like, long enough to hike to the kitchen and grab a snack. Also, the PS3 version of Half-Life 2 seems to have some frame rate hitches, especially during autosaves. But enough blather, watch both videos after the break and judge for yourself.

Continue reading Orange Box PS3 vs. 360 video

JoystiqOrange Box PS3 vs. 360 video originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Dec 2007 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>console-warshalf-life-2hl2orange-boxportalFri, 14 Dec 2007 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Half-Life 2 Ep 2 demo makes the XBLM colorful]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/22/half-life-2-ep-2-demo-makes-the-xblm-colorful/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/22/half-life-2-ep-2-demo-makes-the-xblm-colorful/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/22/half-life-2-ep-2-demo-makes-the-xblm-colorful/#commentsFiled under: ,

Wowzaz! We've just been blindsided by a new game demo on the XBLM this morning, we didn't even see it coming, but oddly enough we're loving it.

Available for download off the Marketplace to nearly all Xbox Live members around the globe is a brand new, Thanksgiving surprise The Orange Box: Half-Life 2 Episode 2 demo from team Valve. The demo, which we expect to feature only HL2 EP2 fun and not any other Orange Box goods, will take up 732MB of hard drive space and will probably leave you wanting more Orange Box fun ... especially Portal. Speaking of which, we're overjoyed about today's surprise HL2, but where's the Portal demo? We want demand Portal and we want demand cake!

JoystiqHalf-Life 2 Ep 2 demo makes the XBLM colorful originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Nov 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hl2orange-boxportalteam-fortress-2tf2the-orange-boxvalveThu, 22 Nov 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[TF2 devs play cross-platform, but you won't]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/20/tf2-devs-play-cross-platform-but-you-wont/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/20/tf2-devs-play-cross-platform-but-you-wont/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/20/tf2-devs-play-cross-platform-but-you-wont/#commentsFiled under:


So, Shacknews posted a lengthy preview of Team Fortress 2. At first, everything was normal, no different than what we expected. Multiple classes, fun gametypes, cool maps, protestations that the Medic is fun to play: everything was copacetic. According to the review, Team Fortress 2 will not feature cross-platform play. That's all well and good, except Valve -- developer of the PC and Xbox 360 versions (EA UK is handling the PS3 version) -- "regularly play cross-platform multiplayer games." Why then, are we denied such pleasure? According to Valve's Doug Lombardi, it "introduces more problems than it is worth." He further notes that Valve would only implement cross-platform play in a title that was designed for it from the start.

Ah well, looks like we'll have to be satisfied with fragging fellow 360 fanboys.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqTF2 devs play cross-platform, but you won't originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Jun 2007 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic artsElectronicArtshalf life 2half-life 2Half-life2HalfLife2hl2orange boxOrangeBoxteam fortress 2TeamFortress2tf 2Tf2the orange boxTheOrangeBoxvalveWed, 20 Jun 2007 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Half-Life 2 Black Box gone, only Orange Box remains]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/19/half-life-2-black-box-gone-only-orange-box-remains/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/19/half-life-2-black-box-gone-only-orange-box-remains/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/19/half-life-2-black-box-gone-only-orange-box-remains/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The PC's Black Box bundle of Half-Life 2: Episode 2, which was to include HL2:Episode 2, Portal and Team Fortress 2 had a head crab dropped on it today and is no more. The $49.99 Orange Box is the only thing that will be offered to PC gamers and it will include the original Half-Life 2 and HL2: Episode 1, along with everything else that was to be in the Black Box. Xbox 360 and PS3 owners will be charged $10 more than that for the same thing as PC gamers, swallowing the standard "next-gen" price of $59.99.

Valve's Doug Lombardi says it's not so bad, "Those who purchase the PC version of The Orange Box will get three separate Steam product codes: One for the three new games, one for HL2, and one for Episode One. This way a PC Orange Box owner can give away their Half-Life 2 or Episode One unused Steam product codes if they don't need a copy of those games. We are excited to deliver the highest value of new gaming content ever offered in one box."

