Joystiq

'Pressure' forces racing and vintage quack medicine together

JC Fletcher — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 15:30:00 EST

Pressure, developed by Chasing Carrots and published by TopWare Interactive, is definitely the first action racing game we can think of that reminds us of the Kellogg family's Battle Creek Sanitarium.

The steampunk racing/shooting game has players, driving a steam-powered buggy, attempting to defeat the "Earl of Wellness," who has drained the local lake to provide water for his "Wellness Spa Temple."

Once again, this is a racing game. See for yourself above. It's coming to PC, PS3 download, and XBLA.

Gallery: Pressure

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'Pressure' forces racing and vintage quack medicine together originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Oct 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The puzzle-fueled shooting of Transcripted

Richard Mitchell — Sat, 09 Jun 2012 03:00:00 EST

Transcripted takes two fairly disparate gameplay concepts and combines them to create something new. Specifically, it blends 2D omnidirectional shooting with a match-three puzzle mechanic. Or, if you want the elevator pitch, as it was given to me by publisher TopWare's PR director Jake DiGennaro, it's Geometry Wars meets Zuma.

Gallery: Transcripted (E3 2012)

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The puzzle-fueled shooting of Transcripted originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Jun 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TopWare games takes 50 percent, a load off on GoG

Jessica Conditt — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST

It's a lazy Sunday afternoon, so stay in your pajamas, grab a mug of coffee and curl up in front of your computer with the final run of Good Old Games' weekend deal on TopWare titles. The TopWare Mix is half off until tomorrow at 11:59 p.m. EDT and includes Two Worlds, Jagged Alliance 2: Wildfire, Jack Orlando: A Cinematic Adventure, the Earth series and more. Check out the full lineup right here, but hey, take your time. It is the day of rest, after all.

TopWare games takes 50 percent, a load off on GoG originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 12 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Two Worlds 2: Castle Defense on iPad 2 uses 'eye-tracking technology'

JC Fletcher — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 21:30:00 EST

If you're confused about which platform on which to play Two Worlds 2: Castle Defense, only one platform is going to be staring at your face as you play. Maybe you should take that into consideration.

The iPad 2 version features 3D-ET tech, to change the camera angle based on the position of your face relative to the screen. Basically, the announcement says you can "look around corners." It also says it's "eye tracking" tech, but we're more inclined to believe it's tracking the movement of your head, because eye tracking requires a really close-up camera and very quick refresh rate. Still neat, though!

Continue reading Two Worlds 2: Castle Defense on iPad 2 uses 'eye-tracking technology'

Two Worlds 2: Castle Defense on iPad 2 uses 'eye-tracking technology' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Two Worlds 2 Velvet GOTY Edition defies logic

David Hinkle — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 02:00:00 EST

It is true that Two Worlds 2 is "a game" and it launched in "the year" 2011, so we guess we understand the newly announced Two Worlds 2 Velvet Game of the Year Edition. It is a game of the year 2011.

We're pretty sure there isn't an outlet on the planet who awarded Two Worlds 2 with the honor of game of the year -- we know, we checked. Online. We're only a little over halfway through this year, but it's not stopping Topware Interactive from re-issuing a swanky bundle, replete with upcoming DLC, Pirates of the Flying Fortress. On top of the DLC, there's a map, a collectible pin, a bonus disc with wallpapers, art, soundtrack and two PvP maps and the titular velvet case -- available in red on consoles, black on PC and Mac.

Hit the jump for the full press release. The velvet edition will launch on October 18 for PC, Mac, PS3 and Xbox 360.

Gallery: Two Worlds 2 Velvet GOTY Edition

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Two Worlds 2 Velvet GOTY Edition defies logic originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 16 Jul 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc hits GOG, Dream Pinball 3D discounted

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST

The library at Good Old Games expanded to include Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc today. Our own Ludwig Kietzmann notes that the game isn't quite as magical as Rayman 2: The Great Escape, which is also on GOG, but is worth it for "John Leguiziamo and the inexplicable ability to drive Rayman's shoe like a car." You can snag Rayman 3 now for $6.

