Joystiq

Attend a 'Theatre of War' in Company of Heroes 2

Mike Suszek — Fri, 03 May 2013 17:15:00 EST

Sega recently announced a new mode for Company of Heroes 2 called Theatre of War. Shipping with the game in June, the mode will include new solo and cooperative scenarios based in different, well, theaters of war. Sorry, theatres.

The game will launch with 18 missions from noteworthy battles in 1941 in the Theatre of War mode, nine for each of the German and Soviet Red Army factions. At later dates, Relic will add new missions to the mode for Company of Heroes 2 players to download. The game will launch June 25 on PC.

Gallery: Company of Heroes 2 (5/3/13)

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Attend a 'Theatre of War' in Company of Heroes 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 May 2013 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Homeworld intellectual property purchased by Gearbox Software

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:56:00 EST

Gearbox Software, best known for the Borderlands series, has purchased the rights to the Homeworld intellectual property during the recent THQ back catalog auction round.

Gearbox Chief Creative Officer Brian Martel has "great love and respect for Relic's brilliant, fun and innovative game and personally spearheaded the acquisition," according to a studio statement.

The company's subspace communication continues: "Brian intends as first priority to direct Gearbox's interest to preserve and assemble the purest form of the original acclaimed and beloved games, Homeworld and Homeworld 2, with the intent of making them accessible on today's leading digital platforms."

The Homeworld series was originally developed by Relic Entertainment, which was purchased by Sega during a previous round of the THQ bankruptcy auctions.

It is unclear at this time if Sega bid on Homeworld. We do know that Galactic Civilization developer and Sins of a Solar Empire publisher Stardock was in the running. CEO Brad Wardell tweeted us, "I'm surprised. I was wondering who had outbid us. It'll be interesting to see what they do with it. As long as I get [Homeworld 3]!"

Homeworld intellectual property purchased by Gearbox Software originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Company of Heroes 2 closed beta enters Facebook 'Like' phase

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 11:15:00 EST

"Operation: Facebook Like" is in effect for the Company of Heroes 2 closed beta. For a "limited time," the CoH2 closed beta will be made available to folks who click the "like" button on the game's Facebook page.

Once they've done so, new recruits will be able to access a key generation tool while the closed beta is active. Players will need the Steam client to access the beta and redeem the key.

"After a successful first phase, we are delighted to be able to open the closed beta up to all of our Facebook fans and invite them to help us test and improve the game," said CoH2 Producer Greg Wilson.

Company of Heroes 2 will roll out onto the eastern front in North America and Europe on June 25.

Gallery: Company of Heroes 2 (4/10/13)

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Company of Heroes 2 closed beta enters Facebook 'Like' phase originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Invitation to war: Company of Heroes 2 beta key giveaway [Update: We're out of keys!]

Joystiq Staff — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 16:15:00 EST

Update: We're plum out of beta keys. Now go play it and tell us what you think in the comments.

Company of Heroes 2 from the now Sega-owned Relic Entertainment is currently in closed beta testing, and Joystiq has infiltrated the publisher's stronghold and acquired 1,000 codes to give away to its most dedicated soldiers.

The Company of Heroes 2 closed beta has a level cap of 40 and features six maps, including two areas not seen in previous testing. Multiplayer and skirmish modes are available across all maps for players to wage war versus AI or human members of their own personal axis of evil in 1v1, 2v2, 3v3, or 4v4 battles.

If you were lucky enough to acquire a code, redemption is simple: Select 'Add a Game,' then 'Activate a Product Code on Steam' and enter your unique key.

Invitation to war: Company of Heroes 2 beta key giveaway [Update: We're out of keys!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Apr 2013 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Company of Heroes 2 closed multiplayer beta begins April 2

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 14:40:00 EST

Company of Heroes 2 will hold an "exclusive, early access beta phase" starting April 2. Phase one of the beta operation will include pre-order customers only, with a second phase in the following weeks for a "wider audience." The Company of Heroes website will have more details when available.

The closed multiplayer beta will grant access to six maps and feature 1v1 - 4v4 gameplay, as well as the ability to play with teammates against the AI. According to publisher Sega, "Players also get access to the first 40 levels of progression, and the ability to customize their loadouts to suit their play style using the all new Army Customizer."

