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[Steam: Borderlands 2 for $13.59, Mass Effect 1 and 2 for $10, CS:GO F2P weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/steam-borderlands-2-for-13-59-mass-effect-1-and-2-for-10-cs/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/steam-borderlands-2-for-13-59-mass-effect-1-and-2-for-10-cs/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/steam-borderlands-2-for-13-59-mass-effect-1-and-2-for-10-cs/#comments "Hear ye, hear ye," the Newellville town crier bellowed out across the crowded, bustling market. "It is by royal decree, that for the 24 hours proceeding forthwith, respectable denizens of His Highness' Great Sovereign Nation of Valve may acquire the first two entries in the Mass Effect series of merrymaking programmes for $9.99."

"Ad interim," the crier continued, "patrons may avail themselves of substantial discounts on select digital comestibles found within the Royal Steam Marketplace, making it possible to obtain a single issuance of Borderlands 2 for $13.59, or four for $40.79, until May 20. In addition, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive will be free for interested parties through 1 p.m. Pacific Time on Sunday. Should customers enjoy the experience, a 50 percent abatement will be applied to the purchase price."

JoystiqSteam: Borderlands 2 for $13.59, Mass Effect 1 and 2 for $10, CS:GO F2P weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>borderlands-2counter-strike-global-offensivemacmass-effectmass-effect-2pcsalesteamvalveThu, 16 May 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect series for PC on sale via Origin through March 12]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/09/mass-effect-series-for-pc-on-sale-via-origin-through-march-12/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/09/mass-effect-series-for-pc-on-sale-via-origin-through-march-12/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/09/mass-effect-series-for-pc-on-sale-via-origin-through-march-12/#comments Mass Effect series on sale via Origin through March 12

The last iteration of the Mass Effect series went on sale one year ago this week, and to celebrate, EA is offering a big sale on all three versions of the game over on Origin. You can grab the original Mass Effect for just $7, the critically acclaimed Mass Effect 2 for $10, or a digital deluxe edition of the third game for $15, all about half off the standard prices.

Or if you haven't yet taken a trip aboard the Normandy, the whole trilogy is on sale for only $25, which is less than half what it would usually cost. That's a whole lot of excellent gaming hours, but then again, you'll need something to do while waiting for those SimCity servers, right?

[Thanks, Alex]

JoystiqMass Effect series for PC on sale via Origin through March 12 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarybiowareeaelectronic-artsmass-effectmass-effect-2mass-effect-3mass-effect-trilogyoriginpcsaleSat, 09 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare responds to Black Ops 2 mix-up with Mass Effect Trilogy giveaway]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/bioware-responds-to-black-ops-2-mix-up-with-mass-effect-trilogy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/bioware-responds-to-black-ops-2-mix-up-with-mass-effect-trilogy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/bioware-responds-to-black-ops-2-mix-up-with-mass-effect-trilogy/#comments BioWare responds to Black Ops 2 mixup with Mass Effect Trilogy giveawayIn response to reports of some PC copies of Black Ops 2 having a second disc for Mass Effect 2, Bioware is giving away Mass Effect Trilogy to those affected. As detailed on its blog, the Mass Effect developer will send free PC codes for the compendium to the first 50 people to send the developer a photo of the error.

It's a cheeky yet inspired response from BioWare, the developer calling the mix-up an "omen" it had to take heed of. "If the universe thinks that you should be playing Mass Effect right now," the post reads, "who are we to argue?"

Meanwhile, an Activision rep addressed complaints on the official Black Ops 2 forum, saying teams are trying to work out how the mix-up occurred. The post recommends using a product key provided in the case to activate the game on Steam.

JoystiqBioWare responds to Black Ops 2 mix-up with Mass Effect Trilogy giveaway originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Nov 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardbiowarecall-of-duty-black-ops-2mass-effect-2mass-effect-trilogypcWed, 14 Nov 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Some Black Ops 2 retail discs contain Mass Effect 2 info]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/13/report-some-black-ops-2-retail-discs-contain-mass-effect-2-info/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/13/report-some-black-ops-2-retail-discs-contain-mass-effect-2-info/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/13/report-some-black-ops-2-retail-discs-contain-mass-effect-2-info/#comments Report Some Black Ops 2 retail discs contain Mass Effect 2 infoPlayers who bought retail PC copies of Black Ops 2 - some of the same people who waited in line for hours on a cold November night during the midnight launch - popped in the second installation disc to find that it's for Mass Effect 2. Reports on Steam, Reddit, 4chan and the Black Ops 2 forums describe the same problem, and the video below shows it in action (along with some NSFW language).

This prevents these players from installing Black Ops 2 with the discs, but each retail copy comes with a Steam key and the entire game can be installed digitally. It will take a while, but it is at least, eventually, playable; this process largely negates the entire "waiting in line for a retail version" thing, though.

We've contacted Activision for more information.

Continue reading Report: Some Black Ops 2 retail discs contain Mass Effect 2 info

JoystiqReport: Some Black Ops 2 retail discs contain Mass Effect 2 info originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Nov 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionBioWareblack-ops-2call-of-duty-black-ops-2EAmass-effect-2pcretailTreyarchTue, 13 Nov 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect Trilogy pushed to Dec. 4 on PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/01/mass-effect-trilogy-pushed-to-dec-4-on-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/01/mass-effect-trilogy-pushed-to-dec-4-on-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/01/mass-effect-trilogy-pushed-to-dec-4-on-ps3/#comments

Mass Effect Trilogy is coming to the PS3 on December 4 in North America and December 7 in Europe, just in time for the Hanar holiday festivities. Hanars make the best sugar cookies.

The new release bundles all three Mass Effect games in one sleek black N7 box. The original Mass Effect, which is playable on Sony's system for the first time, will also be available for download through PSN.

BioWare already detailed the DLC available on each platform: The "Bring Down the Sky" mission will be included with Mass Effect on the PS3, whether downloaded through PSN or within the Mass Effect Trilogy. The PC version of Mass Effect will include Bring Down the Sky and Pinnacle Station, while the Xbox 360 version will be just as it originally was when it launched back in 2007, sans that DLC and sky fully intact.

PS3, Xbox 360 and PC all get Cerberus Network with Mass Effect 2; however, on the PS3, it'll also include Lair of the Shadow Broker, Kasumi and Overlord. Finally, Mass Effect 3 will include Cerberus Network across all platforms, but not the most recent expansion, "Leviathan."

Mass Effect Trilogy will be available next week on the PC and Xbox 360 - November 6 in the US and November 9 in Europe.

