Joystiq

Infinity Blade 'Arena' update adds multiplayer, survivor modes this Thursday

Randy Nelson — Tue, 17 May 2011 16:30:00 EST

The next big content update for Chair Entertainment's epic iOS sword battler, Infinity Blade, comes out swinging this Thursday, May 19. By far the most notable addition, the new Arena Mode introduces 1v1 multiplayer combat via Game Center.

Also making the cut is Survivor Mode, which challenges players to last as long as possible in an endless gauntlet of Titan battles. A variety of new weapons and items are also being introduced, including special holiday-themed helms. Finally, Infinity Blade will gain Facebook integration with the update, enabling players to take and share screenshots of their characters through a streamlined process.

The "Arena" update will be free of charge and, if past Thursday releases on the App Store are any indication, will actually roll out in North America this Wednesday night around 11:30PM ET.

Infinity Blade 'Arena' update adds multiplayer, survivor modes this Thursday originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 May 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Darkspore PvPreview: Arms and legs thrashing

Mike Schramm — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 18:20:00 EST

Darkspore's been introduced to us as "Spore meets Diablo," and seeing it in action reinforces that early pitch -- the game has six abilities on a bar across the bottom, and health and mana bars on either side, while characters that appear as if they were generated in Spore hack and slash their way across the screen. But what EA really wants to do with Darkspore, says Michael Arsers, software engineer on the title, isn't just clone an action RPG with Will Wright's funny toys. They want to answer that question everyone had after Spore originally released.

"A lot of the criticisms on Spore," he told me recently, "were that there were a lot of cool tools, but where's the game? And that's what we were trying to get at here." So you might be forgiven for thinking Darkspore is the product of some weird genetic mashup of game genres -- it basically was. "The team that started this production was a very core gamer, WoW arena/DotA kind of crowd, and so we really wanted to take the creatures from Spore and put them in a hardcore game," Arsers said. "We have this great Creator technology, so how can we leverage and make a core game with that?"

We've already heard a bit about the singleplayer side of the title, but no true hardcore game is complete without some player-versus-player (PvP) action, and so Arsers was excited to show off the PvP Arena mode that he and the team are working on.

Gallery: Darkspore PvP (11/3/10)

Continue reading Darkspore PvPreview: Arms and legs thrashing

Darkspore PvPreview: Arms and legs thrashing originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Robots team up in Virtual-On Force for Xbox 360

JC Fletcher — Thu, 20 May 2010 10:30:00 EST

Sega has announced a second game for people who bought that $300 Xbox 360 twin stick controller. Now it's totally a worthwhile investment!

Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Force is a port of the latest arcade Virtual-On title, which adds 2-on-2 battles to the usual robot-fighting formula. The Xbox 360 version will allow players to meet up online or pit their Virtuaroids against one another offline in split-screen. The main gameplay mode in team battles involves assigning the position of "Leader" to one player on each team, who must be defeated for the opposing team to win. Players can protect the leader (or either teammate) with a health-sharing "Rescue Dash" move.
Virtual-On Force will be released in Japan this winter -- on a disc, unlike the recent port of Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram.

[Via Famitsu]

Robots team up in Virtual-On Force for Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 May 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Funcom publishing Stunlock's 'Bloodline Champions'

JC Fletcher — Fri, 14 May 2010 23:00:00 EST

Age of Conan and The Secret World publisher Funcom has announced a publishing deal with Sweden-based Stunlock Studios AB for the PC multiplayer arena game Bloodline Champions. Under the deal, Funcom will operate and provide support for the 10-player online combat game.

The deal has more significance than just bringing Bloodline Champions to audiences, though. While Stunlock will retain ownership of Bloodline, Funcom has also agreed to purchase a minority stake in Stunlock. It seems likely, then, that it will work with Funcom for future titles.

If you'd like to see what Funcom's money is going into, you can try to get into the current Bloodline Champions beta here. Otherwise, you'll have to wait until "late 2010."