Company of Heroes 2 will be ready for RTS action in North America and Europe on June 25.

Continue reading Company of Heroes 2 closed multiplayer beta begins April 2

Company of Heroes 2 closed multiplayer beta begins April 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Company of Heroes movie will arrive on DVD, Blu-ray Feb. 26

Mike Schramm — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 03:00:00 EST

THQ may have had its last stand, but the Company of Heroes movie is apparently still a go, as we've gotten word that it's still coming to DVD and Blu-ray on February 26. The full-length film, based on Relic Entertainment's critically acclaimed real-time strategy series (now owned by Sega), stars Tom Sizemore, Vinnie Jones, and Neal McDonough. It follows a band of soldiers trying to stop Nazi Germany from creating an atomic weapon during the Battle of the Bulge.

Will it be any good? We don't know yet. But if you want to honor the old THQ brotherhood (and get a nice taste of the setting before Company of Heroes 2 comes out), you can grab a copy of by the end of the month.

Company of Heroes movie will arrive on DVD, Blu-ray Feb. 26 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Feb 2013 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Indie company teamPixel crowdfunds to buy THQ's Homeworld IP

Mike Suszek — Sun, 27 Jan 2013 22:30:00 EST

With a separate process slated to happen in the coming weeks that would see THQ's back catalog landing in the hands of bidders, indie studio teamPixel took to Indiegogo to crowdsource the funds to bid on one of the forlorn properties: Homeworld. The team's goal is to bring Homeworld to GoG and Steam, launch a mobile version of the spacefaring RTS called Homeworld Touch and develop Homeworld 3. To be clear, teamPixel already began work on its own space RTS that is inspired by the Homeworld brand, so Homeworld Touch would become an "official version" of sorts, should the company manage to buy the IP.

The studio's lofty aspirations start with a significant crowd-funding goal: teamPixel hopes to raise $50,000 by Thursday, February 7 in order to acquire the property. Former Homeworld developer Relic were purchased by Sega during THQ's auction process. Relic teased the development of Homeworld 3 in November 2008, though nothing came to fruition.

Indie company teamPixel crowdfunds to buy THQ's Homeworld IP originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 Jan 2013 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: THQ assets divided

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 15:15:00 EST

The THQ auction has resulted in the company's assets being distributed among several publishers.

Developer Volition and the Saints Row franchise, along with the Metro license, have been purchased by Dead Island publisher Deep Silver.
Relic Games (Warhammer 40K, Company of Heroes) has gone to Sega.
The South Park game and THQ Montreal have been purchased by Ubisoft.
Take-Two Interactive has purchased Evolve.

Vigil and other unnamed THQ properties not included in the sale will "remain part of the chapter 11 case," and THQ will look for buyers. According to a letter sent to employees, "If you are an employee of an entity that is not included in the sale, we regret that your position will end."

Update 2:Official court documents of THQ bid winners with prices, along with runners-up.

Update: DDinvesting reports THQ auction results:

$500k Homefront (Crytek)
$26M for Relic (Sega)
$2.5M for THQ Montreal (Ubisoft)
$3.2M for South Park (Ubisoft)
$11M for Evolve (Take-Two)
$22.3M for Volition (Koch Media)
$5.8M for Metro (Koch Media)

Report: THQ assets divided originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Sega purchases Relic during THQ auction

Jordan Mallory — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 15:09:00 EST

Update: A letter from THQ CEO Brian Farrell and president Jason Rubin to their employees appears to corroborate the below information, as well as provide further details regarding the results of the auction.

Sega may be the proud new owner of Relic Entertainment, based on initial signs coming out of this week's THQ asset auction. Relic developer Kyle Berndt has tweeted that he is now a Sega employee, indicating that the company may have been purchased by Sega during the auction proceedings.

No official announcements have been made regarding the fates of THQ's various studios and their respective intellectual property, but we're keeping our collective ears to the ground as more news continues to trickle down.

Report: Sega purchases Relic during THQ auction originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 15:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Braving the elements in Company of Heroes 2

David Hinkle — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 17:00:00 EST

There's a panicked struggle at the heart of every engagement in Company of Heroes 2's multiplayer mode. While a lot of real-time strategy games will emphasize squad matchups as a primary means of success in force, Company of Heroes 2 has a much more dynamic environment constantly providing interesting variables to every skirmish.