Now that's some slick spin. PC Half-Life gamers have to spend $10 on top of the deceased Black Box price ($39.99) to buy this thing they probably don't need... so they can give it away. We're sorry, what? Can people just take Half-Life 2 and HL2: Episode 1 out of the box if they don't need it and take $10 off the top? If you're a believer in digital distribution, none of this will affect you because everything will be downloadable through Steam, which if you already own Half-Life 2, you've already got. It's just such a strange thing to remove the choice for retail shoppers and leave them the more expensive package.

See also: Team Fortress 2 gets cheeky

JoystiqHalf-Life 2 Black Box gone, only Orange Box remains originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 May 2007 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black boxgordan freemanhl2orange boxPCsteamvalveSat, 19 May 2007 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Team Fortress 2 has a lot of class(es)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/29/team-fortress-2-has-a-lot-of-class-es/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/29/team-fortress-2-has-a-lot-of-class-es/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/29/team-fortress-2-has-a-lot-of-class-es/#commentsFiled under:


Game Informer recently got some hands on time with the upcoming Team Fortress 2, a new twist on a classic game, set to be included in the Half-Life 2 Orange Box along with Portal. Team Fortress 2 will include multiple player classes, ranging from the sneaky spy to the more-bullets-than-brains heavy weapons guy, and it looks like each class will actually play very differently. For instance, the Pryo, with his short range flame thrower, is perfect for tight quarters. The super speedy Scout, on the other hand, is the best choice for lightning fast recon and flag captures. Team Fortress 2 features several game types involving territorial control and, of course, capture the flag.

On a slightly disappointing note, the game is set to ship with only 6 different maps. Also worth noting, only one map is set up for capture the flag at this point. Of course, this could change with the release of downloadable content, but it's still disappointing.

All in all, the game looks like a great deal of fun. What's more, with so many character classes from which to choose, anyone should be able to find a niche that's actually fun to play (yes, even the Medic). Hit the "read" link to check out the full preview, including a breakdown of every character class and their respective loadouts.

JoystiqTeam Fortress 2 has a lot of class(es) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Mar 2007 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>half-life 2Half-life2hl2orange boxOrangeBoxTeam-FortressTeam-Fortress-2the orange boxTheOrangeBoxValveThu, 29 Mar 2007 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve interview from GameTrailers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/14/valve-interview-from-gametrailers/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/14/valve-interview-from-gametrailers/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/14/valve-interview-from-gametrailers/#commentsFiled under:


GameTrailers has posted an interview with Valve's Doug Lombardi discussing the upcoming Orange Box for Xbox 360. The Orange Box, for those who don't know, contains Half-life 2, HL2 episode 1 and 2, Team Fortress 2, and Portal. Lombardi talks about the revisions to the source engine since Half-Life 2 first launched and what is possible with multiple core processors. He discusses some of Gabe Newell's comments about the PS3 and Valve's current opinion of the Wii as well. Also, sprinkled throughout the video are some very pretty snippets of the games included in the Orange Box. For fans of Half-Life, it's definitely worth a look. Give it a watch and tell us what you think.

JoystiqValve interview from GameTrailers originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Mar 2007 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>half life 2half-life 2Half-life2HalfLife2hl2hl2 episode 2hl2 episode oneHl2Episode2Hl2EpisodeOneorange boxOrangeBoxportalteam fortress 2TeamFortress2valveWed, 14 Mar 2007 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Portal only open four hours]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/14/portal-only-open-four-hours/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/14/portal-only-open-four-hours/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/14/portal-only-open-four-hours/#commentsFiled under:


Kim Swift, Valve's level designer stated that Portal clocks in at around four hours to complete. As a standalone retail game, that would be quite disturbing, but given that it's accompanied by four other titles in the Half Life 2: Orange, we're a little more forgiving. Still, the game promises to be a bit of a mind-frack, though Swift promises that the difficulty curve isn't going to be overwhelming as the game teaches you to "think in portals". So, are you going to put into the better part of an afternoon into this when you pick up Orange later this year, or are you going to stick with Half Life 2 and its episodes with a side of Team Fortress 2?

