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[C-Wars Kickstarter ends with over $95K raised, heading to Wii U, iOS and Vita]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/c-wars-kickstarter-ends-with-over-95k-raised-heading-to-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/c-wars-kickstarter-ends-with-over-95k-raised-heading-to-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/c-wars-kickstarter-ends-with-over-95k-raised-heading-to-wii-u/#comments C-Wars, the cyberpunk roguelike RTS by Beijing developer OniPunks Studio, raised a total of $95,574 in its Kickstarter campaign, which ended Saturday. That's $63,574 more than its initial $32,000 goal, just under 300 percent of its funding aspirations thanks to 3,348 backers.

The campaign hit a number of stretch goals along the way, which will result in the PC, Mac, Linux and Android game also coming to 3DS, Vita, Wii U and iOS. C-Wars is estimated to launch in late 2013.

JoystiqC-Wars Kickstarter ends with over $95K raised, heading to Wii U, iOS and Vita originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 12 May 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsandroidc-warsCyberpunkiosipadiphonekickstarterLinuxmacmobilenintendoonipunksonipunks-studiopcplaystationplaystation-vitaroguelikeRTSvitawii-uSun, 12 May 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cyberpunk roguelike real-time strategy game C-Wars hits Kickstarter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/14/cyberpunk-roguelike-real-time-strategy-game-c-wars-hits-kickstar/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/14/cyberpunk-roguelike-real-time-strategy-game-c-wars-hits-kickstar/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/14/cyberpunk-roguelike-real-time-strategy-game-c-wars-hits-kickstar/#comments
Chinese indie developer Onipunks Studio kicked off its Kickstarter campaign for C-Wars last week. C-Wars is a roguelike real-time strategy and tower defense-styled game that is currently in its alpha stage of development. The game has players investigating infected areas of a post-apocalyptic world, taking on enemies in Mega Man Battle Network-style RTS combat along the way. The game's site notes that battles are much faster paced with non-stop action being a focal point, as seen in the developer's Kickstarter video above.

Onipunks is offering a free demo of the alpha build of the game on its website. C-Wars is currently sitting at $19,943 in funding, and is seeking $32,000 by May 11 to complete its Kickstarter campaign. The game is coming to PC, Mac, Linux and Android tablets in fall 2013, with the developer considering Wii U and 3DS support, providing enough money is pledged to make that happen.

JoystiqCyberpunk roguelike real-time strategy game C-Wars hits Kickstarter originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 Apr 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidc-warskickstarterLinuxmacmega-man-battle-networkmobileonipunksonipunks-studiopcroguelikertstower-defenseSun, 14 Apr 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cannon Brawl devs release alpha build for free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/cannon-brawl-devs-release-alpha-build-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/cannon-brawl-devs-release-alpha-build-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/cannon-brawl-devs-release-alpha-build-for-free/#comments Cannon Brawl devs release an alpha build for freeCannon Brawl is dropping off an alpha version, available to download and play for free on PC. The game is a 2D mix of multiplayer action and real-time strategy, in which you control a little zeppelin that can build structures and fire cannons.

Unfortunately, this is an early version of the game, so it likely has plenty of bugs, performance issues, and other compatibility problems. But the devs want to get the game in your hands, so if you're in the forgiving mood you can download it starting now.

Cannon Brawl has also appeared on Steam Greenlight, and is aiming for the Xbox sometime in the future.

JoystiqCannon Brawl devs release alpha build for free originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Feb 2013 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionalphabrawlcannoncannon-brawldemodownloadpaxpax-10pcreleasertsturtle-sandbox-gamesWed, 13 Feb 2013 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Galcon 2: Galactic Conquest hits Kickstarter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/09/galcon-2-galactic-conquest-hits-kickstarter/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/09/galcon-2-galactic-conquest-hits-kickstarter/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/09/galcon-2-galactic-conquest-hits-kickstarter/#comments
The sequel to space-themed RTS Galcon recently landed on Kickstarter. The series' creator Phil Hassey first made Galcon in 1995, and continued improving and re-releasing the game over the years with standout versions available on iOS and Android.

Hassey recently took to Kickstarter to fund development on the game's true sequel, Galcon 2: Galactic Conquest. The sequel would include expanded modes, an auto-match feature for online play, a trophy system and clan support. Hassey's goal is to launch the free-to-play game on PC, Mac and Linux, with plans to port it to iOS and high-end Android devices. The Kickstarter project is seeking $23,099 by January 7.

JoystiqGalcon 2: Galactic Conquest hits Kickstarter originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 09 Dec 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidfree-to-playgalcongalcon-2galcon-2-galactic-conquestiosipadiphonekickstarterLinuxmacmobilepcphil-hasseyRTSSun, 09 Dec 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cannon Brawl brings 2D RTS to the PAX 10]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/cannon-brawl-brings-2d-rts-to-the-pax-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/cannon-brawl-brings-2d-rts-to-the-pax-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/cannon-brawl-brings-2d-rts-to-the-pax-10/#comments Cannon brawlThe PAX 10 picked some excellent titles to show off right outside of PAX's Indie Megabooth in Seattle last weekend. Of the indie games on display, a 2D real-time strategy game called Cannon Brawl was my favorite. Cannon Brawl (formerly called Dstroyd) is the product of four developers calling themselves Turtle Sandbox Games, and was a winner of the Activision Independent Games Competition last year, picking up $175,000 and a chance to be published with Activision.

