Joystiq

LEGO Friends coming to 3DS and DS this fall

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:00:00 EST

The never-ending march of LEGO games from Warner Bros. and Traveller's Tales continues with LEGO Friends. Based on the toy line of the same name, LEGO Friends is aimed at young girls and offers lots of activities as the titular friends explore Heartlake City.

Players can customize their character and living space - right down to the choice of pet and pet accessories - and work to build relationships with their friends, hoping eventually to reach "True Friend" status (aren't we all?). Activities include things like horse riding, photography, pet training, dancing and, our personal favorite, delivering cupcakes.

LEGO Friends heads to DS and 3DS this fall.

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LEGO Friends coming to 3DS and DS this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Batman 2 Wii U listed for May 21 launch at retail

Mike Suszek — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST

While we knew Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes was due to hit Wii U this Spring, we didn't get word on the game's official release date until now. According to listings on Amazon, GameStop and Best Buy, the game will debut on the Nintendo home console on May 21. We called GameStop and verified its listing.

The Wii U version will feature enhanced maps and off-screen play using the Game Pad's touchscreen. Oh, and Batman. He's in the game too.

Lego Batman 2 Wii U listed for May 21 launch at retail originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 07 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Legends of Chima screens show Laval's journey

Mike Suszek — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 10:30:00 EST

These screens for Lego Legends of Chima: Laval's Journey offer a taste of the action in the totally original adventure from Warner and TT Games. The game will be coming to 3DS and Vita this Summer and to DS this Fall.

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Lego Legends of Chima screens show Laval's journey originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 07 Apr 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: Lego City Undercover eShop download requires external hard drive

David Hinkle — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 17:45:00 EST

Aside from the payment required to download Lego City Undercover when it launches on the Wii U eShop next week, on March 18, you'll also need an external hard drive.

The information comes from the official game page. Clicking pre-order on the top-right provides two options: retail and eShop download. The eShop listing says: "An external hard drive is required to download this software." It may be a situation where the basic Wii U's 8GB of storage isn't enough for the download, or it's possible an external hard drive is needed even with the 32GB deluxe model.

We've contacted Nintendo for more information. We'll be sure to relay Nintendo's final word as soon as we get it.

Rumor: Lego City Undercover eShop download requires external hard drive originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Mar 2013 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Batman 2 bat-coming to Wii U this bat-spring

Sinan Kubba — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 11:30:00 EST

Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes is coming to the Wii U, bringing its frivolous mix of caped crusaders and block building to the Nintendo console worldwide this spring. Publisher Warner Bros. Interactive announced the news today, revealing the Wii U version will support off-TV mode in both single-player and co-op, although players can employ the GamePad to access an "enhanced" map and touch-based character selection.

The news also completes the game's console collection, having already released for DS, 3DS, Vita, PS3, Xbox 360, and Wii, as well as PC and Mac. So when the PS4 comes around, we'll know what to expect, hmm? Or not... we don't know, really.

Warner Bros. also revealed the superhero sequel is up to 3.4 million copies sold worldwide, which, while impressive, is a fair ways behind the 11 million the original Lego Batman sold.

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Lego Batman 2 bat-coming to Wii U this bat-spring originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Feb 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Lego City: Undercover trailer is on the hunt

Mike Suszek — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 10:30:00 EST

This new trailer for Lego City: Undercover flashes its wit while showing off its open-world-style gameplay. The game will launch March 18 on Wii U and April 21 on 3DS.

New Lego City: Undercover trailer is on the hunt originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 10 Feb 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Marvel Super Heroes assemble in autumn 2013

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 10:30:00 EST

Lego Marvel Super Heroes will fly, swing and smash into retail in the fall of 2013. This latest Lego collectathon from TT Games will "complement the LEGO Marvel Super Heroes construction toy collection," which already includes scenes from X-Men, Iron Man, Avengers and Spider-Man franchises. Expect to see it on just about everything, including the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii U, PC, Vita and 3DS.

The game will have an original storyline in which Nick Fury needs the help of Iron Man, Hulk, Thor, Spider-Man, Wolverine and "other heroes" to stop Loki and Galactus. Okay, Lego Galactus sounds pretty awesome.

"Players will brave the ultimate mission to save the world as they explore famous landmarks in LEGO New York and take the adventure beyond Earth to iconic locations in the Marvel Universe," said TT Games Publishing managing director Tom Stone.

