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[Metal Gear's Raiden cutting into PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale roster [Update: Video]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/metal-gear-raiden-joins-cast-of-playstation-all-stars/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/metal-gear-raiden-joins-cast-of-playstation-all-stars/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/metal-gear-raiden-joins-cast-of-playstation-all-stars/#comments
Raiden joins the cast of PlayStation AllStars
Raiden from the Metal Gear Solid series is officially in PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale. Lead game designer Seth Killian shows off Raiden in a video on Gamespot.

Raiden's strength lies in one-on-one attacks and air combos, and his level 3 super involves trapping all of the other players under boxes for easy pickings. Characters in All-Stars generally have about two dozen moves, but with his combo chains, Raiden has three or four dozen, Killian says.

We first heard rumblings about Raiden in All-Stars back in July, alongside a major character leak.

Update: We've added the official trailer showing off Raiden's slick moves, just up there.

JoystiqMetal Gear's Raiden cutting into PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale roster [Update: Video] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>konamimetal-gear-solidMGSplaystationplaystation-all-stars-battle-royaleps3raidensuperbotsuperbot-entertainmentWed, 29 Aug 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Arthur's picks of 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/best-of-the-rest-arthurs-picks-of-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/best-of-the-rest-arthurs-picks-of-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/best-of-the-rest-arthurs-picks-of-2011/#comments Battlefield 3
I love Battlefield 3. I love it almost as much as it seems to hate its players.

At least, that's the way it feels sometimes, trying to get into a game, trying to get correctly squaded up, trying to find a server with room, having to use a server browser on consoles in 2011, downloading 2 GIGABYTE patches ... y u no luv me, BF3?

But when it does love me, it loves me so well ... and there I go, into that cycle of abuse again.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Arthur's picks of 2011

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Arthur's picks of 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionassassins-creed-revelationsbattlefield-3BF3bulletstormcall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3DICEEAforza-4forza-motorsport-4infinity-wardMGSmicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-Studiosmodern-warfare-3pcpeople-can-flyplaystationps3rayman-originsRelic-Entertainmentsledgehammer-gamesTHQtoy-soldiers-cold-warTreyarchubisoftUbisoft-MontpellierUbisoft-Montrealwarhammer-40k-space-marinexboxTue, 03 Jan 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Forza 4 will have Kinect support, Top Gear content]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/forza-4-will-have-kinect-support-top-gear-content/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/forza-4-will-have-kinect-support-top-gear-content/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/forza-4-will-have-kinect-support-top-gear-content/#comments With a quick tease during this past weekend's Spike VGAs, Turn 10 Studios revealed its next project: Forza Motorsport 4. Microsoft confirmed today that Forza 4 will feature Kinect functionality -- the teaser trailer we've dropped after the break shows a brief moment that looks identical to a few of the features we saw at E3 this year.

Additionally, the studio is working with the US version of Top Gear "to create an automotive experience unlike anything before it" -- perhaps Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson has been cloned and will ship with copies of the game, cheering and jeering players as they pilot supercars? That remains to be seen. What we do know is that Forza 4 will drift into retail outlets sometime next fall.

Gallery: Forza Motorsport 4

Continue reading Forza 4 will have Kinect support, Top Gear content

JoystiqForza 4 will have Kinect support, Top Gear content originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>forza-4forza-motorsport-4jeremy-clarksonkinectkinect-forzamgsmicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosracingrelease-datetop-gearturn-10turn-10-studiosxboxMon, 13 Dec 2010 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[You beta watch this Halo: Reach thank you video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/25/you-beta-watch-this-halo-reach-beta-thank-you-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/25/you-beta-watch-this-halo-reach-beta-thank-you-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/25/you-beta-watch-this-halo-reach-beta-thank-you-video/#comments As a quick, dirty and violent thank you to everyone that participated in the Halo: Reach beta -- and there were a lot of you -- Bungie has released a video montage of some of the greatest and weirdest moments captured by players. Check out the video above for some killer snipes, super sticks and some truly bizarre bugs.

While we're at it, why not share some of your own badass moments in the comments?

JoystiqYou beta watch this Halo: Reach thank you video originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 May 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesbungiehalohalo-reachmgsMicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosXbox-360Tue, 25 May 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Shine a light on Alan Wake for $49, get $10 bonus credit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/shine-a-light-on-alan-wake-for-49-get-10-bonus-credit/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/shine-a-light-on-alan-wake-for-49-get-10-bonus-credit/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/shine-a-light-on-alan-wake-for-49-get-10-bonus-credit/#comments Excerpt from Alan Wake's technological thriller, It Came from Amazon:

I sat there staring at the screen, unable to believe my aching eyes. Had I had too much to drink, or was this real? The Amazon checkout cart read $49.99, and it was definitely Alan Wake sitting in the basket. That alone didn't really frighten me. What tipped me over the edge was the $10 bonus credit on a future video game purchase.

The site had similar deals on other games. Super Street Fighter IV for $30, God of War 3 for $45, Splinter Cell Conviction ... again $45. All of these and more, like Super Mario Galaxy 2, with at least $10 bonus credit. Was that even possible? Or, had the Darkness managed to infiltrate my computer?

Unsure of itself, my shaking index finger finally clicked true. The purchase was made -- with free Super Saver shipping -- and now all I could do was wait, wait and contemplate how to spend that $10 credit. Red Dead Redemption was supposed to be pretty good.

JoystiqShine a light on Alan Wake for $49, get $10 bonus credit originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 May 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan-wakeamazondealmgsMicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosNintendoremedyWiiXbox-360Fri, 21 May 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ben Kingsley joins Fable 3 voice cast]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/ben-kingsley-joins-fable-3-voice-cast/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/ben-kingsley-joins-fable-3-voice-cast/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/ben-kingsley-joins-fable-3-voice-cast/#commentsIf you thought that the Fable 3 voice cast couldn't get any classier, you'd be wrong. But how, you ask? The game already packs the wonderful John Cleese and the inimitable Stephen Fry, you say. Well, guess what? Ben Kingsley, that's what. Oscar-winning, Gandhi-playing, Ben Kingsley. The actor informed CVG that he'll be portraying the "king of Mist Peak," whom Kingsley described as "a wonderful wizard character." He added that acting in video games is "very demanding."

And with that, maybe it's time to forgive Mr. Kingsley for Bloodrayne. Then again, maybe we should wait to see how that Prince of Persia movie turns out.

