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[Preview: City of Heroes: Going Rogue]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/preview-city-of-heroes-going-rogue/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/preview-city-of-heroes-going-rogue/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/preview-city-of-heroes-going-rogue/#commentsFiled under: , ,

I got to play the new Going Rogue expansion for City of Heroes at Comic-Con. I haven't played the six-year-old MMO in a while, so I was out of the loop -- since I'd last played it, Paragon Studios has updated the graphics, added a mission editor, and put out a host of other upgrades and features. But Going Rogue's big feature is something players have been asking about for a while: For the first time in the game, heroes and villains will be able to switch sides with an interesting set of morality quests.

Paragon Studios senior producer Jesse Caceres and the game's art lead, David Nakayama, told me that the alignment change is a natural evolution from all of the other customization choices they've given to players in the past. "One of our strengths is the character creation system," says Caceres, "and with the Mission Architect, players could custom create and craft their own stories, create their own villain groups. We want to give players more options, so with this expansion, we're giving them the freedom to change their alignments from Hero to Villain" (and vice versa).

Continue reading Preview: City of Heroes: Going Rogue

JoystiqPreview: City of Heroes: Going Rogue originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>City-of-Heroescity-of-heroes-going-roguecomic-con-2010contentexpansiongoing-roguemission-architectncsoftparagon-studiospcquestsMon, 02 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Splatterhouse producer talks blood, guts and paying homage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/30/splatterhouse-producer-talks-blood-guts-and-paying-homage/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/30/splatterhouse-producer-talks-blood-guts-and-paying-homage/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/30/splatterhouse-producer-talks-blood-guts-and-paying-homage/#comments Controversy is not new to games, but few tend to attract it as eagerly as the upcoming Splatterhouse remake. Following our E3 preview of the game, we were unsure if Namco Bandai's effort would be little more than fodder for your local news looking to stir up viewers. I chatted with producer Dan Tovar at Comic-Con last week to find out if there's more to Splatterhouse than blood, guts and a sensational headline.

"I was a huge fan of Splatterhouse since as far back as I could remember," Tovar told me. "Played the crap out of all three of the original games back in the '80s and '90s, and so when I came to Namco years ago, they were looking for concepts to get going in the next couple of years. I asked them, 'Are we going to be able to do old properties?' and they said yes. Splatterhouse was on the top of my list, so we just went to work trying to get a concept together, and it just snowballed from there."

Gallery: Splatterhouse (5/24/10)

Continue reading Splatterhouse producer talks blood, guts and paying homage

JoystiqSplatterhouse producer talks blood, guts and paying homage originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comic-con-2010dan-tovarmicrosoftnamco-bandaiplaystationps3SplatterhousexboxFri, 30 Jul 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[inFamous 2 Comic-Con panel acknowledges Cole's fear of fences]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/30/infamous-2-comic-con-panel-acknowledges-coles-fear-of-fences/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/30/infamous-2-comic-con-panel-acknowledges-coles-fear-of-fences/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/30/infamous-2-comic-con-panel-acknowledges-coles-fear-of-fences/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Sucker Punch Productions' Comic-Con 2010 panel offered a fairly comprehensive look at the past, present and future of the inFamous franchise, discussing a variety of topics ranging from protagonist Cole McGrath's creative origins to the inspirations behind his new crimefighting venue, New Marais. Of course, the biggest revelation came at the end of the panel, when the development team was forced to address Cole's biggest oft-criticized weakness: his selective inability to climb chain link fences.

Will our hero be able to conquer these sinister, interwoven palisades in the upcoming sequel? Answers await in PlayStation.Blog's video wrapup of the panel, posted just after the jump.

