Joystiq

Splinter Cell: Blacklist co-op developer diary works together

Mike Suszek — Sat, 25 May 2013 10:30:00 EST

This developer diary video for Splinter Cell: Blacklist explores the characters that players can use in the game's co-op missions. The game is coming to Wii U, PS3, Xbox 360 and PC on August 20.

Splinter Cell: Blacklist co-op developer diary works together originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 25 May 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Call of Juarez: Gunslinger review: Back in the saddle

Ryan Franklin — Fri, 24 May 2013 19:10:00 EST

It's pretty rare for a game series to get as many chances as Call of Juarez has. After a middling debut, the series drummed up lots of critical goodwill with Bound in Blood, and then absolutely threw it all away with the awful The Cartel. Now, Techland has ventured back to the Wild West with Call of Juarez: Gunslinger, and the developer's got something to prove.

Perhaps seeking to distance itself from The Cartel, Gunslinger is a different beast in almost every way, and it works. The most immediately obvious difference is the art style. Instead of the mostly realistic style of past Juarez games, Gunslinger opts for a more stylized and bombastic look. It's as if the developers threw anime, Mad Max, and The Good the Bad and the Ugly and Borderlands into a blender. That might sound weird, but it's a refreshing and enjoyable change.

Gunslinger also has very little in common with its predecessors when it comes to story. The only real connection is a collectible with a short biography of Ray McCall, one of the protagonists from the first two games. This time around, Gunslinger puts players into the dusty spurs of bounty hunter Silas Greaves.

Gallery: Call of Juarez: Gunslinger (4/22/13)

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Call of Juarez: Gunslinger review: Back in the saddle originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 May 2013 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Slay from afar with The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot's archer class

Danny Cowan — Thu, 23 May 2013 23:59:00 EST

Ubisoft Montreal teases a new character class in its latest trailer for the free-to-play PC loot-'em-up The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot. Mighty Quest features asynchronous multiplayer gameplay built around unique dungeon-building mechanics. It also includes hamster-powered spike traps, if that's the sort of thing you look for in your dungeon crawlers. Would-be looters can check out a free alpha version at the Mighty Quest website.

Gallery: Mighty Quest for Epic Loot (5/23/13)

Slay from afar with The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot's archer class originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 May 2013 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Far Cry 3 map editor injected with Blood Dragon goodness

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 22 May 2013 18:30:00 EST

Cheesy-awesome retro news today, as Ubisoft has announced the release of a Blood Dragon asset pack for the Far Cry 3 map editor. The "Mark IV Style" pack for the editor allows players to create levels with the same neon-drenched visuals as Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon (pictured).

The pack is available now for free on Xbox 360 and PS3. We haven't spotted it on either Steam or Uplay, but we're checking with Ubisoft regarding a PC release.

Far Cry 3 map editor injected with Blood Dragon goodness originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 May 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Watch Dogs, Assassin's Creed 4 confirmed for Xbox One

Sinan Kubba — Tue, 21 May 2013 14:27:00 EST

No surprises, but Ubisoft announced it's bringing Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag and Watch Dogs to the Xbox One, hot on the heels of the console's reveal. Ubisoft says the duo are two of "at least six next-gen games" it's bringing to the Xbox One in the system's first year.

"The next generation of consoles will reinvigorate our industry and make it possible for us to deliver incredible new entertainment to gamers," said Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot. "Our teams are using the innovations in connectivity, immersion and social gaming included in Xbox One to create original and memorable next-gen gaming experiences."

Continue reading Watch Dogs, Assassin's Creed 4 confirmed for Xbox One

Watch Dogs, Assassin's Creed 4 confirmed for Xbox One originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 May 2013 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Watch Dogs GameStop, Amazon pre-order goods have eyes on you

David Hinkle — Mon, 20 May 2013 16:00:00 EST

North American retailers GameStop and Amazon are offering up their own pre-order incentives for Watch Dogs, Ubisoft announced today.

