Joystiq

IGF finalist 7 Grand Steps premieres for PC June 7

Danny Cowan — Fri, 24 May 2013 23:59:00 EST

Dangerous High School Girls in Trouble! developer Mousechief announced that its Independent Games Festival Nuovo award finalist title 7 Grand Steps is set for release on June 7 for Windows and Mac.

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

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

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

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

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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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Next-gen Kinect for Windows gesticulating in 2014

David Hinkle — Thu, 23 May 2013 16:00:00 EST

Microsoft has announced Kinect for Windows will receive the updated Kinect sensor shown at the Xbox reveal event for the Xbox One. The rub: it won't arrive until some time in 2014.

We already knew Kinect for Windows would be updated with the new sensor and a new software development kit (SDK). The improved Kinect sports a 1080p RGB camera, capable of 30 FPS in full color, and can even see in the dark through infrared. The new Kinect also has a greater field of depth which Microsoft promises will cut down on the required distance from the device. It can also read your heartbeat but we try not to think about that too much because it's scary.

Next-gen Kinect for Windows gesticulating in 2014 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Penny Arcade launches Rain-Slick 3 giveaway, series finale coming June 7

Danny Cowan — Mon, 20 May 2013 17:00:00 EST

Cthulhu Saves the World developer Zeboyd Games announced that its series finale Penny Arcade's On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness 4 will launch on Friday, June 7 for Windows and the Xbox Live Indie Games service.

To mark the occasion, Zeboyd and Penny Arcade are giving away free Steam codes for Rain-Slick 3. Zeboyd assures that the giveaway has no strings attached, but fans have a limited window of opportunity to hop on this deal, as the offer ends tomorrow.

Zeboyd Games resumed the Rain-Slick series after the departure of previous developer Hothead Games, producing a pair of JRPG-inspired sequels. Rain-Slick 3 was supported with a wealth of free DLC, and the upcoming sequel will likely follow suit.

Penny Arcade launches Rain-Slick 3 giveaway, series finale coming June 7 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Remastered Final Fantasy VIII coming to PC in Japan

Danny Cowan — Fri, 17 May 2013 22:30:00 EST

[Rough translation of the above dialogue: "...whatever."]

The ever-sullen Squall and his friends are set to make a high-resolution return, as Famitsu reports that Square Enix is developing a remastered PC version of Final Fantasy VIII.

Final Fantasy VIII was originally released for the PlayStation in 1999, and PC players saw a no-frills Windows port one year later. News of Final Fantasy VIII's forthcoming rerelease follows up on last year's upgraded PC port of Final Fantasy VII, which added cloud saving and unlockable achievements. While the new version of Final Fantasy VIII boasts a graphical update, no further details are known, and a release date has not been announced.

[Image Credit: Famitsu]

Report: Remastered Final Fantasy VIII coming to PC in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Game Dev Tycoon, Bleed, Riot head up batch of six at Steam Greenlight

Danny Cowan — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:00:00 EST

Steam revealed today that Game Dev Tycoon, Bleed and other standout titles are featured in the latest batch of games to earn community approval and platform distribution rights through Steam Greenlight.

Green Heart Games' simulation title Game Dev Tycoon earned a devoted following upon its release last month for its clever in-game approach to anti-piracy protection. Bootdisk Revolution's Bleed, a one-man effort that premiered for Windows and the Xbox Live Indie Games service late last year, combines frantically paced platforming with time-bending, quadruple-jumping gameplay mechanics.

Other games to pass through the latest round of Greenlight approvals include ConcernedApe's open-ended RPG Stardew Valley, The Leonard's "playable documentary" Riot, AustinHand's survival horror title The Legend, and Aterdux Entertainment's Kickstarted strategy-RPG Legends of Eisenwald.

Game Dev Tycoon, Bleed, Riot head up batch of six at Steam Greenlight originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kinect for Windows SDK version 1.7 includes 'Kinect Fusion' 3D modeling, available March 18

Jordan Mallory — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST

An updated version of Kinect for Window's software development kit will be available from the device's official site on Monday, March 18, Microsoft's Bob Heddle announced today during Engadget's ongoing Expand event in San Francisco.

