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[Need for Speed games discounted for Steam EA Week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/need-for-speed-games-discounted-for-steam-ea-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/need-for-speed-games-discounted-for-steam-ea-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/need-for-speed-games-discounted-for-steam-ea-week/#comments Steam's EA Week continues with brutal discounts on three Need for Speed games. If you want a game for pocket change, you can get Need for Speed: Undercover for just $2.50! If you want to lay out a bit more (but still not very much), Need for: Speed Shift and Hot Pursuit are available for $6.80 and $14.99, respectively.

These deals are only active through Wednesday at 7AM ET, when they'll be replaced by more cheap EA games. If you want these, haste is required!

JoystiqNeed for Speed games discounted for Steam EA Week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 May 2011 21:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-shiftneed-for-speed-undercoverpcsteamTue, 03 May 2011 21:40:00 EST<![CDATA[EA plans Need for Speed Undercover, Tetris for BlackBerry PlayBook launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/ea-plans-need-for-speed-undercover-tetris-for-blackberry-playbo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/ea-plans-need-for-speed-undercover-tetris-for-blackberry-playbo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/ea-plans-need-for-speed-undercover-tetris-for-blackberry-playbo/#comments EA has announced that it will have both Need for Speed Undercover and Tetris available to play on the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet as soon as it launches this spring. Both titles are currently available on iOS, and considering the success EA has had on that platform, it's a no-brainer to have these games ready to go when the PlayBook is finally released.

Both games will be playable at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain next week, though presumably they'll be more or less the same as the previous mobile versions. Fun fact: the PlayBook version of Tetris marks the 15th platform EA has released the game on so far.

Continue reading EA plans Need for Speed Undercover, Tetris for BlackBerry PlayBook launch

JoystiqEA plans Need for Speed Undercover, Tetris for BlackBerry PlayBook launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberryblackberry-playbookeamobileneed-for-speed-undercoverrimtetrisFri, 11 Feb 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows Phone 7 review: Need for Speed Undercover]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/windows-phone-7-review-need-for-speed-undercover/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/windows-phone-7-review-need-for-speed-undercover/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/windows-phone-7-review-need-for-speed-undercover/#comments Unfortunately for Windows Phone 7, one of the most impressive-looking games on the platform at launch happens to be a port of a year-old iPhone game. EA's racing game is one of the few 3D games on the platform right now, and its high-speed action and buttery smooth framerate make it one of the best technical showcases on the device.

Thankfully, Undercover isn't just pretty looks. It actually has some depth, featuring a full career (cheesy live action cutscenes included!) and car customization options. It's not as fully featured as its console counterparts, but it certainly feels far more meaty than most cell phone games.

The controls will be hit-or-miss for most, as accelerometer-based racing tends to lack the responsiveness that a standard control pad offers. Undercover does a good job of accounting for that, with an easy-to-access slow-mo feature. Still, with oncoming traffic and competition, you'll wish you had a better handling of your car. Perhaps the form factor simply doesn't lend itself to anything better.

Ultimately, Need for Speed is a rather by-the-numbers affair on mobile devices, but that's to be expected considering the limitations of the platform. In spite of its lack of inspiration, everything else is solid. Given the impressive production values and the variety of content, it's easy to recommend.

See also: Windows Phone 7 launch games reviews hub

This review is based on a retail Samsung Focus provided by Microsoft and AT&T.

JoystiqWindows Phone 7 review: Need for Speed Undercover originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Nov 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mobileNeed-For-Speed-UndercoverNFSUwindows-phone-7Mon, 08 Nov 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA announces Windows Phone 7 launch titles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/ea-announces-windows-phone-7-launch-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/ea-announces-windows-phone-7-launch-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/ea-announces-windows-phone-7-launch-titles/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It looks like Electronic Arts is breaking out its biggest guns for its Windows Phone 7 launch lineup -- well, it's biggest guns that can be adequately turned into smaller guns for use on a mobile platform, anyways. The publisher has named four games that will hit the WP7 storefront soon after the platform goes live on November 8: Need For Speed: Undercover, The Sims 3, Monopoly and some obscure indie puzzle game called ... Tetris?

