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[Avalanche teases Just Cause 3 announcement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/avalanche-teases-just-cause-3-announcement/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/avalanche-teases-just-cause-3-announcement/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/avalanche-teases-just-cause-3-announcement/#comments Avalanche teases Just Cause 3 announcement at E3Avalanche Studios founder Christofer Sundberg is being a coquet, teasing what appears to be Just Cause 3 - or a modern Mad Max game.

Sundberg tweeted out the above image yesterday, which came a couple weeks after the same character model was teased in an action scene on a bike.

Although Just Cause 3 is the natural assumption from the images - since the character model has similar features and accessories to series protagonist Rico Rodriguez - there is still the outlying possibility it's the Mad Max game. We've known that game had been in production at Avalanche under God of War 2 director Cory Barlog until early last year.

Sundberg told Eurogamer at the time of Barlog's departure, "I can't comment on our project, but all I can say is that the projects we've been working on for the last two years and the one we recently started up in NY are sailing along like never before."

JoystiqAvalanche teases Just Cause 3 announcement originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Feb 2013 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AvalancheAvalanche-StudiosJust-Cause-2just-cause-3microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 28 Feb 2013 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney reaches into the Toy Box with the new Infinity platform]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/16/disney-reaches-into-the-toy-box-with-the-new-infinity-platform/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/16/disney-reaches-into-the-toy-box-with-the-new-infinity-platform/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/16/disney-reaches-into-the-toy-box-with-the-new-infinity-platform/#comments The signs were all there in the rumors leading up to yesterday's big Disney Infinity reveal in Los Angeles. Disney's been working on a new gaming "platform," designed to bring all of its properties together in one IP spanning across multiple consoles and outlets. But the one note we missed was the most important: this game is connected to a series of real toys that interact with Disney's digital worlds, Skylanders-style.

There are a few important differences, but the similarities between Activision's enormously popular toys-into-games platform and Disney's new Infinity initiative are quite striking. Both are inspired by smaller developers with big ideas: Toys for Bob on the Activision side, and Avalanche Software on Disney's, which developed the "Toy Box" idea in a much smaller form as part of the Toy Story 3 game. Both are big, expandable product lines with lots of options for console (and eventually mobile) titles, and both take retail-friendly physical toys and tie them directly into engagement-friendly video game experiences.

Oh, and both franchises are probably going to make their owners lots and lots of money.

Gallery: Disney Infinity

Continue reading Disney reaches into the Toy Box with the new Infinity platform

JoystiqDisney reaches into the Toy Box with the new Infinity platform originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jan 2013 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avalancheavalanche-softwaredisneydisney-infinityinfinityinterviewjohn-daymicrosoftmobilenintendopcplatformplaystationproducerps3skylanderstoyswiiwii-uxboxWed, 16 Jan 2013 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix registers domains for 'Just Cause 4' despite lack of Just Cause 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/square-enix-registers-domains-for-just-cause-4-despite-lack-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/square-enix-registers-domains-for-just-cause-4-despite-lack-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/square-enix-registers-domains-for-just-cause-4-despite-lack-of/#comments Just in case the Just Cause series is successful enough to get a fourth entry, Square Enix wants to make sure it can employ any necessary URLs. As such, the company registered URLs in a variety of countries for "JustCause4" via URL proxy registrant Corporation Service Company, as discovered by Fusible.

Neither Square Enix nor Avalance Studios have said much about the Just Cause series as of late, though Avalance studio head Christofer Sundberg told Develop in early 2010 that a third entry in the series is very likely. It's also rumored that Avalanche has been working on a Mad Max-based game; we haven't heard about that project since September 2010. Beyond Avalanche's Stockholm-based studio, the privately owned Swedish company opened a New York City office in 2011 to work on an unannounced game only known as "Project Mamba."

Regardless, with just a few weeks left until E3, it's likely we'll hear more about whatever Avalanche is working on sooner, rather than later.

