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[EA to show Star Wars plans at E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/ea-to-show-star-wars-plans-at-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/ea-to-show-star-wars-plans-at-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/ea-to-show-star-wars-plans-at-e3/#comments In an E3 conference not so far away, EA will offer a first look at its upcoming Star Wars games. The ink has barely dried on the exclusive contract with Disney in the wake of LucastArts' demise, but with next-gen consoles around the corner, it's no surprise EA is keen to offer a glimpse of what's to come.

The news was spilled on EA's The Beat blog by Labels President Frank Gibeau, who name-checked Battlefield 4, EA Sports games, and the Need for Speed franchise as part of the company's E3 showcase of next-gen games.

Around the time the post went up, Need for Speed's Facebook page uploaded a new screenshot (below the break) of what's very likely the next game in the racing series. The shot was tagged with the description "Have no rules, show no mercy."

The screenshot completely negates any possibility of it, but we're gonna call it anyway. At E3 next month, prepare to meet Need for Hyperspeed. You heard it here first.

Continue reading EA to show Star Wars plans at E3

JoystiqEA to show Star Wars plans at E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 May 2013 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneye3-2013eaneed-for-speedstar-warsWed, 22 May 2013 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Michael Keaton joins Need for Speed movie cast]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/michael-keaton-joins-need-for-speed-movie-cast/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/michael-keaton-joins-need-for-speed-movie-cast/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/michael-keaton-joins-need-for-speed-movie-cast/#comments Michael Keaton joins Need for Speed movie castThe world's second original Batman has joined the cast of Dreamwork's surprisingly still forthcoming Need for Speed movie adaptation, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Michael Keaton will play the role of a "reclusive and eccentric" race organizer and host, one that invites drivers from around the world to participate in some sort of underground supercar thing.

Keaton joins Kid Cudi and Aaron Paul, among others, as those confirmed for the movie's cast. Still no word yet on who will play the car, but our fake sources tell us that Paul will likely be blasting around the country in a talking Volvo station wagon voiced by either Ellen McLain or Jennifer Hale.

JoystiqMichael Keaton joins Need for Speed movie cast originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dreamworksmichael-keatonneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-movieWed, 06 Feb 2013 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Kid Cudi joins cast of Need for Speed movie]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/16/kid-cudi-joins-cast-of-need-for-speed-movie/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/16/kid-cudi-joins-cast-of-need-for-speed-movie/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/16/kid-cudi-joins-cast-of-need-for-speed-movie/#comments Kid Cudi joins cast in Need for Speed movieDreamworks' Need for Speed movie is rounding out its cast, adding hip-hop artist Kid Cudi (real name Scott Mescudi) to a lineup including Aaron Paul, Dominic Cooper and Imogen Poots (real name). Paul, who plays the lead in the Need for Speed film, is best known for his role as Jesse in Breaking Bad. Cooper played Howard Stark in Captain America: The First Avenger and Poots is best known as Tammy from 28 Weeks Later.

Joining Mescudi and the rest of the cast is The Wire's Ramon Rodriguez, American actor Rami Malek and Australian actor Harrison Gilbertson, The Hollywood Reporter says. The Need for Speed film is set to hit theaters on February 7, 2014.

JoystiqKid Cudi joins cast of Need for Speed movie originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jan 2013 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>filmkid-cudiNeed-for-Speedneed-for-speed-movieWed, 16 Jan 2013 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Breaking Bad's Aaron Paul playing lead in Need for Speed movie]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/15/breaking-bads-aaron-paul-playing-lead-in-need-for-speed-movie/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/15/breaking-bads-aaron-paul-playing-lead-in-need-for-speed-movie/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/15/breaking-bads-aaron-paul-playing-lead-in-need-for-speed-movie/#comments Breaking Bad's Aaron Paul playing lead in Need for Speed movieIt looks like Dreamworks' Need for Speed movie is on the fast track to production: Aaron Paul, who plays Jesse Pinkman in AMC's Breaking Bad, is slated to play the lead. Paul has won two Emmys for his role in Breaking Bad, and has also starred in The Last House on the Left and HBO's Big Love.

Scott Waugh, a veteran stuntman and director of Act of Valor, is directing the movie, George and John Gatnis are writing the screenplay, and EA vice president Patrick O'Brien is one of the producers.

"The film adaptation will be a fast-paced, high-octane film rooted in the tradition of the great car culture films of the 70s while being extremely faithful to the spirit of the video game franchise." the press release reads. "In Need for Speed, the cars are hot, the racing is intense and the story keeps players at the edge of their seat."

While we don't want Paul to be typecast, it'd be pretty cool if he drives an RV for part of the movie. Or even just a blue car. Can you give us that, Dreamworks?

JoystiqBreaking Bad's Aaron Paul playing lead in Need for Speed movie originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Oct 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaron-paulBreaking-Baddreamworksfilmjesse-pinkmanmovieNeed-for-Speedneed-for-speed-movieMon, 15 Oct 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Need For Speed: Most Wanted gameplay video is in hot pursuit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/06/need-for-speed-most-wanted-gameplay-video-is-in-hot-pursuit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/06/need-for-speed-most-wanted-gameplay-video-is-in-hot-pursuit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/06/need-for-speed-most-wanted-gameplay-video-is-in-hot-pursuit/#comments
This gameplay trailer for Need for Speed: Most Wanted shows a full race in which the driver navigates the city of Fairhaven to outpace his opponent (yes, similar to Criterion's Burnout series). Need for Speed: Most Wanted is scheduled to launch October 30 for PS3, Xbox 360 and PC.

