Joystiq

Get Black Ops 2 for $40, Trials Evolution for $15 on Steam this weekend

Mike Suszek — Sat, 11 May 2013 12:00:00 EST

Steam's deals for this weekend are action-packed, as Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 is 33 percent off ($40.19), while the Deluxe Edition also on sale for $53.59 until May 13. Early birds can play the game for free until 1pm Pacific on Sunday.

Trials Evolution is also part of the weekend sale, as the game's Gold Edition is 25 percent off ($14.99) until May 13. The special edition of the game also includes the single-player tracks and skill games from Trials HD.

Get Black Ops 2 for $40, Trials Evolution for $15 on Steam this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

XBLA sale: Mark of the Ninja, Trials and more cheap until Apr. 9

David Hinkle — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 23:45:00 EST

Another sale has spread across Xbox Live Arcade, running until April 9. The sale's highlight is 50% off Mark of the Ninja from Klei Entertainment - one of Joystiq's favorite games of 2012 - bringing it down to 600 MS Points ($7.50).

Other cheap contenders include Trials Evolution for 800 MS Points ($10) and some discounted Pinball FX 2 tables. There's also Dust: An Elysian Tale and Deadlight for 600 MS Points ($7.50) to consider.

On top of this promotion highlighting Microsoft Studios games, there's also the ongoing Xbox Live Arcade Deal of the Week sale. Retro City Rampage has been knocked down to 600 MS Points ($7.50) and Quarrel is 200 MS Points ($2.50). The full list of both sales can be seen through the source links below.

XBLA sale: Mark of the Ninja, Trials and more cheap until Apr. 9 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 23:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

PSA: Trials Evolution: Gold Edition pops wheelies on PC today

David Hinkle — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 02:00:00 EST

Ubisoft has launched Trials Evolution: Gold Edition on PC today, exposing a whole new segment of sadists to annoying rap-rock intro songs. You can pick up Gold Edition through Steam or other major games retailers for $19.99.

Trials Evolution: Gold Edition is a collection of the XBLA success Trials Evolution and all of the levels from its predecessor, Trials HD. Rounding out the package is the in-game level editor, which was used to recreate the Trials HD levels found in this very package. Not included: A way to stop playing Trials once you start.

Gallery: Trials Evolution Gold (3/20/13)

Continue reading PSA: Trials Evolution: Gold Edition pops wheelies on PC today

PSA: Trials Evolution: Gold Edition pops wheelies on PC today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Pre-order Trials Evolution: Gold Edition, get instant beta access

David Hinkle — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 19:30:00 EST

A closed beta for Trials Evolution: Gold Edition, the PC port of the XBLA hit set to drop in March 21, has started today. Ubisoft has announced that anyone who pre-orders the digital version of Trials Evolution: Gold Edition will get instant access to the beta, which runs until March 14.

The beta itself covers all game content - it's less of a beta and more of an early unlock for a specific amount of time, really. Trials Evolution: Gold Edition features all of the content from the console release, plus all tracks from Trials HD, recreated with Trials Evolution's updated graphics and physics engine.

Gallery: Trials Evolution Gold (2/28/13)

Continue reading Pre-order Trials Evolution: Gold Edition, get instant beta access

Pre-order Trials Evolution: Gold Edition, get instant beta access originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Mar 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Trials HD & Evolution star in today's Xbox Live Countdown to 2013 deal

Sinan Kubba — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 11:00:00 EST

Today's Xbox Live's Countdown to 2013 deal is full of Trials and tribulations, minus the tribulations. The Xmas Eve offering knocks 400 MSP off both Trials HD and Trials Evolution, seeing bikers viciously flung off price crashes of 400 MSP and 800 MSP respectively.

The games' add-ons are also discounted in today's deal, making each of the Big Thrills and Big Pack DLC for Trials HD as well as Origins of Pain for Evolution available for 200 MSP.

Trials HD & Evolution star in today's Xbox Live Countdown to 2013 deal originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Dec 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Trials Evolution: Gold Edition packs up Trials HD and its sequel for a PC roadtrip

David Hinkle — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 06:45:00 EST

PC gamers looking to get their treads dirty in the latest installment of RedLynx's physics-based motocross series, Trials Evolution, should hang tight until "early 2013." Ubisoft has announced a PC port called Trials Evolution: Gold Edition, and it'll include both Trials Evolution and Trials HD.