Also, as part of its Summer Hidden Gems sale, GOG has cut the price of Dream Pinball 3D. Today only, the title can be had for $2.39, which is less than most gamers would plunk into a real pinball machine.

Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc hits GOG, Dream Pinball 3D discounted originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Two Worlds 2: Castle Defense rushes to Mac, PC & iOS on May 17

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST

Waiting for the next big Two Worlds event is rough -- we know. September is, like, ages away, and don't even get us started on 2012 (who knows if this world will even still be around then). But, surprise! Publisher TopWare Interactive has announced Two Worlds 2: Castle Defense, coming to Mac, PC and iOS on May 17. As the title suggests, rather than role-playing in a fantasy world, you'll be defending towers in a fantasy world, controlling various combat units and striking down the forces of Gandalf's evil twin, Gandohar.

Of course, this still leaves us waiting more than three weeks for the next big Two Worlds event. However will we-- surprise! The demo is available right now, so stick that in your impatience pipe and smoke it. Is that not how demos work?

Gallery: Two Worlds 2: Tower Defense

Two Worlds 2: Castle Defense rushes to Mac, PC & iOS on May 17 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Two Worlds 2 expansion, 'Pirates of the Flying Fortress,' coming in September

David Hinkle — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST

We knew we hadn't seen the last of Two Worlds with a new game planned for next year, but a recent announcement has revealed that we haven't seen the last of Two Worlds, um, 2, either. Topware has launched a website for "Pirates of the Flying Fortress," "the official expansion pack" for the Two Worlds sequel.

The expansion is said to serve up "exotic flair, new enemies, new settings and new weapons," in addition to thunderstorms and rain. New multiplayer maps and single-player content with also be included. Then there's the much anticipated "impact-oriented horse armor."

"Pirates of the Flying Fortress" will launch as a "multi-platform title" (perhaps to be released both as a bundle with the original game and as a DLC add-on) for Xbox 360, PS3, PC and Mac platforms this September. "The good old 'Two Worlds' atmosphere waits," promises the announcement, "which is yet quite different this time around."

Two Worlds 2 expansion, 'Pirates of the Flying Fortress,' coming in September originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 16 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Two Worlds 2 marked down to $40 at Kmart, buyers get hammered

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 11:45:00 EST

If you're looking to try out the sure lock for 2011's "Most Improved Game of the Year" award recipient, Two Worlds 2, Kmart's making a pretty compelling case for your dollars. The retailer has the game for $40 this week, which will also net you a download voucher for the powerful "BattleHammer of Kroll."

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Two Worlds 2 marked down to $40 at Kmart, buyers get hammered originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Jan 2011 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Two Worlds 2 review: One world of difference

Justin McElroy — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST

"Uh, hello, Two Worlds 2 is it? Please, come in, have a seat."

"Oh, thank you so much, and please, call me Tee Dub, all my friends do. I can't tell you what an honor this is to even be considered for a Joystiq score, especially considering what an unmitigated disaster my predecessor was."

"It's our pleasure, Tee Dub. Now, I'm just going to address the elephant in the room here. I'm looking over your resume, and I keep coming back to this line right here: 'I am, in many respects, not a very good game. In fact, some parts of me are actively bad.'"

"Uhh, yes, that's correct."

"We try to keep an open mind here at Joystiq, and heaven knows we're suckers for fantasy action RPGs. But I have to ask ... if you'll fully admit to being crummy in many regards, what are you doing in my office?"

"One word, Mr. McElroy: Heart."

Gallery: Two Worlds II

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Two Worlds 2 review: One world of difference originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Two Worlds 2 gets Feb. 4 launch date, 'Royal Edition' in UK

Richard Mitchell — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST

Tracking the various release dates of Two Worlds 2 can be a tricky prospect. Just to recap, the game is already available in most of Europe and has sold over a million copies. It will arrive in North America on January 25, just a few short weeks away. Now, Topware Interactive has announced that Two Worlds 2 will arrive in the United Kingdom on February 4.

Furthermore, the company has revealed the Royal Edition, which includes a statuette, a world map, playing cards, exclusive in-game weapons and a DVD with behind-the-scenes features, music, concept art and more. The Royal Edition will be available exclusively through GAME and is currently available for pre-order.