Now sure, all those games are already available on other mobile platforms, but you're forgetting why you're going to feel compelled to purchase them again on the Windows Phone 7: Sweet, sweet 'Cheevos. Hell, Monopoly's like 85 years old. You've probably bought it a dozen times already -- but now you're going to buy it a baker's dozen times, because, admit it, you've got to be boosting that Gamerscore.

Continue reading EA announces Windows Phone 7 launch titles

JoystiqEA announces Windows Phone 7 launch titles originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Oct 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electronic-artsmobilemonopolyneed-for-speed-undercovertetrisThe-Sims-3windows-phone-7wp7Tue, 12 Oct 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Earthworms, FPS deals and LEGO Harry Potter on XBLM next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/05/earthworms-fps-deals-and-lego-harry-potter-on-xbla-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/05/earthworms-fps-deals-and-lego-harry-potter-on-xbla-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/05/earthworms-fps-deals-and-lego-harry-potter-on-xbla-next-week/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Major Nelson has spilled all of the proverbial beans on next week's XBL content and deals, and it looks like the perfect time to catch up on some games you might have missed.

Leading the pack is Earthworm Jim HD, the long-awaited re-release of the only game in memory that lets you launch cows for fun and profit. It'll be out on Wednesday, June 9, for 800 ($10). Red Faction Guerrilla and Need for Speed Undercover will be released for Games on Demand, and a demo for LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 will be out on Monday, June 7.

The deals are excellent as well -- Worms 2: Armageddon, Duke Nukem 3D and Peggle (yes!) will all be on sale next week for 400 ($5), and you'll be able to get FPSes Serious Sam HD, Call of Duty Classic and Battlefield 1943 for just 800 ($10).

JoystiqEarthworms, FPS deals and LEGO Harry Potter on XBLM next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Jun 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demoearthworm-jim-hdgames-on-demandlego-harry-potter-years-1-4majornelsonmicrosoftneed-for-speed-undercoverred-faction-guerillaxblaxboxXbox-360xbox-livexbox-live-marketplaceSat, 05 Jun 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[And the best-selling, top-rated iPhone games of 2009 are ...]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/09/and-the-best-selling-top-rated-iphone-games-of-2009-are/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/09/and-the-best-selling-top-rated-iphone-games-of-2009-are/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/09/and-the-best-selling-top-rated-iphone-games-of-2009-are/#comments Apple's iTunes store has listed the best-selling and top-rated apps for this third-to-last year of humanity's existence. It appears the big boys of game publishing are doing quite well on the App Store, with the ten top grossing games making room for only one independent studio. Gamasutra states Firemint's Flight Control, with its 99 cent price tag, sold 1.5 million copies and grabbed the number seven spot.

The top-rated titles have much more indie spirit, as Spider: The Secret of Bryce Manor, Real Racing and Zenonia wrap up the top three spots. Check out the lists for both categories after the break.

[Via Gamasutra]

Continue reading And the best-selling, top-rated iPhone games of 2009 are ...

JoystiqAnd the best-selling, top-rated iPhone games of 2009 are ... originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storeappleitunesneed-for-speed-undercoverreal-racingspider-the-secret-of-bryce-manorthe-oregon-trailthe-sims-3zenoniaWed, 09 Dec 2009 14:28:00 EST<![CDATA[EA launches Need for Speed Undercover for iPhone ... right now!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/05/ea-launches-need-for-speed-undercover-for-iphone-right-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/05/ea-launches-need-for-speed-undercover-for-iphone-right-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/05/ea-launches-need-for-speed-undercover-for-iphone-right-now/#commentsHey! Remember when EA's Travis Boatman very quietly reconfirmed a boatload of EA franchises coming to the iPhone in 2009? Oh, you don't? That's okay, we nearly forgot too. In fact, we're pretty sure the company would like to keep these anouncements secret, as Need for Speed: Undercover hit the iTunes App Store today without so much as a peep from its publisher!