Continue reading inFamous 2 Comic-Con panel acknowledges Cole's fear of fences

JoystiqinFamous 2 Comic-Con panel acknowledges Cole's fear of fences originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comic-con-2010infamousinFamous-2playstationps3Sucker-Punch-ProductionsFri, 30 Jul 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft currency becomes real-world coins]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/30/world-of-warcraft-currency-becomes-real-world-coins/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/30/world-of-warcraft-currency-becomes-real-world-coins/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/30/world-of-warcraft-currency-becomes-real-world-coins/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We can easily wrap our minds around the hobby of coin collection -- after all, coins are pretty awesome, and at the end of the day, you're really just spending money on money, making it a relatively low-cost endeavor. However, DC Direct's recently pressed World of Warcraft-themed currency -- which comes in a set of one bronze, silver and gold coin, each featuring a faction leader and major city from the MMO on both sides -- is a bit beyond our understanding.

According to G4, these three coins were on sale at Comic-Con for $69.99, though their real-life spendability is negligible at best. Heck, even if you wanted to use them to purchase your Artisan Riding skill and mount, you'd have to shell out well over $350,000 in order to do so. Then again, those things ... aren't real. But these coins are! And, as we've said, coins are awesome. We're so conflicted!

JoystiqWorld of Warcraft currency becomes real-world coins originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardcoinscomic-con-2010dc-directpcWorld-of-WarcraftWoWFri, 30 Jul 2010 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview: DC Universe Online 'Play as Iconic' arena battle mode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/preview-dc-universe-online-play-as-iconic-arena-battle-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/preview-dc-universe-online-play-as-iconic-arena-battle-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/preview-dc-universe-online-play-as-iconic-arena-battle-mode/#comments We've seen DC Universe Online several times now over the course of its development, and it's failed to much impress us. Still, the game continues to generate interest, if only because Sony Online Entertainment is bringing it to the PS3, and many gamers have been waiting for a new console MMO, polished or otherwise, for a long time.

Last week at Comic-Con, SOE showed off the latest build of DCU and spotlighted a new feature with the awkward name "Play as Iconic." ("Iconic" is what the licensed DC comics characters are referred to as in the game.) In the main game, you will play as your own custom characters, getting guidance and help from established veterans like Batman and Superman. But, as you've probably deduced, in the Play as Iconic bonus mode, you'll get to play as DC heroes (or villains) in a 2-on-2 PvP match.

Continue reading Preview: DC Universe Online 'Play as Iconic' arena battle mode

JoystiqPreview: DC Universe Online 'Play as Iconic' arena battle mode originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmancomic-con-2010dc-universe-onlinepcplaystationps3sony-online-entertainmentThu, 29 Jul 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Felicia Day premieres The Guild music video and Xbox Live Avatar items at Comic-Con]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/28/felicia-day-premieres-the-guild-music-video-and-xbox-live-avatar/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/28/felicia-day-premieres-the-guild-music-video-and-xbox-live-avatar/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/28/felicia-day-premieres-the-guild-music-video-and-xbox-live-avatar/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Felicia Day was one of the biggest gamer stars at this year's Comic-Con -- she premiered the trailer for her Syfy movie Red, sat on a panel about "Girls Gone Geek" and made two announcements to the packed room during The Guild panel on Saturday afternoon: First, the gang has put together its second music video, dubbed "Game On" (which you can watch online or on Xbox Live); and second, Microsoft (which posts The Guild videos in HD on Xbox Live every Tuesday) will be releasing Guild-related Avatar skins this fall, so you can dress up your Xbox Live Avatar as your favorite Guild member.

In between her busy schedule of panels and signings, I caught up with Day to chat about what she's been playing, the new music video and about whether or not The Guild webseries, currently in its fourth season, has outgrown its gamer roots. Find our conversation posted after the break.