Perhaps most importantly, SDK version 1.7 will include "Kinect Fusion," Microsoft's at-home 3D modeling solution that allows the Kinect to capture and fabricate real-time 3D models of people and objects. We first saw this technology in action way back in August of 2011, when the concept surfaced as a Microsoft Research project.

Additionally, the new SDK also includes "Kinect Interactions," which adds support for new gestures such as "push-to-press" and "grip-to-pan," as well as "support for smart ways to accommodate multiple users and two-person interactions," according to Engadget.

Kinect for Windows SDK version 1.7 includes 'Kinect Fusion' 3D modeling, available March 18 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 16 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft releases 22 Kinect for Windows open source samplers

David Hinkle — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 03:00:00 EST

PC developers looking to fiddle around with Microsoft's Kinect peripheral just got a big gimme. Microsoft has released 22 different samples of Kinect for Windows code under an open source licensing agreement, meaning you're free to tinker away to your heart's content - just don't try to pass it off as your own.

What makes this different than the previously widely available software development kit? Microsoft says it has issued these samples for the sake of convenience, allowing fledgling flailers access to bite-sized segments designed for specific functionality and lessons that don't require a lengthy download of the full SDK. Convenient.

Kinect for Windows officially launched on February 1, available now for a suggested retail price of $250 - though some retailers like Amazon and Newegg have it listed on the lower side of $200.

Microsoft releases 22 Kinect for Windows open source samplers originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Mar 2013 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: System Shock 2 now live on GOG

David Hinkle — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 21:00:00 EST

That tingle you feel down your spine? System Shock 2 is now available for download on GOG.com. If you've never played System Shock 2, know it's not only one of the most influential horror games of all time, but one of the first games to make Ken Levine a household name in our household where we can't stop talking about Ken Levine.

System Shock 2 is available as a $9.99 download through GOG right now, compatible with Windows PCs. System Shock 2 is, at its core, a game about crossing barriers and embracing unconventional love, probably, so it's perfect for a Valentine's evening.

PSA: System Shock 2 now live on GOG originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Feb 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skulls of the Shogun cuts down Windows pricing at launch

David Hinkle — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 22:30:00 EST

Skulls of the Shogun will launch at a special introductory price on January 30. Both the Windows 8 and Windows Surface versions will launch at a reduced $10 (normally $15), while the Windows Phone version will be available for $5, down from its normal $7.

The timing on the promotional launch place is vague at the moment - the press release past the break says the discounts will last for a "limited time." A day in dog years? Less than 12 parsecs? The length of the Japanese feudal period, roughly seven centuries?

(Don't worry, we'll let you know when it's over.)

Continue reading Skulls of the Shogun cuts down Windows pricing at launch

Skulls of the Shogun cuts down Windows pricing at launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Surface with Windows 8 Pro tablet coming Feb. 9

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 19:30:00 EST

Microsoft's Surface with Windows 8 Pro tablet is going to miss its planned January launch, but not by much. The tablet will now launch on February 9. The Surface with Windows 8 Pro sports much beefier internals than the Surface with Windows RT. The difference is right there in the name, as the Pro features a full version of Windows 8, meaning it should run most Windows applications, including games. That said, don't expect the internal graphics processor to churn out high settings for most recent releases.

The Surface with Windows 8 Pro comes with 64GB of storage for $899 or 128GB of storage for $999. The Touch and Type keyboard covers can be purchased separately for $120 or $130, respectively.

Surface with Windows 8 Pro tablet coming Feb. 9 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jan 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hawken will support Oculus Rift when it launches on Dec. 12

David Hinkle — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 15:30:00 EST

The Oculus Rift may not technically be a tangible thing yet, but as of December 12 it can boast support for one more game: Hawken. It makes sense: every time we've seen something with mechs in it, the pilots are always wearing goofy goggles. Appropriate.

In an interview with Forbes, publisher Meteor Entertainment's Mark Long offered some insight on why Oculus Rift and Hawken make such a great match. "Why Oculus works so well is the sense of presence. You have to experience it. When the graphic world is all around you, it takes the experience to a completely different level."