The game looks very different from the last time we saw it - the graphics are much cleaner, the interface is simple and well-designed, and while the gameplay is fast and complicated Cannon Brawl does a great job of mixing quick moves with solid and interesting strategical choices. The game's not done yet, but it's coming together very well. Odds are that we'll be seeing this game a lot more in the future.

Continue reading Cannon Brawl brings 2D RTS to the PAX 10

JoystiqCannon Brawl brings 2D RTS to the PAX 10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2dcannon-brawlindiemicrosoftpax-10pax-2012pax-prime-2012pcrtsturtle-sandboxturtle-sandbox-gamesxboxThu, 06 Sep 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Planetary Annihilation hits Kickstarter target, nears $1m]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/30/planetary-annihilation-hits-kickstarter-target-nears-1m/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/30/planetary-annihilation-hits-kickstarter-target-nears-1m/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/30/planetary-annihilation-hits-kickstarter-target-nears-1m/#comments Planetary Annihilation hits Kickstarter target, nears $1mLike one of its own asteroids, Uber Entertainment's Planetary Annihilation has smashed through its $900,000 goal on Kickstarter - with 15 days to go. The space-faring RTS still has a number of stretch goals to hit, the first of which is $1.1 million which will fund water planets and naval units. At $1.3 million, Planetary Annihilation gets gas giants and enhanced orbital units.

The remaining goals have yet to be revealed. We're still holding out for Jell-O planets.

JoystiqPlanetary Annihilation hits Kickstarter target, nears $1m originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Aug 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kickstartermacpcplanetary-annihilationrtsuber-entertainmentThu, 30 Aug 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Planetary Annihilation, a new RTS Uber wants to get Kickstarted]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/15/planetary-annihilation-a-new-rts-uber-wants-to-get-kickstarted/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/15/planetary-annihilation-a-new-rts-uber-wants-to-get-kickstarted/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/15/planetary-annihilation-a-new-rts-uber-wants-to-get-kickstarted/#comments Super Monday Night Combat guys are Kickstarting an RTS
Super Monday Night Combat developer Uber Entertainment is looking to branch out from its free-to-play MOBA game and create a real-time strategy title called Planetary Annihilation. Of course Uber is using Kickstarter to finance the $900,000 cost of the game, but they're also taking donations directly through its Planetary Annihilation website.

Planetary Annihilation aims to do just that: present "Total Annihilation-inspired gameplay on a planetary scale." Players will wage galactic war and conquer entire solar systems, or games can be scaled back to take place on a single planet. Like other RTS games, Planetary Annihilation will allow players to create their own maps - in this case, their own planets and systems - which players will be able to publish and share to the community.

Multiplayer skirmishes can have anywhere between two and 40 participants. And to handle the load of these intense skirmishes, Planetary Annihilation will employ a client-server model to handle the lion's share of work running multiplayer matches, so that real-time multiplayer won't be bogged down by those with lesser-quality rigs.

JoystiqPlanetary Annihilation, a new RTS Uber wants to get Kickstarted originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Aug 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kickstartermacpcplanetary-annihilationreal-time-strategyrtsuberuber-entertainmentWed, 15 Aug 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Company of Heroes 2 wants to remind you of World War 2's Russian casualties]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/29/company-of-heroes-2-wants-to-remind-you-of-world-war-2s-russian/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/29/company-of-heroes-2-wants-to-remind-you-of-world-war-2s-russian/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/29/company-of-heroes-2-wants-to-remind-you-of-world-war-2s-russian/#comments Company of Heroes 2 wants to remind you that at least 11 million Russians died in World War 2
War is hell, and it never changes, as we've been repeatedly told by video games. Company of Heroes 2, however, isn't about a fictional future proxy war or some such - it's about the Russian front during World War 2. It's about firing on your own soldiers who were terrified enough to retreat. It's about being handed ammo without a gun because there isn't enough money to afford the luxury of both guns and ammunition, and being told to grab a gun from one of your fallen comrades when you get a chance.

In case it weren't clear, the trailer above for Company of Heroes 2 attempts to elucidate that reality - a reality you'll be carefully navigating come next year when the game launches on PC.

Gallery: Company of Heroes 2 (6/28/12)

JoystiqCompany of Heroes 2 wants to remind you of World War 2's Russian casualties originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Jun 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>company-of-heroes-2pcreal-time-strategyrelicrelic-entertaimentrtsthqtrailerFri, 29 Jun 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[End of Nations E3 trailer gets play-by-play treatment]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/03/end-of-nations-e3-trailer-gets-play-by-play-treatment/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/03/end-of-nations-e3-trailer-gets-play-by-play-treatment/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/03/end-of-nations-e3-trailer-gets-play-by-play-treatment/#comments
Trion's MMO real-time strategy game End of Nations got a new E3 trailer loaded with in-game battles and voice-over commentary. The free-to-play game will go through a "PvP preview" period this summer, and is slated to launch this fall.

JoystiqEnd of Nations E3 trailer gets play-by-play treatment originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 03 Jun 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2012end-of-nationsmmortspcReal-Time-StrategyRTStrionSun, 03 Jun 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dungeon Defenders shifts into an RTS with Summoner hero class]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/dungeon-defenders-shifts-into-an-rts-with-summoner-hero-class/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/dungeon-defenders-shifts-into-an-rts-with-summoner-hero-class/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/dungeon-defenders-shifts-into-an-rts-with-summoner-hero-class/#comments
Image

Dungeon Defenders has expanded its perspective on PC and Mac gameplay (and probably life and love and stuff) with the new Summoner character, who can conduct battle from on high as if in an RTS. Overlord Mode allows the Summoner to supervise entire armies from a top-down perspective, altering the game entirely.

