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[Total War: Rome 2 is a 'completely reworked vision' from The Creative Assembly]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/16/total-war-rome-2-is-a-completely-reworked-vision-from-the-cre/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/16/total-war-rome-2-is-a-completely-reworked-vision-from-the-cre/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/16/total-war-rome-2-is-a-completely-reworked-vision-from-the-cre/#commentsTotal War Rome 2 is a 'completely reworked vision' from The Creative Assembly

Rome: Total War is one of those games that a certain, very dedicated audience loves, while the rest of the gaming world is left outside admiring the craft but not quite understanding the dedication. The first Rome: Total War was critically acclaimed and spawned a line of expansions and updates, and now strategy giants The Creative Assembly are returning to the game with a full sequel, not to mention switching around the title to Total War: Rome 2.

What's different? "Just about everything, really," says lead battle designer Jamie Ferguson during an interview at E3 2013. "In the ten years since we did Rome 1, we've completely overhauled the game. The game engine isn't even the same."

TCA has released a number of Total War sequels and spinoffs throughout periods of history, and updated the original title with new features and systems already. But even despite those improvements, Ferguson says the new game has even more updates and improvements. "When we call it Rome 2, it might be a bit of a misnomer in a way," he says. "We might call it Rome Redux, I guess. It's a completely reworked vision of the game."

Gallery: Total War: Rome 2 (E3 2013)

Continue reading Total War: Rome 2 is a 'completely reworked vision' from The Creative Assembly

JoystiqTotal War: Rome 2 is a 'completely reworked vision' from The Creative Assembly originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 16 Jun 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlecombatdominique-starre3-2013gamesgaminginterviewjamie-fergusonpcreleasesegastrategythe-creative-assemblytotal-war-rome-2warSun, 16 Jun 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[IGF finalist 7 Grand Steps premieres for PC June 7]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/24/igf-finalist-7-grand-steps-premieres-for-pc-june-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/24/igf-finalist-7-grand-steps-premieres-for-pc-june-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/24/igf-finalist-7-grand-steps-premieres-for-pc-june-7/#comments
Dangerous High School Girls in Trouble! developer Mousechief announced that its Independent Games Festival Nuovo award finalist title 7 Grand Steps is set for release on June 7 for Windows and Mac.

7 Grand Steps is a board game-like strategy game in which players guide a family through multiple generations, tracing the roots of western civilization along the way. Depending on the choices players make, future generations may produce laborers, kings, or adventurers. Competing families battle for resources during each era, however, and players must plan carefully in order to advance their family's bloodline.

Trial versions for PC and Mac are available at Mousechief's website.

Continue reading IGF finalist 7 Grand Steps premieres for PC June 7

JoystiqIGF finalist 7 Grand Steps premieres for PC June 7 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 May 2013 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7-grand-stepsdangerous-high-school-girls-in-troubleigfmacmousechiefpcstrategywindowsFri, 24 May 2013 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Try not to lose the Battle of Teutoberg Forest again in Total War: Rome 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/try-not-to-lose-the-battle-of-teutoberg-forest-again-in-total-wa/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/try-not-to-lose-the-battle-of-teutoberg-forest-again-in-total-wa/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/try-not-to-lose-the-battle-of-teutoberg-forest-again-in-total-wa/#comments The Battle of the Teutoberg Forest is an epic historical Roman defeat against Germanic tribes, in which about 20,000 Romans died, including suicidal officers tormented by their failure and soldiers who had their remains desecrated by the barbarians. And now you can play it as a game!

JoystiqTry not to lose the Battle of Teutoberg Forest again in Total War: Rome 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barbariansbattlebattle-of-teutoberg-forestcreative-assemblydefeatpcromansavagesegastrategythe-creative-assemblytotal-war-rome-2trailervideoFri, 26 Apr 2013 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft fully acquires Anno developer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/ubisoft-fully-acquires-anno-developer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/ubisoft-fully-acquires-anno-developer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/ubisoft-fully-acquires-anno-developer/#comments
Ubisoft has fully purchased German developer Related Designs, best known for creating the Anno strategy series (Americans may remember Anno 1404 as Dawn of Discovery). The French publisher previously held a 30 percent share in the company, but bought the other 70 percent in an undisclosed cash transaction.

"Bringing the talented teams from Related Designs into the fold at Ubisoft is a mutually beneficial evolution of the relationship that we've had with this great studio for the past six years," said Odile Limpach, managing director at Ubisoft's Blue Byte studio (also in Germany). Ubisoft's Blue Byte (The Settlers) was handling publishing duties on the Anno series since Anno 1404 in 2009 C.E.

Continue reading Ubisoft fully acquires Anno developer

JoystiqUbisoft fully acquires Anno developer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Apr 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anno-2070blue-bytepcrelated-designsstrategyubisoftFri, 12 Apr 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Frozen Synapse developer announces Frozen Endzone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/16/frozen-synapse-developer-announces-frozen-endzone/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/16/frozen-synapse-developer-announces-frozen-endzone/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/16/frozen-synapse-developer-announces-frozen-endzone/#comments
Mode 7 Games, developers of Frozen Synapse, recently unveiled a trailer for its next strategy game, Frozen Endzone. In it, players will use simultaneous turn-based commands to get their team to the end-zone in a futuristic American football-style match.