JoystiqNeed For Speed: Most Wanted gameplay video is in hot pursuit originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Oct 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Burnoutcriteriongameplaymicrosoftmost-wantedNeed-for-Speedneed-for-speed-most-wanted-2012pcplaystationps3trailerxboxSat, 06 Oct 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NFS: Most Wanted's Kinect support detailed, lets you talk to your car]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/nfs-most-wanteds-kinect-support-detailed-lets-you-talk-to-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/nfs-most-wanteds-kinect-support-detailed-lets-you-talk-to-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/nfs-most-wanteds-kinect-support-detailed-lets-you-talk-to-you/#comments Need for Speed Most Wanted gets Kinect support, lets you command your carNeed for Speed: Most Wanted's Kinect functionality is tied to the game's mods. A gameplay video earlier this year teased support for the Xbox 360 add-on, and today Criterion outlined how it works with the equipment and upgrades you fit your car with.

No, there are no invisible steering wheels, and yes, it's voice-controlled stuff. Just as you would in a real car, by saying commands like 'Mods, Nitrous, Burn Nitrous' you can equip your vehicle with whichever mod you need, while you're on the go. No, we don't know if the car talks back, but we'll all find out when the game comes out on October 30.

JoystiqNFS: Most Wanted's Kinect support detailed, lets you talk to your car originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterionEAkinectmicrosoftneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-most-wantedneed-for-speed-most-wanted-2012xboxThu, 06 Sep 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Something Need for Speed is being produced at EA Gothenburg]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/22/something-need-for-speed-is-being-produced-at-ea-gothenburg/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/22/something-need-for-speed-is-being-produced-at-ea-gothenburg/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/22/something-need-for-speed-is-being-produced-at-ea-gothenburg/#comments EA producer Alan Baker is based out of EA's recently opened Gothenburg, Sweden studio. He is also, apparently, working on the Need for Speed franchise as a producer, as Videogamer discovered. Whether that means a Need for Speed game is in the works at EA's Gothenburg studio is another question altogether, and one that doesn't have a clear answer just yet.

Baker lists user interface and Autolog as his production responsibilities, and only says he's "working on the best racing franchise ever" - not that he's heading up production of another NFS franchise entry. In fact, Criterion VP Alex Ward said back at E3 that the NFS franchise is, "definitely a Criterion gig now" - a reference to this year's Need for Speed: Most Wanted - and that "it's not going to be spread anymore across different companies."

When EA opened its Gothenburg studio back in March, its responsibilities were announced as, "focused on making a new generation of games using the Frostbite 2 engine." The currently-in-production NFS: Most Wanted doesn't run on the Frostbite 2 engine, but EA's previous NFS entry, The Run, did. The mystery continues, but it's certain that something Need for Speed is being worked on at EA's Gothenburg studio. We've asked EA for more and will update this post if the company says anything.

JoystiqSomething Need for Speed is being produced at EA Gothenburg originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-gothenburgelectronic-artsfrostbite-2gothenburg-swedenneed-for-speedswedenWed, 22 Aug 2012 10:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest Need for Speed: Most Wanted video hints at Kinect support]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/29/latest-need-for-speed-most-wanted-video-hints-at-kinect-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/29/latest-need-for-speed-most-wanted-video-hints-at-kinect-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/29/latest-need-for-speed-most-wanted-video-hints-at-kinect-support/#comments Latest Need for Speed Most Wanted gameplay video hints at Kinect support
A recent gameplay video walkthrough for Need for Speed: Most Wanted includes a pack shot for a Kinect-supported Xbox 360 version. Since Kinect integration for the game has yet to be revealed, we've contacted EA for more information. In the meantime, feel free to check out the gameplay video.

JoystiqLatest Need for Speed: Most Wanted video hints at Kinect support originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 29 Jul 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterionCriterion-GamesEAea-gameskinectmicrosoftNeed-for-Speedneed-for-speed-most-wanted-2012nfspcplaystationps3xboxSun, 29 Jul 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed film debuts on Feb. 7, 2014]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/11/need-for-speed-film-debuts-on-feb-7-2014/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/11/need-for-speed-film-debuts-on-feb-7-2014/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/11/need-for-speed-film-debuts-on-feb-7-2014/#comments Need for Speed film debuts on Feb 7, 2014Dreamworks' film adaptation of the Need for Speed series has been given a fixed point in time: February 7, 2014, according to Deadline. (And provided nothing derails that fast track the project was put on last month.)

The movie, directed by ex-stuntman Scott Waugh, (whose last name sounds like the noise a person would make while performing stunts), is not directly based on any specific game in Need for Speed's long history as a franchise. We're not willing to say we're optimistic for the film, but we do appreciate the continued excuses to use our beloved Mystery Science Theater 3000 silhouette.

JoystiqNeed for Speed film debuts on Feb. 7, 2014 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dreamworksneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-movierelease-dateWed, 11 Jul 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed now officially Criterion's baby]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/23/need-for-speed-now-officially-criterions-baby/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/23/need-for-speed-now-officially-criterions-baby/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/23/need-for-speed-now-officially-criterions-baby/#comments Criterion VP Alex Ward revealed that the company took over the Need for Speed series in an interview at E3 with GameInformer. Noting that the franchise will see "strong Criterion involvement" going forward, Ward said that he will be "personally involved in how the cars drive, how the game will play out, how connected they are, and what the features are."

"It's not going to be spread anymore across different companies. Different studios have had a crack at it - it's definitely a Criterion gig now," he said.

Regarding the variety in Need For Speed titles and features (such as Hot Pursuit, Shift, and Most Wanted), Ward added, "I think it would be amazing in the future if there was one big game that had all of these in it. That would be amazing."

JoystiqNeed for Speed now officially Criterion's baby originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Jun 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex-wardcriterionNeed-for-SpeednfsSat, 23 Jun 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dreamworks is making the Need for Speed movie]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/22/dreamworks-is-making-the-need-for-speed-movie/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/22/dreamworks-is-making-the-need-for-speed-movie/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/22/dreamworks-is-making-the-need-for-speed-movie/#comments Back in April, we heard that EA, script in hand, was courting several film companies (Paramount, Warner Bros. and Sony, specifically) over the prospect of making a movie based on the Need For Speed franchise. As it turns out, Dreamworks has taken the bait and will be fast-tracking the project for a 2014 release, the company announced today.