Much of my own success was ensuring my squads were pressed up against a wall or moving from building to building - staying out of the open. Most real-time strategy enthusiasts and really anyone who's seen a war movie in their life will tell you that's basic stuff, but what makes it feel so special in Company of Heroes 2 is just how rewarding it is to see it impact gameplay. A squad with good cover can take on several adversaries and still live to tell the tale.

Gallery: Company of Heroes 2 (Multiplayer)

Continue reading Braving the elements in Company of Heroes 2

Braving the elements in Company of Heroes 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Dec 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Company of Heroes 2 debuts gameplay on ice

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 17:45:00 EST

In Soviet Russia, ice breaks you... especially when one tries to drive across it in a multi-ton vehicle that's being bombarded by mortars. Here's some gameplay footage from the upcoming Company of Heroes 2. Grab the series up to now for whatever price you want in the Humble THQ Bundle.

Company of Heroes 2 debuts gameplay on ice originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Nov 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Company of Heroes 2 deploys Digital Collector's edition, pre-order goodies

David Hinkle — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 23:00:00 EST

War may never change, but it certainly has gotten more expensive. The frugal warmonger must secure funds for a conflict as early as possible, and THQ is hoping to capitalize on this need with pre-order incentives for Company of Heroes 2.

Plunking down money right now will grant you German Rotbraun and Soviet Leningrad skins for medium-weight vehicles. Pre-ordering through Steam will enlist you in the Steam Pre-Purchase Tiered Reward Program, which grants players goods in Team Fortress 2 and Relic Entertainment's Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War 2. A pre-order through Origin tosses in the Soviet Bryansk Front vehicle skin for heavy vehciles, while pre-ordering directly through THQ awards a free Command Pass that unlocks bonus multiplayer maps and entrance into "exclusive member's only events." The Command Pass will also be available for purchase following launch.

A $99 Digital Collector's edition is aimed at those who find their war coffers are overflowing, granting access to the first three single-player content packs post-launch, some additional vehicle skins, and a veteran badge displayed next to your name. Plus, this edition will pack in the original Company of Heroes and its two expansion packs.

Gallery: Company of Heroes 2 (9/20/12)

Company of Heroes 2 deploys Digital Collector's edition, pre-order goodies originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Sep 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Relic auctioning collectors items for cancer society

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 10:30:00 EST

Relic is selling memorabilia on eBay - not to help its precarious parent company THQ - but for the nobler cause of the Canadian Cancer Society. The studio is gathering money for an event called Road Hockey to Conquer Cancer, where each team has to raise $10,000 to participate in a dawn 'til dusk hockey tournament. All the money goes directly to the charity. Also, we can't think of a more Canadian charity event we'd care to write about today.

"We're closing in on our goal, but we still need a bit more money - so we're holding an auction for some signed swag," Relic designer Ryan McGechaen told us. "We have a ton of cool stuff, including an unopened copy of Homeworld 2 signed by the dev team!"

Other items up for auction, signed by their respective development teams, include a Company of Heroes 2 notebook, Space Marine: Collector's Edition for Xbox 360 and several posters. Check out the items on eBay - shouldn't it be eBeh?

Relic auctioning collectors items for cancer society originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Sep 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Company of Heroes 2 wants to remind you of World War 2's Russian casualties

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 16:30:00 EST

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)

Company 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.

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Company of Heroes worth every penny at $2

Alexander Sliwinski — Sat, 12 May 2012 09:30:00 EST

This weekend, following the official announcement of the sequel, the Company of Heroes franchise is 80 percent off on Steam. The original game, which helped breathe new life into a tired genre and setting, is a mere $2. Two bucks! Two smackers! Dos dollars!

Got a little buffer in the budget to spend more? Well, the Opposing Fronts expansion can be bundled with the original game for $6, with the Tales of Valor expansion added for a total of $10. The deal lasts until May 14 and you don't want to miss out on these 1940s prices for video games. Don't think about that previous line too long.