Continue reading Two Worlds 2 gets Feb. 4 launch date, 'Royal Edition' in UK

Two Worlds 2 gets Feb. 4 launch date, 'Royal Edition' in UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fallout over 'Bethesda v. Interplay' remains unsettled

James Ransom-Wiley — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 22:20:00 EST

Unofficial Fallout community wiki the Vault has posted snippets and analysis of another batch of court documents, courtesy of site founder Paweł Dembowski (posting as Ausir), in the legal battle between Bethesda and Interplay over the latter's licensed, in-development Fallout Online MMO and rights to distribute pre-Fallout 3 titles from the franchise. If the absence of recent developments in the suit had you wondering if the two sides had settled cordially, forget about it. The excerpts are most certainly lacking in holiday spirit, as the fiery debate appears to wage on.

According to the Vault, highlights from the new documents show Bethesda, which is the current Fallout IP owner, defending against Interplay's claims that it had denied the MMO developer rights to use "Fallout-related intellectual property assets." Bethesda maintains that it had licensed back to Interplay (the original IP owner) rights to the Fallout name only and not art assets, including the series' (literally) trademark Pip-Boy.

In a separate document, Bethesda took to the offensive, demanding Interplay hand over the contents of its internal Fallout Online design wiki as court evidence. Interplay objected, calling the wiki a "trade secret document" and suggested Bethesda had repeatedly turned down offers to "inspect" the wiki outside of the courtroom.

Interplay seems to have little choice but to fight on, even as it operated at a $205,000 loss in its June-September fiscal quarter. As Gamer/Law points out, the company is caught in a deadly gamble: Its future is dependant on completing Fallout Online for a planned 2012 release -- if the project doesn't get shut down by the courts first.

On the bright side, Interplay won out in a separate lawsuit earlier this month against TopWare, concerning the latter's infringement upon Interplay's "Battle Chess" trademark.

[Pictured: Fallout Online concept art]

Fallout over 'Bethesda v. Interplay' remains unsettled originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Dec 2010 22:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Two Worlds 2 coming to America Jan. 25, has sold a million in Europe

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 14:30:00 EST

TopWare and SouthPeak's double-delayed RPG, Two Worlds 2, has finally received a North American release date of January 25, 2011. Later that week, the game will arrive in the U.K. and Ireland, where Topware will take over as sole distributor, allowing SouthPeak to focus on promoting the game in North America. That sounds like a decent strategy, but we're not sure the extra attention is necessary -- it's always been our experience that games with perfectly symmetrical titles practically sell themselves.

Two Worlds 2 has already been received with moderate success in Continental Europe, with the Xbox 360 and PC versions selling over one million copies combined since their releases in early November. (The PS3 version, remember, was held up due to a Blu-ray printing delay.) There's no telling how well the game will be received in new regions next month, but if its critical reception remains positive, we're guessing it'll do a great deal better than its predecessor.

Two Worlds 2 coming to America Jan. 25, has sold a million in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Two Worlds 2 publisher's CEO mad at Sony about European PS3 delay

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 14:40:00 EST

Two Worlds 2's release drama continues, as publisher TopWare/Zuxxez's CEO Dirk Hassinger calls Sony out for missing the game's European release date. Eurogamer reports that the game recently launched in mainland Europe on Xbox 360 and PC, but the executive explains that because TopWare couldn't choose the pressing plant for the PS3 discs, the game won't be available on the platform until after Christmas.

This is just the latest incident in a string of delays, more delays and denials regarding the reasons for those delays that have plagued the title. The wait may be worth it, as Eurogamer Germany gave the game a 9/10. Two Worlds 2 is expected to launch January 2011 in the US and UK.

Gallery: Two Worlds II

Two Worlds 2 publisher's CEO mad at Sony about European PS3 delay originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Nov 2010 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TopWare says Two Worlds 2 is done, disputes SouthPeak's delay claim

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 12:33:00 EST

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

Awwwkward. Two Worlds 2 was recently delayed in North America until January 2011 because, according to regional publisher SouthPeak, it planned to take the extra time for "heavyweight quality assurance," so the game was "absolutely flawless" for launch. TopWare Interactive, a subsidiary of the game's European publisher Zuxxez, apparently didn't appreciate that messaging and called it "factually incorrect."