JoystiqPortal only open four hours originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Mar 2007 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>H L 2Half Life 2Half Life 2 Episode 1Half Life 2 Episode 2Half Life 2 OrangeHalf Life 2 Orange BoxHalfLife2HalfLife2Episode1HalfLife2Episode2HalfLife2OrangeHalfLife2OrangeBoxHL2PortalsTeam Fortress 2TeamFortress2Wed, 14 Mar 2007 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Half-Life 2 console pack blushes orange]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/12/half-life-2-console-pack-blushes-orange/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/12/half-life-2-console-pack-blushes-orange/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/12/half-life-2-console-pack-blushes-orange/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Why call it Half-Life 2: Episode Two when it just has so much more to offer? The latest issue of Electronic Gaming Monthly confirms that the upcoming PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 editions of Half-Life 2 have been renamed to Half-Life 2: Orange. No, really.

Valve has come up with an entire world of alien life forms, postmodern physics and government conspiracies and the best title they could come up with is a color? We guess it's better than Half-Life 2: Head Crab-tacular Edition.

HL2:O includes the original Half-Life 2, Episodes One and Two, Team Fortress, and Portal. We think you can make a better title, so let's hear your suggestions.

JoystiqHalf-Life 2 console pack blushes orange originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Jan 2007 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>half lifehalfe life 2HalfeLife2HalfLifehl2orangeportalPS3team fortressTeamFortressXbox-360Fri, 12 Jan 2007 19:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War 360 case mod pwns]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/28/gears-of-war-360-case-mod-pwns/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/28/gears-of-war-360-case-mod-pwns/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/28/gears-of-war-360-case-mod-pwns/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Do you remember that Half Life 2 case mod we featured a little while back? Yeah, just forget about that, because there's a new case mod on the block and is much sexier. The Gears of War case mod to the right is not only stylish, sleek, dark, edgy, and friggin' gory (I ran out of adjectives), but makes me want to curb stomp someone. The white ring of light really works, the etching on the side of the case is superb, and overall the craftsmanship rivals that of the HL2 mod. Check out more pictures after the break.

[Via Digg]

Continue reading Gears of War 360 case mod pwns

JoystiqGears of War 360 case mod pwns originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Nov 2006 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>case modCaseModgears of warGearsOfWargowhalf life 2HalfLife2hl2Tue, 28 Nov 2006 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[This Half-Life 2 Xbox 360 case mod is way early]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/21/this-half-life-2-xbox-360-case-mod-is-way-early/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/21/this-half-life-2-xbox-360-case-mod-is-way-early/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/21/this-half-life-2-xbox-360-case-mod-is-way-early/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Dr. Gordon Freeman would be proud. This "first ever" case mod sure looks professional to us but, then again, we're not the case modding experts around here. We suspect the mod's builder may have been anticipating an '06 release for Half-Life 2 on the Xbox 360, before the series' second episodic installment was delayed until early 2007 ... and then again until Summer 2007. Now every gaming session will have a brief, but painful, reminder of the title's absence. It'll be okay, just don't make a Duke Nukem Forever case mod ...

[Thanks, Macca; via Xbox 360 Fanboy]

JoystiqThis Half-Life 2 Xbox 360 case mod is way early originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Nov 2006 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>case modCaseModHalf Life 2HalfLife2HL2ModPCValveXbox-360Tue, 21 Nov 2006 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[More in-game commentary coming next-gen?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/17/more-in-game-commentary-coming-next-gen/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/17/more-in-game-commentary-coming-next-gen/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/17/more-in-game-commentary-coming-next-gen/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


MTV News takes a look at one of Half-Life 2: Episode One's best secrets: the in-game commentary track. Much like the DVD format's popular director's commentary feature, Valve stuck in audio commentary from the game's developers. Hit the little floating text bubble and be treated to commentary on everything from design conceits (like apologizing for artificial barriers) to eye-candy techniques (yup, that's HDR lighting).

