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[Bastion is $3.75 today, more deals in GamersGate 'Spring Sale']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/bastion-is-3-75-today-more-deals-in-gamersgate-spring-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/bastion-is-3-75-today-more-deals-in-gamersgate-spring-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/bastion-is-3-75-today-more-deals-in-gamersgate-spring-sale/#comments The Spring Sale over at Gamersgate continues with a nice daily deal on Bastion, Supergiant Games' wonderful action-RPG, for $3.75. Other deals today include Endless Space for $17.48 and half-off the Double Fine bundle, a collection of Brutal Legend, Costume Quest, Psychonauts and Stacking for $22.50.

This sale is bolstered by ongoing weekly deals, such as the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Collection for $12, Sine Mora for $4.98, Trine 2 for $3.75, Legend of Grimrock for $5.10 and Sonic Spinball for $1.70 - the full nine-page list is available through the source link below.

JoystiqBastion is $3.75 today, more deals in GamersGate 'Spring Sale' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bastiondouble-finedouble-fine-productionsgamersgategamersgate-spring-salemacpcspring-salesupergiant-gamesMon, 22 Apr 2013 19:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Humble Weekly sale kicks off with Bastion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/humble-weekly-sale-kicks-off-with-bastion/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/humble-weekly-sale-kicks-off-with-bastion/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/humble-weekly-sale-kicks-off-with-bastion/#comments Humble Weekly sale kicks off with BastionIn an impressive show of indie corporate synergy, the first weekly deal from the organizers of the Humble Indie Bundle offers Bastion at the usual price of "pretty much anything," DRM free, on Windows, Mac, and Linux. This just happens to coincide with the announcement of Transistor by Bastion creator Supergiant Games.

Pay just $1, and you'll get a Steam-redeemable copy of the game. Go above the average (currently $2.63) and you get a soundtrack, sheet music, digital art pack, and some ringtones. For $25, you get physical items, including a CD soundtrack, bandana, and postcards for both Bastion and Transistor.

JoystiqHumble Weekly sale kicks off with Bastion originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Mar 2013 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bastionhumble-indie-bundlehumble-weekly-dealTue, 19 Mar 2013 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Bastion sales reach 1.7 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/bastion-sales-reach-1-7-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/bastion-sales-reach-1-7-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/bastion-sales-reach-1-7-million/#comments Speaking at DICE today, Supergiant Games founder Amir Rao mentioned that Bastion has sold 1.7 million copies across all available platforms.

Rao's presentation at the annual executive conference explained how Supergiant Games went about porting Bastion from XBLA to PC and mobile. The company's porting team was ... well, it was eight people that composed the entire company. Staggering the releases of Bastion allowed them to keep the quality high and test ideas as the game expanded to other systems.

"We didn't lose an opportunity by not sim [simultaneously] shipping," said Rao. He pointed to his employment experience at EA, and simultaneously shipping Red Alert 3 for PC and Xbox, as an example of split focus.

Bastion's slow multiplatform creep has been successful, with over 90 percent of sales occurring after its original launch month. Rao didn't mention any more upcoming ports of Bastion, but says it's the number one request they receive at Supergiant.

JoystiqBastion sales reach 1.7 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bastiondice-2013iosipadiphonemicrosoftmobilepcsupergiant-gamesWarner-BroswbiexboxWed, 06 Feb 2013 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam Holiday Sale day 15: Thief series, Civilization V, Bastion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/steam-holiday-sale-day-15-thief-series-civilization-v-bastion/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/steam-holiday-sale-day-15-thief-series-civilization-v-bastion/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/steam-holiday-sale-day-15-thief-series-civilization-v-bastion/#comments Steam Holiday Sale day 15 Thief, Civilization, BastionWhat are you doing to help pack the coffers at Valve? Seriously, you guys, it's up to each and every one of us to cough up dough for reduced-price games during Steam's annual ludicrous sales. If not you, then who?

Today's Steam Holiday Sale deals run the gamut from meticulous murder simulators to football management simulators called Football Manager. The Thief series is 75% off, allowing you to grab all three entries for $6.74 - if you're into piecemeal, they're $2.49 each. Civilization V and its two predecessors (plus corresponding expansions) are also 75% off each, while Football Manager 2013 is marked down to $19.99 and Bastion is a paltry $3.74.

For the full list of deals, head on over to Steam - oh, yeah, you're already over there. Okay then.

JoystiqSteam Holiday Sale day 15: Thief series, Civilization V, Bastion originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jan 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbastioncivilizationeidosion-stormmacpcsteamsteam-holiday-saleSteam-Holiday-Sale-2012thiefThu, 03 Jan 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bastion now universal iOS app, optimized for iPhone 5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/bastion-now-universal-ios-app-optimized-for-iphone-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/bastion-now-universal-ios-app-optimized-for-iphone-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/bastion-now-universal-ios-app-optimized-for-iphone-5/#comments Bastion now Universal on iOS, optimized for iPhone 5Bastion for iPad is now a universal app with support for iPads 2-4, iPhone 5, iPhone 4S and 5th generation iPod touch. Developer Supergiant announced the update on its site today, noting it includes upgrades such as full optimization for the iPhone 5 screen and iCloud support (to transfer saves).

The developer previously stated it "felt the game experience would not translate well to the iPhone's smaller screen," but the launch of the iPhone 5 had them take another look. Bastion is currently $4.99 and the update is free if you already own the game on iPad.

JoystiqBastion now universal iOS app, optimized for iPhone 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Nov 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bastioniosipadiphonemobilesupergiantsupergiant-gamesWed, 14 Nov 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PBS mini documentary showcases the creativity of indie games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/05/pbs-mini-documentary-showcases-the-creativity-of-indie-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/05/pbs-mini-documentary-showcases-the-creativity-of-indie-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/05/pbs-mini-documentary-showcases-the-creativity-of-indie-games/#comments

The latest episode of PBS' Off-Book, a web-series on online arts, is a celebration of indie games and their creativity. While the mini documentary probably won't tell you anything you don't already know, it is an excellently produced primer for getting into indie games.