The newly revealed add-on for Xbox Live Arcade, Origin of Pain, will not be included, according to Ubisoft.

Trials Evolution: Gold Edition packs up Trials HD and its sequel for a PC roadtrip originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 06:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

The secrets of Trials HD's wildly convoluted riddle revealed

Jordan Mallory — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 18:30:00 EST

Trials HD, the death/patience-defying XBLA motorcycle acrobatics game originally released during 2009's Summer of Arcade, apparently contains a riddle so massively brain-busting that no one has been able to fully divine its true meaning.

Perhaps out of pity for its tireless community, or perhaps out of frustration over waiting three years for its awesome riddle to be solved, developer RedLynx has assisted Trials HD veteran FatShady in bringing resolution to the burning questions posed by various clues scattered about the game.

As the above deconstruction video demonstrates, RedLynx put a lot of effort into this riddle, so much so that we think they might be in the wrong line of work. Don't get us wrong, Trials HD is great, but with talent like this at the helm, maybe LOST wouldn't have turned out the way it did.

The secrets of Trials HD's wildly convoluted riddle revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 15 Apr 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Trials Evolution to launch 'when it's done,' still being published by Microsoft

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST

Trials franchise creator RedLynx may be warming up to its new publisher marriage with Ubisoft, as this morning's acquisition announcement revealed, but it doesn't mean that the Finland-based studio is moving in immediately. "We will still be working directly with Microsoft to bring Trials Evolution to Xbox Live Arcade once it's ready," RedLynx Director of Marketing and PR Jason Bates told me this morning.

It doesn't look like that'll be this year, however, as Bates explained that the company is taking a "when it's done" attitude to development and the game's launch date. "What we've been holding to is the 'when it's done' approach," Bates said. "We are going to take the time to polish and test the game to the best of our ability before we release it, to ensure it matches the quality people have come to expect from a Trials game."

Trials Evolution will be the last game that RedLynx puts out as an indie studio, as the game is still being published by Microsoft for Xbox Live Arcade, rather than Ubisoft. "We are looking forward to working with Ubisoft to ensure that Trials Evolution does get the attention it deserves when the game arrives," Bates said, though he also admitted that, "Ubisoft will respect the current commitments ... Microsoft is still the publisher of the title." The last Trials entry, Trials HD, has racked up over 2 million sales to date on Xbox Live Arcade -- a franchise Ubisoft is no doubt eyeing for potential future projects at the Finnish studio. Might we suggest TrialsMania? Just a thought!

Gallery: Trials Evolution (E3 2011)

Trials Evolution to launch 'when it's done,' still being published by Microsoft originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Trials HD dev acquired by Ubisoft for undisclosed amount

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 13:00:00 EST

Wildly successful indie developer RedLynx is now a part of French mega-publisher Ubisoft. RedLynx announced the acquisition this morning (evening for the Finland-based outfit) via its forums, where company CEO Rero Virtala explained the decision. "We were attracted by Ubisoft's focus on creativity and quality," he said, also pointing to the publisher's "long-term strategy on both the traditional and digital distribution video game markets."

Ubisoft has been pushing quality digital titles hard over the last year, with everything from unique one-offs like Outland and From Dust to re-releases of classics like TMNT, Prince of Persia, and Beyond Good & Evil HD. The publisher was no doubt attracted to RedLynx's massively popular Trials series, which is set to receive a sequel in the coming months.

Trials HD dev acquired by Ubisoft for undisclosed amount originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Nov 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Xbox Live Marketplace sales bonanza, starting today [update]

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 16:00:00 EST

Microsoft is taking a set of sharp blades and ravenously cutting prices across the board on Xbox Live Marketplace content, starting right now. Already inexpensive (and wonderful) title Outland will cost you a cool 400 MS Points ($5), while deep multiplayer fare like Monday Night Combat and Section 8: Prejudice are going for 600 MS Points ($7.50) and 800 MS Points ($10), respectively.

Also, hey, if you're not one of the over 2 million people who own and adore Trials HD, here's another chance to grab it on the cheap (600 MS Points/$7.50). It's unclear when the "Extreme Shopping" sale will end, so we've asked Microsoft for more info. For now, enjoy the sweet, sweet savings while you can.

Update: This post originally had ilomilo listed as on sale for $5, which is false. Sorry about that!

