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[Project Eternity unveils first video, dynamic environment in action]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/project-eternity-unveils-first-video-dynamic-environment-in-act/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/project-eternity-unveils-first-video-dynamic-environment-in-act/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/project-eternity-unveils-first-video-dynamic-environment-in-act/#comments
Obsidian upgraded that first Project Eternity screen from half a year ago into some fully-fledged footage this week. The video, as preambled by project lead Josh Sawyer, doesn't showcase any gameplay, but focuses on some of the RPG's dynamic environmental effects.

As you can see - skip to 1:48 for the footage itself - these effects range from the subtle movement of leaves blowing in the wind to water levels rising and falling. The video briefly throws in some character animations before demonstrating a day-to-night transition.

"In a 2D game, this required our programmers and artists to come up with some creative solutions," reads Obsidian's description. "What they came up with surprised us initially and it continues to amaze us. While we are still working on refining some of the dynamic elements, we're very happy with the progress we've been able to make and hope you feel the same way."

Project Eternity raised just under $4 million in Kickstarter backing last October, making it at the time the most funded game on the platform - inXile's Torment: Tides of Numenera, which has Obsidian's Chris Avellone on its design team, recently surpassed it.

JoystiqProject Eternity unveils first video, dynamic environment in action originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kickstarterobsidianobsidian-entertainmentpcproject-eternityWed, 10 Apr 2013 09:35:00 EST<![CDATA[What could have been in Obsidian's Aliens RPG]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/18/what-could-have-been-in-obsidians-aliens-rpg/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/18/what-could-have-been-in-obsidians-aliens-rpg/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/18/what-could-have-been-in-obsidians-aliens-rpg/#comments

In 2009, Sega had three games in the Aliens universe under its control: Gearbox's Aliens: Colonial Marines, Rebellion's Aliens vs. Predator and an Aliens RPG subtitled Crucible from Obsidian. Sega decided to cancel one of these projects - we assume through a sophisticated "close your eyes, spin around and point" method - and Obsidian's RPG got the boot.

Back then Sega didn't offer a taste of what the game would look like, but now we have a video of some creepy-crawly creatures from Obsidian's Aliens RPG, courtesy of character animator Danny Garnett.

In 2010, Obsidian CEO Feargus Urquhart said the Aliens RPG was basically a finished game when Sega pulled the plug. "That's how close we were," he said. "It looked and felt like it was ready to ship." We wish we could say the same about Colonial Marines.

JoystiqWhat could have been in Obsidian's Aliens RPG originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Feb 2013 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliensaliens-crucibleAliens-RPGmicrosoftobsidianObsidian-Entertainmentpcplaystationps3SegaxboxMon, 18 Feb 2013 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Obsidian has a new Star Wars game pitch for Disney]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/08/obsidian-has-a-new-star-wars-game-pitch-for-disney/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/08/obsidian-has-a-new-star-wars-game-pitch-for-disney/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/08/obsidian-has-a-new-star-wars-game-pitch-for-disney/#comments Obsidian Entertainment, developer of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2, has an idea for a new Star Wars game, and is eager to pitch it to new IP holder Disney.

"We pitched a between-Episode III and Episode IV game [to previous Star Wars owner LucasArts]," Obsidian CEO Feargus Urquhart told RPS. "Because we think that timeframe is super interesting. It's the fall of the Republic, the extermination of the Jedi, it's Obi-Wan going off and making sure Luke is OK. You have the Sith, but you have the extermination of all Force users except for very, very few. So it was an interesting time to set a game, and you know, Chris Avellone came up with a really cool story."

Obsidian hasn't brought its pitch to Disney yet, but it plans to present this same concept - which LucasArts was enthusiastic about before it was sold to the company."We haven't [talked with Disney yet]," Urquhart said. "We're kind of waiting for the smoke to clear. But that's one of my next big things to do."

JoystiqObsidian has a new Star Wars game pitch for Disney originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Feb 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneyFeargus-UrquhartObsidian-Entertainmentstar-warsFri, 08 Feb 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alpha Protocol is the new Deus Ex]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/08/alpha-protocol-is-the-new-deus-ex/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/08/alpha-protocol-is-the-new-deus-ex/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/08/alpha-protocol-is-the-new-deus-ex/#commentsThis is a weekly column from freelancer Rowan Kaiser, which focuses on "Western" role-playing games: their stories, their histories, their mechanics, their insanity, and their inanity.

Alpha Protocol is the new Deus Ex
Alpha Protocol is the new Deus Ex. This may seem like a strong statement, given the original Deus Ex's regard as an all-time great, but that wasn't always the case. Time has been very kind to it, and Alpha Protocol seems perfectly positioned to undergo a similar process. Both games' weaknesses are transparent, and both games' strengths point toward the future of video games.

When Deus Ex was released a little over a decade ago, I remember reading a review in Computer Gaming World, which gave it 3.5 stars out of 5. CGW justified that score by pointing out glaring flaws with Deus Ex, primarily its ugly graphics and pathetic artificial intelligence. I remember that review specifically because, a month or two later, they printed a letter to the editor that said roughly "I was going to get angry because I obsessed about the game for two weeks, but as I started writing I realized your criticisms were entirely valid." This, to me, strikes at the very core of what makes a cult classic: a general, all-encompassing analysis may find obvious flaws that prevent full-throated praise, but for those who can forgive those flaws, the strengths aren't done better anywhere else.

Gallery: Alpha Protocol

Continue reading Alpha Protocol is the new Deus Ex

JoystiqAlpha Protocol is the new Deus Ex originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Feb 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alpha-ProtocolmicrosoftObsidian-Entertainmentplaystationps3rowan-kaiserSegawrpgxboxFri, 08 Feb 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[South Park: The Stick of Truth trailer features crossdressing and wizard crap]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/south-park-the-stick-of-truth-trailer-features-crossdressing-an/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/south-park-the-stick-of-truth-trailer-features-crossdressing-an/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/south-park-the-stick-of-truth-trailer-features-crossdressing-an/#comments
If the actual game proves as funny as its trailers, then Obsidian's South Park: The Stick of Truth will be doing very well. Our favorite parts from this video are Cartman on Kenny's enthusiasm for the Princess role, and a Mickey-taking cameo from Mr. Hankey.

JoystiqSouth Park: The Stick of Truth trailer features crossdressing and wizard crap originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Dec 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftobsidianobsidian-entertainmentpcplaystationps3south-park-the-gamesouth-park-the-stick-of-truththqvga-2012xboxMon, 10 Dec 2012 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Obsidian's Project Eternity Kickstarter concludes at $3.9 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/16/obsidians-project-eternity-kickstarter-concludes-at-3-9-millio/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/16/obsidians-project-eternity-kickstarter-concludes-at-3-9-millio/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/16/obsidians-project-eternity-kickstarter-concludes-at-3-9-millio/#comments Obsidian's Project Eternity Kickstarter ends today 9pm ETThat's it! Obsidian's Project Eternity Kickstarter has finished with $3,986,194 pledged. This means Project Eternity, an old-school fantasy RPG project from the longtime developer, has earned more contributions than the $3.3 million by Double Fine Adventure, the Kickstarter project that kicked off this whole "year of the game."