Those who commit early through GameStop will receive an additional single-player mission, with a perk that unlocks "exclusive investigation opportunities inside of the network" and bonus cash when hacking into bank accounts, plus an exclusive poster designed by Alex Ross. Amazon pre-orders also get an exclusive mission that, upon completion, unlocks a special biometric assault rifle and an outfit.

Watch Dogs launches on the Xbox 360, PS3, PC and Wii U on November 19. A port is also planned for next-generation consoles.

Gallery: Watch Dogs (Pre-Order Bonuses)

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Watch Dogs GameStop, Amazon pre-order goods have eyes on you originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Splinter Cell: Blacklist trailer features stealthy co-op

Danny Cowan — Mon, 20 May 2013 12:00:00 EST

Ubisoft has released a new trailer for Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist, showcasing gameplay from its co-op narrative campaign and some gruff banter between Sam Fisher and his partner-in-stealth Isaac Briggs.

Splinter Cell is beefing up its multiplayer offerings for the latest series entry, as Blacklist will feature both a two-player co-op campaign and the returning Spies vs. Mercs multiplayer mode. We had a chat with Blacklist's lead co-op designer Richard Carrillo earlier this month, in which he confirmed that teammates will need to adapt to multiple playstyles in order to survive.

Blacklist's co-op element spans four mission types and 14 maps, and is playable online and in local split-screen. Splinter Cell: Blacklist is set to launch for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii U, and PC platforms on August 20.

Splinter Cell: Blacklist trailer features stealthy co-op originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Assassin's Creed movie to open in May of 2015

Jordan Mallory — Sat, 18 May 2013 21:00:00 EST

New Regency Films and Ubisoft Motion Pictures' Assassin's Creed movie collaboration will hit theaters May 22, 2015, according to Box Office Mojo. Starring Michael Fassbender, the movie concerns "a man who learns his ancestors were trained assassins after he is kidnapped by a secret org with ties to the Knights Templar, and sent back in time to retrieve historical artifacts," according to a Variety report last year.

We're guessing this release date means that Ubisoft is going to continue to ignore our repeated (and might we add, quite generous) offers to write the film as a reimagined version of You've Got Mail.

Report: Assassin's Creed movie to open in May of 2015 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 May 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Super Ubi Land becomes Super Ubie Land as dev complies with Ubisoft's request

Sinan Kubba — Thu, 16 May 2013 07:00:00 EST

In what's come across as far too amicable to be called a dispute, Notion Games has accepted Ubisoft's request and changed the name of its upcoming platformer to Super Ubie Land. The PC and Mac platformer, successfully funded through Kickstarter to launch later this year, was originally christened Super Ubi Land. Ubisoft then stepped in and asked for the name to be changed, which Notion's now done with little fuss.

By the way, that's our interpretation above of how Super Ubie Land's new logo will look. As if the sheer quality didn't make that obvious.

Super Ubi Land becomes Super Ubie Land as dev complies with Ubisoft's request originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Assassin's Creed 4 retailer pre-order bonuses revealed

David Hinkle — Wed, 15 May 2013 21:15:00 EST

Though Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag launches later this year, North American retailers are vying for your dollars today by announcing a slew of retailer-specific pre-order bonuses.

GameStop has the 'Black Island' pack, which includes the deadly black ship, a Captain Morgan costume and his silver flintlock pistol. Amazon.com will offer the 'Hidden Mystery' pack, an extra treasure-hunting mission on Mystery Island, Stede Bonnet's ship and Sted Bonnet costumes and multiplayer items. Walmart gets the 'Sacrificed Secrets' pack, a collection centered around Captain Drake that includes his dual-wield swords and pistols, plus his picture, title and relics. Best Buy has the 'Lost Treasures' pack, an ivory wheel and spyglass relic, and Target gets the 'Trove of Mystery' pack, which includes an iron wheel and astrolab relic.

Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag launches on the PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U and PC on October 29. Next-generation console ports of Assassin's Creed 4 are also planned. All UK pre-orders get access to "The Watch" app.