The problem is, according to Valve's own statistics, only 15% of the gamers who've played Episode One have activated the feature. Regardless of its popularity, Valve project manager Erik Johnson says, "There isn't really any chance of us leaving it out in our future titles." That's good news for those of us interested in the commentary feature. Unfortunately, not every game developer is going to keep it in, even if they got there first.

Factor 5 included developer commentary on their Star Wars: Battle for Naboo title on the N64, an impressive feat for a cartridge system. They've included commentary on every title since then, so a commentary track on the PlayStation 3's Lair (with its copious amounts of Blu-ray space) would seem to be a perfect touch. Insomniac Games has commentary plans for their next game (following PS3 launch title Resistance), but that 15% number may make them nervous. Insomniac's Ted Price said, "If gamers want audio commentary, they have to let it be known." Okay, Ted. So, gamers, were you amongst Valve's 15% and if not, why?

Continue reading More in-game commentary coming next-gen?

JoystiqMore in-game commentary coming next-gen? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Oct 2006 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CommentaryDirector's CommentaryDirector'sCommentaryFactor 5Factor5GameCubeHalf LifeHalf-Life 2Half-life2HalfLifeHL2PCPS3Rebel StrikeRebelStrikeRogue Leader II: Rebel StrikeRogueLeaderIi:RebelStrikeValveXbox-360Tue, 17 Oct 2006 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Duct tape + cardboard = DI? Half-Life 2 costume]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/11/duct-tape-cardboard-di-half-life-2-costume/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/11/duct-tape-cardboard-di-half-life-2-costume/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/11/duct-tape-cardboard-di-half-life-2-costume/#commentsFiled under: , ,


A Planet Half-Life member, who goes only by the online nom de guerre "Kevin," created this incredible Gordon Freeman costume with nothing but duct tape and cardboard (seriously, that's it). In exchange, he has earned the admiration of nerds and Halloween costume partygoers everywhere. Why do cosplayers always have to dress up as Final Fantasy characters, or Mario anyway?

Joystiq salutes you, Dr. Freeman. Just don't bring any of those headcrabs to our staff party.

[Via Aeropause]

JoystiqDuct tape + cardboard = DI? Half-Life 2 costume originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Oct 2006 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CostumeGordon FreemanGordonFreemanHalf LifeHalf Life 2HalfLifeHalfLife2HalloweenHL2ValveWed, 11 Oct 2006 09:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Japan gets HL2 Survivor, we get videos of it]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/18/japan-gets-hl2-survivor-we-get-videos-of-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/18/japan-gets-hl2-survivor-we-get-videos-of-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/18/japan-gets-hl2-survivor-we-get-videos-of-it/#commentsFiled under: ,


And here we thought Japanese gamers could care less about FPSs. Just because Halo releases don't result in new sales records over there, doesn't mean the FPS has no place in their hearts. Take, for example, this arcadization (?) of gaming's most celebrated first person shooter: Half-Life 2. Taito and Valve teamed up, buddy copy style, to adapt the PC classic to Taito's Type X arcade board (not much of a challenge, since it's a PC already, Windows and everything).

What did take some extra work was adapting Half-Life's intimate, story driven affair from the long-form to the arcade form; that's even shorter than the episodic releases! They've created three game types: story mode (single player), mission mode (co-op), and battle mode (multiplayer).

Don't expect to stumble upon one in America's limping arcade market though; they're still rocking broken House of the Dead machines from five years ago. Lucky for us, 1UP grabbed some videos of the game from the recent JAMMA show in Tokyo, which we've embedded after the break.