[Image credit: YGX]

Continue reading Felicia Day premieres The Guild music video and Xbox Live Avatar items at Comic-Con

JoystiqFelicia Day premieres The Guild music video and Xbox Live Avatar items at Comic-Con originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 21:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatar-marketplaceavatarscomic-con-2010felicia-daymicrosoftthe-guildxboxxbox-liveWed, 28 Jul 2010 21:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview: The Behemoth's Battleblock Theater (Comic-Con build)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/28/preview-the-behemoths-battleblock-theater-comic-con-build/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/28/preview-the-behemoths-battleblock-theater-comic-con-build/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/28/preview-the-behemoths-battleblock-theater-comic-con-build/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Indie gaming studio The Behemoth was an unexpected surprise among the video game booths at Comic-Con 2010 in San Diego. We haven't heard much about its upcoming Battleblock Theater since it was announced, making the brand new build on the show floor all the more enticing.

Like the previous version we played, gameplay revolved around little blockheads battling it out in a deathmatch ... put on for the entertainment of large cats.

Continue reading Preview: The Behemoth's Battleblock Theater (Comic-Con build)

JoystiqPreview: The Behemoth's Battleblock Theater (Comic-Con build) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battleblock-theatercomic-con-2010gameplayindieinterviewmicrosoftthe-behemothtom-fulpxblaxboxWed, 28 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The plot thickens: More on Enslaved's inspired journey to the West]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/more-on-enslaveds-inspired-journey-to-the-we/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/more-on-enslaveds-inspired-journey-to-the-we/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/more-on-enslaveds-inspired-journey-to-the-we/#comments Enslaved: Odyssey to the West was one of my favorite titles at E3 this year. It's got a terrific story foundation upon which Ninja Theory has built rock-solid combat, jazzed up by great art direction. This past week at Comic-Con, I spoke with Namco Bandai brand manager Laili Bosma, who filled in the background behind the game and fleshed out more of the gameplay mechanics that shape this promising action adventure.

The game's key aspect is the relationship between its two main characters. While their names and basic personalities have been taken from the classical Chinese novel Journey to the West, Bosma stresses that Enslaved is "very, very loosely based" on the famous tale. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic future where Trip, a fragile 19-year-old redhead, embarks on a perilous journey to return home. In order to survive, she recruits the player-controlled Monkey, a brutish slave, bound to Trip by a deadly, magical headband.

Gallery: Enslaved: Odyssey to the West (07/09/10)

Continue reading The plot thickens: More on Enslaved's inspired journey to the West

JoystiqThe plot thickens: More on Enslaved's inspired journey to the West originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comic-con-2010enslavedenslaved-odyssey-to-the-westLaila-Bosmamicrosoftnamco-bandaininja-theoryplaystationps3xboxTue, 27 Jul 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview: Dragon Age 'Golems of Amgarrak' DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/preview-dragon-age-golems-of-amgarrak-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/preview-dragon-age-golems-of-amgarrak-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/preview-dragon-age-golems-of-amgarrak-dlc/#comments "We just brought it down," the marketing guy from BioWare told me while waiting in line. The company was already bringing a bunch of computers to Comic-Con to let visiting fans preview Dragon Age 2, so they figured why not bring some PCs down all loaded up with unreleased DLC to play, too? Other companies hold secret sneak previews and require pages of NDA agreements to see their unreleased games for the first time, but BioWare just brings them to Comic-Con.

So yes, alongside the public, I got a chance to see the upcoming DLC. And the first thing I heard about it is that it's hard. Really hard. Dragon Age: Origins is already a game that requires some thinking, but BioWare has apparently turned up the difficulty on this one -- there's lots of big enemies, I was told, that will provide a challenge even on the easiest setting.

