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 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['Safer Scotland' places anti-drunk driving ads in 360 games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/24/safer-scotland-places-anti-drunk-driving-ads-in-360-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/24/safer-scotland-places-anti-drunk-driving-ads-in-360-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/24/safer-scotland-places-anti-drunk-driving-ads-in-360-games/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Proving that not all in-game advertising is used solely for evil, the Scottish government plans to spend £10,000 on virtual billboards to discourage drunk driving, the BBC reports today. The campaign will place anti-drunk driving messages in Xbox 360 racing games like Need for Speed: Carbon, Project Gotham Racing 4, and sports titles like Pro Evolution Soccer 2008.

The Scottish government is elated that the campaign will be going forward, as it believes that video games are a great way of reaching younger audiences. We couldn't agree more, and think that this is one of the smartest uses for ad dollars we've seen in a while. Kudos to the Safer Scotland campaign.

Joystiq'Safer Scotland' places anti-drunk driving ads in 360 games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Dec 2007 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingdrunk-drivingin-game-advertisingneed-for-speedneedforspeedpespgrpgr4project-gotham-racingscotlandXbox-360Mon, 24 Dec 2007 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[UK gets bored, bets on gaming sales charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/uk-gets-bored-bets-on-gaming-sales-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/uk-gets-bored-bets-on-gaming-sales-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/uk-gets-bored-bets-on-gaming-sales-charts/#commentsFiled under:

Now, this is just plain weird. Apparently, folks in the UK don't have enough to bet on, so they turn to the gaming industry. Bookie Paddy Power is reporting that a lot of money is riding on what game emerges as the number one seller throughout this holiday season, with the total stake coming to about 11,000 GBP. That just boggles our mind.

But, this isn't the first year this has been going down. They started accepting bets on gaming sales charts starting back in 2003, where it didn't receive many takers. Then, it had only seen 60 bets as which game would emerge on top, with this year seeing a whopping increase in popularity to 650 bets. Oh, and the favored game to come out on top is EA's Need for Speed ProStreet.

Current top odds are as follows:
  • 8/11: Need for Speed ProStreet
  • 2/1: Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games
  • 5/1: The Simpsons Game
  • 8/1: FIFA Soccer 08
  • 8/1: Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
  • 12/1: The Golden Compass
  • 18/1: Super Mario Galaxy
  • 20/1: Assassin's Creed
  • 20/1: High School Musical: Sing It!

JoystiqUK gets bored, bets on gaming sales charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Dec 2007 23:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bettingmarioandsonicneedforspeedsupermariogalaxyukThu, 13 Dec 2007 23:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Revolutionary: Speed Metal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/04/revolutionary-speed-metal/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/04/revolutionary-speed-metal/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/04/revolutionary-speed-metal/#commentsFiled under:

Every (other) Tuesday, Mike Sylvester brings you REVOLUTIONARY, a look at the wide world of Wii possibilities.

I guess it could be said that my favorite game genres are rhythm and racing. My racing wheels, bongos, dance mats, drum kit, and guitar collection stand as testament to that being fact. So, while brainstorming new uses for my Guitar Hero III Wii Guitar, it struck me that racing might be the peanut butter to the guitar's chocolate.

Yeah, I'm sure that doesn't make any sense to you, as I got the 'WTF face' plenty of times when explaining my plan to friends. But read on and I'll tell you how to shred. How to shred down NFS ProStreet.

Continue reading Revolutionary: Speed Metal

JoystiqRevolutionary: Speed Metal originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Dec 2007 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GlovePIEGuitar-HeroGuitarHerojoystiqfeaturesNeedForSpeedNFSProStreetRevolutionaryWiiGuitarTue, 04 Dec 2007 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[EA repents use of topless models in Need for Speed ads]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/27/ea-repents-use-of-topless-models-in-need-for-speed-ads/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/27/ea-repents-use-of-topless-models-in-need-for-speed-ads/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/27/ea-repents-use-of-topless-models-in-need-for-speed-ads/#commentsFiled under: ,

need for speed
Boobs have long been the marketing companion for guy stuff, like fast cars. So it seemed a natural choice for EA (or more likely, a contracted third-party ad firm) to feature a pair of scantily clad models posed with a Ferrari to promote Need for Speed: ProStreet (rated 3+ in Europe). That "scantily" is hereby defined as sans tops is admittedly risqué for games promotion, but the ads only appeared on UK tabloid The Sun's softcore site Page 3. Today, EA issued a statement of regret about the images, explaining that the promotion had "slipped through the proper EA approval process." As a result, the ads have been removed from the site (but not from the murky bowels of the internet).