Gallery: Mass Effect Trilogy

JoystiqMass Effect Trilogy pushed to Dec. 4 on PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaremass-effectmass-effect-2mass-effect-3mass-effect-trilogyplaystationps3psnThu, 01 Nov 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect Trilogy DLC gets down on PC and Xbox 360, PS3 info to come]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/30/mass-effect-trilogy-dlc-gets-down-on-pc-and-xbox-360-ps3-info-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/30/mass-effect-trilogy-dlc-gets-down-on-pc-and-xbox-360-ps3-info-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/30/mass-effect-trilogy-dlc-gets-down-on-pc-and-xbox-360-ps3-info-t/#comments A few more details on the Mass Effect 3 TrilogyThe Mass Effect Trilogy includes all three games in the Mass Effect franchise, launching for Xbox 360 and PC on November 6 and at a later date for PS3, and it'll look something like that photo up there. The Trilogy will come with DLC as well, BioWare clarifies:

The PC version will get Bring Down the Sky and Pinnacle Station for the first Mass Effect; Mass Effect 2 comes with the Cerberus Network, which includes Zaeed - The Price of Revenge, The Firewalker Pack, Cerberus Assault Gear, Arc Projector heavy weapon, and Normandy Crash site mission. Mass Effect 3 includes the Online Pass with access to multiplayer.

Xbox 360 won't get Bring Down the Sky or Pinnacle Station on-disc, but both will be available as standalone DLC via Xbox Live. Mass Effect 2 gets the Cerberus Network and Mass Effect 3 the Online Pass.

Information about PS3 DLC is coming "soon." The original Mass Effect will launch as a digital standalone on PSN on the same day the Trilogy launches for PS3, for $15.

The Trilogy is compatible with other versions of the Mass Effect games, meaning players can transfer saves from previous games to the Trilogy games, and Mass Effect 3 multiplayer is playable between versions. Considering the Trilogy is Mass Effect repackaged for the holiday rush, it'd be more surprising if the games were truly a separate beast and weren't compatible with previous releases.

There's still no sign of the Trilogy coming to Wii U, which gets Mass Effect 3 on launch day, November 18 in the US. The Wii U version includes the Extended Cut ending and the From Ashes DLC.

JoystiqMass Effect Trilogy DLC gets down on PC and Xbox 360, PS3 info to come originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 30 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCmass-effectmass-effect-2mass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxSun, 30 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect Trilogy lands on 360 and PC November 6, PS3 later]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/26/mass-effect-trilogy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/26/mass-effect-trilogy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/26/mass-effect-trilogy/#comments Mass Effect Trilogy lands on 360 & PC November 6, PS3 on later dateMass Effect 1, 2, & 3 are being released in an all-in-one bundle for Xbox 360 and PC on November 6, and for PlayStation 3 at a later date. The compilation, titled Mass Effect Trilogy, is priced at $59.99.

Mass Effect Trilogy sees the first Mass Effect come to PS3 for the first time, and that game will also be released as a digital standalone on PSN. Also, there's crucially no mention of the compilation coming to Wii U, a fact that makes the Wii U release of Mass Effect 3 eleven days after Mass Effect Trilogy hits a bit awkward. We've reached out to EA regards whether or not the trilogy includes previously released DLC.

EA also announced N7 Day, a "worldwide celebration of the Mass Effect franchise" that of course takes place on November 7. Whether or not fans can tear themselves away from the trilogy released the day before is another matter.

Gallery: Mass Effect Trilogy

Continue reading Mass Effect Trilogy lands on 360 and PC November 6, PS3 later

JoystiqMass Effect Trilogy lands on 360 and PC November 6, PS3 later originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Sep 2012 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareEAElectronic-artsmass-effectmass-effect-2mass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3release-datexboxWed, 26 Sep 2012 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 2 has highest completion rate in ME, Dragon Age series]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/13/mass-effect-2-has-highest-completion-rate-in-me-dragon-age-seri/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/13/mass-effect-2-has-highest-completion-rate-in-me-dragon-age-seri/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/13/mass-effect-2-has-highest-completion-rate-in-me-dragon-age-seri/#comments Image
BioWare's director of online development Fernando Melo presented the above player completion rates for Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2, Mass Effect 3, Dragon Age: Origins and Dragon Age 2 during a panel at GDC Europe. Mass Effect 2 topped the charts with 56 percent of players completing the entire game, followed by Mass Effect 3 with 42 percent, Dragon Age 2 with 41 percent, Mass Effect with 40 percent and finally Dragon Age: Origins at the lowest rate of 36 percent.

The spike in Mass Effect 2's completion can be attributed to Mass Effect 3's recent launch, when an influx of players were reminded of the game and attempted to finish it before that release, Melo said.

JoystiqMass Effect 2 has highest completion rate in ME, Dragon Age series originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Aug 2012 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWarecompletionDragon-Age-2Dragon-Age-Originsmass-effectMass-Effect-2mass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3salesxboxMon, 13 Aug 2012 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon knocks some space bucks off Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2 downloads this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/amazon-knocks-some-space-bucks-off-mass-effect-and-mass-effect-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/amazon-knocks-some-space-bucks-off-mass-effect-and-mass-effect-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/amazon-knocks-some-space-bucks-off-mass-effect-and-mass-effect-2/#comments Any good smuggler or bounty hunter knows you have to take every opportunity to save a space buck. With intergalactic tolls and the rising cost of crystal fuel cells, it's important. Also, you need something to do while you're sitting around in hyperdrive all the time, y'know? So retailer Amazon is offering discounts for your downtime -- specifically, savings on Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2 downloads for PC.

Both Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2 can be downloaded for $5.99 each. The Digital Deluxe edition of Mass Effect 2 -- which includes several making-of videos, the game's soundtrack, some in-game items and a download code for more bonus content -- is also on sale for $8.99. Finally, a bundle of both the original Mass Effect and the digital deluxe edition of Mass Effect 2 can be had for $11.99. The sale ends on March 31.

JoystiqAmazon knocks some space bucks off Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2 downloads this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonbiowaredigital-distributioneamass-effectMass-Effect-2pcMon, 26 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3 face import bug will be fixed in next patch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/mass-effect-3-face-import-bug-will-be-fixed-in-next-patch/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/mass-effect-3-face-import-bug-will-be-fixed-in-next-patch/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/mass-effect-3-face-import-bug-will-be-fixed-in-next-patch/#comments Did you encounter an error when trying to import your Commander Shepard into Mass Effect 3? Did you spend hours trying to recreate him or her, only to reach the conclusion that he/she just don't look right? There is hope, friend, as BioWare community coordinator Chris Priestly has revealed that the face import problem will be fixed in the next Mass Effect 3 patch. Unfortunately, the release date for said patch is still up in the air, as it still has to undergo certification at EA, Microsoft and Sony.