[Image credit: Ronald Wong]

Continue reading Xbox Live Marketplace sales bonanza, starting today [update]

Xbox Live Marketplace sales bonanza, starting today [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Trials HD motors past 2 million sales

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 27 May 2011 10:30:00 EST

Trials HD, the XBLA version of the "don't try this at home" motorcycle stunt series, has surpassed 2 million units sold. Developer RedLynx says the figure covers the "digital numbers" and clarified to Joystiq that it does not include the recently released XBLA disc bundle.

Trials HD launched 18 months ago and had sold a million units by September last year. RedLynx isn't ready to share what its next HD project is -- though we do know that it currently has "six teams working on six games."

Gallery: Trials HD (XBLA)

Continue reading Trials HD motors past 2 million sales

Trials HD motors past 2 million sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 May 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

One-day XBLA sale: Half-price Monday Night Combat, Limbo, Trials and more

Richard Mitchell — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST

Microsoft is running a one-day sale on some of its best XBLA titles. Today only, you can grab Monday Night Combat, Limbo, Trials HD, Castle Crashers or Shadow Complex for the wallet-friendly price of 600 points ($7.50) each.

Continue reading One-day XBLA sale: Half-price Monday Night Combat, Limbo, Trials and more

One-day XBLA sale: Half-price Monday Night Combat, Limbo, Trials and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Limbo, Trials HD and Splosion Man retail pack in Europe on May 13

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 13:40:00 EST

The XBLA "Triple Pack" retail bundle, featuring the critically adored trio of Limbo, Trials HD and Splosion Man, will be available in Europe on May 13. The pack's North American release date was previously announced as being April 19.

The North American price had been confirmed at $29.99, but there is currently no official price for Europe and the UK. The European edition will also include a 48-hour Xbox Live Gold trial and 160 MS Points ($2). That's a decent deal, and it reinforces what we're always saying: Who needs the internet?

Continue reading Limbo, Trials HD and Splosion Man retail pack in Europe on May 13

Limbo, Trials HD and Splosion Man retail pack in Europe on May 13 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Limbo, Trials HD and Splosion Man coming to retail in XBLA triple pack [Update: It's coming on April 19!]

David Hinkle — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 18:03:00 EST

Three of Xbox Live Arcade's most lauded games are getting bundled together in one retail package, it seems. Twisted Pixel CEO and co-founder, Michael Wilford, revealed this Amazon listing on Twitter today, commenting that a bundle of Limbo, Trials HD and Splosion Man was initially only headed to Japan and now will be available in North America, as well.

The Amazon listing suggests a $29.99 price point, which seems a little low -- Limbo is normally $15, while the other two are $10 -- so we've followed up with Microsoft for confirmation and an expected launch date. We'll let you know what we find out.

Update: A Microsoft representative has confirmed with Joystiq that the $29.99 price is accurate and that the bundle will be available for purchase on April 19 either through online retailers or on store shelves here in the US. It'll also come with a 48-hour Xbox Live Gold trial and 160 MS Points.

Limbo, Trials HD and Splosion Man coming to retail in XBLA triple pack [Update: It's coming on April 19!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Highlights from this month's Xbox Marketplace deals and releases

James Ransom-Wiley — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 18:20:00 EST

Major Nelson has posted his monthly preview of upcoming Xbox Marketplace content, which receives the obligatory winter "wrapping" this time of year. Additionally, Microsoft is offering 400 points back for purchasing a pair of qualifying XBLA titles this month. Complete details are after the break.

Continue reading Highlights from this month's Xbox Marketplace deals and releases

Highlights from this month's Xbox Marketplace deals and releases originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

December XBLA deal: Buy two games, get 400 MS Points free

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 17:14:00 EST

In yet another Xbox Live Arcade deal, Microsoft is now offering a free batch of 400 MS Points for purchasing two qualifying XBLA games. Don't run off downloading games just yet though, because you'll need to head over to the Xbox Live Events page and download the Arcade Offer gamer picture to register for the giveaway first (the direct link to the gamer picture is currently broken, but it's the first one listed on the events page).

Once that's done, snag two of the games listed after the break (including favorites like Limbo, Lara Croft, Monday Night Combat, Super Meat Boy and more). Within four weeks, the free points will be added to registered Live accounts automatically or sent as redemption code via email. If you're planning to pick up any of the eligible games, you might as well get some free points too, right? The promotion ends December 20, so get to it.