The screenplay, penned by brothers George and John Gatins, is not based on any specific game in the franchise, but rather the series as a whole, which means that the movie will have cars in it and be called "Need for Speed." It'll be directed by Scott Waugh, who directed Act of Valor and did a whole bunch of stuntman work. Production is slated to start early next year, and you can tell EA what cars you'd like to see in the film by posting on its Facebook page. Might we be so bold as to suggest the Nissan DeltaWing?

Continue reading Dreamworks is making the Need for Speed movie

JoystiqDreamworks is making the Need for Speed movie originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Jun 2012 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DreamworksEAElectronic-Artsneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-movieFri, 22 Jun 2012 14:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed: Most Wanted is a secret return to Paradise]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/11/need-for-speed-most-wanted-is-a-secret-return-to-paradise/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/11/need-for-speed-most-wanted-is-a-secret-return-to-paradise/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/11/need-for-speed-most-wanted-is-a-secret-return-to-paradise/#comments Need for Speed Most Wanted is a secret return to ParadiseIt makes sense for EA to call its new racing game Need for Speed: Most Wanted. It's spent multiple titles and a lot of money shoring up the Need for Speed brand on all kinds of platforms, and while the Most Wanted series (known for racing from an underground perspective) isn't the strongest, it's about time EA released another game bearing that title. And after the success with Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit in 2010, it's not surprising that Criterion's been given the task of making it.

But just a few seconds with this game reveals a deeper truth: This is really a secret message from Criterion to its fans, funneled through EA's branding channels. Need for Speed: Most Wanted is an open-world racer in a beautiful city. It's full of various events, environmental features to find, and a social backend that's full of information and ways to connect and compete with fellow players.

In other words, it's Burnout Paradise 2.

Gallery: Need for Speed Most Wanted (E3 2012)

Continue reading Need for Speed: Most Wanted is a secret return to Paradise

JoystiqNeed for Speed: Most Wanted is a secret return to Paradise originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>burnout-paradisecriterione3e3-2012eamicrosoftneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-most-wanted-2012pcplaystationps3racingxboxMon, 11 Jun 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: 'Need for Speed: Most Wanted' listed on E3 booth schedule [Update: Yup!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/report-need-for-speed-most-wanted-listed-on-e3-booth-schedul/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/report-need-for-speed-most-wanted-listed-on-e3-booth-schedul/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/report-need-for-speed-most-wanted-listed-on-e3-booth-schedul/#comments ImageThat mysterious Need for Speed game mentioned during EA's fiscal 2012 investors call may become slightly less ethereal during E3, as TwitchTV's booth schedule lists "Need for Speed: Most Wanted" as one of the games it'll be showcasing, according to IGN.

If that name sounds familiar, that's because it should: The original Need for Speed: Most Wanted (above) was released on nearly every system in existence way back in the ancient caveman days of 2005. It's possible that this may be the Criterion-developed Need for Speed game the rumor mill was churning over a couple weeks ago, but that's just rampant speculation on our part.

It's also possible that TwitchTV could merely be showing off the Game Boy Advance port of the original or something, we're going to go ahead and assume that isn't the case since we don't live in a Far Side cartoon.

Update: We have also received the schedule in question and can confirm that Need for Speed: Most Wanted is indeed among TwitchTV's on-site programming for E3, along with "TBA" titles from Ubisoft, Capcom and Warner Bros.

JoystiqReport: 'Need for Speed: Most Wanted' listed on E3 booth schedule [Update: Yup!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterionCriterion-GamesE3-2012EAelectronic-artsneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-most-wantedtwitchtvSat, 26 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed and Dead Space titles coming by March 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/need-for-speed-and-dead-space-titles-coming-in-eas-fy-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/need-for-speed-and-dead-space-titles-coming-in-eas-fy-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/need-for-speed-and-dead-space-titles-coming-in-eas-fy-2013/#comments ImageEA has new Dead Space and Need for Speed titles in the works for the coming year, ending March 31, 2013, it announced during a financial call today. "Need for Speed" is listed on EA's financial results slideshow scheduled for Q3 of FY 2013, which places it around October 2012. EA mentioned Dead Space among its coming "blockbuster" titles for the year.

Need for Speed: Most Wanted 2 and Dead Space 3 were listed in April by South African retailer BT Games.

JoystiqNeed for Speed and Dead Space titles coming by March 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-spacedead-space-3EAElectronic-ArtsmobileNeed-for-SpeedpcMon, 07 May 2012 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed: The Run - A People Chase]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/need-for-speed-the-run-a-people-chase/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/need-for-speed-the-run-a-people-chase/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/need-for-speed-the-run-a-people-chase/#comments Ever gone on a spontaneous road trip with your friends? You all suddenly decide that you should absolutely take a trip to Vegas for the evening, and you can totally come back the next day. You all put on suits, pile into the car ... and three hours later, with everyone sleeping in the car, you remember it's actually a five hour drive. The moment's been lost.

That's the problem Brian Lindley and his team are facing with EA's race across the country in Need for Speed: The Run. "If you think about actually trying to drive across the country," says Lindley, "it might get a little monotonous, even when you're racing."

To combat that issue, Lindley and the Black Box folks have created a new "Battle" race mode, one of a few different ways the team is hoping to vary the pace as protagonist Jack makes The Run.