"It's all smiles and gratitude over here at Obsidian," CEO Feargus Urquhart told us. "It is incredible what crowdfunding can make possible."

Other recent mega success stories in Kickstarter funding include Uber Entertainment's $2.2 million for Planetary Annihilation and the $8.5 million by Ouya.

JoystiqObsidian's Project Eternity Kickstarter concludes at $3.9 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Oct 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kickstarterobsidianObsidian-Entertainmentproject-eternityTue, 16 Oct 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Obsidian's Avellone on South Park and the continued appeal of external franchises]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/10/obsidians-avellone-on-south-park-and-the-continued-appeal-of-ex/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/10/obsidians-avellone-on-south-park-and-the-continued-appeal-of-ex/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/10/obsidians-avellone-on-south-park-and-the-continued-appeal-of-ex/#comments Obsidian's Avellone on South Park and the continued appeal of external franchisesObsidian Entertainment has proven through its Project Eternity Kickstarter that it can afford to make original IPs. However, just because the company doesn't necessarily have to work in existing franchises doesn't mean the team will stop doing so.

"Working with franchises can be challenging, but at the same time I really did enjoy working on Star Wars, for example, and I have done a lot of Dungeons & Dragons games, but I still enjoy it very much," Obsidian creative director Chris Avellone told me. "And there's plenty of franchises out there that we would love to work with still."

Developing games in pre-existing universes can be rewarding for Obsidian, Avellone suggested. South Park: The Stick of Truth, which is as far from Obsidian's comfort zone as anything would be, illustrates the benefits.

"The fact that you're implementing game system mechanics that cater to the South Park franchise, in the sense of rude and obnoxious different weapon types," Avellone explained, "we rarely get a chance to flex our design skills in those directions, and it's a lot of fun to do. We're actually learning a lot while we're doing it. That's another advantage of working on someone else's franchise. You sort of get inside their head for a sense of how they think, and how that stuff can be converted into game mechanics."

Obsidian was dropped into South Park with a surprisingly clear vision of what to do, as a concept had already been proposed. "We didn't actually know what they were thinking about in terms of RPGs, so we went up there for one day, they ran us this animatic sequence of how they imagined the opening of the game playing," and Obsidian "got it" immediately. "It was hilarious, and we got it, we see what you're trying to make here. It's going to feel like the show, it's going to look like the show. Here's how you interpret the controller mechanisms."

What wasn't as clear from the outset was whether the Stick of Truth offer was true. "I would never have thought we'd get a chance to do an RPG like that, and like holy crap," Avellone said. "When we first heard about it, I seriously thought some other game company was punking us. 'Ha ha ha, we're from South Park and we want to do an RPG!... ha ha, fake.'"

JoystiqObsidian's Avellone on South Park and the continued appeal of external franchises originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chris-avellonegdc-online-2012microsoftobsidian-entertainmentpcplaystationps3south-parksouth-park-the-gamesouth-park-the-stick-of-truthxboxWed, 10 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[How to write Fallout: New Vegas DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/09/how-to-write-fallout-new-vegas-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/09/how-to-write-fallout-new-vegas-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/09/how-to-write-fallout-new-vegas-dlc/#comments How to write Fallout New Vegas DLCIn a narrative-focused presentation at GDC Online, Obsidian Entertainment creative director Chris Avellone outlined the considerations that went into the development of the four Fallout: New Vegas DLC packs. For one thing, "We had the rare opportunity to know we were actually going to do four of these," unlike most game projects where sequels are not guaranteed, he said.

However, they couldn't carry storylines over. "Each one was a very self-contained short experience" by design; each storyline and setting had to exist in isolation from one another, because the team could not assume that any player would own all four packs. That "short experience" adds up to just 10,000 lines of dialogue across all four, Avellone said - a hard maximum. As a result, Avellone and Obsidian had to pad out the dialogue with "trickery" including mute characters who spoke in hand gestures. "We were only able to get away with that for so long," he added.

Continue reading How to write Fallout: New Vegas DLC

JoystiqHow to write Fallout: New Vegas DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Oct 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chris-avelloneFallout-New-Vegasgdc-onlinegdc-online-2012microsoftObsidian-Entertainmentpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 09 Oct 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Obsidian's 'Project Eternity' Kickstarter surpasses $2 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/26/obsidians-project-eternity-kickstarter-surpasses-2-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/26/obsidians-project-eternity-kickstarter-surpasses-2-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/26/obsidians-project-eternity-kickstarter-surpasses-2-million/#comments Project Eternity lines up a Spring 2014 releaseObsidian has raised over $2 million for its Kickstarter, Project Eternity, with 20 days left to raise even more money. Project Eternity is on track to surpass its final announced stretch goal of $2.2 million, which will add French, German and Spanish text translations, along with a new faction and region. Goals beyond $2.3 million are "coming soon."

Project Eternity currently has a tentative release window of spring 2014. The Kickstarter for the project was announced on September 15 and reached its $1.1 million goal in 24 hours. Obsidian is currently working on the South Park RPG and it previously developed contract project Fallout: New Vegas, along with the original intellectual property Alpha Protocol.

JoystiqObsidian's 'Project Eternity' Kickstarter surpasses $2 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Sep 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kickstarterobsidianObsidian-Entertainmentpcproject-eternityWed, 26 Sep 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Project Eternity won't take forever to develop, gets spring 2014 window]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/18/project-eternity-wont-take-forever-to-develop-gets-spring-2014/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/18/project-eternity-wont-take-forever-to-develop-gets-spring-2014/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/18/project-eternity-wont-take-forever-to-develop-gets-spring-2014/#comments Project Eternity lines up a Spring 2014 releaseProject Eternity, from Fallout: New Vegas developer Obsidian Entertainment, has more than $1.5 million in pledged funds on Kickstarter and 28 more days to collect more. With the immensely positive response, Obsidian senior programmer and Fallout creator Tim Cain has begun planning for launch.

Right now Project Eternity has a tentative release window of spring 2014 and will feature "additional content" that can be explored with multiple characters, Cain tells Eurogamer. The budget may be smaller than previous Obsidian games, but Cain says that's just fine.

"Those budget numbers are just right for what we are trying to make," he says. "We have an engine already, and we aren't using an established IP with pre-defined game mechanics and an art style that we have to mimic. Both of these things save us a lot of time, because we are now free to make those elements ourselves."

Project Eternity is an exploration-based, real-time tactical game with a pause system, but it's going to have surprises beyond its Dungeons & Dragons-inspired roots. Obsidian is making its own RPG mechanics.