Players will unlock over 100 characters from across the Marvel Universe, which also includes Wolverine, Captain America, Black Widow, Hawkeye and Deadpool. No word on whether Howard the Duck will be playable.

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Lego Marvel Super Heroes assemble in autumn 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jan 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Lego: Legends of Chima' builds a new world across three games

JC Fletcher — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 11:00:00 EST

The next Lego game from Warner and TT Games is Lego: Legends of Chima. No, you didn't miss out on some hit cartoon or established franchise that's being adapted into a Lego game; this is a new original property, tying into a new collection of Lego toys about a "land inhabited by different magical animal tribes."

Legends of Chima's video game branch actually comprises three games. Lego Legends of Chima: Speedorz is a "racing mini-game" that will be available today on Lego.com and tomorrow on iOS. Lego Legends of Chima: Laval's Journey, coming to 3DS and Vita in the summer and DS in the fall, is an "amazing adventure" starring the warrior Laval, who is basically Lion-O from the Thundercats.

Lego Legends of Chima Online is the most ambitious of the three games, a free-to-play "online world" from WB Montreal that lets players build weapons and structures, and interact with the Chima characters in missions. It's due this fall.

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'Lego: Legends of Chima' builds a new world across three games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jan 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego The Lord of the Rings demo journeys to XBLM, PSN

Jessica Conditt — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 17:00:00 EST

The demo for Lego The Lord of the Rings has completed the journey to PSN and XBLM. That's right, it's like you're Mordor and Frodo, Sam and a cast of unlikely fantasy characters have been risking their lives just to get to you. Feel the humility wash over your disembodied, fiery eye.

The demo for Lego Lord of the Rings is free. The full game hit retail for PS3, Xbox 360, PC and Wii on November 13.

Lego The Lord of the Rings demo journeys to XBLM, PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Nov 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Lord of the Rings for 360 recalled due to packaging error [update]

Jordan Mallory — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 20:00:00 EST

If you're planning on picking up the Xbox 360 version of Lego Lord of the Rings today, make sure to open the case and verify that an actual game is inside before you leave the store.

It appears as though demo discs, instead of the retail game discs, have been shipped out to numerous retailers incorrectly, according to Game Informer. Only Xbox 360 shipments appear to have been affected by the issue, and even then not all 360 shipments were part of the faulty batch, so there's still a chance you'll be able to go out and buy an actual copy today.

We've reached out to Warner Bros. for comment and will update with any further information we receive on the situation.

Update: Warner Bros. issued a statement to IGN saying it's recalling a "small number" of discs which, while labelled as demo discs, do in fact contain the retail game.

The statement reads:

"Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment is recalling a small number of LEGO The Lord of the Rings video games that were released for the Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft to Walmart, Target and Toys 'R' Us in the United States with a disc labeling error. The discs in question are incorrectly labeled as demo discs, but those discs do contain the full game content and are fully functional. This error does not affect any other formats of the game. We are in the process of remanufacturing the discs and will get them to the stores as soon as possible. Consumers who purchased a copy of the Xbox 360 version of the game with the disc labeling error can contact customer support via email at support@wbgames.com or phone at 410-568-3680 for a replacement disc."

Lego Lord of the Rings for 360 recalled due to packaging error [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Nov 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Latest Lego City Undercover trailer and screens get physical

Mike Suszek — Sun, 16 Sep 2012 10:30:00 EST

This Lego City Undercover trailer shows minifigures beating up on each other in between one-liners. It was recently listed as one of the games in the Wii U's launch lineup.

Continue reading Latest Lego City Undercover trailer and screens get physical

Latest Lego City Undercover trailer and screens get physical originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 16 Sep 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Hunter races to 3DS and PS Vita this fall

David Hinkle — Wed, 30 May 2012 17:00:00 EST

Warner Bros. has announced a new Spy Hunter game for the 3DS and PlayStation Vita. It's in development at TT Fusion, which was previously Embryonic Studios, a smattering of key staff from Gizmondo - who made the Gizmondo - and Warthog, a UK studio who has done a lot of licensed titles. TT Games snatched up the studio in 2006 before being bought by Warner Bros. a year later.