The game comes e-brake sliding into the store for the not-so-nice price of $9.99, and though we've yet to get our hands on it, we'll be sure to tell you how we feel just as soon as we do. For 10 bucks though, that might not be too soon.

Need for Speed: Undercover ($9.99, EA) Need for Speed: Undercover (US)

JoystiqEA launches Need for Speed Undercover for iPhone ... right now! originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 May 2009 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storeAppleeaea-mobileElectronic-ArtsiPodmobileneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-undercoverracingtravis-boatmanTue, 05 May 2009 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Trophies: Need for Speed Undercover]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/04/trophies-need-for-speed-undercover/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/04/trophies-need-for-speed-undercover/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/04/trophies-need-for-speed-undercover/#comments
1 Platinum
3 Gold
1 Silver
45 Bronze
 Difficulty: Moderate
Online Trophies? Yes
Time to Completion: 30 hours
DLC Trophies? No
View Trophy List Read More About the Game

Gallery: Need For Speed Undercover

Continue reading Trophies: Need for Speed Undercover

JoystiqTrophies: Need for Speed Undercover originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 May 2009 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>need-for-speedneed-for-speed-undercovertrophiestrophyMon, 04 May 2009 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed: Undercover DLC released, PS3 only for now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/01/need-for-speed-undercover-dlc-released-ps3-only-for-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/01/need-for-speed-undercover-dlc-released-ps3-only-for-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/01/need-for-speed-undercover-dlc-released-ps3-only-for-now/#comments Need for Speed: Undercover is getting some much-needed extra fuel, both premium and unleaded. Electronic Arts has announced a pair of DLC packs for the ill-received sequel, including a free Challenge Series and a premium collection of customized "boss" vehicles.

The Challenge Series promises a handful of new cars, as well as 60 events across a pair of new game modes, including "Highway Wars," a mix of highway battles and sprint racing, and "Highway Checkpoint," where drivers will maneuver through traffic to reach checkpoints and beat the clock.

The $5 Boss Car pack, on the other hand, gives players access to every boss car in the game, from Carmen's Shelby GT500 to Nickel's Dodge Viper SRT10. Interestingly, the downloads are currently only available for the PlayStation 3, though EA notes that both packs are "coming soon" for the Xbox 360 and PC. Until then, drivers are urged to turn off their ignition and wait patiently for their turn at the pump.

JoystiqNeed for Speed: Undercover DLC released, PS3 only for now originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 May 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlceaelectronic-artsMicrosoftneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-undercoverneed-for-speed-undercover-dlcracingXbox-360Fri, 01 May 2009 10:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Gitcha SecuROM de-authorization tools! Git'em ova hur!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/01/gitcha-securom-de-authorization-tools-gitem-ova-hur/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/01/gitcha-securom-de-authorization-tools-gitem-ova-hur/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/01/gitcha-securom-de-authorization-tools-gitem-ova-hur/#commentsFiled under: , ,

EA's perpetual joke -- on you -- comes to an ironic end on April Fools' Day with the release of de-authorization tools for each of its 19 PC games with SecuROM copy protection (full list and download links after the break). If you've been working on that class action lawsuit against EA for bundling SecuROM with The Sims 2: IKEA Home Stuff, you can drop it now -- your flat-pack furniture can finally be moved to a new machine.

In the spirit of generosity, EA's giving you two options for managing your authorizations:
  • Option 1: Download and install yet another "tool" in order to scan your computer for EA's SecuROM games and find out how many computer authorizations you have (or don't have) left for each title.
  • Option 2: Cut to the chase and download the game-specific de-authorization tool you need.

Continue reading Gitcha SecuROM de-authorization tools! Git'em ova hur!

