Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[A platform, Karkand, and Battlefield 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/a-platform-karkand-and-battlefield-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/a-platform-karkand-and-battlefield-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/a-platform-karkand-and-battlefield-3/#comments I hope you like Battlefield 3, because based on my trip to EA's Redwood Shores offices yesterday, you're going to be getting a lot more of it. In a brief presentation prior to some extended time with next month's Back to Karkand DLC, the word "service" was used more than once. EA sees Battlefield 3 as a platform to deliver more content and Back to Karkand is the first salvo in that strategy.

Gallery: Battlefield 3 (Back to Karkand)

Continue reading A platform, Karkand, and Battlefield 3

JoystiqA platform, Karkand, and Battlefield 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3microsoftpcplaystationps3psnxblxboxxbox liveXboxLiveTue, 08 Nov 2011 21:01:00 EST<![CDATA[The Force Unleashed demo breaks XBLM download record]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/10/the-force-unleashed-demo-breaks-xblm-download-record/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/10/the-force-unleashed-demo-breaks-xblm-download-record/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/10/the-force-unleashed-demo-breaks-xblm-download-record/#commentsFiled under: , ,


It's not just stormtroopers and trees that have been splintered by Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, but download records as well. LucasArts announced that the game's Xbox Live demo has force choked download records for the service, surpassing a million downloads in just eight days following its August debut -- a feat one day better than the previous record according to the company.

Boasting further, LucasArts adds that together with the game's PSN demo, The Force Unleashed appetizer has been downloaded more than 2.3 million times worldwide. Most impressive, though we wonder how many people gave up their place in line camped out waiting for the game's September 16 release in order to actually try it out.

[Via press release]

JoystiqThe Force Unleashed demo breaks XBLM download record originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Sep 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demolucasartsstar-warsstarwarsthe-force-unleashedtheforceunleashedXbox-360xbox-livexboxliveWed, 10 Sep 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Source: First images from 360 Avatar creator leaked]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/03/source-first-images-from-360-avatar-creator-leaked/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/03/source-first-images-from-360-avatar-creator-leaked/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/03/source-first-images-from-360-avatar-creator-leaked/#commentsFiled under:


We've all seen the adorably customizable lookalikes that we'll be generating with the Avatar system, due out with the Xbox 360 Fall update -- but we've yet to see the actual system that will let you let you create your virtual representation. However, a "super secret source" recently sent our green and white sister site, 360 Fanboy, a couple of images containing the icons used in the Avatar creator. Assuming they're legit, they give a great indication of what aspects of your avatar you'll be able to manipulate. Based on the images in the gallery below, it looks like our dream of walking through Xbox Live's virtual halls as a morbidly obese man in a rabbit costume might just come true.

[Thanks, DCB and SS1029.]

Gallery: Avatar Creator Customization



JoystiqSource: First images from 360 Avatar creator leaked originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 03 Aug 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360avatariconsrumorXbox-360xbox360xboxliveSun, 03 Aug 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Horror filmmakers try hands at comedy on Xbox Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/23/horror-filmmakers-try-hands-at-comedy-on-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/23/horror-filmmakers-try-hands-at-comedy-on-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/23/horror-filmmakers-try-hands-at-comedy-on-xbox-live/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Inside every horror filmmaker lurks a budding comedian struggling to claw its way out, showering the audience with the goo inside. At least that's Microsoft's hope, as this week the company tapped a handful of directors, known for creeping us out in films like Hard Candy and Friday the 13th, to create a set of freely downloadable comedy shorts for release globally this fall over Xbox Live to coincide with the service's major facelift.

The brainchild of Slither's James Gunn and Peter Safran of Scary Movie infamy, the film series has a number of notable directors on board, including James Wan (Saw), David Slade (30 Days of Night), Lucky McKee (The Woods), Andrew Douglas (The Amityville Horror) and Marcus Nispel (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre). With each itching to trade in their bloody hatchets for hilarious, madcap antics, with now look forward to the filmmakers' unique take on what promises to be sidesplitting comedy.

JoystiqHorror filmmakers try hands at comedy on Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comedyhorrormicrosoftsawXbox-360xbox-livexboxliveWed, 23 Jul 2008 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[1 vs. 100 game show coming to Xbox Live Primetime]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/1-vs-100-game-show-coming-to-xbox-live-primetime/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/1-vs-100-game-show-coming-to-xbox-live-primetime/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/1-vs-100-game-show-coming-to-xbox-live-primetime/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The recently rumored game show channel for Xbox Live was officially announced at this morning's Microsoft press conference in the form of "Xbox Live Primetime." TV producer Endemol has teamed up with Microsoft to produce the new massively-multiplayer game show channel, which will include a version of the semi-popular NBC show 1 vs. 100, complete with real prizes (no word on whether host Bob Saget is involved). Primetime is part of Microsoft's new "Live Party" community channel, which includes the long-rumored Avatars. No word on what, if any, other game shows will be coming to Primetime, but we're hoping for a version of Ninja Warrior that involves rampant button mashing.

Joystiq1 vs. 100 game show coming to Xbox Live Primetime originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Jul 2008 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1-vs-100e3-2008endemolgame-showprimetimexbox liveXbox-360xbox-live-primetimeXboxLiveMon, 14 Jul 2008 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN boss disses Xbox Live's interface, game delisting]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/psn-boss-disses-xbox-lives-interface-game-de-listing/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/psn-boss-disses-xbox-lives-interface-game-de-listing/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/psn-boss-disses-xbox-lives-interface-game-de-listing/#commentsFiled under: ,

No sooner does Sony (briefly) improve the PS3 user interface with the much-talked-about version 2.4 firmware update, than some at the company feel cocky enough to start badmouthing the competition's interface. Speaking to Next-Gen, PlayStation Network Director of Operations Eric Lempel took the bait, comparing Sony's redesigned PlayStation Store to Microsoft's Xbox Live Marketplace. "I think if I look over at the competitors' UI they may have some issues just displaying content," Lempel said, "and scrolling up and down lists isn't the easiest way to find things." Tell that to McSweeny's, why don'tcha?