This Spy Hunter reboot will be available this fall, and ... well, it's Spy Hunter. You drive a transforming car to take down evil dudes. This latest installment adds an aerial support drone and will let users customize the Interceptor (the official ride of spies everywhere) through tech and weapon upgrades. The car is also red now, which seems like the worst color for a spy car but that's just our two cents.

Gallery: Spy Hunter (Vita/3DS)

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Spy Hunter races to 3DS and PS Vita this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7 conjures up iOS port

David Hinkle — Thu, 03 May 2012 15:15:00 EST

Just in time for Hogwarts summer break, Warner Bros. has released Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7 on the iTunes App store. The new universal app for iPad and iPhone/iPod Touch will set eager Expelliarmus users back $4.99.

In addition to the base game, the iOS port features a Dueling Club expansion where players can take on famous Harry Potter characters like Professor Snape, Lord Voldemort and more.

Gallery: Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7 (iOS)

Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7 conjures up iOS port originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 May 2012 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Exploring an open-world Gotham in Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes

Xav de Matos — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 18:40:00 EST

Lego bricks inspire creativity, but that sense of discovery and creation is all but lost in the video games from developer Travelers Tales. The experiences are largely linear affairs, with not much in the way of making your own fun.

Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes has a different design philosophy. Rather than give players a list of levels they can select, TT Games has removed the barriers around Batman's hometown. While the vision of an open world is welcome, a short demo of the game during GDC showed there's still a lot that tethers The Dark Knight to Gotham.

Gallery: Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes (3/15/12)

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Exploring an open-world Gotham in Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Batman 2 welcomes some friendly faces, unfriendly voices

JC Fletcher — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 16:10:00 EST

Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes has more heroes than usual -- going beyond the Bat-family into the wider DC Universe. You can see Superman looking totally oblivious alongside the appropriately gruff Dynamic Duo in the gallery below.

Lego Batman 2 also has real human voices speaking the English language, something you don't expect from a Lego game! In fact, the first human voice we hear is that of Clancy Brown, who provides the menacingly deep voice of Lex Luthor for Superman: The Animated Series and other DC Comics animation.

Gallery: Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes (3/15/12)

Lego Batman 2 welcomes some friendly faces, unfriendly voices originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes gliding through Gotham in summer 2012

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST

After being outed by Lego's own advertising team in a series of toys, Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes is officially on its way to pretty much every gaming device out there, starting in summer 2012. Beyond the platform ubiquity, WB unveiled the game's main cast, which has Superman, Green Lantern, and Wonder Woman joining forces with Gotham's famous bat and bird.

We're also told "notorious villains" like Lex Luthor and Joker will be a part of the game, providing a good serving of antagonism for the super hero quintet. Batman series staples such as the Batmobile and Batwing will also make appearances, albeit in Lego form. Developer TT Games is once again at the helm, no doubt infusing its silly sense of humor into Batman's typically grim career.

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Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes gliding through Gotham in summer 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7 has this release-date thing figured out

Jessica Conditt — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 12:30:00 EST

The magical art of Arithmancy can be a huge help to video-game marketing executives, charting the best days to hold a sale, raise prices, or release an entire game. Warner Bros., of course, has access to the best wizards of our age and it was able to calculate the most profitable day to release Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7 -- 11-11-11.

Now we just have to figure out which wizards are working with Bethesda and hope they're not evil. Oh, it looks like one of them is named Tom Riddle. That sounds like a safe, friendly name. We should be all right.

Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7 has this release-date thing figured out originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Nov 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7 aiming for all consoles this holiday

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 19 May 2011 11:25:00 EST

If you're as obsessed with the boy who lived as we are, this summer's final chapter in the Harry Potter film series is unlikely to sate your desire for British wizardry. Thankfully, Warner Bros. has announced that the next entry in the Lego Harry Potter series will arrive on pretty much anything that plays video games, sometime "this holiday."

Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7 follows Harry and co. through the treacherous final years at Hogwarts, leading up to the seventh book's catastrophic conclusions. Interestingly, the game is one of a handful of announced games for Sony's forthcoming system, the NGP (in addition to the PSP -- they're going to live alongside each other, remember?)

If Lego HP lives up to its promise of launching on all those consoles this holiday, it looks like North America is still set to be one of the first territories getting Sony's new handheld before year's end. Reps from WBIE hadn't gotten back to us as of publishing.