JoystiqSquare Enix registers domains for 'Just Cause 4' despite lack of Just Cause 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2012 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avalancheavalanche-studioschristofer-sundbergcorporation-service-companydomain-registrationjust-causejust-cause-3just-cause-4square-enixurlMon, 21 May 2012 10:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Avalanche Software lays off 15 - 20 as Disney continues cuts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/avalanche-software-lays-off-15-20-as-disney-continues-cuts/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/avalanche-software-lays-off-15-20-as-disney-continues-cuts/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/avalanche-software-lays-off-15-20-as-disney-continues-cuts/#comments Utah-based Avalanche Software, developer of the much-praised Toy Story 3 game adaptation -- and not to be confused with Just Cause developer Avalanche Studios -- let go of 15-20 employees as of September 1. Publisher and parent company Disney Interactive confirmed the layoffs to Gamasutra in a statement: "Avalanche Software has completed a restructuring that resulted in the reduction of a small number of positions."

Avalanche Software is the latest studio of Disney's affected in a months-long culling process at the Mouse House's game publishing arm, which has so far seen the closure of Propaganda Games, Black Rock Studios, and the cancelation of a Pirates of the Caribbean game.

An unnamed employee affected by the layoffs guessed the current headcount to be around 170 (the company's LinkedIn profile indicates anywhere from 51 to 200 people are employed by the studio), making this month's staff reduction approximately 8 to 11 percent of staff. It's unclear what Avalanche is working on next, and whether this is the end of Disney's bout of "restructuring."

JoystiqAvalanche Software lays off 15 - 20 as Disney continues cuts originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Sep 2011 10:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avalancheavalanche-softwaredisneydisney-interactivedisney-interactive-studioslayoffsmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3Toy-Story-3wiixboxWed, 07 Sep 2011 10:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Toy Story 3: The Video Game: The Developer Diary]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/29/toy-story-3-the-video-game-the-developer-diary/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/29/toy-story-3-the-video-game-the-developer-diary/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/29/toy-story-3-the-video-game-the-developer-diary/#commentsYou probably don't want to write off Toy Story 3 just because it's a licensed title. We actually had a lot of fun with it and the latest dev diary above shows that Disney and Avalanche are committed to putting out a quality product. It's not simply a slapped together title attempting to cash in on the movie.

There's an actual deep experience here, from the promising platforming shown in the video above, down to the unique character abilities and meticulously recreated environments. And let's not forget that "Toy Box" mode our inner child yearns for.

Toy Story 3 launches on June 15 for pretty much everything.

JoystiqToy Story 3: The Video Game: The Developer Diary originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 29 May 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Avalancheavalanche-softwaredisneydisney-interactiveMicrosoftNintendotoy-storytoy-story-3WiiXbox-360Sat, 29 May 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joyswag: Just Cause 2 (Xbox 360) [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/joyswag-just-cause-2-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/joyswag-just-cause-2-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/joyswag-just-cause-2-xbox-360/#comments Update: The contest is now over and two winners will be emailed, so keep an eye on your commenter-tied inboxes.

We understand that, during the game flood this March, you might be forced to choose your battles (financially speaking) carefully, possibly to the detriment of a game like Just Cause 2. And while we respect your decision, we'd like to inform you politely that:

A.) The game's (mostly) a lot of fun! Didn't you read our review?
B.) We've got a couple of copies for the Xbox 360 that you're welcome to try and win by entering our week-long contest.

All you've gotta do is let us know which of the many, many Just Cause 2 trailers was your favorite in the comments below. Next Wednesday we'll pull two of you at random and forward a copy for the Xbox 360! Does March seem a bit less stressful now? Good! Oh, and keep an eye out for us at PAX East -- we've got some JC2 swag to put in your eager hands.
  • Leave a comment telling us which of the many, many Just Cause 2 trailers was your favorite.
  • You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec).
  • Limit 1 entry per person per day.
  • This entry period ends at 12:01AM ET on Wednesday, March 31.
  • At that time, we'll randomly select two winners to receive one copy each of Just Cause 2 for Xbox 360 (ARV: $59.99).
  • For a list of complete rules, click here.
What is Joyswag? Since we don't keep the games and merchandise we receive for review or promotional purposes, it becomes "Joyswag," which is passed along to our readers. Please note that Joyswag may be in "used" condition. For more info on our policy, click here.