The PC, Mac and Linux game is slated for a 2014 release with an open beta planned for this year. Frozen Endzone is currently seeking community approval on Steam's Greenlight service.

Gallery: Frozen Endzone (Announcement)

JoystiqFrozen Synapse developer announces Frozen Endzone originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 16 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementfrozen-endzonemacmode-7-gamespcscreenshotsstrategytrailerSat, 16 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Braving the elements in Company of Heroes 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/13/braving-the-elements-in-company-of-heroes-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/13/braving-the-elements-in-company-of-heroes-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/13/braving-the-elements-in-company-of-heroes-2/#comments

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

JoystiqBraving 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>company-of-heroes-2multiplayerpcreal-time-strategyrelicrelic-entertainmentstrategythqworld-war-2Thu, 13 Dec 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tropico 4 plunders some Pirate Heaven DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/tropico-4-plunders-some-pirate-heaven-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/tropico-4-plunders-some-pirate-heaven-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/tropico-4-plunders-some-pirate-heaven-dlc/#comments Tropico 4 gets Pirate Heaven DLC today Oct 23Kalypso Media has released Tropico 4 DLC pack called Pirate Heaven, which brings a distinct swashbuckler vibe to the island-dictatorship simulation game. In addition to the Pirate Queen outfit seen above, the DLC adds a new "Smuggler's Hut" building for bringing in resources from beyond internationally guarded waters, a Sailor trait for charactersm and a few other piracy-themed tweaks.

You can see the update in action in the gallery below. Pirate Heaven is available today from Kalypso's own website, or any other places you'd normally grab such things, including Steam. In North America, the pack will run you $4.99 - no actual piracy allowed.

Gallery: Tropico 4 - Pirate Heaven

Continue reading Tropico 4 plunders some Pirate Heaven DLC

JoystiqTropico 4 plunders some Pirate Heaven DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Oct 2012 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcpcpiracypirate-heavenpirate-queenpiratesreleasestrategytitletropico-4Wed, 24 Oct 2012 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Anno 2070 Domination Mode mapped out by developers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/02/anno-2070-domination-mode-mapped-out-by-developers/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/02/anno-2070-domination-mode-mapped-out-by-developers/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/02/anno-2070-domination-mode-mapped-out-by-developers/#comments

Anno 2070's new multiplayer mode, Domination, allows two teams of five to fight for control of various points. Watch how it's done in the video above. Also, check out the size of that mic!

JoystiqAnno 2070 Domination Mode mapped out by developers originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Oct 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anno-2070blue-bytepcrelated-designsstrategyubisoftTue, 02 Oct 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Dive into Anno 2070's 'Deep Ocean' this October]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/03/dive-into-anno-2070s-deep-ocean-this-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/03/dive-into-anno-2070s-deep-ocean-this-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/03/dive-into-anno-2070s-deep-ocean-this-october/#comments Anno 2070Anno 2070's under the sea expansion pack "Deep Ocean" will be available October 4 for $29.99.

Announced earlier this year, the downloadable add-on will allow for a underwater geothermal plant, a new Tech Monument and a new population class of "Genius" for the Tech faction. Deep Ocean also includes over 150 new quests, along with co-op features.

Did our "under the sea" get you humming The Little Mermaid this time?

Gallery: Anno 2070: Deep Ocean

Continue reading Dive into Anno 2070's 'Deep Ocean' this October

JoystiqDive into Anno 2070's 'Deep Ocean' this October originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Aug 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anno-2070blue-bytepcrelated-designsstrategyubisoftFri, 03 Aug 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Impire, a new PC strategy game from Cyanide Studios, coming Q1 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/impire-a-new-pc-strategy-game-from-cyanide-studios-coming-q1-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/impire-a-new-pc-strategy-game-from-cyanide-studios-coming-q1-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/impire-a-new-pc-strategy-game-from-cyanide-studios-coming-q1-2/#comments
Impire, a new PC strategy game from Cyanide Studios, launches Q1 2013
Impire, a new strategy game from Cyanide Studios, was announced by Paradox Interactive today at the Paradox On Tour event.

Impire stars Bjal-Abaddon, a demon imp who's out to reclaim his once-great status with your help. Bjal-Abaddon can "evolve into a powerful dungeon lord" while you customize his weapons and armor, build a dungeon and kill crusading heroes attempting to take down your army of darkness. Not all of it takes place underground, however, as Impire also lets you send raiding parties to the surface for loot.

The campaign is playable both in single-player and co-op, and Impire will also have some multiplayer modes for up to four people (Paradox will share more on those later). Impire is slated to launch on the PC during the first quarter of 2013.

Gallery: Impire

JoystiqImpire, a new PC strategy game from Cyanide Studios, coming Q1 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jul 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cyanide-studiosimpireparadoxParadox-Interactivepcrelease-datestrategyThu, 26 Jul 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2012's secret trend: crowd-control strategy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/09/e3-2012s-secret-trend-crowd-control-strategy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/09/e3-2012s-secret-trend-crowd-control-strategy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/09/e3-2012s-secret-trend-crowd-control-strategy/#comments E3's secret trend crowdcontrol strategyA few trends have been identified at E3 this year, based on the trailers shown and games announced: shocking violence, scripted shooting, helicopters and bows. I noticed another one that has randomly bubbled up among Japanese companies: crowd-control strategy games.