The seven-minute video is introduced by Kill Screen's Jamin Warren, then following on from Warren is SpellTower creator Zach Gage talking about the emotional and immersive value of game mechanics. Bastion creator Darren Korb then describes how he feels indie developers approach sound design differently from developers of AAA games. Eddy Boxerman and Andy Nealen explain the efforts they put into Osmos' art design, before Gamasutra's Leigh Alexander closes by looking at how indie games handle storytelling.

If you like watching interesting stuff about indie games (and why wouldn't you?) you should also check out Indie Game: The Movie, which came to Netflix earlier this week. On a side note, if you can name all the games featured in the Off-Book video, you'll almost certainly win something completely awesome*.

*by 'almost certainly' we mean 'definitely not'

JoystiqPBS mini documentary showcases the creativity of indie games originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Oct 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bastionIndieosmospbspbs-off-bookpbs-videospelltowerFri, 05 Oct 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A Humble Indie Bundle print you can proudly own]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/28/a-humble-indie-bundle-print-you-can-proudly-own/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/28/a-humble-indie-bundle-print-you-can-proudly-own/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/28/a-humble-indie-bundle-print-you-can-proudly-own/#comments Humble Bundle 5 art print by SupergiantYou've most likely bought Humble Indie Bundle 6 by now. Now you can continue your streak of unavoidable Humble purchases by picking up a print of Supergiant art director Jen Zee's incredible Humble Bundle 5 group shot.

Unlike the actual bundle, you can't just pay what you want for this, unless what you want to pay is $14.99, divided among the Humble 5 developers and the Bundle organizers.

JoystiqA Humble Indie Bundle print you can proudly own originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Sep 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artbastionhumble-indie-bundlehumble-indie-bundle-5macpcsupergiant-gamesFri, 28 Sep 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bastion heading to iPad tomorrow [updated]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/bastion-heading-to-ipad-as-new-zealand-app-store-listing-outs-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/bastion-heading-to-ipad-as-new-zealand-app-store-listing-outs-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/bastion-heading-to-ipad-as-new-zealand-app-store-listing-outs-th/#comments Bastion heading to iPad as New Zealand App Store listing outs the port
The kid is sauntering over to Apple's iPad tomorrow in Bastion from Supergiant Games. New Zealanders - beyond the beautiful rolling hills and verdant greenery - get iOS games ahead of the rest of the planet due to the position of the sun and how that relates to our definition of time, you see, so it's already available in that territory. The game has a set launch date of August 30, but some territories are already in the future.

Anyway, Bastion's iPad-only for now, which Supergiant says was a decision made due to "technical reasons." Additionally, the team, "felt the game experience would not translate well to the iPhone's smaller screen."

When it arrives on the US App Store, it'll cost $4.99 and there's no demo version - you could always try it out in Google Chrome first? Don't hesitate to let us know if you see it pop up on our digital shores, which should be sometime tonight around 11PM ET. And head over to Supergiant's page for a ton more info about the new release.

Update: This story was updated to reflect the official announcement of Bastion on iOS.

JoystiqBastion heading to iPad tomorrow [updated] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 11:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storebastioniosios-app-storeipaditunesmobilenew-zealandsupergiantsupergiant-gameswarner-broswarner-bros-interactivewbieWed, 29 Aug 2012 11:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam Summer Sale, final day: BioShock, Bastion, Double Fine bundle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/22/steam-summer-sale-final-day-bioshock-bastion-double-fine-bun/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/22/steam-summer-sale-final-day-bioshock-bastion-double-fine-bun/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/22/steam-summer-sale-final-day-bioshock-bastion-double-fine-bun/#comments Steam Summer Sale, final day BioShock, Bastion, Double Fine bundleThis is it. Dig around your couch cushions, look under the rug and peek between the seats in your car (if you haven't sold it, that is) for any extra change. The final day of the Steam Summer Sale is here.

The last day is going out with a whimper, offering the BioShock franchise for $9.98, Bastion for $3.74, a Double Fine bundle including Costume Quest, Psychonauts and Stacking for $7.49, and Splinter Cell: Conviction seeing a range of deals, starting with the game itself for $4.99. Jagged Alliance: Back in Action is $9.99, Operation Flashpoint Complete (Dragon Rising and Red River) runs $13.74, Football Manager 2012 is $7.50, and Space Pirates and Zombies is $2.49.

Indie Bundle XI includes Hydrophobia: Prophecy, Orion: Dino Beatdown, Star Ruler, Waveform and World of Goo for $9.99.

And that's that, everyone. Summer's over. Now get back to work; you have to pay off all those games you bought somehow, and it's certainly not going to happen if you take the time to play them.

JoystiqSteam Summer Sale, final day: BioShock, Bastion, Double Fine bundle originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 22 Jul 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BastionbioshockCostume-Questdouble-fineFootball-manager-2012hydrophobia-prophecyjagged-alliance-back-in-actionmacoperation-flashpoint-dragon-risingoperation-flashpoint-red-riverorion-dino-beatdownpcpsychonautsspace-pirates-and-zombiessplinter-cell-convictionstackingstar-rulerSTEAMsteam-summer-sale-2012waveformWorld-of-GooSun, 22 Jul 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Humble Indie Bundle 5 adds Braid, Super Meat Boy and Lone Survivor]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/07/humble-indie-bundle-5-adds-braid-super-meat-boy-and-lone-surviv/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/07/humble-indie-bundle-5-adds-braid-super-meat-boy-and-lone-surviv/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/07/humble-indie-bundle-5-adds-braid-super-meat-boy-and-lone-surviv/#comments Image
The already exceptional Humble Indie Bundle 5 has added three more titles to its indie blockbuster lineup. Braid, Super Meat Boy and Lone Survivor are now part of the package, which already included Bastion, Psychonauts, Limbo, Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP and Amnesia: The Dark Descent.