Company of Heroes worth every penny at $2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 May 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Company of Heroes 2 officially announced, arrives 'early 2013'

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 07 May 2012 09:05:00 EST

THQ announced this morning that Company of Heroes 2, the sequel to its critically-acclaimed 2006 real-time strategy title, will storm retail in "early 2013." The sequel parts ways with the commonly covered Western Front of World War 2 and has players taking control of the Russian Red Army to the east, as they repel the Nazis.

Relic will utilize the "state of the art" Essence 3.0 Engine for prettier environmental destruction and graphicalizations.

"Company of Heroes 2 is a true successor, introducing a new front, new protagonists and new technology," said Greg Wilson, producer at Relic. "While retaining the unique mix of strategic gameplay and competitive multiplayer that made the original Company of Heroes such a success."

Due to its current financial condition, THQ won't be showing Company of Heroes 2 on the E3 show floor, but will hopefully be giving a taste of the title in meeting rooms upstairs at the show in a month.

Company of Heroes 2 officially announced, arrives 'early 2013' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Company of Heroes 2 official reveal coming May 7

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 04 May 2012 13:30:00 EST

Company of Heroes 2 was already revealed yesterday, thanks to magazine scans, but some promo materials sent to Joystiq today say we'll get a "briefing" next Monday, May 7.

Continue reading Company of Heroes 2 official reveal coming May 7

Company of Heroes 2 official reveal coming May 7 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Warhammer 40,000: Dark Millennium MMO now single-player game, 118 laid off

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 14:30:00 EST

Troubled publisher THQ announced today that Warhammer 40K: Dark Millennium Online will drop the "online" portion of its name and become a solo experience -- with multiplayer aspects. Actual product details will be made later.

"As previously announced, we have been actively looking for a business partner for the game as an MMO. However, based on changing market dynamics and the additional investment required to complete the game as an MMO, we believe the right direction for us is to shift the title from an MMO to a premium experience with single and multiplayer gameplay, robust digital content and community features," THQ CEO Brian Farrell wrote in a statement.

As a result of this change, THQ raises the body count of its collapse, with 79 full-time employees let go at Vigil Games in Austin and another 39 employees at Relic Entertainment.

Warhammer 40,000: Dark Millennium MMO now single-player game, 118 laid off originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Space Marine Twitter teases Dreadnought

Alexander Sliwinski — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Warhammer 40K: Space Marine will receive a "big metal surprise" in January, according to the game's official Twitter feed. Game Informer took note of the tweet and its accompanying picture of a space marine (SPACE MARINE!) serving the eternal will of The Emperor against a Dreadnought.

As fans of the Warhammer 40K universe and Relic's Dawn of War RTS know, the Dreadnought is actually a battle sarcophagus, where the barely living body of an invaluable warrior is entombed to live out existence in the massive armed mech.

Relic gave no indication of how the Dreadnought will be added to the game, but expect some kind of DLC announcement come January.

Space Marine Twitter teases Dreadnought originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Relic reflects on Warhammer 40K: Space Marine reception

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 01:00:00 EST

"Was it our best work?" Warhammer 40K: Space Marine producer Andy Lang asked Eurogamer. "It was our best console work."

Relic, best known for PC real-time strategy games like Company of Heroes and Dawn of War, took a risk by attacking the third-person shooter genre so late in the console cycle. We enjoyed Space Marine, noting it showed Relic's "expertise can extend far past the RTS genre they've already conquered," but critical reception has been varied.

"I'm pretty humble; I don't look at [criticism] and get all upset. I thought most of the reviews were fairly on the mark with what they had to say," Lang admitted. "The character design does get a bit repetitive and certain parts of it, just how the game plays - we didn't have time to really polish that stuff to where we wanted to get to. There wasn't anything that was oh-my-god shocking in the game."

Head on over to Eurogamer for more Space Marine postmortem.

Relic reflects on Warhammer 40K: Space Marine reception originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Oct 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 'Exterminatus' DLC drops Oct. 25

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 13:20:00 EST

Warhammer 40K: Space Marine's free "Exterminatus" co-op DLC will kill in service to the Emperor on October 25, according to Eurogamer. The DLC includes two, four-player scenarios that pit the Space Marines (or "SPACE MARINES!" as is incessantly shouted throughout the whole game) against Orks and Chaos. Relic is reportedly working on more content for the game, which will be released as free and premium DLC sometime in the future -- certainly sometime before 40K.