"Hawken is perfect for Oculus because its environments are well-suited for the level of visual density and distances you're looking it," Long added. "The shapes that are close and far away lend themselves well to 3D. When you're in a typical first-person shooter, you're a slave to the direction your weapon is pointing, which is unnatural. Being in a Mech, this offers a more realistic virtual reality experience."

Of course, the question of lag is ever-present with VR headsets, but Long says Unreal Engine has certain things built in that alleviate that concern. "With Unreal we can dynamically change the point-of-view and make sure that the latency is as low as possible for the viewers to eliminate motion sickness. We're going to build out a cockpit that players can buy so they can see the inside of the Mech with Oculus for a more immersive gameplay experience. This is a subset of something we're going to be bringing to the PC game."

And in the end, the cost for Adhesive Games to add Oculus Rift support was minimal. "The cost of an Oculus Dev Kit with two systems will be less than $300," Long said. "The technology uses a DVI connection and USB to do head tracking off a PC," so with some wires, a headset and a fairly nimble neck, it was a fairly inexpensive feature to implement.

Hawken will support Oculus Rift when it launches on Dec. 12 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Unity 4 bringing code together on Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 as well

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 17:00:00 EST

Stop being all worried that the Unity development engine won't support Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 devices - it totally does. Er, it will at least, whenever Unity 4 launches (currently unknown). Unity Technologies announced intentions to support Microsoft's flagship operating systems during this week's Unite 2012 conference in Amsterdam, and only said it would become available "during the Unity 4 release cycle."

Unity is supported by pretty much everything that can play a game - from your browser window to Android devices to the Nintendo Wii and everything in between - so it's not entirely unexpected that Unity's next upgrade will work with Microsoft's next big OS.

"Our mission at Unity has always been to provide solutions for developers to effortlessly bring their work to as many different platforms as possible," Unity CEO David Helgason said of the move. Microsoft is similarly stoked. "We are excited that the Unity community will now be given the opportunity to develop world class titles for Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8."

Unity developers are hopefully also stoked, but they didn't get a blurb in the press release. Perhaps you're a prolific Unity developer who thinks this is just the worst? The best? Just okay? Let us know!

Unity 4 bringing code together on Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 as well originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Windows 8 gets 'Xbox Windows' games; Minesweeper, Solitaire and Mahjong getting achievements

David Hinkle — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 06:30:00 EST

Finally, you'll receive real, tangible rewards for your mad Minesweeper skills soon enough - that is, if you upgrade to Windows 8. According to Xbox 360 Achievements.org, Minesweeper, Solitaire and Mahjong are all getting achievements akin to those seen in current Xbox 360 and Games For Windows Live-compatible games when Windows 8 launches on October 26.

These games will also fall into the new "Xbox Windows" family, evidenced by some packaging discovered by Xbox 360 Achievements.org. Look familiar? It's basically the same packaging seen on Xbox Live Arcade games, except for the header coloring at the top and inclusion of Windows branding.

We've contacted Microsoft for an official statement and will update accordingly.

Windows 8 gets 'Xbox Windows' games; Minesweeper, Solitaire and Mahjong getting achievements originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Linux Left 4 Dead 2 outperforms Direct X Windows version

Mike Schramm — Sat, 04 Aug 2012 15:00:00 EST

Valve recently announced that it will be bringing a few of Steam's most popular games to Linux, the first of those being Left 4 Dead 2. But besides the novelty factor of running the now classic zombie simulator on penguin-emblazoned hardware, there may be another reason to try the new platform out: It'll be faster. Even now, during development, the Valve team has L4D2 running at 315 frames per second on the Linux text platform, as compared to the standard Windows speed of 270.6 FPS.

At that point, of course, the speeds are mostly arbitrary. But as Valve says, this speed shows the potential in customizing a game for the Linux operating system. This work on Linux is also benefiting the Windows teams - in working on the Linux version, Valve was able to speed up the OpenGL implementation on Windows to 303.4 FPS.

Linux Left 4 Dead 2 outperforms Direct X Windows version originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Aug 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft Surface launching alongside Windows 8 this October

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 11:30:00 EST

Microsoft's Surface is launching on (or near) October 26, according to a recent Securities and Exchange Commission filing. "The next version of our operating system, Windows 8, will be generally available on October 26, 2012. At that time, we will begin selling the Surface, a series of Microsoft-designed and manufactured hardware devices," the report reads.