JoystiqGitcha SecuROM de-authorization tools! Git'em ova hur! originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 12:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>burnout-paradisecommand-and-conquercrysis-warheadde-authorizationdead-spaceeaElectronic-Artsfifa-09fifa-manager-09littlest-pet-shoplord-of-the-rings-conquestmass-effectmercenaries-2mirrors-edgemysimsneed-for-speed-undercovernhl-09red-alert-3securomsims-2spore-creature-creatorthe-ultimate-boxWed, 01 Apr 2009 12:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Need for Speed: Undercover patch on the way]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/rumor-need-for-speed-undercover-patch-on-the-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/rumor-need-for-speed-undercover-patch-on-the-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/rumor-need-for-speed-undercover-patch-on-the-way/#commentsFiled under:


In the wake of recent rumors that the entire Need For Speed series has been canceled -- rumors followed by the closing of developer Black Box -- Kotaku reports that "inside sources" are claiming a patch is soon headed to Need for Speed: Undercover. Details are fuzzy, though sources claim that the patch will focus on gameplay and performance issues and will include "improvements". Hopefully, the performance tweaks include a fix for the game's awful framerate. The patch is expected to arrive on all platforms in the coming weeks.

JoystiqRumor: Need for Speed: Undercover patch on the way originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-boxeaelectronic-artsneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-undercoverThu, 22 Jan 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA games roll onto Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/19/ea-games-roll-onto-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/19/ea-games-roll-onto-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/19/ea-games-roll-onto-steam/#commentsFiled under:


EA has accepted the warm embrace of Steam and will begin using the digital distribution service. Following reports that Spore was crawling out of the primordial ooze to Steam, Valve announced today that several of the latest EA titles are available now, with many more coming over the next couple weeks.

Available now:
  • Spore
  • Spore Creepy & Cute Parts Pack
  • Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning
  • Mass Effect
  • Need for Speed Undercover
  • EA Sports' FIFA Manager 2009
Coming Soon:
  • Mirror's Edge
  • Red Alert 3
  • Dead Space
Sister site Big Download contacted EA to find out if older PC games would become available, but the publisher wouldn't comment. Also, in case you're wondering, EA games on Steam apparently don't install or use third-party DRM set-ups. According to Valve "the only DRM it uses is Steam itself."

[Via Big Download]

JoystiqEA games roll onto Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>command-and-conquer-red-alert-3dead-spaceeaElectronic-Artsmass-effectmirrors-edgeneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-undercoverPCred-alert-3sporesteamwarhammer-onlineFri, 19 Dec 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Need for Speed series has been canceled -- or has it? [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/14/rumor-need-for-speed-series-has-been-canceled/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/14/rumor-need-for-speed-series-has-been-canceled/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/14/rumor-need-for-speed-series-has-been-canceled/#commentsFiled under: ,


The latest episode of Electric Playground brought with it a shocking (yet somewhat believable) report -- they claimed to have learned from an unspecified source that Electronic Arts is canceling the development of new titles in the Need for Speed series. When they asked for a comment from EA, a spokesperson responded with a statement that neither confirmed nor denied the report.

We tend to handle rumors without named sources with a bit more trepidation than others, but the cancellation of EA's 14-year-old racing franchise isn't completely outside the realm of possibilities. After all, the gaming industry juggernaut has sailed through fairer economic waters, and the latest installment in the supposedly canceled series, Need for Speed: Undercover, currently holds a Metacritic rating of 65 -- which also happens to be the exact number of people who purchased the game. We'll let you know when we hear more.

Update: We've received a tip from someone a purported EA employ who wishes to remain anonymous. According to this source, the Need for Speed series isn't shutting down -- but EA Black Box, the development team behind recent entries into the series, "most likely" is. The source explains that EA not only scrapped their plans to open up a new studio in Vancouver, but that they also decided to close Black Box, moving the NFS and Skate teams to their much larger Burnaby studios.

The source further details the fate of Need for Speed -- he claims that one of the next entries into the series will be developed by the EA-owned Criterion Games, and will likely use the engine of their racing series, Burnout. He also claims that there are three different teams within Black Box that are responsible for developing Need for Speed titles (which is how they're able to release a new NFS title every year) -- though these three teams will likely consolidate into one, leading to less NFS releases, more continuity between said releases, and, ultimately, drastic downsizing for the NFS teams.