"I like turn-based combat too," Cain says. "I like the tactics involved in the precise movement, orientation and use of abilities. But it can tend to be slow with a large party of characters. Real-time-with-pause is faster and can feel more engaging, but I have found the abilities to be harder to use well. One reason for that is because many RTWP RPGs were made based on paper-and-pencil games that used turns, and their abilities were made for opponents that were not moving. I feel that RTWP can be an excellent combat model if the abilities are designed with respect to that model, and not converted from another system."

JoystiqProject Eternity won't take forever to develop, gets spring 2014 window originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kickstarterobsidianObsidian-Entertainmentpcproject-eternityTue, 18 Sep 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Obsidian's Project Eternity fully funded, stretch goals revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/16/obsidians-project-eternity-fully-funded-stretch-goals-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/16/obsidians-project-eternity-fully-funded-stretch-goals-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/16/obsidians-project-eternity-fully-funded-stretch-goals-revealed/#comments
Remember that isometric PC dungeon crawler called Project Eternity that Obsidian Entertainment sought funding for on Kickstarter? The one we told you about, oh, yesterday? Well, not only has the $1.1 million funding goal been reached, but Obsidian revealed the project's initial set of stretch goals for the next month of fundraising.

Should the team raise just over $100K more, the game will receive a new playable race, class and companion each in addition to the three races, five classes and five companions included in the game. At the $1.6 million goal, Obsidian will make a Mac version of the game and add a "new major storyline" with added quests and locations. Hitting the $1.8 million mark nets the same result as the first goal, with another new race, class and companion created for the game.

Players will receive their own houses in the game if the project reaches $2 million in funding, and will see Linux support and a new region, faction and companion if it hits $2.2 million. At the rate Obsidian is moving in its Kickstarter campaign, it is already working on $2.4 million and above stretch goals. If money keeps moving its way, we'd give it another day or so.

JoystiqObsidian's Project Eternity fully funded, stretch goals revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 16 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fundingkickstarterobsidianObsidian-Entertainmentpcproject-eternitySun, 16 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Obsidian Kickstarting 'Project Eternity' for PC, already nearly funded]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/15/obsidian-kickstarting-project-eternity-for-pc-already-nearly/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/15/obsidian-kickstarting-project-eternity-for-pc-already-nearly/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/15/obsidian-kickstarting-project-eternity-for-pc-already-nearly/#comments
Obsidian Entertainment, the development studio responsible for Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2, Neverwinter Nights and Fallout: New Vegas has launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund its next game. Provided the pledge drive is successful, Project Eternity will be a PC-only isometric dungeon crawler reminiscent of Baldur's Gate and Planescape: Torment, although it will take place in its own, new fantasy world.

Project Eternity's development team includes alumni from the original Fallout, Icewind Dale 1 and 2, Planescape: Torment and Fallout: New Vegas. "We have wanted to go back to our roots and create an epic PC role-playing game adventure for years," the Kickstarter reads. "But, it's been almost impossible to get funding through traditional methods for a game like this."

Obsidian's ultimate goal is to raise $1.1 million, and as of press time it has raised $1.05 million with 31 days still left on the clock. So, unless the game is suddenly revealed as secretly having been a multiplayer-focused FPS/kitten murder simulator this whole time, we're pretty certain this one is going to be successful. Reward donation levels range from a $5 forums badge to a $10,000 "Ultimate Pledge Pack" that includes designing your own weapon and NPC for the game, and an evening playing a table-top board/pen-and-paper game of your choice with the Project Eternity team.

JoystiqObsidian Kickstarting 'Project Eternity' for PC, already nearly funded originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 15 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kickstarterobsidianObsidian-Entertainmentpcproject-eternitySat, 15 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Original Fallout and Planescape: Torment dev Black Isle Studios re-opens [updated]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/22/original-fallout-and-planescape-torment-dev-black-isle-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/22/original-fallout-and-planescape-torment-dev-black-isle-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/22/original-fallout-and-planescape-torment-dev-black-isle-studios/#comments Original Fallout and Planescape Torment dev Black Isle Studios The studio that created classics like Fallout and Planescape: Torment may be rising from the ashes - at least in name. A website for Black Isle Studios popped up with the image you see above and a mailing list signup, as NeoGAF discovered. There's also a Twitter account and a Facebook page tied to the website, and if you sign up for the mailing list, Black Isle is said to be a "a division of Interplay."

InXile's Brian Fargo doesn't seem to be involved, as he tweeted, "I just read that Interplay is bringing back Black Isle. Hmmm... Not enough info for me to comment." We've already reached out to Obsidian - where many ex-Black Islers went when the studio shut down in 2003 - and have yet to hear back.

Update: Interplay CEO and entrepreneur Herve Caen is behind the resurrection of Black Isle, we're told. The studio's website is also registered to Interplay, per WHOIS search. It's unclear who - if anyone - from the original Black Isle staff is involved with the studio.

Update 2: Obsidian tells Joystiq that the new Black Isle, "Doesn't involve Obsidian at all." We've yet to hear back from Interplay or Herve Caen.

Update 3: Obsidian creative lead Chris Avellone says on Twitter, "I know nothing about the Black Isle Studio news announcement, doesn't involve me or Obsidian... or well, anyone that I know. ;)"

JoystiqOriginal Fallout and Planescape: Torment dev Black Isle Studios re-opens [updated] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-isleblack-isle-studiosbrian-fargochris-avelloneherve-caeninterplayobsidianobsidian-entertainmentWed, 22 Aug 2012 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[First Wasteland 2 screenshot is only the beginning of development]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/23/first-wasteland-2-screenshot-is-only-the-beginning-of-developmen/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/23/first-wasteland-2-screenshot-is-only-the-beginning-of-developmen/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/23/first-wasteland-2-screenshot-is-only-the-beginning-of-developmen/#comments 0
The screenshot above is your very first look at the Kickstarter-funded Wasteland 2, presenting some environment and character art from the game as it's being worked on. The project hit its goal of $900k easily on the nearly ubiquitous crowdfunding service, and ended up with nearly $2.9 million.

Over on the official blog, the developers say they're releasing this early shot for feedback, and that they're also almost done with the game's main site, which is where backers will be able to update their support if they'd like to do so. The props found above are largely part of Unity's own database of in-game items, customized for the Wasteland world. As the team members learn to use the Unity engine, they're hoping this is only the beginning of the way the game looks.

Presumably, they'll will have some help: Obsidian Entertainment promised to pitch in if the Kickstarter reached at least $2.1 million.