The Surface launches in two flavors: Surface for Windows RT and Surface for Windows 8 Pro, the latter carrying beefier specs. It's unclear if both will launch simultaneously, and no pricing has been set on the two varieties of Surface. At least one game will be available at launch - Skulls of the Shogun - with others expected alongside it.

Microsoft Surface launching alongside Windows 8 this October originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jul 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skulls of the Shogun gives asynchronous, cross-platform play a turn

Jessica Conditt — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 21:55:00 EST

Skulls of the Shogun will feature Skulls Anywhere mode, which offers cross-platform play and asynchronous multiplayer across all of its launch platforms: XBLA, Windows Phone, Windows 8 PC and Windows 8 tablet, a la Microsoft Surface. Players with the required devices will be able to take turns independently of one another, for up to four players, and the single-player campaign will be accessible across all Windows platforms through cloud saves.

"The turn-based nature of the game makes for perfect asynchronous play across every platform we're shipping on," 17-BIT's Jake Kazdal says. "You can start playing a game at home on your Xbox, then head out and play a few turns from the same game on your phone. You might be playing against someone on a PC or a tablet - everyone's connected via Xbox Live. And regardless of platform, everyone's having the same great experience, because it's the exact same game across all those devices."

Skulls of the Shogun will still feature online, real-time multiplayer, called Skulls Online, and the standard local multiplayer matches.

Skulls of the Shogun gives asynchronous, cross-platform play a turn originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jun 2012 21:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft announces Surface tablet at Los Angeles event

Mike Schramm — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 19:46:00 EST

The Microsoft Big Announcement Speculation Game can finally come to an end, as the company announced a new tablet device called Microsoft Surface this afternoon during a Los Angeles press event. Microsoft calls it the "companion hardware innovation" for Windows 8, an OS that was designed to work on mobile devices specifically.

The Surface includes a kickstand built in to the device, as well as an optional cover that contains a touch-typing, super thin keyboard and a multitouch trackpad. Because the device runs a full version of Windows 8, it presumably will run any games that work on that OS, but we'll have to wait and see how those games play. We can also presume that the Surface will work right alongside any other Smart Glass features to be announced for the Xbox later on. We'll have more on Surface in the future, so stay tuned.

Continue reading Microsoft announces Surface tablet at Los Angeles event

Microsoft announces Surface tablet at Los Angeles event originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Jun 2012 19:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: Tribes: Ascend takes off its training wheels, launches today

David Hinkle — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST

After several months of training exercises, Tribes: Ascend has officially launched.

The free-to-play revival from Hi-Rez Studios is the first playable Tribes game in eight years, incorporating futuristic Biathlon-based mechanics with jetpacks and flag-gathering. Also, we're totally over budget on hyphens in this post.

Tribes: Ascend is currently only compatible with Windows. If you want to check it out, hit up the source link below and sign up for a free account.

PSA: Tribes: Ascend takes off its training wheels, launches today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DirectX 11 support added to L.A. Noire: The Complete Edition on PC

David Hinkle — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 02:45:00 EST

You went out and set up your fancy rig, with all of its shaders and its pixel core density modifiers -- you want to play games that will take full advantage of your hardware. We hear you.

So has Rockstar. DirectX 11 support headlines the latest title update for L.A. Noire: The Complete Edition, which should hopefully help you better decide the fates of the game's virtual persons of interest. You'll be able to switch between DirectX 9 and DirectX 11 renderers on the fly through the game launcher.

DirectX 11 support added to L.A. Noire: The Complete Edition on PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 02:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kinect for Windows leers at February 1 launch date

David Hinkle — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 22:51:00 EST

Microsoft chief Steve Ballmer narrowed down the "early 2012" launch window for Kinect on the Windows PC during Microsoft's CES 2012 keynote today: February 1, 2012. The software development kit has been available to programmers and designers since back in June, but of course people have been doing interesting things with Kinect and PCs since the peripheral's launch back in November 2010.