Gallery: Need for Speed: The Run Independence Pass (PS3/360/PC)

Continue reading Need for Speed: The Run - A People Chase

JoystiqNeed for Speed: The Run - A People Chase originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-boxbrian-lindleyea-black-boxmicrosoftneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-the-runpcplaystationps3racesupermodelsxboxThu, 29 Sep 2011 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Need For Speed: The Run trailer shows off the Limited Edition's Porche 911 Carrera S]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/need-for-speed-the-run-trailer-shows-off-the-limited-editions/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/need-for-speed-the-run-trailer-shows-off-the-limited-editions/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/need-for-speed-the-run-trailer-shows-off-the-limited-editions/#comments Previous news about Need For Speed: The Run has made a big deal about the fact you can get out of the car, but let's face it, being in the car will get you across the country much faster, and heck, it's just plain more fun. And when you're in a car, you could do a lot worse than a Porsche 911 Carrera S, which you can see in action in the video above.

The car is unfortunately only available in the Limited Edition of the game, which is available for preorder right now, and arrives with the title on November 15. That said, even when you're in one of these babies, driving it through the snow and curvy roads of the mountains might be plenty of fun, but can't really be recommended in terms of safety. If you're going to drive up there, it's probably much better to go in something much more practical. Something with four-wheel drive, perhaps.

Gallery: Need for Speed: The Run (Porche 911 Carrera S)

JoystiqNeed For Speed: The Run trailer shows off the Limited Edition's Porche 911 Carrera S originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Sep 2011 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-boxeamicrosoftneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-the-runpcplaystationporche-911-carrera-sps3xboxThu, 08 Sep 2011 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden NFL 12, Need for Speed: Shift PSP bundle announced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/madden-nfl-12-need-for-speed-shift-psp-bundle-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/madden-nfl-12-need-for-speed-shift-psp-bundle-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/madden-nfl-12-need-for-speed-shift-psp-bundle-announced/#comments We imagine anybody in the market for a PSP has already gone and tracked one down (or is simply waiting for the PlayStation Vita) but regardless EA and Sony have teamed up on a new bundle. As you may have gathered from the headline to this very post, the bundle comes with a copy of Madden NFL 12 and Need for Speed: Shift. It also throws in the requisite black PSP-3000 and a 2GB Memory Stick Pro Duo, all for $159.99.

Sony will release the bundle on August 30, the same day that Madden will be released on basically every platform in existence including the PSP.

[Thanks, Rahul]

JoystiqMadden NFL 12, Need for Speed: Shift PSP bundle announced originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundleeamadden-nfl-12need-for-speedneed-for-speed-shiftplaystationpsppsp-3000q3-2011release-datesonyWed, 10 Aug 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed: The Run limited edition comes with trio of extra supercars]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/02/need-for-speed-the-run-limited-edition-comes-with-trio-of-super/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/02/need-for-speed-the-run-limited-edition-comes-with-trio-of-super/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/02/need-for-speed-the-run-limited-edition-comes-with-trio-of-super/#comments
Like buying games brand new? EA sure wants you to, as its "Limited Edition" of Need for Speed: The Run incentivizes just such a purchase with the bonus inclusion of three fancy sports cars -- for the same price as the regular ol' "normal" edition, no less. Along with special access to a Porsche 911 Carrera S, a Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, and a Lamborghini Aventador, picking up the "Limited Edition" nets you "five exclusive Challenges" to slay with your high-powered sports car of choice.

The only version of the Limited Edition that we can spot thus far is on EA's own Origin PC download store for the totally-normal-edition price of $49.99, so it stands to reason that the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions are similarly priced ($59.99 on consoles). Just to be sure, we've asked EA for a better idea of what to expect, price-wise, come November.

Update: EA clarified that the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions will cost the standard $59.99, and the "Limited Edition" will operate similarly to the "Limited Edition" version of Battlefield: Bad Company 2.

Gallery: Need for Speed: The Run (Limited Edition)

JoystiqNeed for Speed: The Run limited edition comes with trio of extra supercars originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-boxchevroletchevrolet-camaroeaea-black-boxelectronic-artslamborghinilamborghini-aventadorlimited-editionmicrosoftneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-the-runpcplaystationporscheporsche-911ps3xboxTue, 02 Aug 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed: The Run preview: Getting back behind the wheel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/need-for-speed-the-run-preview-getting-back-behind-the-wheel/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/need-for-speed-the-run-preview-getting-back-behind-the-wheel/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/need-for-speed-the-run-preview-getting-back-behind-the-wheel/#comments "You're not trying to get first, you're trying to make up ground," Need for Speed: The Run producer Alex Grimbley explained to me during a demo session in midtown Manhattan last week. Rather than putting priority on being the absolute first during individual races, The Run focuses on an overall place in a cross-country race, amounting to roughly 200 miles of in-game track spread across the US. And yes, it'll allow you to go back to individual areas and work on improving track times.

"Get to 101st by the time you make it here, get to 50th by the time you make it to Chicago, get to the top 10 by the time you make it to New York ... so this is a different take on a sprint race," Grimbley continued.

Gallery: Need for Speed: The Run (Desert Porsche)

Continue reading Need for Speed: The Run preview: Getting back behind the wheel

JoystiqNeed for Speed: The Run preview: Getting back behind the wheel originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex-grimbleyautologblack-boxeaea-black-boxelectronic-artshands-onmicrosoftneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-the-runpcplaystationps3racingxboxWed, 27 Jul 2011 09:02:00 EST<![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[Need for Speed: The Run revealed in teaser trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/need-for-speed-the-run-revealed-in-teaser-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/need-for-speed-the-run-revealed-in-teaser-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/need-for-speed-the-run-revealed-in-teaser-trailer/#comments EA's official Need for Speed YouTube account has posted a teaser trailer for yet another iteration of the racing series, this one called Need for Speed: The Run. Most of the Need for Speed series titles have focused on the cars, but this one seems to be hinting at a story specifically about the drivers in what looks to be a cross-country race a la The Cannonball Run.

As cityscapes flash across the screen (San Francisco, Vegas, Denver and New York) we see police officers and vehicles; a man crashed in a car who ends up in a precarious situation; and a series of disasters, both natural and manmade. Finally, a tagline on the screen reads "The Race for your life," before changing the "for" to "of," followed by "11-15-11" -- a likely release date.