JoystiqFirst Wasteland 2 screenshot is only the beginning of development originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jul 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>developersdevelopmentfundinginxileinxile-entertainmentkickstarterobsidian-entertainmentpcscreenshotwastelandwasteland-2Mon, 23 Jul 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New South Park screens keep you guessing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/22/new-south-park-screens-keep-you-guessing/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/22/new-south-park-screens-keep-you-guessing/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/22/new-south-park-screens-keep-you-guessing/#comments These South Park: The Stick of Truth screens suspiciously look like they're from the television show of the same name. We have no choice but to believe these are screenshots from the game, which will be available on Xbox 360, PC, and PS3 on March 3, 2013.

Continue reading New South Park screens keep you guessing

JoystiqNew South Park screens keep you guessing originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 22 Jul 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftobsidianObsidian-Entertainmentpcplaystationps3south-parksouth-park-the-gamesouth-park-the-stick-of-truthTHQxboxSun, 22 Jul 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Obisidian goes obscene with South Park: The Stick of Truth]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/13/obisidian-goes-obscene-with-south-park-the-stick-of-truth/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/13/obisidian-goes-obscene-with-south-park-the-stick-of-truth/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/13/obisidian-goes-obscene-with-south-park-the-stick-of-truth/#comments Way back at the beginning of 2011, Obsidian Entertainment CEO Feargus Urquhart hinted that his company was about to work on a huge licensed title it didn't dare pass up. "It's a license that you would go, well you gotta do it," he told us at the time. "It's not a license where it's, 'Ok, we'll take that and we can do something with it.' It's more like, well that's once in a lifetime." Urquhart didn't budge at the time on what the license was, but he was visibly excited about being able to make it happen, whatever it was.

That licensed turned out to be none other than Matt Stone and Trey Parker's South Park, and the game turned out to be South Park: The Stick of Truth. It combines Obsidian's talent for grindy fantasy RPGs with Stone and Parker's warped sense of humor (and construction paper production values) to make a mix that's one of a kind.

Gallery: South Park: The Stick of Truth (E3 2012)

Continue reading Obisidian goes obscene with South Park: The Stick of Truth

JoystiqObisidian goes obscene with South Park: The Stick of Truth originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jul 2012 20:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftobsidianObsidian-Entertainmentplaystationps3sdcc-2012south-park-the-gamesouth-park-the-stick-of-truththqxboxFri, 13 Jul 2012 20:25:00 EST<![CDATA[South Park: The Game delayed to early 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/south-park-the-game-delayed-to-early-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/south-park-the-game-delayed-to-early-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/south-park-the-game-delayed-to-early-2013/#comments ImageSouth Park: The Game was originally announced with a launch in the second half of 2012, but it has been pushed to Q4 of FY2013, THQ's financial statement reveals. THQ's financial years run April through March, putting the new launch window in early 2013 territory.

Developer Obsidian Entertainment was hit with layoffs in March, with a few losses coming from the South Park: The Game development team.

JoystiqSouth Park: The Game delayed to early 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 16:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Delayfy-2012microsoftObsidian-Entertainmentpcplaystationps3south-park-the-gameTHQxboxTue, 15 May 2012 16:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Marketplace renames Obsidian's South Park as 'South Park: The Stick of Truth']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/xbox-marketplace-renames-obsidians-south-park-as-south-park-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/xbox-marketplace-renames-obsidians-south-park-as-south-park-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/xbox-marketplace-renames-obsidians-south-park-as-south-park-t/#comments ImageNot only has an Xbox Marketplace listing for Obsidian's South Park: The Game turned up with an astoundingly erroneous release date of today, but it's also revealed what appears to be the game's actual title: South Park: The Stick of Truth.

None of the other assets in the listing (screenshots, description, etc) are particularly revealing, although the box art and banner do look exceedingly legit. Obviously, none of this is official until Obsidian or THQ make some sort of announcement, which hasn't happened yet.

It might be possible that some rogue Microsoft employee, in a nefarious attempt to cause mayhem and wanton confusion, manufactured false artworks and an inaccurate Marketplace listing, but where's the motive? Was he spurned by a former lover? Did he do it for the money, for the fame? Nope, sorry, this screenplay just isn't coherent enough. Get out of my office.

JoystiqXbox Marketplace renames Obsidian's South Park as 'South Park: The Stick of Truth' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftobsidianObsidian-Entertainmentpcplaystationps3south-park-the-gamesouth-park-the-stick-of-truthTHQxboxSat, 05 May 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Irrational's Levine, BioWare's Gaider, and Obsidian's Avellone on why story matters in games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/irrationals-levine-biowares-gaiter-and-obsidians-avellone-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/irrationals-levine-biowares-gaiter-and-obsidians-avellone-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/irrationals-levine-biowares-gaiter-and-obsidians-avellone-o/#comments
I grew up reading and loving fiction. As I've aged and taken up a profession in journalism, I've erred on the side of nonfiction. And these days, most of my storytelling experiences come from film, television, and video games. But I'd be lying if I said that many of those story experiences - especially in the gaming medium - left the same impression on me as the works of Marquez or Vonnegut.

In late summer 2007, I played BioShock, and my tune began to change. Six months later, I played Mass Effect, and my stance on games as storytelling devices was altered even further. Somewhere along the line, between Jill sandwiches and lost princesses, game devs started implementing stories that I actually cared about.

Fast-forward to 2011, and the concept of games as storytelling devices is more accepted than ever. But games haven't changed - they're still mechanically driven constructs, and they still allow player agency to run all over what the game dev set out for you to experience. I found myself having conversations with Kotaku's Jason Schreier over the course of the past year about this seeming duality within games. We felt it was time for a proper discussion.

Enter: "Plot vs. Play: The Duality of Modern Game Design," the panel Schreier and I hosted at PAX East. Our idea was to gather several game developers who've tackled this duality head on, and have them discuss their individual approaches to navigating that issue. Irrational Games creative director Ken Levine, Obsidian Entertainment creative director Chris Avellone, and BioWare lead writer David Gaider were our first team of game devs to take up the challenge - something we hope to continue at future PAXes - and they did a great job.

In our rush to prepare for both the panel and that weekend's coverage plans at our respective outlets, neither Jason nor myself thought to set up a video camera to catch the event on tape. Thankfully, Mash Those Buttons captured the whole hour and put it up on YouTube, which I've dropped above.

Let us know what you think, and please suggest any devs you'd like to see play a part in future versions of "Plot vs Play." We're open to ideas!

JoystiqIrrational's Levine, BioWare's Gaider, and Obsidian's Avellone on why story matters in games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-austinchris-avellonedavid-gaiderdavid-gaiterirrationalirrational-gamesken-levineobisidianobsidian-entertainmentpax-eastpax-east-2012plot-vs-playplot-vs-play-2012plot-vs-play-the-duality-of-modern-game-designMon, 23 Apr 2012 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Obsidian will help with Wasteland 2 if Kickstarter reaches $2.1 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/obsidian-will-help-with-wasteland-2-if-kickstarter-reaches-2-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/obsidian-will-help-with-wasteland-2-if-kickstarter-reaches-2-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/obsidian-will-help-with-wasteland-2-if-kickstarter-reaches-2-1/#comments Brian Fargo's Wasteland 2 Kickstarter, having already surpassed two funding goals, has laid out a third one that will ensnare Obsidian Chief Creative Officer Chris Avellone if passed. With 17 days of funding left to go and $1.7 million already pledged, Fargo's company inXile wants to hit $2.1 million on Kickstarter, after which Avellone will agree to work directly with the design team on the project.

