Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Mercenaries 3 footage gives taste of canceled game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/15/mercenaries-3-footage-gives-taste-of-canceled-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/15/mercenaries-3-footage-gives-taste-of-canceled-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/15/mercenaries-3-footage-gives-taste-of-canceled-game/#comments When Pandemic shut down last year, it took several projects with it. Kotaku has obtained footage of what was to become Mercenaries 3: No Limits. It would appear this game is not related to the announced Mercs Inc., which is currently on assignment in Limbo.

The showreel is rough, giving an idea of new game concepts and revealing a character who sounds a little like Uncharted's Elena after swallowing bad-girl pills. Head on over to Kotaku to see the Mercenaries that once upon a time you may have been able to eventually pay for.

JoystiqMercenaries 3 footage gives taste of canceled game originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Nov 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtsMercenaries-2Mercenaries-2-World-In-FlamesmicrosoftpandemicPandemic-Studiospcplaystationps3xboxMon, 15 Nov 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mirror's Edge and Mercenaries 2 fail to excite Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/20/mirrors-edge-and-mercenaries-2-fail-to-excite-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/20/mirrors-edge-and-mercenaries-2-fail-to-excite-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/20/mirrors-edge-and-mercenaries-2-fail-to-excite-japan/#commentsAnecdotal evidence suggests that neither Mirror's Edge nor Mercenaries 2 took off in Japan. This picture shows stacks of new copies of both games on sale for ¥1,980 ($21). Mirror's Edge was released on December 11 in Japan, and Mercenaries 2 followed one week later. Both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions are marked down, so the blame for poor sales doesn't fall solely on 360's lowly reputation in Japan.

Japan has no rental services, so people tend to buy games, complete them immediately, and then sell them back to stores asap, before the prices are slashed, leading to a precipitous drop in used prices of popular games. Even that isn't the case here -- these games are new, and retailer Sofmap's website shows used copies of Mirror's Edge at ¥4,780 for PS3 and 360, while new copies are marked down to a mere ¥1,980.

Would Mirror's Edge have benefited from a lead character redesigned for Asian audiences? Maybe, if that redesign had also encompassed not making the game a first-person shooter.

JoystiqMirror's Edge and Mercenaries 2 fail to excite Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Feb 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>A2MakihabaraEAElectronic-ArtsjapanMercenariesMercenaries-2Mercenaries-2-World-In-FlamesMicrosoftMirrors-EdgePandemicPandemic-Studiossandboxthird-person-shooterXbox-360Fri, 20 Feb 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercs 2 Blow it Up Again DLC available for free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/mercs-2-blow-it-up-again-dlc-available-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/mercs-2-blow-it-up-again-dlc-available-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/mercs-2-blow-it-up-again-dlc-available-for-free/#commentsFiled under: ,


Releasing a day earlier than expected is new Mercenaries 2: World in Flames downloadable content. Available for 0 Microsoft points (that mean it's free), you can own your very own Blow it Up Again DLC and be the talk of town. The 377MB download adds four new missions to the mix along with some patriotic characters. The bigger question remains ... will it be grenades or TNT?

JoystiqMercs 2 Blow it Up Again DLC available for free originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blow-it-up-againmercenaries-2mercenaries-2-world-in-flamespandemicpandemic-studiosxblmMon, 15 Dec 2008 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercenaries 2 is ready to Blow It Up Again]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/13/mercenaries-2-is-ready-to-blow-it-up-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/13/mercenaries-2-is-ready-to-blow-it-up-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/13/mercenaries-2-is-ready-to-blow-it-up-again/#commentsFiled under:


Because they're aware your interest in Mercenaries 2: World in Flames has probably dwindled, EA and Pandemic Studios are set to release a new bundle of Blow It Up Again content pack joy. It's destructive DLC.

This expansion content is scheduled for release on Tuesday, December 16th and will be 100% FREE throughout the rest of the year. Included will be four additional game modes as well as a few "patriotic characters" to wreak havoc with. Per the Blow It Up Again teaser trailer, we're moderately impressed, because it looks so darn boom-riffic!