Ballmer didn't divulge pricing, but Amazon is currently pegging Kinect for Windows at $249.99, a full $100 more than the current price of Kinect on Xbox 360 -- hey, there's a different camera in the Windows version, remember?

Microsoft's Major Nelson says Kinect for Windows will only work with computers running the SDK. Neither have commented on compatibility with Windows 8, but we've got troops on the ground in Las Vegas and will try to find out more.

Kinect for Windows leers at February 1 launch date originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 22:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ubisoft to publish Shoot Many Robots on XBLA, PSN and PC in 2012

David Hinkle — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST

Demiurge Studios has a lot of experience with the Unreal Engine. The current makeup of the company includes people who've worked on BioShock, Mass Effect and other Unreal-powered titles. Today, the company has announced that it's found a publisher for its upcoming game, Shoot Many Robots -- Ubisoft.

The publisher will help bring the game to Xbox Live Arcade, PSN and Windows PC sometime in 2012. "Ubisoft is excited to be working with Demiurge Studios on the release of Shoot Many Robots," said Adam Novickas, director of marketing at Ubisoft, in the press release past the jump. "Ubisoft is focused on providing players with a strong and diverse portfolio of digital titles, and Demiurge is set to bring another amazing game to the digital space with Shoot Many Robots."

Shoot Many Robots will be on-hand at PAX Prime in Seattle later this week. We last checked in with the game at GDC, so if you're late to the party be sure to read our preview.

Gallery: Shoot Many Robots (8/22/11)

Continue reading Ubisoft to publish Shoot Many Robots on XBLA, PSN and PC in 2012

Ubisoft to publish Shoot Many Robots on XBLA, PSN and PC in 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Free Minesweeper, Sudoku come to Windows Phone 7 in the US

David Hinkle — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 01:00:00 EST

Looking to bolster your games collection on your Windows Phone on the cheap? Today, Microsoft has announced that ad-supported versions of Minesweeper and Sudoku are available to download, free of charge, right now on your Windows Phone 7 device. There's only one stipulation: you've gotta be a US resident.

Both titles feature Achievements and multiple modes of play -- in Sudoku, you've got Classic or Lightning mode, while Minesweeper boasts Classic and Speed modes. You can download each by following the links below.

[Thanks, Curtis]

Free Minesweeper, Sudoku come to Windows Phone 7 in the US originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Aug 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Windows Phone 7 'Mango' update adds greater Avatar interaction

David Hinkle — Mon, 30 May 2011 19:15:00 EST

An update for Windows Phone 7 is currently in the works dubbed 'Mango' which brings more features and functionality to Windows Phone 7 devices -- stuff like Office and Facebook Chat, and, uh, Minesweeper? MS Paint?

Look, we're really not that into the whole phone thing, but one thing about this YouTube video of the alleged update has caught our eye: Avatar interaction. Sure, we've seen Avatar accosting before on our phone, but the 'Mango' update looks to implement even more ways for your Avatar to act out -- specifically, the emotions of anger, stop poking me and leave me the hell alone.

Hit the jump to see it all in action for yourself. The Xbox integration stuff starts around the 2:56 mark -- we'd just make sure you mute the video before hitting that play button, though. The music throughout is pretty annoying.

Continue reading Windows Phone 7 'Mango' update adds greater Avatar interaction

Windows Phone 7 'Mango' update adds greater Avatar interaction originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 May 2011 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Munchies' Lunch

David Hinkle — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 20:15:00 EST

Being a giant, beloved video game site has its downsides. For example, we sometimes neglect to give independent developers our coverage love (or loverage, if you will) as we get caught up in AAA, AAAA or the rare quintuple-A titles. To remedy that, we're giving indies the chance to create their own loverage and sell you, the fans, on their studios and products. This week we talk with Vlado Jokic, co-founder and El Presidente of Footloose Games about his puzzle game, Munchies' Lunch.

Who are you and what do you do at Footloose Games?
I'm Vlado and I'm the president and co-founder of Footloose Games. I'm a part of a small team of very talented people and I was the producer on our recently-released puzzle game Munchies' Lunch.

Why did you want to make games in the first place?
I would say my uncontrollable need to create, coupled with unexplored potential in the gaming medium.

