Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Valve games come to Impulse]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/valve-games-come-to-impulse/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/valve-games-come-to-impulse/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/valve-games-come-to-impulse/#comments Valve, proprietor of Steam -- which is basically the Walmart of PC digital distribution -- now has its games available on Impulse. Your confusion is as great as ours, but here we are.

The Impulse store, owned by GameStop, announced last week that Valve titles would become available on the service. Apparently, the shock of this caused almost everyone in the media not to report this fact for an awkward length of time.

The Valve games available through Impulse right now are Portal 2, Left 4 Dead, Left 4 Dead 2, The Orange Box, and Half-Life Complete. Best part: the games still require Steam to play.

JoystiqValve games come to Impulse originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Gamestophalf-life-2Impulseleft-4-deadleft-4-dead-2Orange-Boxpcportal-2SteamValveTue, 31 Jan 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Australian government begins the process of games reform with a Discussion Paper]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/01/australian-government-begins-the-process-of-games-reform-with-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/01/australian-government-begins-the-process-of-games-reform-with-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/01/australian-government-begins-the-process-of-games-reform-with-a/#comments The Australian Law Reform Commission has been listening, and after hours of bureaucratic thought, research, filing papers, losing papers, rewriting those papers, finding the originals and sobbing quietly at their cubicles, the Australian government has proposed a Discussion Paper to revamp media classification ratings, including those for video games. The paper addresses issues of hypocrisy in its games-rating system, citing how long it took for the R18+ rating to be implemented, and how its absence was restrictive to adults in the country:

"Major inconsistencies exist in the application of classification guidelines across media platforms. The major anomaly has been in the treatment of computer games as compared to films and publications, with the absence of an R 18+ classification for computer games," the paper reads.

"This decision, which has only recently been reversed, can be seen as overly restricting the rights of adults to access content on a particular media platform, and as marking a reversion to earlier censorship-based understandings of the role of government."

Continue reading Australian government begins the process of games reform with a Discussion Paper

JoystiqAustralian government begins the process of games reform with a Discussion Paper originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 Oct 2011 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsaustraliaAustralian-Law-Reform-CommissiondsL4D2Left-4-Dead-2macmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiixboxSat, 01 Oct 2011 05:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Left 4 Dead's Death Toll in beta, now playable in Left 4 Dead 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/16/left-4-deads-death-toll-in-beta-now-playable-in-left-4-dead-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/16/left-4-deads-death-toll-in-beta-now-playable-in-left-4-dead-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/16/left-4-deads-death-toll-in-beta-now-playable-in-left-4-dead-2/#comments Valve's unleashed the Death Toll campaign from the original Left 4 Dead on the PC-playing Left 4 Dead 2 crowd today, albeit with some minor tweaks which Valve is being mum about. They want us all to go in with "fresh eyes" they say, so we'll see how that goes. Any feedback you have, you can drop it in the Steam forums. (Or you could leave a comment in this very post!)

Also, Valve's got an update on the launch window of the entire Cold Stream DLC release, of which Death Toll is a part of: It's coming around Halloween. Previously the goal was late summer, but with all of the testing and rigmarole that goes into tuning a game, Valve's gotten a little behind schedule. It's tough to complain, considering how very, very free all this stuff is.

JoystiqLeft 4 Dead's Death Toll in beta, now playable in Left 4 Dead 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Sep 2011 22:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cold-streamdeath-tolldlcL4D2left-4-deadLeft-4-Dead-2pcsteamvalveFri, 16 Sep 2011 22:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve games show up on Origin [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/03/valve-games-show-up-on-origin/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/03/valve-games-show-up-on-origin/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/03/valve-games-show-up-on-origin/#comments Update: The Valve titles offered by Origin are, in fact, boxed retail copies, rather than downloadable versions as indicated. Seeing as EA has published Valve titles at retail for years, this is less world-shattering than originally thought.

As sentient, probably-intelligent creatures, we as humans like to think that we have a pretty good understanding of the world around us. Our belief systems, while dynamic and varied across creed and culture, all provide for an interpretation of the world around us. We build order out of chaos, but despite how solid we think our understanding of the universe is, the impossible can still sometimes be possible.

EA's PC gaming distribution service Origin is running a buy-two-get-one-free deal, which defies all logic and human reasoning by including Left 4 Dead GOTY Edition, Left 4 Dead 2, and Counter-Strike: Source among its offerings. This echoes statements made to Eurogamer by EA honcho Jens Uwe earlier this week, who said that EA is in talks with other publishers to release content on Origin. We never doubted that non-EA titles would eventually make their way onto the platform, but we didn't really expect Valve to be first in line, considering that the two companies have a bit of a history. Perhaps Valve is extending an olive branch of sorts?

[Thanks, Stefano!]

[Image credit: TexHex]

JoystiqValve games show up on Origin [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Sep 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>counter-strike-sourceEALeft-4-Deadleft-4-dead-2OriginpcSteamvalveSat, 03 Sep 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[L4D2 to get Blood Harvest if 60,000 players unlock Achievement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/l4d2-to-get-blood-harvest-if-60-000-players-unlock-achievement/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/l4d2-to-get-blood-harvest-if-60-000-players-unlock-achievement/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/l4d2-to-get-blood-harvest-if-60-000-players-unlock-achievement/#comments Blood Harvest posterThe slow and steady march (undead, you might say) to release all of Left 4 Dead 1's maps into Left 4 Dead 2 continues, with Valve offering fans a chance to unlock the beta version of Blood Harvest early. So, how does it work? Simple: To unlock Blood Harvest, PC players simply have to help test a new version of Dead Air.

Specifically, players will be awarded an Achievement for completing an entire Versus game in Dead Air. Once sixty-thousand (60,000) players unlock the Achievement, Valve will unlock Blood Harvest on the following weekday. Be warned though, it must be a complete game, as Valve notes "you can't rage quit and you need to work together."

Remember that the next time you willingly allow a Jockey to ride off on your friend.