Gallery: Just Cause 2

JoystiqJoyswag: Just Cause 2 (Xbox 360) [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avalancheavalanche-studioseidosgiveawayjoyswagjust-causejust-cause-2Microsoftpax-eastsquare-enixXbox-360Wed, 24 Mar 2010 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Avalanche opens casual online studio Expansive Worlds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/avalanche-opens-casual-online-studio-expansive-worlds/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/avalanche-opens-casual-online-studio-expansive-worlds/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/avalanche-opens-casual-online-studio-expansive-worlds/#comments
The Hunter (well, technically, the hunted)

Having created massive worlds for the Just Cause series, Swedish developer Avalanche has formed a new studio called Massive Worlds focusing on games in the casual online space. GamesIndustry.biz (login required) reports that the new unit will (unsurprisingly) be developing games using Avalanche's in-house game engine -- the same engine that powers Just Cause 2 -- but hasn't announced any specific titles just yet.

The company recently acquired full rights to the free-to-play online hunting sim The Hunter, which it co-developed with UK studio Emote. Further development of the game -- along with the rest of the studio's titles -- will be overseen by Stefan Pettersson, who joins Expansive Worlds as managing director. Prior to taking the job, Pettersson worked as a consultant and, at one point, a producer/designer at Avalanche. (We're sure that had nothing whatsoever to do with his selection.)

JoystiqAvalanche opens casual online studio Expansive Worlds originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Avalancheavalanche-studioscasualexpansive-worldsjust-cause-2the-hunterWed, 24 Mar 2010 03:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: Just Cause 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/just-cause-2-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/just-cause-2-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/just-cause-2-review/#comments You have to promise me you won't play Just Cause 2.

Now, don't misunderstand me, because you should absolutely buy Just Cause 2. It's got a lush, almost dauntingly large world to explore (and destroy); it's got a combination of grappling hook and parachute travel that lets you swoop through the world in a way that's just as, if not more thrilling than anything the Spider-Man series has ever cooked up; and it's got a lot of explosions.

But the moment you play as intended, helping CIA agent Rico Rodriguez as he attempts to eject dictator "Baby" Panay from the island of Panau, you'll discover the sad truth: The tools at Rico's disposal are a hell of a lot more fun than what he's asked to use them on.

Gallery: Just Cause 2

Continue reading Review: Just Cause 2

JoystiqReview: Just Cause 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avalancheavalanche-studioseidosjust-cause-2MicrosoftSquare-EnixXbox-360Tue, 23 Mar 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kmart selling Just Cause 2, not just another discount]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/kmart-selling-just-cause-2-not-just-another-discount/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/kmart-selling-just-cause-2-not-just-another-discount/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/kmart-selling-just-cause-2-not-just-another-discount/#comments Reader Glenn just noticed that Kmart's Sunday ad has the just-about-released Just Cause 2 listed for the low price of just $44.99. The offer is just available for the dates of March 23-27, so just as soon as the game releases, you can just run on over to the store and just walk away with the game after paying just $45. The police can't even stop you -- your actions will be just.

Just saying -- it's just a really good deal. Even if you pick the game up just for kicks, a price like that is just wonderful. We're not sure why Kmart is selling the game so cheap, but why question it? Just consider this your just deserts.

JoystiqKmart selling Just Cause 2, not just another discount originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsAvalanchedealsdiscountjustjust-causejust-cause-2kmartMicrosoftsalessquare-enixXbox-360Tue, 23 Mar 2010 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Just Cause 2 trailer analyzes anatomy of the 'Rocket Launcher Jump' stunt]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/just-cause-2-trailer-analyzes-anatomy-of-the-rocket-launcher-ju/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/just-cause-2-trailer-analyzes-anatomy-of-the-rocket-launcher-ju/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/just-cause-2-trailer-analyzes-anatomy-of-the-rocket-launcher-ju/#comments
Though we've thoroughly enjoyed Just Cause 2's "Anatomy of a Stunt" videos, we're not sure the one you see posted above is accurately titled. Though the name "Rocket Launcher Jump" does capture some of the components of the stunt, it fails to mention a few other important buzzwords; namely "speedboat," "ramp," "explosion," "death," "aerial," and "unimaginably awesome."

Do yourself a favor and check out the video above, which we've chosen to remoniker "Unimaginably Awesome Speedboat Ramp Jump Aerial Rocket Launcher Explosion Death."

Gallery: Just Cause 2

JoystiqJust Cause 2 trailer analyzes anatomy of the 'Rocket Launcher Jump' stunt originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anatomy-of-a-stuntavalancheeidosjust-cause-2Microsoftsquare-enixstunttrailerXbox-360Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Reminder: Just Cause 2 demo grapples XBLM]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/reminder-just-cause-2-demo-grapples-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/reminder-just-cause-2-demo-grapples-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/reminder-just-cause-2-demo-grapples-xblm/#comments As promised, the Just Cause 2 demo is now available on Xbox Live Marketplace. While this post was written as a reminder of that fact, the game itself also serves as a reminder. You see, it reminds just how incredibly handy grappling hooks are. Watching the various trailers released for the game thus far, it's kind of hard to imagine starting a revolution without one. Just remember to bring your parachute.