The error arises for players who attempt to import faces from Mass Effect 2 that were previously imported from the original Mass Effect -- a sensitive issue given that these players are probably pretty attached to their Shepards by now. Rest assured, we'll be keeping track of the patch's progress. In the meantime, maybe it's finally time to finish that Mass Effect 2 Renegade run you've been putting off.

JoystiqMass Effect 3 face import bug will be fixed in next patch originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaelectronic-artsmass-effectmass-effect-2mass-effect-3microsoftpatchpcplaystationps3xboxFri, 23 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: ME3 on the 360 can't import ME2 saves in (or transferred by) the cloud]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/03/psa-me3-on-the-360-cant-import-me2-saves-in-or-transferred-by/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/03/psa-me3-on-the-360-cant-import-me2-saves-in-or-transferred-by/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/03/psa-me3-on-the-360-cant-import-me2-saves-in-or-transferred-by/#comments Despite Mass Effect 3's impressive mastery of the atmosphere, it still can't quite handle clouds. EA is "aware of an issue" that prevents Mass Effect 2 save files that either exist in the cloud, or were transferred to a new 360 through the cloud, from being imported into ME3.

EA's help guide for the problem makes no mention of plans to implement such functionality, but it does offer solutions, provided you still have access to the 360 that birthed your ME2 save. If your ME2 save exists in the cloud and you're playing from its original console, simply move it back to your hard drive and it should import fine.

If it exists on a new console and was transferred through the cloud, it'll need to be moved back to its original 360, and then re-transferred to the new system using a memory card or USB thumb drive. If you no longer have access to that original 360, it looks like you're going to be spending some time on the character creation screen. But hey, don't feel guilty, all right? Shepard would have wanted you to love again.

JoystiqPSA: ME3 on the 360 can't import ME2 saves in (or transferred by) the cloud originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecloudcloud-savescloud-storageEAElectronic-Artsfilesmass-effect-2mass-effect-3ME2ME3microsoftsavesxboxSat, 03 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 1 and 2, Modern Warfare 2 for PC cheap today on Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/mass-effect-1-and-2-modern-warfare-2-for-pc-cheap-today-on-amaz/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/mass-effect-1-and-2-modern-warfare-2-for-pc-cheap-today-on-amaz/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/mass-effect-1-and-2-modern-warfare-2-for-pc-cheap-today-on-amaz/#comments Do you want to play Mass Effect 1 or 2, or Modern Warfare 2, but don't have them yet? Or -- a more likely scenario -- do you want to play them, but don't feel like getting them off the shelf and putting the discs into a console? Such effort. Such drudgery.

Amazon has the PC download versions of these games on sale today for $5 each. The Deal of the Day also includes the Digital Deluxe Edition of Mass Effect 2 for $7.49, or Dungeon Defenders for $2.99. And you don't have to get up at all, unless you don't have your credit card handy.

JoystiqMass Effect 1 and 2, Modern Warfare 2 for PC cheap today on Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazoncall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2dellmass-effectmass-effect-2pcFri, 17 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Custom Mass Effect turian figurines say hi with sass]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/custom-mass-effect-turian-figurines-say-hi-with-sass/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/custom-mass-effect-turian-figurines-say-hi-with-sass/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/custom-mass-effect-turian-figurines-say-hi-with-sass/#comments Sculptor Kerry Dyer seems to be a purveyor of adorable sculptures and 3D art, and her latest conquest is the turian race from Mass Effect. Kerry created a few super-cute, sassy turian figurines like a pro, with a full rundown of the process on her blog.

JoystiqCustom Mass Effect turian figurines say hi with sass originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>figuresmass-effectMass-Effect-2microsoftpcplaystationps3turianxboxThu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Citadel sequence cut from Mass Effect 2 returns in Mass Effect 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/citadel-sequence-cut-from-mass-effect-2-returns-in-mass-effect-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/citadel-sequence-cut-from-mass-effect-2-returns-in-mass-effect-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/citadel-sequence-cut-from-mass-effect-2-returns-in-mass-effect-3/#comments A segment of the Mass Effect story set in the Citadel, originally planned for Mass Effect 2, is finally being made for inclusion in Mass Effect 3, lead writer Mac Walters told OXM. "There was a Mass Effect 2 plot that was a kind of callback to the first Mass Effect that was going to be on the Citadel, and we cut it," he said. "But now it's made a resurrection in Mass Effect 3, so I'm happy, but I can't say what it is."

That's right. Content that was conceived for the second game, and refers to the first game, is now in the third. And speaking of things that have been around since the first game, Walters acknowledged the difficulty of continuing the Mass Effect story after the second game's ending, which can kill off important characters.

"The classic example [of a hurdle faced in writing ME3] is 'Hey, let's make the ending of Mass Effect 2 a suicide mission where all your henchmen can possibly die, and Shepard can even die!'" Walters said. "Oh right... and then we're gonna do another game after that. What the hell are we gonna do with all those guys?"

Unfortunately, Walters didn't go on from there. We're going to have to wait until March to find out just what the hell does happen to all those guys.

JoystiqCitadel sequence cut from Mass Effect 2 returns in Mass Effect 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareelectronic-artsmac-waltersmass-effect-2mass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 30 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pre-order Battlefield 3 on Origin and get a free game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/15/pre-order-battlefield-3-on-origin-and-get-a-free-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/15/pre-order-battlefield-3-on-origin-and-get-a-free-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/15/pre-order-battlefield-3-on-origin-and-get-a-free-game/#comments We already knew that pre-ordering Battlefield 3 on Origin (the only place on PC to offer the game digitally) would net gamers access to an early beta in September, but it would seem EA is sweetening the pot with another offer: a free game. According to Ars Technica, one individual was sent the following statement via email after pre-ordering the game through Origin:
As a special thank you for pre-ordering Battlefield 3 early at Origin, we're offering you a bonus PC digital download game. Please apply the code below at the shopping cart to redeem one PC Digital version of one of our recommended shooter titles: Mass Effect 2, Dead Space 2 or Medal of Honor. The price will be reduced to $0 after applying the code at your shopping cart. Hurry-this offer is only good for the month of August, and is exclusive to Origin customers only. See below for more details.
Regardless of how you feel about EA's new platform, the publisher has given you another reason to consider it.