[Pictured: Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4]

Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7 aiming for all consoles this holiday originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 May 2011 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Pirates trailer is all violent mermaids, slapstick

David Hinkle — Tue, 10 May 2011 02:05:00 EST

We get it: You're stuck in the cold sea all of the time, watching us bipeds strut around our streets, all dry and comfy in our best walking jeans. Of course you'd have contempt for us, but this is Lego Pirates of the Caribbean here, not Murdermaids: The Bloodening.

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Lego Pirates trailer is all violent mermaids, slapstick originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 May 2011 02:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Pirates of the Caribbean coming to 3DS with exclusive StreetPass feature

JC Fletcher — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 15:20:00 EST

You'll be able to guide a swaying pile of rum-soaked plastic bricks through supernatural high-seas adventure in 3D this May. Disney and WB revealed that Lego Pirates of the Caribbean: The Video Game will be released on Nintendo 3DS in May, alongside versions for Wii, Xbox 360, PS3, PSP, PC, Mac, and DS -- and alongside the Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides movie, of course.

The 3DS version includes a few exclusive features, like support for the system's pedometer-acquired "Play Coins," and a StreetPass feature, "Pirate Duels," that automatically engages virtual Lego pirates against one another when two 3DS systems come within communication range -- with even more Play Coins awarded to the winner.

Gallery: Lego Pirates of the Caribbean (3DS)

Lego Pirates of the Caribbean coming to 3DS with exclusive StreetPass feature originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Star Wars 3: The Clone Wars shows off big battles

David Hinkle — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 10:30:00 EST

Lego Star Wars 3: The Clone Wars looks to be the most ambitious entry in the block-based space opera series yet -- at least, from a combat standpoint. This latest trailer promises big ground battles and even bigger space battles.

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Lego Star Wars 3: The Clone Wars shows off big battles originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Pirates of the Caribbean debut trailer

David Hinkle — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 21:55:00 EST

Back in November, Disney revealed Lego Pirates of the Caribbean, the latest adaptation from TT Games. Originally set to launch this May, the game's first trailer, posted by MTV Multiplayer and available for viewing at your leisure past the break, now pegs it for Summer 2011.

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Lego Pirates of the Caribbean debut trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 21:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Star Wars 3 voice actors show off nonverbal talents

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 01:30:00 EST

The quirky thing about Lego Star Wars 3: The Clone Wars is that it features the actual voice cast from the television show, but limits them to nonverbal acting. Hngh!

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Lego Star Wars 3 voice actors show off nonverbal talents originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Battles to go ninja, go Ninjago this spring

JC Fletcher — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST

TT Games and WBIE are preparing a sequel to one of the few Lego games not to carry a license (well, other than the Lego license), the DS real-time strategy battle Lego Battles. Lego Battles: Ninjago brings back the RTS style, but gives it a new setting and new characters from Lego's new Ninjago toy line.

Ninjago is about ninjas who practice "Spinjitzu," the art of spinning into a human tornado like the Tasmanian Devil, and a martial art that doesn't sound like it lends itself to strategy. In "good" or "evil" single-player scenarios, you can play out the battles between the ninjas and the "Skulkin" skeleton army. There are also multiplayer modes, including "four new multiplayer challenges, and two of the original multiplayer challenges from Lego Battles." Ninjago will be released on DS this spring. In addition, a Ninjago-themed world is being added to the MMO Lego Universe.

Gallery: Lego Battles: Ninjago

Lego Battles to go ninja, go Ninjago this spring originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LEGO Star Wars 3 meets RTS in walkthrough video

Richard Mitchell — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 17:20:00 EST

It might seem tempting to write off LEGO Star Wars 3 as just another family-friendly action game. That said, you might feel something ... twitch when you see the command options in the latest video, right around the time the player builds a base and summons a cannon directly to the battlefield. A similar twitch may occur at the mention of PvP multiplayer modes. That twitch, friends, just might be desire.

Gallery: Lego Star Wars 3: The Clone Wars (12/17/10)

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LEGO Star Wars 3 meets RTS in walkthrough video originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Pirates of the Caribbean: The Video Game sets sail May 2011

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 10:30:00 EST

Disney may have sunk Pirates of the Caribbean: Armada of the Damned, but the franchise will still hit the high seas of retail next spring with Lego Pirates of the Caribbean: The Video Game in May. The latest adaptation to be built on TT Games' Lego foundation will launch on all major consoles, portable game systems and PC, right alongside the upcoming film, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.