Folks who already bought the bundle will automatically have the three new games added to their download, while folks who haven't will have to "pay more than the average price."

JoystiqHumble Indie Bundle 5 adds Braid, Super Meat Boy and Lone Survivor originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jun 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bastionhumble-indie-bundlehumble-indie-bundle-5pcThu, 07 Jun 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Humble Indie Bundle V includes Psychonauts, Limbo, Superbrothers, Amnesia, Bastion (as a bonus)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/humble-indie-bundle-v-includes-psychonauts-limbo-superbrothers/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/humble-indie-bundle-v-includes-psychonauts-limbo-superbrothers/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/humble-indie-bundle-v-includes-psychonauts-limbo-superbrothers/#comments Image
The fifth iteration of the Humble Indie Bundle has gone live, granting donors their choice of Mac, PC or Linux versions of Psychonauts, Limbo, Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP and Amnesia: The Dark Descent, as well as the soundtracks for each game. Anyone that pays above the average price (currently $6.71) will also receive Baston and its soundtrack.

Seeing as the Steam release of Sword & Sworcery EP is still only available on PC, this bundle is currently the only way to buy it for OSX. As per usual, patrons can decide how much of their purchase price goes to the developers, to charity, and as a tip to Humble Bundle folks.

JoystiqHumble Indie Bundle V includes Psychonauts, Limbo, Superbrothers, Amnesia, Bastion (as a bonus) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 May 2012 13:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amnesia-the-dark-descentbastionCapyDoubleFineFrictional-GameslimbolinuxmacpcPlaydeadpsychonautssuperbrothers-sword-and-sworcery-epsupergiant-gamesThu, 31 May 2012 13:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Bastion gets Steamplay support, on limited sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/bastion-gets-steamplay-support-on-limited-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/bastion-gets-steamplay-support-on-limited-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/bastion-gets-steamplay-support-on-limited-sale/#comments Months after winning numerous end-of-year accolades, Bastion can append one more teensy triumph to the list: Steamplay support. If you purchase Supergiant's vibrant action-RPG through Steam, you'll be able to play it on PC or Mac.

Bastion is on sale for six bucks through Valve's service for a limited time (until May 3). The discount also applies to a game and soundtrack bundle, which can be had for $9.98. And if you must have a physical copy ... try Afghanistan.

JoystiqBastion gets Steamplay support, on limited sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 May 2012 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bastionmacpcsteamsteamplaysupergiant-gamesTue, 01 May 2012 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Bastion now available on the Mac App Store]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/psa-bastion-now-available-on-the-mac-app-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/psa-bastion-now-available-on-the-mac-app-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/psa-bastion-now-available-on-the-mac-app-store/#comments If you don't have access to a PC or an Xbox 360 or Google's OS-independent Chrome browser, and yet your need to play Bastion simply cannot be satiated or forgotten, your hope for a narration-filled future is probably starting to wear pretty thin. What other possible form of digital distribution could placate your need for tonics, shards and acoustic guitars?

Rest your weary head, traveller - there's light at the end of your remarkably specific tunnel: The Mac App Store has what you need, all for $14.99.

JoystiqPSA: Bastion now available on the Mac App Store originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bastionmacMac-App-StoreOSXsupergiant-gamesWarner-Bros-Interactive-EntertainmentSat, 28 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Play Bastion (circa October 2009) at PAX East this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/play-bastion-circa-october-2009-at-pax-east-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/play-bastion-circa-october-2009-at-pax-east-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/play-bastion-circa-october-2009-at-pax-east-this-weekend/#comments ImageWhat's that? You already played the entirety of Bastion, bought the soundtrack, and have been learning how to play those tunes on your Wurlitzer? That's all fine and dandy, but you probably haven't even seen how the game looked way back in October 2009 when its first playable demo burst into existence. As the picture above reveals, that demo will be available for PAX East attendees.

Supergiant and the super early build of Bastion will be on the PAX East show floor just behind The Behemoth. If you get lost, just start shouting, "Bastion! I'm looking for Bastion!" That should work out pretty well.

JoystiqPlay Bastion (circa October 2009) at PAX East this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bastionpax-eastpax-east-2012supergiantsupergiant-gamesFri, 06 Apr 2012 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo's Descendants]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/diablos-descendants/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/diablos-descendants/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/diablos-descendants/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

This is a weekly column focusing on "Western" role-playing games: their stories, their histories, their mechanics, their insanity, and their inanity.
With Diablo 3's release date set, I decided to take a look back as the series' legacy --and play some of the better Western-style action/role-playing games around. Last week I talked about how Fallout, not Diablo, became the model for a generation of blockbuster role-playing games.

But Diablo did wield some influence. The first initial wave of clones didn't make much of a splash, but around the time Diablo II came out in 2000, the action/RPG style began to grab more attention. In 2002, Dungeon Siege and Divine Divinity were both released to some acclaim, but they never really fit the model of a Diablo clone. Dungeon Siege was as much Ultima VII and Baldur's Gate as it was Diablo, while Divine Divinity merged many concepts from Fallout and similar games with a real-time core. Missing from both? The constant clicking that, to me, defined Diablo.

Continue reading Diablo's Descendants

JoystiqDiablo's Descendants originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 20:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bastiondeathspankdiablodiablo-3divine-divinitypcrowan-kaiserrpgtitan-questTue, 27 Mar 2012 20:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Bastion sheet music now available for $0.00 through Supergiant]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/17/bastion-sheet-music-now-available-for-0-00-through-supergiant/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/17/bastion-sheet-music-now-available-for-0-00-through-supergiant/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/17/bastion-sheet-music-now-available-for-0-00-through-supergiant/#comments
Bastion's soundtrack has received almost as much praise as the game itself, which earned a spot on our list of 2011's best games, among other accolades from consumers and industry folk. Its haunting vocals, 1800s gospel-esque melody lines and character-relevant lyrics are an exceptional work on their own, as you can clearly tell from the video above featuring Bastion composer Darren Korb and vocalist Ashley Barrett.