See the trailer for yourself after the break.

Continue reading Need for Speed: The Run revealed in teaser trailer

JoystiqNeed for Speed: The Run revealed in teaser trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 18:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-Artsneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-the-runracingteaser-trailertraileryoutubeThu, 28 Apr 2011 18:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Shift 2 Unleashed review: Pedal to the medal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/shift-2-unleashed-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/shift-2-unleashed-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/shift-2-unleashed-review/#comments It was a wise move for EA to subdue the Need For Speed in the title of its sequel to last year's first racing sim in the franchise, Need For Speed: Shift. That's not to say Shift 2 Unleashed is unworthy of the brand -- far from it -- but given how well received the last arcade-style NFS title, Hot Pursuit, was, there would surely be plenty of folks who'd think this was the sequel to that game. It's so very not that.

The original Shift remains one of my favorite racing games of all time -- and one of my most-played titles ever, too. So, to say that I've had some pretty high expectations of its sequel would be an understatement. Since last year, I've wondered how EA and Slightly Mad Studios were going to improve on the most realistic feeling, visceral and downright fun console racing sim to date. The short answer: They made it more realistic. The long answer is after the break.

Gallery: Shift 2 Unleashed (3/29/11)

Continue reading Shift 2 Unleashed review: Pedal to the medal

JoystiqShift 2 Unleashed review: Pedal to the medal originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-Artsmicrosoftneed-for-speedNeed-For-Speed-Shiftneed-for-speed-shift-2pcplaystationps3Racingshift-2-unleashedSlightly-Mad-StudiosxboxThu, 31 Mar 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch a pro driver play Shift 2 Unleashed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/19/watch-a-pro-driver-play-shift-2-unleashed/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/19/watch-a-pro-driver-play-shift-2-unleashed/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/19/watch-a-pro-driver-play-shift-2-unleashed/#comments It's no secret that real professional race drivers play racing video games, sometimes even for training. EA has released a video of Dubai 24h winner Tommy Milner taking Shift 2 Unleashed, which hits March 29, through its paces in a Corvette C6.R GT1 at Leguna Seca. He's really, really good.

Continue reading Watch a pro driver play Shift 2 Unleashed

JoystiqWatch a pro driver play Shift 2 Unleashed originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Mar 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-ArtsmicrosoftNeed-for-Speedneed-for-speed-shift-2pcplaystationps3shift-2-unleashedSlightly-Mad-StudiosxboxSat, 19 Mar 2011 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[FIFA 11 kicks off 2011 atop UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/fifa-11-kicks-off-2011-atop-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/fifa-11-kicks-off-2011-atop-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/fifa-11-kicks-off-2011-atop-uk-charts/#comments
 For the first full week of 2011, FIFA 11 held onto the top spot in the UK's multiplatform sales ranking, according to Chart-Track. The footie franchise has maintained that center forward position for four consecutive weeks.

Oh ... oh, look who's in second place, why if it isn't our good friend Just Dance 2. Ubisoft's unstoppable booty-shaking series keeps on crunkin', with the series' sequel inexplicably moving up two spots into second. Thus, Call of Duty: Black Ops finds itself out of its comfort zone in third place, the first time it hasn't been in the top two since its November launch.

It would seem Mass Effect 2's various end of year accolades spurred interest in the game again, as it returned to the top 40 in spot 18. With no new major game releases this past week, the chart is a shifting of the usual suspects. Check out the top ten after the break.

Continue reading FIFA 11 kicks off 2011 atop UK charts

JoystiqFIFA 11 kicks off 2011 atop UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Jan 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Britaincall-of-duty-black-opschart-trackchart-track-weeklyFIFA-11just-dance-2microsoftNeed-for-SpeedNeed-for-Speed-Hot-Pursuitnintendoplaystationps3salesUKwiixboxMon, 10 Jan 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed World population passes 3 million registered racers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/17/need-for-speed-world-population-passes-3-million-registered/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/17/need-for-speed-world-population-passes-3-million-registered/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/17/need-for-speed-world-population-passes-3-million-registered/#comments After going free-to-play back in September, Need for Speed World has added roughly 2 million users to its online racetracks, surpassing 3 million registered users in total. Just imagine rush hour!

Although the majority of the expanded user base can be attributed to the change to a free-to-play business model, the recent localization of the game into French, Polish, Russian and Spanish likely contributed to the rise in licensed drivers, too. Now, how would EA say, "Please buy some DLC" in those languages?

JoystiqNeed for Speed World population passes 3 million registered racers originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-boxeaea-black-boxelectronic-artsfree-to-playmmoneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-worldpcracingusersFri, 17 Dec 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Shift 2 Unleashed 'Limited Edition' buyers get three fancy cars before the rest of us]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/shift-2-unleashed-limited-edition-buyers-get-three-fancy-cars/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/shift-2-unleashed-limited-edition-buyers-get-three-fancy-cars/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/shift-2-unleashed-limited-edition-buyers-get-three-fancy-cars/#comments Looking to drift around Shift 2 Unleashed's narrow apexes in a perfectly balanced Nissan Silvia Spec-R Aero (S15)? To leap from 0 to 60 in 3.3 seconds with an over $300K Lamborghini Murciélago LP640? To ... uh ... commute in style in an Alfa Romeo Giulietta QV? You may want to pre-order the game, then, as EA announced this morning that all three cars will only be available at launch to folks who manage to snag the "Limited Edition" of Shift 2.

Like Battlefield: Bad Company 2 and Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit before it, the initial shipments of Shift 2 Unleashed will be "Limited Edition" versions packing the three cars -- no extra money is required, just the need for speed in making a purchasing decision.

The release says nothing about when the trio of liveries will become available to the rest of us normal folk, but it does characterize the bonus as "immediate" rather than "exclusive" access. That said, we're sure the Autolog system moving over from Hot Pursuit will make whatever period of exclusivity torture while friends toast our time trials. Blast you, friends who think ahead!