Along with omniscient battle control, the Summoner gets two pets, can levitate for 15 seconds, build an army from sentient crystal and basically wreak havoc on the battlefield, as the above video shows. The Summoner DLC pack is available via Steam for $4.

Gallery: Dungeon Defenders (Summoner Hero Class)

JoystiqDungeon Defenders shifts into an RTS with Summoner hero class originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCdungeon-defendershero-classmacpcreverb-publishingRTSsummonerTop-downtrendy-entertainmentThu, 24 May 2012 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[End of Nations nears launch, open beta coming soon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/end-of-nations-nears-launch-open-beta-coming-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/end-of-nations-nears-launch-open-beta-coming-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/end-of-nations-nears-launch-open-beta-coming-soon/#comments Last time we saw End of Nations, Trion's massively multiplayer real-time strategy followup to its popular Rift, the core gameplay hearkened back to developer Petroglyph's old home of Westwood Studios and its Command & Conquer games. Yes, this is an RTS game focused more on map control and exploration than base-building, but the goal was still to move a group of units around a top-down map, something that RTS players know plenty about.

Now, however, Trion is much farther along in the game's development, so much so that it's readying for a closed beta in just a few weeks. And as Game Director Dave Luehmann unveils a much more polished build of his company's upcoming free-to-play strategy title, another interesting influence emerges: Riot Games' League of Legends.

Gallery: End of Nations (2/28/2012)

Continue reading End of Nations nears launch, open beta coming soon

JoystiqEnd of Nations nears launch, open beta coming soon originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balanceend-of-nationsmmortspcreal-time-strategyrtstrionunitsWed, 29 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The RPG/RTS that Irrational never made: 'Dungeon Duel']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/23/the-rpg-rts-that-irrational-never-made-dungeon-duel/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/23/the-rpg-rts-that-irrational-never-made-dungeon-duel/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/23/the-rpg-rts-that-irrational-never-made-dungeon-duel/#comments Back in 2002, the folks leading up development of next year's highly anticipated, high-flying FPS, BioShock Infinite, were hard at work on a game that never made it off the ground. It was a role-playing game crossed with a real-time strategy title, and it was aimed at consoles. As revealed on the Irrational Games blog, the game was known as "Dungeon Duel" never got past the concept stage.

The gameplay seems to be a mix of dungeon crawl and card-based strategy, with cards representing actual monsters and spells rather than operating on a numbers level. Combat was described as both "fast-paced" and "real-time," though the design doc fails to go into too much detail -- it's an early pitch, after all. A handful of concept art shots and in-game artwork were also made available, which you can see over on the Irrational blog.

JoystiqThe RPG/RTS that Irrational never made: 'Dungeon Duel' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamescanceledcancelleddungeon-duelirrationalirrational-gamesrpgrtsFri, 23 Sep 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[A Game of Thrones - Genesis fights dirty on September 29]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/a-game-of-thrones-genesis-fights-dirty-on-september-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/a-game-of-thrones-genesis-fights-dirty-on-september-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/a-game-of-thrones-genesis-fights-dirty-on-september-29/#comments If you've been left unsatisfied by all the honorable, upstanding strategy games that have come out over the past year, you should brace yourself for a healthy dose of deception later this month. Focus Home Interactive has announced that Cyanide Studios' first adaptation of George R.R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire series, A Game of Thrones - Genesis, will arrive on store shelves of the tangible and digital varieties on September 29.

If you haven't already consumed every single page of the aforementioned series of novels, you don't really have enough time to do so before the game comes out. Maybe you could watch the TV series! It's like a novel that bunch of famous people read for you.

Continue reading A Game of Thrones - Genesis fights dirty on September 29

JoystiqA Game of Thrones - Genesis fights dirty on September 29 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Sep 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>A-Game-of-Thrones-Genesiscyanide-studiosfocus-home-interactivepcrelease-datertsstrategyWed, 07 Sep 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Achron manipulates real-time strategies in new launch trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/28/achron-manipulates-real-time-strategies-in-new-launch-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/28/achron-manipulates-real-time-strategies-in-new-launch-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/28/achron-manipulates-real-time-strategies-in-new-launch-trailer/#comments
Some of the best science fiction and fantasy stories contain elements of time manipulation -- Doctor Who, Braid, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Harry Potter, Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure -- and Hazardous Software's new time-travel RTS, Achron, is poised to join this prestigious group. Achron releases tomorrow on Steam and at the game's official site, and this most recent launch trailer breaks down the intricacies of using time to defend your base. Hint: Use it; don't abuse it.

JoystiqAchron manipulates real-time strategies in new launch trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 28 Aug 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achronHazardous-SoftwarepcRTSSTEAMTime-travelSun, 28 Aug 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Empires Online review: Casual conquest]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/age-of-empires-online-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/age-of-empires-online-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/age-of-empires-online-review/#comments In reading online discussions surrounding Age of Empires Online, you'd think that the developers had taken to traveling the country with the express intent of running over kittens.

Clearly, players have taken issue with this latest in the Ensemble-created historical strategy franchise, which layers the series' core formula beneath a highly stylized coat of paint and free-to-play business model. However, much of the mechanics that made Age of Empires a household name remain, though now alongside new features designed explicitly to both ease new players into the experience as well as capture the attention of the coveted MMO crowd.