So what's the cost? Perhaps longer 'exposure' could have helped ProStreet topple Assassin's Creed from the charts. We'll never know.

[Update: full censored image has been moved to accommodate 'work surfers' -- view it after the jump.]

Continue reading EA repents use of topless models in Need for Speed ads

JoystiqEA repents use of topless models in Need for Speed ads originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Nov 2007 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-Artsneed-for-speedneedforspeedpage3prostreetukTue, 27 Nov 2007 12:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Fanswag Weekly: Need for Speed Pro Street [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/14/fanswag-weekly-need-for-speed-pro-street/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/14/fanswag-weekly-need-for-speed-pro-street/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/14/fanswag-weekly-need-for-speed-pro-street/#commentsFiled under:


[Update: This giveaway is now closed and our winner has been chosen. Check your inbox (and spam box), you might be the winner.]

Hooray for Fanswag! This week we're giving away EA's latest racer, Need for Speed Pro Street. We've got a brand new, sealed copy just for one lucky reader. If you'd like to see yourself in the driver's seat, simply follow the instructions below.
  • Need for Speed Pro Street, as you might expect, is very speedy. Leave a comment on this post telling us your favorite high speed activity. You can leave one comment per calendar day (Eastern Time).
  • Be sure you only leave one comment per day. Posters of multiple comments during the same day will be disqualified. We'll accept entries until Friday, November 16, 12:00 Noon, Eastern Time. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only
  • On Friday, we'll pick one winner via a random drawing
  • One winner will receive a copy of Need for Speed Pro Street, worth $60.
You'll notice that we've allowed one entry per day again. Be sure to enter all three days to maximize your chance to win.

JoystiqFanswag Weekly: Need for Speed Pro Street [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Nov 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsfanswagfanswag-weeklyneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-pro-streetneedforspeedneedforspeedprostreetWed, 14 Nov 2007 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Demo for Need For Speed: ProStreet is on Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/24/demo-for-need-for-speed-prostreet-is-on-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/24/demo-for-need-for-speed-prostreet-is-on-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/24/demo-for-need-for-speed-prostreet-is-on-live/#commentsFiled under: ,

With all of these realistic racers like Forza and Gran Turismo, sometimes you long for Need for Speed, something a little more relaxed, something that makes you feel ... a little more like Vin Diesel. So imagine our dismay when the demo for this year's entry, Need for Speed: ProStreet featured markedly less neon than we have grown accustomed to and a statistically insignificant amount of Brooke Burke. This doesn't even make us feel like Paul Walker!

Sure, what's included in the new Xbox Live demo does look pretty good. And there's damage to the cars, which everybody likes. And hey, at least our old friend nitro is still there. You know what? On second thought, we're starting to feel balder already.

JoystiqDemo for Need For Speed: ProStreet is on Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Oct 2007 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demosneedforspeedXbox-360xboxliveWed, 24 Oct 2007 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Hoor-EA! Mac games hit Apple store today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/17/hoor-ea-mac-games-hit-apple-store-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/17/hoor-ea-mac-games-hit-apple-store-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/17/hoor-ea-mac-games-hit-apple-store-today/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


That's what they say. Publishing monolith EA has announced that four of its Cider-powered Mac OS X titles are now available to purchase on Apple's online store today. The initial burst looks to satisfy a variety of Intel Mac gamers, including those who are partial to waging futuristic war (Battlefield 2142!), owning totally sick rides (Need for Speed Carbon!), casting ex-crucio-ting spells (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix!) and, uh, waging even more futuristic war (Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars!).

The games will also materialize on minimalistic shelves within Apple retail stores, with Potter and Need For Speed arriving on Tuesday, 21 August. Battlefield 2142 and Tiberium Wars should arrive the following week on 28 August. Though the tardy titles, namely Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08 and Madden NFL 08, were promised to arrive on the same day as other systems at WWDC, you can now expect their respective balls to come crashing through the "September/October window."