Speaking to Gamespot, TopWare's managing director, James Seaman, said the delay was made because of the "exceptionally crowded" holiday season. The company (which oversees Two Worlds 2 developer Reality Pump) allegedly finished all "production, bug testing and localization" work in mid-September and plans to release the game in a few territories on October 21. The January launch in North America will feature the same content as the European release, except for the expected patch updates.

This whole messaging debacle gives us an Alpha Protocol vibe. Hopefully, it'll have a more positive outcome.

TopWare says Two Worlds 2 is done, disputes SouthPeak's delay claim originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Two Worlds 2 takes scenic route, now launching October 5

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 12:50:00 EST

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

So, we thought Two Worlds 2 was supposed to launch this week -- and we were not alone in this thinking -- but it turns out the game's release date has been quietly moved. A representative for Southpeak told Joystiq today that Two Worlds 2 is scheduled to make its retail appearance on October 5 in North America. (Although we asked, no new European date was provided.)

Guess someone figured out launching the same week as Halo: Reach probably isn't the best move ... right, Cabela?

Two Worlds 2 takes scenic route, now launching October 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Two Worlds 2 continues Sordahon's Journey

Justin McElroy — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 10:00:00 EST

We can't blame you if you immediately glaze over when you see the words "Two Worlds," but if so, you've been missing one of the funniest and most honest advertising campaigns in the the history of video games. We're not sure if the self-effacing "Sordahon's Journey" is going to convince us to buy Two Worlds 2, but it's certainly helping us to forgive SouthPeak for Two Worlds 1.

The fourth installation of the series is upon us just after the break -- and you can only find it on Joystiq! Here are parts one, two and three if you need to catch up.

Continue reading Two Worlds 2 continues Sordahon's Journey

Two Worlds 2 continues Sordahon's Journey originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Battle vs. Chess: trailer vs. your eyeballs

David Hinkle — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 23:20:00 EST

"Will you die a pawn or reign as king?" the latest Battle vs. Chess trailer asks. We have an even easier question to ask: will you watch this new trailer? It's as simple as clicking past the break.

Continue reading Battle vs. Chess: trailer vs. your eyeballs

Battle vs. Chess: trailer vs. your eyeballs originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 23:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Battle vs. Chess sets up September 28 release gambit

Richard Mitchell — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 04:00:00 EST

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

Southpeak has announced that its chess title, Battle vs Chess (which is totally not Battle Chess) is headed to PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on September 28. Much like Interplay's classic game of nearly the same name, Battle vs Chess lets players compete in the ancient strategy game using animated pieces. Battle vs Chess also includes several different gameplay modes, including a campaign mode and puzzle mode which house "over 50 puzzles and scenarios." Another mode allows players to manually place pieces, which can only be seen by the opponent after the game begins.

The PC version will retail for $20, while the Xbox and PlayStation 3 versions will be available for $40. Meanwhile, the Wii, DS and PSP versions are slated to be released in the first quarter of 2011 with prices still under wraps for now.

Continue reading Battle vs. Chess sets up September 28 release gambit

Battle vs. Chess sets up September 28 release gambit originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Two Worlds 2 'Sordahon's Journey' videos contain vinyl, padding, humility

Richard Mitchell — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:00:00 EST

Look, Two Worlds had issues. You know it. We know it. Everyone knows it. Apparently "everyone" includes the folks at SouthPeak, who have released the first episodes in a new video series entitled "Sordahon's Journey."

The series follows the villainous Sordahon as he strives to break free from the shackles of his master and the stigma of the first Two Worlds. Granted, you won't learn a lot about Two Worlds 2, but you're guaranteed a chuckle or two, and it's nice to see game creators poking fun at themselves.