Funcom publishing Stunlock's 'Bloodline Champions' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 May 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Castle Crashers PS3's Arena features team-building exercises

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

Our favorite part of the original Castle Crashers was always the brief (but intense) competitive bouts which would crop up every time the players rescued a princess. We'd always swear allegiance to one of our former allies: "Let's have a pact of non-aggression until we deal with the other two!" The agreement would be honored until our accomplice was at his weakest, and then, ever so swiftly, we'd carry out our inevitable betrayal.

The Behemoth has interpreted this concept in the Arena mode for Castle Crashers on the PS3, which will now let players divide up into teams represented by a wide range of colorful flags. Check out the video after the jump to see how the buddy-buddy on buddy-buddy action breaks down.

Continue reading Castle Crashers PS3's Arena features team-building exercises

Castle Crashers PS3's Arena features team-building exercises originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 May 2010 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The best of WoW.com: September 8-15, 2009

Mike Schramm — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 02:30:00 EST

The World of Warcraft is brimming with anticipation lately, from next month's anniversary activities (the game is almost five years old) to next year's expected Cataclysm expansion. Whether you're a Northrend veteran or still haven't seen Elwynn Forest, Joystiq sister site WoW.com has you covered. If it's in Azeroth, we can tell you all about it.

Continue reading The best of WoW.com: September 8-15, 2009

The best of WoW.com: September 8-15, 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bplus mines proto-3D nostalgia for Vektor Tank

JC Fletcher — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EST

Bplus, developer of Plattchen and Niki - Rock 'n' Ball, both for WiiWare, has just announced its next game, which is weird in a different way from the last two: Vektor Tank, a tank combat game that channels the spirit of the early '90s into one delightfully awkward-looking game.

Judging by this teaser video, Vektor Tank has it all: big ugly polygons, endless, flat expanses, and robots. According to Bplus, it's "a totally original genre-mix featuring action-packed shooting gameplay, exciting tactical tank combats in a destructible environment and of course lots of explosions."

The Wii (not WiiWare) game features two-player co-op and one-to-four-player battles. Bplus is currently looking for a publisher, which means there's no release date yet.

Bplus mines proto-3D nostalgia for Vektor Tank originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The best of WoW Insider: March 24-31, 2009

Mike Schramm — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 05:00:00 EST

Filed under: Online, Meta (about Joystiq), MMO

Ravagers, boars, and tigers, oh my. Patch 3.1 is bringing all sorts of wild animals into the game (though there are definitely of plenty wild animals available already) and WoW Insider is your animal tamer. No matter what Blizzard is tossing in to the world's most popular MMO in the next content patch, we'll make sure you've got the knowhow to tame one for your own.

News

WoW Insider's Guide to Patch 3.1
Our constantly updated guide to the new patch will you get you as ready as you can be.
Orangemarmalade's 1 vs. 2 comeback explained
A play-by-play of how an Arena Mage was able to conquer two players in one match.
Vaneras answers a whole lot of Mage questions
The casters among you may want to read what Blizzard has to say about the Mage class.
iPhone Authenticator now in App Store for free
Blizzard releases a free mobile authenticator program for your iPhone or iPod touch.
65% fewer Arena teams in Season 5
Where exactly have all the Arena players gone?

Features

The Queue: Scantily clad edition
The Q&A column answers exactly why women in the game seem to have such skimpy gear.
Scattered Shots: Finding a unique pet
Need a singular pet for your Hunter? Let us help.
Ready Check: Ulduar and burnout
Raiders aren't quite as happy as they could be with the raiding game.
Spiritual Guidance: Sartharion with all drakes
How to help out a Sarth 3D run on your healing Priest.
Time is Money: Low-level cloth
Where to make the money with Wool, Mageweave and Runecloth.

The best of WoW Insider: March 24-31, 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brawl Stage of the Week: Galaxy Arena

Candace Savino — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Brawl Stage of the Week

We wanted something pure today, something easy -- a stage that's just meant for brawling. We didn't need any gimmicks, or any crazy architecture and stage design. Our one prerequisite for this week was to find a stage that was fun to fight on, period.