Shortcut: Add the Just Cause 2 demo to your Xbox 360 download queue [Via Xbox.com]

JoystiqReminder: Just Cause 2 demo grapples XBLM originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Avalancheavalanche-studiosdemoeidosjust-causejust-cause-2Square-Enixsquare-enix-europexblmThu, 04 Mar 2010 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Just Cause 2 plays chicken in second 'Anatomy of a Stunt' trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/23/just-cause-2-plays-chicken-in-second-anatomy-of-a-stunt-traile/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/23/just-cause-2-plays-chicken-in-second-anatomy-of-a-stunt-traile/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/23/just-cause-2-plays-chicken-in-second-anatomy-of-a-stunt-traile/#commentsIf Just Cause 2's previous trailers have taught us anything, it's that the second game in Eidos' "do crazy sh##" series will absolutely relish in the lengths to which it enables you to live out its mission statement.

As evidenced once more in the second "Anatomy of a Stunt" trailer, wherein the game's main character mounts a speeding fire engine and takes on an aircraft, the game certainly seems to be jam-packed with the kind of insanity we like from our games (ask Red Faction Guerrilla!). Just wait until the trailers introduce a shark into that equation -- and the shark's on fire! But hey, you gotta save something for March 23 when the game comes out, right?

Gallery: Just Cause 2

JoystiqJust Cause 2 plays chicken in second 'Anatomy of a Stunt' trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anatomy-of-a-stuntavalancheavalanche-studioseidoseidos-interactivejust-causejust-cause-2Microsoftred-faction-guerrillasquare-enixsquare-enix-europetrailerXbox-360Tue, 23 Feb 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Just Cause 2's Achievements sound delightful]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/26/just-cause-2s-achievements-sound-delightful/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/26/just-cause-2s-achievements-sound-delightful/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/26/just-cause-2s-achievements-sound-delightful/#comments Sometimes, Achievements and Trophies require you to complete tedious tasks or collect hundreds of a certain type of token before they unlock. Sometimes, they only require you to murder a whole bunch of people with hookshots or do awesome base jumping tricks. It seems Just Cause 2 will have a balanced assortment of both.

Inside MGC recently uncovered the full list of Achievements (and, assumedly, Trophies) for Eidos and Avalanche's upcoming revolution simulator. Check them out after the jump!

Continue reading Just Cause 2's Achievements sound delightful

JoystiqJust Cause 2's Achievements sound delightful originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementsavalancheeidosjust-causejust-cause-2Microsoftsquare-enixtrophiesXbox-360Tue, 26 Jan 2010 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Just Cause 2 pre-order bonuses revealed in latest trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/just-cause-2-pre-order-bonuses-revealed-in-latest-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/just-cause-2-pre-order-bonuses-revealed-in-latest-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/just-cause-2-pre-order-bonuses-revealed-in-latest-trailer/#comments Listen, we're pretty sure we're only going to need two things to complete our first playthrough of Just Cause 2: A hookshot and an arm on which to attach it. Still, we admit that the bonus equipment that the game's pre-orderers will have access to looks pretty intriguing: A skull-emblazoned parachute? An outrageously powerful handgun? A hovering deathtank? Yes, please. (Check out the trailer above to see these bonuses in action.)

Even if you're vehemently opposed to pre-ordering a game, you need to watch this trailer, if only for the last 20 seconds. It's a real -- wait for it -- drag.

Gallery: Just Cause 2

JoystiqJust Cause 2 pre-order bonuses revealed in latest trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Avalanchebonusdlceidosjust-causejust-cause-2Microsoftpre-ordersquare-enixtrailervideoXbox-360Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Just Cause 2 visits small island, kills everyone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/19/just-cause-2-visits-small-island-kills-everyone/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/19/just-cause-2-visits-small-island-kills-everyone/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/19/just-cause-2-visits-small-island-kills-everyone/#commentsThe acquisition of Eidos by Japanese publisher Square Enix earlier this year brought with it some strange consequences. Aside from the obvious Tomb Raider/Final Fantasy crossover that we all know is bound to happen, the above trailer for Just Cause 2 ends with a glaring Square Enix logo that still feels a bit out of place to us. Maybe it's the theme of deposing a South East Asian dictator, the pronounced "Engrish," and the musclebound American protagonist in the trailer -- or maybe it's just us being weird! Who knows?! We do know that the gameplay itself looks like a ripe barrel of monkeys and we're looking forward to its release on March 23, 2010.

Gallery: Just Cause 2

JoystiqJust Cause 2 visits small island, kills everyone originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Dec 2009 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avalancheavalanche-studioseidosgameplayjust-causejust-cause-2Microsoftpenausquare-enixtrailervideoXbox-360Sat, 19 Dec 2009 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Just Cause 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/13/hands-on-just-cause-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/13/hands-on-just-cause-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/13/hands-on-just-cause-2/#comments
Action movie sequels always aim to be bigger and better than the original. Having played two missions from Just Cause 2, we can unequivocally say it's bigger than the first game, a cult favorite open-world romp starring a South American super-agent with an inexhaustible supply of parachutes. But better? That would require much more playtime to answer.

We've posted no fewer than six videos of Just Cause 2 to date, but this week I had my first chance to actually get behind the controls of the Avalanche Studios developed title, which reintroduces us to Rico Rodriguez, who's bringing his Desperado-era Antonia Banderas looks (sans the long locks this time) to the massive -- yet fictional -- island sandbox of Panau.

Gallery: Just Cause 2

Continue reading Hands-on: Just Cause 2

JoystiqHands-on: Just Cause 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avalancheavalanche-studioseidosgrappling-hookjust-causejust-cause-2Microsoftsquare-enixXbox-360Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Just Cause 2 trailer calmly explains why grappling hooks are awesome]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/10/just-cause-2-trailer-calmly-explains-why-grappling-hooks-are-awe/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/10/just-cause-2-trailer-calmly-explains-why-grappling-hooks-are-awe/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/10/just-cause-2-trailer-calmly-explains-why-grappling-hooks-are-awe/#comments We've seen a great deal of media for Just Cause 2 which shows the protagonist's physics-defying grappling hook in action, but the latest Avalanche Studios mini-doc really displays the tool's destructive properties. Here's just a few uses for the game's grapple-arm, as demonstrated in the video above:
  • You can use it to stick two enemies together, forcing them in an eternal bro-hug.
  • You can whip an enemy into the air, then juggle him with bullets.
  • You can pull down giant statues of presumably evil dictators.
  • You can attach a man to the back of a small, personal jet, like a can fastened to the back of an automobile carrying a newlywed couple.

JoystiqJust Cause 2 trailer calmly explains why grappling hooks are awesome originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avalancheeidosgrapplejust-causejust-cause-2MicrosofttrailervideoXbox-360Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Just Cause 2 trailer has fun with the grappling hook]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/30/just-cause-2-trailer-has-fun-with-the-grappling-hook/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/30/just-cause-2-trailer-has-fun-with-the-grappling-hook/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/30/just-cause-2-trailer-has-fun-with-the-grappling-hook/#commentsIn this new trailer for Just Cause 2, you can see a helicopter tow a speed boat into a factory. How badass is that? You can also see protagonist Rico Rodriguez attach an unsuspecting individual to an airbound plane as it's taking off. It's this kind of inventive grappling that really gives the game a flavor all its own and makes this latest trailer necessary viewing for any self-respecting Joystiq reader.

Gallery: Just Cause 2 (10.30.09)

JoystiqJust Cause 2 trailer has fun with the grappling hook originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avalancheavalanche-studioseidosjust-causejust-cause-2MicrosoftXbox-360Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Just Cause 2 looks amazing in developer walkthrough video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/09/just-cause-2-developer-walkthrough-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/09/just-cause-2-developer-walkthrough-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/09/just-cause-2-developer-walkthrough-video/#comments Now you can see why our preview of Just Cause 2 was so glowing ... it has 62% more chutes! Yes, it looks this good. Lead game designer Peter Johansson from Avalanche Studios takes us through the game with his sexy accent, and base jumping / parachuting alone looks like a hell of a lot of fun. Seriously, why has no one developed a skydiving game? (Mention Go! Sports Skydiving and we'll hurt you.)