Lempel also pointed out that the PlayStation Store interface has "a lot of room with virtual shelf space to put a lot of things," a not-so-subtle jab at Microsoft's recently announced plan to de-list some Xbox Live Arcade games. "Depending on what type of UI you have you can accommodate a lot of titles," Lempel continued, "and specifically with our new store redesign which launched back in April we have a great ability to merchandise a wide variety of titles." That's all well and good, assuming your PS3 is currently working.

[Via X3F]

JoystiqPSN boss disses Xbox Live's interface, game delisting originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>console warsconsole-warsconsolewarsinterfaceMicrosoftPlayStation-NetworkPS3PSNSonyXBLXBLAXBLMXboxXbox LiveXbox Live ArcadeXboxLiveXboxLiveArcadeThu, 03 Jul 2008 16:57:00 EST<![CDATA[It's too hard to find stuff on XBLA, says Microsoft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/its-too-hard-to-find-stuff-on-xbla-says-microsoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/its-too-hard-to-find-stuff-on-xbla-says-microsoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/its-too-hard-to-find-stuff-on-xbla-says-microsoft/#commentsFiled under: ,


You know that sweet Ikea bookshelf you've been fawning over? It would go great in the family room, proudly displaying all of your favorite books and even that Precious Moments statue you pretend to like when your girlfriend stops by. It's functional, and makes things easy to find. But put a few thousand items on that same bookshelf and what you'd be left with is a colossal mess, something not unlike Microsoft's great, but equally cluttered Xbox Live Marketplace.

Speaking to MTV Multiplayer, Aaron Greenberg, Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Xbox Live product management director, owned up to the service's organization ills. "I think that we are not...happy with the ability to find and discover content," he said, adding that Microsoft "built Xbox Live Marketplace for a few hundred items and now we have 17,000 items."

It's something the company is hoping to correct, at least in part with its controversial decision to shelve under-performing Xbox Live Arcade releases, but Greenberg admits that Microsoft is still looking for a solution to make content on Xbox Live easier to track down. We've contacted our Joystiq mentalists, who are at this very moment trying to project two simple words into the minds of XBL devs. Search. Bar.

JoystiqIt's too hard to find stuff on XBLA, says Microsoft originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delistdelisteddelistingmicrosoftxblaxbla-delistingXbox-360xbox-livexboxliveThu, 05 Jun 2008 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[G4 original content now available on Xbox Live Marketplace]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/28/g4-original-content-now-available-on-xbox-live-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/28/g4-original-content-now-available-on-xbox-live-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/28/g4-original-content-now-available-on-xbox-live-marketplace/#commentsFiled under: ,


If you find yourself in the mood to pay to watch G4's gamer-oriented line of television programming, you can now scratch that puzzling itch on the Xbox Live Marketplace, where several of the network's original television programs have been made available for download. These programs include Attack of the Show, snowboard documentary series The Block, and animated comedy series Code Monkeys (which includes a free sneak preview of the show's second season).

Oddly enough, X-Play is not one of the shows featured on Microsoft's service, despite the fact that the daily half-hour Sess-fest is one of the highest rated programs on the network. A shame, too -- we would actually dish out some Microsoft buckz to avoid wading through the countless reruns of Fastlane, Cops, Cheaters, and other "gamer-oriented" programs to watch the oft-renamed program. Alas, we must continue to suffer the seemingly limitless douchebaggery of Joey Greco.

JoystiqG4 original content now available on Xbox Live Marketplace originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 May 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attackoftheshowcodemonkeysdlcg4g4tvtelevisiontheblockXbox-360xboxlivexboxlivemarketplacexplayWed, 28 May 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GTA IV could become Xbox Live's top game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/gta-iv-could-become-xbox-lives-top-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/gta-iv-could-become-xbox-lives-top-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/gta-iv-could-become-xbox-lives-top-game/#commentsFiled under: ,


It probably comes as no shock that Aaron Greenberg, director of product management for Xbox Live, believes Grand Theft Auto IV could very well take the top spot on Live from the see-saw battle waged between Call of Duty 4 and Halo 3. Greenberg tells Reuters that the multiplayer is so well implemented in GTA IV that he can't imagine anyone who owns a copy of the game not trying it on Xbox Live.

Greenberg goes on to say that GTA IV appeals to such a large audience and it'll probably be the best-selling game launched all year. GTA's multiplayer is certainly a different experience from COD 4 and Halo's first-person perspective, and could easily take the top spot on Live with curious players testing it, but whether the game's multiplayer is actually deep enough to hold on to players remains to be seen.

[Via GameDaily]

JoystiqGTA IV could become Xbox Live's top game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 May 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivgrandtheftautoivgreenberggta-ivgtaivXbox-360xbox-livexboxliveThu, 01 May 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live's got hiccups, but it's working]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/xbox-lives-got-hiccups-but-its-working/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/xbox-lives-got-hiccups-but-its-working/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/xbox-lives-got-hiccups-but-its-working/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Is it Christmas again, already? Xbox.com is acknowledging what many of you probably already know, which is that Xbox Live is having some issues. The service is "up and running," but users may experience matchmaking and voice communication issues.

Now it's time to play the half-glass game! Glass is half-empty: Why are customers paying for a service that can't fulfill its basic promoted functions? Broken services should be free. Glass is half-full: At least it's happening now. It could be worse, this could still be going on next week during the GTA IV launch.

[Via Engadget, X3F]

JoystiqXbox Live's got hiccups, but it's working originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Xbox-360xbox-livexboxliveWed, 23 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live down Monday morning for spring cleaning]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/19/xbox-live-down-monday-morning-for-spring-cleaning/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/19/xbox-live-down-monday-morning-for-spring-cleaning/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/19/xbox-live-down-monday-morning-for-spring-cleaning/#commentsFiled under:


Did you know that every foul obscenity, racial slur, and homophobic epithet collects in the corners of Xbox Live, much akin to the mood slime in "Ghostbusters II"? It can cause some serious latency issues -- though unfortunately, it cannot be cleared away by a rousing chorus of Auld Lang Syne. It takes hours of tedious chiseling and scraping to clear this hate plaque from Microsoft's servers, during which time Xbox Live is made unavailable for CoD4 grinding and piñata swapping.