JoystiqL4D2 to get Blood Harvest if 60,000 players unlock Achievement originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blood-harvestdlcL4D2left-4-deadLeft-4-Dead-2pcvalveFri, 05 Aug 2011 20:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Air beta available in Left 4 Dead 2 on Steam today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/dead-air-beta-available-in-left-4-dead-2-on-steam-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/dead-air-beta-available-in-left-4-dead-2-on-steam-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/dead-air-beta-available-in-left-4-dead-2-on-steam-today/#comments As Valve promised, those who partake in zombie slaughter wholesale on Steam in Left 4 Dead 2 may now access an updated version of the original Left 4 Dead campaign, Dead Air. Beta access to Dead Air was promised as an incentive to the community for playing through the Cold Stream campaign (also in beta) and unlocking the subsequent completion achievement, Stream Crosser.

In a post on the Left 4 Dead blog, Valve reveals that the fourth and fifth maps in the Dead Air campaign have been changed a bit and that the developer "tried something new" when it came to the Scavenge map. The full Cold Stream DLC is currently slated to launch this summer on both Xbox 360 and PC.

JoystiqDead Air beta available in Left 4 Dead 2 on Steam today originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Jul 2011 21:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betadead-airL4D2Left-4-Dead-2pcsteamFri, 22 Jul 2011 21:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Horse compiles Valve comics]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/dark-horse-compiles-valve-comics/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/dark-horse-compiles-valve-comics/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/dark-horse-compiles-valve-comics/#comments Dark Horse Comics has revealed Valve Presents: The Sacrifice and Other Steam-Powered Stories. According to the listing on Comic Book Resources, the 304-page book contains Left 4 Dead's The Sacrifice comic, along with stories from the worlds of Team Fortress 2 and Portal.

The comic book compilation will launch on November 16 for $29.99. Although there are no further details regarding the Portal and TF2 comics, we'd guess they are Valve's online comics in physical form.

JoystiqDark Horse compiles Valve comics originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 00:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comiccomicsleft-4-deadleft-4-dead-2macmicrosoftpcplaystationportal-2ps3Team-Fortress-2ValvexboxTue, 12 Jul 2011 00:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Left 4 Dead 2's 'Dead Air' DLC coming on or before July 22]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/left-4-dead-2s-dead-air-dlc-coming-on-or-before-july-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/left-4-dead-2s-dead-air-dlc-coming-on-or-before-july-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/left-4-dead-2s-dead-air-dlc-coming-on-or-before-july-22/#comments You did it! You achieved the goal of playing a ton of Left 4 Dead 2, in sufficient numbers to unlock more Left 4 Dead 2. Valve challenged the community to get the "Stream Crosser" achievement 20,000 times by completing the Cold Stream campaign, and after 24 hours that achievement had been achieved 60,774 times.

As a result, Valve is releasing the L4D2 version of the L4D "Dead Air" DLC early, as promised. The initial announcement said July 22 -- now Valve is saying July 22 at the latest and intends to release the content as soon as it's finished.

JoystiqLeft 4 Dead 2's 'Dead Air' DLC coming on or before July 22 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jul 2011 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cold-streamdead-airdlcL4D2Left-4-Dead-2microsoftpcvalvexboxMon, 11 Jul 2011 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve will release Dead Air early ... if 20K people unlock this Left 4 Dead 2 achievement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/06/valve-will-release-dead-air-early-if-20k-people-unlock-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/06/valve-will-release-dead-air-early-if-20k-people-unlock-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/06/valve-will-release-dead-air-early-if-20k-people-unlock-this/#comments Valve's revealed an incentive for Left 4 Dead 2 players: if 20,000 of you unlock the Stream Crosser achievement on Steam (finish the Cold Stream campaign on any difficulty level) this weekend, it will release the Dead Air campaign from the first Left 4 Dead early, on July 22. Sorry, no word on remaining L4D campaigns Death Toll and Blood Harvest -- they're still slated to be included in the final release of Cold Stream, which is currently in beta.

Of course, because Valve is a company full of diabolical geniuses, guess what's on sale right now? Left 4 Dead 2 is 75% off today only, bringing it down to $4.99.

JoystiqValve will release Dead Air early ... if 20K people unlock this Left 4 Dead 2 achievement originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jul 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cold-streamL4D2Left-4-Dead-2pcsteamstream-crosservalveWed, 06 Jul 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Half-Life 2's Gnome Chompski gets his own (fake) game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/half-life-2s-gnome-chompski-gets-his-own-fake-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/half-life-2s-gnome-chompski-gets-his-own-fake-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/half-life-2s-gnome-chompski-gets-his-own-fake-game/#comments Little did you know that the diminuitive, statuesque grandpa you were tasked with lugging around in Half-Life 2: Episode Two and Left 4 Dead 2 was actually a stationary action hero. Check out FineLeatherJackets' trailer for Gnome Chompski's (totally not real) video game posted after the break.

Continue reading Half-Life 2's Gnome Chompski gets his own (fake) game

JoystiqHalf-Life 2's Gnome Chompski gets his own (fake) game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gnome-chompskiL4D2Left-4-Dead-2microsoftpcplaystationps3valvexboxWed, 30 Mar 2011 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Beta over here! L4D2 'Cold Stream' DLC now up for testing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/beta-over-here-l4d2-cold-stream-dlc-now-up-for-testing/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/beta-over-here-l4d2-cold-stream-dlc-now-up-for-testing/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/beta-over-here-l4d2-cold-stream-dlc-now-up-for-testing/#comments Hey, remember when Valve announced that the new Cold Stream DLC for Left 4 Dead 2 would enter beta testing within the "next few weeks?" Guess what? It's been a few weeks! The DLC, created by modder Matthew Lourdelet, is now available for beta testing in both the PC and Mac versions of Left 4 Dead 2.

Valve warns that the campaign does have bugs -- it's a beta test, after all -- and asks players to report them via the in-game bug reporter. The company also invites feedback and suggestions -- particularly regarding the finale -- in the Cold Stream forums.

