Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Faux PS4 built based on rumored specs, gets rumored results]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/faux-ps4-built-based-on-rumored-specs-gets-rumored-results/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/faux-ps4-built-based-on-rumored-specs-gets-rumored-results/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/faux-ps4-built-based-on-rumored-specs-gets-rumored-results/#comments ImageThe fine people at Official PlayStation Magazine UK trust the PlayStation 4 spec rumors enough to build the entire next-gen console with the assumed parts, which are all off-the-shelf PC pieces. Rumors have the PS4 using an AMD A8 3850 processor and AMD Radeon HD 7670 graphics card, the latter of which is identical to a mid-range, year-old AMD graphics card, the HD 6670. The processor is a "cheap" CPU solution, OPM writes.

With that stellar introduction, OPM tested its fake PS4 against an Intel i7 2700K with Just Cause 2, and against the PS3 with Bulletstorm and Skyrim. OPM tracked rendering and frame-rate benchmarks for each system, and was underwhelmed with the results. Just Cause 2 was clocked at 21 frames per second, and the other two stuck around 30, but with barely noticeable graphics improvements from the PS3 version.

Again, these are only the rumored PS4 specs, and simply duct-taping them all together and popping in a game doesn't equate a true, finished console. Techradar's components editor Dave James offered some insight into OPM's test: "Sadly just benchmarking the relevant PC components in the current crop of Windows-compatible games wont give you much of an idea how a PS4 utilising those components would actually perform.

"Coding on closed-platform devices, like consoles, means you can squeeze every last drop of performance out of the hardware because you know that every one of those devices will be exactly the same."

Sony may use newer versions of the graphics card and processor as well, James said. The moral of this story, then: Rumors are rumors.
Image credit: OPM

JoystiqFaux PS4 built based on rumored specs, gets rumored results originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bulletstormopmplaystationplaystation-4ps3ps4SONYspecsTue, 17 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic considered Bulletstorm sequel, but found project that's a 'better fit' for People Can Fly]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/epic-considered-bulletstorm-sequel-but-found-project-thats-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/epic-considered-bulletstorm-sequel-but-found-project-thats-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/epic-considered-bulletstorm-sequel-but-found-project-thats-a/#comments During a post-panel interview at PAX East, Epic Games president Mike Capps admitted he thought about letting People Can Fly loose on a Bulletstorm sequel. He even admitted that there had been some "initial development" completed on a sequel.

"We thought a lot about a sequel, and had done some initial development on it, but we found a project that we thought was a better fit for People Can Fly," Capps told Gamespot. "We haven't announced that yet, but we will be announcing it pretty soon." He may be referring to the new PC-exclusive title that Cliff Bleszinski revealed was in development.

In regards to the possibility of a sequel, Capps said he'd have no problem producing a second Bulletstorm game. "I'd love to go back [to Bulletstorm]," he said. "I think there's more to do with Bulletstorm. Heck, it kind of ended wanting more. I'd love to see another project, but right now we don't have anything to talk about."

JoystiqEpic considered Bulletstorm sequel, but found project that's a 'better fit' for People Can Fly originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bulletstormepicepic-gamesmicrosoftpax-east-2012pcpeople-can-flyplaystationps3xboxTue, 10 Apr 2012 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon offering dramatic discounts on digital EA games starting this Sunday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/amazon-offering-dramatic-discounts-on-digital-ea-games-starting/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/amazon-offering-dramatic-discounts-on-digital-ea-games-starting/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/amazon-offering-dramatic-discounts-on-digital-ea-games-starting/#comments Amazon doesn't care for your silly stack of unplayed, unopened games -- it simply wants to trick you into buying more with a variety of impressive deals, albeit on games that exist only in the digital realm. Starting this coming Sunday (the 15th) and running through the end of the week (the 21st), individual EA titles will be offered day by day at ridiculously discounted prices: Bulletstorm and Dead Space 2 for $7 a pop, for instance.

The daily itemized list is just after the break, should you be preparing for yet another (admittedly minor) assault on your bank account in the effort to catch up on 2011's best games. Might we suggest conquering the concept of time scarcity first?

Continue reading Amazon offering dramatic discounts on digital EA games starting this Sunday

JoystiqAmazon offering dramatic discounts on digital EA games starting this Sunday originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alice-madness-returnsamazonbattlefield-bad-company-2Bulletstormcrysis-2dead-space-2dragon-age-2dragon-age-originsmacmedal-of-honorpcThu, 12 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Arthur's picks of 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/best-of-the-rest-arthurs-picks-of-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/best-of-the-rest-arthurs-picks-of-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/best-of-the-rest-arthurs-picks-of-2011/#comments Battlefield 3
I love Battlefield 3. I love it almost as much as it seems to hate its players.

At least, that's the way it feels sometimes, trying to get into a game, trying to get correctly squaded up, trying to find a server with room, having to use a server browser on consoles in 2011, downloading 2 GIGABYTE patches ... y u no luv me, BF3?

But when it does love me, it loves me so well ... and there I go, into that cycle of abuse again.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Arthur's picks of 2011

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Arthur's picks of 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionassassins-creed-revelationsbattlefield-3BF3bulletstormcall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3DICEEAforza-4forza-motorsport-4infinity-wardMGSmicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-Studiosmodern-warfare-3pcpeople-can-flyplaystationps3rayman-originsRelic-Entertainmentsledgehammer-gamesTHQtoy-soldiers-cold-warTreyarchubisoftUbisoft-MontpellierUbisoft-Montrealwarhammer-40k-space-marinexboxTue, 03 Jan 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Dave's picks of 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/01/best-of-the-rest-daves-picks-of-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/01/best-of-the-rest-daves-picks-of-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/01/best-of-the-rest-daves-picks-of-2011/#comments Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP
This masterpiece is 98 percent of the reason I bought an iPad. Okay, maybe not quite -- it's more like 99 percent -- but Sword & Sworcery is a puzzle so perfect in its assembly, I haven't fully recovered. I'm sad I won't ever again experience the drive for discovery I felt the first time I was thrust into its picturesque locales. At the same time, I'm grateful I could spin that vinyl so long ago and step into another world.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Dave's picks of 2011