Relic is better known for using the Warhammer 40K universe in its Dawn of War real-time strategy series. Space Marine, Relic's new, more action-oriented take, fittingly launched into the hell of end-of-year game retail and is apparently surviving. In our review we found the studio's "expertise can extend far past the RTS genre they've already conquered," and the game has held steady on the UK sales charts.

Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 'Exterminatus' DLC drops Oct. 25 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Oct 2011 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Company of Heroes franchise 80% off on Steam this weekend

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST

To celebrate its fifth anniversary, the Company of Heroes franchise is 80 percent off this weekend on Steam. When Relic developed the original game those many years ago, the WWII setting and RTS scene were both feeling tired, but Company of Heroes delivered a fresh take on the aging genre and delivered a graphically gorgeous experience that still holds up. You can own the intense, immense campaign now for $2.

If you're willing to spend more than a gallon of gas for tens of hours of refined RTS entertainment, the original game is bundled with expansion Opposing Fronts for $6, and with the Opposing Fronts and Tales of Valor expansions for $10. If you have any interest in the RTS genre -- even if the WWII setting is a bit of a turn off -- don't miss out on Company of Heroes for $2.

Company of Heroes franchise 80% off on Steam this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Space Marine gets 'Exterminatus' co-op DLC in October, free for everyone

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST

Warhammer 40K: Space Marine may be pushing its meaty shoulders into retail this coming week, but its co-op mode won't arrive until "early October" says THQ. The mode, with the Latin-derived name "Exterminatus," will be made free as a download to "all players" according to THQ's release.

Exterminatus contains two separate "scenarios" in which four-player groups can maneuver their bulky trio of classes around, chainsawing through everything in their path. Global leaderboards are also included, posing "dynamic challenges" to players and supporting additional "score modifiers" (read: Skulls).

Some confusion was raised over the game's co-op back in August when a GameStop advert pinned the co-op mode exclusively to GameStop pre-orders, but today's announcement clearly refutes that information.

Gallery: Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine (Co-op Mode)

Continue reading Space Marine gets 'Exterminatus' co-op DLC in October, free for everyone

Space Marine gets 'Exterminatus' co-op DLC in October, free for everyone originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Space Marine dev diary aims to disect the blockbuster

David Hinkle — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:00:00 EST

Apparently, Relic's Space Marine will "use action and awesome, awe-inspiring moments to really drive people through the narrative." Translated into English, we think that means: it's got some cool stuff in it. Good to know!

Space Marine dev diary aims to disect the blockbuster originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Space Marine multiplayer classes trailer takes us to school

David Hinkle — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 20:45:00 EST

The Ork menace requires a cunning, knowledgeable Space Marine. Best you study up on those kill tactics, grunt! Within this communication from the emperor himself, you'll find information on classes and battle strategies essential to any Marine in the field.

Space Marine multiplayer classes trailer takes us to school originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Warhammer 40K: Space Marine trailer is properly overdramatic

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 23:30:00 EST

Brothers, the time is almost upon us to die in service of the God-Emperor. Heresy will not be tolerated! Equip extra Space Marine provisions by playing Warhammer 40K: Kill Team and prepare to purge the xenos from the Imperium.

Continue reading Warhammer 40K: Space Marine trailer is properly overdramatic

Warhammer 40K: Space Marine trailer is properly overdramatic originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dawn of War 3 further detailed by THQ's Danny Bilson

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 13:45:00 EST

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]

Dawn 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.

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Become a space wolf with Warhammer 40K: Space Marine's pre-order bonuses

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 27 May 2011 01:00:00 EST

Though it's possible you've been offered the opportunity to dress like a space wolf at some other point today, we were quite excited to be extended such a chance by the newly announced pre-order bonuses for Warhammer 40K: Space Marine. Folks pre-ordering the forthcoming third-person space shooter at GameStop will get the hilariously named armor, as well as the "black templar chapter armor." A variety of other bonuses are available from several other retailers, detailed below the break.