JoystiqPre-order Battlefield 3 on Origin and get a free game originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Aug 2011 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3dead-space-2diceeaea-originmass-effect-2medal-of-honororiginpcpre-orderMon, 15 Aug 2011 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[XBLM deals: Mass Effect 2 and Microsoft Studios DLC, Gamertag change]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/xblm-deals-mass-effect-2-and-microsoft-studios-dlc-gamertag-ch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/xblm-deals-mass-effect-2-and-microsoft-studios-dlc-gamertag-ch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/xblm-deals-mass-effect-2-and-microsoft-studios-dlc-gamertag-ch/#comments Major Nelson has posted the Xbox Live Marketplace schedule for the next few weeks, including some good deals and one strange one. This week's Deal of the Week is for Mass Effect 2 DLC. Gold members can snag "Lair of the Shadow Broker" and "Kasumi -- Stolen Memory" for $3.50 each, half the usual price. "Arrival" is also half-price at $5.

DLC for several Microsoft-published titles is also on sale, including content for Halo: Reach, Gears of War 2, Forza 3, Fable 3 and Alan Wake. This sale is not part of the Deal of the Week promotion, and appears to be open to both Gold and Silver members of Xbox Live.

As for next week's deal, well, it's a bit strange. Microsoft is offering the ability to change your Gamertag at a discount. It normally costs $10 to change an Xbox Live moniker, but next week's "deal" drops the price to just $7. So, if you hate your Gamertag but not quite enough to justify ten bucks, next week's deal is for you.

JoystiqXBLM deals: Mass Effect 2 and Microsoft Studios DLC, Gamertag change originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jul 2011 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deal-of-the-weekMass-Effect-2microsoftxblmxboxxbox-livexbox-live-marketplaceTue, 26 Jul 2011 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect Normandy SR2 Cerberus Variant model up for pre-order]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/16/mass-effect-normandy-sr2-cerberus-variant-model-up-for-pre-order/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/16/mass-effect-normandy-sr2-cerberus-variant-model-up-for-pre-order/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/16/mass-effect-normandy-sr2-cerberus-variant-model-up-for-pre-order/#comments The problem with that Normandy SR2 model you pre-ordered for your cube back in May is that it doesn't have anything to pick a fight with. Enter the newly announced Cerberus variant, available for 35 clams, and expected to arrive in this galaxy sometime in November. Pew-pew sounds not included.

JoystiqMass Effect Normandy SR2 Cerberus Variant model up for pre-order originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 16 Jul 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Cerberusmass-effectmass-effect-2mass-effect-3microsoftmodelNormandypcplaystationps3xboxSat, 16 Jul 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA celebrates Independence Day with a massive sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/ea-celebrates-independence-day-with-a-massive-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/ea-celebrates-independence-day-with-a-massive-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/ea-celebrates-independence-day-with-a-massive-sale/#comments Rather than watching your grandma mouth along the words to Lee Greenwood's timeless Americana classic "God Bless the USA" one more time this Independence Day, wouldn't you rather giver her a run for the money in one of the many Hasbro Family Game Night games? EA's offering just such a possibility, putting nine of its Hasbro titles on XBL up for sale at 50 percent off, and offering a swath of deals on other platforms on July 4th.

Perhaps you were looking to freedom-ize the necromorphs of Dead Space on iPad during your independence celebration? That's also on sale for .99 cents, alongside a handful of other iOS titles. And if you're more of the PC type, everything from Mass Effect 2 ($12) to Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit ($18) is marked down on Origin.

Continue reading EA celebrates Independence Day with a massive sale

JoystiqEA celebrates Independence Day with a massive sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4th-of-julyeaea-mobileelectronic-artsfacebookhasbroindependence-dayioskindlemacMass-Effect-2microsoftmobileoriginpcplayfishpogopogo.comsaletiger-woods-onlinexboxxbox-live-arcadeFri, 01 Jul 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 2 motion comic now on XBLM]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/mass-effect-2-motion-comic-now-on-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/mass-effect-2-motion-comic-now-on-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/mass-effect-2-motion-comic-now-on-xblm/#comments We're not usually excited to be writing about motion comics when there are actual, you know, games out there, but Mass Effect 2: Genesis is a little more interesting than the usual offering. In this BioWare/Dark Horse collabo, you can relive some of the key decisions from Mass Effect (assuming you haven't played it) and then apply those choices to Mass Effect 2.

Keep in mind that this $4 (320 MSP) download, which served to introduce PS3 players to the universe of Mass Effect, functions as a game add-on. That means you'll need Mass Effect 2 -- but we assume you've already taken care of that part.

[Thanks, Lafu]

JoystiqMass Effect 2 motion comic now on XBLM originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 May 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeamass-effectMass-Effect-2mass-effect-genesismicrosoftmotion-comicxboxTue, 17 May 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect for $5, Mass Effect 2 for $10 today on Steam [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/05/mass-effect-for-5-mass-effect-2-for-10-today-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/05/mass-effect-for-5-mass-effect-2-for-10-today-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/05/mass-effect-for-5-mass-effect-2-for-10-today-on-steam/#comments In its continuing effort to make us re-purchase all of EA's current-gen titles, Steam has cut the price of the whole Mass Effect franchise today as part of its EA Week promotion. For a limited time, the digital retailer's offering Mass Effect for $5.00, and its GOTY-winning sequel for $10.

Continue reading Mass Effect for $5, Mass Effect 2 for $10 today on Steam [update]

JoystiqMass Effect for $5, Mass Effect 2 for $10 today on Steam [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 May 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaea-weekmass-effectMass-Effect-2pcsteamThu, 05 May 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA['BioWare sequel celebration' brings free Mass Effect 2 to Dragon Age 2 owners]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/bioware-sequel-celebration-brings-free-mass-effect-2-to-dragon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/bioware-sequel-celebration-brings-free-mass-effect-2-to-dragon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/bioware-sequel-celebration-brings-free-mass-effect-2-to-dragon/#comments BioWare heard you liked BioWare sequels, so it put a free BioWare sequel in your BioWare sequel, so you can role play while you role play. To celebrate the success of Dragon Age 2 (the game passed "the 1 million mark in less than two weeks and faster than Dragon Age: Origins," BioWare said), it's offering free downloads of the PC version of Mass Effect 2 to people who purchased Dragon Age 2 on any platform.

According to the email sent out to lucky recipients, you must activate the "Black Emporium" Online Pass content by April 30, log into the site set up for the offer, and enter the Online Pass code to initiate the download.

The trailer after the break is also free to Dragon Age 2 owners (and everyone else!)