[Image: Bug submitted by zapwizard]

JoystiqBeta over here! L4D2 'Cold Stream' DLC now up for testing originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cold-streamDLCL4D2Left-4-Dead-2macMatthew-LourdeletmicrosoftpcvalvexboxWed, 23 Mar 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New user-created L4D2 DLC headed to PC, Mac, Xbox]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/new-user-created-l4d2-dlc-headed-to-pc-mac-xbox/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/new-user-created-l4d2-dlc-headed-to-pc-mac-xbox/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/new-user-created-l4d2-dlc-headed-to-pc-mac-xbox/#comments Valve has announced that the next batch of Left 4 Dead 2 DLC will include a user-created campaign known as "Cold Stream." Created by Matthew Lourdelet -- known for his "2 Evil Eyes" campaign -- the as yet unfinished Cold Stream campaign will begin community testing within the "next few weeks."

The DLC is planned for the PC, Mac and Xbox versions of L4D2, so no one needs to feel left out. As an added bonus, the DLC will also contain three campaigns from Left 4 Dead 1: Death Toll, Dead Air and Blood Harvest (L4D1's No Mercy campaign was included as part of L4D2's 'The Sacrifice' DLC). Don't get too excited, however, as the DLC isn't planned to be released until after the release of Portal 2, which currently is slated for April.

JoystiqNew user-created L4D2 DLC headed to PC, Mac, Xbox originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcleft-4-dead-2macpcrelease-datevalvexboxThu, 17 Feb 2011 14:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam Holiday Sale discounts Left 4 Dead 2, GTA IV, NFS: Hot Pursuit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/steam-holiday-sale-discounts-left-4-dead-2-gta-iv-nfs-hot-pur/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/steam-holiday-sale-discounts-left-4-dead-2-gta-iv-nfs-hot-pur/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/steam-holiday-sale-discounts-left-4-dead-2-gta-iv-nfs-hot-pur/#comments The Steam savings keep on coming as today's deals offer up another bevy of digital wares on the cheap. There are plenty to choose from, including Left 4 Dead 2 at a very reasonable $6.79, the GTA IV collection (which includes both The Lost and Damned and The Ballad of Gay Tony) for $10, and hefty discounts on Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit, Singularity and Transformers: War for Cybertron. Hit the jump for the full list.

Continue reading Steam Holiday Sale discounts Left 4 Dead 2, GTA IV, NFS: Hot Pursuit

JoystiqSteam Holiday Sale discounts Left 4 Dead 2, GTA IV, NFS: Hot Pursuit originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterionCriterion-Gamesdigital-distributioneagrand-theft-auto-ivleft-4-dead-2need-for-speed-hot-pursuitpcsteamsteam-holiday-salesteam-holiday-sale-2010valveThu, 30 Dec 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Left 4 Dead Hunter & Tank plushes shipping December 27]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/19/left-4-dead-hunter-and-tank-plushes-shipping-december-27/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/19/left-4-dead-hunter-and-tank-plushes-shipping-december-27/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/19/left-4-dead-hunter-and-tank-plushes-shipping-december-27/#comments The Left 4 Dead 2-themed Hunter and Tank plushes will just make their planned "late December" arrival on the Valve Store. The new additions to this line of frighteningly inappropriate stuffed "animals" will begin shipping to pre-purchasers on Monday, December 27, ensuring that Christmas will not be ruined for any young recipients of these special ... Infected.

Sold separately and currently available for pre-order at a 10-percent discount, the Hunter Plush ($26.95) and Tank Plush ($31.45) both feature ten likely terrifying sound samples that should never, ever be played in a child's bedroom when the lights are off. Thankfully, the pair looks decidedly cuddlier than its sibling, the Boomer Plush.

But, you know? That isn't saying much.

JoystiqLeft 4 Dead Hunter & Tank plushes shipping December 27 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 19 Dec 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hunterleft-4-deadleft-4-dead-2microsoftpcplushestanktoysvalvevalve-storexboxSun, 19 Dec 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Left 4 Dead 2's latest mutation has a Special Delivery for the survivors]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/18/left-4-dead-2s-latest-mutation-has-a-special-delivery-for-the-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/18/left-4-dead-2s-latest-mutation-has-a-special-delivery-for-the-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/18/left-4-dead-2s-latest-mutation-has-a-special-delivery-for-the-s/#comments These guys just can't catch a break, can they? As if the zombie apocalypse wasn't enough for the survivors to deal with, Left 4 Dead 2's latest mutation, Special Delivery, removes spawn timers for special infected and raises their in-game cap to 10.

Can you imagine it? The safe house is in sight; you're almost there and the effects of those hastily-consumed pain pills are quickly fading. Then you see them: two boomers, two jockeys, a spitter, a smoker and four tanks. Okay, maybe our version of the mutation sounds a bit extreme, but you get the idea.

JoystiqLeft 4 Dead 2's latest mutation has a Special Delivery for the survivors originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 Dec 2010 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>L4D2Left-4-Dead-2microsoftmutationpcsteamvalvexboxSat, 18 Dec 2010 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[We're doing our best to make this Steam Halloween sale scary]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/29/were-doing-our-best-to-make-this-steam-halloween-sale-scary/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/29/were-doing-our-best-to-make-this-steam-halloween-sale-scary/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/29/were-doing-our-best-to-make-this-steam-halloween-sale-scary/#comments"Did ... did you hear that? That creepy noise, coming from the direction of Steam. What is that? It sounds like ... Left 4 Dead and Left 4 Dead 2 for $15."

Steam's Halloween sale is upon us, and you can't hide from these terrifying deals. Actually, we suppose you can, since they're just going to sit there on the site until November 1. The inanimate, inert, pleasant, but also totally spooky deals include Worms: Reloaded and Team Fortress 2 for $9.99 each, and the Overlord pack for $7.49.

With prices this good, the only scary thing is missing out on this sale. Although there are Steam sales all the time, so it's really just slightly inconvenient if you don't get anything this time. Um, boooooooo! Ghosts!

JoystiqWe're doing our best to make this Steam Halloween sale scary originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Oct 2010 00:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>left-4-deadleft-4-dead-2macoverlordpcsteamTeam-Fortress-2Fri, 29 Oct 2010 00:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Left 4 Dead 2's latest mutation invites the survivors to a Hunter Party]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/16/left-4-dead-2s-latest-mutation-invites-the-survivors-to-a-hunte/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/16/left-4-dead-2s-latest-mutation-invites-the-survivors-to-a-hunte/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/16/left-4-dead-2s-latest-mutation-invites-the-survivors-to-a-hunte/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's Friday, which means it's Pizza Night in America. Sure, a slice of 'za is a great way to cap off the week, but some people prefer their unwinding to be a bit more slaughterful. So we'd like to point out the latest Left 4 Dead 2 mutation: Hunting Party.

This mutation simplifies the horde by turning all of the Special Infected into Hunters. No Boomers, no Smokers, no Jockeys, just the sheer agony of listening to screeching, nimble Hunters like so many dozens of nails scratching against so many dozens of chalkboards. And the tearing -- oh, why all of the tearing?

JoystiqLeft 4 Dead 2's latest mutation invites the survivors to a Hunter Party originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 16 Oct 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>L4D2Left-4-Dead-2microsoftmutationpcsteamvalvevalve-softwarexboxSat, 16 Oct 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Left 4 Dead 1 and 2 on sale for $10.19 on Steam for a limited time]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/05/left-4-dead-1-and-2-on-sale-for-10-19-on-steam-for-a-limited-ti/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/05/left-4-dead-1-and-2-on-sale-for-10-19-on-steam-for-a-limited-ti/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/05/left-4-dead-1-and-2-on-sale-for-10-19-on-steam-for-a-limited-ti/#comments Valve has extended a whole mess of offers for Left 4 Dead and its sequel on its Steam platform in honor of the release of "The Sacrifice" -- both titles (the latter of which just launched on Mac) are available for $6.79 each, or $10.19 together for "a limited time."

Continue reading Left 4 Dead 1 and 2 on sale for $10.19 on Steam for a limited time

JoystiqLeft 4 Dead 1 and 2 on sale for $10.19 on Steam for a limited time originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 16:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>L4D2left-4-deadLeft-4-Dead-2macpcsteamthe-sacrificevalveTue, 05 Oct 2010 16:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Left 4 Dead 2 attacks Mac on Tuesday, Oct. 5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/04/left-4-dead-2-attacks-mac-on-tuesday-oct-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/04/left-4-dead-2-attacks-mac-on-tuesday-oct-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/04/left-4-dead-2-attacks-mac-on-tuesday-oct-5/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Tucked neatly below some official details regarding Left 4 Dead's "The Sacrifice" DLC lies an announcement: Left 4 Dead 2 will be available on Mac starting Tuesday, October 5. As per usual, Mac users who previously purchased Left 4 Dead 2 on Steam for PC will automatically receive access to the game, along with free downloads of "The Passing," "The Sacrifice" and "No Mercy" add-ons.

In the same note, Valve also apologizes to Left 4 Dead 1 owners -- since the sequel is making it onto Mac before the original. The company states it's "running a little late" and that it hopes to "have it out in time to celebrate Halloween." If you previously purchased L4D on Steam for PC, you'll have access to everything once the Mac version arrives.

Gallery: Left 4 Dead ("The Sacrifice" DLC)


[Thanks, Ben]

JoystiqLeft 4 Dead 2 attacks Mac on Tuesday, Oct. 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Oct 2010 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>L4D2Left-4-Dead-2macrelease-datesteamValveMon, 04 Oct 2010 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Give up a few minutes for Left 4 Dead's 'The Sacrifice' trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/give-up-a-few-minutes-for-left-4-dead-the-sacrifice-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/give-up-a-few-minutes-for-left-4-dead-the-sacrifice-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/give-up-a-few-minutes-for-left-4-dead-the-sacrifice-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , ,

"The Sacrifice" DLC for Left 4 Dead and Left 4 Dead 2 arrives October 5 on Xbox 360 and PC. The expansion will add a new campaign to both games, the L4D1 "No Mercy" game type to L4D2 and a new mechanic in which players can choose to sacrifice themselves for the team. While free for PC players, the add-on will cost 560 Microsoft Points ($7) on Xbox.

To help you avoid confusing this with "My Sacrifice," the 2001 hit single by Creed, we've included some visual aids in the form of a trailer after the break and screens in the gallery below.

Gallery: Left 4 Dead ("The Sacrifice" DLC)

Continue reading Give up a few minutes for Left 4 Dead's 'The Sacrifice' trailer

JoystiqGive up a few minutes for Left 4 Dead's 'The Sacrifice' trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcL4D2left-4-deadLeft-4-Dead-2microsoftpcthe-sacrificexboxFri, 01 Oct 2010 12:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Next Left 4 Dead 2 mutation reintroduces competitive survival]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/26/next-left-4-dead-2-mutation-introduces-competitive-surviving/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/26/next-left-4-dead-2-mutation-introduces-competitive-surviving/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/26/next-left-4-dead-2-mutation-introduces-competitive-surviving/#commentsFiled under: , ,

This week's Left 4 Dead 2 mutation introduces a game mode so clever, we're surprised Valve hadn't thought of it yet -- or have they? Yes, players will temporarily be able to re-experience the magic of Survival Versus, in which one team of four survivors lasts as long as it can on a chosen Survival map, and then the next team tries to beat their time. The competing teams go back and forth in this manner until one team fails to surpass the other's lifespan.

It sounds like a pretty hectic addition to an already hectic game type. Give it a try this week only if you think you can handle all the hect ... hecticnicity?

JoystiqNext Left 4 Dead 2 mutation reintroduces competitive survival originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 26 Sep 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>L4D2Left-4-Dead-2microsoftmutationpcsurvivalvalvexboxSun, 26 Sep 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Parts 1 and 2 of Left 4 Dead 'The Sacrifice' comic now online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/parts-1-and-2-of-left-4-dead-the-sacrifice-comic-now-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/parts-1-and-2-of-left-4-dead-the-sacrifice-comic-now-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/parts-1-and-2-of-left-4-dead-the-sacrifice-comic-now-online/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Honestly, we would never have thought that [redacted] would be the character to bite the dust in "The Passing," but there it is. Sure, we could've pictured [redacted] dying, or [redacted] -- heck, even [redacted] -- but [redacted]? Life's a trip, qué no?