Continue reading Two Worlds 2 'Sordahon's Journey' videos contain vinyl, padding, humility

Two Worlds 2 'Sordahon's Journey' videos contain vinyl, padding, humility originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Two Worlds 2 debut trailer pours on the drama

Richard Mitchell — Thu, 27 May 2010 20:00:00 EST

Seemingly hearing the plea to convert our "non-pessimism" about Two World 2 into actual optimism, Topware Interactive has released a new trailer for the game. It's packed with thumping music and positive quotes from the press, and it certainly sets the stage. There's also a moment where an Orc kicks a dude in the face, so that's nice.

We should be getting some hands-on time with the game at E3. Here's hoping that Reality Pump has fleshed out the potential we saw at PAX East.

Two Worlds 2 debut trailer pours on the drama originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 May 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Two Worlds 2 pre-order bonus includes unique sword and bonus area

Justin McElroy — Thu, 13 May 2010 13:00:00 EST

You, like ourselves, may have noticed a gnawing curiosity in Two Worlds 2 growing over the past few months. The sequel does, after all, let you freeze people with lightning bolts. If you're dead set on sating your curiosity, SouthPeak has let us in on a pair of bonuses you would receive if you pre-ordered Two Worlds 2 from GameStop:

First is the Luciendar, which you probably already know is "the fabled weapon used to defeat the mighty desert dragon Tang'Raoul." Basically, it's a giant, super-powerful, two-handed sword that you'll be able to access once your character reaches level 15. Second is "the Labyrinth," an exclusive bonus area with its own set of quests that publisher SouthPeak has detailed to a hyper-nerdy extent after the break.

Gallery: Two Worlds 2: The Luciendar

Continue reading Two Worlds 2 pre-order bonus includes unique sword and bonus area

Two Worlds 2 pre-order bonus includes unique sword and bonus area originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 May 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Enclave Wii port to be published by TopWare

Richard Mitchell — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 13:15:00 EST

It's been quite a while since we've heard anything about the upcoming Wii port of the 2003 Starbreeze Xbox and PC title, Enclave. Now we've got a few new tidbits on the Wii port. First and foremost, the game now has a publisher in TopWare Interactive, the same publisher behind the upcoming open-world fantasy Two Worlds 2. TopWare has acquired the worldwide IP and trademark rights for the game and will bring it to the Wii with the new title Enclave: Shadows of Twilight.

Shadows of Twilight will take advantage of the Wii Remote and will add some other new features including a better save system -- you can actually save at any time now -- and a new tutorial. Furthermore, both the light and dark campaigns will be unlocked from the beginning. There is, unfortunately, one detail still missing from the press release: The release date. As of last year, the game was slated for "early 2010" so hopefully we'll hear something soon.

In the meantime, check out a trailer for the original game after the break.

Continue reading Enclave Wii port to be published by TopWare

Enclave Wii port to be published by TopWare originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Impressions: Two Worlds II

Justin McElroy — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 10:33:00 EST

I rush back to the PAX East press room, locked in that strange place between disbelief and acceptance, nigh incapacitated by the surreal certainty that my worldview is in the process of being fundamentally shifted.

"Guys," I say to the collected Joystiq staffers fully expecting my verbal evisceration of TopWare's follow-up. "Guys ... Two Worlds II actually looks kind of cool."

They don't believe me.

Gallery: Two Worlds II

Continue reading Impressions: Two Worlds II

Impressions: Two Worlds II originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Liked Battle Chess? Meet Battle vs. Chess

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:00:00 EST

Battle vs. Chess appears to bring Battle Chess to a new generation, with a similar hook and a name that just skirts a potential copyright lawsuit. With "upbeat combat visuals & mechanics," the game sounds like a modern update of the classic chess game that let us watch chess pieces beat the stuffing out of each other. There don't appear to be any videos showing BvC's animations. The real draw of the original Battle Chess was each piece had a unique way of dispatching its foe -- a modern update would hopefully have more varied animations.

The title is being developed for several platforms, including PC, Mac, DS, Wii and Xbox 360. Battle vs. Chess touts that it uses the Fritz! chess algorithm software and it is currently making moves for a May 2010 release.