Unfortunately for those 360 owners with online gaming on the docket for this coming Monday morning, Xbox Live will be down for said maintenance for eight hours. Before you get your hopes up, Gamerscore Blog assured everyone that this is not the fabled spring update, just some routine sprucing. We know the thought of division from the gaming hivemind is unbearable, but we trust you can go without from 2 a.m. to 10 a.m. PST (that's 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. EST, or "Too Legit 2 Quit" to "Pumps in a Bump" in Standard Hammer Time.)

JoystiqXbox Live down Monday morning for spring cleaning originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Apr 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hammertimemaintenancemicrosoftserverslimexboxXbox-360xbox-livexbox360XboxLiveSat, 19 Apr 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[This Wednesday: XBLA gets Ikaruga, Poker Smash DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/this-wednesday-xbla-gets-ikaruga-poker-smash-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/this-wednesday-xbla-gets-ikaruga-poker-smash-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/this-wednesday-xbla-gets-ikaruga-poker-smash-dlc/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Hey, it's tough to keep the lid on an exciting secret. If we knew Ikaruga was coming to Xbox Live Arcade this Wednesday, we'd probably blurt it out at every opportunity too. Sort of like what we're doing now. In case you haven't gathered, Treasure's mesmerizing shooter is finally, officially coming to Xbox 360 this week -- f'realz, confirmed and for 800 MS Points ($10). You're all smiles now, but just wait until the game crushes your ego to a pulp in its unrelenting, unforgiving bullet-hell fist.

Those who prefer their gaming to be less hectic and humiliating should note that Poker Smash is receiving some downloadable content this week, with an "Environment Pack" adding two new Action Mode environments and a "Puzzle Pack" adding 15 new weapons. No, wait ... puzzles. Definitely puzzles. Each pack will set you back 100 MS Points ($1.25).

Gallery: Ikaruga (XBLA)

JoystiqThis Wednesday: XBLA gets Ikaruga, Poker Smash DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCIkarugaPoker-SmashTreasureXBLAXBLAWednesdayXbox-360Xbox-LiveXboxLiveMon, 07 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Two Worlds expansion Curse of Souls hits the Marketplace]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/two-worlds-expansion-curse-of-souls-hits-the-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/two-worlds-expansion-curse-of-souls-hits-the-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/two-worlds-expansion-curse-of-souls-hits-the-marketplace/#commentsFiled under: ,


While we doubt Oblivion will credit Reality Pump's Two Worlds as the wind beneath its wings, we still can't help but wonder if it's cold there living in the shadow of Bethesda's role-playing opus. Nevertheless, the lesser of the two open-ended RPGs continues to get love by way of downloadable content, the latest of which dropped today over Xbox Live.

Dubbed Curse of Souls, the 600 point multiplayer-focused affair is the game's second, following the already available Tainted Blood, and promises, among other things, an extra 10 hours of content spread over 35 new quests. The download also adds a player-versus-player arena throwdown in the town of Tharnburg, no doubt making for a thrilling spectacle for the handful of players still frolicking in the world of Antaloor as they wait for the game's recently confirmed sequel.

[Via Press Release]

JoystiqTwo Worlds expansion Curse of Souls hits the Marketplace originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>expansionopen-worldopenworldreality-pumprealitypumprpgsouthpaektwo-worldstwoworldsXbox-360xbox-livexboxliveThu, 03 Apr 2008 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty 4 multiplayer boasts 'monstrously huge' numbers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/call-of-duty-4-multiplayer-boasts-monstrously-huge-numbers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/call-of-duty-4-multiplayer-boasts-monstrously-huge-numbers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/call-of-duty-4-multiplayer-boasts-monstrously-huge-numbers/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


When Infinity Ward producer, Mark Rubin, told Eurogamer that the number of online users for the PS3 version of Call of Duty 4 was "monstrously huge," we can only assume he was referring to a beast of significant size and infinite terror -- which pretty much rules out those Pokemon things. Indeed, the multiplayer monster appears to be of the house-trampling, child-eating variety, with Rubin having declared, "No other game has come close, either online current, or total unique users in a day."

The battle between Call of Duty 4 and Halo 3 for Xbox Live supremacy was also mentioned, with the former shooter's "between 1.2 and 1.3 million users every day" trumping Bungie's slightly more spartan servers. As for the percentage of total game owners (over seven million at last count) that have taken their tactics online, Rubin describes the number as "startling." Who knew statistics could be so scary?

JoystiqCall of Duty 4 multiplayer boasts 'monstrously huge' numbers originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Mar 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bungiecall-of-dutycall-of-duty-4COD4FPSHalo-3Halo3Infinity-WardInfinityWardPCPS3PSNXbox-360Xbox-LiveXboxLiveMon, 31 Mar 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Original video content coming to Xbox Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/original-video-content-coming-to-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/original-video-content-coming-to-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/original-video-content-coming-to-xbox-live/#commentsFiled under: ,

Microsoft has announced that Hollywood producer/talent producer Peter Safran has signed a deal with the company to produce original content for Xbox Live (via The New York Times). The first shows will scripted (i.e. not reality shows), run under 10 minutes in length and are expected to come out in the Fall.

Said Scott Nocas, Xbox Live's global marketing manager for programming: "We definitely look at this as the first of many." The shows, according to Safran, will be exclusive to the service for a time and might then appear elsewhere. Safran also said that some of the content would be supported by advertising.

As noted by the NYT, Safran represents Sean "P. Diddy" Combs, Nia Vardolos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding) and the directors of Epic Movie. Safran said he expects to recruit "established filmmakers" but was not planning to seek out major movie stars.

[Via Engadget]

JoystiqOriginal video content coming to Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Mar 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsvideovideo-marketplacexblmXbox-360xbox-livexbox-live-video-mark...XboxLiveMon, 31 Mar 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix surveys customers about service on Xbox 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/25/netflix-surveys-customers-about-service-on-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/25/netflix-surveys-customers-about-service-on-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/25/netflix-surveys-customers-about-service-on-xbox-360/#commentsFiled under: ,


Netflix told Reuters today that it's been surveying its subscribers about interest in streaming movies using the Xbox 360. The company declined to go as far as saying this meant there was a partnership in the works, but did say it's looking to use "as many ways as possible" to provide its service to consumers.