Of course, the most noticeable exemplar of this sudden trend is Pikmin 3, but it's not the only game to show up this E3 that is about guiding a swarm of little critters around to fight big enemies and destroy obstacles. XSEED showed off Acquire's rhythm-based Orgarhythm, in which a strutting god is surrounded by element-based troops, and Konami brought the Vita sequel to Little King's Story.

Platinum Games sort of got into the act as well with its Wii U launch window game Project P-100, which is still about recruiting and controlling a bunch of random citizens; however, you have less individual control of them than in the other games, and instead you use their pure mass to form a weapon. It still totally counts for the purpose of an informal article, though.

JoystiqE3 2012's secret trend: crowd-control strategy originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Jun 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2012project-p-100strategySat, 09 Jun 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[XSEED announces rhythm/strategy title 'Orgarhythm' for Vita]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/xseed-announces-rhythm-strategy-title-orgarhythm-for-vita/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/xseed-announces-rhythm-strategy-title-orgarhythm-for-vita/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/xseed-announces-rhythm-strategy-title-orgarhythm-for-vita/#comments Image
Move over Theatrhythm, there's a new absurdly titled and unpronounceable handheld rhythm game in town: Orgarhythm. Developed by Acquire (in association with Neilo) and set to be published in North America by XSEED sometime this year, Orgarhythm is a hybrid rhythm/strategy game for the Vita.

Acting as the God of Light, players do battle against the diametrically named God of Darkness by commanding armies of elementally-themed soldiers. The game's soundtrack, described as "a hypnotic mix of rock, club and tribal music," affects how and when your units attack, with the beat of the music acting as a quantifiable resource to be spent on stronger attacks. The music also dynamically alters itself depending on the circumstances of the battle, adding additional layers of complexity as more troops enter the fray.

As implied by the rather artsy trailer above, commanding your army is handled entirely by the Vita's touchscreen - tapping to select troops, swiping to direct them towards the desired target, etc. Said troops also have a Pokemon-esque relationship with the enemy, due to the fact that every unit is either an Earth, water or fire-type, with all the inferred weaknesses and strengths you'd expect from such a system.

Eventual DLC is mentioned by the press release tucked away after the break, but no specific plans are actually outlined. If you're an aspiring musician, however, take note: XSEED will be looking for independent artists sometime in the near future to bolstier Orgarhythm's aural catalog.

Gallery: Orgarhythm (Announcement)

Continue reading XSEED announces rhythm/strategy title 'Orgarhythm' for Vita

JoystiqXSEED announces rhythm/strategy title 'Orgarhythm' for Vita originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AcquireNeiloOrgarhythmplaystationplaystation-vitaRhythmstrategyvitaXSEEDSat, 05 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anno 2070 dives deep to extract expansion this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/anno-2070-dives-deep-to-extract-expansion-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/anno-2070-dives-deep-to-extract-expansion-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/anno-2070-dives-deep-to-extract-expansion-this-fall/#comments ImageAnno 2070 will go under the sea this autumn with the "Deep Ocean" expansion. The pack will allow for an underwater geothermal plant, a "hostile takeover" without the use of military, a new population class of "Genius" for the Tech faction and several other additions.

The futurisitic update of the commerce and ecological strategy simulation has been receiving generally positive reviews since its launch late last year. It's too bad then that news about the game has circled around complications from Ubisoft's DRM.

Also, let us know if that carefully placed "under the sea" earlier triggered a brain hack forcing you to start humming the song from The Little Mermaid.

Gallery: Anno 2070: Deep Ocean

Continue reading Anno 2070 dives deep to extract expansion this fall

JoystiqAnno 2070 dives deep to extract expansion this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anno-2070Anno-2070-Deep-Oceanblue-bytepcrelated-designsstrategyubisoftTue, 24 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Current gen consoles 'can't cope' with traditional Total War]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/31/current-gen-consoles-cant-cope-with-traditional-total-war/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/31/current-gen-consoles-cant-cope-with-traditional-total-war/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/31/current-gen-consoles-cant-cope-with-traditional-total-war/#comments Creative Assembly's Mike Simpson says the popular Total War series of strategy games wouldn't work on the current console generation, just in terms of hardware requirements. "They don't have enough memory, by a large factor," Simpson tells Eurogamer. The audience for console games tends to be a little more action-oriented and a little less strategy focused, and the experiences are very different as well, he asserts. But there's hope yet, "for all sorts of reasons."

The user interface is another issue, according to Simpson, but it's fixable through solid game design. While he doesn't mention the Total War version coming to iOS, that's definitely a clear indicator that the game can work on platforms other than PC. And Simpson says that despite the differences, Creative Assembly has some "very clever ideas" on adapting its popular strategy games for the next wave of consoles and the pick-up-and-play style that go along with them.