Fargo and Avellone's relationship goes back to the better days of publisher Interplay, where the pair worked on titles like Fallout 1 and 2, and Planescape: Torment.

"Wasteland is one of my favorite RPGs of all time, and when Brian asked if I wanted to work on the sequel, I jumped at the chance," said Avellone. "While I've worked on Fallout 2 and Fallout: New Vegas, getting the chance to work on the spiritual predecessor to the Fallout franchise is a honor."

Developer Obsidian will also lend a hand in the game's creation, providing "experience they have in the development of RPG games and tools to inXile."

Fargo stated, "Obsidian has an incredible library of story, dialog and design tools that they have used to create hits like Neverwinter Nights 2, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II, and of course, Fallout: New Vegas. Regardless of the tech we use to develop the game, experience with these tools will help us efficiently design the game without wasting time and resources on the tools needed for development."

If you're looking to support the dream, you know where to go.

Continue reading Obsidian will help with Wasteland 2 if Kickstarter reaches $2.1 million

JoystiqObsidian will help with Wasteland 2 if Kickstarter reaches $2.1 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Brian-Fargochris-avelloneinxile-entertainmentmacobsidianObsidian-Entertainmentpcwasteland-2Fri, 30 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Obsidian's XBLA title 'on hold']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/obsidian-xbla-title-on-hold/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/obsidian-xbla-title-on-hold/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/obsidian-xbla-title-on-hold/#comments Obsidian Entertainment
Obsidian Entertainment announced last year that it was working on "an original IP XBLA game," but times have changed. Targeting a launch for the first quarter of 2012, Obsidian CEO Feargus Urquhart said at the time it would be an "action RPG that's focused on fun."

Checking in with Urguhart about the project, we were told, "That project is currently on hold; we are looking at where we might want to take it."

It's been a rough news week for Obsidian, as layoffs hit the company and it came to light that the studio missed a bonus based on Fallout: New Vegas' metacritic score by one point. Obsidian is most definitely working on the South Park RPG at the moment, which will be published by the even more financially troubled publisher, THQ.

JoystiqObsidian's XBLA title 'on hold' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Feargus-UrquhartmicrosoftobsidianObsidian-EntertainmentxblaxboxFri, 16 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Obsidian missed Fallout: New Vegas Metacritic bonus by one point]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/obsidian-missed-fallout-new-vegas-metacritic-bonus-by-one-point/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/obsidian-missed-fallout-new-vegas-metacritic-bonus-by-one-point/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/obsidian-missed-fallout-new-vegas-metacritic-bonus-by-one-point/#comments Business sucks, alright? It's cold and rigid and occasionally unfair. Such is the case with Obsidian's Fallout: New Vegas contract with Bethesda, wherein the developer only received royalties if the game matched or exceeded an 85 rating on Metacritic. Leaving aside the fact that Metacritic is a woefully unbalanced aggregation of review scores from both vetted and unvetted publications, agreements like this can leave indie studios -- like Obsidian -- in the lurch should that Metacritic score just barely miss the mark.

Unfortunately for Obsidian, Fallout: New Vegas currently has a Metacritic average of 84, a single point below the average that would've earned the company royalties on its product. "[Fallout: New Vegas] was a straight payment, no royalties, only a bonus if we got an 85+ on Metacritic, which we didn't," Obsidian creative director and co-owner Chris Avellone told one Twitter user.

The Metacritic news comes just one day after we reported layoffs at the California-based developer -- layoffs that were said to be the result of a canceled next-gen project (codenamed "North Carolina") for an unnamed console. New Vegas lead producer Jason Fader's Facebook profile reflects the recent layoffs, also outing himself as former lead producer on the North Carolina project. His credentials also list an unnamed project known as "Vermont," but that could be Obsidian's upcoming South Park RPG (we've reached out for clarification).

Additionally, Kotaku reports that the North Carolina project was to be published by Microsoft, and was intended for the still unannounced Xbox 360 successor console. Our tipster tells us that the North Carolina project was "desperately needed" for the studio's continued survival, which matches reports that Obsidian CEO Feargus Urquhart "choked up" while addressing his employees about the canned project.

JoystiqObsidian missed Fallout: New Vegas Metacritic bonus by one point originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesda-softworkschris-avelloneFallout-New-Vegasmetacriticmicrosoftobsidianobsidian-entertainmentpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 15 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Obsidian hit with layoffs; South Park team affected, future next-gen title canceled]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/report-obsidian-hit-with-layoffs-south-park-team-affected-fut/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/report-obsidian-hit-with-layoffs-south-park-team-affected-fut/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/report-obsidian-hit-with-layoffs-south-park-team-affected-fut/#comments
Obsidian Entertainment reportedly experienced a round of layoffs this week, with the extent of the damage not entirely clear. The company's forums lay out an idea of the body count, with messages on Twitter filling in more details.

"Another project canceled, this time for a future next-gen project and the layoffs impacted that team, plus the existing South Park team," a tipster wrote Joystiq. "Approximately 20-30 people from all disciplines, including one person who started yesterday, as well as one who started last week."

It was around this time last year that Obsidian also let staff go. We've contacted the company for an official statement.

Update: "We are always happy to talk about our announced projects, gaming and the industry as a whole. However, it is our policy to not comment on stories regarding our staff," Obsidian CEO Feargus Urquhart informed us this afternoon.

JoystiqReport: Obsidian hit with layoffs; South Park team affected, future next-gen title canceled originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>layoffsobsidianObsidian-Entertainmentsouth-park-the-gameWed, 14 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallout: New Vegas designer makes his own unofficial mod]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/30/fallout-new-vegas-designer-makes-his-own-unofficial-mod/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/30/fallout-new-vegas-designer-makes-his-own-unofficial-mod/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/30/fallout-new-vegas-designer-makes-his-own-unofficial-mod/#comments Among the modders eagerly tinkering away at Fallout: New Vegas, arguably "correcting" what they see as deficiencies in the original design, is ... lead designer J.E. Sawyer. Sawyer has developed an optional patch for the PC version, which reduces the level cap to 35, halves XP acquisition, cuts water and food drop rates, and tweaks a bunch of other variables, all detailed on Sawyer's Formspring. You can download the mod here.