Additionally, a "limited run" of the collector's edition seen above will be offered at retailers, going for $79.99 on PC and $89.99 on 360/PS3. Beyond the faux "Purity Seal" and artbook, Space Marine's collector's edition comes bundled in a box (shaped like an old book!) with the soundtrack, a pack of "character information cards" and the game itself.

Additionally, among the other ways you can currently get Darksiders for free, PC pre-orders at most retailers -- except THQ's own store, it seems -- will snag a copy of that alongside Space Marine.

Continue reading Become a space wolf with Warhammer 40K: Space Marine's pre-order bonuses

Become a space wolf with Warhammer 40K: Space Marine's pre-order bonuses originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 May 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Space Marine combat system vid goes into blood frenzy

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 25 May 2011 19:30:00 EST

Make no mistake, Warhammer 40K: Space Marine is all about a man's quest to turn his enemies into a bloody puree (and his name ain't even Kratos). If our recent preview didn't impress this fact upon you, check out this new, most violent video.

Continue reading Space Marine combat system vid goes into blood frenzy

Space Marine combat system vid goes into blood frenzy originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 May 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Relic establishes Brian Wood Memorial Game Design Internship

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 00:00:00 EST

Relic Entertainment has set up the Brian Wood Memorial Game Design Internship for students at the Vancouver Film School's Game Design Program. The internship will give one student a four-month paid stint at the developer, with the company providing three graduating students the opportunity each year.

The internship is named after Brian Wood, lead developer on Company of Heroes Online, who died last year after a tragic incident. The first internship will begin next month.

Relic establishes Brian Wood Memorial Game Design Internship originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dawn of War II: Retribution multiplayer beta starts Jan. 31

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 23:00:00 EST

THQ has announced a multiplayer beta for the standalone expansion, Dawn of War II: Retribution. The beta includes all of the game's factions and multiplayer maps and is scheduled to begin on January 31, at which point access will be given to the press and "Key Dawn of War community members." The following day, the beta will be open to anyone who has pre-ordered the game on Steam. Beginning February 8, the test will then open to anyone who has ever purchased a Dawn of War product or registered a copy of Dawn of War II on Steam.

The beta will test Retribution's Steam matchmaking as well as overall multiplayer balance. Once the beta ends on February 24, the results will be used by the developers at Relic to create a "day-zero balancing patch" for the game.

Continue reading Dawn of War II: Retribution multiplayer beta starts Jan. 31

Dawn of War II: Retribution multiplayer beta starts Jan. 31 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dawn of War 2: Retribution trailer is for Chaos, for the Emperor!

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 22:30:00 EST

Come! Show me what passes for fury amongst thy misbegotten kind! For the Emperor, pray before this vision of Retribution. Now, behold brothers, our prey draws nigh! (in other words, check out this new Dawn of War 2 trailer!)

Continue reading Dawn of War 2: Retribution trailer is for Chaos, for the Emperor!

Dawn of War 2: Retribution trailer is for Chaos, for the Emperor! originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Company of Heroes Online trailer shows how to serve the Fatherland

Mike Schramm — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 04:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Sure, playing as the Taliban might be taboo now, but give it about 60 years. The latest trailer for the free-to-play Company of Heroes Online (currently in open beta) slyly promotes the Nazis' Terror Division, showing that time heals all wounds when it comes to video game enemies.

Continue reading Company of Heroes Online trailer shows how to serve the Fatherland

Company of Heroes Online trailer shows how to serve the Fatherland originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Sep 2010 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dawn of War 2 standalone expansion 'Retribution' announced for early 2011

Mike Schramm — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 21:20:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Relic and THQ have announced the second standalone expansion to the Warhammer 40k-themed RTS Dawn of War 2. The expansion will be called Retribution, and will introduce the series' first multi-race single-player campaign. The first race announced is the Orks, but players will be able to choose other races to play through the campaign as well, meaning you can finally play as something other than Space Marines in the single-player game.

Multiplayer also gets extras in the form of new units, some new maps and a whole new playable race to fight with. There's no word out of Gamescom yet as to exactly which race that is, but given that we've played as Orks, Space Marines and Eldar in the series before, playing as the Tyranids is ~~a pretty good guess~~ (edited) already in the game. Commenters are guessing Dark Eldar. We'll find out for sure when the expansion is released -- it's scheduled for Q1 2011.