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Dave's picks of 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 01 Jan 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-revelationsbest-of-the-rest-2011bulletstormdouble-fineepic-gamesiosipadiphoneiron-brigademicrosoftmobileorcs-must-diepcpeople-can-flyplaystationps3robot-entertainmentsuperbrothers-sword-and-sworcery-eptrenchedubisoftxboxSun, 01 Jan 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bulletstorm devs shocked by how much swearing was in their own game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/07/bulletstorm-devs-shocked-by-how-much-swearing-was-in-their-own-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/07/bulletstorm-devs-shocked-by-how-much-swearing-was-in-their-own-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/07/bulletstorm-devs-shocked-by-how-much-swearing-was-in-their-own-g/#comments
The October issue of Game Developer's magazine features a postmortem on foul-mouthed shooter Bulletstorm, which includes one of the greatest anecdotes on cross-cultural development ever. If you've ever had a foreign friend just learning how to swear in your native tongue, you can totally see how Polish developer People Can Fly fell into a snare of its own creation and made a terrible mistake.

"Do you know any swear word in a foreign language? German, French, Polish? When you say it out loud, no biggie, right? Not a problem to use it during a family dinner, I assume?" Adrian Chmielarz, creative director at People Can Fly told the magazine.

He explains the swearing in Bulletstorm was just "exotic and fun" to them, and publisher Epic let the studio run with it, not realizing that they'd gone beyond their own intentions. The developer didn't realize the power of the words.

"It was only at the end of the development," Chmielarz remarks. "When I read the Polish translation of the game, that I realized how dirty we were. I swear a lot. A LOT. And yet still I ... kind of blushed."

JoystiqBulletstorm devs shocked by how much swearing was in their own game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Oct 2011 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AnecdotesBulletstormdicktitsEpic-GamesmicrosoftPeople-Can-Flyplaystationps3xboxFri, 07 Oct 2011 12:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon celebrates PS3 price drop with discounted games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/21/amazon-celebrates-ps3-price-drop-with-discounted-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/21/amazon-celebrates-ps3-price-drop-with-discounted-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/21/amazon-celebrates-ps3-price-drop-with-discounted-games/#comments
The temptation was just too much. Even with the car payment, the mortgage, and the hospital bills from having your squeedlyspooch removed, you still couldn't resist dropping the tantalizingly reasonable 250 clams for a new PlayStation 3. And who can blame you? We went out and bought a second PS3 that we have absolutely no use for, it was that enticing of a proposition.

But now that you've got the system, these tough economic times have left you with very little money for actual games. What's a gamer like you to do? You can't even sell your squeedlyspooch on the black market.

Thankfully, Amazon has your back, as they have both recognized and seized the opportunity to get that skrill provide valuable savings by shoveling a big ol' pile of discounted PS3 titles in your face. The sale is an eclectic mix, to be certain: Bulletstorm and Def Jam Rapstar aren't often mentioned in the same sentence, for instance, and while some titles may be better than others, this still seems like a good way to get some use out of your new console.

JoystiqAmazon celebrates PS3 price drop with discounted games originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 21 Aug 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AmazonBulletstormDef-Jam-Rapstarfinal-fantasy-13final-fantasy-xiiiNierplaystationps3Sun, 21 Aug 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Weekend Sale Roundup: Origin and Direct2Drive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/06/weekend-sale-roundup-origin-and-direct2drive/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/06/weekend-sale-roundup-origin-and-direct2drive/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/06/weekend-sale-roundup-origin-and-direct2drive/#comments
For a lot of people, Friday means pay-day, which means a weekend full of extravagant spending: a little boutique shopping, perhaps a night at da club, etc. If you're like us though, and the majority of your pay checks are followed by staying in rather than going out, fear not. Huge weekend sales mean you can still feel like a big spender without having to blow an entire check, all from the comfort of your own home.

Origin's $5 PC offerings are back, along with a slew of fairly-recent console titles like Dead Space 2 and Portal 2 for 40 percent off. Both sales run until August 9, and every console game purchased comes with a complimentary PC copy of Need for Speed Shift.

Direct2Drive, not to be left out of the fun, has both Bulletstorm and Borderlands: Game of the Year Edition marked down to $11.95 a piece. No sale expiration date is listed for either title, which could mean that both are ending right this very second, the thought of which instills a primal fear directly into the shopping cortex of your brain.

JoystiqWeekend Sale Roundup: Origin and Direct2Drive originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Aug 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>borderlandsborderlands-game-of-the-yearborderlands-game-of-the-year-editionBulletstormDead-Space-2Direct2DriveEAmicrosoftNeed-for-Speed-ShiftOriginpcplaystationPortal-2ps3salexboxSat, 06 Aug 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bulletstorm worth making despite not being profitable, says Epic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/23/bulletstorm-was-great-didnt-sell-says-epic/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/23/bulletstorm-was-great-didnt-sell-says-epic/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/23/bulletstorm-was-great-didnt-sell-says-epic/#comments Speaking with Kotaku, Epic President Mike Capps lamented Bulletstorm's financial performance, saying that the title "didn't make money for us." However, despite its relatively poor sales, Capps implies that the game was still worth making, and that Epic-owned developer People Can Fly is more to the studio than a content farm for the Gears of War series. "The next thing we do with People Can Fly will be great," he said.

We loved Bulletstorm, so it's good to hear that lackluster figures in the consumer sector haven't blinded Epic to the FPS's stellar critical reception. Now that we think about it, a lot of games we've liked lately have been selling poorly. Maybe Joystiq is cursed? Maybe we shouldn't have stolen that gypsy's ice-cream. Or defiled that mummy's tomb. Or built our headquarters over this ancient burial mound. Whatever, this monkey's paw we got at that frogurt place should take care of it.