[Image: David Shankbone]

JoystiqBen Kingsley joins Fable 3 voice cast originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 May 2010 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-kingsleyfablefable-3facebookfashionlionheadlionhead-studiosmgsmicrosoft-game-studiosThu, 06 May 2010 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Perfect Dark updated with new control options]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/perfect-dark-xbla-updated-with-new-control-options/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/perfect-dark-xbla-updated-with-new-control-options/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/perfect-dark-xbla-updated-with-new-control-options/#comments Apparently, even Perfect Dark isn't perfect, as Rare and company have released an update for the XBLA port. Although the update includes a host of tweaks, the biggest change is the addition of several control options. Chief among these is the (blessed) option to lock the targeting reticle in the center of the screen.

Southpaw and legacy control options have been added as well. Beyond that, there are some Achievement fixes and a few tweaks to help match the original N64 experience. The update has also been incorporated into the trial version, so those turned off by the initial control options are able to test out the new tweaks.

Find a full list of changes after the break.

Continue reading Perfect Dark updated with new control options

JoystiqPerfect Dark updated with new control options originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 May 2010 13:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4j-studiosmgsmicrosoft-game-studiospatchperfect-darkrareupdatexblaThu, 06 May 2010 13:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo: Reach beta logs over a million players on first day]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/halo-reach-beta-logs-over-a-million-players-on-first-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/halo-reach-beta-logs-over-a-million-players-on-first-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/halo-reach-beta-logs-over-a-million-players-on-first-day/#comments It looks like Bungie is well on its way to engaging its expected three million plus players for the Halo: Reach beta. According to a recent news post on Bungie.net, the ongoing Reach beta logged well over a million players on its first public day. Specifically, the beta saw 1,170,112 total players, who manage to frag, stick, headshot, pummel or otherwise maim one another 157,972,986 times over the 14,205,611 games played, totaling 936,864,266 seconds of play time. That's 260,240 man hours or over 29 man years.

If you prefer your jaw-dropping facts to be less numerical, Bungie concluded that the Reach beta saw more action on its first day than the Halo 3 beta did over its entire three-week run.

One stat missing from the rundown: How many jet packs were used? We're presuming the number is incalculable.

JoystiqHalo: Reach beta logs over a million players on first day originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 May 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesbetabungiehalohalo-reachmgsMicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosXbox-360xbox-liveThu, 06 May 2010 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo: Reach beta opens to Xbox Live Silver members May 14]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/halo-reach-beta-opens-to-xbox-live-silver-members-may-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/halo-reach-beta-opens-to-xbox-live-silver-members-may-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/halo-reach-beta-opens-to-xbox-live-silver-members-may-14/#comments Are you an Xbox Live Silver member? Have you been staring with green-eyed envy at all your Gold-subscribing friends currently enjoying the Halo: Reach multiplayer beta? If so, we've got some good news, because Shacknews reports that the Reach beta will be opening up to Xbox Live Silver members next week. Starting May 14 at 9:00am PT, Silver members with a copy of Halo 3: ODST will be able to access the beta. You'd better get as much as you can though, because the party ends on May 17 at 9:00am PT, two days before the beta closes for everyone else. But hey, some Reach is better than no Reach, right?

JoystiqHalo: Reach beta opens to Xbox Live Silver members May 14 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 May 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesbungiehalohalo-reachhalo-reach-betamgsMicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosXbox-360xbox-livexbox-live-silverWed, 05 May 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Aqua: Naval Warfare splashes XBLA this summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/aqua-naval-warfare-splashes-xbla-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/aqua-naval-warfare-splashes-xbla-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/aqua-naval-warfare-splashes-xbla-this-summer/#comments
click for more screens

 Slovakian developer Games Distillery has announced that its Aqua: Naval Warfare will arrive on Xbox Live Arcade this summer. The game, to be published by Microsoft Game Studios, features -- unsurprisingly -- a lot of naval warfare. Aqua takes place in a "fantastic Victorian industrial scenario," which gives way to its steam-powered watercraft. Players will take control of these craft, which can be unlocked, upgraded and enhanced as the game progresses. The press release doesn't offer any further gameplay details, though the screens certainly feature plenty of open water destruction. Check 'em out in the gallery below.

Gallery: Aqua: Naval Warfare (XBLA)

JoystiqAqua: Naval Warfare splashes XBLA this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Apr 2010 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aquaaqua-naval-warfaregames-distillerymgsmicrosoft-game-studiosxblaThu, 22 Apr 2010 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Forza 3 Road & Track DLC out now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/forza-3-road-and-track-dlc-out-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/forza-3-road-and-track-dlc-out-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/forza-3-road-and-track-dlc-out-now/#comments Good news for the digital gearheads and livery artists out there, as new DLC for Forza Motorsport 3 is available on Xbox Live Marketplace. Up for grabs is the Road & Track Pack, which is being released in cooperation with Road & Track magazine. The pack includes ten new cars for 400 ($5).

As usual, Turn 10 is also offering a free sample car, the adorable MINI Coupé Concept seen above, to give players a taste of the content included in the pack. See the full list of cars below and check out stats for each on the official Forza website.
  • 2010 Volkswagen Golf R
  • 2009 Holden HSV w427
  • 2010 Ford Taurus SHO
  • 2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG
  • 2010 Renault Megane RS 250
  • 2010 Vauxhall Insignia VXR
  • 2010 Mini Coupé Concept
  • 2010 Bentley Continental Supersports
  • 2010 Mazda MX-5 Superlight
  • 2010 SEAT Leon Cupra R

Xbox.com: Add The Road & Track Car Sample to your Xbox 360 download queue
Xbox.com: Add The Road & Track Car Car Pack to your Xbox 360 download queue ($5)

JoystiqForza 3 Road & Track DLC out now originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 16:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcForzaforza-3forza-motorsportforza-motorsport-3mgsmicrosoft-game-studiosturn-10xblmTue, 13 Apr 2010 16:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Fable 2 follows the breadcrumbs to Games on Demand]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/fable-2-follows-the-breadcrumbs-to-games-on-demand/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/fable-2-follows-the-breadcrumbs-to-games-on-demand/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/fable-2-follows-the-breadcrumbs-to-games-on-demand/#comments You've been able to download Fable 2 through Xbox Live episodically until now, but who has time for all that thumb stick manipulation, button pressing and dashboard navigation? Zeroes, that's who. Starting today, you can buy the game like a sane person: In one big chunk for $20 from Games on Demand. Additionally, Kung Fu Panda is now available for purchase through Games on Demand for $30.