Continue reading 'BioWare sequel celebration' brings free Mass Effect 2 to Dragon Age 2 owners

Joystiq'BioWare sequel celebration' brings free Mass Effect 2 to Dragon Age 2 owners originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-sequel-celebrationDragon-Age-2electronic-artsmass-effect-2microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 05 Apr 2011 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live April schedule: Bad Company 2 DLC, Comic Jumper discounts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/xbox-live-april-schedule-bad-company-2-dlc-comic-jumper-discou/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/xbox-live-april-schedule-bad-company-2-dlc-comic-jumper-discou/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/xbox-live-april-schedule-bad-company-2-dlc-comic-jumper-discou/#comments Microsoft has revealed some of the content and deals coming to the Xbox Live Marketplace in early April, which include quite a few discounts. It kicks off this week with the launch of DLC for Mass Effect 2 and You Don't Know Jack, as well as some discounts on Comic Jumper, Deadliest Warrior and the "Dead Money" DLC for Fallout: New Vegas.

Hit the jump for the full list.

Continue reading Xbox Live April schedule: Bad Company 2 DLC, Comic Jumper discounts

JoystiqXbox Live April schedule: Bad Company 2 DLC, Comic Jumper discounts originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-world-of-keflingsbattlefield-bad-company-2comic-jumperdeadliest-warriordlcfable-3fallout-new-vegasislands-of-wakfuMass-Effect-2microsoftrush-n-attack-ex-patriotstackingthe-dishwasher-vampire-smileworms-2Worms-2-Armageddonxblmxboxxbox-live-marketplaceWed, 30 Mar 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 2: Arrival DLC review]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/mass-effect-2-arrival-dlc-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/mass-effect-2-arrival-dlc-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/mass-effect-2-arrival-dlc-review/#comments In addition to setting standards for games' capacity to generate pure human joy, Mass Effect 2 has also mounted a pretty high bar in terms of post-release support. In the months since the game's January 2010 retail launch, BioWare has continued to deliver on mini-episodes that feel fresh, vital and fully realized.

Imagine my disappointment to find that the game's final episode, "Arrival," not only fails to top them all and send the DLC series out with a bang, but whimpers into its position as the weakest add-on of the bunch.

Gallery: Mass Effect 2 (Arrival DLC)

Continue reading Mass Effect 2: Arrival DLC review

JoystiqMass Effect 2: Arrival DLC review originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrivalbiowaredlceamass-effect-2microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 29 Mar 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 2 'Arrival' DLC launch trailer is downright apocalyptic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/28/mass-effect-2-arrival-dlc-launch-trailer-is-downright-apocalyp/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/28/mass-effect-2-arrival-dlc-launch-trailer-is-downright-apocalyp/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/28/mass-effect-2-arrival-dlc-launch-trailer-is-downright-apocalyp/#comments We've seen a lot of things at stake in the intergalactic drama of Mass Effect 2 -- but nothing quite as costly as, well, our planet. Check out the trailer for tomorrow's "Arrival" DLC to see the ugly, ugly faces of Earth's conquerors and the steps you'll be taking to foil their nefarious plan.

Continue reading Mass Effect 2 'Arrival' DLC launch trailer is downright apocalyptic

JoystiqMass Effect 2 'Arrival' DLC launch trailer is downright apocalyptic originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrivalbiowaredlclaunch-trailerMass-Effect-2microsofttrailerxboxMon, 28 Mar 2011 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 2 'Arrival' DLC preview: Shepard without a flock]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/mass-effect-2-arrival-dlc-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/mass-effect-2-arrival-dlc-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/mass-effect-2-arrival-dlc-preview/#comments Next Tuesday, a sad and wonderful thing will happen. Mass Effect 2 will receive its last DLC, "Arrival," which sees Commander Shepard on a rescue mission to save a doctor kidnapped by batarians. As the nature of the mission is quite sensitive -- the doctor is part of a team that has found a Reaper artifact -- Admiral Hackett calls for Shepard to go it alone.

"Arrival is a side-quest, ultimately," explains Jesse Houston, producer at BioWare, "but it's also kind of an epilogue," he adds, reiterating that it's the final Mass Effect 2 update. Within the context of the game's plot, players can access Arrival at any point after the mid-game Horizon mission. Depending on when players choose to undertake the mission, Houston notes, they could experience some "small differences," though he describes these as "aesthetic" changes only.

Though a side-quest, Arrival is different from other such missions in Mass Effect 2 in that it's strictly a solo operation. Shepard is on his (or her) own throughout the entirety of Arrival.

Gallery: Mass Effect 2 (Arrival DLC)

Continue reading Mass Effect 2 'Arrival' DLC preview: Shepard without a flock

JoystiqMass Effect 2 'Arrival' DLC preview: Shepard without a flock originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrivalbiowaredlceaMass-Effect-2microsoftpcplaystationps3psnxblmxboxThu, 24 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Mass Effect 2 DLC sees 'Arrival' on March 29]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/18/mass-effect-2-arrival-dlc-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/18/mass-effect-2-arrival-dlc-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/18/mass-effect-2-arrival-dlc-release-date/#comments BioWare has dated the long-promised and recently teased final Mass Effect 2 DLC mission, "Mass Effect: Arrival," for release across Xbox Live, PlayStation Network and Bioware.com (for PC) on Tuesday, March 29. The add-on will be available for $7 (£5.49) or the equivalent platform currency.

Leading players into this holiday's Mass Effect 3, "Arrival" will see Commander Shepard "sent to the edge of the galaxy to rescue an undercover operative who may have evidence of an imminent Reaper invasion." Admiral Hackett (voiced by Lance Henriksen) will make a return appearance.

Gallery: Mass Effect: Arrival (teaser screens)

Continue reading Final Mass Effect 2 DLC sees 'Arrival' on March 29

JoystiqFinal Mass Effect 2 DLC sees 'Arrival' on March 29 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrivaldlcmass-effect-2microsoftpcplaystationpricingps3psnrelease-datexblmxboxFri, 18 Mar 2011 09:55:00 EST<![CDATA[BAFTA names Mass Effect 2 as game of the year, reveals all winners for 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/bafta-names-mass-effect-2-as-game-of-the-year-reveals-all-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/bafta-names-mass-effect-2-as-game-of-the-year-reveals-all-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/bafta-names-mass-effect-2-as-game-of-the-year-reveals-all-2011/#comments Ah, yes, the BAFTAs. The annual UK awards gala aimed at showcasing the game industry's many talented developers by giving them mounted gold masks. Aside from Lionhead Studio's Peter Molyneux receiving a Fellowship this year, BioWare's sci-fi opus Mass Effect 2 took home top honors as "Best Game," while Super Mario Galaxy 2 snagged the award for gameplay.

