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 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Legend of Grimrock gets unofficial 'Master Quest' add-on]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/17/legend-of-grimrock-gets-unofficial-master-quest-add-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/17/legend-of-grimrock-gets-unofficial-master-quest-add-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/17/legend-of-grimrock-gets-unofficial-master-quest-add-on/#comments Legend of Grimrock gets unofficial 'Master Quest' addonFans waiting for the Legend of Grimrock sequel now have a new quest to pass the time. Legend of Grimrock forums user Benjamin Ramsey recently made an unofficial add-on for the original game available on Steam Workshop.

Called the Legend of Grimrock - Master Quest, the mod is a "complete re-working of the entire original game with tons of new puzzles, updated dungeon designs, unique story elements, and more." The add-on also gives a "loot value" to every item, which influences each player's new treasure hunter ranking.

JoystiqLegend of Grimrock gets unofficial 'Master Quest' add-on originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 17 Mar 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>add-onbenjamin-ramseylegend-of-grimrocklegend-of-grimrock-master-questmodpcsteam-workshopSun, 17 Mar 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Assassin's Creed 3 Hidden Secrets, Battle Hardened DLC now on Wii U]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/17/assassins-creed-3-hidden-secrets-battle-hardened-dlc-now-on-wi/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/17/assassins-creed-3-hidden-secrets-battle-hardened-dlc-now-on-wi/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/17/assassins-creed-3-hidden-secrets-battle-hardened-dlc-now-on-wi/#comments Assassin's Creed 3 DLCs hit Wii U todayThe first two DLC packs for Assassin's Creed 3, Hidden Secrets and Battle Hardened, hit the Wii U today; Hidden Secrets costs $5 and Battle Hardened is $10. Both packs are already available on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.

Hidden Secrets includes three new missions (Lost Mayan Ruins, Ghost of War and A Dangerous Secret), two single-player costumes and two multiplayer characters, the Redcoat and the Sharpshooter. Battle Hardened is all about the multiplayer, adding the Governor, Highlander and Coyote Man characters, and three multiplayer maps, Charlestown, Fort St-Mathieu and Saint Pierre.

The next DLC pack for Assassin's Creed 3 is The Tyranny of King Washington, a three-episode trek through George Washington's alternate history.

Continue reading Assassin's Creed 3 Hidden Secrets, Battle Hardened DLC now on Wii U

JoystiqAssassin's Creed 3 Hidden Secrets, Battle Hardened DLC now on Wii U originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>add-onassassins-creed-3battle-hardenedDLChidden-secretsnintendoUbisoftwii-uThu, 17 Jan 2013 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop details digital distribution storefront, XBLA games 'coming soon']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/31/gamestop-details-digital-distribution-storefront-xbla-games-co/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/31/gamestop-details-digital-distribution-storefront-xbla-games-co/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/31/gamestop-details-digital-distribution-storefront-xbla-games-co/#comments GameStop recently pulled away a bit more of the veil covering its "Store of the Future" initiative, releasing a whole mess of details on how its digital distribution storefront functions. A new page on the retailer's site explains the purchasing process for the site's downloadable PC games (of which there are currently over 2,000), as well as a handful of free trials and, in the near future, add-on content.

The page also reveals that XBLA content will soon be sold through the website, which gives the purchaser an unlock code which they can input into the Xbox Live Marketplace to retrieve their content. It's pretty straightforward stuff, but we're still looking for the page that explains how we can trade our downloaded games in for store credit. If anyone comes across it, would you please let us know?

JoystiqGameStop details digital distribution storefront, XBLA games 'coming soon' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 31 Oct 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>add-ondigital-distributionfree-trialgamestopmicrosoftpcstore-of-the-futurexblaxboxSun, 31 Oct 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Sims 3 hits the 'Fast Lane' this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/30/the-sims-3-hits-the-fast-lane-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/30/the-sims-3-hits-the-fast-lane-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/30/the-sims-3-hits-the-fast-lane-this-fall/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Even though The Sims 3 is gearing up to give console gamers the chance to live vicariously through its virtual, incoherent inhabitants in October, it doesn't mean EA has ceased support for the PC version of the game. In fact, there's a new expansion coming this fall, titled "The Sims 3 Fast Lane Stuff" pack.

This new content pack gives players the choice between four different lifestyle options: racing; intrigue; rockabilly; and classic luxury. Each option provides your Sim with custom furniture, outfits, and vehicles suited to the respective lifestyle choice -- there's even a garage for storing and/or pimping your rides. Suddenly, Xzibit's services don't seem so valuable.