When we came across Galaxy Arena by TwilightRaver, we knew we had found exactly what we were looking for.

Continue reading Brawl Stage of the Week: Galaxy Arena

Brawl Stage of the Week: Galaxy Arena originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rejoice, PvPers: WoW Arena Season 4 starts June 24

Scott Jon Siegel — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 23:00:00 EST

Filed under: PC, MMO

Warning: if you don't play World of Warcraft you might want to cover your ears. What you're about to hear will not make any sense, and will likely confuse and enrage you. If you do play WoW, then you might be very pleased to hear that Arena Season 4 is starting earlier than expected, reportedly kicking off June 24.

As always, Arena ratings will reset at the start of the new season, with Season 3 top teams and players earning their requisite titles, and top players receiving the coveted Armored Nether Drakes. Season 1 items will be gone for good, with Season 2 items being purchasable with Honor, and Season 3 gear receiving a drop in cost and rating requirements. These changes haven't gone into effect just yet, so WOW Insider recommends buying Season 1 gear now if you really really want it.

Okay. That's all the zany Warcraft techno-babble we have for now. You can uncover your ears, non-WoWers -- not that it did any good considering this is all text.

[Via WOW Insider]

Rejoice, PvPers: WoW Arena Season 4 starts June 24 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The best of WoW Insider: May 6-13, 2008

Mike Schramm — Tue, 13 May 2008 21:30:00 EST

Filed under: Meta (about Joystiq), MMO

It was a hell of a week in the World of Warcraft. Not only did we get a flood of information about the upcoming Wrath of the Lich King expansion, but Blizzard announced that they are in fact having another BlizzCon this year -- and as you can see from the picture above, last year's was just plain awesome. For info about BlizzCon and everything else WoW, count on Joystiq's sister site WoW Insider.

News

The Death Knight class revealed
Blizzard drops the goods on the game's first Hero Class.
More Death Knight news and clarifications
Clearing up players' questions and concerns about what the Death Knight is for.
Is it really OK for Arthas to be 10-mannable?
The game's baddest bad guy (mortal, anyway) is going to be able to be taken down by 10 players. Are we really that powerful?
More Wrath of the Lich King impressions and information
Lots more news about the new zones in Northrend and what we'll find up there.
Blizzard cracks down on Arena win trading
Cheaters never win... trade. At least not anymore.

Features

Around Azeroth: Grand Theft Azeroth
Our daily screenshot column mixes up Liberty City and the World of Warcraft with wacky results.
Arcane Brilliance: Level 70 checklist
Things to do for Mages at the highest level in the game.
Scattered Shots: Why certain pet families are popular
Why do some Hunters choose bears and others go for boars? Find out here.
Spiritual Guidance: 30 If statements that priests should adhere to
You might be a priest if... most of your Showbiz pizza tickets came from Whack-a-mole.
Guildwatch: Going too far
You don't have to be in a guild full of drama to love our scandalous weekly column about how mean people are to each other in game, but it helps.

The best of WoW Insider: May 6-13, 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 May 2008 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The best of WoW Insider: April 29-May 6, 2008

Mike Schramm — Tue, 06 May 2008 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Meta (about Joystiq), MMO

All the crows you see above are actually players. A bunch of Druids in crow form (as part of the Penny Arcade Alliance on WoW's Dark Iron server) decided to recreate "The Birds" in the game You'd think this is pretty awesome (and it is), but really, this is just another story on Joystiq's sister site WoW Insider. If something cool happens in the game of Warcraft (like, oh I don't know, controlling the game with your eyeballs), we're there every day to cover it. Here's our best from the last wek.