JoystiqRumor: Need for Speed series has been canceled -- or has it? [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 Dec 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-black-boxelectric-playgroundElectronic-Artsneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-undercoverSun, 14 Dec 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst: Mirror's Edge, NFS, RB2 sales to spur more EA layoffs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/analyst-mirrors-edge-nfs-rb2-sales-to-spur-more-ea-layoffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/analyst-mirrors-edge-nfs-rb2-sales-to-spur-more-ea-layoffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/analyst-mirrors-edge-nfs-rb2-sales-to-spur-more-ea-layoffs/#commentsFiled under:


There could be fewer gifts passed around at Electronic Arts' annual Christmas party as analyst Colin Sebastian anticipates the company may let go more employees in the wake of sluggish sales. While EA eliminated nearly 6% of its workforce last October, the Lazard Capital Markets soothsayer predicts that underperforming titles, including Rock Band 2, Need for Speed Undercover and Mirror's Edge, could likely lead to the company to make even deeper cuts.

EA's bottom line was able to keep from being totally dismembered, however, thanks to what the analyst calls "solid sales" of Dead Space, Left 4 Dead and FIFA 09. Even so, Sebastian lowered his third quarter outlook for the publishing powerhouse from $2.14 to $2.07 billion, leaving Scrooge McDuck with plenty to count over the holidays should Disney come knocking.

JoystiqAnalyst: Mirror's Edge, NFS, RB2 sales to spur more EA layoffs originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Dec 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analystdead-spaceeaelectronic-artselectronicartsfifa-09layoffsleft-4-deadmirrors-edgeneed-for-speed-undercoverrock-band-2Mon, 08 Dec 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty: World at War tops UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/call-of-duty-world-at-war-tops-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/call-of-duty-world-at-war-tops-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/call-of-duty-world-at-war-tops-uk-charts/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Treyarch's Call of Duty: World at War has climbed to the top of the UK all-format game sales charts, blasting its way through countless soldiers, explosive set pieces and Need For Speed: Undercover, which was in second place for some reason. Resistance 2 grabbed the tenth spot in its debut, while Sonic Unleashed, as Eurogamer points out, only managed 23rd ... on the Xbox 360-specific chart.

Though FIFA 09's third all-format position makes complete sense and matches our envisioned UK stereotypes perfectly, it's somewhat harder to justify the #39 spot held by Mirror's Edge, not to mention Left 4 Dead's #34. Tomb Raider: Underworld, however, managed to go from a 9 to a 7 in a week. Not the first time that's happened.

JoystiqCall of Duty: World at War tops UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Call-of-DutyCall-of-Duty-World-at-WarDSFifa-09Need-for-Speed-UndercoverPCPS2PS3Resistance-2Sonic-UnleashedTomb-Raider-UnderworldTreyarchUKWiiXbox-360Tue, 02 Dec 2008 11:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview -- Need For Speed: Undercover (Multi)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/metareview-need-for-speed-undercover-multi/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/metareview-need-for-speed-undercover-multi/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/metareview-need-for-speed-undercover-multi/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Curse you, Need for Speed Undercover! Curse you for getting our hopes up with Maggie Q-laden FMV sequences and tales of being inspired by our lord and savior the Transporter (hallowed be his name). Curse you for having the most promise of any NFS in recent memory but still letting us down.
  • Game Informer (70/100): "Part of the problem with Undercover is that it has no clear focus. After taking a detour with NFS: ProStreet, EA seems content to return to the pre-ProStreet era like it never happened. While this may not be a bad thing, Undercover refuses to move the needle forward from 2006's NFS: Carbon, and in some ways is a step back."
  • 1UP (B): "In many ways, Need for Speed: Undercover is like a 'greatest hits' package of ideas and concepts that we've seen the franchise play around with since Need for Speed: Underground turned the series on its head five years ago. Undercover revels in street culture, much like both of the Underground games, while putting a greater emphasis on cops and car chases like Need for Speed: Most Wanted."
  • GamePlayer (65/100): "There's no getting around the fact, however, that Undercover is basically Most Wanted with a new lick of paint. Can somebody please green-light Hot Pursuit 3? Surely the open-world horse has been well-and-truly flogged?"
  • IGN (50/100): "Need for Speed Undercover is a poor game with a ton of problems, both technically and in terms of design. The open world design is completely lost as you can't actually drive to any event, many races are closed off which means no cross traffic, and it's incredibly easy. The presentation could have been good but winds up feeling totally contrived and confusing at times."