If you want to pre-order the $20 add-on, head on over to the EA Store and have at it. In the meanwhile, feel free to swerve into our gallery below for some new screens.

Gallery: The Sims 3 Fast Lane Stuff

JoystiqThe Sims 3 hits the 'Fast Lane' this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 01:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>add-oneaea-black-boxelectronic-artsexpansionfast-lane-stuffThe-Sims-3the-sims-3-fast-lane-stuffWed, 30 Jun 2010 01:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Alan Wake add-on sees the light in July]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/13/alan-wake-add-on-sees-the-light-in-july/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/13/alan-wake-add-on-sees-the-light-in-july/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/13/alan-wake-add-on-sees-the-light-in-july/#comments Alan Wake won't be exploring the darkest corners of your Xbox until next week but developer Remedy has already announced via Twitter the release date for the game's first DLC episode: July 27.

... Or is it July 28, as seen on promotional dashboard show Sent U A Message host Daniel Maher's Twitter account? We're just as confused as you presumably are and have reached out to all parties (including Microsoft) to help us cast some light on things. Inconsistent release dates aside, users will be able to access the DLC through the included token download card packed in with all new copies of the game. No word yet on how much the DLC will cost those of you who go the used games route.

[Via XboxGaming]

JoystiqAlan Wake add-on sees the light in July originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 May 2010 16:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>add-onalan-wakedlcMicrosoftRemedyremedy-entertainmentXbox-360Thu, 13 May 2010 16:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Marketplace in May: Rocket Knight, Dragon Age DLC and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/xbox-live-marketplace-in-may-rocket-knight-dragon-age-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/xbox-live-marketplace-in-may-rocket-knight-dragon-age-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/xbox-live-marketplace-in-may-rocket-knight-dragon-age-dlc/#comments You know that dusty piggy bank you've had sitting on the shelf forever? Look, forget the kid's college fund -- she's not going to college for, like, years -- and bust that thing open! There's going to be some solid content on Xbox Live Marketplace this month.

In the mood for XBLA games? How does Rocket Knight or Zeno Clash tickle your fancy? Oh, so you want some DLC -- Dragon Age: Origins will have more to offer the tireless adventurer later this month. Want to learn the Secret of Monkey Island? During the week of May 17, the secret will be half-off. See what we mean?

Head past the break for more XBLM release highlights for the month provided by Microsoft.

Continue reading Xbox Live Marketplace in May: Rocket Knight, Dragon Age DLC and more

JoystiqXbox Live Marketplace in May: Rocket Knight, Dragon Age DLC and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 May 2010 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-kingdom-for-keflingsadd-onadd-onsArmy-of-TwoAtlusavatar-marketplaceavatarsbattlefieldbattlefield-2brothers-in-armsbrothers-in-arms-hells-highwayCommand-and-Conquercommand-and-conquer-3dlcdragon-agedragon-age-originsfinal-fantasy-xiiiforza-motorsport-3game-roomgames-on-demandkonamilipsmagic-the-gatheringmagic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkersMicrosoftmiley-cyrusrock-bandrocket-knightsnoopy-flying-acesuper-street-fighter-ivthe-secret-of-monkey-island-special-editiontom-clancys-endwarubisoftxblmXbox-360xbox-livexbox-live-arcadexbox-live-deal-of-the-weekxbox-live-marketplacezeno-clashZeno-Clash-Ultimate-EditionTue, 04 May 2010 16:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online gets 'Revelation' expansion, goes free for 72 hours]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/champions-online-gets-revelation-expansion-goes-free-for-72-h/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/champions-online-gets-revelation-expansion-goes-free-for-72-h/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/champions-online-gets-revelation-expansion-goes-free-for-72-h/#comments In celebration of today's launch of the free "Revelation" expansion for Champions Online -- or, really, just because it can -- Atari is opening the game up for free play (installer link) beginning at 10 a.m. EST on Friday, March 26 through 10 a.m. EST on Monday, March 29. This isn't the first time the publisher's done so for the Cryptic Studios title.