Like last month's IGF awards ceremony, Cut the Rope once again beat out competition in the "Best Handheld" category, while Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit somehow beat out Battlefield: Bad Company 2 for "Best Multiplayer." Can we demand a recount? Because we totally do.

Check out the full list of winners after the break.

Continue reading BAFTA names Mass Effect 2 as game of the year, reveals all winners for 2011

JoystiqBAFTA names Mass Effect 2 as game of the year, reveals all winners for 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baftabiowareMass-Effect-2microsoftmobilepcplaystationps3ukxboxThu, 17 Mar 2011 11:05:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare hints at Mass Effect 2 'Arrival' DLC with new screenshot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/14/bioware-hints-at-mass-effect-2-arrival-dlc-with-new-screenshot/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/14/bioware-hints-at-mass-effect-2-arrival-dlc-with-new-screenshot/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/14/bioware-hints-at-mass-effect-2-arrival-dlc-with-new-screenshot/#comments
Behold, a brand new Mass Effect 2 screenshot, posted on BioWare's Facebook page. But wait -- this is no ordinary capture! The word "Arrived" has been stealthily capped in the pic's description, hinting that this is from the rumored new DLC. Which tells us... not much, really. It's still coming out?

Continue reading BioWare hints at Mass Effect 2 'Arrival' DLC with new screenshot

JoystiqBioWare hints at Mass Effect 2 'Arrival' DLC with new screenshot originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrivaldlcMass-Effect-2mass-effect-2-arrivalmicrosoftplaystationps3xboxMon, 14 Mar 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 2 action figures delayed, second set potentially canceled]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/mass-effect-2-actions-figures-delayed-second-set-potentially-ca/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/mass-effect-2-actions-figures-delayed-second-set-potentially-ca/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/mass-effect-2-actions-figures-delayed-second-set-potentially-ca/#comments According to a now deleted forum post on BioWare's official site, Mass Effect 2's action figures have been once again delayed, this time until April. Google, however, caught the quote from a BioWare spokesperson, who said "Once we get the ME2 Action Figure shipped we will not be working with DC Direct again ... Their handling of this issue has been extremely unprofessional and disrespectful to fans."

It also appears that a proposed second set of characters from Mass Effect 2 that were on-track for action figure treatment have been canned, as the figures have been removed from DC Direct's website. As such, the continuing battle for Planet Your Shelf will only be fought by Default Shepard, Grunt, Tali, and Thane when the figures launch on April 27.

[Thanks, Ryan]

JoystiqMass Effect 2 action figures delayed, second set potentially canceled originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-figuresbiowaredc-directdelayEAMass-Effect-2merchandisemicrosoftpcplaystationps3toysxboxMon, 07 Mar 2011 09:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 2 composer Jack Wall explains his departure from the franchise]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/mass-effect-2-composer-jack-wall-explains-his-departure-from-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/mass-effect-2-composer-jack-wall-explains-his-departure-from-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/mass-effect-2-composer-jack-wall-explains-his-departure-from-the/#comments Though the Mass Effect series has made good on its promise to preserve and carry over important elements between games, prolific composer Jack Wall has elected to depart and pursue several other projects before BioWare launches Mass Effect 3 later this year.

"Well, I've had a great relationship with BioWare for five years, and I think, you know, as with any important relationship it's complicated," Wall said. "Now I'm working with other clients and it feels fresh to me and I think they feel the same way, so I think it's just time to move on. I have nothing but love for those people. I'm sure I'll see them again. It's just time for a break, maybe."

During a Thursday morning GDC session, Wall discussed the interactive scoring methods he and a team of composers (including Sam Hulick, David Kates and Jimmy Hinson) used to craft and integrate three hours of music into the game. The reactive score, blended with numerous transitions between battle scenes, moments of exploration and dialogue, was built on a considerable basis of technical procedure and experience -- which Wall and his team take with them before Black Swan composer Clint Mansell begins work on Mass Effect 3. According to Wall, film composers can transition smoothly into games, provided they're effectively directed by the game development team.

"As long as you have someone doing what we did on the game development side, you can get away with that, and have just somebody write great music and direct them how to do it," Wall said. "I think it's totally fine. It depends what you're looking for as a game developer, really. Do you need somebody with that knowledge, or no? Sometimes, you know, I'm just interested in all that stuff, so I bring that with me, and that's an asset I have, right? But it doesn't necessarily make me more suited to a particular project, unless the developer feels it is. So, I'm having a really good time with that knowledge now, because it really makes me think differently about how I compose for games."

Thinking "differently" and being agile is essential in successful interactive scoring, especially when game development doesn't proceed perfectly according to plan (and when does it ever?). "I do things relevant, so I do think there's a learning curve," Wall said, who began working on music for Mass Effect 2's final sequence before BioWare could even share a working level. "I hope Clint Mansell can get up to speed on that quick and doesn't feel too overwhelmed. He's a very talented guy, so I'm sure it'll be great."

JoystiqMass Effect 2 composer Jack Wall explains his departure from the franchise originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clint-mansellgdc-2011jack-wallmass-effect-2mass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxFri, 04 Mar 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaikai is live with streaming demos of Mass Effect 2, Dead Space 2 and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/28/gaikai-is-live-with-streaming-demos-of-mass-effect-2-dead-space/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/28/gaikai-is-live-with-streaming-demos-of-mass-effect-2-dead-space/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/28/gaikai-is-live-with-streaming-demos-of-mass-effect-2-dead-space/#comments Following more than a year of media demos and beta testing, cloud gaming startup Gaikai is letting the public try out the fruits of its efforts: Demos of Mass Effect 2, Dead Space 2, Spore and The Sims 3 are all playable from within your web browser. That is, if you have the bandwidth -- we don't, apparently. (Granted, we're on gratis Wi-Fi here at GDC.)

You might have better luck at home: You can visit Gaikai's site where you'll be prompted to launch Mass Effect 2. "Just wait and if your connection quality to our Server is fast enough," instructs CEO David Perry, "one of several pop-up designs will appear."

Additionally, taking a survey about the service will grant you access to the Dead Space 2 demo. Spore and The Sims 3 trials can be found here and here, respectively.