What's your game called, and what's it about?
The game is called Munchies' Lunch and it's a unique puzzle-adventure game. While it's very simple to learn, Munchies' Lunch will take skill and patience to master.

You play as Mrs. Munchie, the mother of a family that's been uprooted from their forest home. Your goal is to collect food for your kids while avoiding monsters in a grid-like field. The gameplay is focused on finding the best solution at your own pace, while taking advantage of foods with special abilities to gain an edge over your opponents.

Gallery: Munchies' Lunch

Continue reading The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Munchies' Lunch

The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Munchies' Lunch originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kinect for Windows SDK promo video is full of inspirational music, excited devs

David Hinkle — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 17:10:00 EST

This spring, Microsoft will release the Kinect for Windows SDK, presumably opening up the hardware to mind-boggling possibilities beyond those we've seen in mere hacks. In the meantime, check out this featurette promoting the SDK and recounting some of the impressive uses already conjured.

Continue reading Kinect for Windows SDK promo video is full of inspirational music, excited devs

Kinect for Windows SDK promo video is full of inspirational music, excited devs originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2K Australia studio head resigns in the middle of XCOM; 2K responds

Christopher Grant — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 16:10:00 EST

Earlier this month, internet snoop supererogatory noticed 2K Australia's studio head Martin Slater resigned, right in the middle of development on the upcoming XCOM reboot. That news was paired with another tweet saying, "FWIW, there's a rumor that XCOM's undergone some big changes since it was announced." Sounds plausible, especially if the studio head of one half of 2K Marin (yeah, it's confusing) is no longer with the company.

"Over the course of a project, development teams do change and evolve from time-to-time," a 2K spokesperson told Joystiq. "While we can confirm that Martin Slater is no longer with the studio, there have been no changes to the way in which XCOM is being developed. The project continues to involve strong collaboration between our California and Australia locations and continues to be led by creative director Jonathan Pelling, a longstanding member of the talented team that worked on BioShock, BioShock 2, Freedom Force and Tribes."

While Slater's departure may not have caused changes in the way, or the process, that XCOM is being developed, that doesn't mean the game itself hasn't undergone changes since we saw it last, at E3 2010. We'll know for sure the next time we get our hands on the title. Probably E3 this year, right 2K?

2K Australia studio head resigns in the middle of XCOM; 2K responds originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fable 3 set to overthrow the PC kingdom May 17 [update: now with screens!]

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 15:37:00 EST

PC gamers, it's time for you to renew your passport and update your vaccinations: You're going to be taking a trip to Albion in a few short months. Microsoft has announced that the third installment in its morally dichotomous RPG series, Fable 3, is due out on the PC in North America May 17, and in Europe, Australia and New Zealand May 19.

The Windows version of the game will include full 3D support for folks using the appropriate NVIDIA cards, and will also add a "Hardcore" mode, giving the game an unprecedented level of difficulty. We wonder if that difficulty will be reflected in the game's major ethical decisions as well -- for instance: Do you want to sacrifice your children, your wife, or your dog ... in the real world? Mwahahaha!

Update: Check out a ton of screens in the gallery below.

Gallery: Fable 3 (PC)

Fable 3 set to overthrow the PC kingdom May 17 [update: now with screens!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 15:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nicalis' NightSky coming to Windows on January 6

Mike Schramm — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 19:00:00 EST

Nicalis, best known for releasing Daisuke Amaya's Cave Story on the Wii and DSi, has announced that it will be bringing the 2D physics-based platformer NightSky to Windows on January 6. The title, by Sweden's Nifflas, was originally scheduled for release on WiiWare as well. Nicalis says it hasn't "given up on consoles" for the game, but the PC and Mac releases will arrive first.

The game looks intriguing -- you can see a short launch trailer after the break. There's no word on price yet (or where you'll be able to get it, other than the official website), but assuming the game arrives as planned, those who want to get their hands on this 2009 IGF finalist will finally be able to do so.

Continue reading Nicalis' NightSky coming to Windows on January 6

Nicalis' NightSky coming to Windows on January 6 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 02 Jan 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Windows XP, LittleBigPlanet 2 edition

Andrew Yoon — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 16:00:00 EST

Operating systems aren't particularly the most exciting things to play. But when they're recreated within the confines of the LittleBigPlanet 2 creation tools, we take notice. "Windows LBP Edition" won't replace your copy of Windows XP, but it's a heck of a lot cuter.