Major Nelson also announced that Fallout 3 is now available on demand in Europe, Australia and New Zealand, leaving India and Japan as the sole holdout territories that can't experience the joy of nuclear devastation with a single button press. Soon, guys. Soon.


Xbox.com: Add Fable II to your Xbox 360 download queue ($19.99)

Xbox.com: Add Kung Fu Panda to your Xbox 360 download queue ($29.99)

JoystiqFable 2 follows the breadcrumbs to Games on Demand originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionBethesdaBethesda-Game-StudiosBethesda-Softworksfable-2fallout-3games-on-demandLionheadLionhead-Studiosmajor-nelsonMGSMicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosrpgXbox-360xbox-liveTue, 06 Apr 2010 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Video tour: Game Room]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/video-tour-game-room/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/video-tour-game-room/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/video-tour-game-room/#comments After a small snafu this morning, Microsoft's Game Room service is now up and running. We figured people might like to know the ins and outs of the new service, so we decided to put together a quick video tour. In the video above, you'll learn about creating and decking out your own arcade, buying games, visiting the Showcase Arcade and, of course, actually playing the retro fare on offer. Check it out and leave your own thoughts on Game Room in the comments.

JoystiqVideo tour: Game Room originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 18:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-roomkrome-studiosmgsmicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosXbox-360Wed, 24 Mar 2010 18:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Fable 2 episodic experiment deemed 'massively successful' by Molyneux]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/13/fable-2-episodic-experiment-deemed-massively-successful-by-mol/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/13/fable-2-episodic-experiment-deemed-massively-successful-by-mol/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/13/fable-2-episodic-experiment-deemed-massively-successful-by-mol/#commentsFable 2 At the tail end of our GDC interview with Lionhead's Peter Molyneux, we remembered one more question we simply had to know: How well did Fable 2's episodic experiment go? We'll refresh your memory: Last August, Molyneux announced plans to release Fable 2 as a series of five downloadable "episodes," with the first one given away and the subsequent four priced at $10 each.

Molyneux's response: "That was hugely successful. There were something like over half a million. I think it was 600,000 downloads of the first episode, which was very, very cool." Of course, the first episode was free so how was the conversion rate? "It was a much higher than a normal conversion rate," Molyneux smiled. "Massively, massively successful, and I really love this relationship, which is much more sliced into episodes with consumers."

Of course, knowing where we were going with this particular line of questioning, Molyneux preemptively offered an answer."But we're not announcing whether that's coming out in this release," he said, tossing a smile towards the attentive PR people behind me.

JoystiqFable 2 episodic experiment deemed 'massively successful' by Molyneux originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionFable-2GDCGDC-2010LionheadLionhead-StudiosMGSMicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosPeter-MolyneuxRPGXbox-360Sat, 13 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[John Cleese is your butler in Fable 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/john-cleese-is-your-butler-in-fable-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/john-cleese-is-your-butler-in-fable-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/john-cleese-is-your-butler-in-fable-3/#comments Peter Molyneux lives a fearful life. Ever since he promised the moon and failed to deliver with the original Fable, he has been relentlessly trailed by PR ninjas. We were expecting a special Fable 3 reveal during GDC, and Molyneux obliged, but not before checking with PR. During the Fable 3 panel at GDC, Molyneux said that people have referred to Fable as a "Monty Python-esque" game, and so Lionhead decided to recruit John Cleese himself to play your butler in Fable 3.

He noted that Lionhead has record a "vast amount of AI dialogue" for Cleese, whose job as the butler is to "big you up, in a slightly sarcastic way." Unfortunately, Molyneux stated that the rights for Cleese's voice hadn't been secured "just yet," so we didn't get to see Cleese implemented in the demo. He's definitely a perfect fit for Fable though, and we can only be thankful that he hasn't run down the curtain and joined the choir invisible.

JoystiqJohn Cleese is your butler in Fable 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fable-3gdcgdc-2010lionheadmgsmicrosoft-game-studiosFri, 12 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fable 2 sold 3.5 million copies, Lionhead 'needs' 5 million for Fable 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/fable-2-sold-3-5-million-copies-lionhead-needs-5-million-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/fable-2-sold-3-5-million-copies-lionhead-needs-5-million-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/fable-2-sold-3-5-million-copies-lionhead-needs-5-million-for/#comments Speaking during GDC, Peter Molyneux highlighted Lionhead's strategy for Fable 3, specifically noting that a franchise will die if it fails to grow. "If we don't grow as a franchise, If Fable doesn't get bigger as a franchise," said Molyneux, "then it will eventually die." Lionhead is "very happy" with the success of Fable so far, with Molyneux stating that the original Fable sold "about 3 million" copies, while Fable 2 moved approximately 3.5 million.

He added that he hopes that 25-30 percent more people will play Fable 3, explaining Lionhead's plans to craft Fable 3 as more of an action-adventure title -- a genre which tends to perform better than RPGs. The overall goal for Lionhead is to sell more than five million copies of Fable 3. According to Molyneux, Fable 3 needs to sell that many in order to "be part of the big boys, the big blockbusters."

How will Lionhead rope in that many new customers? Read our full coverage of the Fable 3 GDC panel to find out.

JoystiqFable 2 sold 3.5 million copies, Lionhead 'needs' 5 million for Fable 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fablefable-3gdc-2010lionheadLionhead-StudiosmgsMicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiospeter-molyneuxXbox-360Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rare to build new studio in Birmingham, England]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/02/rare-to-build-new-studio-in-birmingham-england/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/02/rare-to-build-new-studio-in-birmingham-england/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/02/rare-to-build-new-studio-in-birmingham-england/#comments Rare announced today that it will soon open a new studio facility in the Digbeth area of Birmingham, England. To be housed in the Fazeley Studios complex, the new studio will serve as a "production, test and usability site to accommodate Rare's evolving methodology in game creation." Rare plans to use the new studio as a model for "change," as the company believes that the current practice of over-staffing studios has caused "a boom and bust cycle." The new studio marks a move to a development method more akin to film studios, and Rare expects the facility to house around 90 staff members, though the number is expected to fluctuate throughout different projects.