Thing is, we never figured out how that particular survivor perished -- not until now. The first two parts of Valve's four-part, 150-page digital comic primer for "The Sacrifice," the upcoming DLC for Left 4 Dead and Left 4 Dead 2, is now online. Give both issues a read by heading over to the Left 4 Dead Blog.

JoystiqParts 1 and 2 of Left 4 Dead 'The Sacrifice' comic now online originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comicfpsL4D2Left-4-Dead-2microsoftpcthe-passingthe-sacrificevalvevalve-softwarexboxWed, 22 Sep 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Left 4 Dead 2's next mutation suffers a Healthpackalypse]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/18/left-4-dead-2s-next-mutation-suffers-a-healthpackalypse/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/18/left-4-dead-2s-next-mutation-suffers-a-healthpackalypse/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/18/left-4-dead-2s-next-mutation-suffers-a-healthpackalypse/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The one thing saving Left 4 Dead 2 from being the world's most comprehensive zombie apocalypse survival sim is its liberal use of pain meds and "health packs." In the real world, these things don't have the immediate recuperative effects they do in the video games. If you want a taste of how it'll truly be, you should probably check out this week's mutation: Healthpackalypse.

In this custom Versus play mode on both the PC and Xbox 360, the survivors get no health packs whatsoever. If you're on the Infected side, laugh maniacally as the humans try to make it through without the use of first aid. If you're on the survivor side, well -- better luck next time! It's called "the apocalypse" for a reason, muchachos.

JoystiqLeft 4 Dead 2's next mutation suffers a Healthpackalypse originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 Sep 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaL4D2Left-4-Dead-2microsoftmutationpcvalvexboxSat, 18 Sep 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Left 4 Dead 2 fan campaign drops the survivors in City 17]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/16/left-4-dead-2-fan-campaign-drops-the-survivors-in-city-17/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/16/left-4-dead-2-fan-campaign-drops-the-survivors-in-city-17/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/16/left-4-dead-2-fan-campaign-drops-the-survivors-in-city-17/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Valve's latest featured fan campaign for the PC version of Left 4 Dead 2 should be instantly familiar to anyone who's enjoyed the developer's seminal Half-Life series. The five-chapter campaign is set on the streets of Half-Life 2's police-state metropolis, City 17, where the oppressed citizens have been replaced by zombies, and the totalitarian Combine have been replaced by zombies, and ... yeah, just about everyone's been replaced by zombies there.

As with all its featured community levels, Valve's temporarily hosting servers running the City 17 campaign. If you feel up for a romp through your ol' crowbaring grounds, you should take advantage of this delightful opportunity.

JoystiqLeft 4 Dead 2 fan campaign drops the survivors in City 17 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>campaigncity-17fanmadehalf-life-2L4D2Left-4-Dead-2modpcvalveThu, 16 Sep 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Left 4 Dead 2 mutation plays Follow the Liter this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/12/left-4-dead-2-mutation-plays-follow-the-liter-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/12/left-4-dead-2-mutation-plays-follow-the-liter-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/12/left-4-dead-2-mutation-plays-follow-the-liter-this-week/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Left 4 Dead blog has revealed this week's mutation of choice, and it's another round of Follow the Liter, in which only one character can carry a gas tank at the time, and they always spawn together (meaning that Infected know where the survivors are going to be). Should be a grindfest, but Valve thinks you'll like it -- they're bringing some old modes like this back to see if they can "take" a second time around.

And just for kicks, you Left 4 Dead fans can head past the break for a (NSFW due to language) fanmade mashup between Pixar's Toy Story (the original one!) and your favorite zombie headshot game. We won't ruin the surprise, but after what happens below, Woody's going to need some pills here.

Continue reading Left 4 Dead 2 mutation plays Follow the Liter this week

JoystiqLeft 4 Dead 2 mutation plays Follow the Liter this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 12 Sep 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>L4D2Left-4-Dead-2microsoftmutationpcvalveweeklyxboxSun, 12 Sep 2010 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Make a music video for Left 4 Dead's Midnight Riders]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/03/make-a-music-video-for-left-4-deads-midnight-riders/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/03/make-a-music-video-for-left-4-deads-midnight-riders/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/03/make-a-music-video-for-left-4-deads-midnight-riders/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you found yourself particularly inspired by the quartet of southern rock troubadours prominently featured in Left 4 Dead 2's "Dark Carnival" campaign, you can now stretch your creative muscles to give one of the fictional band's hit songs some visual flair. Valve recently announced a contest to create the best music video for the Riders' chart topper "Save Me Some Sugar (This Won't Take Long)," which will make its debut in the upcoming "The Sacrifice" DLC campaign. The winner of the contest will receive a Valve "gift pack" and a guitar signed by all four members of the band.

The manner in which you create this video is entirely up to you -- will it be live action, in-game footage or a hybrid of both? Regardless of what you go with, we hope you first seek out some thematically appropriate inspiration.

JoystiqMake a music video for Left 4 Dead's Midnight Riders originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestL4D2Left-4-Dead-2microsoftmidnight-ridersmusic-videopcvalvexboxFri, 03 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[L4D2's next Mutations: Gib Fest on PC; Chainsaw Massacre on 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/28/l4d2s-next-mutations-gib-fest-on-pc-chainsaw-massacre-on-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/28/l4d2s-next-mutations-gib-fest-on-pc-chainsaw-massacre-on-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/28/l4d2s-next-mutations-gib-fest-on-pc-chainsaw-massacre-on-360/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Valve has announced the latest Mutations for Left 4 Dead 2 and it looks like the Survivors will have a leg up on the undead hordes. It's good to know that even in the apocalypse, humans can sometimes catch a break.