[Thanks, Grand Kerfuffle]

Continue reading December XBLA deal: Buy two games, get 400 MS Points free

December XBLA deal: Buy two games, get 400 MS Points free originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Dec 2010 17:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

'Splosion Man, Trials HD, more Black Friday deals live on XBLM

JC Fletcher — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 11:07:00 EST

The hottest of hot dealz on the Xbox Live Marketplace (so hot we used a "z") are available now. Navigate to Microsoft's Black Friday deals page to see the full list for yourself, but we'll list the amazing highlights that kicked in today for you right now:

'Splosion Man for 160 Microsoft Points ($2)
Trials HD for 400 Microsoft Points ($5)
Seriously, 'Splosion Man for two dollars ($2)

Other surprise deals include Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time Re-Shelled for 160 MSP ($2) and a Starkiller Lightsaber Avatar accessory for only two dollars more than it's worth.

'Splosion Man, Trials HD, more Black Friday deals live on XBLM originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Nov 2010 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

RedLynx dates Trials HD 'Big Thrills' DLC for Dec. 1, gives away free Trials Legends PC bundle

David Hinkle — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 20:30:00 EST

Come December 1, RedLynx will unleash its latest Trials HD DLC, the "Big Thrills" pack, for 400 MS Points ($5). You'll find a trailer highlighting some of the ten user-created tracks selected for the DLC right after the break.

Before Trials HD rocked Xbox Live Arcade, RedLynx was busy rocking the infotron with a series of smaller, free Java-based and paid games called Trials. Today, the Finland-based studio also announced it's making those classic Trials games from the early aughts available to all, free of charge, in one complete PC bundle. All you have to do is hit up RedLynx's Facebook page, give it a "like," then the Trials Legends download link will be revealed to you -- or, if you're too lazy to do all of that, just click this link.

Trials Legends includes 33 different tracks ripped from the classic Trials games, six different rides to whip around in, 15 different attainable ranks, a track creator tool, and a brief overview of the history of the series. RedLynx also set up a dedicated forum space for Trials Legends, in case you want to share tracks with others or simply gab about how you narrowly missed that giant shark with the odd mohawk on level 26. Yeah, he got us a few times too.

Continue reading RedLynx dates Trials HD 'Big Thrills' DLC for Dec. 1, gives away free Trials Legends PC bundle

RedLynx dates Trials HD 'Big Thrills' DLC for Dec. 1, gives away free Trials Legends PC bundle originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Xbox Live subscribers can vote for upcoming Deal of the Week

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 22:30:00 EST

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

Microsoft has put an interesting turn on its weekly rotation of discounted items on Xbox Live -- the Spotlight tab on the console's dashboard currently includes a poll which will let users choose which of a handful of items they'd like to have marked down for an undisclosed week in October. These discounts include 33 percent off DeathSpank, half off Perfect Dark, or similar markdowns on DLC for Dragon Age: Origins, Trials HD and Battlefield: Bad Company 2.

It would be unethical for us to use our considerable internet power to get you to pick the thing that we'd like to pick up at a discounted price, so we'll refrain from doing so. Instead, we'll just have to rely on the same remote mind-control tactics we've been using to puppeteer your every action for the past four years now. That's right, Brandon, we're inside your mind.

Xbox Live subscribers can vote for upcoming Deal of the Week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Trials HD jumps (and flips) past 1 million sales

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 10:28:00 EST

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

RedLynx is going to have to come up with a new name for the Trials franchise, because the trial done been passed. The company announced today that Trials HD has officially stunt jumped past the 1 million mark in sales, which, as RedLynx CEO Tera Virtala notes, is quite an accomplishment for "a company of about thirty-five people." Trials debuted on XBLA just over a year ago.

The next Trials DLC pack, Big Thrills, is slated to be released later this year and will feature forty new maps including ten user-submitted creations.

Continue reading Trials HD jumps (and flips) past 1 million sales

Trials HD jumps (and flips) past 1 million sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Sep 2010 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

XBLA sales stats for first half of 2010, as deduced from leaderboard data

David Hinkle — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST

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

Gamerbytes has compiled a list of several Xbox Live Arcade games and their performance in the first half of 2010 based on data derived from leaderboards.

First, there are the top performers: Trials HD apparently had the biggest user base, jumping from 600,000 players to over a million during the first half of 2010 (not counting its DLC, which had almost 300,000 players over that period). But how about games that launched this year? Well, Perfect Dark enlisted 265,000, and Toy Soldiers and its DLC managed to recruit a combined 346,000 players. Risk: Factions and Snoopy Flying Ace have yet to reach 100,000.