Continue reading Preview: Dragon Age 'Golems of Amgarrak' DLC

JoystiqPreview: Dragon Age 'Golems of Amgarrak' DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecomic-con-2010Dragon-AgeDragon-Age-Originseamicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 27 Jul 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Red Faction: Armageddon and the balance of open-world versus story-driven]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/red-faction-armageddon-and-the-balance-of-open-world-versus-sto/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/red-faction-armageddon-and-the-balance-of-open-world-versus-sto/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/red-faction-armageddon-and-the-balance-of-open-world-versus-sto/#comments THQ and Volition brought Red Faction: Armageddon to Comic-Con last weekend, and even though the demo on display was the same one we saw behind closed doors at E3, we threatened to collapse their headquarters with a Nano Forge if they didn't tell us something new about the game. Volition producer Dan Sutton and writer Drew Holmes gave us a little insight on what they're planning to do with the story of Darius Mason, Alec's grandson.

Let's get the important stuff out of the way first: The sledgehammer is coming back, so don't worry about that. As for the Ostrich, I didn't get confirmation so much as laughter from the developers, but they said that there would probably be something silly in the game this time around, depending on what the community came up with. "It's up to NeoGAF," joked Holmes. "Someone will photoshop something, and then we'll be stuck."

Gallery: Red Faction: Armageddon (Comic-Con)

Continue reading Red Faction: Armageddon and the balance of open-world versus story-driven

JoystiqRed Faction: Armageddon and the balance of open-world versus story-driven originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capekcomic-con-2010Dan-SuttonDrew-Holmesmicrosoftostrich-hammerplaystationps3red-factionRed-Faction-ArmageddonsledgehammerthqvolitionxboxTue, 27 Jul 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Space 2 producer reflects on the changes and challenges of the sequel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/dead-space-2-producer-reflects-on-the-changes-and-challenges-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/dead-space-2-producer-reflects-on-the-changes-and-challenges-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/dead-space-2-producer-reflects-on-the-changes-and-challenges-of/#comments First on the agenda for my meeting with Dead Space 2 executive producer Steve Papoutsis at Comic-Con was an earnest request: better tutorials, please. After all, I had played through the entire first game without realizing that I could press a button to use a medkit -- that I didn't have to open up the onscreen inventory, while being attacked, to heal. "You're not alone," Papoutsis said laughing. "We're currently focus testing some of our tutorials, and believe you me, we've got two that remind you to do that, because you're not alone."

"That was a feature that we were in hot debate over," Papoutsis added, "and many of us, myself included, really pushed for it." Similar discussions have carried over into the development of the sequel, as Visceral Games continues to refine the gameplay. "We're taking it a step further," Papoutsis said of Dead Space 2, "so now, when you're not in combat or aim mode, you'll use one of your stasis recharge items. We've got health and stasis mapped" to a button.

Gallery: Dead Space 2 (7/21/10)

Continue reading Dead Space 2 producer reflects on the changes and challenges of the sequel

JoystiqDead Space 2 producer reflects on the changes and challenges of the sequel originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comic-con-2010dead-spacedead-space-2eamicrosoftpcplaystationps3steve-papoutsisvisceralvisceral-gamesxboxMon, 26 Jul 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hey, check out this Claptrap toy, everybody -- it's dancing, it's dancing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/hey-check-out-this-claptrap-toy-everybody-its-dancing-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/hey-check-out-this-claptrap-toy-everybody-its-dancing-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/hey-check-out-this-claptrap-toy-everybody-its-dancing-it/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Everyone's favorite character from Borderlands is getting a toy, courtesy of NECA. No, we're not talking about a Scooter action figure (though that sounds like an excellent idea), we're talking about bounty board attendant supreme, CL4P-TP -- Claptrap, for short.

NECA was on-hand at Comic-Con this past weekend, showing off the prototype above. The final version, which will be able to recite lines from the game, is slated for release this October. Frankly, we can't wait to get our own, mostly because we've always wondered what kind of loot our house has been hiding.