In the PC version, players can check out Gib Fest, where all survivors are packing M60s with unlimited ammunition. Xbox 360 players will have to get a bit more up-close-and-personal in Chainsaw Massacre -- all survivors will have access to nothing but Chainsaws. Who wants zombie kebab?

JoystiqL4D2's next Mutations: Gib Fest on PC; Chainsaw Massacre on 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chainsaw-massacreeagib-festL4D2Left-4-Dead-2microsoftmutationpcvalvevalve-softwarexboxSat, 28 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve reveals 'The Sacrifice' DLC for L4D1 and 2, digital comic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/22/valve-reveals-the-sacrifice-dlc-for-l4d1-and-2-digital-comic/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/22/valve-reveals-the-sacrifice-dlc-for-l4d1-and-2-digital-comic/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/22/valve-reveals-the-sacrifice-dlc-for-l4d1-and-2-digital-comic/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Both Left 4 Dead titles will be getting a new DLC pack -- titled "The Sacrifice" -- in the future. Valve's Chet Faliszek announced as much on the latest episode of GameTrailers TV, detailing the DLC's story as an explanation of how the first L4D crew lost a member (during "The Passing") and saying that the content will work across both games. Owners of Left 4 Dead 2 will be able to play as the first game's fearsome foursome and even be able to choose which member of that crew will end up having his or her brains eaten by the horde.

Faliszek also noted that the content will be free -- like usual -- for Steam users, and the series will be arriving on Steam for Mac as well. If that wasn't enough, L4D1's "No Mercy" campaign has been updated for the sequel and will be included with "The Sacrifice" when it ships. Though players will be able to choose which crew member passes in "The Sacrifice," a 150-page, four part digital comic details events leading up to the new DLC will have a more definitive finale which will effect the future content for the series (we can't be more specific without spoiling "The Passing"). Faliszek didn't give a price or a release window on the show, but he did admit that this "is not the end, we're gonna continue going" with future content for the series.

Update: According to an interview with PC Gamer (via Shacknews), it seems "The Sacrifice" will be available (at least on PC) as of October 5 for free, though it will cost 560 MS Points ($7) on Xbox 360. We've reached out to Valve for clarification on the release date for 360 and Mac.

JoystiqValve reveals 'The Sacrifice' DLC for L4D1 and 2, digital comic originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 22 Aug 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chet-faliszekdigital-comicdigital-distributiondlcL4D2Left-4-Dead-2macmicrosoftpcrelease-datesteamthe-sacrificevalvevalve-softwarexboxSun, 22 Aug 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Left 4 Dead 2 mutates again, DLC teased]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/left-4-dead-2-mutates-again-dlc-teased/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/left-4-dead-2-mutates-again-dlc-teased/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/left-4-dead-2-mutates-again-dlc-teased/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Thanks to Left 4 Dead 2, Friday has become some kind of weekly masochistic holiday. This week proves no different, as the latest mutation, Iron Man, pits the survivors against the Infected with "no respawns, no restarts, no ammo, all tension." In other words, you get the ammo you start with, no one respawns and, should your whole crew bite the dust (or be bitten by dusty zombies), you'll have to start the entire campaign over again. Ouch.

In other news, the Left 4 Dead Blog also dropped some hints about upcoming DLC. Those who finished "The Passing" DLC will know that someone from the original Left 4 Dead heads off for the great Safe House in the sky (don't hit the source link if you'd like this to remain unspoiled). According to the blog, a forthcoming comic and DLC will explain exactly how the survivor kicked the bucket. We're no psychics, but we're guessing it was zombies.

JoystiqLeft 4 Dead 2 mutates again, DLC teased originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 20:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>L4D2Left-4-Dead-2microsoftpcValvexboxFri, 13 Aug 2010 20:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve breaks down Left 4 Dead 2 mode stats, 'Gib Fest' is latest mutation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/07/valve-breaks-down-left-4-dead-2-mode-stats-gib-fest-is-latest/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/07/valve-breaks-down-left-4-dead-2-mode-stats-gib-fest-is-latest/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/07/valve-breaks-down-left-4-dead-2-mode-stats-gib-fest-is-latest/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Valve has posted some interesting stats for Left 4 Dead 2's mutation modes. The team has been watching you closely as you work your way through the zombie hordes, and it turns out you like realism and gore in your L4D games: Realism Versus and Chainsaw Massacre have been the two most popular mutations by far, with Realism Versus (which was later turned into a permanent mode) grabbing 41 percent of the player base during its featured week and 22 percent of the playing time. The Chainsaw mode was the "most tried" of the mutations, with 52 percent of the player base revving it up, and 14 percent of player minutes spent playing it.

Outside of mutations, versus and the co-op campaign actually both nab about 40 percent of players every day. And while Valve doesn't mention any of the least-played mutations, it does give notice to the Infected-doubling Hard Eight mutation, which was only tried by 26 percent of players but still grabbed over 10 percent of that week's playing time. This week, it's a "Gib Fest," with everyone on the team getting M60s and unlimited ammo. That sounds like a hunting accident just waiting to happen.

JoystiqValve breaks down Left 4 Dead 2 mode stats, 'Gib Fest' is latest mutation originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Aug 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chainsaw-massacregib-festL4D2Left-4-Dead-2microsoftmutationmutationspcrealism-versusvalvevalve-softwarexboxzombiesSat, 07 Aug 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Left 4 Dead's 'Tank' figure unveiled, busting through bank accounts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/31/left-4-deads-tank-figure-unveiled-busting-through-bank-accou/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/31/left-4-deads-tank-figure-unveiled-busting-through-bank-accou/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/31/left-4-deads-tank-figure-unveiled-busting-through-bank-accou/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We've got some mixed emotions about the just revealed Tank mini-statue (statuette just doesn't seem fitting for a giant terrifying zombie), created by Gaming Heads for Valve. Sure, its detail is marvelous and it comes with a totally sweet, albeit miniature, pump-action shotgun, but it's also 325 real-life actual dollars for the "exclusive edition".