Other games didn't fare so well, with several failing to capture the attention of even 1,000 users -- Voodoo Dice, Ben 10 and Fret Nice were near or below that mark -- and of the 24 new games that Gamerbytes catalogued, only 13 managed to reach 10,000 players.

Seeing how deals and promotions affected the growth of user bases on older titles is particularly interesting in the case of Zombie Apocalypse and TMNT: ReShelled, both of which came darn close to doubling their respective audiences when discounts were applied.

XBLA sales stats for first half of 2010, as deduced from leaderboard data originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Trials HD DLC to deliver 'Big Thrills' later this year

David Hinkle — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 10:55:00 EST

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

RedLynx has announced a second expansion pack for Trials HD, currently speeding toward a Q4 release. You'll find forty new professional stunt tracks in the "Big Thrills" pack, as well as ten user-created levels. Those lucky enough to have their level featured will be rewarded with "cash or prizes, as well as in-game credit."

Microsoft and RedLynx have set up a page with info on the user-created portion of the DLC. Those who submit the top three tracks will earn $5,000, $3,000 and $1,000, respectively. You see how lucrative games can be, mom? Do you see now?

We spoke with the folks at RedLynx about the DLC, but they could not offer us a definitive launch date or price yet. Instead, we learned that Big Thrills will include "three new achievements with 50 more gamer points available, bringing Trials HD and its two DLCs to a total of 300."

Continue reading Trials HD DLC to deliver 'Big Thrills' later this year

Trials HD DLC to deliver 'Big Thrills' later this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Guess when Trials HD will hit a million and win loot

Justin McElroy — Tue, 11 May 2010 18:20:00 EST

Like a hellbent motorcyclist, Trials HD continues to roar along at terrifying speeds. But rather than rushing towards an untimely death at the hands of a particularly inflexible brick wall, RedLynx's XBLA hit is fast approaching the one million downloads mark. Sure, that kind of breaks the metaphor, but we've come this far, right? Let's forge on together.

The developer plans on hitting the milestone soon, but is hoping its community can help it figure out exactly when with a new contest. Whichever fan manages to guess closest to the exact date and time will win "some super loot" from RedLynx, including a giant Trials flag and an autographed motorcycle helmet.

You can make your guess at the official contest page, but be warned: We've already called dibs on "Pretty soon."

Guess when Trials HD will hit a million and win loot originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 May 2010 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Trials HD on sale for $10 today on XBLM

David Hinkle — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 14:16:00 EST

So you've managed to block out the siren song of Trials HD this long, have you? You're stronger than us -- but it might be time to give in. The game has been discounted today by 33 percent to 800 ($10) for a one-day sale. Can you really say "no, thank you" to that? It was voted 2009's best XBLA game, after all (and won the Best Nordic Game award at the 2010 conference just last night).

Look at it this way: Your Microsoft Points could very well go to helping out the workers behind the scenes. That's right -- we're talking about the guys who sneak into the factory at night and set up these wicked elaborate stunt tracks. They have an extremely dangerous job, you know.

Xbox.com: Add Trials HD to your Xbox 360 download queue ($10)

Trials HD on sale for $10 today on XBLM originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Trials HD voted best XBLA game of 2009

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 20:34:00 EST

For the third year in a row, Microsoft hosted a community poll on Xbox Live to determine the best Xbox Live Arcade games as judged by the players. And like last year, when Joystiq favorite Braid was overthrown by those persistent ~~party~~ castle crashers, 2009's "Best Overall Arcade Game" goes to Trials HD over Joystiq Best of 2009 winners Shadow Complex and 'Splosion Man (which both did manage to win lesser awards in the Xbox Live poll).

We've posted the complete list of awards and winners, which also include Battlefield 1943, Hasbro Family Game Night and Banjo-Tooie, after the break. What, no love for Watchmen: The End is Nigh? We demand a recount!