The whole "Netflix on consoles" thing has been batting around for a while with reports last month that Netflix was running surveys to gauge consumer interest. Netflix has made no secret that it wants to be on consoles and our eyebrows were already raised way up early last year when Netflix CEO Reed Hastings joined the Microsoft board of directors. If Microsoft doesn't want to go down the Blu-ray path, but still wants to offer a service that makes it stand out, Netflix would certainly make a marquee alternative.

JoystiqNetflix surveys customers about service on Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Mar 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftnetflixxbmxbox liveXbox-360xboxliveTue, 25 Mar 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Store launches, is awesome]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/21/rock-band-store-launches-is-awesome/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/21/rock-band-store-launches-is-awesome/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/21/rock-band-store-launches-is-awesome/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The much-improved Rock Band store announced to the world yesterday is now available on Xbox Live and PSN. A 30-second download and installation gives players access to the streamlined song-buying interface, which features audio previews and individual instrument difficulties for each song, as well as a much simpler way to sort and browse through the growing selection of music.

Besides the cool new store, we're also extremely gratified by the much-needed faster loading of DLC provided by the patch. After a one-time file creation upon the first post-patch load, the annoying little "loading additional content" animation was reduced from roughly ten seconds to about one second in our tests on Xbox Live. The physical "download data file" that actually speeds up the process takes up a paltry 112KB on our system, meaning there's no reason not to rock out faster!

Gallery: Rock Band Music Store

JoystiqRock Band Store launches, is awesome originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Mar 2008 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCharmonixpatchPS3PSNrock-bandrockbandstorexbox liveXbox-360XboxLiveFri, 21 Mar 2008 10:10:00 EST<![CDATA[22 unlockable characters confirmed for Castle Crashers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/19/22-unlockable-characters-confirmed-for-castle-crashers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/19/22-unlockable-characters-confirmed-for-castle-crashers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/19/22-unlockable-characters-confirmed-for-castle-crashers/#commentsFiled under: ,


You'll need more than your fingers and toes when counting up the number of playable characters in The Behemoth's upcoming (and long awaited) XBLA opus Castle Crashers, as the devs have confirmed that the game's roster will pack in "about" twenty-two unlockable slots.

How exactly characters will be unlocked remains, much like the game's eventual release date, a mystery, with Behemoth blogger Emil teasing only that characters will be added "by various different means." However, given that since it was first announced some two years ago the heavily-stylized side scroller has remained near the top of a short list of titles we cannot wait to sink our thumbs into, it's just shy of hyperbole to say that we'd do anything Castle Crashers asked of us anyway.

[Via Xbox 360 Fanboy]

Joystiq22 unlockable characters confirmed for Castle Crashers originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Mar 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>castle-crasherscastlecrashersside-scrollersidescrollerthe-behemoththebehemothunlockxblaXbox-360xbox-live-arcadexboxlivexboxlivearcadeWed, 19 Mar 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Puzzle Quest getting XBLA expansion, fans asked to name it]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/17/puzzle-quest-getting-xbla-expansion-fans-asked-to-name-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/17/puzzle-quest-getting-xbla-expansion-fans-asked-to-name-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/17/puzzle-quest-getting-xbla-expansion-fans-asked-to-name-it/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Puzzle Quest was among our favorite titles released last year over Xbox Live Arcade, with the unlikely mix of casual puzzling and role-playing edging its way into several of our staff's top picks for 2007. Now publisher D3 has announced that the game will soon be getting what it calls a "tremendous amount" of new content by way of an upcoming downloadable expansion. There's just one problem -- it needs a name.

The add-on, which promises a new villain in Antharg, the Lord of Plague, as well as new spells, items, and quests on top of four new hero professions (Bard, Rogue, Ranger and Warlock), is currently being dubbed " Puzzle Quest: 1.5," but that name is hardly appropriate. To this end, D3 is calling for players to submit name suggestions on the official Puzzle Quest website starting today at noon through Friday, March 21. Once a name has been decided, the expansion will be made available this spring over Xbox Live. We're already brainstorming our ideas -- might we suggest Puzzle Quest: The Addictioning?

JoystiqPuzzle Quest getting XBLA expansion, fans asked to name it originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Mar 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anthargbreakingnewsd3d3-publisherd3publisherexpansionpuzzle-questpuzzlequestxblaXbox-360xbox-livexbox-live-arcadexboxlivexboxlivearcadeMon, 17 Mar 2008 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Namco Bandai bringing Mr. Driller to Xbox Live Arcade]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/16/namco-bandai-bringing-mr-driller-to-xbox-live-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/16/namco-bandai-bringing-mr-driller-to-xbox-live-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/16/namco-bandai-bringing-mr-driller-to-xbox-live-arcade/#commentsFiled under: , ,


It's been four long years since Namco Bandai last graced us with its diminutive pink spelunker Mr. Driller in Mr. Driller Drill Spirits for the Nintendo DS. Thankfully, it's an oversight the company will soon remedy with the newly revealed Mr. Driller Online, a downloadable version of the casual puzzler currently in development for Xbox Live Arcade.

Details are currently light, though the game, which so far has only been confirmed for release in Japan this Spring, looks to stay true to the series' uber-cute roots of downward drilling and colors vibrant enough to make a box of Crayolas blush. The game will also include a handful of new modes and gameplay over Xbox Live, making the one thing that has been missing from the saccharine puzzler -- online trash talk -- a reality. Finally!

[Via Xbox 360 Fanboy]

JoystiqNamco Bandai bringing Mr. Driller to Xbox Live Arcade originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 16 Mar 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mr-drillermr-driller-onlinemrdrillermrdrilleronlinenamco-bandainamcobandaixblaXbox-360xbox-livexboxliveSun, 16 Mar 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA explains Army of Two's regional lockout]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/12/ea-explains-army-of-twos-regional-lockout/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/12/ea-explains-army-of-twos-regional-lockout/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/12/ea-explains-army-of-twos-regional-lockout/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Though reviews haven't been consistently kind, most critics seem to label Army of Two's cooperative, fist-pounding gameplay as the best reason to start shooting. The promise of leaving a bloody terrorist trail with a buddy-in-arms does come with one caveat though: The members of your army can't have an ocean between them. Army of Two's online modes are restricted according to region, with the US, European and Asian versions unable to exchange so much as a salutation, let alone a barrage of bullets.