In the game, swashbuckling blockhead Jack Sparrow and, err, 70 other playable characters relive events from the first three movies (The Curse of the Black Pearl, Dead Man's Chest and At World's End), along with moments from the fourth. If you're still clicking with this miniaturized take on popular franchises, you'll be able to speed the wait along with Lego Star Wars 3: The Clone Wars, due next February.

Lego Pirates of the Caribbean: The Video Game sets sail May 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Star Wars 3: The Clone Wars deploys Feb. 15

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST

LucasArts has announced that Lego Star Wars 3: The Clone Wars, based on the popular animated series, will enter the retail galaxy on February 15 in North America (and Feb. 18 in the UK). Yes, another one of those Lego games -- but this one introduces a few novelties, including "scene swap," where players switch between teams in separate locations to complete multi-part objectives, and boss battles. The game will also feature some real-time strategy elements.

Based on our look at the game, Lego Star Wars 3 could just be the most polished Lego game yet -- and it'll need to be to bring back the large following of the first two games. The Clone Wars series might be a solid extension of the Star Wars franchise, but it's nowhere near as well known as the films ... even the films we wish we could forget.

Gallery: Lego Star Wars 3: The Clone Wars

Lego Star Wars 3: The Clone Wars deploys Feb. 15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Harry Potter ships over 2.7 million units

David Hinkle — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 18:20:00 EST

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

What would the appropriate spell be called? Financialus Maximus? Cashius Give-it-all-to-us? Look, we're not hip to this Harry Potter thing the kids are into, but with the latest Warner Bros. financial earnings showing Lego Harry Potter: Years 1 - 4 has "shipped over 2.7 million units," we want in. The game launched on June 29 and received favorable marks across the board, even from yours truly.

Of course, it should be noted that "shipped" does not equal sold -- copies of the game could very well be sitting on store shelves right now. Regardless, don't expect you'll be seeing the last of these Lego games anytime soon.

Lego Harry Potter ships over 2.7 million units originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Swag Sunday: Lego Harry Potter (360) [update]

Ben Gilbert — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 19:00:00 EST

Update: The comments are now closed and a winner will be contacted shortly via email. Thanks everyone for commenting!

Of the many things that the non-muggles among us are capable of doing with magic, conjuring money unfortunately isn't on the list. The rest of us are in the same boat, and so even if Lego Harry Potter only costs $30 at retail, we felt it best to give away our review copy of the game (same as retail) to either group of folks.

For a chance to win that copy of LHP, all you have to do is tell us your favorite spell from the series. Wingardium Leviosa, perhaps? Crucio, maybe ... you monster? Tell us in the comments below in the next 24 hours and keep an eye on your email inbox!

Leave a comment telling us what your favorite spell from the Harry Potter franchise is.
You must be 13 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec).
Limit 1 entry per person.
This entry period ends at 7:01PM ET on Monday, July 12.
At that time, we will randomly select one winner to receive a copy of Lego Harry Potter on Xbox 360 (ARV: $29.99) and various Harry Potter trinkets (ARV: $10).
For a list of complete rules, click here.

What is Joyswag? Since we don't keep the games and merchandise we receive for review or promotional purposes, it becomes "Joyswag," which is passed along to our readers. Please note that Joyswag may be in "used" condition. For more info on our policy, click here.

Swag Sunday: Lego Harry Potter (360) [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Jul 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Harry Potter demo materializes on Xbox Live June 7, PS3 and PC to follow

JC Fletcher — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 14:30:00 EST

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

Would you like to try Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4, before its June 29 release date? Luckily for you, the wizards at Hogwarts have decided to share a quick magic lesson that will allow you to do just that starting June 7. Here's how you perform the spell, which, for complicated magical reasons, won't work until June 7:

Download the demo from Xbox Live
Maybe say a magic word or gesture with a wand or something

The incantations and potion-brewing required to bring this demo into existence are somewhat more difficult for a PlayStation 3 and PC demo, so those versions won't be available until later in June. You'll be able to summon those demos just as easily, however, when the time arrives. You have the power within you.