So why is this a mod instead of an official patch? "In addition to technical reasons," Sawyer said, "some of the mechanics changes make the game significantly more difficult (base health / stim changes) or at least more of a hassle (carry weight, stims having weight, H2O/SLP/FOD rate increase). I'd rather have people opt-in to those changes than make them the default in a patch." This is also something Sawyer is doing in his spare time, as nobody is officially working on New Vegas anymore.

JoystiqFallout: New Vegas designer makes his own unofficial mod originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Dec 2011 23:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bethesda-SoftworksFallout-New-VegasFallout: New Vegasje-sawyermodObsidian-EntertainmentpcFri, 30 Dec 2011 23:10:00 EST<![CDATA[South Park's fifth character class is the 'Jew']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/south-parks-fifth-character-class-is-the-jew/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/south-parks-fifth-character-class-is-the-jew/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/south-parks-fifth-character-class-is-the-jew/#comments Ask any South Park fan and they'll tell you that Eric Cartman is, uh, opinionated about the Jewish people. The fifth mystery class for Obsidian's South Park: The Game has been revealed as the Jew, joining the Paladin, Wizard, Rogue, and Adventurer classes.

It's bound to upset a few people, we imagine, but that's kinda what South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone do. To expect anything less is, at this point, silly. But be warned: selecting that class is bound to elicit a few negative comments from Cartman.

In the new game, the Jew class is described as being a hybrid between Monk and Paladin. Matt Maclean, lead designer, tells Game Informer the Jew will be "high risk, high reward" and strongest when closest to death.

JoystiqSouth Park's fifth character class is the 'Jew' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftobsidian-entertainmentpcplaystationps3south-parksouth-park-the-gamethqxboxWed, 14 Dec 2011 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Obsidian CEO shares more details on South Park: The Game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/south-park-reached-out-directly-and-more-revealed-by-obsidian-ce/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/south-park-reached-out-directly-and-more-revealed-by-obsidian-ce/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/south-park-reached-out-directly-and-more-revealed-by-obsidian-ce/#comments We're still in the aftershock period of the South Park: The Game announcement, so let's run down what we know again. Firstly, it's a RPG coming to major platforms, and we'll be playing as the new kid in school. Game Informer's video interview with Obsidian CEO Feargus Urquhart now tells us a bit about the behind-the-scenes stuff that lead up to it all.

Of the difficulties his studio faced, the first was trying to create a game both true to its roots and enjoyable to fans of the show. During Obsidian's first meeting with show creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker, the developer tried to really nail the look -- the exterior and interior of Stan's house was created, complete with his dad Randy playing Guitar Hero in his underwear. You know, from that episode.

After getting the look down, the next hurdle was making it "a big epic game," Urquhart said in the video interview, which you can see by clicking through the source link below. We'll all find out if Obsidian succeeded come next year.

JoystiqObsidian CEO shares more details on South Park: The Game originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftobsidianObsidian-Entertainmentpcplaystationps3south-park-studiossouth-park-the-gamexboxMon, 05 Dec 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Obsidian heading on up to South Park for PS3/Xbox 360 RPG [update: PC too!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/obsidian-heading-on-up-to-south-park-for-ps3-xbox-360-rpg/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/obsidian-heading-on-up-to-south-park-for-ps3-xbox-360-rpg/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/obsidian-heading-on-up-to-south-park-for-ps3-xbox-360-rpg/#comments Yes, beyond the XBLA-exclusive South Park: Tenorman's Revenge game on the horizon, it appears that another South Park title is in development. Fallout: New Vegas dev Obsidian is apparently working with publisher THQ to craft "South Park: The Game," an RPG set in the world of South Park. We're already imagining Cheesy Poofs buffs and plundering the depths of Casa Bonita's mysterious caverns.

According to Game Informer, who has the exclusive cover debut of the title, South Park will arrive some time in 2012. As per usual with these cover reveals, you'll find out much more in next month's issue of GI, which hits subscribers in the coming week.

Update: According to a press release from THQ, the game is also expected on PC, and should arrive in the "second half of 2012."

JoystiqObsidian heading on up to South Park for PS3/Xbox 360 RPG [update: PC too!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftobsidianobsidian-entertainmentplaystationps3south-parksouth-park-the-gamethqxboxThu, 01 Dec 2011 12:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallout: New Vegas Ultimate Edition announced for 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/fallout-new-vegas-ultimate-edition-announced-for-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/fallout-new-vegas-ultimate-edition-announced-for-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/fallout-new-vegas-ultimate-edition-announced-for-2012/#comments Next year, the Fallout: New Vegas Ultimate Edition will wander into stores across North America and Europe on February 7 and 10, respectively. The Ultimate Edition includes all the previously released DLC packs: Dead Money, Honest Hearts, Old World Blues, Lonesome Road, Courier's Stash and Gun Runners' Arsenal. The buy-in for the Mohave Wasteland bundle bonanza will be $49.99 for the Xbox 360 and PS3, and $39.99 for PC.

Fallout: New Vegas Ultimate Edition follows in the footsteps of the DLC-heavy Fallout 3. If you never got around to walking through the Capital Wasteland, the Fallout 3 Game of the Year Edition, which easily includes 100 hours of content, is going for $30 (or less) these days.

JoystiqFallout: New Vegas Ultimate Edition announced for 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bethesda-SoftworksFallout-New-VegasmicrosoftObsidianObsidian-Entertainmentpcplaystationps3release-datexboxThu, 03 Nov 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Fallout: New Vegas former pre-order, new items DLC available today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/psa-fallout-new-vegas-former-pre-order-new-items-dlc-availabl/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/psa-fallout-new-vegas-former-pre-order-new-items-dlc-availabl/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/psa-fallout-new-vegas-former-pre-order-new-items-dlc-availabl/#comments New adventures for the Courier may have concluded with "Lonesome Road," but a wandering instrument of vengeance can always use more toys. New Vegas DLC packs "Courier's Stash" and "Gun Runners' Arsenal" are available today for Xbox 360 and PS3.

The Courier's Stash is a bundle of four pre-order bonuses that will set Mojave wanderers back $1.99 (160 MSP). The Gun Runners' Arsenal, available for $3.99 (320 MSP), adds new weapon mods, ammo types and recipes. Bugs that will erase your save files are, of course, still free.

Gallery: Fallout: New Vegas (Gun Runner's Arsenal)

JoystiqPSA: Fallout: New Vegas former pre-order, new items DLC available today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BethesdaBethesda-SoftworksFallout-New-VegasmicrosoftObsidianObsidian-Entertainmentplaystationps3xboxTue, 27 Sep 2011 13:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallout: New Vegas walks 'Lonesome Road' trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/fallout-new-vegas-walks-lonesome-road-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/fallout-new-vegas-walks-lonesome-road-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/fallout-new-vegas-walks-lonesome-road-trailer/#comments
Fallout: New Vegas' final (announced) DLC pack concerns the guy that never came to work -- causing The Courier to take a bullet to the head and kicking off the game's quest for answers and vengeance. The "Lonesome Road" can be traversed as of September 20.