Consequently, we spoke to EA Montreal's Reid Schneider, senior producer on Army of Two, in the hopes of learning more about the decision to introduce a territorial lockout across Xbox Live and PSN. While the explanation is unlikely to dissolve your disappointment (not to mention that of Claus, your Swedish best friend), it does spring from EA's belief to do what was best for its game. We don't believe it was the best decision for modern, borderless gamers, but Schneider assured us that the developer is "actively looking into" retooling the game in the future. "We are looking to find a way where we can do it," said Schneider," and not expose users to super slow connections..."

Continue reading EA explains Army of Two's regional lockout

JoystiqEA explains Army of Two's regional lockout originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Mar 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Army-of-2Army-of-TwoArmyofTwoEAEA-MontrealElectronic-ArtsMicrosoftPS3PSNShooterXbox-360Xbox-LiveXboxLiveWed, 12 Mar 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joyswag: Win Mass Effect's 'Bring Down the Sky' DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/10/joyswag-win-mass-effects-bring-down-the-sky-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/10/joyswag-win-mass-effects-bring-down-the-sky-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/10/joyswag-win-mass-effects-bring-down-the-sky-dlc/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We never forget a face. That explains why we nearly overlooked the charming fellow above, as his disturbing assemblage of teeth, eyes and wrinkles really stretches our definition of "face" to its very hideous limit. Apparently, we were supposed to meet him for a round of Mass Effect today, foiling his and his fellow Batarians' plan to toss an asteroid at an unsuspecting planet.

If you feel like your galactic romp across BioWare's rich galaxy is in need of extension, the "Bring Down the Sky" Mass Effect add-on promises "approximately 90 minutes" of gameplay and 50 gamerscore points. It's available on the Xbox Live Marketplace now for $5, or 400 MS Points. Oh, and you can win a download code for it right now.
  • To enter this giveaway, suggest a caption for the above image in the comments section.
  • You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec).
  • Limit 1 entry per person. If you enter this giveaway more than once you'll be automatically disqualified and jettisoned into space!
  • This entry period ends tomorrow at 5:45pm ET Tuesday 3/11/08. We'll randomly select 10 winners at that time.
  • For complete rules capable of generating extensive dialogue trees, click here.
[Update: The contest is over. We'll be contacting the winners shortly, so please keep an eye on your inbox!]

JoystiqJoyswag: Win Mass Effect's 'Bring Down the Sky' DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Mar 2008 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareBreakingNewsBring-Down-the-SkyDLCjoyswagMarketplaceMassEffectXbox-360Xbox-LiveXboxLiveMon, 10 Mar 2008 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[New gamerpics are a teabag full of insipidness]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/new-gamerpics-are-a-teabag-full-of-insipidness/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/new-gamerpics-are-a-teabag-full-of-insipidness/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/new-gamerpics-are-a-teabag-full-of-insipidness/#commentsFiled under: ,


We realize that a lot of crap gets dumped on Xbox Live Marketplace that we don't comment on. We used to notice it more, but mocking it is almost sort of futile now. But when someone sends along a tip to alert us that they've just sullied the Marketplace, we feel compelled to comment on it. So, here it goes. As seen above, Disruptive Media Publishers has just unleashed the "Hardcore Gamer Picture Pack," a name so ironic that Alanis Morissette just beat herself to death with a shoe.

If you pony up the $1.25 for the Hardcore Game Picture Pack, we're officially not friends. We would honestly prefer you to get your Xbox Live Vision camera, and take a picture of your crotch and make it your gamerpic. If you burned a combination orphanage/puppy mill to the ground and dragged a generator to the scene so you could (using the Shroud of Turin as lens filter) take a picture of the flames with your Xbox Live Vision camera and made that your pic, we would be less offended.

OK, we wanted to end on that line, but we had to mention the "Respawn" one. What does that even mean? That you're happy the game continues after you've been killed? Yes! We are too!

JoystiqNew gamerpics are a teabag full of insipidness originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Mar 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamerpicsmarketplaceXbox-360xbox-livexboxliveFri, 07 Mar 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GameSetWatch breaks down XBLA royalties cut]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/24/gamesetwatch-breaks-down-xbla-royalties-cut/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/24/gamesetwatch-breaks-down-xbla-royalties-cut/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/24/gamesetwatch-breaks-down-xbla-royalties-cut/#commentsFiled under: , ,


With the news that the 70 percent royalties cut for independent developers of Xbox Live Arcade titles had been cut in half, the indie gaming community was irrevocably up in arms, with some XBLA devs even threatening to switch platforms. However, the reasoning behind the cut is not as cut-and-dry as "M$ jus wants moar money" -- according to a recent GameSetWatch report, a number of factors led to the royalty shrinkage.

After a bit of Michael Clayton-esque fact finding, they discovered that the cut only affects first-party indie developers (that is, devs that publish their games directly through Microsoft's XBLA department), and while the returns from their product will indeed be half their original value, Microsoft will now cover many of the fees that the developer must address before their product can be sold -- such as ESRB certification, and localization. Ultimately, this means that their games will cost less to produce, but make less after retail -- slightly better than a flat-out cut, but not much consolation to the Ramen-fueled indie developer.


JoystiqGameSetWatch breaks down XBLA royalties cut originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Feb 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadecutdevelopersindependentindielivearcademicrosoftroyaltiesxblaXbox-360xboxliveSun, 24 Feb 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Melee fix coming to Halo 3 this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/melee-fix-coming-to-halo-3-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/melee-fix-coming-to-halo-3-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/melee-fix-coming-to-halo-3-this-week/#commentsFiled under: ,


Two people hitting each other simultaneously with the butts of guns is supposed to be a magical, intimate time. But too many Halo 3 players have had their "brutal kiss" (as it's known) marred by a slight defect in the game that gives the advantage in that situation to the host, or the player with the better connection.

Now though, it seems that after working with pros from the MLG, Bungie has corrected the issue, and will be passing the fix along in an autoupdate sometime this week. Speaking as hopeless romantics who still tear up when we see two armored soldiers put swords through each other, we couldn't be more pleased.

[Via OXM]

[Update: Unsurprisingly, the melee problem is a bit more complicated than we make it out to be here. If you'd like a disturbingly thorough understanding of the issue check this out.]