This time, however, you can also play sans real-world pants.*

*Only in the privacy of your own home

JoystiqChampions Online gets 'Revelation' expansion, goes free for 72 hours originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>add-onAtarichampions-onlinecryptic-studiosexpansionfree-weekendmmosans-pantsTue, 23 Mar 2010 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft loads up 56 Achievements in Game Room]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/19/microsoft-loads-up-56-achievements-in-game-room/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/19/microsoft-loads-up-56-achievements-in-game-room/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/19/microsoft-loads-up-56-achievements-in-game-room/#comments Inside MGC has posted a list of achievements for Microsoft's upcoming Game Room for the Xbox 360. If you're surprised to hear that a series of "interactive menus" has Achievements attached, you're not alone -- we didn't really expect there to be so many points hooked into this thing. There are a full 1,000 achievement points to be had in 56 achievements, and they seem squeezed in there pretty tight -- you'll get points every three medals, and even some points for just spending time in the arcade (36 hours total).

In short, Microsoft really, really wants you to play in the Game Room a lot. There's less than a week left until it releases on March 24, so we'll see then if an enticement like this pays off.

[Thanks, Jason Y!]

JoystiqMicrosoft loads up 56 Achievements in Game Room originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1000achievement-pointsachievementsadd-ongame-roomgameroominteractive-menusmedalsmicrosoftspending-timeXbox-360Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Divinity II: Flames of Vengeance add-on coming this August]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/divinity-ii-flames-of-vengeance-add-on-coming-this-august/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/divinity-ii-flames-of-vengeance-add-on-coming-this-august/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/divinity-ii-flames-of-vengeance-add-on-coming-this-august/#comments If you just so happen to be the square wheel that couldn't get enough of Divinity II: Ego Draconis last year, you're in luck. Publisher dtp entertainment has announced that an add-on will be released later this year, adding more than 30 brand new quests and about 15 hours of gameplay to the RPG. Divinity II: Flames of Vengeance will see release on the PC and through the Xbox Live Marketplace, and will update the game's world of Rivellon a completely revamped engine (for graphical and performance upgrades) as well as new updates on characters familiar to players of the first game.

There's no price yet, but it is targeted for a release in August 2010. In the meantime, you can browse the gallery below to see early screenshots of the add-on. Commenters have been saying to us that this game suffers from more than its share of bugs and issues, so maybe an engine revamp will help smooth that out.

Gallery: Divinity II: Flames of Vengeance add-on

JoystiqDivinity II: Flames of Vengeance add-on coming this August originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>add-onaugust-2010august2010divinity-2downloadabledtp-entertainmentlarian-studiosMicrosoftrelease-dateupdatesxblaxblmxboxXbox-360Fri, 05 Mar 2010 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Three new 'Battle Areas' coming to Final Fantasy XI]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/28/three-new-battle-areas-coming-to-final-fantasy-xi/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/28/three-new-battle-areas-coming-to-final-fantasy-xi/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/28/three-new-battle-areas-coming-to-final-fantasy-xi/#comments Square Enix knows exactly what the players of its flagship MMO, Final Fantasy XI, want: New things to kill, which drop new things to wear. The company will fulfill these primal urges with three "Battle Area Add-On Scenarios" which will be released throughout the year. The first expansion, Vision of Abyssea, will go live during the summer, with two others, Scars of Abyssea and Heroes of Abyssea following soon after. Each new area can be purchased for $9.99 through the PlayOnline Viewer.

We're not sure how much of an audience Final Fantasy XI has retained over the years, but for the folks who've stuck in Vana'diel, there are phat loots in your future.

JoystiqThree new 'Battle Areas' coming to Final Fantasy XI originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 28 Feb 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>add-onexpansionfinal-fantasy-xiheroes-of-abysseammommorpgscars-of-abysseavision-of-abysseaSun, 28 Feb 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Snap Judgment: The Secret Armory of General Knoxx]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/24/snap-judgment-the-secret-armory-of-general-knoxx/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/24/snap-judgment-the-secret-armory-of-general-knoxx/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/24/snap-judgment-the-secret-armory-of-general-knoxx/#comments
When we review a game without finishing it, we call it a Snap Judgment. Read why here.

Time played: 4 hours

I was in for a surprise as I set out for The Secret Armory of General Knoxx with a level 50 character, because as beefy as I thought my Siren was, she couldn't stand up to what was waiting for me at T-Bone Junction and beyond. Basically, I died. All of the time. I went from having around four million dollars in my bank account down to under a million before I even gained my first level in the DLC -- the hefty cost of respawning in the wilds of Pandora. And that's what made this whole thing so odd.

The expansion -- which is intended to give you some more mileage out of your maxed-out characters by raising the level cap to 61 -- continues from the end of the Borderlands story, so playing it before finishing the game proper is not advised. I finished my second playthrough with a level 50 character, so to start this add-on and run into such a wall, such constantly merciless opposition, was pretty perplexing.