Assassin's Creed 4 retailer pre-order bonuses revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Desilets' 1666 'suspended' by Ubisoft following firing

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:00:00 EST

The creative director on Assassin's Creed and Assassin's Creed 2, Patrice Desilets, was fired by Ubisoft last week and now 1666 is also on the outs. Desilets began working on 1666 at THQ, which Ubisoft acquired as part of the THQ asset auction earlier this year.

"After more than two months of discussions with [Patrice], we couldn't align our vision both on the project development and the team management," said Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot during the company's year-end financial call today. "So, consequently, our collaboration has ended, and we have suspended 1666 for an undisclosed period of time."

Desilets took a job at THQ and began work on 1666 after his Ubisoft non-compete expired in 2011.

[Image: Alexey L via Shutterstock]

Desilets' 1666 'suspended' by Ubisoft following firing originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ubisoft ends fiscal 2013 with €64.8 million in profit

Jordan Mallory — Wed, 15 May 2013 12:15:00 EST

Ubisoft has released its financial information for the 12 month period ending March 31, 2013, which by all accounts seems to have been a pretty legit fiscal year for the publisher/developer conglomerate. The company crossed the finish line with €1.256 billion ($1.615 billion) in revenue and €64.8 million ($83.3 million) in profit, an 18.3 and 73.7-percent year-over-year increase, respectively, when compared to the €1.061 billion ($1.364 billion) in revenue and €37.3 million ($47.9 million) in profit recorded at the end of 2012.

Ubisoft contributes its stellar year to the continued success of its main three franchises, Assassin's Creed, Just Dance and Far Cry, the latest entries in which have all sold between six and 12 million copies.

Ubisoft ends fiscal 2013 with €64.8 million in profit originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Far Cry 3 up to 6 million shipped, digitally sold

Sinan Kubba — Wed, 15 May 2013 12:01:00 EST

Ubisoft has shipped and digitally sold 6 million units of Far Cry 3 since its release late last year. That's 1.5 million more than the figure reported in Ubi's Q3 report back in February.

Assassin's Creed 3 sits at 12.5 million shipped and digitally sold (it was at over 12 million back in February), while Just Dance 4 is up to 8.5 million shipped.

Far Cry 3 up to 6 million shipped, digitally sold originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag monologue trailer bends knee to no man

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 15 May 2013 12:00:00 EST

I am a monologue trailer. I'm going to say things in a deeper than natural voice. I'm also going to wait ... (wait, no wait some more) before I finish a full sentence. I'm going to tell you how cool I am between quick flashy edits of me stabbing dudes. Yes, I am a protagonist and I'll finish off by saying something supposedly profound.

Continue reading Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag monologue trailer bends knee to no man

Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag monologue trailer bends knee to no man originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Anno Online sails into open beta

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 15 May 2013 03:00:00 EST

Ubisoft's Anno Online has opened the city gates for an open beta, granting all access to the free-to-play city building strategy game. Interested lords and ladies should set course to anno-online.com for access. New players logging in during the first week of the open beta will receive a "premium ship." Players who participated in the closed beta will receive several rewards. The greatest gift? Their data won't be wiped per the standard beta transition, so they can continue on.

Based on Anno 1404 (previously known as Dawn of Discovery in the States), Anno Online has players build and develop a medieval city, support the population and develop trade routes. Anno Online will also add a guild system sometime this month for players to cooperate with friends.

Continue reading Anno Online sails into open beta

Anno Online sails into open beta originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ZombiU sequel being prototyped by Ubisoft

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 14 May 2013 14:45:00 EST

Ubisoft is toying with the idea of developing a sequel to the surprising Wii U launch title, ZombiU. When asked about a possible sequel on Twitter, Ubisoft creative director Jean-Philippe Caro stated that "the team is working hard on a prototype." He added, however, that "it's too soon to tell you more." As IGN notes, the fact that Ubisoft is working on a prototype doesn't necessarily confirm a sequel. Still, it's nice to know that the publisher is at least considering the possibility.