JoystiqMelee fix coming to Halo 3 this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Feb 2008 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlchalo-3halo3Xbox-360xboxliveMon, 18 Feb 2008 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[N+ coming to Xbox Live Arcade Wednesday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/n-coming-to-xbox-live-arcade-wednesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/n-coming-to-xbox-live-arcade-wednesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/n-coming-to-xbox-live-arcade-wednesday/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We've known it was coming for about a month now ... now we know exactly when it's coming. Metanet Software announced via their blog this morning that the Xbox Live Arcade version of 2D Ninja platformer N+ will be available for 800 MS points at 9 a.m. GMT (1 a.m. Pacific) on Wednesday, Feb. 20.

The Wednesday release will come with the obligatory Gamerpics and Dashboard themes which, unfortunately, will cost even more of your hard earned Microsoft points. Metanet also announced "one or two level packs coming in the future," although, really, if you manage to beat all 450 levels included in the main game, it's probably time to move on to another title. We're just saying ...

[Thank Robber Tom]

JoystiqN+ coming to Xbox Live Arcade Wednesday originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Feb 2008 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>NNinjaplatformplatformerXBLAXbox LiveXbox Live ArcadeXbox-360XboxLiveXboxLiveArcadeMon, 18 Feb 2008 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney Channel programming launches on Live Marketplace]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/16/disney-channel-content-launches-on-live-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/16/disney-channel-content-launches-on-live-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/16/disney-channel-content-launches-on-live-marketplace/#commentsFiled under:


We were planning on accompanying this post with a poll asking how many of our readers regularly watch Hannah Montana, but we're pretty sure we can guess the results of that questionnaire -- half of our readers would fess up to watching the pre-teen pop queen, and the other half would be bold-faced liars.

Fine, you don't have to admit it -- but if you have a friend (wink, wink) with an Xbox Live account, that friend (nudge, nudge) can now download episodes of Hannah Montana as well as a plethora of other Disney channel programming on Live Marketplace. It's just like having that dreamy Zac Efron live inside of your Xbox 360 hard drive, ready to serenade you at your behest, just one ashamed button press away from your Veteran career on Call of Duty 4.

[Via Gamerscore Blog]

JoystiqDisney Channel programming launches on Live Marketplace originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 16 Feb 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneyhannahmontanamarketplacesuitelifeofzackandcodyxblxbox liveXbox-360XboxLiveSat, 16 Feb 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony touts 52 million PSN downloads]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/sony-touts-52-million-psn-downloads/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/sony-touts-52-million-psn-downloads/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/sony-touts-52-million-psn-downloads/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Boy, you guys must really hate going to your local game retailer. Sony today announced that it's PSN Online Store has racked up an impressive 52 million downloads since launching with the PS3 back in November '06 (and expanding to the PSP in November '07).

For context, Microsoft's Xbox Live Marketplace reached to 50 million download milestone back in August '06, roughly five months faster than Sony's network (when staggered launch dates are taken into account). Sony's current mark of 2.9 million registered PSN users also pales in comparison to the 7 million Xbox Live users as of last September, though Microsoft's head start likely played a part in that lead.

Still, Sony's online service is going in the right direction, growing from 6.6 million downloads in Dec. '07 to 7.9 million in Jan. '08. And with the PS3 starting to outsell the Xbox 360 in the American marketplace, could the much-predicted Sony turnaround finally be coming to pass?

JoystiqSony touts 52 million PSN downloads originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Feb 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCdownloadsPS3PSNPSN storePsnStoreXBLXbox LiveXbox-360XboxLiveFri, 15 Feb 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero: Aerosmith announced, GHIII getting 'Dream On' for free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/guitar-hero-aerosmith-announced-ghiii-getting-dream-on-for-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/guitar-hero-aerosmith-announced-ghiii-getting-dream-on-for-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/guitar-hero-aerosmith-announced-ghiii-getting-dream-on-for-f/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


In an announcement that may just usurp the throne from Electronic Arts as the king of milking franchises, Activision has announced plans for a new Guitar Hero title, casting aside the franchise's reputation for offering a wide breadth of rocking tracks in favor of highlighting a single band -- Aerosmith. The news echoes comments made by guitarist Joe Perry last year regarding the series' next installment, at which time he said that the next Guitar Hero game would be dedicated to the band's music.

The announcement comes following Activision's promise earlier this month to return to the well this year, with the newly announced Guitar Hero: Aerosmith currently expected to ship to retail in June with Neversoft handling the game for the Xbox 360 and PS3, and Vicarious Visions taking care of development on the Wii. Details remain nonexistent concerning what tracks we can expect to make the cut, with guitarist Joe Perry commenting only that the title is "based on the diversity of the Aerosmith catalog." With a game dedicated to one -- and only one -- band, we have to assume that whatever songs do find their way onto the disc, they'll be master tracks (they better be).

And if June seems to far off for those of you hugging your Steven Tyler doll while staring at the Pump tour poster on the wall, Activision has announced plans to release the band's 1973 power ballad 'Dream On' as a download for the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of GHIII (Sorry Wii owners, but you knew what you were getting into). The song will be free from February 16-18, so get it while it's hot!

JoystiqGuitar Hero: Aerosmith announced, GHIII getting 'Dream On' for free originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Feb 2008 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionAerosmithbreakingnewsguitar-heroguitarheromilkingneversoftPS3PSNVicarious-VisionsVicariousVisionsWiiXbox-360Xbox-LiveXboxLiveFri, 15 Feb 2008 09:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Devil May Cry 4 tears up UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/12/devil-may-cry-4-tears-up-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/12/devil-may-cry-4-tears-up-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/12/devil-may-cry-4-tears-up-uk-charts/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Capcom's over-the-top action extravaganza, Devil May Cry 4, has debuted at the top of the UK's all-format software sales chart, rudely bumping previous one-er Burnout: Paradise down to fourth place. GamesIndustry.biz reports that 61 percent of the title's sales came from the Xbox 360 version, a fact which is sure to make loyalists and rabid petitioners weep uncontrollably. Of course, it didn't help that the PlayStation 3 version had to deal with price gouging and an installation stigma.