News

Season 4 items unveiled
The next Arena season's items are slowly leaking out on the servers -- find out the gear you'll be wearing if you can pull off that Arena rating.
Level 70 Elite Tauren Chieftain featuring an orphan on air guitar
It's Children's Week in Azeroth (you can check out our Horde and Alliance walkthroughs as well), and a little Blood Elf girl learns to shred with Blizzard's band.
M'uru world first kill by SK Gaming
The next boss in the Sunwell Plateau goes down for the count.
Can WoW be beaten?
World of Warcraft is doing great lately, and a looming expansion only means bigger things are coming. Or will two big competitors take a bite out of Azeroth's population?
Diablo3.com acquired by Blizzard
Blizzard takes over what might be the new website for the Diablo sequel we've all been waiting for.

Features

Guildwatch: The aftermath
The best part of playing an online, massively multiplayer game: the backstabbing, lying, and drama.
New M'uru items datamined
A gallery of new gear from the M'uru encounter.
Shifting Perspectives: Druids just wanna have fun
A flock of Druids descends into havok in Nagrand, to hilarious results.
Officers' Quarters: We love you, but L2P
If you're raiding, sooner or later, you'll have to make sure you (and everyone you raid with) knows what they're doing.
Build Shop: Shaman 18/43/0
Our talents column takes a look at a kickass Shaman Enhancement build. You want to Shock and Awe with your totem dropper? Here you go.

The best of WoW Insider: April 29-May 6, 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 May 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Custom Robo Arena goes gold

David Hinkle — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: News, Nintendo Wi-Fi

Nintendo sent us a press release today, informing that Custom Robo Arena has gone gold and is on track to meet its expected release date of March 19th in the United States. Nintendo is quick to point out that in this future of theirs, all disputes are settled via robots fighting on holographic battlefields, reminding us that we have a long ways to go before achieving this Utopian society of theirs. Not only that, but the Wi-Fi Connect possibilities make us anxious to get our hands on this game for some Game Night action.

See also: Custom Robo Arena website launches

[Via press release]

Custom Robo Arena goes gold originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Mar 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Custom Robo Arena website launches

David Hinkle — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: News, Nintendo Wi-Fi

The official website for Custom Robo Arena has gone live, featuring screenshots, video and some downloadable wallpapers. Other than that, there isn't really much else to the site. The video, however, is fairly long and depicts a lot of the combat and customization promised by the Wi-Fi Connect compatible title. Personally, we can't wait for the game as it's almost sure to be added to our Game Night games roster.

You can check out the website here.

Custom Robo Arena website launches originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Feb 2007 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spectator sports: competitive MMOs

Jennie Lees — Thu, 11 May 2006 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: E3, Competitive Gaming, MMO

NCsoft is trying to establish Guild Wars as a competitive game as well as a more casual MMO, but appealing to such a diverse audience isn't easy. However, the crowds gathering at NCsoft's booth to watch two hardcore Guild Wars PvP teams duke it out seemed to enjoy the show.

At this particular event, Team EvIL and Team PnH were going head to head. The commentator did an excellent job of both explaining the game and getting enthusiastic about the action. We're somewhat familiar with the Guild Wars mechanics, but the action was incomprehensible -- while it's fun to watch the truly skilled ply their trade, it's hard to follow the intricacies of MMO as a spectator.

Guild Wars introduced an observer mode last December, but we'd have to spend a lot of time watching before tournaments like this became easily accessible. On the other hand, watching the pretty colours flash by is relaxing amidst the buzz of E3.

Continue reading Spectator sports: competitive MMOs

Spectator sports: competitive MMOs originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 May 2006 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Elder Scrolls: Arena - to download or not to download?

Alan Rose — Tue, 18 Apr 2006 00:35:00 EST

Filed under: PC, Retro, Adventure, RPGs

In my day, we didn't have fancy 3D graphics engines and radiant AI. If you wanted a deep and engaging role-playing experience, you played DOS games like Elder Scrolls: Arena. That's the way it was, and you liked it! You loved it.

If you've already seen everything there is to see in Oblivion (anyone?), and are wondering if the free 25MB download of Arena is worthwhile, you should check out RPGFan's new review of Bethesda's first entry in the classic RPG franchise. A few bugs aside, it's an open-ended world of pixelated goodness.

Elder Scrolls: Arena - to download or not to download? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Apr 2006 00:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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