Gallery: Borderlands: The Secret Armory of General Knoxx

Continue reading Snap Judgment: The Secret Armory of General Knoxx

JoystiqSnap Judgment: The Secret Armory of General Knoxx originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 19:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>add-onborderlandsdlcfpsgearboxgearbox-softwareMicrosoftsnap-judgmentthe-secret-armory-of-general-knoxxXbox-360Wed, 24 Feb 2010 19:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Logitech denies it's developing PSP Go UMD add-on [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/02/rumor-logitech-developing-psp-go-umd-add-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/02/rumor-logitech-developing-psp-go-umd-add-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/02/rumor-logitech-developing-psp-go-umd-add-on/#comments A CVG source (singular) claims that Logitech is developing a UMD drive add-on for the PSP Go. The source has neither price nor release information, merely stating that the "only problem is that it'll make the PSP a little bulky." Logitech's UK office told the outlet that it's unaware of such a device and that it "may be something the US office is working on." We've contacted both Sony and Logitech for more concrete information.

Beyond the fact that such an add-on would undermine what the Go represents (not quite the "only" problem, is it?), the likely price of such a device, in addition to the base cost of the PSP Go, would not compare well to the already lower cost of a regular PSP with UMD drive. Now, if the add-on could "install" your old games, that would be something ...

Update: Logitech tells Joystiq: "This is not something that our company is working on."

JoystiqLogitech denies it's developing PSP Go UMD add-on [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>add-onlogitechpsp-gorumorsonyumdWed, 02 Dec 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bejeweled add-on coming to World of Warcraft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/20/bejeweled-add-on-coming-to-world-of-warcraft/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/20/bejeweled-add-on-coming-to-world-of-warcraft/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/20/bejeweled-add-on-coming-to-world-of-warcraft/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

There are many ways to deal with the boredom that can sometimes strike during lengthy World of Warcraft sessions -- other than walking away from the computer to partake in a more enjoyable activity (that's just unthinkable). Some people level up new characters. Some people head to the Barrens area to spew their hate-speech towards like-minded scoundrels. However, the virtual denizens of Azeroth will soon be wasting their time using a popular, real-life time wasting engine -- PopCap's uber-successful casual puzzler, Bejeweled.

The in-game add-on began as a homebrew Bejeweled clone from Michael Fromwiller, cleverly titled Besharded. Fromwiller developed the add-on as a method of killing time during long raids and farming sessions, but it wasn't too long before PopCap caught wind of the MMO mini-game. Instead of issuing a timely cease and desist, the casual gaming colossus hired Fromwiller to create a more polished version of the application. The add-on will launch this coming Thursday -- it would probably be wise to put in as much quality time with your WoW-playing acquaintances before then, as you won't be seeing them again for quite some time.

JoystiqBejeweled add-on coming to World of Warcraft originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 20 Sep 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>add-onApplebejeweledBejeweled-TwistbeshardedblizzardiPodPCpopcapPopCap-Gamesworld-of-warcraftwowSat, 20 Sep 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Europe's PS3 PlayTV records TV with no DRM]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/europes-ps3-playtv-records-tv-with-no-drm/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/europes-ps3-playtv-records-tv-with-no-drm/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/europes-ps3-playtv-records-tv-with-no-drm/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

In a world where video providers seem to be adding increasingly disruptive digital rights management into their video streams, you can always count on video game accessories to provide a hole for unprotected video to break through. First it was the Xbox 360's HD-DVD drive, whose component output allowed for DRM-free copying of the now-defunct high-def discs. Now it's Sony's European PlayTV digital video recorder add-on for the PS3, which CVG reports can "export [recorded] videos to your PS3's XMB menu as MPEG-4 video" for free use on other devices.

At a time when everyone from Tivo to Microsoft seems to slap some sort of protection on digital video recordings, it's frankly a little baffling that Sony (itself a major video producer) would leave this hole in its digital recorder. Not that we're complaining, we're just waiting with trepidation for the other patch shoe to drop.

[Via Evil Avatar]

JoystiqEurope's PS3 PlayTV records TV with no DRM originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoryadd-onDRMeuropeplaytvPS3recordervideoThu, 04 Sep 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: Tilting through Tony Hawk]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/ds-daily-tilting-through-tony-hawk/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/ds-daily-tilting-through-tony-hawk/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/ds-daily-tilting-through-tony-hawk/#commentsFiled under:

Did you play Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam for Wii? If so, it may help determine how you feel about the latest handheld Tony Hawk title, which will include an accelerometer add-on for the GBA slot. We don't know much else about Tony Hawk's Motion other than a) it's a skateboarding game (mostly) and b) there'll be tilt controls. Having played the aforementioned Wii game, however, this blogger, at least, is somewhat intrigued. How are you feeling? Did you play Downhill Jam, and does that make a difference?