Now you too can play the part of a critically acclaimed singer/songwriter, assuming you have the ability to command a guitar and/or piano in coordination with sheet music and/or tabulature. Charts for all four songs of the Bastion soundtrack are now available for free from Supergiant's store, which we're certain will vastly improve the accuracy of YouTube cover videos the world over. Now if you'll excuse us, we're off to remind ourselves why we dropped out of music school.

JoystiqBastion sheet music now available for $0.00 through Supergiant originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Mar 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ashley-BarrettbastionDarren-Korbfreeguitarguitar-tabspianosheet-musicsoundtracksupergiantsupergiant-gamestabulatureSat, 17 Mar 2012 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bastion's canceled feature: 'Find a shoe? Plant it.']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/bastions-canceled-feature-find-a-shoe-plant-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/bastions-canceled-feature-find-a-shoe-plant-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/bastions-canceled-feature-find-a-shoe-plant-it/#comments Supergiant Games spent one year working on a "rich gardening feature" for Bastion that the entire team was "really excited about," but was eventually cut from the game, designer Amir Rao said at GDC. The final version of Bastion demonstrates the team's obsession with plants, but gardening itself was set to play a pivotal role in exploration and players' overall sense of accomplishment, Rao said, breaking it down into four functions:
  1. Players would find seeds for story items and worlds
  2. Planters on the Bastion would open up gradually, limiting how many seeds could be planted
  3. Plants would be watered with blue "cores"
  4. They would sprout and the fruit would offer its item, world, etc.
Gardening in Bastion faced a slew of problems, but mostly the seeds had no aesthetic connection to the final plant -- "What does a 'hammer plant' look like?" Rao asked -- and Supergiant eventually realized that they were solving the wrong problem. What Bastion really needed was a menu.

JoystiqBastion's canceled feature: 'Find a shoe? Plant it.' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Amir-Raobastioncanceledgardeninggdc-2012microsoftpcsupergiant-gamesxboxTue, 06 Mar 2012 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyrim takes top honors at NY Video Game Critics Circle Awards]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/skyrim-takes-top-honors-at-ny-video-game-critics-circle-awards/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/skyrim-takes-top-honors-at-ny-video-game-critics-circle-awards/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/skyrim-takes-top-honors-at-ny-video-game-critics-circle-awards/#comments You'd have to be a fus-ro-dummy to think that Skyrim would be through with receiving accolades. At last night's New York Video Game Critics Circle Awards, the Bethesda Game Studios-developed RPG took home yet one more, earning the "Big Apple Award for Best Game" as decided by a cabal of NY-based game journos from various outlets.

Other winners include two apiece for Bastion and Portal 2, portable love for Super Mario 3D Land and Superbrothers: Sword and Sworcery EP, and explosive nods to both Crysis 2 and Saints Row: The Third. Harold Goldberg's "All Your Base Are Belong To Us" took home the "Algonquin Roundtable Award for Best Book" and Sony's "Michael" commercial won the "Mad Men Award," mysteriously beating out Robin Williams' luxurious beard. Frankly, we were baffled. The full list of winners can be found below the break.

Continue reading Skyrim takes top honors at NY Video Game Critics Circle Awards

JoystiqSkyrim takes top honors at NY Video Game Critics Circle Awards originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsall-your-base-are-belong-to-usbastionbethesdabethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworkscantor-film-centercrysis-2elder-scrolls-5game-centerharold-goldbergiosipadiphonemicrosoftmobilenew-york-citynew-york-game-critics-circlenew-york-game-critics-circle-awardsnew-york-game-critics-circle-awards-2012new-york-universitynintendonyu-game-centerpcplaystationportal-2ps3saints-row-the-thirdskyrimsuper-mario-3d-landsuperbrothers-sword-and-sworcery-epthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimxboxFri, 03 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bastion down to $7.50 on Xbox Live this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/bastion-down-to-7-50-on-xbox-live-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/bastion-down-to-7-50-on-xbox-live-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/bastion-down-to-7-50-on-xbox-live-this-week/#comments BastionLest you haven't bought Bastion yet, a title that made number five in Joystiq's prestigious 2011 top ten, this just might be the week to do it. The game is available for $7.50 this week on Xbox Live, half the usual price. We think Rucks would agree when we say it's a heckuva deal.

JoystiqBastion down to $7.50 on Xbox Live this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bastionmicrosoftsupergiant-gamesWarner-Brosxblaxboxxbox-liveTue, 31 Jan 2012 15:10:00 EST<![CDATA[How a physical copy of Bastion wound up in Afghanistan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/us-soldier-stationed-in-afghanistan-couldnt-download-bastion-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/us-soldier-stationed-in-afghanistan-couldnt-download-bastion-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/us-soldier-stationed-in-afghanistan-couldnt-download-bastion-s/#comments "He told me they had no plans of releasing a physical copy in the future, but if I gave him my address then he would see what he could do," one lucky Reddit user and Afghanistan-stationed United States Air Force officer wrote on the social news site earlier today. User "bolivar-shagnasty" was speaking about Supergiant's multi-award winning Bastion -- a game only available digitally for both Xbox 360 and PC.

But "shagnasty's" internet connection while stationed in Afghanistan is ... let's call it less than ideal. "My internet connection is disgustingly slow and it costs so much that it seems like price gouging," he wrote. And despite his best efforts to snag Bastion via both Direct2Drive and Steam, he was rebuffed at both stops. Rather than give up, however, he decided to shoot an email to Supergiant and see if the studio had plans to release a retail version of the game at some point.