Continue reading Japan gets HL2 Survivor, we get videos of it

JoystiqJapan gets HL2 Survivor, we get videos of it originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Sep 2006 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Half-Life 2Half-life2HL2JAMMAJapanSurvivorTaitoVavleMon, 18 Sep 2006 14:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Modding about Fallingwater; Frank Lloyd Wright house in HL2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/05/modding-about-fallingwater-frank-lloyd-wright-house-in-hl2/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/05/modding-about-fallingwater-frank-lloyd-wright-house-in-hl2/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/05/modding-about-fallingwater-frank-lloyd-wright-house-in-hl2/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If talking about music is like dancing about architecture, then what is writing about architecture like? Anyone with an affinity for the art and science of designing great buildings knows there is no better way to experience them than to walk through them; to experience the sense of scale intimately; see how light affects the space; see how the location affects the light, and so on. Unfortunately, that dictum still holds true, but for how long?

One architecture student slash level modder chose Frank Lloyd Wright's tree-nestled modern masterpiece Fallingwater (aka the Kaufmann House) to recreate using Half-Life 2's Source engine. Anyone who's visited western Pennsylvania and taken the time to stop by Fallingwater knows the value of experiencing it first-hand.

The video walkthrough (embedded after the break) does give some sense of scale, but lacks the same polish that all video games exhibit on closer inspection. Though you miss the craftsmanship in the details, you do get an unparalleled appreciation for the way Wright tucked his house into the woods. Using "noclip" mode, the video's tour guide takes us up above the house and the waterfall providing a point-of-view entirely absent from the real experience.

[Via Boing Boing]

Continue reading Modding about Fallingwater; Frank Lloyd Wright house in HL2

JoystiqModding about Fallingwater; Frank Lloyd Wright house in HL2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Sep 2006 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArchitectureFallingwaterFrank Lloyd WrightFrankLloydWrightHalf-LifeHalf-Life 2Half-life2HL2Kauffman HouseKauffmanHouseModsPCSourceTue, 05 Sep 2006 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Students snatched up to develop Portal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/31/students-snatched-up-to-develop-portal/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/31/students-snatched-up-to-develop-portal/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/31/students-snatched-up-to-develop-portal/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

There's an interesting rags to finely rendered riches story to be found in an interview conducted with Valve's newest employees -- the DigiPen students responsible for Narbacular Drop, a crazy foray into transitive gameplay that now serves as the inspiration for Valve's mindbending Portal. Kim Swift, one of the developers on the project, notes how rapidly their run-in with Gabe Newell changed their careers and their lives:

"Gabe watched our demo and basically hired us on the spot. It was kind of shocking. We stood around in the parking lot afterwards gibbering to ourselves for about 20 minutes."

The rest of the interview clarifies some issues regarding the Half-Life 2: Episode Two companion, ruling out multiplayer (for now) and firmly labeling the game as a level-based adventure of puzzles and experiments gone awry. Swift was slightly lethargic in sharing information with regards to where exactly Portal fits into the Half-Life universe, though we'd bet a headcrab or two that the protagonist will be a Black Mesa alumni. Perhaps Adrian Shepherd has become an unwitting test subject for the Aperture Science Laboratories?

That suggestion isn't too outlandish, at least not to the same degree as this response from Swift when she seemingly misunderstands a question about EA potentially purchasing Valve:

"As far as I know, Valve has no plans of purchasing EA."

Win-win scenario in an alternate universe: Valve-EA releases a Half-Life game on time, every year.