Watch the entire video above (it's long) and you'll see why Spider-Man has nothing on Rico. After all, he didn't carry a gun. The original Just Cause was a slightly buggy mess that was caught up in the changeover from the Xbox to the Xbox 360, although it featured some enjoyable and innovative gameplay. This sequel looks much, much better and we'll be keeping our eyes open for more info before it comes out in 2010.

JoystiqJust Cause 2 looks amazing in developer walkthrough video originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avalancheavalanche-studiosJust-CauseJust-Cause-2videoTue, 09 Jun 2009 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Avalanche Studios lets 20 more employees go]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/avalanche-studios-lets-20-more-employees-go/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/avalanche-studios-lets-20-more-employees-go/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/avalanche-studios-lets-20-more-employees-go/#comments
Avalanche Studios CEO Christofer Sundberg confirmed to GI.biz that the studio has had to hand 20 employees their walking papers, following the 77 employees the studio let go back in October. Sundberg says that these layoffs will not affect the games the studio currently has in development. Just Cause 2 is still set to appear at E3 next month, and the company is even looking to reveal a new game it's been working on with a publishing partner, though any further details on the project could not be revealed at this time.

Excuse us while we pour one out for the latest homies that have fallen victim to Joystiq's dreaded layoffs tag.

JoystiqAvalanche Studios lets 20 more employees go originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 May 2009 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avalancheavalanche-studiosjust-causejust-cause-2layoffsTue, 19 May 2009 12:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Just Cause 2 mission structure detailed, new screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/just-cause-2-mission-structure-detailed-new-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/just-cause-2-mission-structure-detailed-new-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/just-cause-2-mission-structure-detailed-new-screens/#comments
Eidos' surprisingly addictive GTA-clone, Just Cause, is getting the sequel treatment and, according to IGN UK's eyes-only preview, Rico's return will blow the wool socks off your feet and back onto the sheep from whence they were created.

Looking to leave the life of a bad ass, helicopter-jackin' special agent, Rico Rodriguez is forced back into action when his friend and mentor, Tom Sheldon, supposedly goes rogue. Just Cause 2 includes maneuvers immediately familiar to fans of the original. Rico has a seemingly infinite supply of parachutes and grappling hooks, which can be used to glide around the world, hijacking aircraft and vehicles, Pursuit Force style. New to the series is the ability to use the hook in combat, allowing players to grab and throw enemies as well as impale them with the ferocity of a Mortal Kombat character.

Just Cause 2 also attempts to up the ante, as it were, by revamping the visuals -- new screens available on IGN already look infinitely better than the hi-res, prev-gen version released on the Xbox 360 in 2006. Developer Avalanche says the game will include over 100 vehicles and 50 "varied" missions. Just Cause 2 is slated to release on the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC later this year.

JoystiqJust Cause 2 mission structure detailed, new screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avalancheeidosjust-cause-2MicrosoftXbox-360Mon, 30 Mar 2009 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Just 'cause you should know: Just Cause 2 coming in Q3 '09]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/just-cause-you-should-know-just-cause-2-coming-in-q3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/just-cause-you-should-know-just-cause-2-coming-in-q3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/just-cause-you-should-know-just-cause-2-coming-in-q3/#commentsBecause it's important news, sandbox action title Just Cause 2 is scheduled to free-fall to retailers sometime during Q3 2009. It isn't quite the 2008 release window Eidos was targeting, but whatcha gonna do?

Eurogamer Germany broke the news (translated), confirming the release in the wake of developer Avalanche Studios' layoff announcement and subsequent promise to put more focus on the anticipated (?) sequel. As long as Just Cause 2 gets ample time to cook in the developer oven, the title could soar from mediocrity to something special. Know that putting care into the development cycle is always a just cause.

[Via VG247]

JoystiqJust 'cause you should know: Just Cause 2 coming in Q3 '09 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avalancheavalanche-studioseidosjust-causejust-cause-2sandboxMon, 09 Feb 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Avalanche Studios developing 'open-world fantasy' AionGuard]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/13/avalanche-studios-developing-open-world-fantasy-aionguard/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/13/avalanche-studios-developing-open-world-fantasy-aionguard/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/13/avalanche-studios-developing-open-world-fantasy-aionguard/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Open-world fantasy news now, with Edge's latest issue taking a first look at "AionGuard," a new Lord of the Rings-inspired project from Avalanche Studios. According to the British mag, AionGuard follows the exploits of an army intent on capturing land that is otherwise "occupied by numerous mythical and magical creatures." As any band of armor-clad warriors will tell you, that's by far the worst kind of land to capture.