JoystiqMetareview -- Need For Speed: Undercover (Multi) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>metareviewneed-for-speed-undercoverPCPS3Xbox-360Wed, 19 Nov 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Shipping this week: Braaaains edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/shipping-this-week-braaaains-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/shipping-this-week-braaaains-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/shipping-this-week-braaaains-edition/#commentsFiled under: , ,


You've read the headline and you're probably thinking, "Oh, great. Just what we need. Another article effusing praise for Left 4 Dead. Thanks. Thank you so much." In truth, yes, we're excited that Left 4 Dead is coming out this week, but the reality of the headline is best understood by glancing at the list below. There are twelve, twelve new games being released this week. If that's not enough to metamorphose every respectable gamer into a gibbering, cash-starved zombie, we're not sure what is. Now, if you'll excuse us, we have suddenly developed an irresistible craving for braaains gaaames.

JoystiqShipping this week: Braaaains edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boltleft-4-deadlipsmortal-kombat-vs-dc-universeneed-for-speed-undercovershaun-white-snowboardingsonic-unleashedthe-last-remnanttomb-raider-underworldyoure-in-the-moviesMon, 17 Nov 2008 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: NFS takes on the fuzz, goes Undercover]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/06/video-nfs-takes-on-the-fuzz-goes-undercover/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/06/video-nfs-takes-on-the-fuzz-goes-undercover/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/06/video-nfs-takes-on-the-fuzz-goes-undercover/#commentsFiled under:


Embedded after the break is the latest Need for Speed: Undercover trailer "Cop Chase" and, from the title alone, you can deduce that there are cops, chases and cops participating in a chase. Surprising though is that the trailer is actually pretty decent and succeeds in its purpose, piquing our interest and getting us interested in the latest NFS iteration. We're not sure if this trailer is representative of the entire Undercover experience, but here's to hoping it is. Thumbs up to "Cop Chase".

Continue reading Video: NFS takes on the fuzz, goes Undercover

JoystiqVideo: NFS takes on the fuzz, goes Undercover originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Nov 2008 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-undercovernfs-undercoverThu, 06 Nov 2008 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Cops and Robbers race online in NFS Undercover ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/08/cops-and-robbers-race-online-in-nfs-undercover/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/08/cops-and-robbers-race-online-in-nfs-undercover/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/08/cops-and-robbers-race-online-in-nfs-undercover/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Jiggers, fellas! It's the cops! Need for Speed Undercover, EA's latest attempt at pulling its arcade racing stable out of a seemingly never-ending tailspin, will allow players on both sides of the law to size each other up in a new multiplayer mode called Cops and Robbers.

According to EA, the new mode will allow two teams of up to four players each to compete against each other to deliver -- or prevent the delivery of -- a package to a safe house. Additionally, the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC versions will support up to eight players in sprint and circuit multiplayer races as well. Of course, it remains to be seen if Undercover will do enough to remind us why we once cared about this franchise, or if, as our recent impressions found, it will just feel like Most Wanted with a new coat of paint.

JoystiqCops and Robbers race online in NFS Undercover originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Oct 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artselectronicartsneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-undercoverPCPS3Xbox-360Wed, 08 Oct 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA uncovers NFS Undercover game mode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/08/ea-uncovers-nfs-undercover-game-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/08/ea-uncovers-nfs-undercover-game-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/08/ea-uncovers-nfs-undercover-game-mode/#commentsFiled under:


In anticipation of the release of Need for Speed: Undercover, Black Box and EA just revealed an all new Undercover online game mode called "Cops and Robbers".