Previously:

JoystiqStudents snatched up to develop Portal originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Jul 2006 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BarneyDigiPenEAElectronic-ArtsEpisdoe ThreeEpisdoeThreeEpisode OneEpisode TwoEpisodeOneEpisodeTwoHalf-LifeHalf-Life 2Half-life2HLHL2Narbacular DropNarbacularDropOpposing ForcesOpposingForcesPCPortalPS3ValveXbox-360Mon, 31 Jul 2006 18:55:00 EST<![CDATA[First trailer of Valve's Portal released]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/18/first-trailer-of-valves-portal-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/18/first-trailer-of-valves-portal-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/18/first-trailer-of-valves-portal-released/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

One of the announced games to be featured alongside the upcoming PC and console versions of Half-Life 2: Episode Two is one that promises to obliterate your concepts of traditional level design and generally assault your brain with a large rolling pin. It's called Portal and, should the name not be explanatory enough, it deals primarily with gaping holes in time and space which magically transport you to different locations. Where Human Head's Prey took you for a wacky ride through these portals, Valve's title equips you with a sterile looking gun and urges you to make your own entry and exit points with wild abandon.

The trailer (embedded in the second part of the post) aptly demonstrates the powers of the portal gun, the dangers of getting caught in an infinite loop and, of course, how using rampant teleportation can enable you to solve puzzles involving crates of some kind. As they say, hilarity ensues.

[Thanks Easy_G!]

Continue reading First trailer of Valve's Portal released

JoystiqFirst trailer of Valve's Portal released originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Jul 2006 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FPSGabe NewellGabeNewellHalf-LifeHalf-Life 2Half-life2HL2PCPortalportalsPreyPS3Team Fortress 2TeamFortress2ValveXbox-360Tue, 18 Jul 2006 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve gets all Big Brother with HL2:E1 stats]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/25/valve-gets-all-big-brother-with-hl2-e1-stats/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/25/valve-gets-all-big-brother-with-hl2-e1-stats/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/25/valve-gets-all-big-brother-with-hl2-e1-stats/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Valve has been using their episodic superstar, Half-Life 2: Episode 1, to pry into the private lives of gamers everywhere. Hey, 19.05% of gamers who played through HL2:E1 on Easy! Yeah, Valve's got your number, n00b. All that 5 hours to beat it stuff? Bzzzt! Looks like most of us (especially the aforementioned 19.05%) are breezing through it in the 3-1/2 to 4-1/2 hour range. (Note: the "Average completion time" is 5 hours exact due to some stragglers beefing that number up ... c'mon, 10 hours?)

Actually, according to Valve, "Episode 1 ... includes a reporting mechanism which tells us details about how people are playing the game. We're sharing the data we collect because we think people will find it interesting, and because we expect to spot emergent problems earlier, and ultimately build better products and experiences as a result."

Pretty cool stuff that supports one of the foundational tenets of the episodic manifesto: that they're already working on tweaking future episodes based on feedback, both automated and submitted. So, you've already played through Episode 1, what say ye, episodic gamer?

[Update: corrected the percentages; apparently, nearly one out of five Episode One'rs did the deed on Easy while 6.69% played through on Hard -- some didn't even know it! Thanks for the numbers, Jon.]

JoystiqValve gets all Big Brother with HL2:E1 stats originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 25 Jun 2006 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EpisodicHalf-Life 2Half-life2HalfLife2HL2HL2:E1PCSteamValveSun, 25 Jun 2006 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[HL2: E1 for $8 means you have to buy it]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/14/hl2-e1-for-8-means-you-have-to-buy-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/14/hl2-e1-for-8-means-you-have-to-buy-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/14/hl2-e1-for-8-means-you-have-to-buy-it/#commentsFiled under: , ,


One of the primary tenets of episodic distribution is a lower price for a shorter game. In the case of Half-Life 2: Episode One that means $20 for about 5 or so hours of Gravity Gun-wielding fun. Err, rather, that meant $20 for 5 hours but, if you cash in on the current promotion at retailing box-store Circuit City, you'll nab it for the low, low price of $8! That's like $1.60/hour if you're good. If you suck, you're talking about a pretty phenomenal dollar to hour investment.

The jig is up June 17th, and it isn't available online, so you best get going before the eBayers start grabbing em all. Indeed, at this stage in their evolution, they can smell a deal; their senses are acutely tuned to major retail discounts. For anyone who's already purchased a copy, don't feel bad ... cause you got to play yours earlier, right? Alright, you can feel bad.