It inevitably leads to violence, which is probably why narrative director Odd Ahlgren says it's like "God Of War, but it's a lot more open and you have lots more choice in how to tackle these situations." He insists that the game isn't an RPG, however, and allays fears that action will revolve around grinding. The folks at Avalanche, who previously parachuted into the jungle with Just Cause, have yet to announce a publisher for the Xbox 360 and PS3 title.

Not that they should have trouble finding one -- it says here you'll also be able to pilot dragons. We'd be lairs liars if we said that didn't excite us.

JoystiqAvalanche Studios developing 'open-world fantasy' AionGuard originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AionGuardAvalancheAvalanche-StudiosDragonsEdgeFantasyJust-CausePS3Xbox-360Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Avalanche Studios sliding 77 employees pink slips]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/28/avalanche-studios-sliding-77-employees-pink-slips/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/28/avalanche-studios-sliding-77-employees-pink-slips/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/28/avalanche-studios-sliding-77-employees-pink-slips/#commentsFiled under:


Avalanche Studios is preparing to terminate 77 of its 160-member staff following the loss of two publishing contracts worth $34 million. The Just Cause developer is currently working on a sequel to that game for Eidos, which it says will receive a "stronger focus" after the layoffs, and some other game called The Hunter.

Avalanche Studios' CEO Christofer Sundberg is "positive" the company will get back on its feet, but he doesn't believe the studio will grow to 160 employees again. He says the company became "industrialized and impersonal," and plans to keep the studio smaller from now on.

JoystiqAvalanche Studios sliding 77 employees pink slips originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avalancheavalanche-studiosjust-causejust-cause-2Tue, 28 Oct 2008 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Eidos confirms plans for Just Cause 2 in 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/31/eidos-confirms-plans-for-just-cause-2-in-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/31/eidos-confirms-plans-for-just-cause-2-in-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/31/eidos-confirms-plans-for-just-cause-2-in-2008/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


With an investor coup and plummeting stock to worry about, investing in sequels to already average properties would seem to be one of the last things on the mind of Eidos parent SCi Entertainment. The game world, however, seldom subscribes to our own brand of logic, as Eidos has announced plans to revisit one of its non-entities in Avalanche Studios' Just Cause, a decidedly tepid - and altogether brief - stunt-focused action game that managed to parachute below most players' collective radar in 2006.

Set for release later this year for the Xbox 360, PS3, and PC, the game will once again cast players in the role of vigilante Rico Rodriguez, this time taking him out of the Caribbean and into the fictional island country of Panau in South East Asia. Of course, more over-the-top action and stunts are promised, though if Eidos was unable to make players care about the franchise the first time around, we doubt that "the same but more of it" is enough of a tag line to make anyone but the most ardent action fans blink in the game's general direction.

JoystiqEidos confirms plans for Just Cause 2 in 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Jan 2008 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Avalancheeidosjust cause 2JustCause2PCPS3scisequelXbox-360Thu, 31 Jan 2008 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Just Cause 2 details, just 'cause]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/some-just-cause-2-details-just-cause/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/some-just-cause-2-details-just-cause/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/some-just-cause-2-details-just-cause/#commentsFiled under: ,

PSW magazine has the revolutionary skinny on the sequel to the stylish -- but ultimately blah -- Just Cause. Rico Rodriguez is now ready to overthrow the government in the South East Asian country of Panau and developer Avalanche is using a new engine for Just Cause 2, which will focus more on exploration and experimentation than the original according to the developer.

The original Just Cause benefitted from a huge world, tropical setting (green and blue is so much better than modern gaming's brown obsession), and the stunts Rico could perform -- it failed on almost every other level. The game's lead designer Peter Johansson says the sequel will enhance the stunts and improve combat. As long as Avalanche takes the time to polish Just Cause this time around it might make for a great alternative to every other sandbox game's gritty urban settings -- well, almost every other sandbox game.