Lego Harry Potter demo materializes on Xbox Live June 7, PS3 and PC to follow originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jun 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Harry Potter trailer shows the return of 'Mort

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 27 May 2010 18:30:00 EST

A brief aside: The scaly antagonist from the Harry Potter series would be a whole lot less intimidating if everyone just shortened his name to Mort, wouldn't he? That's not a name that inspires much fear, even when prefaced with "The Nefarious Dark Lord of All-Wizardkind."

Check out the video above to see a brief vignette of clips from the fourth and final school year featured in Lego Harry Potter, which covers the events of Goblet of Fire. You know, the one with the Tri-Wizard Tournament, and Mad-Eye Moody, and all the thinly veiled lessons about the frightening changes puberty can visit upon teenagers. Yeah, that one.

Lego Harry Potter trailer shows the return of 'Mort originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 May 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Warner Bros. tasks Jeff Junge with driving digital games business

Ludwig Kietzmann — Tue, 25 May 2010 18:00:00 EST

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment continues to grow as a major player in the industry, announcing today that Jeff Junge will drive its digital games business as Senior VP of Online Games and Digital Games Platforms. Under his former and even more long-winded title (Senior Vice President of Business Management for Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group), Junge prompted some of Warner's most aggressive moves, overseeing the recent purchase of MMO developer Turbine and "guiding" the salvage of Midway's intellectual property. He also had a hand in the acquisition of Rocksteady Studios, developer of the acclaimed Batman: Arkham Asylum.

In his new role, where he will report to WBIE president Martin Tremblay and Thomas Gewecke, president of Warner Bros. Digital Distribution, Junge will oversee aspects of Warner's digital games business and integrated studios like Turbine and TT Games.

We're excited to see Warner take a more aggressive stride into digital distribution, as long as the result avoids comparison to the company's downloadable beat-meh-up, Watchmen: The End is Nigh.

Warner Bros. tasks Jeff Junge with driving digital games business originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 May 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TT Games production chief: Kids are the best video game testers

Justin McElroy — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 09:37:00 EST

[Image: Kidperez]

Forget Will "Cyrus" Powers. If you really want to know if your game has what it takes, you need to turn to an eight-year-old, according to TT Games production chief Jonathan Smith. "They are the most efficient quality filter," he said in the new issue of Official Nintendo Magazine. "They get to it quicker than anybody else, because they'll just say if something doesn't work. The smallest things could ruin something, and they'll get bored and move on."

... OK, so here's the pitch: "The Tester 2.0: Lil' Wage Slaves." It'll be just like the first one, only it's all eight-year-olds. There will be none of the awkward sexual advances by the more backwards contestants but (and we're adamant about this) twice the drinking.

*ring ring* "Hello? What's that, Mark Burnett, producer of reality show hits like Survivor and The Apprentice? You say you're retiring because you've heard there's a new kid in town whose big ideas are taking Hollywood by storm? Well, that's very flattering, thank you. Have your desk empty by the end of business."

[Via CVG]

TT Games production chief: Kids are the best video game testers originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 09:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Harry Potter 'Behind the Scenes' video shows us around Blockwarts ... er, Hogwarts

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 05:00:00 EST

Are you ready to explore the "largest, most detailed Hogwarts" that's ever been created in a game world? We're not certain that we are either, but TT Games certainly has high hopes that we'll get to that point before LEGO Harry Potter's delayed June release window arrives.

The latest "Behind the Scenes" video (seen above) has employees from the UK-based developer detailing the enormous, immersive world that they've built (primarily out of LEGOs, as one might imagine). And though we might argue that we're not exactly looking for "immersive experiences" from our LEGO-based titles, well, it's pretty cute watching little LEGO Harry in action. Even "He Who Must Not Be Named" is kinda adorable with a cylinder head -- how could we resist?!

Gallery: Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4

Lego Harry Potter 'Behind the Scenes' video shows us around Blockwarts ... er, Hogwarts originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Apr 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hands-on: Lego Harry Potter, Years 1-4

Mike Schramm — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 11:00:00 EST

While Lego Batman and Lego Rock Band have tempted me, I've always stuck with the regular versions of those games rather than diving into any block-based variations. Nevertheless, I previewed TT Games' latest Lego outing, Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4, with an open mind -- I have read and liked the Harry Potter books and seen and enjoyed most of the movies. Maybe actually seeing Lego Hogwarts in action would win me over.