Liked Battle Chess? Meet Battle vs. Chess originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Two Worlds II site updates with new screens, 'moveshots'

Xav de Matos — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST

The official Two Worlds II site has added a handful of screens and something called "moveshots" -- three-second clips featuring some of the game's characters in idle poses. Do idle animation clips get you hyped up for the third-person sequel to a less-than-stellar role-playing title?

Mind you, if the latest batch of screens represents developer Reality Pump's way of showcasing its state-of-the-art, horrific medieval clown technology, then a hearty "job well done." Look at them in the shot above, they're the stuff of nightmares! More screens and those "moveshot" things are available on the game's official site.

Two Worlds II site updates with new screens, 'moveshots' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scivelation dev explains title, story motivations

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 22:00:00 EST

Ever since we first picked up word about TopWare Interactive's upcoming shooter Scivelation, we've been puzzled on how to speak about the game. Sure, we didn't know a ton about Scivelation itself other than a scant few words on the game's premise and a vague release window of Q3 2010, but we were much more troubled by the fact that we couldn't actually pronounce the title. So we asked TopWare Interactive managing director James Seaman to clarify the title's pronunciation, as well as to tell us a bit more about the game itself.

"Scivelation (Sigh-vuh-ley-shun) is a contraction of two words; Science and Revelation. Thus, Scivelation deals with a Scientific Revelation within the universe that we've created," Seaman told Joystiq. And while the setting (a "post-Apocalyptic" world) has been done a few times recently, he promised us a different take on the backdrop with Scivelation, and even cited Phillip K. Dick and Robert Heinlein as inspiration. "Though Scivelation deals with issues of societal breakdown and the world in chaos, humanity has reached the pinnacle of technological advancements. This combination of science fiction and dystopian society comes from our great love of many classic literary works." It remains to be seen whether or not TopWare Interactive's upcoming game will impress us, but at least now we know how to say its name correctly. Read Seaman's whole explanation of Scivelation after the break.

Continue reading Scivelation dev explains title, story motivations

Scivelation dev explains title, story motivations originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scivelation's year old 'trailer' reveals name and engine change

Ben Gilbert — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 18:30:00 EST

Something we've been saying since TopWare Interactive and Black Wing Foundation first announced their upcoming third-person shooter, Scivelation - what's with the name?! At first we thought it might be a weird play on the word "civilization," but quickly realized it was missing a syllable.

It was an odd surprise then when we spotted a trailer for the game (found after the break) on Russian gaming site Absolute Games 1.5, though rather than a "Scivelation" logo at the end, we noticed one for a game titled "Salvation." So we contacted TopWare Interactive to find out what was up and were told the video we found is actually not the "first official trailer" for Scivelation, but rather an "old trailer that Black Wing [Foundation] did under the name 'Salvation' that has very little to do with the game Scivelation." More accurately, Scivelation started life as Salvation - "a game from last year with a basic premise that we really enjoyed" - though at the time it was running on Source Engine rather than its current game engine, Unreal.

If you're left feeling as hollow inside as we were after finding out that the accented, fairly confusing, and kinda goofy video isn't from the newest build of Scivelation, take refuge in the fact that the game's developers are completely rewriting the story "to give it a solid story arc with distinct and engaging characters that we feel are going to capture the gaming audience." So there's that, right?

Gallery: Scivelation

Continue reading Scivelation's year old 'trailer' reveals name and engine change

Scivelation's year old 'trailer' reveals name and engine change originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 29 Nov 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scivelation officially announced for 360, coming Q3 2010

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:30:00 EST

Good news, 360 owners: The hard-to-pronounce third-person shooter from TopWare Interactive and Black Wing Foundation, known as Scivelation, will be coming exclusively to the platform in the third quarter of next year. Hopefully, by that point, we'll have received some supplemental materials informing us how to properly speak the title of the game. We're considering changing our current position to "Skih-vee-lay-shun."

The press release which divulged this information also revealed a bit more about the game's story. You'll be playing as a member of a rebel faction, fighting against the oppressive, theocratic "Regime." Joining you is a former Regime scientist who has created a "post-human supervirus," and a former Russian special operative who is also a cyborg. It's like three plots in one! What a bargain!

Scivelation officially announced for 360, coming Q3 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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