JoystiqCurrent gen consoles 'can't cope' with traditional Total War originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 Mar 2012 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>creative-assemblymicrosoftmike-simpsonpcplaystationportsps3shogun-2-total-warstrategytotal-warxboxSat, 31 Mar 2012 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3 multiplayer strategy videos to help you destroy everyone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/18/mass-effect-3-multiplayer-strategy-videos-to-help-you-destroy-ev/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/18/mass-effect-3-multiplayer-strategy-videos-to-help-you-destroy-ev/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/18/mass-effect-3-multiplayer-strategy-videos-to-help-you-destroy-ev/#comments

Mass Effect 3's multiplayer has more depth than a panel at the "I'm A Reality TV Star And I Have More Twitter Followers Than You" convention (IARTVSAIHMTFTY Con), or at least that's what we think BioWare developers are trying to get across in the two mulitplayer strategy videos viewable right here.

The above video explains tactics for taking out specific enemies in multiplayer combat, and the one below discusses the strengths and weaknesses of each combat class. Get educated:

Continue reading Mass Effect 3 multiplayer strategy videos to help you destroy everyone

JoystiqMass Effect 3 multiplayer strategy videos to help you destroy everyone originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Mar 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWarecombatdevsenemiesmass-effect-3microsoftmultiplayerpcplaystationps3strategyxboxSun, 18 Mar 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sid Meier: modern graphics have lowered the barriers of entry to gaming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/sid-meier-modern-graphics-have-lowered-the-barriers-of-entry-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/sid-meier-modern-graphics-have-lowered-the-barriers-of-entry-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/sid-meier-modern-graphics-have-lowered-the-barriers-of-entry-to/#comments In this interview with Game Informer, legendary developer Sid Meier says even he has succumbed to the lure of modern graphics. "I used to love to try and challenge the players' imagination," he says, "to show them a few pixels in 16 colors and try and convince them that they're ruling an empire to stand the test of time. But I think today's player is not really willing to make that investment, so we're able to bring the worlds to life in 3D."

But he also believes that beefing up the graphics has brought in a much bigger audience than games could have picked up 20 years ago. "You had to kind of suspend your disbelief and be willing to step into that world," says Meier. "Today we make it a lot easier," and as a result, players who want more than a few pixels on screen can also get their fix.

Meier's currently the creative director of game development at Firaxis, and though he's not participating directly on XCOM it doesn't mean he's not working. Every morning, he says, he comes out of the shower with "about 10 ideas," and is constantly iterating with his team on different prototypes. "Most of them," he says, "just go back into the trash heap." In other words, anyone who wants to make an awesome game should probably go root around in the garbage cans near Sparks Glencoe, Maryland.

JoystiqSid Meier: modern graphics have lowered the barriers of entry to gaming originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>civilizationfiraxis-gamesgame-designgraphicsinterviewmarylandpcsid-meierstrategyWed, 01 Feb 2012 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[King Arthur 2 demo fuses dark fantasy with deep strategy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/king-arthur-2-demo-fuses-dark-fantasy-with-deep-strategy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/king-arthur-2-demo-fuses-dark-fantasy-with-deep-strategy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/king-arthur-2-demo-fuses-dark-fantasy-with-deep-strategy/#comments King Arthur II: The Role-Playing Wargame combines the massive armies and strategic elements from games like Shogun 2: Total War and sets them in the dark fantasy world of Arthurian legend, complete with Sidhe (faeries), magic, and The Knights of the Round Table. The demo is available now, giving players a chance to see if they have what it takes to be king and hold Camelot together.

This demo includes the game's tutorial and first mission, which is about an hour's worth of gameplay. System requirements are shown after the jump.

Download the King Arthur 2 demo (1.66 GB)

Gallery: King Arthur II: The Role-Playing Wargame (PC)

Continue reading King Arthur 2 demo fuses dark fantasy with deep strategy

JoystiqKing Arthur 2 demo fuses dark fantasy with deep strategy originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demoking-arthur-2neocore-gamesParadox-InteractivepcrpgstrategyThu, 26 Jan 2012 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Anno 2070 DRM grudgingly altered as little as possible]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/anno-2070-drm-grudingly-altered-as-little-as-possible/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/anno-2070-drm-grudingly-altered-as-little-as-possible/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/anno-2070-drm-grudingly-altered-as-little-as-possible/#comments It's hard to watch Ubisoft's abusive relationship with PC gamers, but here's another example of the publisher delivering a box of chocolates to the hospital room. Economics and ecology simulator Anno 2070 has some pretty strict DRM, allowing only three installs per copy, which is restrictive but not unusual for the publisher. The crazy part occurred when Guru3D discovered that changing graphics cards on the PC counted as an installation.

The situation hit DEFCON "facepalm" when Rock Paper Shotgun followed up with the publisher to ask if the bug would be fixed, to which Ubisoft responded that the DRM was working as intended. The publisher continued, "On the rare occasion when a customer does need additional activations, Ubisoft customer service is available to quickly resolve the situation, and we encourage those customers to contact us directly so that we can ensure they are able to continue to enjoy their game."

Anno 2070 developer BlueByte has since gotten in contact with Guru3D to say it has removed the graphics hardware from "the hash used to identify the PC." Customers who legally purchased the game can now switch graphics cards as many times as they want, putting them in parity with those who pirated the game.