In other satanic sniveling news, Capcom has announced that the Devil May Cry 4 demo has been downloaded over a million times on Xbox Live, making it the first piece of code to do so in 2008. Since appearing on the network January 24th, it's reportedly been averaging over 25,000 downloads a day.

JoystiqDevil May Cry 4 tears up UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Feb 2008 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomDanteDevil-May-Cry-4DevilMayCry4DMC4NeroPS3UKXbox-360Xbox-LiveXboxLiveTue, 12 Feb 2008 15:57:00 EST<![CDATA[The Club nods at Gears of War's 'Seriously' achievement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/10/the-club-nods-at-gears-of-wars-seriously-achievement/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/10/the-club-nods-at-gears-of-wars-seriously-achievement/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/10/the-club-nods-at-gears-of-wars-seriously-achievement/#commentsFiled under: , ,


For the thorough achievement hunter, there are an elite series of Gamerscore garnering goals that the softcore gamer is not likely to possess, such as Dead Rising's Zombie Genocider achievement, or, well, most of the achievements from Chromehounds. One stands out above the rest, though, requiring a great deal of time and skill to earn -- the "Seriously" achievement from Gears of War. Getting 10,000 kills in ranked multiplayer earns you 50 Gamerpoints, and hopefully, a concerned intervention from a few of your closest loved ones.

Bizarre Creations' latest project The Club gives a hearty nod towards the life-consuming achievement with one of their own -- the cleverly titled "No, Seriously" requires you to kill 10,001 opponents in ranked online matches. Oh, we see what you did there. We'll have to wait until Feb. 19 to see if the game is good enough to merit that kind of time investment, and if Bizarre ripped anything else off of Gears -- such as a steroid-infused protagonist that speaks with the eloquence of Tourette's suffering sailor.

JoystiqThe Club nods at Gears of War's 'Seriously' achievement originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 10 Feb 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementgamerscoregearsofwarmultiplayernoseriouslyPS3seriouslythe-clubtheclubXbox-360xboxliveSun, 10 Feb 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PGR4 DLC brings new cars, modes, achievements]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/08/pgr4-dlc-brings-new-cars-modes-achievements/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/08/pgr4-dlc-brings-new-cars-modes-achievements/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/08/pgr4-dlc-brings-new-cars-modes-achievements/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Not content to let their premiere racer rest with just a release and a quick update, Bizarre Creations is offering up new downloadable content for Project Gotham Racing 4. The content is split into two downloadable packs:

Free Challenge Pack (free download!)
  • A playable, hydrogen-powered Peugeot Flux
  • Tourist Mode - Just drive around the city and admire the scenery with no explicit goal
  • "Free Roam" Cat and Mouse Mode - Implements the delayed updates previously discussed here
  • Seven unlockable achievements
Premium Challenge Pack (400 MS points)
Includes all the content of the Free Challenge Pack, PLUS:
  • Seven new cars - Including the "1987 BMW M3 E30 DTM," whatever that means
  • World Challenge Arcade Mode - With 20 new events in three themed chapters
  • Three more unlockable achievements
The packs will be available for download on Feb. 14, just in time to play Cat and Mouse with your valentine.

JoystiqPGR4 DLC brings new cars, modes, achievements originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Feb 2008 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bizarrebizarre-creationsDLCdownloadPGR4project-gotham-racingproject-gotham-racing-4Xbox LiveXbox-360XboxLiveFri, 08 Feb 2008 12:10:00 EST<![CDATA[New Call of Duty 4 maps 'on the way']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/04/new-call-of-duty-4-maps-on-the-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/04/new-call-of-duty-4-maps-on-the-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/04/new-call-of-duty-4-maps-on-the-way/#commentsFiled under: , ,


At last, after more than three years of clumsy existence and thousands upon thousands of tiresome, incompetent instances of waffling, we've managed to condense an entire news story into a remarkably efficient headline. It's quite miraculous, really, and it likely signals our arrival at the pinnacle of our blogging prowess. No longer will hasty readers have to suffer through pompous opening paragraphs and interminable tangents before laying eyes on the actual news!

So anyway, Activision has announced that new downloadable multiplayer maps for its smash-success shooter, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, are "on the way" to the Xbox Live Marketplace and PlayStation Network. Questions regarding release date, price and quantity went unanswered by the publisher, thus leaving the headline as the only useful sentence in this entire post.

JoystiqNew Call of Duty 4 maps 'on the way' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Feb 2008 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionCall-of-Duty-4CallofDuty4COD4DLCFPSMapsModern-WarfarePS3PSNXbox-360Xbox-LiveXboxLiveMon, 04 Feb 2008 19:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Turok demo finally comes to North American Xbox Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/29/turok-demo-finally-comes-to-north-american-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/29/turok-demo-finally-comes-to-north-american-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/29/turok-demo-finally-comes-to-north-american-xbox-live/#commentsFiled under: ,


With the revamped version of Turok apparently not shipping out until next week, you still have a little time to decide if you're going to be able to take the dino-killing brute back into your life. Now, you non-PS3 gamers have been given the tools to do so, with the demo for the game arriving on Xbox Live Marketplace. You PS3 players have already had the chance to take it for a spin.

So, here's what we need to know: What's the verdict? Are you going to be able to give Turok another chance to win you over? Or is the new effort too little too late?

JoystiqTurok demo finally comes to North American Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jan 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demostouchstoneturokXbox-360xboxliveTue, 29 Jan 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ION Game Conference to address social networking on consoles, PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/28/ion-game-conference-to-address-social-networking-on-consoles-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/28/ion-game-conference-to-address-social-networking-on-consoles-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/28/ion-game-conference-to-address-social-networking-on-consoles-pc/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Game industry types looking for yet another reason to flock to a central location and gab about the business while getting liquored up at the open bar should take a moment to block out some time for this summer's Ion Game Conference, taking place from May 13-15 in Seattle. Known as the Online Game Developers Conference in a previous life, organizers Evergreen Events note that the re-dubbed conference will feature an expanded focus, with panels covering topics such virtual worlds and social networking on home consoles.