JoystiqHoor-EA! Mac games hit Apple store today originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Aug 2007 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BattlefieldCiderCommandAndConquerEAElectronic-ArtsHarryPotterMacMaddenNeedForSpeedTigerWoodsFri, 17 Aug 2007 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[EA to stop online support for six PSP games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/03/ea-to-stop-online-support-for-six-psp-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/03/ea-to-stop-online-support-for-six-psp-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/03/ea-to-stop-online-support-for-six-psp-games/#commentsFiled under:

Starting September 1st, EA will officially shut down servers for the following online-enabled PSP titles:
  • FIFA Soccer 06
  • FIFA World Cup 2006
  • Fight Night Round 3
  • Madden NFL 06
  • NBA Live 06
In addition, Need for Speed Most Wanted will go offline starting November 1st. It looks like those of you that need an online racing fix might need to consider an alternative (like Test Drive Unlimited?). Unfortunately, it's commonplace for games to lose online support after a few years. Considering EA's love of making their franchises annual, it seems like they're really urging you to buy a new version of one of their products.

[Via PlayStation boards]

JoystiqEA to stop online support for six PSP games originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Aug 2007 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2006-FIFA-World-CupeafifaFIFA-Soccer-2006fightnightmaddennbaliveneedforspeedofflineFri, 03 Aug 2007 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Need For Speed: Extreme Street Talking Interview edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/05/need-for-speed-extreme-street-talking-interview-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/05/need-for-speed-extreme-street-talking-interview-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/05/need-for-speed-extreme-street-talking-interview-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,

While the whole street racing genre has gotten as dry as that meatloaf we tried to call supper (the oven simply refused to let it come out until the timer went off -- the timer happened to be the smoke alarm), EA is attempting to jump start the genre with their latest Need For Speed title: ProStreet. Game Informer has the details -- we'll make it much quicker to read.

  • More emphasis on car performance and your skill at driving the cars than crazy crashes and cheesy live-action sequences (which will still exist, of course).
  • The game has been in development for 16 months! That means they've probably already started on another NFS title due out in 2008. Just speculation.
  • All races thus far are scheduled to take place in broad daylight.
  • No police, either. The emphasis isn't on getting "caught" but on keeping your car clean of damage. Which there will be a lot of.
  • About damage ... it's not going to be a punishment. They want you to see it -- damage is "cool". Personally, that's lame. If we smash our hood, we should have a faulty horn to amuse ourselves with at least. Or a broken axle means ... well ... it means you've got to cough up a bit of scratch to keep that ride.
  • The customization system in the game will allow you to do "whatever you want" with the cars. Not to resell online or anything, but to make something you're genuinely proud to drive.
  • Sixaxis controls will be toyed with. Expect it to be an option you can turn off, though!

It honestly seems like they've got just as much going for them as the upcoming title skate does. Similar customization claims, departures from games with similar premises and Electronic Arts. We'll file this game in the "potential" cabinet. Where do you all stand?

JoystiqNeed For Speed: Extreme Street Talking Interview edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Jun 2007 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic ArtsElectronicArtsNeed For SpeedNeedForSpeedPlayStation 3Playstation3Pro StreetProStreetPS3SonyTue, 05 Jun 2007 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Need For Speed ProStreet screenshots finally round the bend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/31/need-for-speed-prostreet-screenshots-finally-round-the-bend/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/31/need-for-speed-prostreet-screenshots-finally-round-the-bend/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/31/need-for-speed-prostreet-screenshots-finally-round-the-bend/#commentsFiled under: ,


And you thought you'd be off the hook with street racing games for a while, huh? There is a difference between this ProStreet iteration of Need for Speed and other street racing games, though. Imagine this: a driving simulation, but for street racing. Yes, it's like Gran Turismo meets The Fast and The Furious. Is this a good idea? We aren't sure because we've never actually experienced a game like that before. The culture of street racing and focusing on your vehicles performance permeate from this game like ... well, like gas fumes.

The game itself, taking place in a multitude of locations with a multitude of cars, actually looks good. Yep, EA is making a game that seems like effort was put into this year's edition of any given franchise. So, let's get this straight: a realistic street-racing simulation with car damage and a complete move away from prior NFS titles? Yeah, it's surprising, but don't let our loss of words keep you from checking out the first screenshots. What do you think? Could this actually work?