Supergiant isn't a big studio by any means. Beyond creative director Greg Kasavin, six other folks can refer to themselves as full-time Supergiant-ers. So when the Air Force officer emailed what he expected to be customer support, he actually got a direct response from the aforementioned studio head, Greg Kasavin.

Continue reading How a physical copy of Bastion wound up in Afghanistan

JoystiqHow a physical copy of Bastion wound up in Afghanistan originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>afghanistanbastiongreg-kasavinpcsupergiant-gamesunited-states-air-forceusafThu, 26 Jan 2012 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[LA Noire deals on XBLM this week, Bastion deal and Rhythm Party next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/la-noire-deals-on-xblm-this-week-bastion-deal-and-rhythm-party/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/la-noire-deals-on-xblm-this-week-bastion-deal-and-rhythm-party/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/la-noire-deals-on-xblm-this-week-bastion-deal-and-rhythm-party/#comments A month after the last half-off deal for Bastion on XBLA, Microsoft is offering the discount again. If you happened to miss out on our #5 game of 2011, you can pick it up for 600 Microsoft Points from January 31 through February 6. If you're eager to spend money this week, all LA Noire DLC is half off on the Xbox Live Marketplace through January 30.

Upcoming XBLA releases include Puddle and Quarrel this week, and a new Kinect dance game from Konami's DanceMasters team on Feb. 1. You can see Rhythm Party above, in the moment before you're struck blind.

JoystiqLA Noire deals on XBLM this week, Bastion deal and Rhythm Party next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bastiondeal-of-the-weekkinectkonamila-noiremicrosoftrhythm-partyxblaxblmxboxTue, 24 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[First annual NY Game Critics Circle Awards tickets are now available (and free!)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/first-annual-ny-game-critics-circle-awards-tickets-are-now-avail/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/first-annual-ny-game-critics-circle-awards-tickets-are-now-avail/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/first-annual-ny-game-critics-circle-awards-tickets-are-now-avail/#comments For the low, low cost of absolutely nothing, you can attend the first annual New York Game Critics Circle Awards here in New York City on February 2. But perhaps a free ticket to hang out with a bunch of NYC-based game journos isn't that exciting -- we totally understand. And that's why we're bringing Bastion songsmiths Darren Korb and Ashley Barrett into the mix, who will be performing songs from the award-winning game live throughout the show.

Going on that theme, we figured that you'd rather hear Bastion's narrator emceeing the proceedings than our best attempts at outside voices, so Logan Cunningham will be in charge of the proceedings. Beyond the trio of Bastion stars, award presenters like legendary animator Bill Plympton and Emmy award winner Dan Radosh will be gracing the stage, bolstered by members of the Critics Circle as well. Seating is limited, so if you'd like to attend, be sure to RSVP right here!

JoystiqFirst annual NY Game Critics Circle Awards tickets are now available (and free!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ashley-barrettbastionbill-plymptondan-radoshdarren-korblogan-cunninghamnew-york-citynew-york-game-critics-circlenew-york-game-critics-circle-awardsnew-york-game-critics-circle-awards-2011nygccnygccanygcca-2011Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The GDCA 2011 nominations look strangely familiar]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/the-gdca-2011-nominations-look-strangely-familiar/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/the-gdca-2011-nominations-look-strangely-familiar/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/the-gdca-2011-nominations-look-strangely-familiar/#comments Lads, get your polite-clapping gloves ready, and shine your pearls, ladies -- finalists have been named for the Game Developers Choice Awards, and this year boasts quite the lineup. Valve, Bethesda and Supergiant Games have five nominations each for Portal 2, Skyrim and Bastion, respectively (and respectfully). Supergiant is nominated for Best Debut, alongside Team Bondi for L.A. Noire and BioWare Austin for Star Wars: The Old Republic.

Batman: Arkham City, Skyrim, Portal 2, Deus Ex: Human Revolution and Dark Souls are nominated for Game of the Year. The awards ceremony will be held on March 7. We're not going to say that the GDCA stole their entire list of nominees from a super-cool and highly regarded gaming website, but it does look familiar:

Continue reading The GDCA 2011 nominations look strangely familiar

JoystiqThe GDCA 2011 nominations look strangely familiar originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsbastiondsgame-developers-choice-awardsGDCAGDCA-12iosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxThu, 05 Jan 2012 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Bastion musicians provide today's musical interlude]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/bastion-musicians-provide-todays-musical-interlude/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/bastion-musicians-provide-todays-musical-interlude/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/bastion-musicians-provide-todays-musical-interlude/#comments
In honor of Bastion earning a spot on Joystiq's Top 10 list, composer Darren Korb and singer Ashley Barrett gave an impromptu live performance of "Build That Wall" and "Setting Sail, Coming Home" in Supergiant's studio.

Well, officially it was done just because they both happened to be around together, and the performance was recorded before we announced the award, but we're pretty sure it's because of our thing.

JoystiqBastion musicians provide today's musical interlude originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ashley-barrettbastiondarren-korbmicrosoftmusicpcsupergiant-gamesWarner-Bros-InteractivexblaxboxWed, 04 Jan 2012 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Top 10 of 2011: Bastion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/joystiq-top-10-of-2011-bastion/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/joystiq-top-10-of-2011-bastion/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/joystiq-top-10-of-2011-bastion/#comments The Kid sat down to write about Bastion, his mind empty like a soldier's wallet. Where to begin? What to say? The game wasn't a blockbuster production, but it was beautiful and expertly executed, and an epic concept delivered by a team that knew its limitations. When there isn't an army of artists, engineers, writers and coders to impress those critical gasbags, you put your vision on display.

Bastion's dynamic narration is to be the game's long-lasting cultural hook. A smooth and comforting voice relays events, but doesn't stop at exposition. There was very little the narrator didn't have a comment for, be it weapon combinations or that moment the kid simply starts smashing everything in sight.