Continue reading Trials HD voted best XBLA game of 2009

Trials HD voted best XBLA game of 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 20:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Trials HD trailer displays disasters and triumphs of player-created content

Ben Gilbert — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 17:00:00 EST

Rather than play that silly old full-motion video arcade game with motorbikes -- you know, that one that only exists in the trailer above? -- the latest video from developer RedLynx encourages you to pick up Trials HD instead and hop right in to the level creation tools. Beyond the initially jarring brutal crashes and eviscerations, the latter half of the clip displays the subtle elegance at players' disposal should they master the physics-based controls to the pixel-perfect precision the game asks of its users (we're especially impressed by the double front flip). And though we haven't seen any DLC for Trials HD since the last one in late December, it's good to see the developer supporting its game so long after release. But let's be honest here -- we'd could always use some more DLC.

Gallery: Trials HD (XBLA)

Trials HD trailer displays disasters and triumphs of player-created content originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 21 Mar 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

RedLynx digital strategy pays off, 1.5 million games sold in '09

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST

While the big fellas struggle to figure out how to make digitally distributed content profitable, smaller dev houses like RedLynx are handily succeeding. The Trials HD developer claims to have moved 1.5 million digital units worldwide (of all of its games) in 2009, though, as RedLynx itself points out, "most RedLynx games have also free promotional web versions available, bringing the company's key titles to an even wider audience."

Aside from putting out the Summer of Arcade XBLA release Trials HD last year, the Finnish company also made Monster Trucks Nitro on PC and a couple of iPhone games, assuredly assisting that 1.5 million statistic. CEO Tero Virtala looks forward to the coming year, saying things look "even better," and adding that RedLynx is "bringing 8-10 new games to market." We really, really hope the company brings more copies than that if it wants to move past 2009's sales. Come on, guys -- simple math!

RedLynx digital strategy pays off, 1.5 million games sold in '09 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

GamerBytes posts XBLA sales analysis for December

Justin McElroy — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 09:00:00 EST

Although the Xbox may have had a great December at retail, it's a little difficult finding a big success story in GamerBytes' recap of Xbox Live sales for the month. Trials HD is probably the closest, with more that 91,000 people picking up the game's "Big Pack" DLC. Sadly, new games fared much worse with Team 17's costly Alien Breed Evolution selling to only 9,001 players all month. 0 Day Attack on Earth moved just 3,336 units in its first two weeks on sale.

It's not a pretty picture, but we're heartened by the fact that somewhere out there on this big blue ball, exactly 700 people are really into Polar Panic. That's nice, isn't it?

GamerBytes posts XBLA sales analysis for December originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Microsoft reveals the top Xbox Live games of 2009

Richard Mitchell — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:35:00 EST

Now that the new year is in full swing, Microsoft has decided to take a look back at the top games of 2009. Specifically, Major Nelson has released a breakdown of the most popular games on Xbox Live during 2009. The overall top twenty list seems pretty standard with Halo 3 at the top, followed by Call of Duty 4. What's amazing, though, is that after releasing in November, Modern Warfare 2 managed to snag third place for the entire year. So, pretty popular game, then.

On the downloadable front, Battlefield 1943 takes top XBLA honors, followed by Castle Crashers and Trials HD. Indie Games are topped by I MAED A GAM3 W1TH Z0MB1ES!!!1N IT!!!1 (it is just a dollar), followed by Avatar Drop and RC-AirSim. Unsurprisingly, the top original Xbox game is still Halo 2, while Star Wars: Battlefront 2 and the original Fable take second and third place, respectively. Head over to Major Nelson for the full list.

Microsoft reveals the top Xbox Live games of 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Best of the Rest: Ludwig's Picks of 2009

Ludwig Kietzmann — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 19:15:00 EST

Silent Hill: Shattered Memories
I mocked this "re-imagining" of Silent Hill when it was first announced. I thought Harry Mason had become an older, life-hewn Harry Potter and considered the town's frosty makeover as nothing short of sacrilege. But an encounter with the game at E3 2009 (and with candid producer Tomm Hulett) quickly changed my mind. While the game departs significantly from the franchise's known lore, it retains and streamlines much of what made Silent Hill stand out against games like Resident Evil. Encased in the game's frigid atmosphere, you'll experience a sense of bewilderment that, if you've been playing these games for a long time, you will not have felt in years. Indeed, the best surprises prey on those of us who think we know everything about Silent Hill.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Ludwig's Picks of 2009

Best of the Rest: Ludwig's Picks of 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Jan 2010 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

New trailer and details released for Trials HD DLC

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST

Earlier this week, we got a brief sampler of the explosive additions coming to Trials HD in the "BIG Pack" DLC ... pack. Today, a RedLynx press release has shared a few specifics with us regarding the downloadable content's ... contents. These specifics include how to unlock the pack's three new achievements, a list of some of the new physics objects (car, rocket turbine, gravity field, wind and motor, to name a few), and some of the additions that will come in the simultaneously released title update. You can find these details posted after the jump.