Ubisoft hasn't shared ZombiU sales data, so it's hard to gauge the game's success. At the very least, Nintendo thought the game was good enough to include it in a special Wii U console bundle. We also know that Ubisoft had logged 300,000 deaths in the game as of mid-January. Of course, given how frequent death is in ZombiU - we died seven times while reviewing it - that number isn't as helpful as it may sound.

ZombiU sequel being prototyped by Ubisoft originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Six minutes of Watch Dogs gameplay footage appears

Mike Suszek — Sun, 12 May 2013 10:30:00 EST

Gameplay videos are a great way to kick off your Sundays, so here is a six-minute video of Watch Dogs, courtesy of GamesHQMedia. We haven't seen this particular video before, a commentary-free look at main character Aiden's use of the near-future Chicago environment, so be sure to check it out before it gets taken down.

[Thanks, Szczesny!]

Six minutes of Watch Dogs gameplay footage appears originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 12 May 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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Ubisoft asks Super Ubi Land dev to change game's name

David Hinkle — Thu, 09 May 2013 15:00:00 EST

Andrew Augustin successfully funded Super Ubi Land through Kickstarter last month, his upcoming 2D platformer for PC and Mac about a little alien called Ubi who crashes on Earth and must find his way home. Ubisoft is none too pleased with the game's title, apparently, and has asked for it to be changed, Augustin confirmed through his studio Notion Games' Twitter account.

"Been exchanging emails with Ubisoft. Unfortunately, we have to change the title of #SuperUbiLand. Stay tuned," the initial tweet read. Notion Games doesn't seem to be too upset over the disagreement, however, and isn't even fighting the claim, a follow-up tweet explained. "Ubisoft is not doing anything wrong. They're protecting their business just like any small business would." Finally, a third tweet hammers it home that Ubisoft is just "being fair" in trying to protect its brand in the eyes of Notion Games.

Super Ubi Land still has some time left in the oven and is slated to launch this year on PC and Mac. A demo is currently available for all Windows, Mac and Linux users, which you can download over on Notion Games' website right here.

Ubisoft asks Super Ubi Land dev to change game's name originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ubisoft fired another THQ Montreal veteran yesterday, Desilets says

Jessica Conditt — Wed, 08 May 2013 18:00:00 EST

Ubisoft fired original Assassin's Creed creative director Patrice Desilets yesterday, after his rocky transition from Ubisoft, to THQ Montreal and back to Ubisoft. One of his colleagues, Jean-François Boivin, was also fired yesterday, Desilets tweeted. Boivin traveled from Ubisoft to THQ Montreal, before being pulled back in at Ubisoft, just as Desilets did.

"Thinking of my good friend and producer @JFBoivin who also got fired yesterday," Desilets wrote. "I'm sharing your support with him."

Boivin's LinkedIn profile says he joined Ubisoft in 2005 and held a variety of production roles - including production manager for Assassin's Creed and Assassin's Creed 2 with Desilets - until 2011, when he joined THQ Montreal to work on a new IP. Desilets left Ubisoft in 2010 and began work at THQ Montreal after a one-year non-compete agreement. When the agreement was up in 2011, THQ brought over three people from Ubisoft, whom Desilets said he needed.

During the THQ bankruptcy auction in January, Ubisoft bought THQ Montreal, effectively rehiring Boivin and Desilets. There's no word if Boivin's firing was as dramatic as Desilets'.

Ubisoft fired another THQ Montreal veteran yesterday, Desilets says originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Might & Magic Heroes 6 activation issues resolved

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 08 May 2013 15:15:00 EST

Activation problems with Might & Magic Heroes 6 have been resolved, according to Ubisoft. Earlier this week, players encountered issues with the game, and many were unable to activate the game, which refused to accept the activation keys given to players upon purchase. "We have fixed the authorization issues for every specific version of the game," Ubisoft notes. "Your content is now unlocked, so please reboot the game in order to apply the modifications."

Even with the fixes, those who bought Might & Magic Heroes 6 and the Shades of Darkness expansion on two different digital platforms will be unable to merge the two games. Both games, however, will still be playable via the platform on which they were purchased.