JoystiqNeed For Speed ProStreet screenshots finally round the bend originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 May 2007 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic ArtsElectronicArtsNeed For SpeedNeedForSpeedProStreetThu, 31 May 2007 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[NFS ProStreet set to do donuts this Fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/31/nfs-prostreet-set-to-do-donuts-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/31/nfs-prostreet-set-to-do-donuts-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/31/nfs-prostreet-set-to-do-donuts-this-fall/#commentsFiled under:

EA has revealed that they intend on bringing forth a new game into this wonderful world, which is a new installment in their racing franchise Need for Speed (surprise!). Titled Need for Speed ProStreet, the game is going to focus mostly on street racing, but according to EA will feature more customization options for players. EA says we'll get our hands on the game come Fall 2007, but in the meantime we'll have to settle for the teaser trailer after the break.

Continue reading NFS ProStreet set to do donuts this Fall

JoystiqNFS ProStreet set to do donuts this Fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 May 2007 20:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaneedforspeednintendonintendowiiprostreetwiiThu, 31 May 2007 20:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed: Pro Street announced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/31/need-for-speed-pro-street-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/31/need-for-speed-pro-street-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/31/need-for-speed-pro-street-announced/#commentsFiled under:


Remember the Need for Speed teaser that was released just over week ago? The one that told us to check NeedForSpeed.com on May 31? Guess what? It's May 31, and EA has officially announced ... a Need For Speed game (imagine that). The new game, subtitled Pro Street, focuses on players becoming the world's greatest street racer. The press release mentions fully customizable cars that you can fully tweak and tune for maximum performance. It also gives us a few tiny details about the damage system, noting that "every dent, every scratch and every crumpled body panel is a battle scar, proof of your commitment and competitive mettle." The game is also slated to have a "revolutionary online mode," though no concrete details are given. Need For Speed: Pro Street is scheduled to release this November. Watch the (slightly) extended trailer above and check out the screenshot gallery below.

JoystiqNeed for Speed: Pro Street announced originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 May 2007 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic artsElectronicArtsneed for speedneed for speed pro streetNeedForSpeedNeedForSpeedProStreetpro streetProStreetThu, 31 May 2007 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Need for Speed trailer shows new hotness]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/22/new-need-for-speed-trailer-shows-new-hotness/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/22/new-need-for-speed-trailer-shows-new-hotness/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/22/new-need-for-speed-trailer-shows-new-hotness/#commentsFiled under:


A new trailer has popped up for the next incarnation of Need for Speed. At the moment, the game goes without any subtitles, leaving us unable to properly identify it. The trailer shows off a real purdy car which subsequently explodes, and really, what more do you need from a video game? The trailer concludes with a quick blurb directing viewers to check out NeedforSpeed.com on May 31st. Impatient people that we are, we decided to check it out now, and were sadly greeted with the website for Need for Speed: Carbon. Sigh ... guess we'll have to wait.

JoystiqNew Need for Speed trailer shows new hotness originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2007 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic artsElectronicArtsneed for speedneed for speed carbonNeedForSpeedNeedForSpeedCarbonTue, 22 May 2007 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[EA smashing cars in next Need for Speed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/21/ea-smashing-cars-in-next-need-for-speed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/21/ea-smashing-cars-in-next-need-for-speed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/21/ea-smashing-cars-in-next-need-for-speed/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Now would be the ideal time to compare EA to The Incredible Hulk in one of your slightly aloof forum debates on the death of innovation in the gaming industry. If there's one thing the gigantic publisher and mass churner is saying in the above video, it's "EA SMASH!" The teaser seems to indicate that the next Need for Speed title (no platform specified) will feature extravagant damage modeling, as well as an array of enormous balloons -- the former is likely the one EA intended to highlight.

Car damage would be a logical addition to the franchise in its current state, though if it wasn't for the Need for Speed branding in the trailer, we might have gotten it confused with EA's other smashing success, Burnout. We'll find out more on May 31st.

JoystiqEA smashing cars in next Need for Speed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2007 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BurnoutEAElectronic-ArtsForzaNeed for SpeedNeedForSpeedPS3Xbox-360Mon, 21 May 2007 19:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Newest Need For Speed trailer displays advanced car damage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/21/newest-need-for-speed-trailer-displays-advanced-car-damage/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/21/newest-need-for-speed-trailer-displays-advanced-car-damage/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/21/newest-need-for-speed-trailer-displays-advanced-car-damage/#commentsFiled under: ,


Another Need for Speed game is coming and this early trailer displays the main focus of this entry: car damage. From the trailer, you can see a lot of paint scratches from multiple types of encounters (a love tap, trading paint, brake checks, etc) and a lot of weird stitches on the car. We're not sure if stitching your car is a very effective method of piecing a car back together, but this more realistic approach to the genre may point to a whole new style of play to the franchise. Let us know what you think: will the game go more simulation, or extreme explosions a la Motorstorm?

[via CVG]

JoystiqNewest Need For Speed trailer displays advanced car damage originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2007 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360EAMicrosoftNeed for SpeedNeedForSpeedPlayStation 3Playstation3PS3SonyXBox 360Xbox360Mon, 21 May 2007 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA continues to exploit, charging $50 for Need for Speed unlockables]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/02/ea-continues-to-exploit-charging-50-for-need-for-speed-unlocka/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/02/ea-continues-to-exploit-charging-50-for-need-for-speed-unlocka/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/02/ea-continues-to-exploit-charging-50-for-need-for-speed-unlocka/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Need for...EA is determined to be the bully of Xbox Live Marketplace. Once again, the world's biggest games publisher is offering pay-don't-play content, inviting gamers to buy Need for Speed Carbon's unlockables.

EA and Microsoft will argue that this is simply a matter of choice: choose to buy content; or choose to unlock content by playing. But this new set of choices defies our learned experience.

Gamers want instant access to unlockables for all sorts of reasons (some are too busy to "earn" unlockables; some to lazy; others are inferior; and still others just have more fun when it's easy). There used to be a simple solution: cheat codes. But EA wants us to forget codes ever existed; wants to punish our wallets for not approaching its games with the Protestant ethic. All told, you'll burn an additional $49.25 if you want accelerated access to Carbon's goodies. Hey, you don't get to the top of the industry by offering handouts.

See also:
EA's premium ripoff: football tutorial videos on XBLM
EA charging gamers to access unlockable content
EA charging twice for downloadable content

JoystiqEA continues to exploit, charging $50 for Need for Speed unlockables originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Nov 2006 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Carbondownloaddownloadable contentDownloadableContentEAElectronic ArtsElectronic-ArtsElectronicArtsMarketplaceMicrosoft pointsMicrosoftPointsNeed For SpeedNeedForSpeedRacingXbox LiveXbox-360XboxLiveThu, 02 Nov 2006 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[EA seeking extra cash from collectors]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/29/ea-seeking-extra-cash-from-collectors/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/29/ea-seeking-extra-cash-from-collectors/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/29/ea-seeking-extra-cash-from-collectors/#commentsFiled under:

EA is getting into the Collector's Edition racket with an upgraded version of Need For Speed: Carbon on sale October 31. Here's what you get for $69.99:
  • 3 new cars
  • 10 specially tuned cars
  • 6 new races
  • 10 exclusive vinyl kits
  • Code to download Mazda RX-7 off XBLM
  • Bonus DVD containing behind the scenes footage on the making of the game.
What? No cat helmet? Couldn't they have thrown in a Match Box Car or a spare tire? Notice that unlike Gears of War and Halo 3, two games far more likely to attract the rabid fan, EA thinks they can get away with charging extra for actual game content -- stuff that could easily be included on the regular disc or thrown up on XBLM. Is this a fair deal, or are you starting to get that Lumines Live content gouge feeling?

JoystiqEA seeking extra cash from collectors originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 29 Oct 2006 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carboncollector's editiongougingneed for speedNeedForSpeednfspriceSun, 29 Oct 2006 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed Carbon demo vrooms onto XBLM]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/04/need-for-speed-carbon-demo-vrooms-onto-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/04/need-for-speed-carbon-demo-vrooms-onto-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/04/need-for-speed-carbon-demo-vrooms-onto-xblm/#commentsFiled under:


Been looking for something to fill up that free space on your increasingly crammed 360 hard drive? Download the demo for the latest Need for Speed, dubbed Carbon, and watch 1GB disappear. Of course, this only applies if you live in an area that's not Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Sinagpore or Taiwan ... but we know what to do about that, don't we?

Promotional blurb from the Dashboard hidden after the break.