Gallery: Shift 2 Unleashed (pre-order bonus cars)

JoystiqShift 2 Unleashed 'Limited Edition' buyers get three fancy cars before the rest of us originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfa-romeoalfa-romeo-giulietta-qvlamborghinimicrosoftmurcielago-lp640need-for-speedneed-for-speed-shift-2nissan-silviapcplaystationpre-orderps3racingshift-2-unleashedxboxThu, 16 Dec 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit, Monopoly and Snood on iPad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/11/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-monopoly-and-snood-on-ipad/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/11/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-monopoly-and-snood-on-ipad/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/11/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-monopoly-and-snood-on-ipad/#comments EA has passed word that three of its games are now ready for the iPad: Monopoly, Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit and Snood can all be downloaded from the App Store right now.

These three games have been optimized for the iPad with near high-def graphics and interface tweaks made specifically for the platform. Both Monopoly and Hot Pursuit will set you back $9.99, while Snood is a bit more modestly priced at $4.99.

Gallery: Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit (iPad)

JoystiqNeed for Speed: Hot Pursuit, Monopoly and Snood on iPad originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Dec 2010 05:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-mobilemobilemonopolyNeed-for-SpeedNeed-for-Speed-Hot-PursuitsnoodSat, 11 Dec 2010 05:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Shift 2 Unleashed preview: The new look of racing sims]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/shift-2-unleashed-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/shift-2-unleashed-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/shift-2-unleashed-preview/#comments Now that the dust has started to settle around Gran Turismo 5, EA is pulling off the sheet on its Need for Speed: Shift sequel. Simply Shift 2 Unleashed -- no "Need for Speed" in the title -- the racer represents returning developer Slightly Mad Studios' continuing effort to make players feel like they're actually driving some of the world's most powerful cars.

Gallery: Shift 2 Unleashed

Continue reading Shift 2 Unleashed preview: The new look of racing sims

JoystiqShift 2 Unleashed preview: The new look of racing sims originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-ArtsmicrosoftNeed-for-Speedneed-for-speed-shift-2pcplaystationps3shift-2-unleashedSlightly-Mad-StudiosxboxTue, 30 Nov 2010 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Shift 2 Unleashed loses 'Need for Speed' and adds Hot Pursuit's Autolog]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/shift-2-unleashed-loses-need-for-speed-and-adds-hot-pursuits/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/shift-2-unleashed-loses-need-for-speed-and-adds-hot-pursuits/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/shift-2-unleashed-loses-need-for-speed-and-adds-hot-pursuits/#comments What better day to announce a new entry in a long-standing franchise than the release date for what is, arguably, the best installment in the series to date. Today, on Need for Speed Hot Pursuit's big day, EA has stolen some of that thunder by announcing Shift 2 Unleashed, the sequel to last year's simulation-style installment.

In doing so, EA has dropped the "Need for Speed" half of the title (though the debut trailer, found after the break, still puts the game squarely in the NFS series, even using Hot Pursuit's n-shaped logo). In its place is Autolog, the excellent, always-connected enhancement that Burnout-dev Criterion brought to Hot Pursuit. EA calls it the "next generation" of the stats-driven friendship killer -- though, with less than half a year between both iterations, let's say we're skeptical of that claim.

The game is being built by racing veterans, and Shift developers, Slightly Mad Studios for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC. This morning's press release says to expect the game in "spring 2011," which is pretty close to the previously reported Q1 2011 window. So, are you more of a Hot Pursuit or a Shift 2 kind of gamer?

Continue reading Shift 2 Unleashed loses 'Need for Speed' and adds Hot Pursuit's Autolog

JoystiqShift 2 Unleashed loses 'Need for Speed' and adds Hot Pursuit's Autolog originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtsmicrosoftNeed-for-Speedneed-for-speed-shift-2pcplaystationps3racingShift-2-UnleashedSlightly-Mad-StudiosxboxTue, 16 Nov 2010 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit review: More than satisfies the need]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/09/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/09/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/09/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-review/#comments It's been a good year to be a fan of arcade-style racing games, with Blur and Split/Second neck-and-neck in the race to be the year's best. Unfortunately for them, Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit from Burnout Paradise creator Criterion Games just took first place.

For the reboot of this Need for Speed sub-series, which saw two installments across PS1 and PS2, Criterion has created a racer that not only lives up to expectations of thrilling speed and pristine visuals but blows past them with a cops-and-robbers career mode.

Gallery: Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit (review)

Continue reading Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit review: More than satisfies the need

JoystiqNeed for Speed: Hot Pursuit review: More than satisfies the need originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Nov 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterionCriterion-GameseaElectronic-ArtsmicrosoftNeed-for-Speedneed-for-speed-hot-pursuitplaystationps3RacingxboxTue, 09 Nov 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit trailer tours Seacrest County]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/04/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-trailer-tours-seacrest-county/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/04/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-trailer-tours-seacrest-county/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/04/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-trailer-tours-seacrest-county/#comments Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit wants you to believe Seacrest County is a "driver's paradise," but we feel this latest trailer ignores the best thing Seacrest has to offer: Señor Guapo's Bakery on Alameda boulevard. Seriously, don't visit just to drive around, go have the churro of your life.

Continue reading Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit trailer tours Seacrest County

JoystiqNeed for Speed: Hot Pursuit trailer tours Seacrest County originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterionCriterion-Gameseamicrosoftneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-hot-pursuitnintendopcplaystationps3wiixboxThu, 04 Nov 2010 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit trailer captured [update: demo on October 26]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/04/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-trailer-captured/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/04/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-trailer-captured/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/04/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-trailer-captured/#commentsThe latest trailer for Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit provides lots of footage of implausibly fancy police cars chasing similarly precious private-owned vehicles, for what most be the most serious speeding citation the Seacrest County police can offer. If they have to get a helicopter on you for speeding, that's going to be a rather pricey ticket.