Might & Magic Heroes 6 activation issues resolved originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 May 2013 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Trials Evolution: Gold Edition PC demo out now, sale starts May 9

Danny Cowan — Tue, 07 May 2013 23:15:00 EST

Ubisoft has released a free demo version of RedLynx's racing-platformer, Trials Evolution: Gold Edition, via Steam in advance of an upcoming sale later this week.

The sale, which starts May 9 and continues through May 13, will drop the price of Trials Evolution: Gold Edition from $19.99 to $14.99, or from £15.99 to £11.99 for buyers in Europe.

Trials Evolution: Gold Edition includes all content from 2012's Xbox Live Arcade release Trials Evolution, along with all tracks from its predecessor Trials HD. The game also includes an in-game track editor and level-sharing functionality, giving players access to a treasure trove of virtual injuries and other motorcycle-related mishaps.

Trials Evolution: Gold Edition PC demo out now, sale starts May 9 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 May 2013 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Martin Kevan, Far Cry 3's Dr Earnhardt, passes away, aged 66

Sinan Kubba — Tue, 07 May 2013 16:15:00 EST

Actor and author Martin Kevan has died at age 66 after a brief battle with cancer. Kevan, best known for his roles in Happiness is Loving Your Teacher and Un Tuer si proche, as well as penning the novel Racing Tides, played the mad Dr. Earnhardt in Far Cry 3.

As the Montreal Gazette notes, Kevan enjoyed a successful career in film, TV, and theater speaking in both English and French. We pass on our condolences to his friends, family, and colleagues.

Martin Kevan, Far Cry 3's Dr Earnhardt, passes away, aged 66 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 May 2013 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Patrice Desilets fired by Ubisoft

Mike Suszek — Tue, 07 May 2013 14:45:00 EST

Former Assassin's Creed and Assassin's Creed 2 Creative Director Patrice Desilets was let go by Ubisoft today. "Contrary to any statements made earlier today, this morning I was terminated by Ubisoft," Desilets said in a statement to Polygon.

This marks the second time Desilets left the company, as he announced his departure in June 2010 for a "creative break from the industry" before joining THQ Montreal in May 2011. Desliets officially re-joined Ubisoft in March of this year, following the acquisition of THQ Montreal by Ubisoft in January.

"I was notified of this termination in person, handed a termination notice and was unceremoniously escorted out of the building by two guards without being able to say goodbye to my team or collect my personal belongings," he added. "This was not my decision." The earlier statement Desilets referred to, which was sent by Ubisoft to the press, reads:

"The acquisition of THQ Montreal in January allowed Ubisoft to welcome 170 experienced developers, including Patrice Desilets, to our existing and renowned workforce. Unfortunately, since the acquisition, the good faith discussions between Patrice and Ubisoft aimed at aligning Patrice's and the studio's visions have been inconclusive. As a result, Patrice has left the studio. Our priorities remain with the teams already hard at work on projects in development. They are at the root of Ubisoft Montreal's past and future successes."

Desilets said that "Ubisoft's actions are baseless and without merit. I intend to fight Ubisoft vigorously for my rights, for my team and for my game." According to Game Informer, the publisher refused to comment on the state of both 1666 and Underdog, the two THQ Montreal games acquired by Ubisoft during the asset purchase in January.

Patrice Desilets fired by Ubisoft originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 May 2013 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Co-op stealth and survival in Splinter Cell: Blacklist

David Hinkle — Tue, 07 May 2013 13:00:00 EST

Despite being the boss of his own intelligence team, Fourth Echelon, Sam Fisher is still keen to go it alone on most missions in Splinter Cell: Blacklist. For those special outings, he'll need a partner.

Splinter Cell: Blacklist's co-op consists of narrative missions, pulled directly from Sam's subordinates on board the Paladin - a massive plane and base of operations for Fourth Echelon in Splinter Cell: Blacklist. Missions will run the gamut from stealthy to more action-focused affairs and in-between, forcing coordination and cooperation in order to reach the next objective.