JoystiqHey, check out this Claptrap toy, everybody -- it's dancing, it's dancing originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesaction-figureBorderlandsclaptrapcomic-concomic-con-2010gearboxgearbox-softwaremicrosoftnecapcplaystationps3toysxboxMon, 26 Jul 2010 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ's Danny Bilson reveals the universe of Red Faction media]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/thqs-danny-bilson-reveals-the-universe-of-red-faction-media/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/thqs-danny-bilson-reveals-the-universe-of-red-faction-media/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/thqs-danny-bilson-reveals-the-universe-of-red-faction-media/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

THQ's Core Games VP Danny Bilson contributed to a panel with a few Syfy execs this past weekend at Comic-Con, along with Andrew Kreisberg, writer for the upcoming Red Faction: Origins movie. The panel was about "transmedia" in general and Red Faction specifically, with THQ being a prime example of a company trying to tell (and sell) a universe's stories across multiple platforms and media. The way it's all going to work is that Red Faction Guerilla starred Alex Mason, Red Faction: Origins will star his son and daughter Jake and Myra, and then Red Faction Armageddon will star Darius Mason, Alex's grandson.

Kriesberg revealed that the movie will feature "three sort of main factions," and that "they're all sort of right. Everyone thinks this is their planet, and that's what makes the drama." Kriesberg shared one line from the movie that he believes wraps up a major theme: "It's hard to win a war, because the winners have to clean up."

Bilson also mentioned the upcoming downloadable game, and said that one of the factions from the movie, the White Faction, will have "elements" in the XBLA and PSN title. Bilson said that THQ's got "two more of these" transmedia properties "in the hopper" -- we presume he means Saints Row and de Blob, both previously revealed to be in progress.

JoystiqTHQ's Danny Bilson reveals the universe of Red Faction media originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comic-con-2010danny-bilsonmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3red-factionRed-Faction-ArmageddonRed-Faction-BattlegroundsthqwiixboxMon, 26 Jul 2010 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Suicide Squad game in production, says DC's Geoff Johns]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/suicide-squad-game-in-production-says-dcs-geoff-johns/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/suicide-squad-game-in-production-says-dcs-geoff-johns/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/suicide-squad-game-in-production-says-dcs-geoff-johns/#commentsFiled under: , ,

During a DC Universe panel at this year's San Diego Comic-Con, DC Comics chief creative officer Geoff Johns revealed plans for a game adaptation of the .... less than well-known Suicide Squad. According to Comics Alliance, Johns revealed as much during a panel on the ever-expanding DC Universe, only saying that the game would be "hardcore violent." Comics Alliance believes it could be released alongside the film of the same name, currently in-production.

Unfortunately, Johns didn't give any further details, or even an idea of when we might hear more about it. Given that DC Comics HQ isn't too far from our offices, though, we might assemble a Suicide Squad of our own and head over to find out more. We've already said too much!

JoystiqSuicide Squad game in production, says DC's Geoff Johns originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comic-con-2010dc-comicsdc-universegeoff-johnssuicide-squadMon, 26 Jul 2010 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Decorate your Front Mission Evolved robot with logos from ... Metal Gear?!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/decorate-your-front-mission-evolved-robot-with-logos-from-me/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/decorate-your-front-mission-evolved-robot-with-logos-from-me/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/decorate-your-front-mission-evolved-robot-with-logos-from-me/#commentsFiled under: , ,

During Comic-Con, Square Enix revealed what Hideo Kojima and Yoji Shinkawa were up to when they visited the company last month: Metal Gear-themed decals for use in Front Mission Evolved. You won't exactly be able to make your Wanzer look like a Metal Gear, but you will be able to festoon it with logos from FOXHOUND, Militaires Sans Frontieres, and other in-game factions. Kojima even signed autographs at Square Enix's Comic-Con booth to celebrate the announcement.

The surprise (!) brought with it another nice bonus: the stylish Front Mission Evolved trailer after the break.

Continue reading Decorate your Front Mission Evolved robot with logos from ... Metal Gear?!