This trailer also gives some attention to Hot Pursuit's "Autolog" feature, which helps connect players to one another, and displays a bunch of stats about your friends' performance. In case you thought you were doing well!

Update: as noted in the video, a demo will be available October 26. We're following up with EA about the timing of the demo release for each platform.

Continue reading Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit trailer captured [update: demo on October 26]

JoystiqNeed for Speed: Hot Pursuit trailer captured [update: demo on October 26] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Oct 2010 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterionelectronic-artsmicrosoftneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-hot-pursuitpcplaystationps3racingxboxMon, 04 Oct 2010 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed World shifts to free-to-play model, as user base passes 1 million milestone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/09/need-for-speed-world-shifts-to-free-to-play-model/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/09/need-for-speed-world-shifts-to-free-to-play-model/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/09/need-for-speed-world-shifts-to-free-to-play-model/#commentsFiled under: , ,

EA has announced that Need For Speed World, its MMO racer, has surpassed one million registered players since going live on July 27. With this milestone comes word that the game will soon be adding a co-op pursuit mode and expanded customization options (in addition to the already-promised new gameworld areas). Oh, and it's gone completely free-to-play.

Originally free only up to level 10 -- requiring a $20 investment for the "full" experience -- Need For Speed World has removed its base cost, although the purchase of items, power-ups, car rentals and other premium content will remain an option under the F2P model.

JoystiqNeed for Speed World shifts to free-to-play model, as user base passes 1 million milestone originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-black-boxElectronic-Artsfree-to-playmmoNeed-for-Speedneed-for-speed-worldpcThu, 09 Sep 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit gameplay footage will get your heart racing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-gameplay-footage-will-get-your-heart/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-gameplay-footage-will-get-your-heart/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-gameplay-footage-will-get-your-heart/#comments This freshly released gameplay trailer for Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit from Burnout vets Criterion Games has us in a hot pursuit of a controller with which we can play more of this blistering-fast racer. The footage features cops versus racers in both day and night settings, the latter we're pretty sure was put in the game just to show off the police car lights bathing passing cars and scenery in their red and blue beams.

The video begins and ends with a peek at the game's "Autolog" player vs. player challenge system. There are also some shots that'll be familiar with anyone who played Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 in the PS2 era, including roadblocks, spike strips (dropped from helicopters!) and the cops calling in high-performance backup when their cruisers just aren't getting the job done. It looks fast-tastic. Now, if only November 16 could get here faster.

Continue reading Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit gameplay footage will get your heart racing

JoystiqNeed For Speed: Hot Pursuit gameplay footage will get your heart racing originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 21:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterionCriterion-GameseaElectronic-Artsgamescom-2010microsoftNeed-for-SpeedNeed-for-Speed-Hot-Pursuitplaystationps3RacingxboxTue, 17 Aug 2010 21:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed: Shift 2 crossing finish line in early 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/need-for-speed-shift-2-crossing-finish-line-in-early-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/need-for-speed-shift-2-crossing-finish-line-in-early-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/need-for-speed-shift-2-crossing-finish-line-in-early-2011/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Another Need for Speed game entering the world is, at this point, less like the birth of a child and more like locating a new star. Sure, we're going to name it, but there's no need to Skype your Gram-Gram about it. It is in this spirit that we soberly yet respectfully report that a new star, NFS-2332, has been discovered in an EA financial report. It's being commonly referred to as Need for Speed: Shift 2 by scientists, and it's slated to crash into Earth between January and March of 2011, as rumored early last month. (Sorry, we didn't consider how horrifying that would sound when we started the analogy).

Though we can assume the sequel will keep to the simmier aspects of its predecessor, we know diddly else about the title at the moment. Here's hoping an ongoing EA earnings call sheds some light.

JoystiqNeed for Speed: Shift 2 crossing finish line in early 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-shift-2pcplaystationps3q1-2011release-datexboxTue, 03 Aug 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed World pulls up to the starting line on July 27]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/need-for-speed-world-pulls-up-to-the-starting-line-on-july-27/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/need-for-speed-world-pulls-up-to-the-starting-line-on-july-27/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/need-for-speed-world-pulls-up-to-the-starting-line-on-july-27/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Anxious to envelop yourself in your Maserati's splendor and hit some hairpin turns at 100mph? Well, you can do that later. Now we want to tell you about this video game.

EA has announced that its MMO experiment, Need for Speed World, will be available for download on July 27 -- a week later than initially expected. Those who pre-ordered the Need for Speed World Starter Pack -- a $20 primer that gives players $20 in SpeedBoost (in-game currency), full access up to level 50 and some power-ups including Nitrous and Traffic Magnet -- get a week's head start and can play Need for Speed World starting today. Those who pre-ordered get further incentive in exclusive cars, double experience points, driver name reservation and permanent VIP status.

Racers looking for a free taste of the game will be able to download a special trial version (that unlocks all game modes and provides free play up to level ten) here as of July 27.

JoystiqNeed for Speed World pulls up to the starting line on July 27 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delayseaea-black-boxmmoNeed-for-Speedneed-for-speed-worldNeed-For-Speed-World-OnlinepcTue, 20 Jul 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed: Shift 2, Black Box-developed NFS both hinted for 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/01/need-for-speed-shift-2-black-box-developed-nfs-both-hinted-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/01/need-for-speed-shift-2-black-box-developed-nfs-both-hinted-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/01/need-for-speed-shift-2-black-box-developed-nfs-both-hinted-for/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A pair of LinkedIn profiles suggests that at least two Need for Speed titles will be released next year. According to the profile page of programmer Chris Mcclure, he was at NFS: Shift developer Sightly Mad Studios from August 2009 - February 2010 where he "worked on new open world technology but also worked on Need For Speed Shift too." Cleverly, Mcclure altered this statement today from "... but also worked on Need For Speed Shift 2" after his apparent reveal was spotted by superannuation (and preserved by Google's cache).