The announcement notes that Digbeth's proximity to "several universities and colleges" makes the new facility "ideally placed for recruiting staff." We'd like to point out that Digbeth is also home to several pubs and bars, which should come in handy during crunch time.

JoystiqRare to build new studio in Birmingham, England originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birminghamdigbethenglandfazeley-studiosmgsMicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosrarestudioukXbox-360Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Into the Pixel goes into the auction on eBay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/into-the-pixel-goes-into-the-auction-on-ebay/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/into-the-pixel-goes-into-the-auction-on-ebay/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/into-the-pixel-goes-into-the-auction-on-ebay/#comments Hey, you remember the Into the Pixel exhibit at last year's E3, right? Oh, no, that's right, they don't allow the plebes in. Had you been lucky enough to grace it with your stares, you'd have found a "jury-curated exhibition of video game art created by published video and computer game artists." And now that very same art can be found gracing the pages of eBay, as the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences has opened up bidding on a smattering of pieces (starting yesterday and running through February 20).

Featuring art from games like Flower and Fable 2, the proceeds will help to fund the AIAS' scholarship programs. The bidding has most certainly begun, though most pieces remain at their initial $100 opening bid as of publishing. If you're looking to snap up one of these snappy pieces, we'd suggest you get bidding sooner rather than later!

JoystiqInto the Pixel goes into the auction on eBay originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>academy-of-interactive-arts-and-sciencesActionaiasartauctionDSebayfable-2Flowerinto-the-pixelLionheadLionhead-StudiosMGSMicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosNintendoPSNRPGSCEASonySony-Computer-Entertainment-AmericaThatGameCompanyWiixblaXbox-360Tue, 16 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fable 3 co-op to bring full characters, dogs, weapons into friends' games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/fable-3-co-op-to-bring-full-characters-dogs-weapons-into-frien/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/fable-3-co-op-to-bring-full-characters-dogs-weapons-into-frien/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/fable-3-co-op-to-bring-full-characters-dogs-weapons-into-frien/#comments If there's one thing we could've used in Fable 2, it was a more fleshed-out co-op system. Sure, we could see our friends' orbs floating about Albion and we could even invite them to play as a one-off character in our world, but it was one unable to collect experience or have any lasting impact on our game. As you might image, Lionhead's head lion Peter Molyneux is ready to deliver just that in Fable 3. Molyneux told the 4Guys 1UP podcast: "I heard you all about co-op. You want to have your own hero come into the world. Okay, fine, you can have that definitely."

Detailing the system further, he admitted that the player's dog and weapons will also be available in co-op. "When you come into my world, you come in as your hero, with your dog, with all your unique weapons, self-crafted weapons. I heard you -- you don't wanna be tied to my camera, you wanna go off and do your own thing in my world. Fine, fair enough."

That said, he warned about "consequences" from bringing in said friends to your own version of Albion. "It means careful who you invite in, 'cause they can screw the whole thing up, man!" And then, when the possibility of using the new "touch" functionality came up, things took a turn for the weird. "Yes you can use touch with your co-op partner. Yes you can walk down the street hand-in-hand. Yes you can drag your co-op partner to your dungeon and see what happens. Absolutely." Keep in mind, folks -- what happens in the dungeon stays in the dungeon. Rawr!

Gallery: Fable 3 (X10)

JoystiqFable 3 co-op to bring full characters, dogs, weapons into friends' games originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionalbionco-opfablefable-2fable-3lionheadlionhead-studiosMGSMicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-Studiospeter-molyneuxRPGx10Xbox-360Tue, 16 Feb 2010 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo: Reach beta dated May 3, only for ODST owners]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/halo-reach-beta-dated-may-3-only-for-odst-owners/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/halo-reach-beta-dated-may-3-only-for-odst-owners/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/halo-reach-beta-dated-may-3-only-for-odst-owners/#comments
Click to Spartan-size

With the X10 event underway in San Francisco, Microsoft has finally announced the first details surrounding the Halo: Reach multiplayer beta. The beta test will officially begin on May 3, 2010. As promised, owners of Halo 3: ODST will be able to access the beta through the ODST game disc.

We'll have more details about the beta shorty. For now, sit tight and direct your attention on that new box art!

Gallery: Halo: Reach

JoystiqHalo: Reach beta dated May 3, only for ODST owners originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabungiehalohalo-reachhalo-reach-betamgsMicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosrelease-datex10Xbox-360Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon: 360 Platinum Hits are buy 2, get 1 free for a limited time]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/amazon-360-platinum-hits-are-buy-2-get-1-free-for-a-limited-ti/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/amazon-360-platinum-hits-are-buy-2-get-1-free-for-a-limited-ti/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/amazon-360-platinum-hits-are-buy-2-get-1-free-for-a-limited-ti/#comments Just in time for Valentine's Day, Amazon is now offering a special buy two, get one free deal on Xbox 360 Platinum Hits titles. The deal is fairly straightforward: just pop three Platinum Hits games into your cart and the cheapest of the three will be knocked down to the wallet-friendly price of zero dollars. It's really the perfect excuse to pick up some great games you might have missed, especially considering many of them have sequels out this year -- notably Fable II, Halo 3, Fallout 3, Mass Effect, BioShock and Dead Rising. You'd better do it quick though, as the offer is only valid through February 13 and only while supplies last.

[Thanks, Goldenchild]

JoystiqAmazon: 360 Platinum Hits are buy 2, get 1 free for a limited time originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionamazonBethesdaBethesda-Game-StudiosBethesda-Softworksbioshockbuy-two-get-onedead-risingdealfable-2fallout-3halo-3LionheadLionhead-Studiosmass-effectMGSMicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-Studiosplatinum-hitsRPGsalesalesXbox-360Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Forza Motorsport dev working with Natal tech]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/19/forza-motorsport-dev-working-with-natal-tech/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/19/forza-motorsport-dev-working-with-natal-tech/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/19/forza-motorsport-dev-working-with-natal-tech/#comments It may not be the most shocking turn of events, but we would be remiss not point out that Turn 10 -- the studio behind the Forza Motorsport series -- is dabbling in Natal development. The evidence comes by way of a Turn 10 job listing for a business development manager. The listing, discovered by Total Video Games, is looking for someone to "set strategy and drive high quality game content for our Next Generation games including the NATAL platform."