JoystiqBulletstorm worth making despite not being profitable, says Epic originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Jul 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BulletstormEpicEpic-GamesmicrosoftMike-Cappspcpeople-can-flyplaystationps3xboxSat, 23 Jul 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bulletstorm 'Gun Sonata' DLC out now on PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/19/bulletstorm-gun-sonata-dlc-out-now-on-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/19/bulletstorm-gun-sonata-dlc-out-now-on-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/19/bulletstorm-gun-sonata-dlc-out-now-on-pc/#comments Having been available on consoles since mid-April, the Bulletstorm "Gun Sonata" is now finally available on PC. The meat of the DLC is comprised of three Anarchy mode maps: Sewers of Stygia, Hotel Elysium and Villa. The pack also includes two new Echo mode maps, Crash Site and Guns of Stygia.

Gun Sonata can be purchased for $10.

Continue reading Bulletstorm 'Gun Sonata' DLC out now on PC

JoystiqBulletstorm 'Gun Sonata' DLC out now on PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 May 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BulletstormdlceaElectronic-ArtsEpicEpic-Gamesfpsmicrosoftpcpeople-can-flyThu, 19 May 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[StarCraft 2 headlines game-related Lightning Deals on Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/starcraft-2-headlines-game-related-lightning-deals-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/starcraft-2-headlines-game-related-lightning-deals-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/starcraft-2-headlines-game-related-lightning-deals-on-amazon/#comments It's time once again to save on a seemingly random selection of nine games -- the Amazon Gold Box is loaded with game deals today. The Deal of the Day is Starcraft 2 for $39.99, but if that's not the craft you're after, you can also pick up the World of Warcraft Battle Chest right now (until 11AM EST, at least) for $18.

Hints for upcoming deals suggest that savings for Dragon Age and Kingdom Hearts games are on the way, along with Bulletstorm. Find the full schedule, with hints, after the break.

Continue reading StarCraft 2 headlines game-related Lightning Deals on Amazon

JoystiqStarCraft 2 headlines game-related Lightning Deals on Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonbulletstormdeal-of-the-daydragon-agegold-boxkingdom-heartspcplaystationps3Starcraft-2world-of-warcraftworld-of-warcraft-battle-chestTue, 19 Apr 2011 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Gears of War 3 beta available now to Bulletstorm 'Epic Edition' owners]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/18/psa-gears-of-war-3-beta-available-now-to-bulletstorm-epic-edit/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/18/psa-gears-of-war-3-beta-available-now-to-bulletstorm-epic-edit/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/18/psa-gears-of-war-3-beta-available-now-to-bulletstorm-epic-edit/#comments Those jerks in the press (and those other jerks who won codes from us) aren't the only ones who get to enjoy the Gears of War 3 beta anymore. You too can be a jerk (and help fine-tune the multiplayer of a major game!) if you picked up the "Epic Edition" of Bulletstorm.

The beta is open to Bulletstorm buyers today, and will open even further, to those who pre-ordered Gears 3 at Gamestop, on April 25. It will run through May 15.

JoystiqPSA: Gears of War 3 beta available now to Bulletstorm 'Epic Edition' owners originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabulletstormepic-gamesGears-of-War-3microsoftpsaxboxMon, 18 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Get in the dick-killing mood with a free Bulletstorm soundtrack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/14/get-in-the-dick-killing-mood-with-a-free-bulletstorm-soundtrack/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/14/get-in-the-dick-killing-mood-with-a-free-bulletstorm-soundtrack/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/14/get-in-the-dick-killing-mood-with-a-free-bulletstorm-soundtrack/#comments

As a "thank you" to its fans, Epic has released the entire Bulletstorm soundtrack for free. Composed by Michal Cielecki and Krzysztof Wierzynkiewicz, the music is surprisingly devoid of the profuse, ridiculous profanity associated with Bulletstorm. That said, and you'll know this if you've played the game, it is the perfect music for scaring, killing or otherwise negatively affecting dicks.

Head over to Epic to download your own copy. Just be careful about when and where you decide to listen. The dinner table probably isn't the best place to whip yourself into a dick-killing fervor, for example.

JoystiqGet in the dick-killing mood with a free Bulletstorm soundtrack originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Apr 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bulletstormepicmicrosoftpcpeople-can-flyplaystationps3soundtrackxboxThu, 14 Apr 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Bulletstorm 'Gun Sonata' DLC out today for PS3, 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/12/psa-bulletstorm-gun-sonata-dlc-out-today-for-ps3-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/12/psa-bulletstorm-gun-sonata-dlc-out-today-for-ps3-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/12/psa-bulletstorm-gun-sonata-dlc-out-today-for-ps3-360/#comments It's been said that one can never tire of gunshots to the groin (well, someone, somewhere has to have said that at some point) but humans, being a particularly fickle lot, are always looking for a change of scenery. Bulletstorm's new Gun Sonata DLC, out today for the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of Epic's balls-to-the-wall (literally!) FPS, should help satisfy that primal need.

The pack, well, packs two new Echoes mode maps (Guns of Stygia and Crash Site) along with three more locales for Anarchy mode (Hotel Elysium, Sewers and Villa) for the sum of 800 Microsoft Points / $10 on Xbox Live and PSN, respectively. The content is up on XBL now and will hit PSN with its weekly update this evening. As for the PC version, EA tells us it's still planned, just without a firm release date at this point.

Bulletstorm Gun Sonata DLC ($10) [Xbox.com]

JoystiqPSA: Bulletstorm 'Gun Sonata' DLC out today for PS3, 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bulletstormdlceaelectronic-artsEpic-Gamesfpsgun-sonata-packmicrosoftplaystationps3PSN-StorexblmxboxTue, 12 Apr 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bulletstorm PC demo now out on Steam and GFWL]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/04/bulletstorm-pc-demo-now-out-on-steam-and-gfwl/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/04/bulletstorm-pc-demo-now-out-on-steam-and-gfwl/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/04/bulletstorm-pc-demo-now-out-on-steam-and-gfwl/#comments If you're a PC user who wanted to try Bulletstorm through legal means, the demo is available now on Steam and Games For Windows Live. A demo for consoles has been available since prior to the game's February 22 launch.

For a game that seems to use an expletive-filled roulette wheel for its dialogue, Bulletstorm delivers a clip full of fun. Check out the demo, just make sure that nobody with sensitive ears is around.

JoystiqBulletstorm PC demo now out on Steam and GFWL originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BulletstormDemoEpic-GamesGames-for-Windows-Livepcpeople-can-flySteamMon, 04 Apr 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Direct2Drive knocking 15% off March's best sellers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/direct2drive-knocking-15-off-marchs-best-sellers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/direct2drive-knocking-15-off-marchs-best-sellers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/direct2drive-knocking-15-off-marchs-best-sellers/#comments In celebration of, um, March, Direct2Drive is reducing the price of this month's top fifteen games by fifteen percent. The list of titles includes the likes of Dead Space 2, Rift, Shogun 2, Fallout: New Vegas, Crysis 2 and Bulletstorm. Fifteen percent amounts to a reasonably hefty $9 discount on $60 titles and around $7.50 on $50 titles, and it also has the effect of lowering Magicka's already ridiculously low $10 price to just $8.50.

Head over to Direct2Drive to see the full list of titles, and enter the promo code "MARCHMAYHEM" at checkout to receive the discount.

JoystiqDirect2Drive knocking 15% off March's best sellers originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bulletstormcrysisdead-space-2direct2drivefallout-new-vegasmagickapcriftshogun-2Thu, 31 Mar 2011 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[February NPD: Total sales up, new games come out swinging]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/february-npd-total-sales-up-new-games-come-out-swinging/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/february-npd-total-sales-up-new-games-come-out-swinging/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/february-npd-total-sales-up-new-games-come-out-swinging/#comments Here's something we didn't expect to say in a non-holiday month or one without the launch of a new DS or something: Total US game revenue is up year-over-year, from $1.3 billion to $1.6 billion. Hardware and accessories both saw gains, while software dipped a bit between February 2010 and 2011.

There's also good news in software top ten chart -- at least, good news for people who like the charts to look different every month, with top-ten debuts for Marvel vs. Capcom 3, Killzone 3, Bulletstorm, and Mario Sports Mix, all of which launched in the month of February. The dance genre continued to dominate, with Just Dance 2, Michael Jackson, and Zumba Fitness holding on.

Continue reading February NPD: Total sales up, new games come out swinging

JoystiqFebruary NPD: Total sales up, new games come out swinging originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bulletstormdskillzone-3mario-sports-mixmarvel-vs-capcom-3-fate-of-two-worldsmicrosoftnintendonpdnpd-monthlypcplaystationps3pspsalessonywiixboxThu, 10 Mar 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon kicks Bulletstorm price down to $40 today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/amazon-kicks-bulletstorm-price-down-to-40-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/amazon-kicks-bulletstorm-price-down-to-40-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/amazon-kicks-bulletstorm-price-down-to-40-today/#comments Listen up, jerk-head. If you're not too busy being a stink-face, and you're as terrible as we are at coming up with vulgar smack talk portmanteaus, Amazon's offering a discounted master's class in the form of Bulletstorm -- it's today's Deal of the Day, making it temporarily available for $39.99.

Continue reading Amazon kicks Bulletstorm price down to $40 today

JoystiqAmazon kicks Bulletstorm price down to $40 today originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonBulletstormdeal-of-the-dayepic-gamesmicrosoftpcpeople-can-flyplaystationps3xboxMon, 07 Mar 2011 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War 3 beta: Bulletstorm players in April 18, GameStop pre-orderers join April 25]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/gears-of-war-3-beta-bulletstorm-players-in-april-18-gamestop-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/gears-of-war-3-beta-bulletstorm-players-in-april-18-gamestop-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/gears-of-war-3-beta-bulletstorm-players-in-april-18-gamestop-p/#comments Nobody should have to wait for the chance to carve up their best friends with gas-powered chainsaw rifles -- luckily, interested parties can ensure their entry into the Gears of War 3 beta on April 25. All you have to do to grab a golden ticket is pre-order the Locust-massacring shooter at GameStop, and you'll be eligible to participate in the three-week beta testing process.

If you grabbed the Bulletstorm "Epic Edition," you'll be able to get your hands dirty one week earlier, starting April 18.

Participants in the beta will be able to unlock not only the Gold-Plated Retro Lancer, but a whole bevy of bonuses (listed after the jump). All that's left to do now is plan what kind of murders you're going to make first. Us? We're gonna shoot a guy, and then stomp on him, then stand him up, and then do something unspeakable to him with a grenade.

Continue reading Gears of War 3 beta: Bulletstorm players in April 18, GameStop pre-orderers join April 25

JoystiqGears of War 3 beta: Bulletstorm players in April 18, GameStop pre-orderers join April 25 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabulletstormepic-gamesgamestopGears-of-War-3microsoftMicrosoft-Game-Studiospre-orderxboxFri, 04 Mar 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Killzone 3 holds off Bulletstorm for top UK sales spot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/28/killzone-3-holds-off-bulletstorm-for-top-uk-sales-spot/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/28/killzone-3-holds-off-bulletstorm-for-top-uk-sales-spot/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/28/killzone-3-holds-off-bulletstorm-for-top-uk-sales-spot/#comments Killzone 3 beat out the other high-profile FPS premiere, Bulletstorm, on the UK charts last week, but it didn't out-debut its predecessor, Killzone 2. According to Chart-Track, Killzone 3 is the "14th fastest-selling" Sony title in first-week UK sales -- Killzone 2 is the fifth.

More shooting, and some kicking, got it done for third and fourth place in last week's sales ranking, as Call of Duty: Black Ops and FIFA 11 took the spots below the two debut shooters. The previous week's almost top title, Marvel vs. Capcom 3, slipped from second down to seventh.

Where's Just Dance 2, you ask? In fifth, of course. Unstoppable beast!

Continue reading Killzone 3 holds off Bulletstorm for top UK sales spot

JoystiqKillzone 3 holds off Bulletstorm for top UK sales spot originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainbulletstormcall-of-duty-black-opschart-trackchart-track-weeklyfifa-11just-dance-2Killzone-3microsoftnintendoplaystationps3salesukwiixboxMon, 28 Feb 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Podcast 171 - Better than we deserve edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/25/joystiq-podcast-171-better-than-we-deserve-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/25/joystiq-podcast-171-better-than-we-deserve-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/25/joystiq-podcast-171-better-than-we-deserve-edition/#commentsFiled under:

Shooters continue to bro it up with varying levels of success in Killzone 3 and Bulletstorm, but we know what you came here to hear about ... Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines, right? 3DS game price talk pads a news section that really only needs to cover one thing: Skyrim. SKYRIM!

Production note: Chris Plante had a mic problem at around the emails section so his audio is dicy from there. Just consider it some "flavor."

Thanks to Alan Black for this photoshop of the boys shooting **** **** and ******* ****.

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Hosts: Justin McElroy (@justinmcelroy), Ludwig Kietzmann (@ludwigk) and Chris Grant (@chrisgrant)
Producer: Jonathan Downin (@jonathandownin - Game Thing Daily)
Voice Talent: Bob Ball (@BobBallVO - BobBallVO.com)
Music: "Bassoforte" by Diego Stocco
 For fans: Joystiq Podcast Facebook group
New to the show?: Listen to Episode Zero
The Do It Line!: 1-(877)-JOYSTIQ

See all of this week's links after the break.

Continue reading Joystiq Podcast 171 - Better than we deserve edition

JoystiqJoystiq Podcast 171 - Better than we deserve edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bulletstormjoystiq-podcastpodcastsFri, 25 Feb 2011 16:40:00 ESTJoystiq Podcast 171 - Better than we deserve editionChris Grant, Ludwig Kietzmann and Justin McElroy1:31:12podcasts<![CDATA[Bulletstorm's 'Red Ring of Death' easter egg exposed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/23/bulletstorms-red-ring-of-death-easter-egg-exposed/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/23/bulletstorms-red-ring-of-death-easter-egg-exposed/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/23/bulletstorms-red-ring-of-death-easter-egg-exposed/#comments While it may be lost on those playing Bulletstorm on the PC or PS3, Xbox 360 gamers will instantly recognize the cheeky jab at Microsoft for that whole Red Ring of Death thing.

Continue reading Bulletstorm's 'Red Ring of Death' easter egg exposed

JoystiqBulletstorm's 'Red Ring of Death' easter egg exposed originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bulletstormeaster-eggepic-gamesmicrosoftpcpeople-can-flyplaystationps3red-ring-of-deathxboxWed, 23 Feb 2011 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Bulletstorm 'Gun Sonata' DLC coming this spring]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/bulletstorm-gun-sonata-dlc-coming-this-spring/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/bulletstorm-gun-sonata-dlc-coming-this-spring/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/bulletstorm-gun-sonata-dlc-coming-this-spring/#comments With Bulletstorm just arriving on store shelves today -- and possibly in your disc tray -- EA has announced the first batch of DLC. With the surprisingly unexplicit title of "Gun Sonata Pack," the DLC will add three new maps to the co-op Anarchy mode: Sewers of Stygia, Hotel Elysium and Villa.

The pack will also add two new Echo maps: Crash Site and Guns of Stygia. The DLC will be available for the Xbox 360 and PS3 "this spring" for 800 Microsoft Points and $9.99, respectively. While the press release (after the break) doesn't mention a PC release of the DLC, an EA representative confirmed that the PC version of Gun Sonata is coming this spring for $10, as well.

Continue reading Bulletstorm 'Gun Sonata' DLC coming this spring

JoystiqBulletstorm 'Gun Sonata' DLC coming this spring originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bulletstormdlcepicgun-sonata-packmicrosoftpcpeople-can-flyplaystationps3psnrelease-datexblmxboxTue, 22 Feb 2011 16:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Bulletstorm]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/metareview-bulletstorm/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/metareview-bulletstorm/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/metareview-bulletstorm/#comments People Can Fly's over-the-top shooter Bulletstorm received high marks in our hot-off-the-presses review -- but was everyone else as willing as we were to overlook the game's juvenile overtones and frequent mistreatments of the English language? Let's take a look at some highlights from other critics' write-ups!
  • Game Informer (9.25/10): "Epic Games/People Can Fly's sadistic opus arrives at a time when most shooters do little more than let you blast dudes in the head while things explode. Bulletstorm has those things, but also lets you shoot a man in the testicles and kick slide his head off."
  • Eurogamer (9/10): "On the surface, People Can Fly has delivered a sustained rumination on what it feels like to really boot somebody in the nuts. Yet beneath all that is a design built on years of watching audiences play outside of the rules in other shooters."
  • Wired (7/10): "The game is rated 'M' for mature, which means that children under 17 cannot buy it, which is a shame because teenagers would crack up playing this game. What demographic likes penis jokes more, I ask you?"
  • 1UP (B-): "When it lets itself, it's a fantastic adrenaline rush through well-constructed set-pieces and gloriously fun-to-watch violence. But it too often drags itself down with overly structured situations and restrictive, strategy-heavy gameplay."

JoystiqMetareview: Bulletstorm originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bulletstormeametareviewmicrosoftpcpeople-can-flyplaystationps3xboxTue, 22 Feb 2011 15:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Bulletstorm review: It's raining fun, hallelujah]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/bulletstorm-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/bulletstorm-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/bulletstorm-review/#comments I've come to a conclusion: Bulletstorm wasn't so much developed as it was raised on human growth hormones and taught the English language by a group of sailors and truck drivers. It was also shown every '80s action and sci-fi movie ever made about a dozen times, given a bottle of whiskey, handed a gun and instructed to shoot anything that moves.

The people who clearly felt that the first-person shooter genre was skimping on the "S" in "FPS" and taking itself too seriously birthed it; the sort who've made the likes of Painkiller and published Unreal Tournament and Gears of War. It's clear in everything from its distinctive style to its disregard for the plausible.

Yes, Bulletstorm is ridiculous, but in the way that the very best guilty pleasures are.

Gallery: Bulletstorm (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)

Continue reading Bulletstorm review: It's raining fun, hallelujah

JoystiqBulletstorm review: It's raining fun, hallelujah originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BulletstormeaElectronic-Artsepic-gamesfpsmicrosoftpcpeople-can-flyplaystationps3xboxTue, 22 Feb 2011 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Bulletstorm disc required for Gears of War 3 beta access]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/21/psa-dont-throw-away-that-bulletstorm-disc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/21/psa-dont-throw-away-that-bulletstorm-disc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/21/psa-dont-throw-away-that-bulletstorm-disc/#comments Tomorrow (or midnight tonight, depending on your level of enthusiasm), Bulletstorm will launch across the country. For a select group of Xbox 360 owners, this purchase will be partially driven by the desire to play Gears of War 3 early -- specifically, the Gears of War 3 multiplayer beta that's included with Bulletstorm's "Epic Edition."

Epic's Rod Fergusson warned Twitter users that a code alone wouldn't secure early entry in the multiplayer beta. Entering the code actually adds an option to Bulletstorm's main menu, which will grant access to the multiplayer beta when it becomes available. Just like Crackdown hosted the Halo 3 beta, the Bulletstorm disc is needed to play the Gears 3 beta.

While we're on the topic, Fergusson has also promised more news on the multiplayer beta will be available later this week. Keep your eyes on the 'Stiq for it.

JoystiqPSA: Bulletstorm disc required for Gears of War 3 beta access originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabulletstormeaepic-gamesGears-of-War-3gears-of-war-3-betamicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosmultiplayer-betapeople-can-flyxboxMon, 21 Feb 2011 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Buy Bulletstorm, get Gears of War triple pack for $5 at Best Buy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/21/buy-bulletstorm-get-gears-of-war-triple-pack-for-5-at-best-buy/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/21/buy-bulletstorm-get-gears-of-war-triple-pack-for-5-at-best-buy/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/21/buy-bulletstorm-get-gears-of-war-triple-pack-for-5-at-best-buy/#comments As if you needed more incentive to pick up Bulletstorm outside of the Gears of War 3 beta inclusion (and, you know, all of the dick-scaring you crave), Best Buy is offering a special deal: the Gears of War triple pack for $5. It's $15 off the usual asking price, only when buying People Can Fly's private parts pounder. The Gears of War triple pack comes bundled with Gears of War, Gears of War 2 and the All Fronts DLC collection.

Caveat: the items may ship separately, so you may not receive both at the same time.

JoystiqBuy Bulletstorm, get Gears of War triple pack for $5 at Best Buy originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-frontsbest-buyBulletstormeaepic-gamesgears-of-wargears-of-war-2gears-of-war-triple-packmicrosoftpeople-can-flyxboxMon, 21 Feb 2011 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Bulletstorm PC demo coming after game's release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/20/bulletstorm-pc-demo-coming-after-games-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/20/bulletstorm-pc-demo-coming-after-games-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/20/bulletstorm-pc-demo-coming-after-games-release/#comments If the anticipation for the PC version of People Can Fly's over-the-top shooter Bulletstorm is absolutely killing you, then ... well, we're sorry to hear that. We wish we could assuage the tension by telling you that you'll get a chance to play the game before its release this Tuesday but, unfortunately, Epic Games' Mark Rein recently explained over Twitter that the game's PC demo "won't make it in time for ship date but should be available shortly after."

We'd like to suggest an activity you can indulge in while you wait for the game to arrive, but what could potentially serve as a substitute for kicking, shooting, grenading and whipping? Shuffleboard, perhaps?

JoystiqBulletstorm PC demo coming after game's release originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bulletstormdemoepic-gamesmark-reinpcpeople-can-flySun, 20 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cliff Bleszinski talks Bulletstorm's development, canned co-op]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/18/cliff-bleszinski-talks-bulletstorms-development-canned-co-op/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/18/cliff-bleszinski-talks-bulletstorms-development-canned-co-op/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/18/cliff-bleszinski-talks-bulletstorms-development-canned-co-op/#comments Speaking to the Telegraph, Epic's Cliff Bleszinski discussed the development process of Bulletstorm. He noted that the game began as a cover-based, third-person shooter akin to Gears of War "but in a world that felt like you were eternally in a factory that manufactured sparks." Over time, the team came up with the leash and sliding, and changed over to the first-person perspective that we see today. The leash in particular changed the gameplay, with Bleszinski noting, "we realized people were playing with their enemies like a cat plays with a mouse before he takes it out, so we thought why not reward people for that, and so the points system came along."

Another interesting tidbit: Bulletstorm originally had campaign cooperative play, but it was eventually removed. According to Bleszinski, co-op killed the game's pacing: it "just broke down, and it was a situation where people would race through the game, ignoring the vistas and they wouldn't set up as many skillshots," he said. That's probably for the best, because we're not sure today's processors could have handled the profanity generated by another Bulletstorm character anyway.

JoystiqCliff Bleszinski talks Bulletstorm's development, canned co-op originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Feb 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bulletstormcliff-bleszinskiepicmicrosoftpcpeople-can-flyplaystationps3xboxFri, 18 Feb 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Killzone 3 & other pre-orders net $20 credit on Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/18/killzone-3-and-other-pre-orders-net-20-credit-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/18/killzone-3-and-other-pre-orders-net-20-credit-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/18/killzone-3-and-other-pre-orders-net-20-credit-on-amazon/#comments The frugal folks at Thrifty Nerd have informed Joystiq that Amazon has upgraded some of its pre-order deals; specifically, pre-ordering Bulletstorm, Top Spin 4 or Killzone 3 will now snag you a $20 credit instead of $10. The credit will be applied to all Bulletstorm pre-orders regardless of when they were placed, so don't worry if you pre-ordered before the deal went into effect.

Thrifty Nerd notes further that both Gears of War 3 and FEAR 3 pre-orders are good for a $20 credit, and there are a number of $10 credits available as well. Check out Thrifty Nerd's pre-order credits page for all the deals.

Continue reading Killzone 3 & other pre-orders net $20 credit on Amazon

JoystiqKillzone 3 & other pre-orders net $20 credit on Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Feb 2011 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bulletstormfear-3gears-of-war-3killzone-3microsoftpcplaystationps3top-spin-4xboxFri, 18 Feb 2011 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Bulletstorm's latest trailer doesn't care whether or not you're ready for 'the boom']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/bulletstorms-latest-trailer-doesnt-care-whether-or-not-youre/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/bulletstorms-latest-trailer-doesnt-care-whether-or-not-youre/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/bulletstorms-latest-trailer-doesnt-care-whether-or-not-youre/#comments There are only a handful of days left before you'll be whipping, kicking, and shooting humanoid cretins on a distant galactic backwater in Bulletstorm. Between now and then, we suggest imbibing a minimal amount of P.O.D. music -- contained entirely after the break.

Continue reading Bulletstorm's latest trailer doesn't care whether or not you're ready for 'the boom'

JoystiqBulletstorm's latest trailer doesn't care whether or not you're ready for 'the boom' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BulletstormEpicEpic-gamesGameplayMicrosoftPcPeople-can-flyPlaystationPodPs3XboxThu, 17 Feb 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War free with Bulletstorm on Games For Windows next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/gears-of-war-free-with-bulletstorm-on-games-for-windows-next-wee/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/gears-of-war-free-with-bulletstorm-on-games-for-windows-next-wee/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/gears-of-war-free-with-bulletstorm-on-games-for-windows-next-wee/#comments Microsoft's Games for Windows Marketplace is having a buy one, get one free sale on Epic Games shooters starring guys with really big arms. Specifically, the digital storefront is giving anyone who buys next week's foul-mouthed FPS Bulletstorm a free copy of the original Gears of War.

The deal will be valid from February 22 -- Bulletstorm's on-sale date -- through March 8. People Can Fly's game will carry a sticker price of $59.99, while Gears normally goes for $19.99.



JoystiqGears of War free with Bulletstorm on Games For Windows next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bulletstormeaelectronic-artsepic-gamesGames-for-Windowsgames-for-windows-livegames-for-windows-marketplacegears-of-warmicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosThu, 17 Feb 2011 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Pre-order PC Bulletstorm from EA Store, get Shank for free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/pre-order-pc-bulletstorm-from-ea-store-get-shank-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/pre-order-pc-bulletstorm-from-ea-store-get-shank-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/pre-order-pc-bulletstorm-from-ea-store-get-shank-for-free/#commentsEvery, um, cloud in a Bulletstorm has a silver lining, because it's full of steel Shanks. Okay, that belabored metaphor is supposed to refer to the fact that if you pre-order the PC download version of Bulletstorm from EA's store, you'll get a free download of Klei Entertainment's side-scrolling action game Shank.

We just wanted to say it in a more poetic way than "buy this one game about committing thousands of bloody murders, and get another game about bloody murders for free," okay? The deal is good only with purchases of the $60 Bulletstorm Limited Edition, through Feb. 21.

JoystiqPre-order PC Bulletstorm from EA Store, get Shank for free originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bulletstormea-storeelectronic-artsepic-gamesklei-entertainmentpcpeople-can-flypre-ordershankThu, 10 Feb 2011 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[How Bulletstorm became 'the worst video game in the world']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/how-bulletstorm-became-the-worst-video-game-in-the-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/how-bulletstorm-became-the-worst-video-game-in-the-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/how-bulletstorm-became-the-worst-video-game-in-the-world/#comments Much like seasonal allergies and taxes, the gaming populace is periodically subjected to mainstream news coverage of its favorite entertainment medium. And while said coverage is often laced with inaccurate statements and fear-laden non sequiturs, it doesn't usually ask questions in the headline like Fox News' latest treatment: "Is Bulletstorm the Worst Video Game in the World?"

Our brief time with the game's demo -- not to mention the time we spent playing Superman 64 so many years ago -- certainly gives us the impression that Bulletstorm isn't "the worst video game in the world," but we get the feeling that Fox's John Brandon is asking something else.

Continue reading How Bulletstorm became 'the worst video game in the world'

JoystiqHow Bulletstorm became 'the worst video game in the world' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>billy-pidgeonBulletstormcarole-liebermaneaelectronic-artsepic-gamesfirst-person-shooterfox-newsfpsjerry-weichmanjohn-brandonm2-researchmainstream-newsmicrosoftpcpeople-can-flyplaystationps3violent-gamesxboxWed, 09 Feb 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bulletstorm preview: A day in the life of a space pirate]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/bulletstorm-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/bulletstorm-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/bulletstorm-preview/#comments From the personal log of Grayson Hunt, space pirate and connoisseur of booze:
Most folks, they think my job's all about shootin' things. Other people, mostly. And it's true. But just shooting scumbags all day would be two words: bor-ing. Today? Anything but. Truth is, it was pretty crazy ... from what I can remember before blacking out. Heh.

It all started onboard my ship. Some creep thought he'd try to collect the bounty on my head (and the rest of my crew), so we tied him to a chair and I practiced aiming by shooting at a bottle on his head. I'd just downed the contents of said bottle, so it was a little tricky. Didn't kill him, though; let the airlock do that.

Gallery: Bulletstorm (2/8/11)

Continue reading Bulletstorm preview: A day in the life of a space pirate

JoystiqBulletstorm preview: A day in the life of a space pirate originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bulletstormeaelectronic-artsepic-gamesfpsmicrosoftpcpeople-can-flyplaystationps3xboxTue, 08 Feb 2011 12:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Duty Calls downloaded over 1.25 million times]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/duty-calls-downloaded-over-1-25-million-times/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/duty-calls-downloaded-over-1-25-million-times/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/duty-calls-downloaded-over-1-25-million-times/#comments Last week, a free game called Duty Calls was launched as part of a promotion for People Can Fly's latest, Bulletstorm. The free game is a spoof on the Call of Duty series and is meant to point out the tired mechanics of most first-person shooters, thus hyping the buck-trending qualities of Bulletstorm.

The campaign seems to be going surprisingly well -- the @Bulletstorm Twitter account reveals over 1.25 million have picked up the phone and spoken with duty directly. In fact, if you'd like us to conference you in on the call, you can grab Duty Calls free of charge from our sister site Big Download right now.

JoystiqDuty Calls downloaded over 1.25 million times originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bulletstormduty-callsepic-gamesmicrosoftpcpeople-can-flyplaystationps3xboxMon, 07 Feb 2011 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[New Bulletstorm 'Skillisode' would make Ozone and Turbo proud]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/04/new-bulletstorm-skillisode-would-make-ozone-and-turbo-proud/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/04/new-bulletstorm-skillisode-would-make-ozone-and-turbo-proud/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/04/new-bulletstorm-skillisode-would-make-ozone-and-turbo-proud/#comments See, here we were, about to say something critical of Bulletstorm's unabashed, deplorable violence -- and then they go and release a new Skillisode trailer, showing off a "Breakdancing" maneuver that has filled our hearts with utter delight. Watch it here, and share in our joy.

Continue reading New Bulletstorm 'Skillisode' would make Ozone and Turbo proud

JoystiqNew Bulletstorm 'Skillisode' would make Ozone and Turbo proud originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakin-2-electric-boogalooBulletstormeaepic-gamesmicrosoftpcpeople-can-flyplaystationps3xboxFri, 04 Feb 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Duty Calls: Bulletstorm spoofs Call of Duty with free game (and we've got the full walkthrough vid)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/02/duty-calls-bulletstorm-spoofs-call-of-duty-with-free-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/02/duty-calls-bulletstorm-spoofs-call-of-duty-with-free-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/02/duty-calls-bulletstorm-spoofs-call-of-duty-with-free-game/#comments If Bulletstorm's ad campaign teaches you one thing, it's this: Someone on development team People Can Fly came up with the term "dick-tits" and they put it in a video game. If it teaches you two things, it's the "dick-tits" thing and the fact that Bulletstorm shouldn't be compared to other popular shooters. Yes, if you're reading the contextual clues (smarty), the inclusion of "dick-tits" in the game may have told you that already, but in case you're really thick, the devs have created another expensive spoof for you.

The first time around, Bulletstorm poked fun at Halo 3's famous "Believe" diorama commercial; this time, it's Activision's Call of Duty series, which is reimagined as a free downloadable game dubbed "Duty Calls." You can download the 758MB game file directly from thedutycalls.com (or from our sister site Big Download, if that's more your speed), but we should warn you: You'll need at least 512MB of RAM, a 2+ Ghz CPU, 8GB of hard drive space, eighteen sound cards, three CD-ROM drives, and a subwoofer to play it. So we've done you a solid: Clamber past the break to watch the full four-minute walkthrough.

Continue reading Duty Calls: Bulletstorm spoofs Call of Duty with free game (and we've got the full walkthrough vid)

JoystiqDuty Calls: Bulletstorm spoofs Call of Duty with free game (and we've got the full walkthrough vid) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BulletstormDuty-CallsEpic-GamesmarketingmicrosoftparodypcPeople-Can-Flyplaystationps3xboxWed, 02 Feb 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bulletstorm 'Skillisodes' trailer manages to sneak in the vulgarity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/27/bulletstorm-skillisodes-trailer-manages-to-sneak-in-the-vulgar/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/27/bulletstorm-skillisodes-trailer-manages-to-sneak-in-the-vulgar/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/27/bulletstorm-skillisodes-trailer-manages-to-sneak-in-the-vulgar/#comments The Bulletstorm "Skillisodes" trailer posted after the jump features no in-game dialogue whatsoever. Don't worry, though -- People Can Fly managed to inject the video with the required amount of inappropriateness in the names of the previewed skills themselves. Pretty sneaky, People Can Fly.

Continue reading Bulletstorm 'Skillisodes' trailer manages to sneak in the vulgarity

JoystiqBulletstorm 'Skillisodes' trailer manages to sneak in the vulgarity originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bulletstormepic-gamesmicrosoftpcpeople-can-flyplaystationps3xboxThu, 27 Jan 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bulletstorm trailer makes very specific promises]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/24/bulletstorm-trailer-makes-very-specific-promises/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/24/bulletstorm-trailer-makes-very-specific-promises/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/24/bulletstorm-trailer-makes-very-specific-promises/#commentsThe Bulletstorm trailer after the break really speaks for itself. Specifically, it says things for itself like "combos that'll pucker your butthole." To find out if that claim is accurate, you'll be able to check out a demo tomorrow. You don't have to tell us if it is.

Continue reading Bulletstorm trailer makes very specific promises

JoystiqBulletstorm trailer makes very specific promises originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 21:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bulletstormepic-gamesmicrosoftpeople-can-flyplaystationps3xboxMon, 24 Jan 2011 21:10:00 EST