Dawn of War 2 standalone expansion 'Retribution' announced for early 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 21:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Company of Heroes Online seeking beta recruits

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Company of Heroes Online, Relic's freemium real-time strategy title, has opened up registration for its upcoming closed beta. To receive a code, applicants will have to make sure to check both "Receive News" and "Receive Offers" when making their account, as beta keys will be sent out using the opt-in mailing list. A post on the CoHO site states that a limited number of keys will go out in the first phase but that they'll "soon be announcing a partnership" to expand the beta.

For those uninterested in helping with the process of finding entrenched bugs, the full free-to-play title should be released this autumn.

Company of Heroes Online seeking beta recruits originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Warhammer 40K Space Marine baptizes with bullets, 'still a ways out'

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine may have the most generic title this side of the Imperium, but after popping up on our galactic monitoring devices almost two years ago in a leaked video, we've been eager to discover more about it.

During E3 we spoke with Morten Haugaard, global brand manager of all things 40K at THQ, who told us that the game had come a long way at Relic since that original leak -- back then, it was a with a different developer. While noting that Space Marine was "still a ways out," Haugaard said that the development team includes Gears and God of War alum. Aha! That might explain why the game appears to be a hybrid of those visceral (lower case "v") franchises. See if you agree after watching the Space Marine trailer after the break.

Gallery: Warhammer 40000: Space Marine

Continue reading Warhammer 40K Space Marine baptizes with bullets, 'still a ways out'

Warhammer 40K Space Marine baptizes with bullets, 'still a ways out' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jun 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Company of Heroes Online reports to North America for duty this fall

David Hinkle — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 10:37:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

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Relic's freemium real-time strategy game, Company of Heroes Online, will launch in North America this Fall, THQ has announced. The adaptation of PC exclusive Company of Heroes was previously announced for South Korea and is currently in beta in the Chinese market.

Company of Heroes Online features a persistent online world and, while being free to play, offers player customization through micro transactions. If you're unfamiliar with the franchise, you might want to check out an earlier version of the acclaimed WWII strategy title on Steam. Find the trailer after the break.

Gallery: Company of Heroes Online

Continue reading Company of Heroes Online reports to North America for duty this fall

Company of Heroes Online reports to North America for duty this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jun 2010 10:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dawn of War II's 'Chaos Rising' expansion shows multiplayer chaos

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:35:00 EST

Alright, look folks, if you have any intention of purchasing the upcoming Dawn of War II expansion Chaos Rising, we once again urge that you jump on the pre-order deal and get yourself a free copy of Saints Row 2. So when you're done getting chaos all risen up, you can spend some time shooting poo onto buildings. Seriously, that's really a gameplay option. In fact, you might wanna just go grab that joint right now.

Oh, and there's a trailer above for the DoW2 expansion's multiplayer additions, if you're into that kinda thing. But you can only watch it if you're an adult -- so clearly we couldn't watch it.

Dawn of War II's 'Chaos Rising' expansion shows multiplayer chaos originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Chaos Rising' in Dawn of War II on March 11

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST

Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War II - Chaos Rising, a "standalone" expansion to last year's critically acclaimed RTS, will unleash the traitorous Chaos Space Marines on March 11, 2010. In the service of the Emperor, players will cleanse, purge and kill across a new single-player campaign with 15 missions, and will acquire a bunch of multiplayer enhancements for $30.

Remember, several retailers are offering a free copy of Saints Row 2 with a pre-purchase of the Chaos Rising expansion. So, while you're meditating on the idea that "an open mind is like a fortress with its gates unbarred and unguarded," why not bust some caps in posteriors around Stillwater?

'Chaos Rising' in Dawn of War II on March 11 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Weekend Steam deal: Company of Heroes 75% off

Richard Mitchell — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 23:40:00 EST

Valve has announced that this weekend will see Company of Heroes receive a steep discount on Steam. The original game as well as the Opposing Fronts and Tales of Valor expansions will be available for 75 percent off the usual price.

All three, usually packaged for $49.99, will be available for a paltry $12.99. For those out there looking for a real-time strategy fix, it looks like your weekend is booked.

Weekend Steam deal: Company of Heroes 75% off originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 23:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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