Or, in my case, simply survive.

Gallery: Splinter Cell: Blacklist (5/7/13)

Continue reading Co-op stealth and survival in Splinter Cell: Blacklist

Co-op stealth and survival in Splinter Cell: Blacklist originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 May 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spies vs. Mercs evolved in Splinter Cell: Blacklist

David Hinkle — Tue, 07 May 2013 12:05:00 EST

Splinter Cell: Blacklist's Spies vs Mercs mode offers a sense of claustrophobic fear that few multiplayer games have been able to offer. It's an asymmetrical assault mode where one team of heavily-armed mercenaries attempts to defend three terminals from nimble spies attempting to hack in and steal the ones and zeros within.

No matter which side you're on, when one terminal is being hacked, all of the conflict and chaos is focused like a laser to one room where the mercenaries must hunt for the original hacker to stop the countdown. You can't leave that room until the job is done - either the terminal is hacked or the hacker has been dealt with. It's about the most tense 90 seconds I've been asked to endure in a video game.

Gallery: Splinter Cell: Blacklist (5/7/13)

Continue reading Spies vs. Mercs evolved in Splinter Cell: Blacklist

Spies vs. Mercs evolved in Splinter Cell: Blacklist originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 May 2013 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Might & Magic Heroes 6 currently unplayable for many [update: Ubisoft responds]

Richard Mitchell — Mon, 06 May 2013 11:15:00 EST

Update: Ubisoft has issued a new response on Facebook, apologizing for the problems users are facing. The post lists possible solutions to some issues, though it seems that those with problems redeeming keys or with inaccessible content will have to wait. Ubisoft is preforming maintenance today to reauthorize players and "gradually set everything back to normal."

Many Steam and Ubisoft customers are complaining that Heroes of Might & Magic 6 has become unplayable since the release of its recent expansion, Shades of Darkness, and the 2.1 patch that accompanied it. The issue seems to center around Ubisoft's Uplay service, which refuses to accept the download codes issued to customers after they buy the game.

Users are saying that the problem arises after downloading the game and activating their key within Uplay. Upon booting the game, the in-game store page asks for the same key. If the key is entered again, the game produces an error message that the key has already been redeemed. After this, players have access to the Heroes 6 expansions, but are unable to play the main campaign (it's grayed out in the menu).

For its part, Ubisoft has acknowledged the issue on its own forums, assuring users that their keys are "not broken and will be fixed as soon as possible." The company is also recommending a workaround discovered by forum user ElektroDragon, which involves manually downloading and installing the patch instead of allowing the game to do it automatically.

Meanwhile, Steam users have started a petition against Ubisoft, specifically its use of 3rd party DRM via Uplay. The publisher has a rocky history with its PC games, often releasing them long after their console counterparts and saddling them with restrictive DRM. Earlier this year, Ubisoft's Uplay director, Stephanie Perotti, said that the company is working to improve its relationship with the PC community.

We've contacted Ubisoft regarding this latest issue and will update this story if we hear anything new.

Update: The specifics of the problem have been clarified. Thanks to commenter LamiaMistral for providing the image above.

Might & Magic Heroes 6 currently unplayable for many [update: Ubisoft responds] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 May 2013 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon sequel could happen, says Biehn

Sinan Kubba — Mon, 06 May 2013 10:00:00 EST

Creative Director Dean Evans is interested in a follow-up to Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon, at least according to Michael Biehn, the game's star voice talent. In an interview with Xbox's Major Nelson, Biehn said from his understanding Blood Dragon is exceeding Ubisoft's sales expectations by five times, and Evans is now considering a sequel to the retro spinoff.

"Dean was with me on the phone last night, he called me last night," Biehn said on Major Nelson Radio. "He was pretty jacked up. He was going into a meeting today, to.. I think he wants to turn it into some sort of franchise. He's got a sequel in mind."

We gushed about the "most excellent" Blood Dragon in our review, so seeing Sgt. Rex Colt return to a screen near us could be a great thing. Having said that, we do wonder if the comprehensively nostalgic game has anything left to add to the pastiche.