It must be said that I skipped Proving Ground, but did have a blast with Downhill Jam, though I didn't think I would, at all.

Gallery: Tony Hawk's Motion

JoystiqDS Daily: Tilting through Tony Hawk originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 31 Aug 2008 10:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accelerometeradd-ongbaskateboardsnowboardsportstilttony-hawktony-hawks-motionSun, 31 Aug 2008 10:36:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: Add-ons]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/ds-daily-add-ons/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/ds-daily-add-ons/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/ds-daily-add-ons/#commentsFiled under: ,

A suggestion in the comments of yesterday's DS Daily about a portable GameCube led to another, all-new thought: would you pick up another add-on for your DS if if offered some sort of neat functionality like that? We say another because the Guitar Grip obviously went over well, and most folks who tried the paddle controller, for instance, with Taito's games enjoyed it. Too many add-ons may spoil the portability of the system, but are some things worth it?

JoystiqDS Daily: Add-ons originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>add-onguitar-grippaddle-controllerportableFri, 29 Aug 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft's Shane Kim: 'Still enjoyment to be had' from 360 HD DVD drive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/microsofts-shane-kim-still-enjoyment-to-be-had-from-360-hd-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/microsofts-shane-kim-still-enjoyment-to-be-had-from-360-hd-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/microsofts-shane-kim-still-enjoyment-to-be-had-from-360-hd-d/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Owners of the Xbox 360 HD DVD add-on shouldn't go trading them in for $50 just yet. According to Microsoft Game Studios Corporate Vice President "there is still enjoyment to be had" from that defunct piece of entertainment technology.

As part of a Q&A with GameDaily, Kim talked up the features of the outdated add-on, including a library of over 500 HD DVD movies (and growing not growing) available at clearance prices (because they're being cleared out). The drive also lets you have a movie and a game disc in the system at the same time, meaning you can switch from Halo 3 directly to watching August Rush without having to get up! Finally, the HD DVD drive adds two extra USB ports to your 360, meaning you can charge your DualShock 3s that much more easily! Yes, the HD DVD drive is truly a bargain, even without new content. Get yours today!

JoystiqMicrosoft's Shane Kim: 'Still enjoyment to be had' from 360 HD DVD drive originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Apr 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>add-ondriveHD DVDHdDvdmicrosoftmoviesshane-KimspinusefulXbox-360Thu, 17 Apr 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft unloading remaining HD DVD add-ons for $50]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/microsoft-unloading-remaining-hd-dvd-add-ons-for-50/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/microsoft-unloading-remaining-hd-dvd-add-ons-for-50/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/microsoft-unloading-remaining-hd-dvd-add-ons-for-50/#commentsFiled under: ,

Attention, people who collect obsolete technology -- here's the perfect chance to, um, add some obsolete technology to your collection! While Microsoft recently announced they're no longer producing HD DVD add-on drives for the Xbox 360, they are unloading their remaining supply at a bargain-basement price of $50, as a Microsoft spokesperson told Bloomberg.

Sure enough, online retailers from Circuit City to Best Buy to Buy.com are listing the defunct accessory for 25 percent of it's original price. At that price, the remaining stock could go fast. Then again, with the prospect of more HD-DVD discs looking less than good, maybe $50 is still too expensive to unload.

JoystiqMicrosoft unloading remaining HD DVD add-ons for $50 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Feb 2008 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>add-onformat warsFormatWarshd dvdHD-DVDHdDvdmicrosoftperipheralxbox 360Xbox-360Xbox360Mon, 25 Feb 2008 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Folklore keeps telling tales with two new DLC packs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/folklore-keeps-telling-tales-with-two-new-dlc-packs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/folklore-keeps-telling-tales-with-two-new-dlc-packs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/folklore-keeps-telling-tales-with-two-new-dlc-packs/#commentsFiled under: ,


The developers of Folklore are really going carpe diem with the downloadable content, which keeps the sleeper title in our faces and compels us to keep writing about it. The game that can be described simply as "Pokémon for adults" is getting two new add-on packs in the near future on the PlayStation Network called The Alchemist Pack and The Origin of Belgae; the packs are priced at $4 each or bundled for $6.