JoystiqAnno 2070 DRM grudgingly altered as little as possible originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anno-2070blue-byteDRMpcrelated-designsstrategyubisoftMon, 23 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM: Enemy Unknown returns to strategy genre, thanks to Firaxis]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/xcom-enemy-unknown-returns-to-strategy-genre-thanks-to-firaxis/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/xcom-enemy-unknown-returns-to-strategy-genre-thanks-to-firaxis/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/xcom-enemy-unknown-returns-to-strategy-genre-thanks-to-firaxis/#comments Were you thoroughly enraged when 2K Games announced intentions to first-person shooter-ize your favorite strategy game series, XCOM? Here's some potentially good (and calming) news: Civilization developer Firaxis Games is currently working on another totally new XCOM game, called XCOM: Enemy Unknown. Unlike 2K Marin's game (simply called XCOM), this one falls under the strategy genre that popularized the franchise to begin with.

Despite the strategy angle, the game is planned for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC for this fall. More info will be revealed in this month's issue of Game Informer, per the cover reveal. We'd also like to bet right now that the Firaxis title arrives before the 2K Marin one. It's a race!

It's worth noting that the first XCOM was subtitled "Enemy Unknown," though no indication is given that it's a remake of the original title. We've reached out to Firaxis and 2K all the same, but for now we're presuming it's little more than a nod to the original title.

JoystiqXCOM: Enemy Unknown returns to strategy genre, thanks to Firaxis originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxisfiraxis-gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3strategyxboxxcom-enemy-unknownThu, 05 Jan 2012 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Orcs Must Die's 'Lost Adventures' DLC coming to XBLA in December]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/orcs-must-dies-lost-adventures-dlc-coming-to-xbla-in-december/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/orcs-must-dies-lost-adventures-dlc-coming-to-xbla-in-december/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/orcs-must-dies-lost-adventures-dlc-coming-to-xbla-in-december/#comments Have you already fulfilled the titular imperative delivered unto the player in Robot Entertainment's XBLA strategy-action title, Orcs Must Die? The joke's on you: There are always more Orcs. This time, they come in the form of the "Lost Adventures" DLC pack -- an expansion which came to PC last month, and will bring its five new fortresses, two enemies and additional collectible skulls to the XBLA version of the game sometime in December.

Of course, the 400 Microsoft Points ($5) you drop on this bad boy will also net you a handful of new tools, like the energy-restoring Mana Well, the health-draining Vampiric Gauntlets and the Shock Zapper, which both shocks and zaps. We know, we always assumed those two were synonyms as well. We guess we'll have to see the thing in action before we understand the subtle differences.

Continue reading Orcs Must Die's 'Lost Adventures' DLC coming to XBLA in December

JoystiqOrcs Must Die's 'Lost Adventures' DLC coming to XBLA in December originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcmicrosoftorcs-must-dierobot-entertainmentstrategytower-defensexblaxboxFri, 02 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Shogun 2: Fall of the Samurai brings progress (and death) to Total War]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/shogun-2-fall-of-the-samurai-brings-progress-and-death-to-tot/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/shogun-2-fall-of-the-samurai-brings-progress-and-death-to-tot/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/shogun-2-fall-of-the-samurai-brings-progress-and-death-to-tot/#comments
Sega has announced a new standalone expansion for Total War: Shogun 2, called Fall of the Samurai, that introduces new units, a new campaign map, and new content to the acclaimed tactical strategy title. As you can see in the trailer above, the biggest new addition to the title is the inclusion of more modern Western troops and weapons, including a Gatling gun, as well as British and US troops and marines.

There are six new playable clans to deal with the American, British and French foreign powers, and there are 39 new units in total (including ten new ships), as well as four new historical scenarios to play. Multiplayer is also getting revamped, as are a few other gameplay mechanics, including siege battles.

Sega and The Creative Assembly plan to have the title ready to go in March of next year. If the trailer is any indication, the samurai should probably start making bulletproof armor right about now.

Gallery: Shogun 2: Fall of the Samurai

JoystiqShogun 2: Fall of the Samurai brings progress (and death) to Total War originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>expansionpcsegashogun-2-fall-of-the-samuraistandalonestrategythe-creative-assemblytotal-wartotal-war-shogun-2Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Getting Skulls of the Shogun's characters just right]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/getting-skulls-of-the-shoguns-characters-just-right/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/getting-skulls-of-the-shoguns-characters-just-right/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/getting-skulls-of-the-shoguns-characters-just-right/#comments Haunted Temple Studios says it's still a little while out on completing Skulls of the Shogun, an impressive turn-based strategy game due out for XBLA early next year. But the current focus, as I saw during a short demo at the company's HQ (which right now means a living room in an apartment belonging to one of the developers, just a few blocks from the beach in Venice, CA), is not only weeding the bugs out, but making the game look the way it should, so players can make the best strategic decisions possible.

For example, the game's archer is relatively powerful, with an attack value of six. When pitted against units with a low defense score, he can sometimes change the tide of a battle all by himself. Graphically, his role is clear -- he's got a bow, and you can clearly see when moving him around that he's meant to be a ranged character.