In the meantime, we've reached out to Ubisoft for comment.

Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon sequel could happen, says Biehn originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 May 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Assassin's Creed 4 protagonist aspires to be a 'man of quality'

David Hinkle — Fri, 03 May 2013 23:45:00 EST

"Edward Kenway is a raucous and bawdy chap," Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag lead scriptwriter Darby McDevitt told Polygon, "but he's also a married man, and one of his primary motivations in Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag is to get rich and prove himself a 'man of quality' to his family and betters." Kenway wants to chart a course to respectability - at least in the eyes of his time - and his tenuous marriage will serve as one of the central narrative threads in the game.

McDevitt also mentioned gameplay will be "more open and free than ever before," reflecting Ubisoft's earlier missive about the game paying heed to "the older philosophy" of the series. Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag will be available on Wii U, PC, Xbox 360 and PS3 on October 29, 2013.

Assassin's Creed 4 protagonist aspires to be a 'man of quality' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 May 2013 23:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Watch Dogs dev diary boasts denser Chicago for PS4

David Hinkle — Fri, 03 May 2013 15:30:00 EST

Sure, the PS4 version of Watch Dogs will be prettier than the current-gen ports, but it'll also have a denser, busier city. Senior producer Dominic Guay promises "the same game experience, but basically magnified" on the PS4.

Watch Dogs dev diary boasts denser Chicago for PS4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 May 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Splinter Cell: Blacklist resurrects Spies vs. Mercs multiplayer

David Hinkle — Thu, 02 May 2013 13:45:00 EST

The iconic asymmetrical multiplayer mode Spies vs. Mercs will return to the Splinter Cell series in Splinter Cell: Blacklist. From the announcement trailer, we can surmise that spies are still dead-set on hacking those terminals, while the mercenaries still have an insatiable bloodlust for sneaky dudes wearing tights.

Light and shadow seem to remain prominent tools in Splinter Cell: Blacklist's Spies vs. Mercs mode. The mercenary flashlight and motion tracker are both featured, and there's one sequence where we even see a mercenary employ an explodable drone to take out a spy lurking in the dark. Another sequence shows four spies decloaking, so presumably both sides have some new abilities in Splinter Cell: Blacklist's take on Spies vs. Mercs and the mode is no longer limited to two-on-two.

Splinter Cell: Blacklist resurrects Spies vs. Mercs multiplayer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 May 2013 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rayman Legends' mariachi version of 'Eye of the Tiger'

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 02 May 2013 12:30:00 EST

Sure to deliver a grin, perhaps even a chortle, here is Rayman Legends' take on the get-pumped classic "Eye of the Tiger" done mariachi style in the game's "Fiesta de los Muertos" world. If you need a smile today, this is likely to deliver.

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Rayman Legends' mariachi version of 'Eye of the Tiger' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 May 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon review: Neon Genesis Elation

Sinan Kubba — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST

The year is 20xx, and the world is starved ... of imagination. An evil army of soulless game clones is hell-bent on taking over The Industry. No one is brave enough or mad enough to stop them from reshaping the gaming landscape into their drab, browny-grey vision.

No one ... except one spin-off game, a retro-fueled ~~standalone~~ commando powered by the twin suns of Parody and Crazy. That game is Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon.

And it is most excellent.

Gallery: Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon (4/24/13)

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Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon review: Neon Genesis Elation originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pre-order Assassin's Creed 4 in Europe, get access to 'The Watch' community app

Richard Mitchell — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 20:30:00 EST

Those who pre-order Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag in Europe will get access to ... more marketing! Okay, so technically it's "The Watch" a desktop, tablet and smartphone destination that brings centralizes information about the game.

Players can also compete in "quests" that will unlock "specific missions, special rewards and bonuses." Just what those rewards and bonuses are hasn't been made clear.