Much like "Still Alive" did double duty as Portal's end and as its revelation, Bastion takes a similar opportunity in its credits to deliver the haunting "Setting Sail, Coming Home." A combination of themes that become familiar to players through the game, the song delivered the type of emotional conclusion that even the best cutscenes rarely offer.

Continue reading Joystiq Top 10 of 2011: Bastion

JoystiqJoystiq Top 10 of 2011: Bastion originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bastionjoystiq-best-of-2011microsoftpcsteamsuper-giant-gamessupergiant-gamesWarner-Bros-Interactive-EntertainmentWBIExboxTue, 03 Jan 2012 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam has that game you didn't buy during the Holiday Sale on sale again]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/01/steam-has-that-game-you-didnt-buy-during-the-holiday-sale-on-sa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/01/steam-has-that-game-you-didnt-buy-during-the-holiday-sale-on-sa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/01/steam-has-that-game-you-didnt-buy-during-the-holiday-sale-on-sa/#comments The final day of the Steam Holiday Sale has embraced us, our families and the sad pile of change left in our gift funds. Today is "Encore Day," where Steam offers the biggest deals of the entire sale one more time, including Skyrim at 33 percent off, Bastion at 66 percent off, Batman: Arkham City at 50 percent off, and tons more.

This is really a very clever strategy. Face it -- you've been haunted by that one game you resisted buying over the past week; that one time you said, "No, Steam, this is my money!" has been burned into your psyche as you imagine the joy you could have had at a reasonable price during these cold winter months. And now it's back. You have a second chance to own that game. Go. Go, and be at peace with your Steam Sale. You are forgiven.

JoystiqSteam has that game you didn't buy during the Holiday Sale on sale again originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 01 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BastionBatman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-CityEncore-Daymacpcskyrimsteam-holiday-sale-2011steam-saleSun, 01 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The kid succeeds: Bastion sales exceed 500K]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/31/the-kid-succeeds-bastion-sales-exceed-500/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/31/the-kid-succeeds-bastion-sales-exceed-500/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/31/the-kid-succeeds-bastion-sales-exceed-500/#comments It's been a critical success and now developer Supergiant Games has revealed Bastion is also a commercial success. The recent Steam and Xbox Live Arcade sales helped to push Bastion over that 500,000 mark, the developer's blog states.

"When we set out to make Bastion, a sales number like that seemed astronomical to us, so it feels great to have hit that mark," creative director (and Bastion writer) Greg Kasavin said. "It goes to show that a lot of folks out there like what we're doing and want us to keep going, which is great, because we intend to stick together as a team and do just that." Considering the universal praise for the studio's first game, we can all agree that's a very good thing.

JoystiqThe kid succeeds: Bastion sales exceed 500K originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 Dec 2011 03:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bastionmicrosoftpcsalessupergiantsupergiant-gamesxboxSat, 31 Dec 2011 03:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Portal 2 crowned best game of 2011 by the Associated Press]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/portal-2-crowned-best-game-of-2011-by-the-associated-press/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/portal-2-crowned-best-game-of-2011-by-the-associated-press/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/portal-2-crowned-best-game-of-2011-by-the-associated-press/#comments The AP has unleashed its list of top ten games this year and ... it's a pretty competent list. Not only did Bastion make the cut, but so did Rayman Origins and, as you may have guessed from the headline to this very post, Portal 2.

Valve's game took top honors, followed by Skyrim and then Deus Ex: Human Revolution. Rounding out the top five are Bastion and Rocksteady's sequel, Batman: Arkham City. In a year so full of great games, we envy AP's finished list -- for us, the work of choosing our favorite games of 2011 is only about to begin.

JoystiqPortal 2 crowned best game of 2011 by the Associated Press originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bastionbatman-arkham-citydeus-ex-human-revolutiongoty-2011microsoftnintendopcplaystationportal-2ps3rayman-originsskyrimsonywiixboxTue, 20 Dec 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[12 days of Xbox Deals promo opens with 50% off Bastion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/12-days-of-xbox-deals-promo-opens-with-50-off-bastion/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/12-days-of-xbox-deals-promo-opens-with-50-off-bastion/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/12-days-of-xbox-deals-promo-opens-with-50-off-bastion/#comments A Bastion of savings The year is winding down, which means it's time once again for a killer Xbox Live sale. Microsoft will be offering special daily discounts over the next twelve days, starting today with Bastion for only $7.50. The deal is only available today, so act fast if you're looking to whale on some gas bags, and keep your eye on Major Nelson's Twitter for more daily deals.

Beyond the daily deals, there's also a handful of offers available until January 2. You'll find 50 percent discounts on a number of Xbox Live Arcade games, including Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet, Renegade Ops, BloodRayne: Betrayal and more. You can also grab the LA Noire season pass for $6 or, if you really want to, snag some cheap Avatar gear. Head over to Major Nelson for the full list of deals.

Joystiq12 days of Xbox Deals promo opens with 50% off Bastion originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12-days-of-xbox-dealsbastionmicrosoftxblaxboxxbox-liveTue, 20 Dec 2011 09:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Stranger's Dream is the last planned Bastion DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/11/strangers-dream-is-the-last-planned-bastion-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/11/strangers-dream-is-the-last-planned-bastion-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/11/strangers-dream-is-the-last-planned-bastion-dlc/#comments Supergiant Games' creative director Greg Kasavin made his way down the red carpet at yesterday's Spike Video Game Awards, and stopped to speak with Joystiq about releasing the excellent Bastion on the Google Chrome browser platform. "It was an interesting project from a bunch of different angles," he said. "We were very curious about it technologically, because I'll be the first to admit that as a game player, I have certain preconceptions about what browser-based gaming is like." The whole project took about two months to make, and the team was uncertain they'd match the console version in quality, despite assurances from Google. "We were skeptical, but we got it up and running and we were like whoa, this actually works."