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Windows XP, LittleBigPlanet 2 edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Microsoft Flight' announced ... minus the 'Simulator'

JC Fletcher — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 01:00:00 EST

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

[Flight Simultator History]

Tucked away within the press release for Age of Empires Online was the announcement of a new entry in a really long-lived Microsoft game series: Microsoft Flight Simulator. The latest Windows-exclusive title, now called simply Microsoft Flight, "will bring a new perspective to the long-standing genre," according to the press release, "welcoming everyone, including long-time fans, to experience the magic of flight."

There are no details beyond that, and the listed website is not live at the moment. However, the "welcoming everyone" language combined with the symbolic omission of the word "simulator" gives us an idea of what to expect: a more game-like, streamlined experience.

Update: The site is now live, featuring a teaser video -- which you can also see after the break.

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'Microsoft Flight' announced ... minus the 'Simulator' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lost Planet 2 can be found on PC October 15

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:00:00 EST

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

Capcom has announced that its recent co-op monster hunting simulator -- or, to be more precise, its recent co-op monster hunting simulator titled Lost Planet 2 -- will arrive on the PC October 15. What's new for this version of the coolly received title? Well, it contains native support for NVIDIA 3D Vision and 3D Vision Surround graphics cards, meaning if you've collected the necessary gadgets, you'll be able to topple the towering Akrid and watch as they fall through your monitor, landing squarely in your half-eaten bowl of Cap'n Crunch. That's how 3D works, right?

Check out the rigorous system requirements after the jump, or, if reading's not your thing, download the Lost Planet 2 preview, and then watch to see if your computer bursts into flames.

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Lost Planet 2 can be found on PC October 15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: Microsoft's Live support coming to free Windows games; Minesweeper, Solitaire and more

David Hinkle — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 15:05:00 EST

Microsoft is allegedly preparing to implement Live functionality into the free suite of games that comes with all Windows-enabled PCs: Solitaire, Chess, Checkers, Spades, Hearts, Backgammon, Minesweeper, Purple Place, Spider Solitaire and Freecell. This tip comes courtesy of our trusted source (who accurately predicted Lucidity, NBA 2K10 Draft Combine and Tecmo Bowl: Throwback). Reportedly, each Windows game will not only get Achievements, but also chat and leaderboard support. While unconfirmed by our source, we'd anticipate this to be a free update.

If true -- and hey, our tipster's batting a thousand (that's sports talk for reliable) -- adding Live functionality to these games would be an ideal gateway for Microsoft to usher new users into Live and the Achievements system. After registering a free Games For Windows Live account, a new user would be able to instantly start building Gamerscore cred with the free games included on Windows PCs. It's Drug Dealing 101 -- give 'em the first fix for free, and they'll be hooked!

Rumor: Microsoft's Live support coming to free Windows games; Minesweeper, Solitaire and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Windows Phone 7 Achievements to feature up to 200 Gamerscore points per game

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:10:00 EST

We just got our hands on the Windows Phone 7 during an interview at GDC, and given our unnatural obsession with bolstering our online notoriety, the most prevalent question in our mind was: just how many Gamerscore points can we crank outta this thing? The answer: A beefy 200 Gamerscore points per game, which will be added to your total Gamerscore, as displayed on your Xbox Live Gamertag profile.

We'll be writing up our impressions of the platform, as well as our interview with its creators, later today. For now, rest assured knowing that when you unlock an Achievement in a Windows Phone 7 game, it totally makes that satisfying "bloop-bloop" noise.

Windows Phone 7 Achievements to feature up to 200 Gamerscore points per game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shattered Horizon is free to play this weekend on Steam

Griffin McElroy — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 11:30:00 EST

Independently-developed FPS Shattered Horizon isn't the most high profile action game on the market right now, but it's got two things going for it which we're betting will capture your attention. The first is that until 4 p.m. EST tomorrow, you can download and play the game for free over Steam. It requires DirectX10 and Windows Vista or 7 to play -- but if you've got the tech specs to run the game, you can give it a free trial run until tomorrow afternoon.