Gallery: Age of Empires Online (5/31/11)

Continue reading Age of Empires Online review: Casual conquest

JoystiqAge of Empires Online review: Casual conquest originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-empiresAge-of-Empires-OnlineGas-Powered-Gamesmicrosoftpcrobot-entertainmentrtsstrategyTue, 16 Aug 2011 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Indie time travel RTS Achron enters our timeline August 29]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/indie-time-travel-rts-achron-enters-our-timeline-august-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/indie-time-travel-rts-achron-enters-our-timeline-august-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/indie-time-travel-rts-achron-enters-our-timeline-august-29/#comments
We still don't understand how the time-shifting RTS game Achron works -- the concepts of rewinding, summoning reinforcements for things that haven't happened yet, and whatever other kind of chrono-frippery Hazardous Software has put into the game are well, well over our heads.

The best way to understand Achron, we suspect, is to play it, which you'll be able to do starting August 29. Hazardous sent Joystiq a note letting us know the new date -- a note we suspect arrived from a future in which the game is already out, hence the certainty of the date.

If you'd like to travel into the future yourself, you can pre-order the game for $29.95 and hop into the beta.

JoystiqIndie time travel RTS Achron enters our timeline August 29 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Aug 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achronhazardous-softwareindieq3-2011release-datertsMon, 08 Aug 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Black Rock's final game was a freemium DOTA-style RTS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/report-black-rocks-final-game-was-a-freemium-dota-style-rts/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/report-black-rocks-final-game-was-a-freemium-dota-style-rts/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/report-black-rocks-final-game-was-a-freemium-dota-style-rts/#comments "Champions Alliance" was allegedly the title of the last project the soon-to-be shuttered Black Rock Studios was working on, according to a Eurogamer report. The game was allegedly a DOTA-style RTS, starring teenagers flung into an alternate dimension (okay ...). The project was said to be quite far along, with pre-production wrapping and a free-to-play business model set in place before Disney made its decision to close the dev house.

"The game was intended to be released quite quickly, in beta anyway, in about six months or so," an anonymous source tells Eurogamer. "The idea was that you had to do PVP and PVE to gain XP to somehow escape." According to the source, "Disney seemed unable to work out what to do with the studio and didn't trust us to do anything other than racing, really."

Since Disney is prepared to close the studio now, we wouldn't be surprised if footage of the unannounced project starts popping up in the near future.

JoystiqReport: Black Rock's final game was a freemium DOTA-style RTS originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-rockblack-rock-studioschampions-alliancedisneydisney-interactivedisney-interactive-studiosfree-to-playmacpcreportrtsFri, 01 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dawn of War 3 further detailed by THQ's Danny Bilson]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/dawn-of-war-3-further-detailed-by-thqs-danny-bilson/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/dawn-of-war-3-further-detailed-by-thqs-danny-bilson/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/dawn-of-war-3-further-detailed-by-thqs-danny-bilson/#comments THQ executive vice president Danny Bilson is known for his many things -- his gorgeous shock of graphite hair, his devil-may-care attitude, a movie star daughter. But in the game industry, he's best known for speaking loosely and passionately about his company's yet-to-be-revealed projects. A recent interview with Eurogamer is no exception, with Bilson offering a small brigade of details on Dawn of War 3.

Bilson says that the sequel to 2009's Dawn of War 2 is in development "right now," and is a mix of new elements with features from the first two titles. He also admitted that his company will be making a game announcement at GamesCom in the PC gamer-friendly country of Germany, which we're taking a wild guess is the official reveal of DoW3. We'll be on the ground in Cologne this August to bring you more details.

[Pictured: Dawn of War 2]

JoystiqDawn of War 3 further detailed by THQ's Danny Bilson originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Jun 2011 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>danny-bilsondawn-of-war-3gamescom-2011pcreal-time-strategyrelicrelic-entertainmentrtsthqwarhammerwarhammer-40kWed, 15 Jun 2011 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Empires Online begins August 16]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/age-of-empires-online-begins-august-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/age-of-empires-online-begins-august-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/age-of-empires-online-begins-august-16/#comments Age of Empires Online is ready to be ushered out of beta and onto PCs worldwide on August 16. The game, which will initially launch with the Greek and Egyptian factions, will be available at retail and online at AgeofEmpiresOnline.com.

The freemium title will offer "more than 40 hours" of free co-op and competitive gameplay, but if you're looking to upgrade straight out the gate, Microsoft has booster bundles available.

Gallery: Age of Empires Online (5/31/11)

Continue reading Age of Empires Online begins August 16

JoystiqAge of Empires Online begins August 16 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 May 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-empiresAge-of-Empires-Onlinegas-powered-gamesmicrosoftpcrelease-daterobot-entertainmentrtsstrategyTue, 31 May 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon selling Supreme Commander for a Lincoln]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/20/amazon-selling-supreme-commander-for-a-lincoln/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/20/amazon-selling-supreme-commander-for-a-lincoln/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/20/amazon-selling-supreme-commander-for-a-lincoln/#comments Amazon has Chris Taylor's legendary RTS title Supreme Commander as a Games for Windows edition for the low, low price of just $4.50. It's only available to US customers, and only as a download.

Yes, for less than the price of a gallon of gas, you too can command vast armies of units of all shapes and sizes, zooming in and out of a gigantic map at will. It'll be the cheapest war ever fought.