Considering that Forza Motorsport series is the only product that Turn 10 has created for Microsoft thus far, it's probably safe to assume Natal support will work its way into future iterations of the series. Microsoft has already proven that Natal can be utilized in driving games with its Burnout Paradise demo, though its hard to imagine the motion capture peripheral will have the precision for something as technical as Forza.

But who says Natal has to be used for steering? It could be used for secondary activities like shifting, changing the radio station or, most obviously, flipping the bird. We're sure Xbox Live members would just love it.

[Via G4tv]

JoystiqForza Motorsport dev working with Natal tech originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Forzaforza-4forza-motorsportkinect-forzamgsMicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosnatalproject-natalturn-10Xbox-360Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 Platinum Hits lineup adds Halo Wars, Orange Box and others]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/xbox-360-platinum-hits-lineup-adds-halo-wars-orange-box-and-oth/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/xbox-360-platinum-hits-lineup-adds-halo-wars-orange-box-and-oth/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/xbox-360-platinum-hits-lineup-adds-halo-wars-orange-box-and-oth/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Xbox.com has listed several new games as Platinum Hits, including Fable II (aka Game of the Year Edition), Halo Wars, Left 4 Dead, The Orange Box, Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts, Ninja Gaiden II, Kung-Fu Panda, Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection, Sonic The Hedgehog, and Sonic Unleashed.

A Microsoft PR agent couldn't confirm the full list of new Platinum Hits (are we missing any above?), but said that if a game is listed as such on Xbox.com, it's a Platinum Hits title. The changes seem to have taken effect on major retailer sites, as GameStop and Amazon now reflect the discounted Platinum prices (if not always the the Platinum Hits branding), which range from $20-30.

With Orange Box requiring only one Jackson ($20), it's now literally a crime to not own it. Conversely, if you're dead-set on committing a crime, buy someone Sonic The Hedgehog or Sonic Unleashed at $20 each.

[Thanks, Stephen]

JoystiqXbox 360 Platinum Hits lineup adds Halo Wars, Orange Box and others originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionAdventurebanjo-kazooieBanjo-Kazooie-Nuts-and-Boltsensemble-studiosfable-2halohalo-warskung-fu-pandaleft-4-deadLionheadLionhead-StudiosMGSMicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosNinja-GaidenNinja-Gaiden-2platinum-hitsrareRPGsegasonicsonic-the-hedgehogsonic-unleashedsonics-ultimate-genesis-collectionTeam-NinjaXbox-360Thu, 14 Jan 2010 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 2 cinematic trailer teases 'full-length' version for Dec. 22 XBL debut]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/12/mass-effect-2-cinematic-trailer-teases-full-length-version-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/12/mass-effect-2-cinematic-trailer-teases-full-length-version-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/12/mass-effect-2-cinematic-trailer-teases-full-length-version-for/#comments Snagged from IGN's "Ultimate Holiday Videogame Guide" comes this Mass Effect 2 cinematic trailer ... well, teaser trailer may be more accurate. While the above video shares nearly a minute and a half of delicious cinematic video (read: this isn't in-game, folks) the end promises the "full-length trailer" will premier on Xbox Live on December 22, just a few days before ecksmas.

So you can take "Mass Effect 2 cinematic trailer" off your wishlist and bump up "Mass Effect 3 cinematic trailer."

[Via Kotaku; thanks, tmacairjordan87]

JoystiqMass Effect 2 cinematic trailer teases 'full-length' version for Dec. 22 XBL debut originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Dec 2009 22:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareMass-Effect-2MGSMicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosXbox-360Sat, 12 Dec 2009 22:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom employee recreates Fable II's Fortune's Tower pub game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/06/capcom-employee-recreates-fable-iis-fortunes-tower-pub-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/06/capcom-employee-recreates-fable-iis-fortunes-tower-pub-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/06/capcom-employee-recreates-fable-iis-fortunes-tower-pub-game/#comments This has to be the most endearing display of cross-developer love we've seen during our games writing careers. Capcom's Shawn Baxter (a.k.a. "Snow,") recently posted on the company's community blog about his latest D.I.Y. project -- a real-life version of Fortune's Tower, one of the pub games featured in Fable II. Oh, and in Fable II Pub Games, though you probably didn't need us to tell you that.

Words can't really describe this two-month, $400 project as well as pictures, so hop on over to Capcom's blog and check out the delectable fruits of Baxter's labor. If you're of a crafty ilk, the post also contains a few blueprints you can follow to make your own Fortune's Tower set. We probably won't post about yours, though. This is a one-time thing.

JoystiqCapcom employee recreates Fable II's Fortune's Tower pub game originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionboard-gamecapcomcraftsdiyfablefable-2fable-2-pub-gameslionheadLionhead-StudiosMGSMicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosRPGXbox-360Sun, 06 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Metal Gear Solid (the first) coming to Euro PSN this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/16/metal-gear-solid-the-first-coming-to-euro-psn-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/16/metal-gear-solid-the-first-coming-to-euro-psn-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/16/metal-gear-solid-the-first-coming-to-euro-psn-this-week/#comments Snake's first "solid" adventure is finally making its way to Europe's PSN. Eurogamer reports Konami's announcement that the tactical espionage action title will arrive this Thursday, November 19, for £8. We followed up with Sony Europe and a representative confirmed the release.

The PSN version of MGS is the original game released on PlayStation and not the Twin Snakes update released in 2004. For those living the States, the title has been available since this summer. The release of the first Metal Gear Solid on PSN will be followed by MGS: Portable Ops, MGS: Portable: Ops+ and MGS: Digital Graphic Novel. Of course, this is all in preparation for Peace Walker sometime next year.

JoystiqMetal Gear Solid (the first) coming to Euro PSN this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europemetal-gear-solidmgspsnpsn-storeMon, 16 Nov 2009 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Fable 2 Episodes now available, first hit's free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/29/psa-fable-2-episodes-now-available-first-hits-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/29/psa-fable-2-episodes-now-available-first-hits-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/29/psa-fable-2-episodes-now-available-first-hits-free/#comments
The first installment of Fable II Episodes is available now on Xbox Live -- for free. Think of it as an extended demo for the magical adventure that became the Joystiq Game of the Year for 2008. We have no idea where exactly the first episode ends and, more importantly, we have no idea how much the next servings will cost (we're waiting for confirmation).