Gallery: Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4

Continue reading Hands-on: Lego Harry Potter, Years 1-4

Hands-on: Lego Harry Potter, Years 1-4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Harry Potter trailer is Sirius business

David Hinkle — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 19:03:00 EST

Kids these days, they're big into this Harry Potter dude. Whether it's the books or the movies, the kids want to know what's going down at the Hogwarts, whereas we were more concerned with what was going down at the F.A.O. Schwartz in our younger years. That keyboard from Big? We were all about it.

That's why the above trailer is so hard to understand for us. Of course, the classic Traveler's Tales stamp of charismatic plastic dudes and dudettes is there and easily recognizable, but we're just not up on that Potter tip. We lack the info. Good thing Lego Harry Potter is a crash course on the up-and-coming wizard's first four years at that crazy school, right?

Lego Harry Potter trailer is Sirius business originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego and TT Games sticking together through 2016

JC Fletcher — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST

If you like the Lego (popular entertainment property) series of games, great news: developer TT Games and Lego will be held together like some kind of interlocking toy until 2016 -- by which time, the kid for whom you pretend to buy these games will no longer be a kid.

In the announcement of the renewed deal, WBIE notes that the Lego series, including Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Batman games (Lego Rock Band isn't mentioned for some reason), has sold "close to 50 million units worldwide." Next up for the Lego/TT Games collaboration are Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4 this May, and Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars this fall.

Lego and TT Games sticking together through 2016 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Star Wars 3: The Clone Wars marching to multiple platforms this fall

David Hinkle — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST

And here we thought the well of Lego Star Wars material had dried up. Perhaps we've underestimated TT Games, which has revealed that it's constructing a new armed and fully operational entry in the series: Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars. Destined for an Autumn 2010 release on the Xbox 360, PS3, PSP, Nintendo DS and Wii, the game will focus on the events of the Cartoon Network animated series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

Expect "brand new battle modes, giving players unique, head-to-head combat" and an expanded level editor, allowing potential Padawans and Seperatists the chance to construct their own "customized bases and in-game battlefields." You'll also be able to employ new tactics throughout the game, such as "Squad command, Lightsaber slicing, Lightsaber jumps, long distance Jedi attacks and Grapple Tie-Ups."

Wait, lightsaber slicing? Does that mean the obvious, or the radical ability to slice through lightsabers?

Lego Star Wars 3: The Clone Wars marching to multiple platforms this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Harry Potter building a magical May release

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:29:00 EST

The boy who lived will make his brick-tacular debut when Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4 rides a broomstick to every major gaming platform this May. It'll be interesting to see if the retail magic is there with the Hogwarts pupil, as it was for other mega-franchises like Star Wars, Indiana Jones and Batman.

Lego Harry Potter will apply the standard TT Games treatment to the series, dividing the first four movies (and rectangular objects known as books) into levels. If the idea of playing Quidditch with a flying plastic cube interests you, congratulations! You're the target audience for this game. Speaking of which, where's our Lego Dune?

Lego Harry Potter building a magical May release originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Batman brings blocky justice to one million in UK

David Hinkle — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 21:30:00 EST

TT Games, purveyors of blocky entertainment the world over, has managed to get copies of Lego Batman into one million UK homes. Rather then employ the controversial "throw it through their front windows" approach, the company has instead adopted a "put it on store shelves and see if they'll buy it" tactic. On paper, the accomplishment of enticing one million UK citizens into buying the game may seem like a great victory for the caped crusader and his young ward, but there are a few caveats.

For one, Lego Batman is on about every system known to man. We're pretty sure we have a ColecoVision copy sitting around here somewhere, so its availability across almost every platform ever has contributed to its ability to get into gamers' hands. Second, there's the Xbox 360 bundle to consider, which managed to sell the game to some people who may not have particularly been in the market for it. Finally, the game released in late 2008 and the initially impressive feat is somewhat dulled by the fact it's had about 15 months to get to the coveted seven figure mark.

Still, congratulations are in order. Everyone who's tried TT Games' adaptation of the tale of Bruce Wayne has walked away generally pleased, so we raise a Batarang in celebration for the UK-based developer. We only have one question: where's Falcone? No, seriously, where is he? He was nowhere to be found in the game!

[Via VG247]

Lego Batman brings blocky justice to one million in UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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