His power isn't quite as apparent, however. Haunted Temple is working on making him look just right: weak enough that he can't withstand a close-up attack, but strong enough that, at range, he's a force to be reckoned with.

Gallery: Skulls of the Shogun (11/22/2011)

Continue reading Getting Skulls of the Shogun's characters just right

JoystiqGetting Skulls of the Shogun's characters just right originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>haunted-temple-studiosmicrosoftskulls-of-the-shogunstrategytacticsxblaxboxWed, 23 Nov 2011 15:05:00 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[Disgaea 4: A Promise Unforgotten review: A premise unchanged]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/disgaea-4-a-promise-unforgotten-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/disgaea-4-a-promise-unforgotten-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/disgaea-4-a-promise-unforgotten-review/#comments The Disgaea series is a tough nut to crack. With its dated gameplay and recycled graphics and music, each new entry in the franchise has flown in the face of convention. Nevertheless, whether owing its longevity to quirky storytelling or staggeringly deep and complex mechanics, the franchise has found favor among strategy role-playing game enthusiasts.

That storied tradition looks to continue with earnest in Disgaea 4: A Promise Unforgotten, a testament that, all things considered, developer Nippon Ichi definitely still knows its audience.

Gallery: Disgaea 4: A Promise Unforgotten (8/22/11)

Continue reading Disgaea 4: A Promise Unforgotten review: A premise unchanged

JoystiqDisgaea 4: A Promise Unforgotten review: A premise unchanged originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Sep 2011 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disgaea-4Nippon-Ichi-Softwarenis-americaplaystationps3strategyWed, 07 Sep 2011 09:20:00 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[Tropico 4 demo welcomes you back, El Presidente]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/tropico-4-demo-welcomes-you-back-el-presidente/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/tropico-4-demo-welcomes-you-back-el-presidente/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/tropico-4-demo-welcomes-you-back-el-presidente/#comments Brush up on your speech-writing skills and get set to shape the political and economic future of a small island nation, because the Tropico 4 demo is here. The playable demo includes the tutorial and one mission from the main campaign to give you a taste of what to expect when the game is released on September 1st. We can almost guarantee it'll be less depressing than what's happening with real life politics.

Ready to become leader? You can download the Tropico 4 demo right here. System requirements are shown after the jump.

Continue reading Tropico 4 demo welcomes you back, El Presidente

JoystiqTropico 4 demo welcomes you back, El Presidente originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demoHaemimont-GamesKalypso-mediapcstrategytropico-4Tue, 09 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Civilization 5 marked down to $17, Altitude free-to-play this weekend on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/civilization-5-marked-down-to-17-altitude-free-to-play-this-we/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/civilization-5-marked-down-to-17-altitude-free-to-play-this-we/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/civilization-5-marked-down-to-17-altitude-free-to-play-this-we/#comments It's far too hot to even consider crossing the threshold of your domicile this weekend. We suggest you tap into Steam's two big deals instead: Until Monday at 10 a.m. PT, Civilization V is down to $17, while the biplane combat title Altitude is half-price and free-to-play until Sunday afternoon.

Continue reading Civilization 5 marked down to $17, Altitude free-to-play this weekend on Steam

JoystiqCivilization 5 marked down to $17, Altitude free-to-play this weekend on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Jul 2011 10:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesaltitudecivilization-5Firaxis-GamespcsteamstrategyFri, 22 Jul 2011 10:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft announces free-to-play strategy title 'Castle Empire']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/ubisoft-announces-free-to-play-strategy-title-castle-empire/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/ubisoft-announces-free-to-play-strategy-title-castle-empire/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/ubisoft-announces-free-to-play-strategy-title-castle-empire/#comments If you're keen on using your web browser less for watching videos of Zombies Ate My Neighbors speed runs and more for conquering the world, Ubisoft's ready to help you shift your aspirations. The publisher recently announced Castle Empire, a free-to-play, browser-based strategy title that went into beta in Europe under the title The Settlers Online. The game is currently in closed beta in North America. Unless you luck into a golden ticket, you'll have to stick a pin in your plan for global domination.

You can check out a trailer for Castle Empire above, though it doesn't do much to show what the game itself looks like (it certainly doesn't look like an Esurance commercial). For a more accurate look at the game, check out the gallery below.

Gallery: Castle Empire (7/20/11)

JoystiqUbisoft announces free-to-play strategy title 'Castle Empire' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue-byteBlue-Byte-Softwarebrowser-basedcastle-empirefree-to-playpcstrategyubisoftThu, 21 Jul 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft signs skeleton-filled strategy title Skulls of the Shogun for XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/microsoft-signs-skeleton-filled-strategy-title-skulls-of-the-sho/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/microsoft-signs-skeleton-filled-strategy-title-skulls-of-the-sho/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/microsoft-signs-skeleton-filled-strategy-title-skulls-of-the-sho/#comments Microsoft has snapped up exclusive publishing rights to the first game from Haunted Temple Studios, the dev established by former EA Los Angeles staffers Jake Kazdal, Ben Vance and Borut Pfeifer. Under the agreement, the trio's original strategy offering, Skulls of the Shogun (which we first previewed here), will debut on Xbox Live Arcade under the Microsoft Game Studios banner.