JoystiqAmazon selling Supreme Commander for a Lincoln originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 May 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonchris-taylordealpcrtsstrategysupreme-commanderFri, 20 May 2011 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Warhammer: Dawn of War 2 soundtrack available May 24]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/warhammer-dawn-of-war-2-soundtrack-available-may-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/warhammer-dawn-of-war-2-soundtrack-available-may-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/warhammer-dawn-of-war-2-soundtrack-available-may-24/#comments
If you were distracted from the fast-paced real-time strategy action of Warhammer: Dawn of War 2 by its own catchy ditties, you can soon allow the game's soundtrack to preoccupy you during your other, non-virtual tasks. THQ has teamed up with Sumthing Else Music Works to release the title's orchestral score on a two-CD collection, all composed by delightfully-named maestro Doyle Donehoo. Oh, that's fun. Doy-le! Done-hoo!

The soundtrack will be available in tangible form at select retail outlets, as well as intangible forms on Amazon MP3, iTunes and Sumthing Digital's official site, on May 24. Until then, just keep humming that melody in your head as you shuffle your troops around. Or as you wash your dog. Or as you carry out the recycling.

Continue reading Warhammer: Dawn of War 2 soundtrack available May 24

JoystiqWarhammer: Dawn of War 2 soundtrack available May 24 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 02:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dawn-of-War-2doyle-donehoomacpcrtssoundtrackthqwarhammerwarhammer-40000-dawn-of-war-iiWed, 27 Apr 2011 02:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Dawn of War 2: Retribution 'Last Stand' mode to be offered as standalone game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/20/dawn-of-war-2-retribution-last-stand-mode-to-be-offered-as-st/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/20/dawn-of-war-2-retribution-last-stand-mode-to-be-offered-as-st/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/20/dawn-of-war-2-retribution-last-stand-mode-to-be-offered-as-st/#comments Relic has announced that it's taking the popular Last Stand mode (a real-time strategy take on Horde-style multiplayer) from Dawn of War 2: Retribution and offering it as a completely standalone game. The resulting title will be released as Steam download for $10 on April 20, and players who want to upgrade to the full Dawn of War 2 will be able do so in-game for a reduced price.

The name of this experimental paid demo/downloadable title? "The Last Standalone." We see what you did there, Relic.

JoystiqDawn of War 2: Retribution 'Last Stand' mode to be offered as standalone game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dawn-of-War-2-Retributionlast-standpcrelic-entertainmentrtsstandalonesteamthe-last-standalonethqwarhammerWarhammer-40KWed, 20 Apr 2011 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard releases three official StarCraft 2 mods]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/blizzard-releases-three-official-starcraft-2-mods/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/blizzard-releases-three-official-starcraft-2-mods/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/blizzard-releases-three-official-starcraft-2-mods/#comments Blizzard has finally released three of the four official StarCraft 2 mods it announced at BlizzCon last year -- though, the one that didn't make the cut might surprise you. Players can now download Aiur Chef, which might possibly be the world's first cooking/RTS title; Starjeweled, a gem-swapping puzzler with a few light strategy elements thrown in for good measure; and Left 2 Die, in which players build up their base and train units to defend it when hordes of infected Terran come to play at night.

That leaves poor little Blizzard Dota standing alone out in the cold, with no indication of when it might get an official release. Don't worry, little guy -- we don't think the multiplayer online battle arena genre's gonna get stale anytime soon.

JoystiqBlizzard releases three official StarCraft 2 mods originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aiur-chefblizzardblizzard-dotaleft-2-diemodpcrtsStarcraft-2starjeweledThu, 07 Apr 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Game of Thrones: Genesis screens and art are awfully icy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/new-game-of-thrones-genesis-screens-and-art-are-awfully-icy/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/new-game-of-thrones-genesis-screens-and-art-are-awfully-icy/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/new-game-of-thrones-genesis-screens-and-art-are-awfully-icy/#comments One by one, the constituent elements of Cyanide's RTS adaptation of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire are being revealed. With today's screens, we know A Game of Thrones: Genesis will have plenty of ice -- but where's all the fire? Now that we think about it, where's all the singing?

Continue reading New Game of Thrones: Genesis screens and art are awfully icy

JoystiqNew Game of Thrones: Genesis screens and art are awfully icy originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>A-Game-of-Thrones-Genesisa-song-of-ice-and-firecyanide-studiosgeorge-r-r-martinpcrtsFri, 25 Mar 2011 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Shogun 2: Total War trailer assembles for battle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/12/shogun-2-total-war-trailer-assembles-for-battle/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/12/shogun-2-total-war-trailer-assembles-for-battle/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/12/shogun-2-total-war-trailer-assembles-for-battle/#comments There's totally a war going down between the old and new shogun, and this latest CGI trailer for Shogun 2: Total War from The Creative Assembly and Sega really demonstrates that. Thankfully for us, it's a virtual war based on events that took place long ago. Whew!

Continue reading Shogun 2: Total War trailer assembles for battle

JoystiqShogun 2: Total War trailer assembles for battle originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Feb 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cgipcrtssegashogun-2-total-warstrategythe-creative-assemblySat, 12 Feb 2011 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Company of Heroes Online open beta closes on March 31]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/02/company-of-heroes-online-open-beta-closes-on-march-31/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/02/company-of-heroes-online-open-beta-closes-on-march-31/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/02/company-of-heroes-online-open-beta-closes-on-march-31/#comments War never changes, but that doesn't mean it can last forever. THQ has announced its MMO RTS, Company of Heroes Online, will conclude its open beta on March 31, effectively shutting down until THQ can "evaluate the next steps for the Company of Heroes series." The news comes via the game's official forums.