Depending on the total price, it may be better to pick up a physical copy of the game or wait for the "game of the year" edition. Don't let the first-hit-is-free drug dealer tactic reel you in while alternatives exist, friend.

JoystiqPSA: Fable 2 Episodes now available, first hit's free originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionfable-2fable-2-episodesfable-2-episodiclionheadlionhead-studiosMGSmicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosrpgXbox-360Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:20:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS 2009: Microsoft's Phil Spencer easily envisions Fable, Natal crossover ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/24/microsofts-phil-spencer-easily-envisions-fable-natal-crossover/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/24/microsofts-phil-spencer-easily-envisions-fable-natal-crossover/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/24/microsofts-phil-spencer-easily-envisions-fable-natal-crossover/#comments
Microsoft Game Studios' corporate vice president, Phil Spencer, doesn't seem like the easily startled type. In fact, on the list of things that wouldn't catch him off guard, the incorporation of Project Natal into a high-profile, Xbox 360-exclusive franchise probably doesn't sit very high. Perhaps a few spots below lots of people buying a new Halo game.

During a Tokyo Game Show interview (look for the full transcript soon), Spencer told Joystiq that the innovation fostered inside Lionhead Studios made it a good match for Microsoft's forthcoming motion control system. "You know, Lionhead's been a real innovation studio for us," he said. "We have the release of Fable 2 episodic this week, where they're taking Fable 2 and breaking it up into chunks, allowing people to buy the content at their pace. Fable 2, I thought, was a great release, with the orbs they added with Live, adding new functionality to the franchise. It wouldn't surprise me in the least if Natal found its way into future iterations of Fable."

Whether or not motion functionality will show up in 2010's Fable 3 is a matter of speculation, though your role as king in that game would certainly lend itself to some interesting ... regal maneuvers. Waving your hand to permanently dispense with an annoying peasant? That's our kind of role playing.

JoystiqTGS 2009: Microsoft's Phil Spencer easily envisions Fable, Natal crossover originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionfable-2fable-3lionheadlionhead-studiosMGSMicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosnatalphil-spencerproject-natalrpgtgs-2009Xbox-360Thu, 24 Sep 2009 05:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker characters revealed in Famitsu]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/23/metal-gear-solid-peace-walker-characters-revealed-in-famitsu/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/23/metal-gear-solid-peace-walker-characters-revealed-in-famitsu/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/23/metal-gear-solid-peace-walker-characters-revealed-in-famitsu/#comments Hideo Kojima has remained tight-lipped about the characters that will appear in Konami's upcoming PSP spy romp, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker -- so far, we only know four: Snake, Snake, Snake and Snaaaake! However, Famitsu has revealed a few other faces that will make an appearances in the game: Amanda, Huey, Chico, Coldman, Strangelove, Galvez, Cecile, Paz, and, most notably, Master Miller from Metal Gear 2. The magazine also included illustrations of these characters, who look as colorful as their names might suggest.

Famitsu also provides details about the co-op modes seen in the nine-minute trailer released last month. When two players get close to one another, "Co-op" mode activiates, merging the players' health gauges and allowing them to trade items. When they get really close, they go into "Snake-in" mode, in which one player controls both Snakes' movements so that the other can focus on murdering fools.

We wonder if all four players can merge in this manner, forming a growling, bearded train of death?

[Thanks, Ryan]

JoystiqMetal Gear Solid: Peace Walker characters revealed in Famitsu originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>famitsuhideo-kojimakonamimetal-gearmetal-gear-solidmetal-gear-solid-peace-walkermgspeace-walkersolid-snakeWed, 23 Sep 2009 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Forza 3 goes gold, demo hits Marketplace on Sept. 24]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/11/forza-3-goes-gold-demo-hits-marketplace-on-sept-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/11/forza-3-goes-gold-demo-hits-marketplace-on-sept-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/11/forza-3-goes-gold-demo-hits-marketplace-on-sept-24/#comments
Microsoft and Turn 10 have just sent word that Forza Motorsport 3 has gone gold, with time to spare to spin enough disks for the game's European and North American launch on October 23 and 27, respectively. But the racing news doesn't end there, folks. A demo for the upcoming racing sim is heading to the Xbox Live Marketplace on September 24, featuring many of the latest iteration's enhancements.

The Forza 3 demo will feature the game's new cock-pit view, refined damage model, new rewind function and even allow players to pull barrel rolls around the full Camino Viejo circuit. Forza 3's September 24 demo includes five playable vehicles:
  • 2007 Porsche #80 Flying Lizard 911 GT3-RSR
  • 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro
  • 2009 Ferrari California
  • 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR
  • 2009 Mini John Cooper Works
And with a true competitive spirit, the demo will also support official leaderboards for gamers to compare their best lap times. Strap in, folks. This one is rounding its last corner before crossing store shelves.

Gallery: Forza Motorsport 3

JoystiqForza 3 goes gold, demo hits Marketplace on Sept. 24 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>forza-3forza-motorsport-3mgsMicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosturn-10XBLMXbox-360Fri, 11 Sep 2009 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360's 'Deal of the Week,' Games on Demand, Avatar DLC for Sept.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/08/xbox-360s-deal-of-the-week-games-on-demand-avatar-dlc-for-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/08/xbox-360s-deal-of-the-week-games-on-demand-avatar-dlc-for-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/08/xbox-360s-deal-of-the-week-games-on-demand-avatar-dlc-for-s/#comments Tossing the usual drip-fed weekly schedule aside for the moment, Microsoft has released the full details for its "Deal of the Week," Games on Demand and Avatar DLC releases (in the US) for the entire month of September. Let's start with Games on Demand:

Games on Demand (no prices noted)
Check after the break for the "Deal of the Week" and Avatar DLC details.

Continue reading Xbox 360's 'Deal of the Week,' Games on Demand, Avatar DLC for Sept.

JoystiqXbox 360's 'Deal of the Week,' Games on Demand, Avatar DLC for Sept. originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionavatardeal-of-the-weekfable-2games-on-demandguitar-hero-world-tourLionheadLionhead-Studioslode-runnerMGSMicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-Studiospinball-fxpuzzle-questRPGxblaxblmXbox-360xbox-liveTue, 08 Sep 2009 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fable 2: Game of the Year Edition confirmed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/28/fable-2-game-of-the-year-edition-confirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/28/fable-2-game-of-the-year-edition-confirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/28/fable-2-game-of-the-year-edition-confirmed/#comments Eurogamer reports that Fable II: Game of the Year Edition has been confirmed by Microsoft. Furthermore, the site notes that the title will release in Europe on September 18 for €64.99/£39.99. Doing a little digging of our own, we uncovered the box art for the game (pictured above), which gives us some idea of what to expect in the package. According to the box, purchasers will receive: "More Quests! More Locations! More Choices!"