[Via TeamXbox, Thanks Lightsout565]

JoystiqMercenaries 2 is ready to Blow It Up Again originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Dec 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eamercenaries-2mercenaries-2-world-in-flamespandemicpandemic-studiosx3f-twitterSat, 13 Dec 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA: 'There will be a Mercenaries 3']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/03/ea-there-will-be-a-mercenaries-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/03/ea-there-will-be-a-mercenaries-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/03/ea-there-will-be-a-mercenaries-3/#commentsFiled under: ,


EA boss John Riccitielo is the latest company bigwig talking up more sequels, just as his publishing megalith struck gold with Dead Space, one of the best original titles it's had in years. This time it's Mercenaries, which Riccitielo confirmed will see a third installment developed by series creator Pandemic.

"There will be a Mercenaries 3," Riccitielo said during an investor call, adding, "and, if I have anything to do with it, there will be a Mercenaries 10." With nearly two million copies sold worldwide, a sequel to the open-world action game was a given ... but another seven beyond that? Mattias will be 'jacking other residents' wheelchairs at the mercenary retirement home by that point.

JoystiqEA: 'There will be a Mercenaries 3' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Nov 2008 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>A2MEAElectronic-Artsjohn-riccitielloMercenariesMercenaries-2Mercenaries-2-World-In-Flamesmercenaries-3MicrosoftPandemicPandemic-Studiossandboxthird-person-shooterXbox-360Mon, 03 Nov 2008 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA boss says to expect more Mercenaries]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/31/ea-boss-says-to-expect-more-mercenaries/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/31/ea-boss-says-to-expect-more-mercenaries/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/31/ea-boss-says-to-expect-more-mercenaries/#commentsFiled under: , ,


According to EA boss John Riccitiello the Mercenaries series will see another installment. During an earnings call, Riccitiello confirmed that Mercenaries will join Dead Space and the upcoming Mirror's Edge as continuing franchises for the mega-publisher along with Will Wright's latest, Spore.

Released in late August, Mercenaries 2: World in Flames has sold 1.9 million units across four platforms. Riccitiello made the announcement when asked if EA's recent releases were considered "sequelable" by the publisher -- who has posted a $310 million loss for its second quarter fiscal release. The EA CEO also stated that each of the mentioned titles were not likely to see annual releases.

[via Kotaku]

JoystiqEA boss says to expect more Mercenaries originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Oct 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-spaceeaelectronic-artsmercenaries-2-world-in-flamesmirrors-edgeFri, 31 Oct 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercenaries 2 'Total Payback' update is M.I.A.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/15/mercenaries-2-total-payback-update-is-m-i-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/15/mercenaries-2-total-payback-update-is-m-i-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/15/mercenaries-2-total-payback-update-is-m-i-a/#commentsFiled under: ,


Mercenaries 2: World in Flames fanboys who were excited to get their hands on the new Total Payback title update will, sadly, be dissapointed. Pandemic Studios has yet to release the new update, which was supposed to release on October 13th. The Mercenaries 2 forums are abuzz with angry gamers, so much so that forum moderators have been deleting threads that make mention of the Total Paypack update being delayed. We aren't sure what Pandemic's reason is for the delay or when it'll finally be released, but we've contacted them for comment and will update when we hear back.

[Thanks, Chris]

JoystiqMercenaries 2 'Total Payback' update is M.I.A. originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Oct 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mercenaries-2mercenaries-2-world-in-flamespandemicpandemic-studiosworld-in-flamesxblmWed, 15 Oct 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercenaries 2 receives Total Payback on Oct. 13th]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/01/mercenaries-2-receives-total-payback-on-oct-13th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/01/mercenaries-2-receives-total-payback-on-oct-13th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/01/mercenaries-2-receives-total-payback-on-oct-13th/#commentsFiled under:


Mercenaries 2: World in Flames will be receiving it's first ever title update on Monday, October 13th with the release of a "Total Payback" update that's aimed at connecting gamers from around the world, adding more variety and enabling cheaters to, well ... cheat.

The Total Payback update will add an additional six characters to the Mercenaries 2 mix, give players the ability to enter cheats and (this one's a biggie) enable cross-region support of Xbox Live multiplayer. Huzzah! Again, this is an update, meaning it'll be applied instantly and for free come October 13th.

Also, Pandemic revealed that they'll be releasing the first set of Mercs 2 downloadable content sometime this November. So, keep an eye out for that.

[Thanks, Fox]

JoystiqMercenaries 2 receives Total Payback on Oct. 13th originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eamercenaries-2mercenaries-2-world-in-flamespandemicpandemic-studiosworld-in-flamesWed, 01 Oct 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercenaries 2 demo now on Xbox Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/mercenaries-2-demo-now-on-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/mercenaries-2-demo-now-on-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/mercenaries-2-demo-now-on-xbox-live/#commentsFiled under: ,

So, are we posting about a demo for Mercenaries 2 (that just arrived on Xbox Live) solely so we can have an excuse to share "Oh No You Didn't," which somehow, mysteriously, has eluded our grasp for weeks? Possibly. We hope you can forgive us.

If you came here for actual demo information rather than hilarious song stylings, you should know that it only pays out 20 minutes of fun before it shuts the whole operation down and kicks you to the dashboard. If you're looking for a really meaty taste, you may want to turn to renting.

JoystiqMercenaries 2 demo now on Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>A2MdemosEAElectronic-ArtsMercenariesMercenaries-2Mercenaries-2-World-In-FlamesMicrosoftPandemicPandemic-Studiossandboxthird-person-shooterxblmXbox-360xbox-liveTue, 16 Sep 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercenaries 2 demo NOT on the Marketplace]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/13/mercenaries-2-demo-not-on-the-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/13/mercenaries-2-demo-not-on-the-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/13/mercenaries-2-demo-not-on-the-marketplace/#commentsFiled under: ,

Last night, Pandemic sent word to the internets informing everyone that the promised Mercenaries 2: World in Flames demo was released to the Xbox Live Marketplace for download. And even though they sent word, it doesn't mean it's true, because it simply isn't there. We're sure the Mercenaries 2 demo will eventually make its way to the XBLM (probably sooner than later), but right this moment we aren't seeing it. Keep your mercenary eyes peeled and your mercenary ears perked ...

[Thanks, Rob]

JoystiqMercenaries 2 demo NOT on the Marketplace originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Sep 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mercenaries-2mercenaries-2-world-in-flamespandemicpandemic-studiosworld-in-flamesSat, 13 Sep 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercs 2 gas giveaway causes 'chaos' in London]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/05/mercs-2-gas-giveaway-causes-chaos-in-london/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/05/mercs-2-gas-giveaway-causes-chaos-in-london/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/05/mercs-2-gas-giveaway-causes-chaos-in-london/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

While a similar publicity stunt in LA went off with relatively little drama, it appears the Mercenaries 2 petrol giveaway in London was "irresponsible and dangerous," according to local residents. The BBC reports that traffic was gridlocked as drivers waited to get their £40-worth ($70) of gratis gas. The promotion started at 6:30AM and ran until police apparently shut it down.

Local residents were quite upset about the traffic and honking the stunt caused in their neighborhood. Lynne Featherstone, MP for the district, stated that while a lucky few got free gas, "hundreds of residents have faced misery." She's demanding an apology. We're sure that EA is real sorry about all the free publicity and we're positive those people with tanks full of free gas are even more sympathetic.

[Thanks to all who sent this in.]

JoystiqMercs 2 gas giveaway causes 'chaos' in London originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Sep 2008 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>A2MEAElectronic-ArtsgaslondonMercenariesMercenaries-2Mercenaries-2-World-In-FlamesMicrosoftPandemicPandemic-Studiospetrolpublicity-stuntsandboxthird-person-shooterXbox-360Fri, 05 Sep 2008 10:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Play with Mercenaries 2 devs, 'catch' an Achievement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/play-with-mercenaries-2-devs-catch-an-achievement/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/play-with-mercenaries-2-devs-catch-an-achievement/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/play-with-mercenaries-2-devs-catch-an-achievement/#commentsFiled under: , ,


One of the more ... interesting Achievements in the Xbox 360 version of Mercenaries 2: World in Flames is the 50-point "Everybody Wants Some," which is earned by playing online with one of the game's developers, or someone who's already played with them. Yep, it's contagious. Actually, it's sort of like the STD of Live Achievements, if you'll pardon the icky analogy.

We think it'd be pretty cool to hear the 360 "Achievement Unlocked" sound in real life every time we came down with a cold or other ailment. Hear that Microsoft? Get on it - after all, you were all about "Live Anywhere." Mercs 2's devs will be playing September 5 through 12 using special easy-to-grok Gamertags, which we've listed after the break. Now, go forth and expose yourself to viral goodness.

Continue reading Play with Mercenaries 2 devs, 'catch' an Achievement

JoystiqPlay with Mercenaries 2 devs, 'catch' an Achievement originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>A2MachievementsEAElectronic-ArtsMercenariesMercenaries-2Mercenaries-2-World-In-FlamesMicrosoftPandemicPandemic-Studiossandboxthird-person-shooterXbox-360xbox-liveThu, 04 Sep 2008 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GameTrailers compares 360, PS3 versions of Mercenaries 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/gametrailers-compares-360-ps3-versions-of-mercenaries-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/gametrailers-compares-360-ps3-versions-of-mercenaries-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/gametrailers-compares-360-ps3-versions-of-mercenaries-2/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Considering the inflammatory nature of these little side-by-sides, we're not even going to weigh in an opinion on which version of Mercenaries 2 comes out ahead in the GameTrailers comparison video we've put just after the break. Suffice to say: They're both better than the PS2, and that's as far as we're willing to go.

Even if we wanted to express some opinion (which we don't) we're not sure if we could even pick a side, as they seem pretty darn close to parity. Do you have a preference?

Continue reading GameTrailers compares 360, PS3 versions of Mercenaries 2

JoystiqGameTrailers compares 360, PS3 versions of Mercenaries 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>A2MEAElectronic-ArtsMercenariesMercenaries-2Mercenaries-2-World-In-FlamesMicrosoftPandemicPandemic-StudiosPS3sandboxthird-person-shooterXbox-360Tue, 02 Sep 2008 09:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview - Mercenaries 2: World in Flames]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/metareview-mercenaries-2-world-in-flames/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/metareview-mercenaries-2-world-in-flames/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/metareview-mercenaries-2-world-in-flames/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

No doubt your eyes have already darted to that score at the bottom, recoiling in shock at the sight of a number so low, it actually manages to spell something: catastrophe. Five out of ten? What happened?

Well, it seems not everybody is blown away by Mercenaries 2 and its highly delayed destructive, open-world gameplay. Most reviews think the game accomplishes what it set out to do (i.e. set charges and blow the world to smoldering smithereens), but there's an undercurrent of dissatisfaction with the supposedly shallow combat, dubious AI, the adherence to the previous game's formula and, of course, the bugs.
  • 1UP (B+): "While Mercs doesn't do anything particularly new or interesting, the formula is inherently fun (as long as you enjoy blowing things up like I do). I can keep complaining about the quirks -- ridiculously repetitive voice samples from NPCs, a climax that consists of a trial-and-error button-pushing session -- but the wealth of smaller problems are insubstantial in light of the effective fundamentals."
  • IGN (79/100): "For every time I cursed the stupid AI, I cheered at the demolition of another building. For every bug that got me stuck in some bushes, there was an attack chopper waiting to be jacked. If Mercenaries 2 had more polish, it would have been a great game. As is, it's still worth playing - and enjoyable - but falls far short of its promise."
  • WorthPlaying (76/100): "Cars will flip for no reason, your character's legs will get stuck in the environment, things will explode for no reason, etc. It's impossible to play without encountering bugs on a regular basis."
  • Eurogamer (50/100): "We'd now go a little further than that: apart from some cool explosive effects and solid controls, Mercenaries 2 is utterly mediocre in almost every sense that matters. From the initial sorties onwards it's bogged down by the worst kind of brain-dead cannon fodder enemies, lead-you-by-the-hand level design, arbitrary boundaries, and some technical howlers."

JoystiqMetareview - Mercenaries 2: World in Flames originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>A2MEAElectronic-ArtsMercenariesMercenaries-2Mercenaries-2-World-In-FlamesmetareviewMicrosoftPandemicPandemic-StudiosPCPS2PS3sandboxthird-person-shooterXbox-360Mon, 01 Sep 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New games this week: Mercenaries 2 edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/new-games-this-week-mercenaries-2-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/new-games-this-week-mercenaries-2-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/new-games-this-week-mercenaries-2-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

We hate to be the ones to break the news to you, but, with the season still three weeks away, the fall onslaught has officially begun. The biggest release is the oft-delayed Mercenaries 2, sure, put you've also got a new Viva Pinata, Trouble in Paradise, and Facebreaker, which ... well, at least it has Snoop Dogg in it.

See the rest of the week's releases right after the jump.

Gallery: Mercenaries 2

Continue reading New games this week: Mercenaries 2 edition

JoystiqNew games this week: Mercenaries 2 edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>A2MDSEAElectronic-ArtsMercenariesMercenaries-2Mercenaries-2-World-In-FlamesMicrosoftnewgamesPandemicPandemic-StudiosPCPS2PS3sandboxthird-person-shooterWiiXbox-360Mon, 01 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercenaries 2 gets a Flash version]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/mercenaries-2-gets-a-flash-version/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/mercenaries-2-gets-a-flash-version/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/mercenaries-2-gets-a-flash-version/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

If you find yourself unable to wait until the Aug. 31 release of Mercenaries 2: World in Flames, we may have the perfect soothing balm for you: Armor Games and EA's Mercenaries 2: World (Nearly) In Flames. It's exactly like the console versions of Mercenaries 2, except it's free! (And it's made in Flash. And it's two dimensional. But other than that? Exactly the same.)

OK, so maybe it's not as technically impressive, but we could think of many worse ways to kill some time until the real release than with this solid, old-school diversion. Enjoy.

JoystiqMercenaries 2 gets a Flash version originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>A2Marmor-gamesEAElectronic-ArtsflashMercenariesMercenaries-2Mercenaries-2-World-In-FlamesMicrosoftPandemicPandemic-StudiosPCsandboxthird-person-shooterXbox-360Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercenaries 2 co-op developer walkthrough]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/mercenaries-2-co-op-developer-walkthrough/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/mercenaries-2-co-op-developer-walkthrough/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/mercenaries-2-co-op-developer-walkthrough/#commentsFiled under:

We'll be honest: most of the staff at Joystiq has a serious medical condition that makes us physically unable to resist good co-op gameplay. We can't do it. It's a serious condition. There's only two known treatments: 1) massive amounts of mind-altering pharmaceuticals or 2) co-op video games. Sometimes, we're forced to seek out the former when there aren't any co-op games on the ol' release calendar while other times there are games like Mercenaries 2: World in Flames that would appear to provide enough co-op gameplay to keep us drug-free for a long time.

Above you've got another Mercenaries 2 developer walkthrough, this time sharing the wonders of the game's co-op functionality. Don't mean to brag, but we've already played it. That means you'll want to pay attention, lest you miss things like "drop-in," "drop-out," "campaign," and "explosion." Say, does anyone have an early copy of Castle Crashers, we're really hurting over here ...

JoystiqMercenaries 2 co-op developer walkthrough originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click to enlarge blow up
So many things in life are just that much better when enjoyed with a friend. Ice skating, canoeing, inline skating ... grappling a helicopter to escape the blast of a nuclear bunker buster strike you've just called in. That last scenario - and more! - is exactly what we experienced during a recent game of Mercenaries 2 online co-op with developer Pandemic Studios.

Unfortunately, there's no "Hi-Five!" peripheral (yet) for the 360 or it would have gotten plenty of use during our brazenly over-the-top cooperative mass destruction of a virtual Venezuela.

Gallery: Mercenaries 2 (8-13-08)

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: Mercenaries 2 online co-op

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Mercenaries 2 online co-op originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Aug 2008 21:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>A2MEAElectronic-ArtsMercenariesMercenaries-2Mercenaries-2-World-In-FlamesMicrosoftPandemicPandemic-StudiosPS3sandboxthird-person-shooterXbox-360Wed, 13 Aug 2008 21:40:00 EST<![CDATA[A look at how Mercenaries 2 does co-op]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/13/a-look-at-how-mercenaries-2-does-co-op/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/13/a-look-at-how-mercenaries-2-does-co-op/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/13/a-look-at-how-mercenaries-2-does-co-op/#commentsFiled under:


IGN has a pretty decent writeup detailing their hands on time with two player co-op in the explosive Mercenaries 2: World in Flames. Online co-op is presented pretty standardly, allowing two players to connect seamlessly where one player enters the others' world a la Crackdown. Meaning that any progress made during co-op only counts towards the hosts' game, but any weapons or money earned by the other player can be taken back to their game. What's nice to see too is the fact that the game doesn't "scale" the action based on co-op, which means that having a co-op buddy by your side makes dishing out the destruction a whole lot easier. Make the jump to get Mercs 2 learnified.

JoystiqA look at how Mercenaries 2 does co-op originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eamercenaries-2mercenaries-2-world-in-flamespandemicpandemic-studiosworld-in-flamesWed, 13 Aug 2008 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq interview: Mercenaries 2 senior producer Jonathan Zamkoff]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/joystiq-interview-mercenaries-2-senior-producer-jonathan-zamkof/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/joystiq-interview-mercenaries-2-senior-producer-jonathan-zamkof/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/joystiq-interview-mercenaries-2-senior-producer-jonathan-zamkof/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

We spent some time with the eagerly awaited Mercenaries 2: World in Flames at Electronic Arts recently, and we can safely say that it's a lot of fun blowing crap up in this game. In fact, if they dropped the storyline (you're chasing a druglord) altogether and called this game Blowing Sh*t Up!, we'd still buy it.

Senior Producer Jonathan Zamkoff answered several of our questions about the game after we took a breath to check for scorch marks and shrapnel wounds. We'll be spending a lot more hands-on time with this one at E3, so look for more coverage next week. In the meantime, check after the break to find out why they hope driving won't suck in this one... although they don't explain why this screenshot looks like Motorstorm 2: Save Your Own Ass.

Gallery: Mercenaries 2: 7/10/2008

Continue reading Joystiq interview: Mercenaries 2 senior producer Jonathan Zamkoff

JoystiqJoystiq interview: Mercenaries 2 senior producer Jonathan Zamkoff originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jul 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>A2MEAElectronic-ArtsJonathan-ZamkoffMercenariesMercenaries-2Mercenaries-2-World-In-FlamesMicrosoftPandemicPandemic-StudiosPCPS3sandboxthird-person-shooterXbox-360Thu, 10 Jul 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Verify your target with this Mercenaries 2 trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/09/verify-your-target-with-this-mercenaries-2-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/09/verify-your-target-with-this-mercenaries-2-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/09/verify-your-target-with-this-mercenaries-2-trailer/#commentsFiled under:


We haven't reported on Mercenaries 2: World in Flames since its delay back in 2007. Apparently, after almost a year, destroying entire buildings is still an option and the game is still coming on just about every console and PC. The video has a group of mercenaries in Venezuela, whose goal is to 'verify' a human target, dead or alive. Alive will bring in more money, but dead is just so much more fun. The trailer has a promise stamped at the end for a August 31st release date, but are you guys even still interested?

[Via Joystiq -- thanks, imperalpig!]

JoystiqVerify your target with this Mercenaries 2 trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mercenariesmercenaries-2mercenaries-2-world-in-flamespandemicWed, 09 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercenaries 2 delivers the goods with 'Improvise' trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/09/mercenaries-2-delivers-the-goods-with-improvise-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/09/mercenaries-2-delivers-the-goods-with-improvise-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/09/mercenaries-2-delivers-the-goods-with-improvise-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

After what feels like countless delays, the new trailer for Mercenaries 2 rekindles our hope that the latest release date of Aug. 31 for the game actually sticks. The video gives examples of a couple different ways to complete missions within the game, from being all stealth-like to just going in guns blazing.

There's something disturbingly satisfying about the idea that, if a mission goes south while trying to sneak through it, the option of just flipping out and destroying everything is still on the table. Check out the video after the break.

Continue reading Mercenaries 2 delivers the goods with 'Improvise' trailer

JoystiqMercenaries 2 delivers the goods with 'Improvise' trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Those who enjoyed the economics-meets-explosions gameplay of Pandemic Studios' Mercenaries: Playground of Destruction will no doubt get a kick out of the latest trailer for the title's upcoming sequel. The three ExOps personalities we came to know and love in the first Mercs are making a comeback, and in the above video, Mercenaries 2: World in Flames lead designer Scott Warner gives us a sneak peek at how these well-trained operatives, you know, operate.

The gameplay looks solid, but for those of us too busy to watch a five-minute video on a Saturday afternoon, we'll briefly break it down using A-Team archetypes: Jennifer Mui is Templeton "Faceman" Peck, Mattias Nilsson is "Howling Mad" Murdock, and Christopher Jacobs is an amalgam of John "Hannibal" Smith and B.A. Baracus -- only he doesn't pity fools. He hastily shuffles them off this mortal coil using their own grenades.

JoystiqMercenaries 2 developer walkthrough previews different 'approaches' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Jul 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercenaries 2 news has been lacking a bit lately, so we were rather excited to see a new trailer pop up on the old Gametrailers.com. Actually, it's a developer walk-through video with the game's lead designer Scott Warner who shows actual level gameplay but played three different ways with all three Mercenaries 2 personalities. There's plenty of tactical, covert and overkill gameplay to view complete with head butts, helicopter hijacking, button mashing sequences and explosive goodness that really doesn't look too bad. Both visually and gameplay wise, that is, if you're into that kind of genre. But how about that demo?

JoystiqVideo: Let's have a Mercenaries 2 walk-through originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Jul 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mercenaries-2mercenaries-2-world-in-flamespandemic-studiosworld-in-flamesFri, 04 Jul 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercenaries 2 demo and DLC confirmed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/mercenaries-2-demo-and-dlc-confirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/mercenaries-2-demo-and-dlc-confirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/mercenaries-2-demo-and-dlc-confirmed/#commentsFiled under:

Pandemic Studios has just confirmed with Eurogamer that they plan on releasing a Mercenaries 2: World in Flames demo, but are "not sure of dates" for its release to the XBLM. Pandemic's creative director Cameron Brown also confirmed that they have Mercenaries 2 downloadable content in the works saying that they already "have it up and running on the consoles" and it is being seen as an "enormous opportunity" as far as the longevity of the title goes.

Downloadable content already up, running and complete months before the game even releases? Something smells of EA shenanigans and it doesn't smell good.

JoystiqMercenaries 2 demo and DLC confirmed originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Apr 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mercenaries-2mercenaries-2-world-in-flamespandemic-studiosworld-in-flamesThu, 17 Apr 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercenaries 2 blows things up August 31st]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/mercenaries-2-blows-things-up-august-31st/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/mercenaries-2-blows-things-up-august-31st/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/mercenaries-2-blows-things-up-august-31st/#commentsFiled under:


IGN has revealed that Pandemic Studios' Mercenaries 2: World in Flames is scheduled for a U.S. release on August 31st. And since a release date announcement is a big deal, Pandemic also supplied a new Mercenaries 2 "US Release Date Trailer" for everyone to enjoy. From what we can tell, things splode really, really good. We also get a feeling for why Mattias Nilsson is so hellbent on revenge ... his bum has a bullet lodged in it. Watch the trailer, take it all in and (potentially) add Mercenaries 2 to your ever expanding list of 2008 must-haves.

[Via Game Stooge]

JoystiqMercenaries 2 blows things up August 31st originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eamercenaries-2mercenaries-2-world-in-flamespandemicpandemic-studiosworld-in-flamesThu, 03 Apr 2008 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercenaries 2 blowing up August 31]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/mercenaries-2-blowing-up-august-31/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/mercenaries-2-blowing-up-august-31/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/mercenaries-2-blowing-up-august-31/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


We already knew that Mercenaries 2: World in Flames was headed for a delay, but now we know exactly how long we're going to have to wait. IGN is reporting today that the new date is August 31. We know! That seems like forever! They might as well make the date Nevervember the 37th.

The waiting isn't made any easier by this new trailer, which caters to that facet of our personalties games so often ignore: The part of us that likes to blow stuff up. ... Listen, we're sorry we got so upset earlier, we don't know what came over us. Just, please, for our sake, no more delays, OK? Please?

[Thanks, Jonah]

JoystiqMercenaries 2 blowing up August 31 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>A2MEAElectronic-ArtsMercenariesMercenaries-2Mercenaries-2-World-In-FlamesMicrosoftPandemicPandemic-StudiosPS3release-datesandboxthird-person-shooterXbox-360Thu, 03 Apr 2008 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercenaries 2: World in Flames delayed (again)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/31/mercenaries-2-world-in-flames-delayed-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/31/mercenaries-2-world-in-flames-delayed-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/31/mercenaries-2-world-in-flames-delayed-again/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Shacknews reports that Pandemic Studios' action-packed Venezuela-wrecking shooter, Mercenaries 2: World in Flames, has been struck with another delay, this one sending it careening into publisher EA's 2009 fiscal year. Though the game "is likely to ship this year," the official release period now stretches from April 2008 to March 2009.

The news follows several rumors which suggested that EA would show gamers no Mercenaries until August. We'll let you know as soon as official release date debris details come hurtling through our office window.

JoystiqMercenaries 2: World in Flames delayed (again) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Jan 2008 19:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>A2MdelayEAElectronic-ArtsMercenariesMercenaries-2Mercenaries-2-World-In-FlamesMicrosoftPandemicPandemic-StudiosPCPS2PS3sandboxthird-person-shooterXbox-360Thu, 31 Jan 2008 19:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercenaries 2 viral videos = Tough guy + The Office]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/mercenaries-2-viral-videos-tough-guy-the-office/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/mercenaries-2-viral-videos-tough-guy-the-office/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/mercenaries-2-viral-videos-tough-guy-the-office/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Pandemic put together a small set of viral videos promoting its mercifully delayed Mercenaries 2: World in Flames. The mockumentary is The Office-esque and follows the exploits of Jim Holston, a "real" mercenary who visits the Pandemic studios to "check out the game."

There is no Mercenaries 2 gameplay footage or launch announcement in the videos that we can see, the first episode is above with the other three found after the break. If you like cringe-humor created by awkward situations then you may find a few moments of laugh-out-loud humor in the videos. We'll never view motion capture technology the same way again after seeing what Holston does to the Pandemic receptionist.

Continue reading Mercenaries 2 viral videos = Tough guy + The Office

JoystiqMercenaries 2 viral videos = Tough guy + The Office originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Jan 2008 20:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>A2MEAElectronic-ArtsMercenariesMercenaries-2Mercenaries-2-World-In-FlamesMicrosoftPandemicPandemic-StudiosPS3sandboxthird-person-shooterXbox-360Fri, 04 Jan 2008 20:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercenaries 2 bitten by the delay bug]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/24/mercenaries-2-bitten-by-the-delay-bug/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/24/mercenaries-2-bitten-by-the-delay-bug/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/24/mercenaries-2-bitten-by-the-delay-bug/#commentsFiled under:

Online retailers have been hinting at it for a while and now developer Pandemic is fessing up announcing that Mercenaries 2: World in Flames has officially been delayed into early 2008. In an interview with IGN, president of Pandemic Josh Resnick stated that Mercenaries 2 fell back to a Q1 2008 release because they need some more development time and that the studio doesn't "want to slop out a game just to meet a deadline". Kudos for being frank and honest Mr. Resnick, sometimes games need to cook in the oven a bit longer to bring out their subtle flavors and lovely texture. We'll be ready and willing to snack on destruction next year.

[Thanks, todd]

JoystiqMercenaries 2 bitten by the delay bug originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Sep 2007 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eamercenaries-2-world-in-flamesmercenaries2pandemicMon, 24 Sep 2007 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pandemic to deploy Mercenaries 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/04/pandemic-to-deploy-mercenaries-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/04/pandemic-to-deploy-mercenaries-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/04/pandemic-to-deploy-mercenaries-2/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mercenaries 2Pandemic has announced the inevitable, a sequel to last year's enjoyable sandbox romp, Mercenaries. The key for Mercenaries 2: World in Flames' success will be Pandemic's ability to improve upon the original's formula, which grew stale about halfway through the game. But the developer isn't ready to talk about these improvements, nor is the studio ready to release platform availability details.

According to 1UP, Mercenaries 2 is headed for a console with the number '3' in its name. Our guess, the sequel will arrive on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

JoystiqPandemic to deploy Mercenaries 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 May 2006 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>A2MEAElectronic-ArtsMercenariesMercenaries-2Mercenaries-2-World-In-FlamesMicrosoftPandemicPandemic-StudiosPS3sandboxthird-person-shooterXbox-360Thu, 04 May 2006 17:55:00 EST