As of today, players will find they're unable to purchase in-game currency from the website, though those who've stockpiled war funds can freely use them up until the March 31 end date. The missive also details an incentive for players who registered prior to February 1: a voucher for THQ's online store that lets users pick up Company of Heroes: Gold Edition for $4.99, $25 off its suggested retail price (according to Steam). All eligible users can hit up this link for their coupon code.

[Thanks, David]

JoystiqCompany of Heroes Online open beta closes on March 31 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Feb 2011 07:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betacompany-of-heroes-onlinemmommo-rtspcRelic-EntertainmentrtsshandaTHQwindysoftWed, 02 Feb 2011 07:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Reign: The Future of War marches onto GOG]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/26/dark-reign-the-future-of-war-marches-onto-gog/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/26/dark-reign-the-future-of-war-marches-onto-gog/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/26/dark-reign-the-future-of-war-marches-onto-gog/#comments Do you primarily use the GOG platform as a channel through which you can build virtual armies to destroy neighboring, virtual civilizations? There are certainly plenty of games on the network that will let you do just that -- and today, that list became one entry longer. Auran's 1997 strategy title Dark Reign: The Future of War (and its expansion, The Rise of the Shadowhand) both arrived on the GOG store today for $9.99.

So, what sets Dark Reign apart from all the other strategy titles the digital distributor offers? Well, according to its product description, the game has "Many mods and impressively polished unofficial patches created by a still very active community." Also, all those other games? Their reigns aren't really all that dark. They're moody, sure, but we don't think we'd say full-blown dark.

JoystiqDark Reign: The Future of War marches onto GOG originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Jan 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionclassicsdark-reigngogpcrtsstrategyWed, 26 Jan 2011 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dawn of Fantasy combines MMO with RTS on PC this June]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/dawn-of-fantasy-combines-mmo-with-rts-on-pc-this-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/dawn-of-fantasy-combines-mmo-with-rts-on-pc-this-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/dawn-of-fantasy-combines-mmo-with-rts-on-pc-this-june/#comments Better set your alarm -- 505 Games has announced a title called Dawn of Fantasy, developed by Reverie World Studios, to be available on the PC this June. As you can see in the trailer after the break, the game is an MMORTS, combining single-player kingdom building and strategy warfare modes with a persistent online multiplayer experience. The title will have three different races available to players -- elves, men and orcs -- and, in addition to multiplayer skirmishes and a scenario editor, the game's economy will continue trading and growing even as you log off.

Check the screenshots below for a better look at what could be a really interesting title.

Gallery: Dawn of Fantasy (1/19/11)

Continue reading Dawn of Fantasy combines MMO with RTS on PC this June

JoystiqDawn of Fantasy combines MMO with RTS on PC this June originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Jan 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>505-gamesdawn-of-fantasymmopcpersistentpersistent-worldreverie-world-studiosrtsThu, 20 Jan 2011 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard launches StarCraft 2 Master League, plans for Grandmaster League]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/13/blizzard-launches-starcraft-2-master-league-plans-for-grandmast/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/13/blizzard-launches-starcraft-2-master-league-plans-for-grandmast/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/13/blizzard-launches-starcraft-2-master-league-plans-for-grandmast/#comments Have you found competition in StarCraft 2's online multiplayer "Diamond League" to be unrewarding? Do you hang, effortlessly, from the very highest rungs of the tallest competition ladder? It's time for you to shed your burdensome chrysalis and ascend to your next challenge: the recently launched "Master League," which pits the top two percent of players from each region against one another for true StarCraft supremacy. If you're eligible for the new league, you won't have to do anything special to join; Blizzard automatically elevates top-two-percenters to the Master bracket.

Of course, the raw exclusivity of this new ladder will lose a bit of its luster when Blizzard launches the "Grandmaster League," which will only invite the top 200 players from each region to battle. There's no timetable for the release of this ladder, though we imagine it'll come well before the arrival of the Great-Grandmaster League, which forces the very best player on the planet to play against an evil clone of him or herself all day, every day, for twenty years. You get a T-shirt if you win that one, though, so it's totally worth it.

JoystiqBlizzard launches StarCraft 2 Master League, plans for Grandmaster League originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardgrandmaster-leagueladdermaster-leaguemultiplayerpcrtsStarcraft-2strategytournamentThu, 13 Jan 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Civilization 5 lead designer Jon Shafer leaves Firaxis]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/civilization-5-lead-designer-jon-shafer-leaves-firaxis/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/civilization-5-lead-designer-jon-shafer-leaves-firaxis/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/civilization-5-lead-designer-jon-shafer-leaves-firaxis/#commentsJon Shafer Lead designer for Civilization 5, Jon Shafer, has left Firaxis, his LinkedIn profile shows (via Flash of Steel). Shafer, who's been with the company for over five years and a longtime member of the franchise's devout modding scene, was the biggest proponent for uploading and sharing custom maps in this year's entry.

Shafer revealed to the Flash of Steel blog that he was not let go from Firaxis -- he resigned on his own, apparently. We've reached out to Shafer and 2K Games for further comment.
[Image credit: Firaxis]

JoystiqCivilization 5 lead designer Jon Shafer leaves Firaxis originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamescivilization-5firaxisjon-shaferpcreal-time-strategyrtsTue, 21 Dec 2010 15:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Shogun 2: Total War gameplay demonstration is longer than most actual wars]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/17/shogun-2-total-war-gameplay-demonstration-is-longer-than-most-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/17/shogun-2-total-war-gameplay-demonstration-is-longer-than-most-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/17/shogun-2-total-war-gameplay-demonstration-is-longer-than-most-a/#comments You can't get much more bang for your buck than this gameplay demo video for Shogun 2: Total War. Well, actually, all the trailers we post are free, so there's no "buck" required. Regardless, at sixteen minutes and change, this one's guaranteed to take a good chunk out of your day.