JoystiqSome Just Cause 2 details, just 'cause originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Jan 2008 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avalancheAvalanche-StudiosEidosjust-causejust-cause-2justcausejustcause2PS3Fri, 04 Jan 2008 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Just Cause 2 will do away with side-missions, say devs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/03/just-cause-2-will-do-away-with-side-missions-say-devs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/03/just-cause-2-will-do-away-with-side-missions-say-devs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/03/just-cause-2-will-do-away-with-side-missions-say-devs/#commentsFiled under:

PSW Magazine got some details about the sequel to developer Avalanche's game Just Cause. Titled, who would've thought, Just Cause 2, will carry on the surprisingly decent legacy the first sandbox title delivered to fans. Lead designer Peter Johansson explained the process in creating the second title: "We identified the key areas we wanted to improve for Just Cause 2. We wanted to make better use of our huge game world, enhance the stunts, improve the combat and reward exploration more." Sometimes more is better.

You still play as Rico Rodriguez, but your setting has changed from the island of San Esperitio to an undisclosed (for now) location in Southeast Asia. Another shift from the original title is the complete dismissal of side-missions. This might make the game different enough from the clogged sandbox market to stand out, or it might make it terribly short and rather mediocre. We'll see the game on PS3, 360, and PC at an unspecified date.

JoystiqJust Cause 2 will do away with side-missions, say devs originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jan 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avalanchejust-causejust-cause-2Thu, 03 Jan 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney forms Nintendo games studio]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/07/disney-forms-nintendo-games-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/07/disney-forms-nintendo-games-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/07/disney-forms-nintendo-games-studio/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Disney is forming a new studio based in Salt Lake City called Fall Line (???) to make games exclusively for Nintendo featuring Disney characters. The new studio marks the fourth that Disney has bought or started up on their own in the past two years at a tune of more than $200 million dollars.

While Nintendo puts the emphasis on fun in their games instead of next-gen processing power, Disney could be a great fit with them. Both Nintendo and Disney skew heavily towards younger audiences, and those aren't the kind of gamers who'll be concerned with how many polygons it takes to render Goofy's hat into a photorealistic prop. They have sequels in the immediate future: another Chicken Little game comes out around Wii-launch, and you can probably expect another Cars video game.

It'll be interesting to see what Fall Line can produce on their own. Maybe they'll port Kingdom Hearts to the Wii. That would be worth a wait.

[Thanks, Bored]

JoystiqDisney forms Nintendo games studio originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Nov 2006 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AvalancheBuena Vista GamesCarsClimaxDisneyDSGame BoyGameCubeMickey MouseNintendoPixarTHQvideo gamesWiiTue, 07 Nov 2006 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview - Just Cause (Xbox 360)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/26/metareview-just-cause-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/26/metareview-just-cause-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/26/metareview-just-cause-xbox-360/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Just Cause (Xbox 360)Just Cause was a hit at E3. People were talking, and as Saint's Row was being written off as a shallow GTA-clone, Just Cause was said to be blazing new trails for the sandbox genre. Well, it's here now -- and it's a bore. Good idea. Poor execution.
  • Game Informer (73/100) credits Avalanche's attempts to "try a few new things," but noble efforts don't always amount to a memorable game. [Oct. 2006, p.93]
  • GameSpy (60/100) believes Saint's Row is the better choice for sandboxing on Xbox 360. (We agree).
  • Eurogamer (60/100) coins the term: "poor man's Mercenaries" ... which sums Just Cause up well.
Also available on: PlayStation 2 / Xbox / PC

JoystiqMetareview - Just Cause (Xbox 360) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Sep 2006 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AvalancheAvalanche StudiosAvalanche-StudiosAvalancheStudiosEidosEidos InteractiveEidosInteractiveJust CauseJust-CauseJustCausePCPS2XboxXbox-360Tue, 26 Sep 2006 13:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Just watch this Just Cause video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/21/just-watch-this-just-cause-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/21/just-watch-this-just-cause-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/21/just-watch-this-just-cause-video/#commentsFiled under:


A new trailer of Just Cause has popped up. Filled to the brim with all kinds of derring-do, it's sure to get your heart pumping. In a funny way, it seems to be the opposite of GTA, as the focus seems to be getting out of vehicles rather than getting in. Check it out, tell us what you think.

[Thanks, bv]

JoystiqJust watch this Just Cause video originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Jul 2006 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avalancheeidosgrand theft autogrand theft auto 4grand theft auto ivGrandTheftAutoGrandTheftAuto4GrandTheftAutoIvgtagta4gtaivjust caustJustCaustFri, 21 Jul 2006 17:15:00 EST