Just as it sounds, Cops and Robbers pits two opposing teams of four against each other (one cops, one robbers) in an attempt to earn the most points. Robbers have the mission to pickup various packages and drop them off at specified destinations, while the Cops team tries to prevent the package delivery. Once the round is complete, players will swap sides and play as either the Cops or Robbers. Hmm, sounds innovative!

JoystiqEA uncovers NFS Undercover game mode originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Oct 2008 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>block-boxeaneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-undercoverundercoverWed, 08 Oct 2008 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Uncovered: New Need for Speed Undercover trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/15/uncovered-new-need-for-speed-undercover-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/15/uncovered-new-need-for-speed-undercover-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/15/uncovered-new-need-for-speed-undercover-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Though the above Need For Speed: Undercover trailer is excitedly labeled as the debut of gameplay footage (!!!), what little (albeit pretty) racing action it boasts is quickly pushed aside by an ex-cop meat head and Tom Cruise channeller. Ever the innovative and unorthodox rebel, "G-Mac" keenly points out that he doesn't like rules, man, but thrills.

We're going to chalk this trailer up as a failure, lest its intention was to instill a desire to punch the game in its unshaven, pretentious face. Best you read our hands-on instead.

Gallery: Need For Speed Undercover

JoystiqUncovered: New Need for Speed Undercover trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtsEx-cop-meat-head-tom-cruise-channelerNeed-for-SpeedNeed-For-Speed-UndercoverNFSPS3Xbox-360Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Need For Speed Undercover]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/joystiq-hands-on-need-for-speed-undercover/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/joystiq-hands-on-need-for-speed-undercover/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/joystiq-hands-on-need-for-speed-undercover/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click to enlarge
Call us old fashioned, but we're just a little more interested in how EA's next Need For Speed will stack up as a gameplay experience than a Hollywood movie starring Maggie Q. (No offense, miss, er, Q.) So celebutaunts and FMV (okay, HD FMV) aside, the demo of the game we got behind the wheel of is surprisingly ... a racing game with cop chases.

Mind you, it's very pretty, with HDR lighting and a nice healthy framerate to, dare we say, satiate one's need for speed. To that end, one of the three challenge types we played - Highway Battle - was an all-out drag race through heavy freeway traffic, the goal of which being to get far enough to your opponent that they "fail out." It was a rush, and showcased the ease of control EA is aiming for with Undercover's cars (read: we didn't crash nearly as much as we'd expected to), but it was over all too quickly.

Gallery: Need For Speed Undercover

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: Need For Speed Undercover

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Need For Speed Undercover originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-black-boxElectronic-Artshands-onjoystiqfeaturesneed-for-speed-undercoverPS3Xbox-360Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GC 2008: What's new in Need for Speed Undercover?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/whats-new-in-need-for-speed-undercover/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/whats-new-in-need-for-speed-undercover/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/whats-new-in-need-for-speed-undercover/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

To be blunt, after some of the series' most disappointing entries, Need for Speed Undercover has something to prove. Today, EA revealed some of the features of the November release, the opening salvo in the battle to win back our hearts (unless you count the announcement of Maggie Q's involvement ... which we do not.)

You'll be taking down a crime syndicate with Ms. Q (if you're nasty), a story that will be presented with the help of live-action footage (hooray!). From a gameplay perspective, the big draw seems to be the Heroic Driving System, which EA describes as "a unique technology that generates incredible high-performance moves at 180 miles per hour during breathtaking highway battles." ... So, it's an emergency brake?

Maybe it's just our relief from the yucky, Far 2 Fast and Uncom4tably Furious aesthetic that's plagued the series recently, but this new entry sounds like a breath of fresh air. Well, Undercover, it would seem we, much like the Ghostbusters, are ready to believe in you.