Continue reading Shogun 2: Total War gameplay demonstration is longer than most actual wars

JoystiqShogun 2: Total War gameplay demonstration is longer than most actual wars originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dev-diarypcrtsshogun-2-total-warthe-creative-assemblyFri, 17 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo Wars stat tracking gets a reprieve from 343 Industries]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/halo-wars-stat-tracking-gets-a-reprieve-from-343-industries/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/halo-wars-stat-tracking-gets-a-reprieve-from-343-industries/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/halo-wars-stat-tracking-gets-a-reprieve-from-343-industries/#comments Good news for Halo Wars fans -- the planned shutdown of stat tracking for the game has been canceled by 343 Industries, who have decided not to kill the game's community just yet. Originally, Microsoft planned to shut down the feature on the Halo Waypoint website on December 15, but the outcry from the community (which we found completely reasonable) means they've "decided that the current plan of action was not in line with how we have always intended to support Halo games and the Halo franchise in general."

So rest assured, Halo Wars players, your stats are safe. The community itself will still be switching from game-specific forums to the Waypoint forums, but stats will still be available on HaloWars.com for the foreseeable future. And though Title Update 5 of the game will still be installed (to fix some unrelated Theater issues) your stats won't change, so go right ahead getting your Halo RTS on.

JoystiqHalo Wars stat tracking gets a reprieve from 343 Industries originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesHalo-Warshalo-waypointmicrosoftrtsstatstitle-update-5xboxWed, 08 Dec 2010 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[RTS and FPS mixed up into a Warsoup]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/rts-and-fps-mixed-up-into-a-warsoup/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/rts-and-fps-mixed-up-into-a-warsoup/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/rts-and-fps-mixed-up-into-a-warsoup/#commentsMoon Studios' upcoming game Warsoup combines a sci-fi-style first-person shooter with an RTS-style view of all of your teammates, creating a hybrid of, as the developers put it, Starcraft and Halo. It also uses a somewhat cartoony, "minimalist" look, which is likely important in a game in which you have to focus on building resources in addition to shooting. There's also an interesting class-based upgrading mechanic that allows players to dynamically adjust their abilities.

Check out some gameplay footage after the break, narrated by devs from Moon Studios. Judging from icons displayed at the end of the video, Moon is aiming for PS3, Xbox 360, PC, and Mac releases, and even browser versions.

Continue reading RTS and FPS mixed up into a Warsoup

JoystiqRTS and FPS mixed up into a Warsoup originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 01:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fpsmacmicrosoftmoon-studiospcplaystationps3rtswarsoupxboxTue, 07 Dec 2010 01:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Snail Games launching Ministry of War MMO on November 17]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/12/snail-games-launching-ministry-of-war-mmo-on-november-17/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/12/snail-games-launching-ministry-of-war-mmo-on-november-17/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/12/snail-games-launching-ministry-of-war-mmo-on-november-17/#comments We sure do like Civilization, but a browser-based, war-centric MMO with very similar sounding mechanics? That's something we could really get into. Lucky for us, Snail Games just announced that its free-to-play MMORTS Ministry of War, currently in beta, will launch next Wednesday, November 17.

Like Civ, MoW takes human history and drops it into an interactive playground. "Imperial Rome, Persia, Egypt, or China" are all at your disposal for world domination against other folks online, and beta users get a reward for participation with a "special in-game item pack." Snail Games promises that no more server wipes will take place after next Wednesday's launch, so now might be a good time to start plotting your path to hegemony.

Gallery: Ministry of War

Continue reading Snail Games launching Ministry of War MMO on November 17

JoystiqSnail Games launching Ministry of War MMO on November 17 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macministry-of-warmmommortspcq4-2010release-datertssnail-gamesFri, 12 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Shogun 2: Total War deploys to retail on March 15, 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/11/shogun-2-total-war-deploys-to-retail-on-march-15-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/11/shogun-2-total-war-deploys-to-retail-on-march-15-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/11/shogun-2-total-war-deploys-to-retail-on-march-15-2011/#comments On March 15, 2011, Shogun 2: Total War will wage war for your dollars (and maybe a few cents, too) when the next installment in The Creative Assembly's strategy series launches on March 15, 2011. The sequel will not only boast a new AI system "inspired" by Sun Tsu's Art of War, but also a host of graphical upgrades including deferred lighting and tweaked fire and explosive damage. There will also be some new mo-cap combat animations to see.

Along with the announcement, Sega sent along some new screens. Assault our gallery below and conquer them with your eyeballs.

Gallery: Shogun 2: Total War (11/11/2010)

JoystiqShogun 2: Total War deploys to retail on March 15, 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Nov 2010 20:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pcRTSSegashogun-2-total-warstrategythe-creative-assemblyThu, 11 Nov 2010 20:41:00 EST<![CDATA[11 bit studios' first game is called ... 'Anomaly: Warzone Earth']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/14/11-bit-studios-first-game-is-called-anomaly-warzone-earth/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/14/11-bit-studios-first-game-is-called-anomaly-warzone-earth/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/14/11-bit-studios-first-game-is-called-anomaly-warzone-earth/#commentsFiled under: , ,

11 bit studios, the company founded by CD Projekt and Metropolis Software vets, has announced its first project, an action-strategy game called Anomaly: Warzone Earth. The arcade-style RTS puts players in the role of a military convoy, fighting alien invaders as they arrive in Earth's cities. The announcement promises the game will let you "take part in battles personally" as you plan them in the traditional top-down RTS view.