[Thanks, Andy; via Insane Central]

JoystiqHL2: E1 for $8 means you have to buy it originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jun 2006 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheapCircuit CityCircuitCityEpisodicHalf-life 2Half-life2HL2HL2: E1Hl2:E1PCRetailSteamValveWed, 14 Jun 2006 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 3 has a happy ending, or how I learned to love YTMND]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/12/halo-3-has-a-happy-ending-or-how-i-learned-to-love-ytmnd/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/12/halo-3-has-a-happy-ending-or-how-i-learned-to-love-ytmnd/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/12/halo-3-has-a-happy-ending-or-how-i-learned-to-love-ytmnd/#commentsFiled under:

The animated .gif addicts over at YTMND have been very busy lately revealing the truthiness behind recent video game rumors. Here are some of those OMIGOD NEWS FLASH! announcements from YTMND's gaming posse:
YTMND's formula is never going to get old, simply because there will never be a shortage of fanboy ideas and rumors to make fun of.

[Via Xbox360Fanboy]

More: The Wii zeitgeist, via YTMND, Wiill Ferrell tests Wii accelerometer technology and Dick Hunt!

JoystiqHalo 3 has a happy ending, or how I learned to love YTMND originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jun 2006 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-IndustriesARTBungieDickDuck HuntDuckHuntEndingFPSFUNFUNNYHAHAHalf-LifeHalf-Life 2Half-life2HaloHalo 3Halo-2Halo3HL2HumorLAUGHMaster ChiefMasterChiefMicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosMiyamotoNintendoPlaystation 3Playstation3PS3RevealedshigeruShigeru MiyamotoShigeruMiyamotoSHiggySHOCK and AWEShockAndAweSpoilersWiiXbox-360YTMNDMon, 12 Jun 2006 13:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Half-Life 2: Episode Two trailer; Alyx is hurt!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/01/half-life-2-episode-two-trailer-alyx-is-hurt/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/01/half-life-2-episode-two-trailer-alyx-is-hurt/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/01/half-life-2-episode-two-trailer-alyx-is-hurt/#commentsFiled under: ,

A clever h4xx0r has managed to extract the trailer for Half-Life 2: Episode Two from the recently released first episode. Notable points of the trailer:
  • zOMG Alyx dies?!
  • New baddie! An extemely potent looking and fast moving tripod.
  • A voiceover by Dr. Eli Vance which goes as follows: "we're done running. This is our chance to take back out world, we're not going to lose it a second time."
Episode Two should hopefully be out by the end of this year.

JoystiqHalf-Life 2: Episode Two trailer; Alyx is hurt! originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Jun 2006 21:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AlyxEli VanceEliVanceEpisode OneEpisode TwoEpisodeOneEpisodesEpisodeTwoHalf-Life 2Half-life2HL2PCValveThu, 01 Jun 2006 21:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Half-Life 2: Episode One now playable]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/01/half-life-2-episode-one-now-playable/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/01/half-life-2-episode-one-now-playable/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/01/half-life-2-episode-one-now-playable/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Valve has opened the virtual doors to Half-Life 2: Episode One: that's right, the first episode of the new series that follows the aftermath of Half-Life 2 is now playable on Steam. Rumors suggesting that the game would be pushed back until June 30th have fortunately turned out to be false.

Up until now, pretty much all we knew about the plot of Episode One was a mysterious little blurb found on the official site that says "in Half-Life, the G-Man made you. In Half-Life 2, he used you to defeat Dr. Breen and start the Resistance. In Episode One, he's lost control." So, loyal Joystiq readers, get to it! We want to hear first impressions of the storyline, graphics and, most importantly, whether or not the G-man's immaculate suit has been torn as a result of him "losing control".

JoystiqHalf-Life 2: Episode One now playable originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Jun 2006 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>G-manHalf-Life 2Half-life2HL2PCSteamValveThu, 01 Jun 2006 15:40:00 EST