While few details concerning specific panels have yet been revealed for this year's event, last year's topics included "Xbox LIVE on Windows and 360: Are Your Games Dead or LIVE?," "The Future of Games and Entertainment Resides Online," and "Dirty Secrets of Episodic Video Games," among others. Early registration for the Ion Game Conference is now open, and event organizers note that as they are expecting a considerable turnout by attendees across the globe. Those interested in taking part in the event should register early.

JoystiqION Game Conference to address social networking on consoles, PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Jan 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conferenceeventsevergreenionogdcsocial netoworkingSocialNetoworkingvirtual worldsVirtualWorldsxbox liveXboxLiveMon, 28 Jan 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Reminder: Last chance to download Undertow for free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/27/reminder-last-chance-to-download-undertow-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/27/reminder-last-chance-to-download-undertow-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/27/reminder-last-chance-to-download-undertow-for-free/#commentsFiled under: ,


Yeah, we know. The whole "deep sea diver combat" genre peaked with Sega's largely unknown arcade masterpiece The Ocean Hunter, but still, it's rude to look a gift horse in the mouth -- or, rather, to look a free game in the drearily repetitive gameplay. If you haven't done it yet, today is your last chance to download Undertow on the XBLA marketplace for the cost of zilch. Who knows, you may dig it -- and if all it costs is a moment of your time to pick up, isn't it worth checking out? Let us know if free was the right price for the game -- and if it served as an appropriate apology for the recent hiccups in the Xbox Live service.

JoystiqReminder: Last chance to download Undertow for free originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 Jan 2008 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadeChair-EntertainmentchairentertainmentoceanhuntershooterundertowxblaXbox-360xboxliveSun, 27 Jan 2008 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero III 'Classic Rock' pack now live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/24/guitar-hero-iii-classic-rock-pack-now-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/24/guitar-hero-iii-classic-rock-pack-now-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/24/guitar-hero-iii-classic-rock-pack-now-live/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Last week, we told you of the rumor that Guitar Hero III would be getting a handful of new classic rock tunes. This morning has proven it to be true, with Foreigner's "Juke Box Hero," Journey's "Any Way You Want It" and Boston's "Peace of Mind" all landing on Xbox Live for 500 points, or $6.25 in Earth dollars.

What we don't know is if these songs will be appearing on PSN later in the day, but since this is Thursday, we're thinking it's likely. If you're unfamiliar with any of the new tracks (for shame!) we've put samples of them after the break.

Continue reading Guitar Hero III 'Classic Rock' pack now live

JoystiqGuitar Hero III 'Classic Rock' pack now live originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Jan 2008 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcguitar-hero-iiiPS3psnXbox-360xboxliveThu, 24 Jan 2008 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Register and ye shall REZ-eive (a free game)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/21/register-and-ye-shall-rez-ieve/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/21/register-and-ye-shall-rez-ieve/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/21/register-and-ye-shall-rez-ieve/#commentsFiled under: ,


Not content with merely updating their hypnotic trip-out sim REZ with fancy high-definition graphics and stimulating surround sound for its Xbox Live Arcade debut, the folks at Q Entertainment have decided to gift upon the world 50 free copies of the Mizuguchi masterpiece (no, not that one). To potentially grab one of 50 prepaid Xbox Live Marketplace codes, you need only visit the official REZ HD website and enter your details into the registration page.

Do that between now and Sunday, January 27th, and you might just REZ-eive a free copy of the game within 72 hours of the closing date. Don't fret if you lose out though -- with the game launching before the end of the month, we're all winners here.

Gallery: Rez HD (XBLA)

JoystiqRegister and ye shall REZ-eive (a free game) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Jan 2008 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Q-EntertainmentREZREZ-HDShooterTrance-VibratorXBLAXbox-360Xbox-Live-ArcadeXboxLiveMon, 21 Jan 2008 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Famitsu: Bionic Commando remake bound for XBLA, PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/16/famitsu-bionic-commando-remake-bound-for-xbla-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/16/famitsu-bionic-commando-remake-bound-for-xbla-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/16/famitsu-bionic-commando-remake-bound-for-xbla-psn/#commentsFiled under: , ,


According to information published in a recent issue of Famitsu magazine (translated by IGN), Capcom plans to release a 3D update of Bionic Commando on Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network in Japan this Spring. That would be the Famicom classic featuring Hitler, mind you, not the forthcoming corn-rowed franchise revival bearing the same name and the same multifaceted appendage.

Initial details suggest that "Bionic Commando: Master D Revival Plan" will feature 3D graphics, a simultaneous two-player mode and an undoubtedly tenuous "connection" to the new Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 game. IGN also presumes that the gameplay will remain of the side-scrolling variety, making Master D Revival Plan akin to Capcom's criminally unappreciated PSP Mega Man remake, Mega Man: Powered Up.

We've contacted Capcom's US office to learn more.

JoystiqFamitsu: Bionic Commando remake bound for XBLA, PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jan 2008 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bionic-CommandoCapcomMaster-D-Revival-PlanPS3PSNXBLAXbox-360Xbox-LiveXboxLiveWed, 16 Jan 2008 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft's John Schappert to deliver GDC keynote]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/15/microsofts-john-schappert-to-deliver-gdc-keynote/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/15/microsofts-john-schappert-to-deliver-gdc-keynote/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/15/microsofts-john-schappert-to-deliver-gdc-keynote/#commentsFiled under: ,

In a keynote entitled "A Future Wide Open: Unleashing the Creative Community," Microsoft will either discuss the implications of chasing Sound Blaster owners from their homes... or the "Xbox 360 platform's next step in democratizing game development," which is what it says here in the press release. The same informative block of text notes that Microsoft's keynote at this year's Game Developers Conference -- its first since 2005 -- will be delivered by John Schappert, otherwise known as "Corporate Vice President of LIVE, Software and Services for the Interactive Entertainment Business" since leaving EA in August 2007.

Schappert's schpeech will delve into the Xbox 360's schtrategy for 2008, touching on topics such as online gaming, digital distribution and support of smaller developers. Top developers are also part of the talk, with some of their plans for the Xbox 360 expected to be unfurled and plastered across colorful pie charts. Joystiq will provide a full report during the keynote on February 22nd, taking special care to describe a future wide open. We suspect it'll be obnoxiously bright and smell vaguely of gasoline.

JoystiqMicrosoft's John Schappert to deliver GDC keynote originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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