Folklore's The Alchemist Pack follows protagonist Ellen as she goes to the Undersea City to find her mother, while The Origin of Belgae sees her traveling to the Netherworld during the time of the original adventure. If nothing else, these constant add-ons for Folklore help build a cult following and certainly keep us talking about a title that would have otherwise been long-forgotten by now.

JoystiqFolklore keeps telling tales with two new DLC packs originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jan 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>add-onaddondlcfolkloreps3Tue, 08 Jan 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Folklore add-on packs coming to the US PSN Store this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/05/folklore-add-on-packs-coming-to-the-us-psn-store-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/05/folklore-add-on-packs-coming-to-the-us-psn-store-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/05/folklore-add-on-packs-coming-to-the-us-psn-store-this-week/#commentsFiled under:


A recent update on the PlayStation.Blog revealed that the add-on packs for Folklore will be available on the American PSN Store tomorrow. While the Kidnapped Soul pack and the Under the Sea pack have been available in Europe for a wee while now, they will finally be making their way to the US Store this Thursday priced at $3.99 each or bundled together for $5.99.

Inside each pack is a new costume for Ellen or Keats as well as four new quests and a new Folk to capture, allowing you to keep the game going even after you've completed it. Fong also hints to more Folklore surprises coming in the future. For more details on each of the add-on packs check out the PlayStation.Blog.

JoystiqFolklore add-on packs coming to the US PSN Store this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Dec 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>add-onfolkloreplaystation.blogWed, 05 Dec 2007 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Warhawk expansion coming in December]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/27/warhawk-expansion-coming-in-december/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/27/warhawk-expansion-coming-in-december/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/27/warhawk-expansion-coming-in-december/#commentsFiled under:

Sony has announced that an expansion for the addictive online war-a-thon Warhawk will be released in the run up to Christmas. This extensive add on, known as Operation: Omega Dawn, will feature an entirely new map as well as a new vehicle. The new map, Omega Factory, is promised to be the largest yet and will be "an industrial night-time setting where players will fight through five new layouts of advanced building complexes and huge industrial towers."

The old levels will all be augmented to include the new vehicle - the KT-424 Combat Dropship. This flying behemoth will be able to carry up to six footsoldiers and one ground-based vehicle. It will also feature a new weapon - the MBEC-3 Heavy Support Cannon. There's no word on how much this expansion will cost, nor an exact release date. Regardless, we're definitely looking forward to seeing our favourite online experience further improved.

JoystiqWarhawk expansion coming in December originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Nov 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>add-onexpansionomega-dawnomega-factoryoperation-omega-dawnwarhawkTue, 27 Nov 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Consoles make up bulk of high-def movie player sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/26/consoles-make-up-bulk-of-high-def-movie-player-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/26/consoles-make-up-bulk-of-high-def-movie-player-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/26/consoles-make-up-bulk-of-high-def-movie-player-sales/#commentsFiled under: , ,

There are more game systems that can play high-definition movies than standalone players that can do the same, according to sales numbers culled from recent media reports.

In the HD DVD realm, a Microsoft representative told CNet UK that the company had sold 155,000 units of the Xbox 360's HD DVD player in the States, making it the best-selling add-on in the system's short history. Compare that to the 100,000 standalone players that the HD DVD Promotional Group said had sold through April and you can see that it's primarily gamers driving adoption of the format.

The results are similar in the Blu-Ray realm, where the million-plus PS3s sold in North America dwarfs the "less than 100,000" standalone players sold according to a Business Week article. It's unclear exactly how many PS3 owners are actually using their systems to play the high-def movie format, but strong Blu-ray disc sales would seem to indicate that at least some of them are taking advantage of the feature.

What's more, the sales of high-def discs seem to finally be making a dent in the traditional DVD market. Sales of standard-definition DVDs were down eight percent in the first quarter of this year and analysts predict they'll begin to level off as more high-def game systems are sold.

Read - HD DVD Posse: "There's Room for Both Formats" (CNet UK) [Via Xbox360Fanboy]
Read - In DVD war, body blows for Toshiba (BusinessWeek)

JoystiqConsoles make up bulk of high-def movie player sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jun 2007 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>add-onblu-raydiscDVDHD DVDHdDvdhigh-defmoviesPS3Xbox-360Tue, 26 Jun 2007 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[New Xbox 360 and upcoming add-on HDD to include data cable?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/22/new-xbox-360-and-upcoming-add-on-hdd-to-include-data-cable/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/22/new-xbox-360-and-upcoming-add-on-hdd-to-include-data-cable/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/22/new-xbox-360-and-upcoming-add-on-hdd-to-include-data-cable/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It looks like Microsoft might have a heart and will possibly be including a data-retention cable with the new and improved, back-in-black Xbox 360 model. Ars Technica has a line on a secret source who lets it slip that Microsoft had sent a new SKU for the upgraded unit, which specifies that this cable will be included.