Haunted Temple's Kazdal, who worked on EA and Steven Spielburg's canned Project LMNO with his two studio-mates, told Gamasutra that Microsoft "totally got" Skulls of the Shogun and "have been fully behind it" since signing it. "The support we're getting out of them has been seriously as much as I could ever ask for," he added.

The game, which we've made no bones about loving so far, is due out this fall.

JoystiqMicrosoft signs skeleton-filled strategy title Skulls of the Shogun for XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Haunted-Temple-StudiosindiemicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-Studiosskulls-of-the-shogunstrategyxblaxboxFri, 15 Jul 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Game of Thrones: Genesis screens actually have a throne]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/game-of-thrones-genesis-screens-actually-have-a-throne/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/game-of-thrones-genesis-screens-actually-have-a-throne/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/game-of-thrones-genesis-screens-actually-have-a-throne/#comments We were ready to give Cyanide's A Game of Thrones: Genesis the "Most Disingenuously Named Game of the Year" award -- until this most recent batch of screenshots appeared in our inbox. We can now confirm that, yes, it is a game which contains at least one throne.

Continue reading Game of Thrones: Genesis screens actually have a throne

JoystiqGame of Thrones: Genesis screens actually have a throne originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>A-Game-of-Thrones-Genesisa-song-of-ice-and-firecyanide-studiosfocus-home-interactivegeorge-r-r-martinpcstrategyTue, 12 Jul 2011 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Risk: Factions coming to Facebook, bringing special faction-based weapons]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/risk-factions-coming-to-facebook-bringing-special-faction-base/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/risk-factions-coming-to-facebook-bringing-special-faction-base/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/risk-factions-coming-to-facebook-bringing-special-faction-base/#comments EA just announced at its Summer Showcase that it will bring its downloadable version of the timeless strategic board game, Risk: Factions, to Facebook this summer. The title will feature the same competitive multiplayer components of its XBLA, PSN and PC counterpart, and will add "special weapons" to help distinguish each of the different factions therein. For instance, humans will have an ability that boosts their attack, while zombies have a weapon which makes them "better brain-eaters." (Sharper teeth, we guess?)

Risk: Factions is currently in closed beta, meaning we should find out how these new special abilities influence the game's tightly-balanced strategy soon enough. All the tactics in the world can't overcome razor-sharp zombie molars, you know?

JoystiqRisk: Factions coming to Facebook, bringing special faction-based weapons originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eafacebookpcplayfishriskRisk-FactionssocialstrategyThu, 07 Jul 2011 16:57:00 EST<![CDATA[New Dota challenger Rise of Immortals goes into open beta]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/05/new-dota-challenger-rise-of-immortals-goes-into-open-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/05/new-dota-challenger-rise-of-immortals-goes-into-open-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/05/new-dota-challenger-rise-of-immortals-goes-into-open-beta/#comments Petroglyph Games' Rise of Immortals has entered into an open beta, meaning that you can now try out this new entry into the growing Defense of the Ancients-based (sometimes called Moba) genre for yourself. Register an account on the official site, download the game client and you're good to play. Winning, on the other hand, will probably take longer than that, as these games aren't known for their smooth learning curves, especially if you're not familiar with the premise.

We got to see this one back at GDC, and played it during the closed beta period. The game does bring some innovations to the genre, including a player-level progression system and a map that's designed specifically for a three-person PvE experience. Unfortunately, the polish just isn't there yet, especially when compared to more established titles in the genre like the very popular League of Legends.

But then again, that's what a beta's for, right? No word on how long the beta will last, but given that it was supposed to start even earlier this spring, you can guess it'll probably be around as long as it needs to be.

Continue reading New Dota challenger Rise of Immortals goes into open beta

JoystiqNew Dota challenger Rise of Immortals goes into open beta originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 22:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betadotaopen-betapcpetroglyph-gamesrise-of-immortalsroistrategyTue, 05 Jul 2011 22:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Magicka PVP update released, new DLC available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/magicka-pvp-update-released-new-dlc-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/magicka-pvp-update-released-new-dlc-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/magicka-pvp-update-released-new-dlc-available/#comments As promised, new player-versus-player content has been released for Magicka. The free update features three new modes including Classic Deathmatch and a last-man-standing mode called Brawl. The Krietor mode, named after a Magicka modder, unlocks new spells -- and thus new strategic possibilities -- as the round progresses.

New Magicka DLC is up for purchase as well. First is the Final Frontier pack, priced at $2.99, which includes the Vulcanus Arena map and some new sci-fi goodies (remember that episode of Star Trek?). Also, for $1.99 each, players can pick up the Frozen Lake map, the Watchtower map or the Party Robe pack.

Continue reading Magicka PVP update released, new DLC available

JoystiqMagicka PVP update released, new DLC available originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrowhead-game-studiosdlcmagickaParadox-InteractivepcstrategyThu, 23 Jun 2011 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Trenched review: Let's mech love]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/20/trenched-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/20/trenched-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/20/trenched-review/#comments I wouldn't blame you if your reaction to the announcement of Trenched, Double Fine's downloadable tower defense title, was entirely non-plussed and even a bit disappointed. "Wow, how original." After all, this sub-genre of strategy games is approaching -- or has already reached! -- full saturation. I would blame you, though, if you didn't give it a chance, because it's honestly a desperately needed breath of fresh air in the genre.