JoystiqGaikai is live with streaming demos of Mass Effect 2, Dead Space 2 and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-basedcloud-gamingdavid-perrydead-space-2demogaikaigame-streamingmacMass-Effect-2pcsporethe-sims-3Mon, 28 Feb 2011 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 2 'Arrival' DLC detailed by latest patch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/21/mass-effect-2-arrival-dlc-detailed-by-latest-patch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/21/mass-effect-2-arrival-dlc-detailed-by-latest-patch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/21/mass-effect-2-arrival-dlc-detailed-by-latest-patch/#comments The PS3 version of Mass Effect 2 has been patched and, in the process, has revealed details on an upcoming DLC pack called "Arrival." The BioWare forums have been abuzz with theories on what the expansion, which features three new Trophies, will entail.

One of the Trophies, "Covert Action," refers to a Dr. Amanda Kenson, who was previously mentioned in a recent Cerberus Network update:
Historians and astronomers alike are abuzz tonight over a new paper published by Dr. Amanda Kenson of the University of Arcturus ... "Only a small fraction of the mass effect relays date back 50,000 years," she writes, "The majority are far older, indicating they were created by a species predating even the Protheans." ... What civilization could have spanned the galaxy for not thousands, but millions of years? If this were the case, we should have found mountains of evidence of their passing. Where is this species now?"
Some believe that "Arrival" can refer to the arrival of the Reapers, setting up events for the upcoming Mass Effect 3. Others, however, are more fixated on figuring out how to acquire one of the more ominous Trophies for the DLC: "The Ultimate Sacrifice." Wasn't dying once sacrifice enough?

[Thanks, Shane! Image credit: Vamplosion]

JoystiqMass Effect 2 'Arrival' DLC detailed by latest patch originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrivalbiowaredlcMass-Effect-2microsoftpatchpcplaystationps3xboxMon, 21 Feb 2011 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Assassin's Creed Brotherhood, Black Ops rack up BAFTA nominations]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/16/assassins-creed-brotherhood-black-ops-rack-up-bafta-nomination/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/16/assassins-creed-brotherhood-black-ops-rack-up-bafta-nomination/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/16/assassins-creed-brotherhood-black-ops-rack-up-bafta-nomination/#commentsThe British Academy of Film and Television Arts has announced the nominees for its GAME British Academy Video Games Awards, which manage to be prestigious despite the inclusion of a sponsor's name in the title. Even before any winners are announced, Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood is representing well, with nominations in seven categories including Action, Artistic Achievement, Gameplay, Multiplayer, Technical Innovation, and, of course, Best Game. Call of Duty: Black Ops is also nominated in seven separate categories.

Other nominees include Heavy Rain (six nominations), Mass Effect 2 (five), and XBLA favorite Limbo, receiving nods for Audio and Artistic Achievement. Best Game nominee Super Mario Galaxy 2 is also nominated for Technical Innovation, an area in which that game is not typically lauded. In addition, the first Social Network Game award includes Bejeweled Blitz, Farmerama, FIFA Superstars, My Empire, Zoo Mumba, and Zuma Blitz as nominees.

Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on March 16. Until then, you can vote for the GAME Award winner online.

JoystiqAssassin's Creed Brotherhood, Black Ops rack up BAFTA nominations originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 09:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-brotherhoodAssassins-Creed-Multiplayerbaftabaftas-2011dsgame-british-academy-video-game-awardsmass-effect-2microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxWed, 16 Feb 2011 09:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 2 wins GOTY, RPG, storytelling awards at DICE 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/mass-effect-2-wins-goty-rpg-story-awards-at-dice-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/mass-effect-2-wins-goty-rpg-story-awards-at-dice-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/mass-effect-2-wins-goty-rpg-story-awards-at-dice-2011/#comments Tonight's 14th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards (i.e., the DICE awards) saw Mass Effect 2 cruise off with honors for Game of the Year, RPG of the Year and Outstanding Achievement in Story. However, Red Dead Redemption ended up with more trophies, riding away with wins for Action Game of the Year and Outstanding Character Performance, along with Outstanding Achievement in Game Direction, Art Direction and Gameplay Engineering.

The portable and casual categories were filled with rage, as God of War: Ghost of Sparta won the award for Portable Game of the Year, while Casual Game of the Year went to the ferocious fowls of Angry Birds HD.

Check out the full list of award recipients after the break.

Continue reading Mass Effect 2 wins GOTY, RPG, storytelling awards at DICE 2011

JoystiqMass Effect 2 wins GOTY, RPG, storytelling awards at DICE 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 01:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AIASangry-birdsawardsbiowareDICEDICE-2011eaElectronic-Artsgod-of-wargod-of-war-ghost-of-spartaMass-Effect-2microsoftpcplaystationps3Ready-At-Dawnred-dead-redemptionRockstar-GamesRockstar-San-DiegoRoviosceasonyxboxFri, 11 Feb 2011 01:46:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD: 2010's bestselling game releases by platform]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/npd-2010s-bestselling-game-releases-by-platform/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/npd-2010s-bestselling-game-releases-by-platform/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/npd-2010s-bestselling-game-releases-by-platform/#comments Gamasutra has obtained NPD data that puts a new filter on last year's US box-copy software sales, ranking the top ten bestselling 2010 releases for each console and handheld platform (PC excluded). Like the monthly NPD breakdowns, these rankings don't include actual sales numbers, but they do reveal some interesting trends.

By omitting Nintendo's so-called "evergreen" titles (i.e., games released before 2010), Gamasutra found that -- perhaps unsurprisingly -- Just Dance 2 was last year's top-selling 2010 release for Wii, and among six additional third-party games that made the top ten in sales for the platform. On DS, however, Nintendo games filled out half of the top ten, and Pokemon SoulSilver and HeartGold were the only titles to surpass sales of one million units each.

At first glance, PSP software sales look even bleaker, with Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep on top and, according to Gamastura, the only PSP title to break 300K units sold; with the other top ten games each falling below 200K. Of course, these rankings don't include digital sales or box-copy games bundled with hardware, so it's unlikely that Birth by Sleep (which isn't available on the PlayStation Store) was the true #1 bestseller among 2010's PSP releases -- let alone the most pirated.

What is certain is that Call of Duty: Black Ops dominated torrents, as well as the games legitimately sold for PS3 and Xbox 360 in 2010. Still, both Sony and Microsoft saw two first-party releases make their console's respective top ten sales charts for the year; though each publisher's most critically-acclaimed release of 2010 -- at least, from Joystiq's perspective -- was not present. Perhaps telling of the two console's core player bases, Madden 11 beat out God of War 3 for the #2 spot on the PS3 chart, but fell to #3 beneath Halo: Reach in the Xbox 360 ranking.

Finally, we have to wonder just what were they thinking? They, of course, being all those Xbox 360 owners that purchased Fable 3 and Fallout: New Vegas instead of Mass Effect 2. Three and a half stars plus four still doesn't add up to the Game of the Year, people.