At 15 inches tall, you'd better have a real special place in your heart (and in your house, preferably a cage) to shell out that kind of cash. If you'd like to save yourself a bit of money, there's a less-exclusive version (limited to a run of 750) for $300, but unfortunately it comes with no mini pump-action shotgun. And frankly, we both know that's completely unacceptable. How else will you fight off the little monster when he goes after your throat? Hmmm? Interested parties will be glad to know that orders appear to be open as of right now, though the statue won't be set free until "Q1 2011."

JoystiqLeft 4 Dead's 'Tank' figure unveiled, busting through bank accounts originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gaming-headsL4D2left-4-deadLeft-4-Dead-2microsoftpcq1-2011release-datevalvexboxSat, 31 Jul 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New L4D2 Mutation: Hard Eight (more like 'Just Hard')]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/17/new-l4d2-mutation-hard-eight-more-like-just-hard/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/17/new-l4d2-mutation-hard-eight-more-like-just-hard/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/17/new-l4d2-mutation-hard-eight-more-like-just-hard/#commentsFiled under: , ,

At first, we really liked the idea of Left 4 Dead 2 "mutations." They promised fun tweaks to the gameplay to keep it interesting and fresh. In practice, however, they seem more like an excuse for Valve to make the game even harder. For instance, this week's mutation is "Hard Eight," which doubles the maximum number of active special Infected from four to eight. Eight.

What's that? You just killed a Boomer? Well, don't worry, because there are seven more standing right behind you.

JoystiqNew L4D2 Mutation: Hard Eight (more like 'Just Hard') originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>L4D2Left-4-DeadLeft-4-Dead-2microsoftmutationpcValvexboxSat, 17 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Left 4 Dead 2's latest mutation is nothing but swords]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/10/left-4-dead-2s-latest-mutation-is-nothing-but-swords/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/10/left-4-dead-2s-latest-mutation-is-nothing-but-swords/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/10/left-4-dead-2s-latest-mutation-is-nothing-but-swords/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The official Left 4 Dead 2 blog has posted the latest mutation to Valve's great zombie apocalypse simulation and it's ... swords. All swords, all the time. Hacking, slashing, slicing, dicing, piercing, thrusting -- you name it, you'll be doing it against the undead horde.

The post also has the results of the poll about players' favorite level finale, and Dark Carnival's Midnight Riders concert takes the win on Xbox 360, with The Parish's bridge traversal tying it for PC players. The worst? Unanimously, Hard Rain's boat wait is the pick (and we'd have to agree). Finally, the blog teases next week's mutation with the words "Hard Eight." That could only mean one thing: Get ready to star in an underrated Paul Thomas Anderson movie!

JoystiqLeft 4 Dead 2's latest mutation is nothing but swords originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Jul 2010 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>L4D2Left-4-Dead-2microsoftmutationpcvalvexboxSat, 10 Jul 2010 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest Left 4 Dead 2 mutation: more like Left 1 Dead]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/28/latest-left-4-dead-2-mutation-more-like-left-1-dead/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/28/latest-left-4-dead-2-mutation-more-like-left-1-dead/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/28/latest-left-4-dead-2-mutation-more-like-left-1-dead/#commentsValve's latest "mutation" gametype for the Left 4 Dead 2 "The Passing" DLC takes three survivors out of the equation. "Last Man on Earth" is a single-player mode in which the player is the only Survivor left in the world, and must face nothing but Special Infected without the help of other players or even bots. In other words, it might has well have been called "The Player is Murdered Immediately."

Instead of an opportunity to play with developers (since, you know, it's single-player), Valve is encouraging players to record sixty-second clips of gameplay and upload them to YouTube with the tag "L4D2LastSurvivor." If you want to see lots of footage of player characters being torn apart by Special Infected, now you know where to go.

JoystiqLatest Left 4 Dead 2 mutation: more like Left 1 Dead originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 May 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fpslast-man-on-earthleft-4-deadleft-4-dead-2left-4-dead-2-the-passingMicrosoftmutationthe-passingvalveXbox-360Fri, 28 May 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest L4D2 mutation is for gnome lovers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/14/latest-l4d2-mutation-is-for-gnome-lovers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/14/latest-l4d2-mutation-is-for-gnome-lovers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/14/latest-l4d2-mutation-is-for-gnome-lovers/#commentsValve has announced the latest mutation game mode in Left 4 Dead 2: Last Gnome on Earth. In order to win, the survivors simply have to carry the garden gnome through any of the single-player campaigns. There's a catch though: the Infected will immediately swarm on anyone carrying the gnome. Valve also warns players to be careful setting the gnome down as "a boomer explosion will send him flying." The mutation is only available in campaign mode.

Valve also added that Realism Vs mode, as promised, will become permanent starting next week for everyone that owns "The Passing" DLC. Furthermore, one of the mutations released so far will make a comeback next week, with Valve noting that the mutation will be voted in by players. The candidates include Follow the Liter, Bleed Out and this week's mutation, Last Gnome on Earth. Finally, Valve will be playing Left 4 Dead 2 with the community this weekend. Check out a list of Steam and Xbox Live gamertags the team will be using after the break.

Continue reading Latest L4D2 mutation is for gnome lovers

JoystiqLatest L4D2 mutation is for gnome lovers originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 May 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>left-4-deadleft-4-dead-2MicrosoftsteamvalveXbox-360Fri, 14 May 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Left 4 Dead 2 gets permanent Realism Vs mode, new weekly Mutation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/left-4-dead-2-gets-permanent-realism-vs-mode-new-weekly-mutatio/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/left-4-dead-2-gets-permanent-realism-vs-mode-new-weekly-mutatio/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/left-4-dead-2-gets-permanent-realism-vs-mode-new-weekly-mutatio/#comments You guys really liked that Realism Vs mode in Left 4 Dead 2, huh? Lucky for you, Valve's Left 4 Dead Blog passes along word that it's been made into a permanent game type. Valve reports the final results of the in-game poll show 68 percent of those voting wanted it to be permanent, while only 21 percent of those voting didn't want it hanging around -- the final 11 percent really had no opinion. Apathy doesn't help kill zombies, people.

And because it's past Thursday, there's now a new Mutation to enjoy: Follow the Liter. In this Scavenger variant, the gas spawning is limited to a solitary can in one location known to both the Survivors and the Infected. Sounds like Mad Max -- you know, but with zombies.

The Left 4 Dead Blog offers more details and teases us with next week's Mutation title: Last Gnome on Earth. You think that's a The World of David the Gnome reference?

JoystiqLeft 4 Dead 2 gets permanent Realism Vs mode, new weekly Mutation originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 May 2010 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fpsleft-4-deadleft-4-dead-2MicrosoftmutationsteamvalveXbox-360Fri, 07 May 2010 18:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Adorable, nightmarish Left 4 Dead Boomer plush toy on sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/adorable-nightmarish-left-4-dead-boomer-plush-toy-on-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/adorable-nightmarish-left-4-dead-boomer-plush-toy-on-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/adorable-nightmarish-left-4-dead-boomer-plush-toy-on-sale/#comments If you're attempting to ween your teenage offspring off their collection of stuffed animals, we suggest investing in a line of plushies which are capable of scaring them out of their adorable addiction. Valve is releasing a set of five Left 4 Dead plush toys which should suit your needs quite well, the first of which -- based on the digestivally challenged "Boomer" special infected -- is currently available on Valve's online store for $49.99.

That price is a tad steep, though each toy comes with a sound chip that can emit ten of the Boomer's in-game grunts and belches. Just think of it like a premium you're paying to really place your child's psyche deep within the nightmare zone.

[Via Big Download]

JoystiqAdorable, nightmarish Left 4 Dead Boomer plush toy on sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 May 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boomerleft-4-deadleft-4-dead-2MicrosoftplushtoyvalveXbox-360zombieMon, 03 May 2010 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaming Heads to create lineup of collectibles based on Valve properties]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/30/gaming-heads-to-create-line-up-of-collectibles-based-on-valve-pr/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/30/gaming-heads-to-create-line-up-of-collectibles-based-on-valve-pr/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/30/gaming-heads-to-create-line-up-of-collectibles-based-on-valve-pr/#comments It's as if millions of wallets cried out and were suddenly silenced, stripped of their precious cash money and left hollowed out and dead. We imagine that ringing in our ears has something to do with Valve and Gaming Heads, who just inked a deal to produce a line-up of collectibles based on hit Valve franchises. Pictured above is The Heavy, which will be the first in its Team Fortress 2 series -- available in Red and Blue varieties, of course.

Gaming Heads will also produce statues based on other popular Valve properties, such as Half-Life 2 and Left 4 Dead 2. And if some decorative shelf or desk items aren't really your thing, there's the promise of "life-sized props," meaning there's a possibility you could actually own a Portal gun without having to make it yourself sometime in the future. Just imagine: you'll be the hit of the Halloween party!

The Heavy will be available for pre-order on Monday, May 3.

[Via Team Fortress 2 Blog]

JoystiqGaming Heads to create lineup of collectibles based on Valve properties originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>collectiblesgaming-headshalf-lifehalf-life-2left-4-deadleft-4-dead-2Microsoftstatuesteam-fortressteam-fortress-2valveXbox-360Fri, 30 Apr 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Rising's Frank West passively in Left 4 Dead 2's 'The Passing' [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/dead-risings-frank-west-passively-in-left-4-dead-2s-the-passi/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/dead-risings-frank-west-passively-in-left-4-dead-2s-the-passi/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/dead-risings-frank-west-passively-in-left-4-dead-2s-the-passi/#commentsFrank West in Left 4 Dead 2 Easter Egg Cameo
 Left 4 Dead's eerie atmosphere was made exponentially more engrossing by the warnings scrawled on the walls of each safe house by other survivors. Left 4 Dead 2's downloadable chapter "The Passing," released earlier today, features the above note, apparently written by another down-on-his-luck Zombocalypse veteran. Located by the sharp-eyed bloggers of Destroyed Controller, It reads: "Otis, Out of film, no helicopter. Zombies are too fast. Not going to make it. - Frank West."

It's a real shame that West's had to suffer such misfortune. We doubt he'd be in such an unfavorable position if he possessed the ingenuity of his spiritual successor.

Update: We snapped some pics of our own, like the one above. Head past the break for a few more.

Continue reading Dead Rising's Frank West passively in Left 4 Dead 2's 'The Passing' [update]

JoystiqDead Rising's Frank West passively in Left 4 Dead 2's 'The Passing' [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Apr 2010 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cameodead-risingdlcleft-4-deadleft-4-dead-2left-4-dead-2-the-passingMicrosoftsteamthe-passingvalveXbox-360Thu, 22 Apr 2010 16:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Left 4 Dead 2's new Mutations explained; Francis and Rochelle find a common interest]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/left-4-dead-2s-new-mutations-explained-francis-and-rochelle-fi/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/left-4-dead-2s-new-mutations-explained-francis-and-rochelle-fi/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/left-4-dead-2s-new-mutations-explained-francis-and-rochelle-fi/#commentsYou don't just stumble upon a kindred spirit every day. In a new promo video for The Passing -- Left 4 Dead 2's new chapter available today on the Xbox 360 and PC -- it takes an apocalypse to bring Francis and Rochelle together. Well, that and their shared "glass is half empty" outlook on life.

The Passing also kicks off a brand new weekly event in Left 4 Dead 2: Mutations. These are one-off custom game types created by Valve, with a different game type available each Thursday. Today introduces Realism Versus: a match of Versus with Realism enabled, making it much tougher to play as a Survivor and a heck of a lot easier to play as an Infected. In this mode, Valve anticipates the Jockey will be one of the most effective Specials.

Gallery: Left 4 Dead 2: The Passing

JoystiqLeft 4 Dead 2's new Mutations explained; Francis and Rochelle find a common interest originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Apr 2010 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcfpsfrancisleft-4-deadleft-4-dead-2Microsoftmutationsrochellesteamthe-passingvalveXbox-360Thu, 22 Apr 2010 13:20:00 EST