The company is also planning on releasing a pack of DLC called "The Stranger's Dream" next week that will take players through another Who Knows Where sequence about the Rucks character. When asked if there will be more DLC after that, Kasavin gave a flat "no," but he's not so clear about whether this is the end of Bastion for good: "We don't know that for sure, but it's the end of our plans."

So what's Supergiant up to next, then? "We have a bunch of little things brewing and whatnot," Kasavin promises. As for platforms or genres, however, he told us that "it's too early to say."

JoystiqStranger's Dream is the last planned Bastion DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Dec 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bastiondlcgreg-kasavinmicrosoftpcspike-vga-2011strangers-dreamsupergiant-gamesxboxSun, 11 Dec 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bastion gets The Stranger's Dream DLC next week, $0 on PC, $1 on XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/09/bastion-gets-the-strangers-dream-dlc-next-week-0-on-pc-1-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/09/bastion-gets-the-strangers-dream-dlc-next-week-0-on-pc-1-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/09/bastion-gets-the-strangers-dream-dlc-next-week-0-on-pc-1-on/#comments It looks like the folks at Supergiant Games are really getting into the holiday spirit. As "a show of thanks" to their fans, the Bastion devs are releasing The Stranger's Dream DLC on December 14, "a new fully narrated Who Knows Where sequence, bigger and more challenging than the others. You'll gain a bit more insight into Rucks' backstory as well as the history of Caelondia if you can survive this fight."

In addition to that Who Knows Where sequence - think challenge arena, if you haven't played Bastion yet - this DLC pack will enable a "Score Attack Mode" in which your combat performance is evaluated in each level, and a "No-Sweat Mode" so those of you who really stink at video games can still enjoy the narrative and aesthetic experience of playing Bastion. The catch: To access The Stranger's Dream and Score Attack Mode, you'll need to finish the game at least once; fortunately, No-Sweat Mode can help you make short work of that challenge.

The other catch: Though the update will be available for free for PC, via Steam, the Google Chrome version, or other online vendors, the Xbox Live Arcade version needs to cost something. That's Microsoft's policy, holidays be damned. So Supergiant has priced this DLC at just 80 Microsoft Points or, as you and I may call it, $1. Supergiant's Greg Kasavin said that price is "about as close as we could get" while following Microsoft's policy. We appreciate that.

JoystiqBastion gets The Stranger's Dream DLC next week, $0 on PC, $1 on XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Dec 2011 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bastionDLCmacmicrosoftpcsteamsupergiant-gamesXBLAxboxFri, 09 Dec 2011 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Play Bastion in your Chrome browser right now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/09/play-bastion-in-your-chrome-browser-right-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/09/play-bastion-in-your-chrome-browser-right-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/09/play-bastion-in-your-chrome-browser-right-now/#comments Google's new "Native Client" tech lets developers compile high-end programs to run directly in a Chrome browser window. One of the first companies to take advantage of this is Supergiant Games, who has released its PC/XBLA hit Bastion to the Chrome Web Store.

If you're running Chrome, and you meet the system requirements, trying out the new version is as simple as opening that link and hitting "Launch App." If it works well for you, you can purchase it for $14.99 and take your saved progress to any Chrome browser on any computer you happen to use. It worked pretty well for us -- on a Mac!

JoystiqPlay Bastion in your Chrome browser right now originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bastionbrowser-gamechromemacnative-clientpcsupergiant-gamesWarner-Bros-InteractiveFri, 09 Dec 2011 00:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam daily deal: Bastion for $5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/steam-daily-deal-bastion-for-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/steam-daily-deal-bastion-for-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/steam-daily-deal-bastion-for-5/#comments Pensive. I can tell you, I've wandered this world for a while, but I ain't ever seen nothin' like what I saw today. There was the Kid, runnin' about, popping Squirts and introducing Gas Fellas to the business end of a Cael Hammer. Only it wasn't the Kid. Not really. It was some sort of electric facsimile, a collection of dots, like moving grains of sand on a pane.

I don't rightly know how it works. Zia tells me it's a "video game," an invention the Ura dreamed up years ago, and this one is about the Kid's adventures rebuildin' the Bastion. I saw her pull the game from the ether, funneling it into a machine via some Steam powered contraption. As if that wasn't enough to jumble this old man's marbles, she told me the wondrous thing only set her back five dollars. Now, what exactly a dollar is, that she couldn't say.

JoystiqSteam daily deal: Bastion for $5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bastionpcsteamsupergiant-gamesWed, 07 Dec 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Supergiant Games opens online store]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/supergiant-games-opens-online-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/supergiant-games-opens-online-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/supergiant-games-opens-online-store/#comments
The Kid needs coin, he's got a whole world to rebuild.

Bastion developer Supergiant Games recently launched its online store, featuring merchandise related derived from its summer standout. There's the soundtrack for ears, the limited edition "Kid vs. Scumbag" print for eyes, and the Bastion bandana and t-shirt to cover one's naked shame.

For those with the cash to spare, the Bastion Collector's Bundle includes a mess of goodies, along with a copy of the previously mentioned "Kid vs. Scumbag" print autographed by all seven of the Supergiant Games team.

They mention that since Bastion launched, they've received a ton of requests for different kinds of game-related merchandise, but would rather "release a smaller number of high quality items over time than try to do everything at once." But, Supergiant, imagine all the cash you could make off white wigs, face bandages and hand wraps!

JoystiqSupergiant Games opens online store originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bastionmicrosoftpcsupergiant-gamesxboxWed, 07 Dec 2011 12:25:00 EST<![CDATA[A wedding as told by Bastion's narrator]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/14/a-wedding-as-told-by-bastions-narrator/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/14/a-wedding-as-told-by-bastions-narrator/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/14/a-wedding-as-told-by-bastions-narrator/#comments The thinker We're not sure what's more unlikely, the prospect of a Bastion themed wedding, or that Supergiant Games would actually record lines of dialogue exclusively for the ceremony. And yet, it turns out both things actually happened, as one Jay Greschner managed to get his wedding narrated by Rucks himself, Logan Cunningham.