Check out Gamastutra for the complete breakdown of 2010's bestselling releases by platform.

JoystiqNPD: 2010's bestselling game releases by platform originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010call-of-duty-black-opsdsfable-3fallout-new-vegasgod-of-war-3halo-reachjust-dance-2kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleepmadden-nfl-11mass-effect-2microsoftnintendonpdplaystationpokemon-heart-goldpokemon-soul-silverps3pspsalessoftwaresonyusawiixboxMon, 07 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 2 PS3 save corruption workaround, issue being fixed in upcoming patch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/27/mass-effect-2-ps3-save-corruption-workaround-issue-being-fixed/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/27/mass-effect-2-ps3-save-corruption-workaround-issue-being-fixed/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/27/mass-effect-2-ps3-save-corruption-workaround-issue-being-fixed/#comments Earlier this week, we approached EA and BioWare and asked about workarounds for a nasty Mass Effect 2 save file corruption bug, occurring in the recently launched PS3 version. An EA representative tells Joystiq that the publisher is aware of the issue and is finalizing a patch that will be submitted to Sony for approval shortly.

According to BioWare's patch notes, which we've placed after the break, the corrupted save games are caused by a "crash related to memory fragmentation." For now, the developer's suggested workaround is to "simply restart your game every few hours." It's good to take a break every now and then ... though save file erasure is tad draconian when used as encouragement.

[Thanks, Nizam A.]

Continue reading Mass Effect 2 PS3 save corruption workaround, issue being fixed in upcoming patch

JoystiqMass Effect 2 PS3 save corruption workaround, issue being fixed in upcoming patch originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareEAElectronic-ArtsMass-Effect-2playstationps3Thu, 27 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LittleBigPlanet 2 debuts atop UK sales chart, Mass Effect 2 PS3 in top ten]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/24/littlebigplanet-2-debuts-atop-uk-sales-chart-mass-effect-2-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/24/littlebigplanet-2-debuts-atop-uk-sales-chart-mass-effect-2-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/24/littlebigplanet-2-debuts-atop-uk-sales-chart-mass-effect-2-ps3/#comments The very pretty, Britty build-a-palooza LittleBigPlanet 2 grabbed itself the top spot on Chart-Track's UK sales chart last week. According to the chart masters, the sequel's premiere numbers were "almost identical" to that of the original, being "only 95 sales short" of it.

Call of Duty: Black Ops and the magical Just Dance 2 took silver and bronze, respectively. While we're on the subject of the resilient dance game genre, Harmonix's Dance Central slipped one spot from 12 to 13, while Ubisoft's original Just Dance moved up two spots from 13 to 11.

LittleBigPlanet 2 wasn't the only game to have a big debut on PS3 last week, our top game of 2010, Mass Effect 2, premiered in the seventh spot overall and in second on the PS3-specific chart.

Continue reading LittleBigPlanet 2 debuts atop UK sales chart, Mass Effect 2 PS3 in top ten

JoystiqLittleBigPlanet 2 debuts atop UK sales chart, Mass Effect 2 PS3 in top ten originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-duty-black-opschart-trackchart-track-weeklyjust-dance-2LittleBigPlanet-2mass-effect-2microsoftnintendoplaystationps3ukwiixboxMon, 24 Jan 2011 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Digital Foundry pits PS3 Mass Effect 2 against Xbox 360 original]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/digital-foundry-pits-ps3-mass-effect-2-against-xbox-360-original/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/digital-foundry-pits-ps3-mass-effect-2-against-xbox-360-original/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/digital-foundry-pits-ps3-mass-effect-2-against-xbox-360-original/#comments Not satisfied with its analysis of the PS3 Mass Effect 2 demo -- which was apparently based on old code -- Digital Foundry has posted a lengthy comparison of the PS3 and Xbox 360 retail editions of Mass Effect 2. There's a lot of information to digest in the article, including several videos and screenshots. The upshot: Most gamers won't notice the differences between the two games, though it seems the 360 version barely edges out the PS3 one in terms of a consistent frame-rate.

The only significant difference, which boils down to personal preference, is the lighting in the two games. DF notes that the PS3 version's lighting is generally brighter than the 360 game, though not necessarily improved from a technical standpoint. The article also examines the effectiveness of the PS3's "Genesis" comic intro, as opposed to actually playing the original Mass Effect on 360.

In the end, if you just have to own the most technically impressive version, DF suggests you choose ... the PC version, of course.

JoystiqDigital Foundry pits PS3 Mass Effect 2 against Xbox 360 original originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Jan 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comparisondigital-foundryMass-Effect-2microsoftplaystationps3xboxWed, 19 Jan 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Tuesday: Mass Effect 2, Spare Parts, Mega Man]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/psn-tuesday-mass-effect-2-spare-parts-mega-man/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/psn-tuesday-mass-effect-2-spare-parts-mega-man/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/psn-tuesday-mass-effect-2-spare-parts-mega-man/#comments
 *BOOM* Our top game of 2010 hits PSN. Mass Effect 2 is available now to download through the digital distribution network, but don't expect to be playing it right away. The title is 12 gigglebytes, which means if you start downloading now, you'll be lucky to finish before the Honolulu sunset. Thankfully, the game is also available at your local retailer in disc form.

If you're feeling particularly old school, the original Mega Man is also available. There's also the Simon Pegg-voiced game Spare Parts. Check out the full PSN update after the break.

Choose your platform to view the corresponding release list:
(Note: Continue past the break to view both release lists.)

Continue reading PSN Tuesday: Mass Effect 2, Spare Parts, Mega Man

JoystiqPSN Tuesday: Mass Effect 2, Spare Parts, Mega Man originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 19:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Mass-Effect-2modern-combat-dominationplaystationps3PSNPSN-Storepsn-tuesdaypsn-weeklypspsonyspare-partsTue, 18 Jan 2011 19:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Mass Effect 2's interactive Genesis comic on PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/video-mass-effect-2s-interactive-genesis-comic-on-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/video-mass-effect-2s-interactive-genesis-comic-on-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/video-mass-effect-2s-interactive-genesis-comic-on-ps3/#comments After watching the initial cut scene and playing through the first bit of gameplay in Mass Effect 2 on PS3, those who have a Cerberus Network code will experience the interactive comic, Genesis.

Continue reading Video: Mass Effect 2's interactive Genesis comic on PS3

JoystiqVideo: Mass Effect 2's interactive Genesis comic on PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeagenesisinteractive-comicMass-Effect-2mass-effect-genesisplaystationps3Tue, 18 Jan 2011 18:20:00 EST