It's not just that Double Fine's trademark wit and humor is evident in every facet of the game's design; Trenched a seriously polished and surprisingly deep game, too.

Gallery: Trenched

Continue reading Trenched review: Let's mech love

JoystiqTrenched review: Let's mech love originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-fineiron-brigademicrosoftstrategytrenchedxblaxboxMon, 20 Jun 2011 11:00:00 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[Empires & Allies launches preemptive strike for Zynga against Civ World, arrives June 1]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/empires-and-allies-launch-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/empires-and-allies-launch-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/empires-and-allies-launch-date/#comments Known for crafting a variety of addictive, microtransaction-based Villes, Zynga has yet to step into the strategy genre. But with tomorrow's launch of Empires & Allies, the predominantly casual gamer-focused company enters the ring with the likes of Firaxis -- a veteran developer currently honing its own Facebook strategy title, Civilization World. And strategically speaking, Zynga's in a good spot launching tomorrow, considering Civ World's still ambiguous "summer" release window.

Per Zynga's press release, Empires & Allies is "strategy combat gone social ... think CityVille meets Risk," further explained as a combination of Zynga's world-building games with a new strategy-combat twist. Beyond fighting off other empires, brokering diplomacy and navigating global politics with Facebook friends, players will also be striving for vengeance against an "unapologetic tyrant" known as "The Raven" who, apparently, collapsed your empire. Thankfully, video game omnipotence has made it possible to seek revenge.

Ex-EA Command & Conquer designer Amer Ajami is heading up the project as executive producer, the first title Ajami has released as head of Zynga's Los Angeles development studio. Head past the break for a look at the game in action, four short hours before launch.

Gallery: Empires & Allies

Continue reading Empires & Allies launches preemptive strike for Zynga against Civ World, arrives June 1

JoystiqEmpires & Allies launches preemptive strike for Zynga against Civ World, arrives June 1 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 May 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amer-ajamiempires-and-alliesmacpcstrategyzyngazynga-los-angelesTue, 31 May 2011 20:00:00 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[Sims 3: Generations trailer introduces the world's worst teenagers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/sims-3-generations-trailer-introduces-the-worlds-worst-teenage/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/sims-3-generations-trailer-introduces-the-worlds-worst-teenage/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/sims-3-generations-trailer-introduces-the-worlds-worst-teenage/#comments If hooking up in the hot tub isn't your ultimate end-game in The Sims 3, then you might want to check out Generations, the latest expansion. Now it's your mid-life crisis instead of just another Tuesday! It's all about experiencing life's major moments, like raising lawn-hating teenagers.

Continue reading Sims 3: Generations trailer introduces the world's worst teenagers

JoystiqSims 3: Generations trailer introduces the world's worst teenagers originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 May 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artssimulationstrategythe-simsThe-Sims-3Wed, 18 May 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sleep is Death creator's latest still coming to DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/04/sleep-is-death-creators-latest-heads-to-steam-ds-version-still/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/04/sleep-is-death-creators-latest-heads-to-steam-ds-version-still/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/04/sleep-is-death-creators-latest-heads-to-steam-ds-version-still/#comments The latest game from prolific indie designer Jason Rohrer, Diamond Trust of London will finally see the light of day on DS. In an interview with Charge Shot!!!, Rohrer said that he's landed a publisher -- Zoo Games -- for the long-awaited handheld release, which was originally being handled by Majesco.

Diamond Trust of London is Rohrer's 16th game and, in keeping with its developer's penchant for unconventional concepts, is a strategy title which revolves around the underground "blood diamond" trade. If it captures anywhere near the amount of genius found in other Rohrer games, such as Sleep is Death and Inside a Star-Filled Sky, we're sold.

[Ed. Note: Since this post was published, Charge Shot!!! has updated its interview with Rohrer to clarify that his Inside a Star-Filled Sky, and not Diamond Trust of London, is coming to Steam "soon."]

JoystiqSleep is Death creator's latest still coming to DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 May 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diamond-trust-of-londondsindiejason-rohrernintendostrategyzoo-gamesWed, 04 May 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[See the pretty, sterile Anno 2070 debut teaser trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/13/see-the-pretty-sterile-anno-2070-debut-teaser-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/13/see-the-pretty-sterile-anno-2070-debut-teaser-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/13/see-the-pretty-sterile-anno-2070-debut-teaser-trailer/#comments Anno 2070's first trailer feels so much like a pharmaceutical commercial that we keep waiting for the voice-over to tell us the side effects of playing the game. You know, beyond: sense of lost time.

Continue reading See the pretty, sterile Anno 2070 debut teaser trailer

JoystiqSee the pretty, sterile Anno 2070 debut teaser trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Apr 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anno-2070blue-byteBlue-Byte-Softwarepcrelated-designsstrategyubisoftWed, 13 Apr 2011 23:00:00 EST