Additionally, the same source says that the cable will be included with the standalone 120GB HDD as well, which hasn't officially been announced yet. Will the cable and the HDD be available in both black and white? We don't want to mess up our precious gaming color scheme. We might see a rise of third-party HDD stickers and skins that'll let you dress that Xbox up in your love.

This will be a huge incentive towards getting existing Xbox owners to either upgrade their unit to the "Elite" model, or to buy the new drive, because no one wants to lose all their picture packs, arcade games, and episodes of Battlestar Galactica. We're just happy to know what we probably won't have to download that Eragon demo again. However, this sounds like one of those "use it once and you're done" items that'll soon be collecting dust in the back of a drawer somewhere, so look for 'em on eBay not long afterwards.

JoystiqNew Xbox 360 and upcoming add-on HDD to include data cable? originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Mar 2007 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>120 GBadd onadd-oncabledownloadsEliteHDD: hard driveNew XboxUSBXBLAXboxXbox 360Xbox Live ArcadeXbox-360Xbox360xbox360eliteThu, 22 Mar 2007 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[HD-DVD add-on pr0n]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/11/hd-dvd-add-on-pr0n/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/11/hd-dvd-add-on-pr0n/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/11/hd-dvd-add-on-pr0n/#commentsFiled under: ,

No, not High Definition pr0n, HD-DVD hardware pr0n. My apologies to our RSS readers who clicked through hoping for the real thing. Now, for all of you hardware people out there that have been dying to see the USB ports on the new HD-DVD add-on, look no further. Mmm...those are some nice ports. Look at the back o' that box. Ooh, that's a nice wireless adapter mounting bracket, too. Yeah, that's nice. Follow the read link for a (tiny) shot of the interface.

Now, can we get a real price please?

[Thanks, Pete]

JoystiqHD-DVD add-on pr0n originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Aug 2006 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>add onadd-onAddOnblu rayblu-rayBluRayhd dvdhd-dvdHdDvdFri, 11 Aug 2006 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[$40 XBL Vision camera & UNO bundle detailed by MS source along with prices & dates for other 360 accessories]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/02/40-xbl-vision-camera-and-uno-bundle-detailed-by-ms-source-along-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/02/40-xbl-vision-camera-and-uno-bundle-detailed-by-ms-source-along-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/02/40-xbl-vision-camera-and-uno-bundle-detailed-by-ms-source-along-w/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

UNO and the Live Vision Camera: a match made in online heavenOur friendly anonymous source at Microsoft has provided us with a few more details concerning the 360 accessories announced back at E3.

Perhaps the most important involves the bundling of the Xbox Live Vision camera with a wired headset, the popular Live Arcade title UNO, and a month of Live Gold service for $39.99 when it releases in the States on September 19, 2006.

Granted, this is still an unofficial report (based on a leak of "official" info), so understand that you're probably not gonna get much confirmation from MS until they're good and ready to give it. If you'd like information on what other peripherals are coming out "Holiday 2006" (so sometime in the 4th quarter) and at what price, read on for more.

Continue reading $40 XBL Vision camera & UNO bundle detailed by MS source along with prices & dates for other 360 accessories