Oh, the other thing? It's a first-person shooter that takes place in the zero-gravity environs of the moon. If a cooler premise for a game exists, we've yet to hear it.

Shattered Horizon is free to play this weekend on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 20 Feb 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Windows Phone 7 announced, includes Xbox Live support

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 09:51:00 EST

Well gang, it's been a long time coming, but it seems we're finally going to get the Live Anywhere integration Microsoft began teasing four whole years ago. We're finding it awfully difficult to be jaded, however, as the mobile counterpart to Xbox Live will make its debut on the recently announced Windows Phone 7 -- a sleek little device which we're periodically switching between browser tabs to ogle. Click past the jump to see a demo of the phone's capabilities.

According to a Microsoft press release, the Xbox Live integration on Windows' new mobile platform "delivers the first and only official Xbox LIVE experience on a phone, including Xbox LIVE games, Spotlight feed and the ability to see a gamer's avatar, Achievements and gamer profile." We've contacted Microsoft to find out exactly what types of games are going to be offered on the device. We hope its the same lot that's available on the Zune HD -- the more electronic devices on which we can play Audiosurf, the better.

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Windows Phone 7 announced, includes Xbox Live support originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 09:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Steam users adopting Windows 7 at breakneck speeds

Griffin McElroy — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 21:00:00 EST

Though Windows 7 fever hasn't yet overwhelmed the PC community, Steam users seem to be getting on board with the latest Bill Gates-approved operating system. A recent Steam survey has revealed that a little over 23 percent of the platform's regular users have upgraded to Windows 7 -- a stark difference from the 6 percent of the total operating system market which Windows 7 currently represents.

What we found more interesting about this survey is that so many people are still using Windows XP. Then again, considering the only alternative these people have had over the past four years was the most nightmarish, user-unfriendly operating system known to man, we don't blame them for being a little gunshy when it comes to technological progress.

[Via Download Squad]

Steam users adopting Windows 7 at breakneck speeds originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Jan 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Battlefield 1943, Bad Company 2 system specs revealed

David Hinkle — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST

Ten-hut, soldiers! During wartime, the government is granted special powers and as such the Army is going to need to commandeer your personal computers. Before we send our best and brightest out into battle, we'll need to train them in advanced maneuvers via upcoming PC games Battlefield 1943 and Battlefield: Bad Company 2.

Before you start packing up your 'puters, know the government has issued its guidelines for computer operations (via Shacknews). Report past the break to see if your computer meets these stringent requirements.

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Battlefield 1943, Bad Company 2 system specs revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How to unlock a one billion point Achievement

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:45:00 EST

As a congratulatory message to their Microsoft peers, the Interactive Entertainment branch recently sent the Windows team the banner you see above shortly after the latter launched Windows 7. It's a cute little example of how these two companies okay enough with the crap. We need this Achievement. Do you understand us, Microsoft? We need it. Knowing "the big one" is out there, but that it will be eternally inaccessible to us? Do you know what that would do to our psyche? It would end us, Microsoft.

We'll make you a deal -- we'll create our own Microsoft-branded operating system, and then you go ahead and pass one of those novelty-sized Achievements our way. How do you feel about "Doors XL?" No? How about "Glass-covered Portals 2010?" Or "Panes: Professional Edition?" Get back to us on this one, okay? We need it.

How to unlock a one billion point Achievement originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft Stores printing PC games on location

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST

Though the recently opened Microsoft Store in Scottsdale, Arizona contains all the electronic doodads and software you'd expect to find in a Microsoft-branded retailer, there's one pleasant surprise waiting there for PC gaming enthusiasts. That VideoGame Blog reports that kiosks are distributed throughout the store which allow shoppers to order a Games for Windows title, leave their name with a customer service representative, then have the game, case, insert and other accouterments printed on the spot in under four minutes.

We imagine the whole process is similar to the teddy synthesis featured in Build-a-Bear Workshops, only without all the haunting, ever-gurgling vats of stuffed animal guts featured prominently on the sales floor.

Microsoft Stores printing PC games on location originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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