Continue reading Fallout: New Vegas walks 'Lonesome Road' trailer

JoystiqFallout: New Vegas walks 'Lonesome Road' trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fallout-New-VegasmicrosoftObsidian-Entertainmentpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 14 Sep 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dungeon Siege 3: Treasures of the Sun DLC due in October]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/dungeon-siege-3-treasures-of-the-sun-dlc-due-in-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/dungeon-siege-3-treasures-of-the-sun-dlc-due-in-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/dungeon-siege-3-treasures-of-the-sun-dlc-due-in-october/#comments Dropping shiny new loot right there in the title, "Treasures of the Sun" hopes to entice you into another quest and a new story arc for Dungeon Siege 3. It will be available for $9.99 on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC this October.

Your quest for the star's trinkets takes you into the Aranoi desert and into an abandoned abbey, where you'll benefit from a couple of game-wide enhancements. The level cap is raised from 30 to 35 (giving you ample excuse to destroy the expansion's new monsters), talent and proficiency points may be reallocated, and a new enchanting system lets you beef up weapons and armor.

Combine those offerings with some additional offensive and healing abilities, and it sounds like the party's well prepared to find all the sun's gifts -- save for the one that you peel off a week later.

Gallery: Dungeon Siege 3 (Treasures of the Sun)

Continue reading Dungeon Siege 3: Treasures of the Sun DLC due in October

JoystiqDungeon Siege 3: Treasures of the Sun DLC due in October originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcdungeon-siege-3microsoftObsidian-Entertainmentpcplaystationps3release-datesquare-enixtreasures-of-the-sunxboxThu, 01 Sep 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallout: New Vegas' Lonesome Road DLC dated Sept. 20, new DLC packs announced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/25/fallout-new-vegas-lonesome-road-dlc-dated-sept-20-new-dlc-pa/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/25/fallout-new-vegas-lonesome-road-dlc-dated-sept-20-new-dlc-pa/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/25/fallout-new-vegas-lonesome-road-dlc-dated-sept-20-new-dlc-pa/#comments The Courier's adventures in the Mojave Wasteland are coming to an end, with the last of Fallout: New Vegas' announced DLC expansions, "Lonesome Road," arriving on September 20. It was delayed beyond July and then, "due to circumstances beyond [Bethesda's] control," missed another scheduled pick-up in August.

Bethesda has also announced two smaller DLC packs for New Vegas, entitled "Courier's Stash" and "Gun Runners' Arsenal." The Courier's Stash includes the four content bundles previously available as pre-order bonuses, while The Gun Runners' Arsenal adds weapon mods, ammo types and recipes. Courier's Stash and Gun Runners' Arsenal will cost $1.99 (160 MSP) and $3.99 (320 MSP), respectively.

[Thanks, Nathan.]

Gallery: Fallout: New Vegas (Gun Runner's Arsenal)

JoystiqFallout: New Vegas' Lonesome Road DLC dated Sept. 20, new DLC packs announced originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Aug 2011 11:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bethesda-SoftworksdlcFallout-New-VegasmicrosoftobsidianObsidian-Entertainmentpcplaystationps3release-datexboxThu, 25 Aug 2011 11:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallout: New Vegas' 'Lonesome Road' DLC delayed, launching 'as quickly as possible']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/fallout-new-vegas-lonesome-road-dlc-delayed-launching-as-q/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/fallout-new-vegas-lonesome-road-dlc-delayed-launching-as-q/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/fallout-new-vegas-lonesome-road-dlc-delayed-launching-as-q/#comments Back in May, Fallout: New Vegas publisher Bethesda Softworks announced a trio of DLC packs for its post-apocalyptic wasteland wanderer: "Honest Hearts," which arrived in May; "Old World Blues," which arrived in July; and "Lonesome Road," which was also planned for a July launch.

"We just wanted to drop in here and let you know that due to circumstances beyond our control, Lonesome Road won't be out this month," senior producer Jason Bergman explained in a Bethesda.com forum post. "We don't have an exact date yet, but we're working to get it out as quickly as possible. We'll be announcing the final date, along with a couple of other interesting FNV-related items in the near future," he added without specifying a new launch window for the third DLC pack.

As a peace offering, Bethesda showed off the first image of Lonesome Road, seen above. If that's what taking the high road gets you, how bad must the other one be?

JoystiqFallout: New Vegas' 'Lonesome Road' DLC delayed, launching 'as quickly as possible' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-softworksdelaydlcdownloadable-contentFallout-New-Vegasjason-bergmanlonesome-roadmicrosoftobsidianobsidian-entertainmentpcplaystationps3release-datethe-lonesome-roadxboxWed, 10 Aug 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallout New Vegas: Old World Blues trailer is a big ol' pile of crazy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/fallout-new-vegas-old-world-blues-trailer-is-a-big-ol-pile-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/fallout-new-vegas-old-world-blues-trailer-is-a-big-ol-pile-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/fallout-new-vegas-old-world-blues-trailer-is-a-big-ol-pile-of/#comments We're pretty sure that if, before sundown, dogs learned to talk and fountains of chocolate fondant began springing from the ground, the Fallout New Vegas: Old World Blues DLC trailer posted above would still be the craziest thing we've seen today.

JoystiqFallout New Vegas: Old World Blues trailer is a big ol' pile of crazy originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jul 2011 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bethesda-Softworksdlcdownloadable-contentFallout-New-VegasmicrosoftObsidian-Entertainmentold-world-bluespcplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnxblmxboxxbox-live-marketplaceMon, 11 Jul 2011 19:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Dungeon Siege 3 pre-order DLC inadvertently revealed in Steam files]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/rumor-dungeon-siege-3-pre-order-dlc-inadvertently-revealed-in-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/rumor-dungeon-siege-3-pre-order-dlc-inadvertently-revealed-in-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/rumor-dungeon-siege-3-pre-order-dlc-inadvertently-revealed-in-s/#comments Stick with us on this one, because it's going to get technical. An unofficial program called Steam ClientRegistry Toolkit -- a tool that acts a lot like Windows Registry Editor -- allows users to poke around in Steam's gutty works. Within that group of files Steam calls a being, there is a ClientRegistry.blob file. Accessing that file and its Content Description Record option within the .blob file should produce the above image.

Notice anything? How about all of that Dungeon Siege 3 DLC? It was discovered by the fine folks over at RPGSite, though they were admittedly looking for something else: Final Fantasy VII and VIII. Apparently both of those games are on the Steam servers, but unable to be purchased. This Content Description Record is updated alongside Steam and reportedly lists everything on Valve's servers.