Joystiq$40 XBL Vision camera & UNO bundle detailed by MS source along with prices & dates for other 360 accessories originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Jun 2006 00:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20GB256 MB256Mb360360-compatible64 MB64Mbaccessoriesaccessoryadd-onanonymousbundlecameracompatibleCoredatedateddatesE3faceplatefaceplatesForzaGoldHalohard diskhard drivehard-diskhard-driveHardDiskHardDriveHDHD-DVDHD-DVD playerHd-dvdPlayerHDDheadsetHoliday 2006Holiday2006LiveLive ArcadeLive GoldLive MarketplaceLiveArcadeLiveGoldLiveMarketplaceMarketplacememory unitMemoryUnitMicrosoftMSMUnon-bundlednonbundledofficialPCPC-compatibleperipheralpriceprice pointPricePointpricespricingPS3 launchPs3Launchpurchaseracing wheelRacingWheelrumorrumoredserviceSKUSKUssourcetwo-tieredun-bundledunbundledUNOunofficialupgradeupgradesVisionViva PinataVivaPinatawebcamwheelWinter 2007Winter2007wiredwirelesswireless gaming receiverwireless racing wheelWirelessGamingReceiverWirelessRacingWheelXBLXBL VisionXblVisionXboxXbox LiveXbox Live VisionXbox-360XboxLiveXboxLiveVisionFri, 02 Jun 2006 00:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: 360 wireless gaming receiver $20; wheel $130; headset $60; camera $40; Halo and Forza faceplates $20 [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/12/rumor-360-wireless-gaming-receiver-20-wheel-130-headset-60/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/12/rumor-360-wireless-gaming-receiver-20-wheel-130-headset-60/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/12/rumor-360-wireless-gaming-receiver-20-wheel-130-headset-60/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

360 wireless gaming receiver for the PCThanks to a reliable source from Microsoft, we've learned some important details about the new peripherals announced for the Xbox 360, including pricing and a few Halo faceplate (non)specifics. Check out the leaked info and prices below:
  • 360 wireless gaming receiver (which enables wireless 360 controllers, headsets, and wheels on your PC): $20
  • Wireless racing wheel: $130
  • Wireless headset: $60
  • Xbox Live Vision Camera (with headset, one month of Live Gold, and one arcade -- presumably Xbox Live Arcade -- game): $40
  • New faceplates for Halo (with the Master Chief on 'em, but not Halo 3 specific) and Forza (no word on connections to the sequel): $20 each
  • 256 MB portable memory unit (MU): no official price yet, but definitely not four times the cost of the older 64MB MU
Besides acknowledging that the PC is "the biggest gaming device of all," MS appears to be setting an agressive price for its most relevant new PC accessory, the wireless gaming receiver (at least in comparison to the outrageously priced 360 wireless networking adapter). Unfortunately, no price was revealed as of yet for the USB-based HD-DVD add-on.

We've speculated in our recent podcasts as to what would happen to the various 360 SKUs when price drops inevitably occur. An interesting theory bandied about by prolific Joystiq Contributor epobirs (on our earlier bump-to-256MB-MU post) was that a $20 price drop for the Core system, coupled with a $20 price drop on the 64MB MU, would finally allow folks to pick up a capable non-Premium bundle for the original $300 Core price point. (Not a bad way to undercut PS2 memory card prices, too.) We hope to get official confirmation on this info in the not-too-distant future.

[Update: Sorry, had the camera price wrong in the headline; it now matches the price of the bundle listed in the body of the text below.]

See also:

JoystiqRumor: 360 wireless gaming receiver $20; wheel $130; headset $60; camera $40; Halo and Forza faceplates $20 [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 May 2006 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>(non)specific(non)specifics256MB360 SKUs360Skus64MBaccessoryadd-onarcadebiggest gaming device of allBiggestGamingDeviceOfAllbundlecameracommentcommentatorcommentedcommenterconfirmconfirmationcontributorcontrollercontrollersCoreCore systemCoreSystemE3e32006epobirsfaceplatefaceplatesForzagaming receiverGamingReceiverGoldHaloHalo 3Halo3HD-DVDHD-DVD add-onHD-DVD playerHd-dvdAdd-onHd-dvdPlayerheadsetheadsetsJoystiq ContributorJoystiqContributorLive ArcadeLive GoldLive Vision CameraLiveArcadeLiveGoldLiveVisionCameraMaster ChiefMasterChiefmemory cardmemory unitMemoryCardMemoryUnitMicrosoftMSMUnetwork adapterNetworkAdapternetworking adapterNetworkingAdapternon-Bluetoothnon-specificnon-specificsofficialPCpodcastpodcastsportable memory unitPortableMemoryUnitpriceprice dropprice dropsprice pointPriceDropPriceDropsPricePointpricingPS2 memory cardPS2 memory cardsPs2MemoryCardPs2MemoryCardsracing wheelRacingWheelrumorSKUSKUsspecificsundercutUSBUSB-basedVision CameraVisionCamerawheelwheelswireless gaming receiverwireless headsetwireless network adapterwireless networking adapterWirelessGamingReceiverWirelessHeadsetWirelessNetworkAdapterWirelessNetworkingAdapterXbox Live ArcadeXbox Live Vision CameraXbox-360XboxLiveArcadeXboxLiveVisionCameraFri, 12 May 2006 14:15:00 EST