The original Shift was released in September 2009, and if Mcclure is covering his tracks, then a sequel was likely underway as work on the first game wrapped, which would allow roughly the minimum development time necessary to release Shift 2 some time during the first quarter of 2011. Recall that in February, during an earnings call, EA dated a Need for Speed game for that period. COO John Schappert described the unnamed iteration as "another big driving simulation" (Conference Call Script [PDF]). "Need For Speed: Shift 2" would be a good fit for that description and time frame.

Continue reading Need for Speed: Shift 2, Black Box-developed NFS both hinted for 2011

JoystiqNeed for Speed: Shift 2, Black Box-developed NFS both hinted for 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Jul 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Black-BoxChris-McclureEAEA-Black-BoxElectronic-ArtsmicrosoftNeed-for-SpeedNeed-for-Speed-Shiftneed-for-speed-shift-2pcplaystationps3Q1-2011Rees-SavidisSlightly-Mad-StudiosxboxThu, 01 Jul 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed World opens up July 20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/need-for-speed-world-opens-up-july-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/need-for-speed-world-opens-up-july-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/need-for-speed-world-opens-up-july-20/#comments EA has announced a July 20 date for the official launch of Need For Speed World, its racing MMO developed by EA Black Box. The game has been in closed beta for quite some time, with Joystiq getting a look at it back in March.

NFSW will be released as a free game client which will let players advance their driver up to level 10 before being asked to purchase a "starter pack." The game can continue to be played without it, but players won't be able to level up to earn new vehicles and power-ups.

EA is accepting pre-orders for a $19.99 starter pack, which allows for progression up to level 50 and includes an exclusive car, beta access, the ability to play NFSW a week before release and a selection of power-ups. Unfortunately, our suggestion for a "back-seat driver" power-up -- which would play the game for you to grind levels -- doesn't appear to have made the cut.

JoystiqNeed for Speed World opens up July 20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 May 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-boxeaea-black-boxElectronic-Artsmmoneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-worldracingrelease-dateThu, 27 May 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[We should be set on Need for Speed subtitles for a while]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/17/we-should-be-set-on-need-for-speed-subtitles-for-a-while/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/17/we-should-be-set-on-need-for-speed-subtitles-for-a-while/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/17/we-should-be-set-on-need-for-speed-subtitles-for-a-while/#comments Superannuation recently did its thing and uncovered a whole slew of newly reserved domain names associated with the Need for Speed franchise. The subtitles suggested by the registered domains are (deep breath): Boost, Drift Kings, Eliminator, Lightning, No Limits, Overdrive, Proven, Redline, Showdown, Street Kings, Takedown, The Run, Time Attack and Underground East. One of these many names could potentially (hopefully!) be the title of the next, possibly Criterion-developed installment in the series -- but then again there could always be a need for more domain registrations yet to come from EA.

Actually, the registered domains were reserved by Corporate Domains, Inc. (CSC), an intermediary company that manages web real estate in order to protects its clients' "brand identity." So, it's technically possible that these acquisitions weren't made with EA's blessing, and that this collection is really just a massive prank executed by one of CSC's various corporate clients. A jealous publisher then? That's far from the most likely scenario -- but it would definitely be the most hilarious.

JoystiqWe should be set on Need for Speed subtitles for a while originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 May 2010 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>domaindomain-reservationseaElectronic-Artsneed-for-speedregistrationwebsitesMon, 17 May 2010 16:27:00 EST<![CDATA[iPad Roundup: Here's the stuff that may interest you]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/02/ipad-roundup-heres-the-stuff-that-may-interest-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/02/ipad-roundup-heres-the-stuff-that-may-interest-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/02/ipad-roundup-heres-the-stuff-that-may-interest-you/#comments With the iPad set to launch April 3, we know a lot of you out there are wondering what types of games and apps there are to look forward to. Well, we reprogrammed the Joystiq bots to scour the iTunes App store for information on updates and new games, culling the data for you all. There's plenty to look forward to, so don't waste time reading this -- head past the break for the goods!

Continue reading iPad Roundup: Here's the stuff that may interest you

JoystiqiPad Roundup: Here's the stuff that may interest you originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Apr 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10-ton-games-inc2k-gamesactivisionamazon-hidden-expeditionangry-birdsangry-birds-hdapple-ipadasphaltasphalt-5azkend-hdbig-fish-gamesbreak-hdcall-of-dutycall-of-duty-world-at-warcall-of-duty-world-at-war-zombiescastlecraftcharadiumchillingoCivilizationcivilization-revolutioncogscogs-hdCommand-and-Conquercommand-and-conquer-red-alertdoonsdoons-hddungeon-hunterdungeon-hunter-hdeaElectronic-Artsfieldrunnersfiremintfiremint-incflick-bowlingflick-fishingflight-controlflight-control-hdfreeversefroggerfrogger-padgameloftgeometry-warsgluglyder-2imahjongimahjong-hdipadipad-launcjirbokonamilaminar-researcglets-golfmarvelmarvel-comicsmarvel-comics-appmetal-gear-solidmetal-gear-solid-touchminigoreminigore-hdmirrors-edgemodern-combatmodern-combat-sandstormnamconba-hotshotneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-shiftnflnfl-2010nfl-2010-hdngmoconovapac-manpaper-footballpaper-football-hdplants-vs-zombiesplants-vs-zombies-hdpopcappopcap-gamesreal-racingreal-racing-hdreal-soccerreal-soccer-2010-hdsam-and-maxscrabblesecret-exit-ltdsegasneeziessneezies-hdsnowboardingsnowboarding-hdsparkle-hdsubatomicsubatomic-studiossuper-monkey-ballsuper-monkey-ball-2super-monkey-ball-2-sakura-editionteam-17telltale-gamestetristhe-penal-zoneunouno-hdwarpgatewe-rulex-planezen-boundzen-bound-2Fri, 02 Apr 2010 13:00:00 EST