The lines were written by Supergiant's Greg Kasavin and recorded by Cunningham. According to Greschner, the surprise "floored" his bride as her wedding was narrated in real time with lines like "You ain't likely to find a nicer couple than Mr. and Mrs. Greschner." Of course, reading the lines is nothing compared to hearing them. Head over to Ars Technica for the full experience.

JoystiqA wedding as told by Bastion's narrator originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Nov 2011 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bastionmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxMon, 14 Nov 2011 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Bastion narrator takes a hilarious journey through other games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/bastion-narrator-takes-a-hilarious-journey-through-other-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/bastion-narrator-takes-a-hilarious-journey-through-other-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/bastion-narrator-takes-a-hilarious-journey-through-other-games/#comments
What happens when Bastion's ever-present contextual narrator lands in some of gaming's most famous titles? Pure hilarity, as seen in the Dorkly-crafted video above.

JoystiqBastion narrator takes a hilarious journey through other games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bastiondorklyguitar-heroparodySuper-Mario-Bros-NESsuper-smash-bros-brawlsupergiantsupergiant-gamestetrisThu, 03 Nov 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bastion half-off on Steam today and tomorrow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/bastion-half-off-on-steam-today-and-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/bastion-half-off-on-steam-today-and-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/bastion-half-off-on-steam-today-and-tomorrow/#comments Supergiant Games' lovable action-RPG Bastion has won over the hearts of many -- though folks who aren't willing to dish out $15 for a downloadable game have remained, as ever, non-plussed. If you're in this camp, act fast: The game's half off on Steam until November 3.

Continue reading Bastion half-off on Steam today and tomorrow

JoystiqBastion half-off on Steam today and tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bastionpcsteamsupergiant-gamesWarner-Bros-InteractiveTue, 01 Nov 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[These gaming pumpkins are a real treat, no trick]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/these-gaming-pumpkins-are-a-real-treat-no-trick/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/these-gaming-pumpkins-are-a-real-treat-no-trick/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/these-gaming-pumpkins-are-a-real-treat-no-trick/#comments When planning a fun way to celebrate the fall season, we believe the early settlers tried a variety of creative, yet failed, traditions:
  • Asparagus-eating contests
  • The entire town acting out Hamlet at the same time, with their own grandfathers' skulls playing the part of Yorick
  • Jumping off a 60-foot cliff into a pile of dead leaves
  • Grave-robbing (that one stuck, but it became year-round and highly lucrative in a non-spiritual way)
  • Eggplant, leek, corn and lentil carving
Most of these died out with the maypole, but that last one may have led us to the modern fascination with pumpkin carving, which has now led us to these beautiful video-game-inspired pumpkins from ceemdee. This year's pumpkins feature Bastion, Doom 2, The Dig, Worms, Oregon Trail, Outlaws and Magicka. Apparently ceemdee has been doing this since 2009, and the squashy backlog is just as impressive.

Continue reading These gaming pumpkins are a real treat, no trick

JoystiqThese gaming pumpkins are a real treat, no trick originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bastionceemdeehalloweenmacmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3pumpkinpumpkin-carvingpumpkinswiixboxFri, 14 Oct 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[OnLive is putting six new indie games online this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/08/onlive-is-putting-six-new-indie-games-online-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/08/onlive-is-putting-six-new-indie-games-online-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/08/onlive-is-putting-six-new-indie-games-online-this-fall/#comments OnLive is feeling the indie love at Indiecade 2011 this weekend with the announcement of six new indie titles landing in its library this fall:
OnLive already offers popular-indie games such as Braid, Trine, World of Goo and The Maw. OnLive veep of games and media John Spinale said, "OnLive has long been a supporter of independent publishers. Simply put, they're making some really great, innovative games these days," because that's true, and the more exposure for the talented underdarlings, the better, at least in our book. Er, website.

Continue reading OnLive is putting six new indie games online this fall

JoystiqOnLive is putting six new indie games online this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 08 Oct 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avadon-the-black-fortressBastionIndielimbomagickaOnLiveorcs-must-diespace-chemSat, 08 Oct 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: August XBLA sales favor Fruit Ninja, Toy Soldiers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/report-august-xbla-sales-favor-fruit-ninja-toy-soldiers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/report-august-xbla-sales-favor-fruit-ninja-toy-soldiers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/report-august-xbla-sales-favor-fruit-ninja-toy-soldiers/#comments Specific Xbox Live Arcade sales data remains elusive, so we turn to Gamasutra's analysis of leaderboard information to gain a rough idea of how August's new games performed. Diminutive soldiers proved to be the most popular icons, followed by the ingenious pearing of Kinect and ninjas.

Tower defense and shooter mash-up Toy Soldiers: Cold War appears to have sold 160,734 units by August's end, earning 115,448 players during its first week at the conclusion of Microsoft's Summer of Arcade promotion. Gamasutra notes that this rate is actually slower than the original game's launch, which was paired with last year's "Block Party" lineup.

Fruit Ninja Kinect had 148,507 players for the month -- impressive in the context of Kinect-only downloadable games. And while it might not be as financially lucrative, the game's sure to expand its total player base in September while it's offered as a free bonus to owners of The Gunstringer.

From Dust and Bastion continued to do well in August, while Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet registered 48,389 players by the end of the month. Microsoft announced a DLC add-on called "Shadow Hunters" earlier this month, but it appears to have missed its (tentative) release date.

JoystiqReport: August XBLA sales favor Fruit Ninja, Toy Soldiers originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 20:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bastionfrom-dustfruit-ninja-kinectinsanely-twisted-shadow-planetmicrosofttoy-soldiers-cold-warxblaxboxThu, 15 Sep 2011 20:25:00 EST