Continue reading Pre-order Assassin's Creed 4 in Europe, get access to 'The Watch' community app

Pre-order Assassin's Creed 4 in Europe, get access to 'The Watch' community app originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon welcomes you to the retro party

Sinan Kubba — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST

If Far Cry 3's grim tale of survival was a poor fit for the game's exotic, often preposterous antics, there are no such fears for its seemingly disconnected spin-off. Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon is nothing short of ridiculous, and deliberately so. Ubisoft's standalone shooter celebrates the endearingly excessive sci-fi action of a bygone era in entertainment, when men wore cyber-armor over cyber-arms and when eyes glowed red.

An animated introduction transports us to the post-apocalyptic near future... of 2007. Our new cyborg hero is sent to an island to take out a rogue terrorist group - full of evil cyborgs. The intro has music so pungent of Terminator 2 that I half expect it to tell me it'll be back, and the first 10 or so minutes are filled with references to sci-fi and action movies from in and around the 1980s. Blood Dragon pays homage to an era full of sci-fi missteps and overblown heroes exuding machismo.

Gallery: Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon (4/18/13)

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Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon welcomes you to the retro party originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Assassin's Creed 3 'Redemption' DLC out today on PS3, 360, PC, May 16 on Wii U

Sinan Kubba — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST

As scheduled, the 'Redemption' DLC for Assassin's Creed 3 comes today to the Xbox 360, PC, and PS3 - tomorrow for European PS3s - but Wii U owners must wait a bit longer to redeem it. The final part of the 'King Washington' trilogy reaches the Nintendo console on May 16.

Before you can stop the madness of King George, you'll have to cough up 640 MSP on Xbox 360, or $7.99 on PC and PS3. If you have the Season Pass then you've already paid for it, so you'd best get going to old New York - just don't forget the straitjacket.

Gallery: Assassin's Creed 3 (The Tyranny of King Washington - Redemption)

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Assassin's Creed 3 'Redemption' DLC out today on PS3, 360, PC, May 16 on Wii U originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rayman Legends Vita listed by Spanish retailer

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:30:00 EST

The once Wii U exclusive Rayman Legends may be leaping, running and helicoptering to yet another platform: The PlayStation Vita. According to a listing on Spanish retailer FNAC, the gorgeous platformer is headed to Sony's handheld. It's not too big a leap to make, as Rayman's last (excellent) outing, Rayman Origins, was also available for the Vita. Gamepur notes that FNAC lists a release date of August 29, though that appears to have been removed as of this writing.

The Wii U, Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of Rayman Legends are slated for September.

Rayman Legends Vita listed by Spanish retailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Take your whole body on The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot

Mike Schramm — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 03:00:00 EST

As you might imagine, Ubisoft's The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot is a dungeon crawler at heart. But that's just one organ in the game's anatomy: the game's trailer shows off the arms of character customization, the brain of dungeon building, and the long, long legs of asynchronous multiplayer competition.

Take your whole body on The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Splinter Cell: Blacklist Wii U turns the WiiPad into a SpyPad

David Hinkle — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 23:00:00 EST

Splinter Cell: Blacklist on Wii U turns the WiiPad into Sam Fisher's OpSat: Operational Satellite Uplink. It's a means of switching gadgets, controlling drones, using spy cams and rifling through Sam's inventory. Unfortunately, there's no option to make Sam talk out his problems.

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Splinter Cell: Blacklist Wii U turns the WiiPad into a SpyPad originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Call of Juarez: Gunslinger answers on May 22

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST

Call of Juarez: Gunslinger will meet at high noon in the center of Digital Distribution town on May 22 to dispatch XBLA, PSN and PC for $14.99.

Beyond the release date announcement, Ubisoft also kicked off its pre-order program for the PC version of Gunslinger through its Uplay digital distribution network. Those who pre-purchase the game on Uplay will immediately receive Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood as a bonus.

Gunslinger returns the Call of Juarez franchise back to its wild west roots because, frankly, we all want to forget The Cartel ever happened.

Gallery: Call of Juarez: Gunslinger (4/22/13)

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Call of Juarez: Gunslinger answers on May 22 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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