Gallery: Need For Speed Undercover

JoystiqGC 2008: What's new in Need for Speed Undercover? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSeaElectronic-Artsleipzig-08Mobileneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-undercoverPCPS2PS3PSPWiiXbox-360Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Need for Speed Undercover live action uncovered]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/18/video-need-for-speed-undercover-live-action-uncovered/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/18/video-need-for-speed-undercover-live-action-uncovered/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/18/video-need-for-speed-undercover-live-action-uncovered/#commentsFiled under:

Anytime we hear that a game will feature live action sequences, we immediately have nightmares about awful, awful Sega CD games. Now, we're not saying that the live action sequences in Need for Speed Undercover will be awful. In fact, if this recently released video is any indication, they may actually be pretty good. The video features a police officer discussing the state of Tri-city, the city where Undercover takes place. Unfortunately, other than what appears to be some CG footage at the end, there isn't a hint of what the game actually looks like. Maybe next time.

JoystiqVideo: Need for Speed Undercover live action uncovered originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-boxeaelectronic-artsneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-undercoverMon, 18 Aug 2008 17:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed Undercover speeds to November]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/15/need-for-speed-undercover-speeds-to-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/15/need-for-speed-undercover-speeds-to-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/15/need-for-speed-undercover-speeds-to-november/#commentsFiled under:


Black Box today announced that Need For Speed Undercover will be arriving November 18 in North America and Novermber 21 in Europe. The game brings cop chases back to the series and features actress Maggie Q -- famous for her roles in Live Free or Die Hard and Mission Impossible III (not to mention having a letter for a last name) -- in live action segments that "propel the original story." Q plays a federal agent, described as "a seductive handler who recruits and guides players as they go undercover." Let's get this straight, a sexy woman recruits you so you can become an undercover agent that drives awesome cars for a living? So, basically, it's a 15-year-old's fantasy come true.

For what it's worth, Black Box claims that Undercover "takes the franchise back to its roots" and throws police chases back into the mix. No word on whether or not the police involved are also sexy.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqNeed for Speed Undercover speeds to November originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-boxeaelectronic-artsneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-undercoverFri, 15 Aug 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed Undercover hits pavement in November]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/15/need-for-speed-undercover-hits-pavement-in-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/15/need-for-speed-undercover-hits-pavement-in-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/15/need-for-speed-undercover-hits-pavement-in-november/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,


Developer Black Box's nitro button must be worn down to a nub. The studio announced today that its upcoming Need for Speed sequel, Undercover, will ship this November, pulling up to the starting line well before the 2009 release previously mentioned by EA CEO John Riccitiello.

In development for every platform under the sun (yes, even mobile phones), Need for Speed Undercover will also sport what Black Box describes as "big-budget live-action sequences" starring Balls of Fury and Mission Impossible III actress, Maggie Q, as a federal agent who recruits drivers to take down a criminal syndicate. While recent Need for Speed racers have all but siphoned our tanks of what enthusiasm we once had for the series, those who care can look forward to race with Ms. Q in North America on November 18 and in Europe on November 21.

JoystiqNeed for Speed Undercover hits pavement in November originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Aug 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-boxblackboxDSeaelectronic-artselectronicartsmaggie-qmaggieqMobileneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-undercoverneedforspeedPCPS2PS3PSPWiiXbox-360Fri, 15 Aug 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Next Need for Speed going 'Undercover' in 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/next-need-for-speed-going-undercover-in-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/next-need-for-speed-going-undercover-in-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/next-need-for-speed-going-undercover-in-2009/#commentsFiled under:

We'll be honest and say that the past few entries in the Need for Speed franchise haven't exactly driven us mad with desire. But, ever the salesman, EA CEO John Riccitiello knows just the way to get a game back into our hearts: Mention it in the same breath as The Transporter.

Riccitiello said that the next iteration, Need for Speed: Undercover will have a strong mission structure and a similarity to the Jason Statham action classic. "For those of you who ever saw movies like The Transporter - it's sort of a cult classic among people with a B-movie mentality, which fits me perfectly," he said. "I liked it. I apologize. For those of you with no taste, and you liked it too, we can go have a Schlitz after this."

Don't worry John, we're right there with you. We're just heartbroken that we're apparently going to have wait until 2009 to partake of the fruits of your genius.

JoystiqNext Need for Speed going 'Undercover' in 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-Artsjohn-riccitielloneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-undercoverWed, 18 Jun 2008 13:45:00 EST