RedLynx also sent along a new trailer, which we've posted above. You're going to feel awfully silly when you realize that you've read all this when you could have been watching a dude ride a motorbike in a space station. The BIG Pack is due out next Wednesday, December 23. According to the presser, it will cost 400 -- which is half the price we heard earlier this week. Typo? Or Christmas miracle? We've contacted RedLynx to find out.

Continue reading New trailer and details released for Trials HD DLC

New trailer and details released for Trials HD DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Trials HD DLC detailed, new trailer

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST

After teasing the upcoming "Big Pack" DLC for Trials HD, developer RedLynx has revealed some actual details. According to a new trailer hosted by Eurogamer, the DLC will contain 35 new maps, 50 new objects for the level editor and 5 new tournaments. The DLC will also pack three more Achievements, which should please all the trick jumping masters out there. Head over to Eurogamer for the trailer, and keep an eye out for the Big Pack, which hits XBLM on December 24 for 800 ($10).

Trials HD DLC detailed, new trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

RedLynx teases Trials HD DLC 'BIG Pack'

Ludwig Kietzmann — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST

If dynamite comes in small packages, it's fair to assume that lots of dynamite comes in BIG packages. Enter: a new teaser video for the "BIG Pack," an upcoming downloadable add-on to Xbox Live Arcade's bone-breaking bike-'em-up, Trials HD. It's an explosive montage of two-wheeler stunts that fly by too quickly for the brain to process, so be sure to make use of that pause button on the video embedded after the break.

Other things your brain may have trouble processing: a mischievous squirrel. He may seem an adorable little fellow, but if he's anything like the levels in Trials HD, he likely intends to murder us so often that we start to enjoy it. Just one more time!

[Thanks, billymagnum]

Continue reading RedLynx teases Trials HD DLC 'BIG Pack'

RedLynx teases Trials HD DLC 'BIG Pack' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Xbox Live Top 10: People apparently played CoD4, World at War

David Hinkle — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:30:00 EST

Seriously, guys? Everyone on the planet runs out and buys Modern Warfare 2 and you're still playing Call of Duty 4 and World at War? We can understand you folks who chose to play Halo 3 -- the whole Modern Warfare 2 experience may not be your idea of a good time -- but Major Nelson's Xbox Live activity chart for the week of November 9 simply vexes us.

In less puzzling news, the XBLA activity is along the lines of something we're used to seeing. Trials HD remains atop the list, followed by Castle Crashers and South Park Let's Go Tower Defense Play. Konami's Zombie Apocalypse also managed to survive the gauntlet and make its way onto the list and, combined with the recent release of Left 4 Dead 2, we feel mankind is finally starting to reach acceptable levels of preparation for the inevitable future of a world plagued by the undead.

Xbox Live Top 10: People apparently played CoD4, World at War originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Modern Warfare 2 headshots XBLA activity

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:45:00 EST

Okay, so headshot might be too strong a word here, but Modern Warfare 2 has certainly wounded Xbox Live Arcade activity, as GamerBytes reports that top Arcade titles have seen a massive reduction in leaderboard activity since the release of Infinity Ward's latest blockbuster. Specifically, Trials HD -- long the reigning XBLA champion -- saw its leaderboard numbers drop from 14,890 players on the week of November 2 to 8,942 the week of November 9, about a 40 percent loss. Meanwhile, other titles including South Park, Zombie Apocalypse and Tower Bloxx Deluxe saw their leaderboards almost halved. Castle Crashers, curiously, only saw its numbers drop from 8,395 players to 6,034, a reduction of only 28 percent.

Still, it's pretty clear that Modern Warfare 2 has pulled a lot of gamers away from the more casual fare on XBLA. Either that, or lots of hardcore Call of Duty fans unceremoniously yanked the controllers from their more casually-oriented significant others.

Modern Warfare 2 headshots XBLA activity originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Xbox Live Top 10: Halo 3, Trials HD continue to dominate

Xav de Matos — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 23:05:00 EST

Surprising no one, Major Nelson's weekly list of most-played games on Xbox Live showcases Halo 3 and a double dose of Call of Duty on the top of the charts, with Modern Warfare and World at War grabbing second and third, respectively. XBLA top-seller Trials HD continues to lead the downloadable space, beating out newcomers Tower Bloxx Deluxe and Panzer General: Allied Assault.