All of the listed DLC were pre-order bonuses: Burning Band of Scorch and Talisman of the Grand Mage were GameStop exclusives; Bite of the Arakun was an Amazon exclusive; Sacred Heart of the Legion was a Best Buy exclusive; Dell offered the Annulus of Force, and AAFES offered the Medallion of St. Elys. It would appear all of this DLC will be offered at some point on Steam.

JoystiqRumor: Dungeon Siege 3 pre-order DLC inadvertently revealed in Steam files originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcdungeon-siege-3Obsidian-Entertainmentpcpre-ordersquare-enixsteamvalveThu, 23 Jun 2011 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Obsidian plans Dungeon Siege 3 update with better PC controls]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/obsidian-plans-dungeon-siege-3-update-with-better-pc-controls/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/obsidian-plans-dungeon-siege-3-update-with-better-pc-controls/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/obsidian-plans-dungeon-siege-3-update-with-better-pc-controls/#comments Players of the PC version of Dungeon Siege 3 were disappointed with the keyboard-and-mouse controls used in the game, generally deciding that using an Xbox 360 controller was the way to go. If you're one of those folks, lead designer Nathaniel Chapman says there's good news: Obsidian plans to release an update that will improve the traditional PC controls. According to Chapman, better PC controls for the game is "one thing I would have liked to have spent more time on, and we are actually spending time on now."

Chapman also hinted that Obsidian would like to have made "a more fleshed out tutorial system" and "more unique armor variants" for the game's four playable characters. But those will have to wait for future versions of the game: "It's always good sequel or DLC material," he said.

JoystiqObsidian plans Dungeon Siege 3 update with better PC controls originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controllercontrolsdungeon-siegedungeon-siege-3keyboardmousenathaniel-chapmanobsidian-entertainmentpatchpcsequelupdateThu, 23 Jun 2011 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dungeon Siege 3 review: An Id's paradise]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/dungeon-siege-3-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/dungeon-siege-3-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/dungeon-siege-3-review/#comments Freud tells us that humans cannot escape their id. At our most basic level, we desire nothing more than to satisfy our drive for pleasure. The id has no morals, it simply wants what it wants with no regard for the implications of the actions that could result. Whether that pleasure is derived through the gain of material goods or through schadenfreude (that's German for laughing when your buddy slams into a pole), all it wants to be satisfied.

Action RPGs exist for this very reason: They're engineered to satisfy your id. You slash and slice your way through thousands of enemies on your way to the loot at the end of the tunnel. You're overly powerful, unable to be taken down by armies of soldiers, spiders, or demons. You fulfill all sorts of power fantasies this way, and only fulfill more and more as your characters level up. So, really, Dungeon Siege 3's measure of success is whether or not it is capable of pleasing your id.

So, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to go ahead and ask my id how it enjoyed the dozen or so hours it spent in the Kingdom of Ehb. He's prone to mood swings and occasionally contradictory opinions, so hang with me.

Gallery: Dungeon Siege 3 (E3 2011)

Continue reading Dungeon Siege 3 review: An Id's paradise

JoystiqDungeon Siege 3 review: An Id's paradise originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Jun 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dungeon-siege-3microsoftobsidian-entertainmentpcplaystationps3rpgsquare-enixxboxTue, 21 Jun 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Co-op Dungeon Siege 3 demo hacks up XBLM]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/psa-co-op-dungeon-siege-3-demo-hacks-up-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/psa-co-op-dungeon-siege-3-demo-hacks-up-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/psa-co-op-dungeon-siege-3-demo-hacks-up-xblm/#comments A Dungeon Siege 3 demo is now available on Xbox Live Marketplace. The demo offers up a slice of the game's hacking and slashing and, as an added bonus, also features online and local co-op. That's a good thing because, let's face it, loot is more fun when it's being stolen from a friend.

Continue reading PSA: Co-op Dungeon Siege 3 demo hacks up XBLM

JoystiqPSA: Co-op Dungeon Siege 3 demo hacks up XBLM originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 May 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demodungeon-siege-3microsoftObsidian-Entertainmentsquare-enixxblmxboxxbox-liveTue, 31 May 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Surprise! Fallout: New Vegas 'Honest Hearts' DLC won't work with certain save files]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/19/surprise-fallout-new-vegas-honest-hearts-dlc-wont-work-with/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/19/surprise-fallout-new-vegas-honest-hearts-dlc-wont-work-with/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/19/surprise-fallout-new-vegas-honest-hearts-dlc-wont-work-with/#comments Admittedly, it'd be more so "news" if a Fallout update actually worked out of the gate ... But here we are, again, with this week's stuttering launch of the "Honest Hearts" add-on for New Vegas. The issue appears to be connected to the bug laden "ED-E, My Love" side quest, according to a comment left by a Bethesda representative on the company's blog post announcing the DLC's release on Xbox Live and Steam this week.

While Bethesda says it's working on a fix, there is a catch: "If you already have a save game where the bug is occurring, the fix will not apply and you'll need to revert to an earlier save prior to ED-E leaving in order to play through Honest Hearts." We've contacted the company to find out if this issue affects all platforms and for an ETA on the patch.

New Vegas developer Obsidian has taken its share of criticism for the game's continued bugginess, insisting that it's improved its internal QA process for Dungeon Siege 3, the studio's next release. However, it's only fair to note that the Bethesda-developed Fallout 3 also had notoriously buggy DLC releases -- hopefully things will go smoother with Skyrim, which is built on a new game engine.

JoystiqSurprise! Fallout: New Vegas 'Honest Hearts' DLC won't work with certain save files originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 May 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BethesdaBethesda-SoftworksFallout-New-VegasmicrosoftObsidianObsidian-EntertainmentpatchpcsteamxblaxboxThu, 19 May 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallout New Vegas: Honest Hearts DLC out now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/fallout-new-vegas-honest-hearts-dlc-out-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/fallout-new-vegas-honest-hearts-dlc-out-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/fallout-new-vegas-honest-hearts-dlc-out-now/#comments Honest Hearts, the first of three recently announced Fallout: New Vegas DLC packs, is available now on Xbox 360 and PC for 800 Microsoft Points and $9.99, respectively. It will be available on PSN as soon as the service has a regular store update.

Honest Hearts finds the courier traveling to Utah's Zion National Park and becoming embroiled in a war between a mysterious figure, known as the Burned Man, and missionaries that oppose him. Yeah, yeah, we're sure your idelogical issues are important and all, but the courier has to get back to New Vegas and pray at the alter of a Caravan table.

Gallery: Fallout: New Vegas (Honest Hearts DLC)

Continue reading Fallout New Vegas: Honest Hearts DLC out now

JoystiqFallout New Vegas: Honest Hearts DLC out now originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 May 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-SoftworksdlcFallout-New-Vegashonest-heartsmicrosoftObsidianObsidian-Entertainmentpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 17 May 2011 10:30:00 EST