Anomaly will be released in early 2011 on PC, iPhone and iPad. That should be plenty of time to change the title.

Gallery: Anomaly: Warzone Earth (PC/iPhone/iPad)

Continue reading 11 bit studios' first game is called ... 'Anomaly: Warzone Earth'

Joystiq11 bit studios' first game is called ... 'Anomaly: Warzone Earth' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>11-bit-studiosanomaly-warzone-earthipadiphonemobilepcrelease-datertsThu, 14 Oct 2010 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dungeon Defenders preview: Defense of the Diablo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/29/dungeon-defenders-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/29/dungeon-defenders-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/29/dungeon-defenders-preview/#comments Dungeon Defenders originally began as "Dungeon Defense," an indie game created with Epic's Unreal Dev Kit that mashed up the tower defense and action-RPG genres. Developers Trendy Entertainment then decided to revamp the game, which became Dungeon Defenders, and it's now being readied for release on XBLA, PC and PSN (with support for Move and stereoscopic 3D) later this year.

After a recent preview session with the game, I'll say this: It's complicated. Dungeon Defenders doesn't just mix pieces of a few genres, it totally combines them. There is a full tower defense game here, and a full action-RPG game, and even a little bit of real-time strategy resource management. There's a lot going on, but just like recent genre-mixer Monday Night Combat, players who can juggle a few genres at a time will find a lot to like.

Gallery: Dungeon Defenders (9/23/10)

Continue reading Dungeon Defenders preview: Defense of the Diablo

JoystiqDungeon Defenders preview: Defense of the Diablo originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3daction-rpgdungeon-defendersmicrosoftpcplaystationplaystation-movepreviewps3psnrtssonysteamtower-defensetrendy-entertainmentxblaxboxWed, 29 Sep 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: The beefed up AI of Supreme Commander 2 DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/24/video-the-beefed-up-ai-of-supreme-commander-2-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/24/video-the-beefed-up-ai-of-supreme-commander-2-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/24/video-the-beefed-up-ai-of-supreme-commander-2-dlc/#comments We're not scientists, but when Gas Powered Games says it's improving Supreme Commander 2 AI in upcoming DLC, we believe them. Why? Because the team claims that units use learning neural nets. You know who else uses a neural net? Data, and ain't no one going to beat Data at Supreme Commander 2.

Continue reading Video: The beefed up AI of Supreme Commander 2 DLC

JoystiqVideo: The beefed up AI of Supreme Commander 2 DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcGas-Powered-GamespcrtsSupreme-Commander-2Fri, 24 Sep 2010 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[StarCraft 2's designer stands by tradition, promises updates 'soon']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/starcraft-2s-designer-stands-by-tradition-promises-updates-so/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/starcraft-2s-designer-stands-by-tradition-promises-updates-so/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/starcraft-2s-designer-stands-by-tradition-promises-updates-so/#commentsFiled under: , ,

To hear Starcraft 2 designer Dustin Browder tell it, creating games at Blizzard takes years of fighting and yelling rather than coding or creating art -- every little decision is a "a three-week or longer holy war." Browder says that the controversial decision to release the RTS as three titles was made to get the game out faster -- after all that arguing, Blizzard figured that it needed to release something, and if that had been the whole game, we'd have been waiting even longer. As it was, he says, "we wanted to get a product into consumers' hands sometime before the end of the decade. Even that we didn't quite make, I guess, but it was still sooner!"

Browder answers fans' concerns about how closely the second game resembles the first by suggesting that adapting RTS competitors' innovations wouldn't have made the game more successful. "I haven't really seen another gameplay experience that's attracted millions of players with hundreds of thousands playing online," he says. "I have not seen someone else be successful by removing economy. I have not seen other RTSes be successful by removing micro."

And finally, he says to look for future updates coming to the game, both in the form of patches to Battle.net, and in the other versions. There's no timeline set yet for the paid user maps program, but Blizzard is working on more art for modders, and updates "for our fans to get more value out of Battle.net." As for what updates will be in the second retail title, Heart of the Swarm, Browder seems to hint that Blizzard just hasn't decided yet. They must still be throwing things and yelling down in Irvine.

JoystiqStarCraft 2's designer stands by tradition, promises updates 'soon' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-netblizzard-entertainmentdustin-browdergame-informerinterviewpatchespcrtsStarcraft-2starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarmupdatesWed, 22 Sep 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Starcraft 2 patch 1.1 going live next Tuesday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/18/starcraft-2-patch-1-1-going-live-next-tuesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/18/starcraft-2-patch-1-1-going-live-next-tuesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/18/starcraft-2-patch-1-1-going-live-next-tuesday/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The balancing overhauls and new features outlined last month for Starcraft 2 will be implemented this coming Tuesday, September 21, when Blizzard updates the successful strategy title to version 1.1. These new features include support for NVIDIA 3D Vision displays, left-handed hotkey options and new map editor functionality. The full list of features and balance changes can be read over on Battle.net.

The patch will go live during a maintenance period starting Tuesday morning at 5 a.m. until 11 a.m. PDT, at which time the game's online multiplayer modes will be temporarily offline. If you've got a score to settle with a distant rival, you probably shouldn't schedule your grudge match during that downtime.

JoystiqStarcraft 2 patch 1.1 going live next Tuesday originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 Sep 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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