The most notable item on the list is Gearbox Software's Borderlands, debuting at (a disappointing) ninth on the list. Perhaps evidence that inventory shortages may in fact muck up the wheels of a critically acclaimed game's launch. Color us surprised ... then trace us with sarcasm.

Xbox Live Top 10: Halo 3, Trials HD continue to dominate originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 23:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Xbox Live Top 10: Halo 3, Trials HD, Forza 3 demo

David Hinkle — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:45:00 EST

As our more astute readers likely gathered from this very post's headline, another week has gone, so it's about time we checked in with Major Nelson to see what made his list of the most-played games on Xbox Live. Unsurprisingly, Bungie's dynamic duo of Halo 3 and Halo 3: ODST managed to do well, taking the first and third spots, respectively -- Call of Duty 4 was in the second slot, while Forza 3's demo managed to get some play time on folks' boxes, taking a tight turn into the seventh place spot.

On the XBLA side, Trials HD did backflips to the top of the list, beating out recent releases Zombie Apocalypse and Bust-A-Move Live!. The remainder of the XBLA list saw favorites Battlefield 1943 and Shadow Complex rounding out the bottom end of the top five.

Xbox Live Top 10: Halo 3, Trials HD, Forza 3 demo originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

One helluva stunt: Trials HD sells 300K on XBLA

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:27:00 EST

RedLynx has announced (via Eurogamer) that Trials HD has sold in excess of 300,000 copies on Xbox Live Arcade. While that would be an impressive number for any XBLA game, the achievement is made even more so given that the game has only been on sale for a month. Previously, Microsoft touted the game as breaking the record for first-week sales of a single-player game. The feat was later squashed by Shadow Complex, but Trials HD remains one of the top five best-selling XBLA games.

We can only assume that the next record attempt will be for the most (and most frustrating) single-player DLC downloads.

One helluva stunt: Trials HD sells 300K on XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

XBLA Summer of Arcade sales grow 200%

Xav de Matos — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 09:58:00 EST

Microsoft had a good summer, according to the company's summary of Xbox Live events. 1 vs. 100 reached nearly 3 million gamers during its beta season by Microsoft's estimates, and the Summer of Arcade Xbox Live Arcade promotion enjoyed a reported 200 percent growth in revenue over last year's sales.

While Microsoft has already relished in Metroidvania success, a press release claims that Trials HD and Marvel vs. Capcom 2 also performed well in first-week sales; and both titles join Shadow Complex in the top five bestselling week-one XBLA games of all time. Sales were no doubt boosted by a cloudy economy that kept folks indoors and looking for inexpensive entertainment. Microsoft capitalized, too, by raising the average price of its Summer of Arcade titles.

During last year's promotion, three of the five Summer of Arcade games were priced at $10, but this year, only two of the five were $10 -- the other three costing $15 apiece. (It's unclear if Microsoft counts Battlefield 1943's sales toward revenue growth; the $15 title was not technically part of Summer of Arcade this year.)

Microsoft also saw success in its bold, new free entertainment department. 1 vs. 100 averaged more than half a million users during each of the game show's live sessions. According to Microsoft, the game's near "three-million" downloads within its 13-week availability places 1 vs. 100 within the top ten downloads in Xbox Live history. If we've learned anything on this gloomy fall morning, it's that people like summer gaming and Microsoft has way too many "top" lists cluttering up its offices.

XBLA Summer of Arcade sales grow 200% originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

RedLynx preparing Trials HD downloadable content

Ludwig Kietzmann — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:13:00 EST

Having barely survived the insane stunt gauntlet crafted by Trials HD, we can only approach news of additional content in a cautious and slow manner. We're still getting used to walking with these crutches.

When asked by Console Arcade if the included level editor precluded additional downloadable levels for the bone-crunching bike-'em-up, RedLynx CEO Tero Virtala and creative director Antti Ilvessuo responded, "No, there's going to be DLC. We are working on it right now as we speak."

Not noted in the interview was the evil laughter that followed -- likely drowned out by the ritualistic chanting necessary to summon Trials HD levels from their demonic dimension of origin.

RedLynx preparing Trials HD downloadable content originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments