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[Splinter Cell: Blacklist co-op developer diary works together]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/25/splinter-cell-blacklist-co-op-developer-diary-works-together/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/25/splinter-cell-blacklist-co-op-developer-diary-works-together/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/25/splinter-cell-blacklist-co-op-developer-diary-works-together/#comments
This developer diary video for Splinter Cell: Blacklist explores the characters that players can use in the game's co-op missions. The game is coming to Wii U, PS3, Xbox 360 and PC on August 20.

JoystiqSplinter Cell: Blacklist co-op developer diary works together originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 25 May 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co-opdeveloper-diarymicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3splinter-cellsplinter-cell-blacklisttrailerUbisoftUbisoft-Montrealubisoft-torontowii-uxboxSat, 25 May 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tiny Brains is first project from former Assassin's Creed, Dead Space devs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/tiny-brains-is-first-project-from-former-assassins-creed-dead/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/tiny-brains-is-first-project-from-former-assassins-creed-dead/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/tiny-brains-is-first-project-from-former-assassins-creed-dead/#comments

Tiny Brains is the first game coming from a new Montreal-based developer called Spearhead Games, made up of developers from popular franchises like Assassin's Creed, Dead Space, and Army of Two.

Developers Simon Darveau (who served as design director on Assassin's Creed 3), Malik Boukhira, and Atul Mehra are starting their company together with this co-op puzzle game in which four players, in the guise of test animals, escape a lab and defeat the scientists who have captured you.

Platforms for the game are still unannounced, but Spearhead tells us it will be playable this weekend at PAX East. Given the pedigree, we look forward to seeing exactly what these guys have made.

Gallery: Tiny Brains

JoystiqTiny Brains is first project from former Assassin's Creed, Dead Space devs originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Mar 2013 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atul-mehraco-opfour-player-co-opmalik-boukhirapax-eastpuzzlepuzzle-platformersimon-darveauspearhead-gamestiny-brainsTue, 19 Mar 2013 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Assassin's Creed considered co-op, but it 'didn't fit' the story]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/04/assassins-creed-originally-had-co-op-but-it-didnt-fit-the-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/04/assassins-creed-originally-had-co-op-but-it-didnt-fit-the-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/04/assassins-creed-originally-had-co-op-but-it-didnt-fit-the-s/#comments "Before we knew about the Desmond story and Animus link, we had a huge co-op component in there," Assassin's Creed 3 mission director Philippe Bergeron has revealed. "But it just became too hard to do: the engine couldn't support it, and then the metaphor we had above it didn't support it."

It's part of an interview featured in the current issue (95) of OXM on news stands right now. Initially the co-op feature was going to be a driving mechanic in the original Assassin's Creed, but Ubisoft abandoned the concept. "Co-op was one of those big things at the beginning that just didn't make sense in the end," Bergeron says. "For us it was really part of the single player experience, to have in-and-out co-op, and in the end we never thought it made sense in the storyline that we had for the Animus."

Of course, once the idea became more and more about Desmond and the Animus, it didn't make sense to have someone else running around in Desmond's ancestral memories. "There was no way to reconcile having multiplayer or co-op in an ancestor's memories," Bergeron explains."Your ancestor lived his life in a certain way, so assuming you had branching storylines, it creates a paradox. It didn't fit."

JoystiqAssassin's Creed considered co-op, but it 'didn't fit' the story originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Feb 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>altairanimusAssassins-Creedco-opdesmondmicrosoftplaystationps3ubisoftxboxMon, 04 Feb 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ZombiU co-op shelved early on, over 300,000 survivor deaths logged]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/zombiu-co-op-shelved-early-on-over-300-000-survivor-deaths-logg/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/zombiu-co-op-shelved-early-on-over-300-000-survivor-deaths-logg/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/zombiu-co-op-shelved-early-on-over-300-000-survivor-deaths-logg/#comments We lauded the tense moment to moment survival of ZombiU play in our review, but some have criticized the game's lack of online co-op. Developer Ubisoft Montpellier says the idea was considered but scrapped fairly early into development.

Producer Guillaume Brunier said "we thought we could not deliver it on time," citing the crunch to make Wii U launch in an interview with Nintendo World Report. "How to bring a cooperative experience and still keep fear and tension is a question we would love to address though."

Other topics include potential DLC or even the notion that ZombiU has more games to come - Brunier didn't reveal much but did say that the Ubisoft Montpellier servers have the death logs of 300,000 survivors to draw from. "Who knows what we could do with them," he teased. Our suggestion? Stop scrapbooking our deaths, you monsters.

JoystiqZombiU co-op shelved early on, over 300,000 survivor deaths logged originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jan 2013 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co-opnintendoubisoft-montpellierwii-uzombiuTue, 22 Jan 2013 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Far Cry 3 'High Tides' co-op DLC reaches PS3's shores in January]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/04/free-far-cry-3-high-tides-co-op-dlc-reaches-ps3s-shores-in-ja/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/04/free-far-cry-3-high-tides-co-op-dlc-reaches-ps3s-shores-in-ja/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/04/free-far-cry-3-high-tides-co-op-dlc-reaches-ps3s-shores-in-ja/#comments Two additional Far Cry 3 co-op chapters will be available for download on PS3 starting in January and you won't even have to break out the metal detector. Titled Jailbreak and Redemption, these free DLC chapters will be exclusive to Sony's platform and document events following the conclusion of the co-op campaign.

Over on the PlayStation Blog, Meghan Watt from multiplayer side developer Massive Entertainment describes these additional chapters as "the final moments" of the four co-op campaign survivors. So a lot of lounging around and sipping on cocktails inside of coconuts? That's how we'd spend our "final moments" on a tropical island.

JoystiqFree Far Cry 3 'High Tides' co-op DLC reaches PS3's shores in January originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Dec 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co-opdlcfar-cry-3high-tidesmassive-entertainmentplaystationps3ubisoftTue, 04 Dec 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Playing with age in Starbreeze's 'Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/30/playing-with-age-in-starbreezes-brothers-a-tale-of-two-sons/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/30/playing-with-age-in-starbreezes-brothers-a-tale-of-two-sons/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/30/playing-with-age-in-starbreezes-brothers-a-tale-of-two-sons/#comments Experimenting with Starbreeze's 'Brothers A Tale of Two Sons' with director Josef Fares"Nobody knows how to make a game yet," says film director Josef Fares, quickly clarifying his statement isn't an attack on the industry but a suggestion that game creation shouldn't be a set science. "It's still a time where we're open to experimentation," the international director adds.

Born in Lebanon, Fares grew up in Sweden where he became a director, but his next project pairs him with developer Starbreeze Games to create a game called Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons (formerly referred to as "P13" in Starbreeze's internal "project" numbering system). Brothers has been in development for a number of years, with Fares even working on a few of the game's prototypes before the team at Starbreeze locked down the Unreal-developed downloadable title for a 2013 release.

The core feature of Brothers is, of course, the game's siblings. But Fares says he's fought off all suggestions by his fellow game makers that the characters should each be controlled by a separate player. Instead, he says, Brothers is designed to have both characters controlled by a single player in a very specifically designed campaign experience.

Gallery: Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons (10/29/12)

Continue reading Playing with age in Starbreeze's 'Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons'

JoystiqPlaying with age in Starbreeze's 'Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Oct 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brothersbrothers-a-tale-of-two-sonsco-opjosef-faresp13playstationpreviewps3singleplayerstarbreezeTue, 30 Oct 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Mario 64 mod adds cooperative multiplayer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/28/super-mario-64-mod-adds-cooperative-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/28/super-mario-64-mod-adds-cooperative-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/28/super-mario-64-mod-adds-cooperative-multiplayer/#comments

The hack seen in the above video delivers multiplayer options to Super Mario 64. Thanks to YouTube user Skelux, players that follow the given instructions to patch the Nintendo 64 game can enjoy local and online co-op throughout the entire classic adventure.

For those disturbed by the obvious snubbing of Luigi in this hack, we're certain that the inclusion of Mario's long-lost cousin Blario isn't considered canon by Nintendo.

JoystiqSuper Mario 64 mod adds cooperative multiplayer originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 28 Oct 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co-ophackmario-64modmultiplayernintendosuper-mario-64Sun, 28 Oct 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Krater co-op, Mayhem MK13 DLC packs drop today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/psa-krater-co-op-mayhem-mk13-dlc-packs-drop-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/psa-krater-co-op-mayhem-mk13-dlc-packs-drop-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/psa-krater-co-op-mayhem-mk13-dlc-packs-drop-today/#comments

Krater's latest DLC is out today on Steam, and it's co-op-tastic. The co-op DLC is the first of three free packs, while the Mayhem MK13 character is $3. He's also ugly. But in a good way. We think. Check out the video above and screens below to decide for yourself.

Continue reading PSA: Krater co-op, Mayhem MK13 DLC packs drop today

JoystiqPSA: Krater co-op, Mayhem MK13 DLC packs drop today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co-opDLCFatSharkkratermayhem-mk13pcTue, 23 Oct 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Party of Sin]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/05/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-party-of-sin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/05/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-party-of-sin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/05/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-party-of-sin/#comments Indie developers are the starving artists of the video-game world, often brilliant and innovative, but also misunderstood, underfunded and more prone to writing free-form poetry on their LiveJournals. We believe they deserve a wider audience with the Joystiq Indie Pitch: This week, Crankshaft Games' Daniel Menard talks about his PC co-op puzzle-platformer about breaking out of Hell and storming Heaven, Party of Sin.
The Joystiq Indie Pitch Party of Sin

What's your game and what's it about?

Our game is called Party of Sin. It's a puzzle-platformer where you get to embody the Seven Deadly Sins. The Sins are locked in a prison deep in hell after an angel sting operation lead by the arch-angel Michael. You must use the Sins' seven unique powers to solve puzzles and battle your way out of hell and take the fight to the angels in Heaven. You can swap sins at any time (much like Lost Vikings or Trine) and must combine their powers in interesting ways to overcome the challenges that await.

The game also has a coop mode, and in coop the Sins can directly interact with each other. They can use their to help the team, or fall to the other side of morality and backstab / grief each other. Two players can't have the same sins, so there is a lot of social interaction involved in solving the puzzles.

Gallery: Party of Sin

Continue reading The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Party of Sin

JoystiqThe Joystiq Indie Pitch: Party of Sin originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Oct 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co-opcrankshaft-gamesjoystiq-indie-pitchparty-of-sinpcplatformerpuzzleFri, 05 Oct 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge to include playable Ayane, online co-op]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/ninja-gaiden-3-razors-edge-to-include-playable-ayane-online-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/ninja-gaiden-3-razors-edge-to-include-playable-ayane-online-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/ninja-gaiden-3-razors-edge-to-include-playable-ayane-online-c/#comments
Tecmo Koei introduced Dead or Alive/Ninja Gaiden mainstay supporting character Ayana as playable in Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge for the Wii U, in the only way it knows how: by first showing her getting a massage in the nude, and then ruthlessly slaughtering dozens and dozens of men, as seen in the trailer above.

Playing through the entire game as either ninja is possible thanks to a new Chapter Challenge mode. Ayane's exploits won't be entirely solo, however, as an online co-op mode starring both her and resident ninja Ryu Hayabusa has also been announced for the port, according to Siliconera.

Razor's Edge will also see the return of dismemberment capabilities, which is important considering that dismemberment physics are to Ninja Gaiden as those other physics are to Dead or Alive.

Gallery: Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge (9/13/12)

JoystiqNinja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge to include playable Ayane, online co-op originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Sep 2012 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ayaneco-opmultiplayerninja-gaiden-3-razors-edgenintendotecmo-koeiwii-uThu, 13 Sep 2012 17:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Snapshot: A Virus Named Tom (PC)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/30/snapshot-a-virus-named-tom/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/30/snapshot-a-virus-named-tom/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/30/snapshot-a-virus-named-tom/#comments There are so many games out there we couldn't possibly review them all. Welcome to Snapshot, where we highlight games that might fall outside our usual coverage but are still something we think you should know about. Today: A Virus Named Tom for PC.
Snapshot A Virus Named Tom
A Virus Named Tom developer Tim Keenan of Misfits Attic makes a point to mention the uniqueness of his game's 54 local multiplayer levels to every potential reviewer, in almost every email.

He has good reason to do so.

A Virus Named Tom is a tile-flipping exercise in cartoonish hacking simliar to Pipe Dream, but with a Jetsons-like futuristic twist. As the single-player campaign ramps up in difficulty, it becomes a challenging, stressful and exhilarating test of dexterity and logic - but A Virus Named Tom is better as a multiplayer game, if only so you don't feel so idiotic for failing to solve yet another grid-based puzzle on the first try.

After all, failing with a friend is always better than failing alone. Take those suckers down with you.

Continue reading Snapshot: A Virus Named Tom (PC)

JoystiqSnapshot: A Virus Named Tom (PC) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Aug 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-virus-named-tomco-opMisfits-Atticmultiplayerpcsnapshottim-keenanThu, 30 Aug 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Wyv and Keep]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-wyv-and-keep/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-wyv-and-keep/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-wyv-and-keep/#comments Indie developers are the starving artists of the video-game world, often brilliant and innovative, but also misunderstood, underfunded and more prone to writing free-form poetry on their LiveJournals. We believe they deserve a wider audience with the Joystiq Indie Pitch: This week, the happy crew from Jolly Corpse describes the joy of retro co-op on modern machines with Wyv and Keep.
The Joystiq Indie Pitch Wyv and Keep
What's your game called and what's it about?

Jesse: Wyv and Keep is a 2D platform-puzzler starring two rookie treasure hunters. It's packed with team-based puzzles where you must use both characters to unlock and reach a door to the next level. You can play solo, switching between the two, or cooperatively, locally on one computer, or online.

It's also full of adventure, twitch-action and comedy. You'll be dodging poison darts, snakes and spear-throwing pygmies, leaping over spike traps and pits of lava, and using TNT to blast through crumbling walls and floors. All the while you'll be entertained by the looney antics and witty banter of adventure-loving Wyv and cunning Keep!

David: It's about getting really frustrated with the person playing with you - or, if you are that person, it's about repeatedly making ever-so-slight mis-steps to wind up your partner.

Continue reading The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Wyv and Keep

JoystiqThe Joystiq Indie Pitch: Wyv and Keep originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co-opjolly-corpsejoystiq-indie-pitchmacmicrosoftpcRetroWyv-and-KeepxboxWed, 29 Aug 2012 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Spec Ops: The Line updated with co (spec)-op]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/21/spec-ops-the-line-updated-with-co-spec-op/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/21/spec-ops-the-line-updated-with-co-spec-op/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/21/spec-ops-the-line-updated-with-co-spec-op/#comments Today, you and a friend can confront the grim reality of war together! 2K Games announced a free update for the PS3, Xbox 360, and PC versions of Spec Ops: The Line that adds a cooperative multiplayer game mode for two players. As usual, expect the PS3 version to be available sometime today, whenever the PlayStation Store updates.

The new co-op mode consists of four objective-based missions, "each with its own unique objectives, environments, and playable characters."

Continue reading Spec Ops: The Line updated with co (spec)-op

JoystiqSpec Ops: The Line updated with co (spec)-op originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co-opdlcmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Spec-Ops-the-LineupdatexboxTue, 21 Aug 2012 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Co-opinion: XCOM: Enemy Unknown multiplayer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/20/co-opinion-xcom-enemy-unknown-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/20/co-opinion-xcom-enemy-unknown-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/20/co-opinion-xcom-enemy-unknown-multiplayer/#comments Coopinion XCOM Enemy Unknown multiplayer
Richard Mitchell: So Alexander and I got a chance to try out the XCOM: Enemy Unknown multiplayer mode at Gamescom. Both of us played single-player before, so we had some idea of what we were getting into - but multiplayer is an entirely different beast. Using a pool of points, players "purchase" the units that will comprise their team: XCOM soldiers, aliens, or a mix of both. The standard match has a pool of 10,000 points and a turn time of 90 seconds. For this press demo, we had a whopping 20,000 points and 120 seconds. It sounds like a lot of time, but it wasn't - more on that in a bit.

What units did you pick? (Keep in mind, folks, I had no idea what I was going to face on the field, and neither did Alexander.)
Alexander Sliwinski: I believe in the power of humanity! Actually, no, it's mostly that I'd never played an XCOM game prior to the E3 demo, and I had no idea about each race's powers. So, I went with three human soldiers, two Thin Men and then spent a massive 7,300 points on an assault gunner with an alloy cannon. I figured I'd wipe out any alien scum you threw at me.

Gallery: XCOM: Enemy Unknown (8/18/2012)

Continue reading Co-opinion: XCOM: Enemy Unknown multiplayer

JoystiqCo-opinion: XCOM: Enemy Unknown multiplayer originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Aug 2012 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k2k-gamesco-opco-opinionfiraxisfiraxis-gamesgamescomgamescom-2012microsoftmultiplayerpcplaystationps3take-twotake-two-interactivexboxxcom-enemy-unknownMon, 20 Aug 2012 12:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition has cross-platform playability]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/29/baldurs-gate-enhanced-edition-has-cross-platform-playability/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/29/baldurs-gate-enhanced-edition-has-cross-platform-playability/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/29/baldurs-gate-enhanced-edition-has-cross-platform-playability/#comments Baldur's Gate Enhanced Edition has crossplatform coopBaldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition will support cross-platform co-op, allowing the iPad to function with Android, Mac and PC, creative director Trent Oster has tweeted. This augments news of multiplayer functionalities first reported in March. To be precise:

"#bgee will have co-op multiplayer and will work across platforms. iPad can play with Android, Mac and PC. On happy gaming family."

Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition will launch September 18 for PC, in September for iOS and Mac, and at an unannounced time for Android devices. It is available for pre-order now, for $18 rather than the full $20 if purchased once it officially launches.

JoystiqBaldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition has cross-platform playability originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 29 Jul 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbaldurs-gate-enhanced-editionco-opcross-platformiosipadiphonemacmobilepcSun, 29 Jul 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Assassin's Creed 3 multiplayer trailer sneaks out]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/assassins-creed-3-multiplayer-trailer-sneaks-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/assassins-creed-3-multiplayer-trailer-sneaks-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/assassins-creed-3-multiplayer-trailer-sneaks-out/#comments
A new trailer for Assassin's Creed 3 multiplayer was posted on GameTrailers yesterday. Apparently it wasn't quite ready for prime time, as it was quickly taken down - but not quickly enough to keep it off YouTube. The trailer is framed as a commercial for Animus technology, created by the evil Abstergo Corporation that's dogged Desmond across several games now, and showcases several different multiplayer modes and features.

Check out the video for a look at character customization as well as the Domination and Wolfpack modes, which we tried out earlier this month at Comic-Con.

JoystiqAssassin's Creed 3 multiplayer trailer sneaks out originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-3co-opdominationgameplaymicrosoftmultiplayerpcplaystationps3ubisoftubisoft-montrealwolfpackxboxFri, 27 Jul 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Anomaly: Warzone Earth marches to PSN with local co-op support]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/17/anomaly-warzone-earth-marches-to-psn-with-local-co-op-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/17/anomaly-warzone-earth-marches-to-psn-with-local-co-op-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/17/anomaly-warzone-earth-marches-to-psn-with-local-co-op-support/#comments
No platform is safe, as 11 bit studios has announced the PS3 is the latest to get Anomaly: Warzone Earth. The new addition for the PS3 port is local co-op play, allowing one player to act as the strategist and one to act as the unit commander. See it in action in the video above.

Anomaly: Warzone Earth is expected to launch on PSN sometime this summer; though no exact release date has been finalized yet, 11 bit studios will showcase the PS3 port at this year's Gamescom.

Gallery: Anomaly: Warzone Earth (PS3)

JoystiqAnomaly: Warzone Earth marches to PSN with local co-op support originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jul 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>11-bit-studiosanomaly-warzone-earthco-opplaystationps3psnTue, 17 Jul 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Orcs Must Die 2 unlocks free co-op 'Classic mode' for owners of first game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/13/orcs-must-die-2-unlocks-free-co-op-classic-mode-for-owners-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/13/orcs-must-die-2-unlocks-free-co-op-classic-mode-for-owners-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/13/orcs-must-die-2-unlocks-free-co-op-classic-mode-for-owners-of/#comments We've known Robot Entertainment planned to offer goodies in Orcs Must Die 2 to those who purchased the original on Steam, and today the developer revealed specifics on those incentives. A special Classic mode will be available to those people, featuring ten levels from the original game available for single or co-op play in the sequel.

Classic mode will be instantly unlocked in Orcs Must Die 2 for all owners of Orcs Must Die on Steam. The original games is available at a reduced price on Steam right now, though we'd be remiss if we didn't remind you of Orcs Must Die 2's July 30 launch date lurking around the corner.

Gallery: Orcs Must Die 2 (Classic Mode)

Continue reading Orcs Must Die 2 unlocks free co-op 'Classic mode' for owners of first game

JoystiqOrcs Must Die 2 unlocks free co-op 'Classic mode' for owners of first game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jul 2012 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co-opco-op-classic-modeorcs-must-die-2pcrobot-entertainmentsteamFri, 13 Jul 2012 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic's Fortnite is a 'fresh and bubbly' co-op survival sandbox game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/12/epics-fortnite-is-a-fresh-and-bubbly-co-op-survival-sandbox-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/12/epics-fortnite-is-a-fresh-and-bubbly-co-op-survival-sandbox-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/12/epics-fortnite-is-a-fresh-and-bubbly-co-op-survival-sandbox-g/#comments Epic Games kicked off our experience at Comic-Con this year with a panel about Fortnite, the oft-mentioned but not yet seen game that serves as the studio's followup to Gears of War. Producer Tanya Jessen, Lead Artist Pete Ellis, and Design Director Cliff Bleszinski talked at length about the game, revealing it to be a mashup of Minecraft, The Walking Dead and Team Fortress 2. It's designed and built in Unreal Engine 4, and destined for a PC-only launch.

Jessen described Fortnite as a "co-op sandbox survival game" with three different elements. Scavenging will allow players to go out into the ruined world and find items and materials wherever they can. Building will let players first erect and then customize various structures of all shapes and sizes. Combat, the last part of the game, pits players against creepy yet "Looney Tunes-inspired" monsters attempting to take those structures down.

"This is not just a game for people who like shooters or RPGS," said Jessen. "It's a game for everybody." And according to Bleszinski, Fortnite is a big change internally from what the studio has been working on more recently. "It's been really fresh for us," he said. "We've had like six years of Gears and we've perfected the art of killing. Fortnite is serving as a fresh change of pace for us."

Gallery: Fortnite (San Diego Comic Con 2012)

Continue reading Epic's Fortnite is a 'fresh and bubbly' co-op survival sandbox game

JoystiqEpic's Fortnite is a 'fresh and bubbly' co-op survival sandbox game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jul 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cliff-bleszinskico-opcomic-conepic-gamesfortnitepcsandboxsdccsdcc-2012survivaltanya-jessenThu, 12 Jul 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Last of Us multi isn't campaign co-op]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/the-last-of-us-multi-isnt-campaign-co-op/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/the-last-of-us-multi-isnt-campaign-co-op/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/the-last-of-us-multi-isnt-campaign-co-op/#comments The multiplayer portion of The Last of Us will not be campaign co-op, Naughty Dog recently told Gaming Examiner. The possibility of cooperative play hasn't been ruled out entirely, as the developer noted, "We're not ready to talk about the details of how multiplayer will be implemented, however we can say that it is not co-op within the main campaign."

It's still possible we'll see cooperative play offered in discreet episodes, as Naughty Dog did with the Uncharted series. Of course, there's the possibility for adversarial multiplayer as well, though that seems a bit ... inappropriate given the heavy subject matter in The Last of Us.

JoystiqThe Last of Us multi isn't campaign co-op originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jun 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co-opmultiplayernaughty-dogplaystationps3sceasony-computer-entertainment-americathe-last-of-usThu, 28 Jun 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Warframe, a free-to-play shooter Digital Extremes wants you to try]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/warframe-a-free-to-play-shooter-digital-extremes-wants-you-to-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/warframe-a-free-to-play-shooter-digital-extremes-wants-you-to-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/warframe-a-free-to-play-shooter-digital-extremes-wants-you-to-t/#comments
Digital Extremes making a F2P shooter, Warframe
Digital Extremes, the developer behind The Darkness 2 and the coming Star Trek title, is working on a free-to-play, co-op focused shooter called Warframe. The beta is "coming soon," Digital Extremes promises, and signing up now will get players an exclusive beta-only weapon.

The above pre-alpha trailer pitches Warframe as a futuristic, time-bending, sword-slashing sci-fi shooter. If it looks like your cup of bloody tea, add your name to the beta list right here.

JoystiqWarframe, a free-to-play shooter Digital Extremes wants you to try originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jun 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaco-opdigital-extremesf2pfree-to-playpcshooterwarframeMon, 25 Jun 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft shows off four-player co-op in Far Cry 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/ubisoft-shows-off-four-player-co-op-in-far-cry-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/ubisoft-shows-off-four-player-co-op-in-far-cry-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/ubisoft-shows-off-four-player-co-op-in-far-cry-3/#comments Ubisoft shows off fourplayer coop in Far Cry 3Ubisoft took the stage at the Sony press conference this afternoon to show off a new feature of Far Cry 3: Four-player co-op. Rather than take place in the game's singleplayer world, the co-op feature is an additional mode, offering a mission-based campaign, where players have to team up to accomplish certain objective-based tasks.

Ubisoft also showed off a map editor for the game, and mentioned that Far Cry 3 would also have extra content exclusively on Sony's console. The game is due out later on this year.

JoystiqUbisoft shows off four-player co-op in Far Cry 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Jun 2012 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>campaignco-opfar-cryfar-cry-3four-playermissionsmultiplayerplaystationps3Mon, 04 Jun 2012 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft addresses lack of split-screen co-op in Ghost Recon: Future Soldier]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/ubisoft-addresses-lack-of-split-screen-co-op-in-ghost-recon-fut/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/ubisoft-addresses-lack-of-split-screen-co-op-in-ghost-recon-fut/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/ubisoft-addresses-lack-of-split-screen-co-op-in-ghost-recon-fut/#comments ImageLiving-room soldiers looking to team up with a real-life buddy for some Ghost Recon: Future Soldier couch co-op may be sorely disappointed once they discover that split-screen multiplayer doesn't exist for the game's campaign mode, despite various online retailers (including Ubisoft's own UbiShop) purporting the game's support of that very feature.

"We've been made aware of the presence of outdated information on UbiShop and several retailer sites stating split screen, cooperative play is available in Ghost Recon: Future Soldier's campaign," Ubisoft forum manager EvilPixieGrr said in an update on the publisher's forums. "We have ensured the information has been updated on the sites affected by this."

Luckily for Ubisoft, Future Soldier's actual retail box art does not sing the praises of local campaign co-op.

[Thanks, Keith!]

JoystiqUbisoft addresses lack of split-screen co-op in Ghost Recon: Future Soldier originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>campaignco-opGhost-Recon-Future-Soldierlocal-multiplayermicrosoftpcplaystationps3ubisoftUbisoft-Parisubisoft-red-stormxboxSat, 26 May 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Payday dev collaborating with Valve on Left 4 Dead 'co-operative initiative']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/payday-dev-collaborating-with-valve-on-left-4-dead-co-operative/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/payday-dev-collaborating-with-valve-on-left-4-dead-co-operative/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/payday-dev-collaborating-with-valve-on-left-4-dead-co-operative/#comments ImagePayday: The Heist studio Overkill Software and Valve Software are working on ... something together. What that something is remains to be seen, as Overkill game director Ulf Andersson only described the collaboration as a "co-operative initiative" between the two companies. We do know that it'll involve both Overkill's Payday: The Heist and Valve's Left 4 Dead - two team-focused four-player co-operative romps (enough hyphens for you?).

"We are working on a very cool blend of Payday and Left 4 Dead," Andersson wrote on his company's official site. "I am sure it is so exciting that it will have some players check into the hospital before we are done." Oh, hospital, you say? We see what you're doing there, you crazy Swedes you!

Andersson apparently couldn't help himself, and added one more zombie-themed quip. "Keep an eye out for more on this infectious and developing story." We know at least one guy we won't be letting into the safe house.

JoystiqPayday dev collaborating with Valve on Left 4 Dead 'co-operative initiative' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2012 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co-opco-operative-initiativecollaborationleft-4-deadoverkilloverkill-softwarepayday-the-heistulf-anderssonvalvevalve-softwareMon, 21 May 2012 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Co-opinion: Slaughtering Skags in Borderlands 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/co-opinion-slaughtering-skags-in-borderlands-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/co-opinion-slaughtering-skags-in-borderlands-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/co-opinion-slaughtering-skags-in-borderlands-2/#comments Image
David Hinkle: So, Borderlands 2. How fitting I would play as the slender female and you the hulking giant mohawk guy, eh?
Jessica Conditt: To be fair, Salvador is supposed to be a tiny, muscled man, not the hulking behemoth that I felt like while playing him. Double shotguns will do that to a man.
Agreed. And even though you were carrying every single gun in the universe, we ran into a few bottlenecks. I certainly tried to play Maya as a tank, but I don't think that was a very good idea. Skags, man. Skags.
And that new, juicy element. Slag, right? We took more damage when they flung it on us, which was an annoying experience. But the phaselock health dump was a saving grace there. You kept me alive on quite a few occasions with that. Slag, man. Slag.

Gallery: Borderlands 2 (PAX East 2012)

Continue reading Co-opinion: Slaughtering Skags in Borderlands 2

JoystiqCo-opinion: Slaughtering Skags in Borderlands 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Borderlandsborderlands-2co-opGearboxGearbox-Softwaremicrosoftpax-eastpax-east-2012pcplaystationps3xboxMon, 09 Apr 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Assassin's Creed 3 multiplayer comes from old studio, new lead designer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/assassins-creed-3-multiplayer-comes-from-old-studio-new-lead-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/assassins-creed-3-multiplayer-comes-from-old-studio-new-lead-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/assassins-creed-3-multiplayer-comes-from-old-studio-new-lead-d/#comments Assassin's Creed 3 is getting the multiplayer treatment from Ubisoft Annecy, the studio responsible for multiplayer modes in Revelations and Brotherhood, an update on veteran designer Tim Browne's Twitter page reads. Browne's profile says "Lead Game Designer on Assassin's Creed III Multiplayer @Ubisoft - Annecy," which leaves little to the imagination (scandalous).

The multiplayer aspect of AC3 remains relatively vague, apart from the "Online co-op 2-4" feature removed from the title's XBLM listing, and the "Online multiplayer 2-8" one that is still there. A few of Browne's shipments included local and online co-op modes, including Operation Flashpoint: Red River and Dragon Rising, and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End. He has no previous involvement with Assassin's Creed franchise.

An old studio with a fresh face -- Ubisoft is sending us mixed signals about its multiplayer mode, and dang it if we're not falling for the tease all over again.

JoystiqAssassin's Creed 3 multiplayer comes from old studio, new lead designer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-3co-opmicrosoftmultiplayerpcplaystationps3Tim-BrowneUbisoftubisoft-annecyxboxWed, 21 Mar 2012 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Street Fighter X Tekken can't take local teams online on Xbox 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/street-fighter-x-tekken-cant-take-local-teams-online-on-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/street-fighter-x-tekken-cant-take-local-teams-online-on-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/street-fighter-x-tekken-cant-take-local-teams-online-on-xbox-360/#comments There's a major difference between the Xbox 360 version of Street Fighter X Tekken and its PS3 twin, it turns out. According to the manual included with both versions, the game's tag team modes allow you and a local friend to sign on to the same console and fight against two other people online; your buddy presses start at the character select screen and off you go. In actuality, this functionality only exists in the PS3 version of the game.

The issue has been acknowledged by Christian Svensson at Capcom, who stated that Capcom has no plans to patch the feature in, and that its inclusion in the manual was a mistake. "The reason for this difference is because of the architecture differences between [Xbox Live] gamertags and PSN IDs. I'm not sure of the technical details, but basically it amounts to: Sony made it so you can mix and match online and offline, and Microsoft made it so you can't."

That sounded like a reasonable explanation, until we remembered that the 360 version of Mortal Kombat does that exact thing, allowing two local players to take part in tag-team battles online. If it's possible for NetherRealm Studios to include the feature in Mortal Kombat -- the MK studio's first release under the NetherRealm banner -- its exclusion from Capcom's brand-new flagship fighter seems strange at the very least.

JoystiqStreet Fighter X Tekken can't take local teams online on Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Capcomco-opmicrosoftMortal-KombatMortal-Kombat-2011onlineplaystationps3PSNSFxTstreet-fighter-x-tekkenxboxXbox-LiveTue, 06 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Assassin's Creed 3 four-player co-op listed by XBL Marketplace]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/assassins-creed-3-four-player-co-op-accidentally-revealed-by-xb/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/assassins-creed-3-four-player-co-op-accidentally-revealed-by-xb/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/assassins-creed-3-four-player-co-op-accidentally-revealed-by-xb/#comments The Xbox Live Marketplace's listing for Assassin's Creed 3 briefly counted "Online co-op 2 - 4" among the game's various features, as well as "Online multiplayer 2 - 8." While the online multiplayer classification remains, the co-op listing has since been removed from both the European and North American Xbox Live Marketplace.

Situations like this are tricky, because the Xbox Live Marketplace has been known to list some patently false information. At times, however, it can be right on the money, so we're bringing it your attention. While multiplayer is nothing new at this point for Assassin's Creed, campaign co-op would be a major addition to the franchise.

JoystiqAssassin's Creed 3 four-player co-op listed by XBL Marketplace originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 12:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-3co-opmicrosoftmultiplayernintendopcplaystationps3ubisoftubisoft-montrealwii-uxboxTue, 06 Mar 2012 12:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Killing Floor celebrates one million murderers served with midweek sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/killing-floor-celebrates-one-million-murderers-served-with-midwe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/killing-floor-celebrates-one-million-murderers-served-with-midwe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/killing-floor-celebrates-one-million-murderers-served-with-midwe/#comments How does one celebrate a milestone nowadays? It's been a while since we've had time to celebrate anything, constantly minding our posts in the trenches of hard-nosed games journalism and all. Do you eat a nice meal? Partake in a round of putt-putt?

For Tripwire Interactive, the only way to celebrate is by slashing prices. The studio's co-op survival horror game, Killing Floor, is on sale for $2.99 as a result of recently selling its one millionth copy. Over the last few years, Killing Floor players have racked up 45 million hours of playtime and killed over 500 million enemies. Man, that floor must be getting stickier than a neglected cinema aisle.

You have until Thursday to take advantage of the sale.

JoystiqKilling Floor celebrates one million murderers served with midweek sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co-opkilling-floorpcsteamtripwire-interactivevalveWed, 15 Feb 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Marketplace: RE6 features 6-player online co-op, 8-player online multi [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/22/xbox-marketplace-re6-features-6-player-online-co-op-8-player-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/22/xbox-marketplace-re6-features-6-player-online-co-op-8-player-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/22/xbox-marketplace-re6-features-6-player-online-co-op-8-player-o/#comments The Xbox Marketplace listing for Resident Evil 6 appears to contain some exceedingly juicy and entirely unannounced secrets about Capcom's upcoming thriller. If the listing is to be believed, Leon and Chris' latest adventure will include 2-player couch co-op, 6-player online co-op and 8-player "online multiplayer," which we're assuming will be some sort of group Mercenaries exercise.

What's even more astounding is all of this information is just out there, floating around the Internet. We didn't have to collect masks or unlock a blood-filled casket or find key cards or anything. For now, we're cautiously taking everything we read with a grain of salt, even if it is the Xbox Marketplace. We've also reached out to Capcom for confirmation of these features.

Update: We have received a missive from Capcom: "We'll have further clarification in the coming weeks." Tantalizing!

JoystiqXbox Marketplace: RE6 features 6-player online co-op, 8-player online multi [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 22 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomco-opmicrosoftmultimultiplayeronline-co-oponline-multiplayerpcplaystationps3resident-evil-6xboxxbox-marketplaceSun, 22 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Syndicate co-op demo lands Jan. 31, Feb. 1 on XBL and PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/syndicate-co-op-demo-lands-jan-31-feb-1-on-xbla-and-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/syndicate-co-op-demo-lands-jan-31-feb-1-on-xbla-and-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/syndicate-co-op-demo-lands-jan-31-feb-1-on-xbla-and-psn/#comments The co-op demo for Syndicate launches on Xbox Live in North America and Europe on January 31, while the PlayStation Network version drops the same day in North America, and on February 1 for Europe. The demo covers the "Western Europe" co-op mission, in which you steal blueprints from Cayman Global and assassinate Colonel Enrico Gabron, one of nine co-op challenges in the full game.

Liking the Syndicate page on Facebook begets access to remixed tracks of the original Syndicate soundtrack by Digitalism, Flux Pavillion and Skrillex, which is newsworthy because until just now we thought Skrillex was the singer in some trendy rap-metal band. And possibly a girl. Huh.

Continue reading Syndicate co-op demo lands Jan. 31, Feb. 1 on XBL and PSN

JoystiqSyndicate co-op demo lands Jan. 31, Feb. 1 on XBL and PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Jan 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co-opDemomicrosoftpcplaystationplaystation-networkproject-redlimeps3PSNsyndicatexboxxbox-livexbox-live-marketplaceSat, 21 Jan 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Uncharted 3 DLC map pack available to Fortune Hunters today, more teased]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/uncharted-3-dlc-map-pack-available-to-fortune-hunters-today-mor/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/uncharted-3-dlc-map-pack-available-to-fortune-hunters-today-mor/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/uncharted-3-dlc-map-pack-available-to-fortune-hunters-today-mor/#comments A new DLC pack for Uncharted 3 is available today for members of the "Fortune Hunters' Club," the season pass solution for Nathan Drake's latest adventure. Today's pack includes the Cave, Fort, Lost City, and Sanctuary maps, all reworked from past versions with new lighting, textures, and terrain and weather effects. If you haven't yet bought in to the FHC, the pass is available on PSN now for $24.99.

And if that's not enough, Sony is looking to sweeten the pot a bit further. Originally, the pass was going to allow access to seven different packs (four map releases and three new packs of character skins), but now that number has doubled to 14 packs of content over the next year, all included in that same $24.99 price. All we've got about the new DLC so far is that teaser image above, which shows series baddie Lazarević, along with Flynn and Eddy. Fans are guessing it's villians-based co-op content.

Next up for DLC is three character skin packs, with two focusing on Uncharted's rogues gallery, and one featuring alternate skins for the heroes. A release date for those, as well as more DLC info, will be available from Sony soon.

JoystiqUncharted 3 DLC map pack available to Fortune Hunters today, more teased originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co-opdlcdlc-packfortune-hunters-clubplaystationps3sonyuncharted-3uncharted-3-drakes-deceptionvilliansTue, 17 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Darkness 2 gets 4-player co-op mode in 'Vendettas,' we count the wieldings [update: video, more screens!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/the-darkness-2-gets-4-player-co-op-mode-in-vendettas-we-count/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/the-darkness-2-gets-4-player-co-op-mode-in-vendettas-we-count/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/the-darkness-2-gets-4-player-co-op-mode-in-vendettas-we-count/#comments
So, we're not mathemagicians but we're pretty sure we've got this worked out. The big marketing gotcha in The Darkness 2 is quad-wielding, meaning your character, mob boss Jackie Estacado, can not only dual wield pistols but also dual wield Darkness arms at the same time. With 2K's announcement of a co-op mode in the game, playable by up to four friends, we had to use all of our fingers and toes to figure out how much wielding is going on and ... we think we have it. Ladies and nerds, allow us to introduce: hexadeca-wielding. Google says that's the Greek prefix for "sixteen."

The co-op mode, dubbed "Vendettas," is a "team-focused, mission based experience" with new environments and new story elements, "that takes place parallel to the single-player story." And instead of getting stuck with ol' Jackie Boy, perhaps you might try your hand(s) at another of the new co-op characters: Inugami, "a dark and mentally unstable character with revenge-driven motives" ... and a samurai sword; Shoshanna, an Israeli Intelligence agent with a gun that fires "multiple rounds of gunfire at one time" which, real talk, is impossible; Jimmy Wilson, an alcoholic Scotsman (really!) who hates the English and summons Darklings with his "Dark Axe"; and lastly, J.P. DuMond, a New Orleans-based practitioner of voodoo medicine or, as he would perhaps be more commonly called, a witch doctor!

So that's Vendettas, the first game to feature four-player hexadeca-wielding co-op play, a back-of-the-box feature that's sure to bring all the boys to the killing yards.

Gallery: The Darkness 2 (Vendettas Co-op Mode)

JoystiqThe Darkness 2 gets 4-player co-op mode in 'Vendettas,' we count the wieldings [update: video, more screens!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesco-opdigital-extremesmicrosoftplaystationps3the-darkness-2xboxTue, 06 Dec 2011 09:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Saints Row: The Third online co-op campaign and 'Whored Mode' gated with online pass]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/11/saints-row-the-third-online-co-op-campaign-and-whored-mode-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/11/saints-row-the-third-online-co-op-campaign-and-whored-mode-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/11/saints-row-the-third-online-co-op-campaign-and-whored-mode-ga/#comments If you're considering postponing your purchase of Saints Row: The Third until sometime after next Tuesday in hopes of snagging a less expensive used copy, but also yearn for online cooperative mayhem, beware: an online pass is required before taking to the Information Superhighway.

Included in new copies of both Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of Saints Row: The Third are one-time use codes for redemption upon initial launch of any online multiplayer, prompting users to otherwise purchase a pass for an undisclosed amount (we've asked THQ for clarification). Unfortunately, despite having both 360 and PS3 copies available for review at Joystiq, the 360 pass won't activate until launch and very few reviewers have PS3 code. Rest assured, we'll have our own review of Saints Row: The Third -- co-op or not -- by early next week.

JoystiqSaints Row: The Third online co-op campaign and 'Whored Mode' gated with online pass originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Nov 2011 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co-opmicrosoftmultiplayeronlineonline-multiplayeronline-passplaystationps3saints-row-the-thirdthqvolitionvolition-incxboxFri, 11 Nov 2011 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Portal 2's second DLC is an 'in-game editor,' arrives 'early next year']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/portal-2s-second-dlc-is-an-in-game-editor-arrives-early-nex/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/portal-2s-second-dlc-is-an-in-game-editor-arrives-early-nex/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/portal-2s-second-dlc-is-an-in-game-editor-arrives-early-nex/#comments Valve has just unveiled plans for the second downloadable content package coming to this year's big sequel, Portal 2: an "in-game editor!" According to a PR statement from the company, the next DLC is currently "in development and targeted for release early next year."

Apparently some form of community functionality will be attached to player creations, allowing other users to "view, play, and vote" on various levels. Outside of some cursory details -- the editor will allow players to create and share both single-player and co-op levels -- little is known about how editing will work, or if the DLC will arrive on both PC/Mac and consoles.

With Steam support on all but one console, the Xbox 360, we wouldn't be surprised if the second Portal 2 DLC doesn't arrive everywhere. But then Valve head Gabe Newell indicated differently in a recent interview, so we just can't be sure. We've reached out to Valve for some clarity.

Gallery: Portal 2 (Map Editor)

Continue reading Portal 2's second DLC is an 'in-game editor,' arrives 'early next year'

JoystiqPortal 2's second DLC is an 'in-game editor,' arrives 'early next year' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co-opdlcdownloadable-contentin-game-editormacmap-editormicrosoftpcplaystationportal-2ps3valvevalve-softwarexboxFri, 21 Oct 2011 15:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Shank 2: Back for more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/shank-2-back-for-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/shank-2-back-for-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/shank-2-back-for-more/#comments Klei Entertainment's Shank was a lovable, uncomplicated indie beat-em-up. The game's protagonist went on a murderous rampage using whatever he had lying around, including guns, a big knife, a chainsaw, and a few other items. It's probably no surprise that the recently announced Shank 2 is more of that kind of thing.

The backgrounds are nicer and more colorful, Shank's enemies are more varied, and the controls are refined. It's a better, cleaner Shank experience. The indie charm is still there, and the whole game is more polished.

Oh, and there's one big feature that will probably make the game for fans of the series: An endless online co-op survival mode.

Continue reading Shank 2: Back for more

JoystiqShank 2: Back for more originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co-opdownloadableeaklei-entetainmentmicrosoftmodepcplaystationps3shankshank-2survivalxboxThu, 29 Sep 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker HD will have online co-op through PSN and Xbox Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/05/metal-gear-solid-peace-walker-hd-will-have-online-co-op-through/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/05/metal-gear-solid-peace-walker-hd-will-have-online-co-op-through/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/05/metal-gear-solid-peace-walker-hd-will-have-online-co-op-through/#comments The HD version of Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker offers nice bonuses beyond sharper graphics and dual analog controls. Today, Hideo Kojima announced that Peace Walker will feature online co-op (or CO-OPS, as it's known in-game) on Xbox 360 and PS3 via infrastructure mode.

It is possible to play the PSP version online, but to do so requires Sony's "adhocParty" app, and a connection to a PS3 that is using a wired internet connection. This version will be as simple as it is with any other Xbox Live/PSN game. And, Kojima confirmed, it'll run in 60 frames per second even with 4 players.

While you grudgingly admit that you want to buy the games again, now in the HD collection, here's a little perspective: Peace Walker is being sold separately in Japan, but it's just one part of a bundle here.

JoystiqMetal Gear Solid: Peace Walker HD will have online co-op through PSN and Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Sep 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co-ophideo-kojimametal-gear-solid-hd-collectionmetal-gear-solid-peace-walkermicrosoftplaystationps3psnxboxxbox-liveMon, 05 Sep 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Space Marine gets 'Exterminatus' co-op DLC in October, free for everyone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/space-marine-gets-exterminatus-co-op-dlc-in-october-free-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/space-marine-gets-exterminatus-co-op-dlc-in-october-free-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/space-marine-gets-exterminatus-co-op-dlc-in-october-free-for/#comments Warhammer 40K: Space Marine may be pushing its meaty shoulders into retail this coming week, but its co-op mode won't arrive until "early October" says THQ. The mode, with the Latin-derived name "Exterminatus," will be made free as a download to "all players" according to THQ's release.

Exterminatus contains two separate "scenarios" in which four-player groups can maneuver their bulky trio of classes around, chainsawing through everything in their path. Global leaderboards are also included, posing "dynamic challenges" to players and supporting additional "score modifiers" (read: Skulls).

Some confusion was raised over the game's co-op back in August when a GameStop advert pinned the co-op mode exclusively to GameStop pre-orders, but today's announcement clearly refutes that information.

Gallery: Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine (Co-op Mode)

Continue reading Space Marine gets 'Exterminatus' co-op DLC in October, free for everyone

JoystiqSpace Marine gets 'Exterminatus' co-op DLC in October, free for everyone originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co-opdlcdownloadable-contentexterminatusmicrosoftpcplaystationps3q4-2011release-daterelicrelic-entertainmentthqwarhammer-40k-space-marinexboxFri, 02 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3 co-op preview: Army of one]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/20/battlefield-3-co-op-preview-army-of-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/20/battlefield-3-co-op-preview-army-of-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/20/battlefield-3-co-op-preview-army-of-one/#comments If EA weren't already inviting so many comparisons between the two, maybe I'd feel guilty about juxtaposing the co-op section of Battlefield 3 that I played with the co-op ("Spec Ops") section of Modern Warfare 3 I played this week at Gamescom. Like MW3, my colleague Alexander and I were given hands-on time with a specific co-op mission in BF3 -- the same one played on-stage during EA's press conference.

Unlike Infinity Ward and Sledgehammer Games' demo, however, Battlefield 3's co-op section didn't feature any interesting kink in the experience. Moreover, Battlefield 3's co-op section wasn't co-op at all, other than the fact that I was playing it with a buddy. It could've been ripped from any section of the campaign and I'd have been none the wiser. While the Spec Ops mission we played in MW3 was built around the concept of cooperative play, with one player acting as eye in the sky and the other as bomb defuser, the mission in Battlefield 3, well, it wasn't. It was just a campaign mission with two people.

Gallery: Battlefield 3 (Gamescom 2011)

Continue reading Battlefield 3 co-op preview: Army of one

JoystiqBattlefield 3 co-op preview: Army of one originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 20 Aug 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3co-opdiceeaea-diceelectronic-artsgamescomgamescom-2011microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxSat, 20 Aug 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Trine 2 trailer charms with co-op]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/trine-2-trailer-charms-with-co-op/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/trine-2-trailer-charms-with-co-op/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/trine-2-trailer-charms-with-co-op/#comments
Whenever we embroil ourselves in a fantasy-themed game, we like to imagine ourselves as total loners -- you know, like a bunch of regular ol' Aragorns. The co-op-heavy trailer for Trine 2 posted above makes us rethink our lonely, lonely strategy.

JoystiqTrine 2 trailer charms with co-op originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusco-opFrozenbytemicrosoftplaystationps3trine-2xboxFri, 19 Aug 2011 13:00:00 EST