If previous retail listings for the title are to be believed, all that "more" will be comprised of both the Knothole Island and See the Future DLC packs. So far, the Game of the Year Edition has only been confirmed for Europe, but we've contacted Microsoft for confirmation and details regarding a North American release.

JoystiqFable 2: Game of the Year Edition confirmed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionfablefable-2game-of-the-year-editionlionheadLionhead-StudiosmgsMicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosRPGXbox-360Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Confused about Metal Gear Solid's timeline? So is Hideo Kojima]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/21/confused-about-metal-gear-solids-timeline-so-is-hideo-kojima/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/21/confused-about-metal-gear-solids-timeline-so-is-hideo-kojima/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/21/confused-about-metal-gear-solids-timeline-so-is-hideo-kojima/#commentsDon't feel bad if all the convoluted relationships and multi-generational storylines of the Metal Gear Solid series are occasionally too much for you. During an interview with Eurogamer, Metal Gear creator Hideo Kojima expressed a similar sentiment. "Actually, strange you ask, because I personally get confused too about the whole timeline and saga of Metal Gear Solid," Kojima said when asked about organizing his thoughts (which become the games' head-scratching reality). "This is especially tricky when you create the future first and then go back in time to create something new. There are a lot of small aspects where sometimes it doesn't match completely."

On the subject of the future, Kojima explained that Metal Gear Solid Rising is a good fit for younger KojiPro staff, while Peace Walker requires the Kojima Touch(R). "The younger staff couldn't really understand [Peace Walker's] background, and since I made the concept and overall storyline, I thought that I would go more deeply in, because for me it was more understandable a setting." Rising, however, is a new story set in the future, without so much influence from Kojima's existing storyline.

JoystiqConfused about Metal Gear Solid's timeline? So is Hideo Kojima originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hideo-kojimametal-gear-solidmetal-gear-solid-peace-walkermetal-gear-solid-risingmgsMicrosoftXbox-360Fri, 21 Aug 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fable 3 will question the foundations on which Fable is built, says Molyneux]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/fable-3-will-question-the-foundations-on-which-fable-is-built-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/fable-3-will-question-the-foundations-on-which-fable-is-built-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/fable-3-will-question-the-foundations-on-which-fable-is-built-s/#comments
Hot off the announcement this morning of Fable 3 coming to Xbox 360 in 2010, Microsoft Game Studios of Europe head Peter Molyneux sat down to discuss the franchise a bit with GamesIndustry.biz. Though the acutely over-promising developer kept tight-lipped about details on the upcoming sequel, he did let slip that Fable 3 will question "some of the foundations that Fable [the franchise] is built on."

We're not sure exactly what that means, but we already know that the gesture system has been given a major facelift. The moral choice aims to be a lot deeper than in Fable 2 as well, with Molyneux saying promises you make in your rise to power will affect your position as the people's ruler. We'll be sure to remember these promises when the game releases next year (that's three promises so far, Molyneux!).

Gallery: Fable 3

JoystiqFable 3 will question the foundations on which Fable is built, says Molyneux originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionfablefable-2fable-3gamescom-2009gamesindustry.bizLionheadLionhead-StudiosMGSMicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiospeter-molyneuxrevolutionRPGXbox-360Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Fable II 'Episodic' revealed, pay-as-you-play starts Sept. 29 [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/fable-ii-episodic-adventures-revealed-starts-sept-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/fable-ii-episodic-adventures-revealed-starts-sept-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/fable-ii-episodic-adventures-revealed-starts-sept-29/#comments
Peter Molyneux announced, during the Lionhead press conference at GamesCom, that Fable II episodic adventures are on the way. The first chapter is free. Once players get to the ending they can opt to buy the next chapter or buy the rest of the game. The purchase takes place in-game and there are five episodes.

The first episode will release on September 29 and no prices have been revealed. The game is fully compatible with Knothole Island and See the Future. We'll keep working on getting more information.

Update: Microsoft has clarified that this is not an extension of Fable II, but rather the retail game broken up into serialized chapters formally titled Fable II: Game Episodes. Xbox Live users will be able to download the initial episode, which serves as a "shell" for the rest of the game, on September 29.

The original game disc is not required to play, and those who grab part one will have the option to purchase subsequent pieces or the entirety of Fable II (think of it like an XBLA trial). If you've downloaded any of the game episodes and decide to spring for the retail disc, your saves will carry over. No per-episode pricing has been announced but we're chasing more details.

JoystiqFable II 'Episodic' revealed, pay-as-you-play starts Sept. 29 [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 04:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionfable-2fable-2-episodicgamescomgamescom-2009lionheadLionhead-StudiosMGSMicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosrpgXbox-360Wed, 19 Aug 2009 04:35:00 EST<![CDATA[MS details Lips DLC for the rest of August]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/14/ms-details-lips-dlc-for-the-rest-of-august/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/14/ms-details-lips-dlc-for-the-rest-of-august/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/14/ms-details-lips-dlc-for-the-rest-of-august/#comments
Attention, karaoke buffs, Microsoft has unveiled the Lips DLC for the remainder of August, and there's quite a variety to be had. From Coldplay to Creedence, from Robyn to Robbie Williams, there's something for everyone. There's also Timbuk3's "The Future's So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades," which should should be enough for anyone. The upcoming August releases are each priced at 160 ($2). Starting today, they are as follows:

August 14:
"With Every Heartbeat" - Robyn
"Love Is Gone" - David Guetta and Chris Willis

August 21:
"The Road to Mandalay" - Robbie Williams
"Talk" - Coldplay

August 27:
"Angel" - Shaggy
"Proud Mary" - Creedence Clearwater Revival

*"Song for Whoever" is not available in U.K., Ireland and the Netherlands.