Continue reading Need for Speed Carbon demo vrooms onto XBLM

JoystiqNeed for Speed Carbon demo vrooms onto XBLM originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Oct 2006 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DemoEANeed for SpeedNeed for Speed CarbonNeedForSpeedNeedForSpeedCarbonXBLMWed, 04 Oct 2006 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[New Need for Speed Carbon video released]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/04/new-need-for-speed-carbon-video-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/04/new-need-for-speed-carbon-video-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/04/new-need-for-speed-carbon-video-released/#commentsFiled under: ,


I gotta admit the Need for Speed franchise has come a long, long way since I first played it on the Playstation. I can still remember its god-forsaken turning sensitivity that just about drove me crazy. Thankfully, those days are long gone, and the series is still going strong, which is proven by the upcoming release of Need for Speed Carbon: Own the City.

While the video is light on gameplay, it does show what appears to be the game's cutscenes that may have been stolen borrowed from the Twisted Metal series. It also sheds some light on the story line.

In the game, players must take control of their rivals' territories by outracing them. But watch out because you'll also have to keep an eye out for the "fuzz" who are always looking to spoil the fun. Carbon ships Nov. 1.

JoystiqNew Need for Speed Carbon video released originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Oct 2006 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbonneed for speedNeedForSpeedown the cityOwnTheCityplaystationtrailertwisted metalTwistedMetalWed, 04 Oct 2006 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega sends us Deep Fried goodness]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/18/sega-sends-us-deep-fried-goodness/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/18/sega-sends-us-deep-fried-goodness/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/18/sega-sends-us-deep-fried-goodness/#commentsFiled under:


Sega's support of the PSP so far has been pretty pathetic in the US. But that looks like it's all about to change. We're excited about their upcoming games, though: Sega Genesis Collection and Sonic Rivals being their two most noteworthy titles heading to our system. Today, they announced a partnership with Vancouver-based Deep Fried Entertainment to work on PSP games. We don't know what they're working on, but the staff has worked on games such as MDK2, NFL Gameday, Baldur's Gate, and the Need for Speed: Underground series. Having a team dedicated to the PSP is a great idea: it means we'll see more games from Sega, and that's always a good thing.

[Via Gamespot]

JoystiqSega sends us Deep Fried goodness originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Sep 2006 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baldur's gateBaldur'sGatedeep friedDeepFriedmdkneed for speedNeedForSpeedsegaMon, 18 Sep 2006 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA jumps on the in-game ad bandwagon [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/31/ea-jumps-on-the-in-game-ad-bandwagon/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/31/ea-jumps-on-the-in-game-ad-bandwagon/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/31/ea-jumps-on-the-in-game-ad-bandwagon/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Reuters is reporting that Electronic Arts has signed deals with Microsoft-owned Massive Inc. and IGA Worldwide to put in-game advertising in up to seven games, including Need for Speed: Carbon and Battlefield: 2142. EA Vice President for Online Commerce Chip Lange promised that this is just the beginning, saying that EA is negotiating with other providers to put ads in many future titles.

While sideline billboards in Madden or racing games won't look out of place, it might be a little jarring to see an ad in the middle of Battlefield's battlefields. It might be worth it if the ads lead to lower prices for games, but we're not holding our breath on that count. How do you feel about ads in your games?

[Update: the AP is reporting that the ads will be automatically updated over broadband connections on the PC and Xbox Live]

JoystiqEA jumps on the in-game ad bandwagon [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Aug 2006 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefieldbattlefield 2142Battlefield2142electronic artsElectronicArtsgame adsGameAdsin game adsInGameAdsneed for speedNeedForSpeedPS3WiiXbox-360Thu, 31 Aug 2006 13:55:00 EST<![CDATA[EA's launch lineup]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/23/eas-launch-lineup/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/23/eas-launch-lineup/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/23/eas-launch-lineup/#commentsFiled under:

Before we break out the goods, let's just clarify: these are launch window titles. Meaning they'll come out within the first few months of the Wii's release. They may or may not be taking up shelf space on launch day. That said, Electronic Arts is supporting the Wii launch window with six titles, including a few offerings from wildly popular franchises like Madden and Tiger Woods PGA Tour. These titles were already announced for the Wii, but EA confirmed all six for the launch window at in Leipzig.