JoystiqMS details Lips DLC for the rest of August originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcinislipsmgsmicrosoft-game-studiosxblmFri, 14 Aug 2009 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Lionhead Studios website overthrown by Che Guevara [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/13/lionhead-studios-website-overthrown-by-che-guevara/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/13/lionhead-studios-website-overthrown-by-che-guevara/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/13/lionhead-studios-website-overthrown-by-che-guevara/#comments
Update: It would appear as though Lionhead Studios' website has been overthrown by not one revolutionary but a series of them, as the site has updated today with a numeral five (countdown!) and an image of Maximilien Robespierre. Oh, you don't know who he is? He's one of those copycat French revolutionaries. A famous one, we promise. Now we're just hoping that at the end of the countdown, Lionhead doesn't overthrow the Internet.

Don't you just hate it when your website gets overthrown by a long-dead South American revolutionary? Happens all the time! Well, okay, we're embellishing a bit, but it seems as though that's happened to Fable 2 developer Lionhead Studios' website. As you can see in the image above, Che Guevara's questioning gaze posits, "At the risk of seeming ridiculous, let me say that the true revolutionary is guided by a great feeling of love," accompanied by a massive six.

Sure, that could be six years or six celestial bodies orbiting around Lionhead prez Peter Molyneux's head at any given time, but we're thinking it pertains to a "special announcement" at next week's Euro convention, Gamescom, by the (in)famous developer. The email from Microsoft says, "Peter Molyneux, visionary developer and Creative Director of MGS Europe, will make a special announcement, so be sure to join us for this reveal." In the meantime, we'll be busily clicking between the thumbs up or down choice below Che's silhouette, watching as the sidebars change.

It's called moral choice, folks. It's kind of popular.

JoystiqLionhead Studios website overthrown by Che Guevara [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionche-guevarafablefable-2gamescomlionheadlionhead-studiosMGSMicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiospeter-molyneuxRPGXbox-360Thu, 13 Aug 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Peter Jackson: Halo Chronicles 'no longer happening']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/24/peter-jackson-halo-chronicles-no-longer-happening/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/24/peter-jackson-halo-chronicles-no-longer-happening/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/24/peter-jackson-halo-chronicles-no-longer-happening/#comments After years of speculation - appearing on our E3 bingo cards for the last two years in a row (2008, 2009) - it looks like we can finally lay to rest questions about Halo Chronicles, the much-ballyhooed partnership between would-be Halo movie producer Peter Jackson and Microsoft Game Studios. When asked about the project following a screening of District 9 - directed by would-be Halo movie director Neill Blomkamp - Jackson told Joystiq, "That Halo project is no longer happening, it sort of collapsed when the movie didn't end up happening."

First announced in September of 2006, the project was later revealed to be an "episodic" series in 2007 and confirmed as recently as April of last year, when Microsoft said, "Microsoft Game Studios has been hard at work collaborating with Peter Jackson and Bungie on the development of [a Peter Jackson-helmed Halo project]." Another job listing in August of last year again alluded to continued development of the project. With key hires like Ryan Payton for Microsoft's newly unveiled Halo studio, 343 Industries, we're not sure what all is going on if Halo Chronicles isn't. We've asked Microsoft Game Studios to confirm Jackson's assertion and are hoping there's some sort of miscommunication here. Maybe "no longer happening" is a Kiwi euphemism for "totally happening." No?

JoystiqPeter Jackson: Halo Chronicles 'no longer happening' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BungieHaloHalo-ChroniclesMGSMicrosoftPeter-JacksonWingnut-InteractiveXbox-360Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Game Studios licenses GFx tech for Crackdown 2, all titles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/21/microsoft-game-studios-licenses-gfx-tech-for-crackdown-2-all-ti/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/21/microsoft-game-studios-licenses-gfx-tech-for-crackdown-2-all-ti/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/21/microsoft-game-studios-licenses-gfx-tech-for-crackdown-2-all-ti/#comments
Microsoft has signed a deal with Scaleform to utilize its GFx user interface middleware across all Microsoft Game Studios titles, officially beginning with Ruffian's upcoming Crackdown 2. Scaleform's GFx is a vector graphics rendering engine that allows artists to design user interfaces -- such as menus and in-game heads-up displays (HUDs) -- and animated textures using Adobe Flash. Scaleform's middleware has already been used in an assortment of games, including The Conduit, Resistance 2 and Crysis.

According to Scaleform's site, using its middleware will allow game developers to focus on building gameplay, "rather than coding interface elements or developing custom tools." We hope that means Crackdown 2's menus won't run abnormally slow, like the original game in the series.

Brendan Iribe, president and CEO of Scaleform, was elated at the news (and probably holding a giant novelty check), claiming Microsoft's new "master agreement" for use of the Scaleform GFx middleware will streamline the process for all future MGS development teams.

[Via Develop]

JoystiqMicrosoft Game Studios licenses GFx tech for Crackdown 2, all titles originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abobe-flashcrackdown-2flashhudmgsMicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosruffianscaleformscaleform-gfxuiuser-interfaceXbox-360Tue, 21 Jul 2009 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kojima Productions 'aiming for PS3 quality' with Peace Walker]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/16/kojima-productions-aiming-for-ps3-quality-with-peace-walker/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/16/kojima-productions-aiming-for-ps3-quality-with-peace-walker/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/16/kojima-productions-aiming-for-ps3-quality-with-peace-walker/#comments
Click to embiggen.
Peace Walker may be a PSP game, but that's not stopping Hideo Kojima from treating it as his Metal Gear Solid 5. Kojima explains that "the main staff of MGS4 are producing it," and as such, "they are aiming for PS3 quality because they were creating MGS4 on the PS3 not too long ago." Obviously, the PSP is significantly less powerful than Sony's home console, but the team is trying to push the PSP in new ways, "expressing this in ways only we can express it in."

Kojima wouldn't confirm how the multiplayer gameplay of Peace Walker will work, but he does promise it will be "stealth-action based." Some new additions exclusive to the PSP game include "a variety of other different cardboard boxes," the ability to customize Snake's gear configurations, and a "growth feature" where "your character evolves." As usual, the coy designer avoided going into specifics.

Check out brand new screenshots of the game (scheduled for a 2010 release) here:

Gallery: Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (7/16/09)

JoystiqKojima Productions 'aiming for PS3 quality' with Peace Walker originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hideo-kojimametal-gear-solidmetal-gear-solid-peace-walkermgsThu, 16 Jul 2009 14:30:00 EST