The full list:

  • Godfather
  • Harry Potter
  • Madden NFL 2007
  • Need For Speed: Carbon
  • SSX 5
  • Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2007

    • JoystiqEA's launch lineup originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Aug 2006 23:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>    EAElectronic ArtsElectronicArtsGodfatherHarry PotterHarryPotterlaunchLeipzigMaddenNeed for SpeedNeedForSpeedNintendoSSXTiger WoodsTigerWoodsWiiWed, 23 Aug 2006 23:45:00 EST    <![CDATA[Six from EA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/13/six-from-ea/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/13/six-from-ea/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/13/six-from-ea/#commentsFiled under:

    They own the worldElectronic Arts generally releases games for more platforms than we even knew existed. Thus, when they announce support for the Wii, we have trouble acting surprised, even for the benefit of our readers. When they announce that their tried-and-true franchises are being given unique control schemes by a dedicated team, however, we then tend to pay a bit more attention.

    Everyone knew, of course, that Madden 2007 was getting a specialized Wii treatment. In a press release earlier today, however, they have announced similar plans for five more games: Harry Potter, Need for Speed, Tiger Woods: PGA TOUR, SSX, and The Godfather. Whoa.

    Need for Speed: Carbon was indeed known to be coming to the Wii, albeit we had no idea what playing it would be like. Chances are, it will utilize a similar control scheme as Excitetruck, the Wiimote aligned horizontally. Tiger Woods will offer a more intense golf simulation over that of the Wii Sports incarnation, Harry Potter will certainly use the controller as a wand for some excellent spell-casting, and SSX will most likely revamp their trick system. And The Godfather? Is anyone else seeing an intense cigar-smoking simulation?

    [Thanks, John and Cabbage!]

    JoystiqSix from EA originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Jul 2006 13:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>    EAGodfatherHarry PotterMaddenNeed for SpeedNeedForSpeedPGA TourSixSSXTiger WoodsThu, 13 Jul 2006 13:21:00 EST    <![CDATA[NFS Carbon race modes revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/02/nfs-carbon-race-modes-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/02/nfs-carbon-race-modes-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/02/nfs-carbon-race-modes-revealed/#commentsFiled under:


    EternalGaming scored some details on Need For Speed Carbon from the same source who leaked early deets on NFS Most Wanted:

    Race modes include the now classic Drift, Sprint, Speedtrap, and Circuit modes as well as the brand new Canyon series of events that include the Canyon Duel, Canyon Race, and Canyon Drift. These Canyon series of events will have you hanging around tight turns that force you to dent the guard rail as you speed by at breakneck speeds.

    They also report that the police will be several times stronger than in Most Wanted, and that you'll have the ability to customize your crew's rides.

    [Thanks Aaron]

    JoystiqNFS Carbon race modes revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 02 Jul 2006 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>    carbondrivingeaneed for speedNeedForSpeednfsracingSun, 02 Jul 2006 11:00:00 EST    <![CDATA[Need for Speed drops the Carbon bomb]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/29/need-for-speed-drops-the-carbon-bomb/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/29/need-for-speed-drops-the-carbon-bomb/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/29/need-for-speed-drops-the-carbon-bomb/#commentsFiled under: ,

    The monopoly company Electonic Arts has recently announced its newest street racing title, Need for Speed: Carbon and will monopolize release it on multiple systems this November. When I say multiple systems, I mean all current gen consoles, next gen consoles and the handhelds. So, what's different in this mod n' drive n' shift n' turn racer than previous installments?

    The gents at IGN had the street cred to get some information from executive producer Larry LaPierre. His response was: canyon racing. Yep, now we take our races from the city streets into the nearby canyon roads and wind around mountains to victory. Sounds tough, since actually driving around a canyon in real life can be fairly unnerving. According to LaPierre, "Canyon Racing is a real test of a driver's skill and we think it provides a fantastic game play opportunity to lean into." Yeah, probably. Is that all?

    Continue reading Need for Speed drops the Carbon bomb

    JoystiqNeed for Speed drops the Carbon bomb originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Jun 2006 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>    Autosculptcarbon canyonCarbonCanyonDSEAElectronic ArtsElectronicArtsGamecubeNeed for SpeedNeedForSpeedNintendo DSNintendoDsPS2PS3PSPWiiXBoxXBox360Thu, 29 Jun 2006 13:20:00 EST