JoystiqDecorate your Front Mission Evolved robot with logos from ... Metal Gear?! originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Comic-Con-2010Front-Mission-EvolvedHideo-KojimaMetal-Gearmicrosoftplaystationps3Square-EnixxboxMon, 26 Jul 2010 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview: The Force Unleashed 2 at Comic-Con]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/preview-star-wars-the-force-unleashed-2-at-comic-con/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/preview-star-wars-the-force-unleashed-2-at-comic-con/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/preview-star-wars-the-force-unleashed-2-at-comic-con/#commentsFiled under: , ,

During the Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 Comic-Con panel, LucasArts producer Haden Blackman led a gameplay preview for the assembled crowd, showing off some new elements of the sequel which again stars fallen Vader apprentice Starkiller. The demonstration built on last month's E3 preview, with plenty more scenes of messy Stormtrooper cleanup -- it's a tough job, but somebody's gotta do it.

As he showed troopers sliced, diced and Forcefully obliterated, Blackman noted that the development team has worked to diversify enemy AI. Player feedback from the first game criticized the different types of enemies for all acting the same, so LucasArts has created separate AI behavior for almost all of the enemies in the sequel. Of course, this also goes for the new enemies, of which Blackman introduced a giant walker equipped with a shield and a Carbonite gun. To defeat the menace, Starkiller must first use his Force power to rip off the shield, and then take on the vulnerable walker while dodging its freeze ray blasts.

Gallery: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2

Continue reading Preview: The Force Unleashed 2 at Comic-Con

JoystiqPreview: The Force Unleashed 2 at Comic-Con originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comic-con-2010haden-blackmanlucasartsmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3star-wars-the-force-unleashed-2wiixboxMon, 26 Jul 2010 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios on Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/38-studios-on-kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/38-studios-on-kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/38-studios-on-kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Curt Schilling's 38 Studios has finally announced the title of its first game at Comic-Con, and while details on Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning are still sparse, you can't argue that the game's already got potential. Fantasy author R.A. Salvatore has been working on the game's world and story, comic artist Todd McFarlane is designing the art, and Big Huge Games has teamed up with Elder Scrolls veteran Ken Rolston to put the title together.

That's Schilling's gamble -- as an experienced gamer himself ("I've got five 70-plus" characters in World of Warcraft, he says), he's trying to make something that thrills him. On Thursday, the team held a Comic-Con panel and teased a mix of "deep quest narrative" and "combat that keeps you doing combat." Todd McFarlane jumped up on his chair to show off how big his characters' motions were and promised that "we will kill some people better in this game than anybody kills anybody."

But can this talented lineup pull it off? I sat down to chat with Schilling, Salvatore, and Big Huge Games' lead designer, Mark Nelson, to see if they could share anything beyond what the short trailer and the screenshots revealed.

Gallery: Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning (screenshots)

Continue reading 38 Studios on Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning

Joystiq38 Studios on Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscomic-con-2010curt-schillingeainterviewkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmark-nelsonmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ra-salvatorexboxMon, 26 Jul 2010 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare lending Maxis a hand on Darkspore development]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/bioware-lending-maxis-a-hand-darkspore-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/bioware-lending-maxis-a-hand-darkspore-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/bioware-lending-maxis-a-hand-darkspore-development/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We suppose the Sims franchise has a few elements in common with the role-playing genre -- after all, it's about character improvement and, more often than not, all of the characters are startlingly, impossibly attractive. Still, it seems Maxis is getting a helping hand on Darkspore development from a more experienced RPG developer -- according to Gamespot, the studio's Comic-Con panel revealed that fellow EA studio BioWare is helping out on the project.

The capacity of this help is still unknown, but based on BioWare's strong roots in the genre, we strongly doubt they've been brought in to offer backrubs to weary programmers. We've contacted EA to find out more about this partnership, and to find out whether we can expect Darkspore to contain any romance sub-plots leading to tastefully directed sex scenes.

Update: The scope of the studio's assistance seems to be limited to the hiring of BioWare writer Malcolm Azania (Mass Effect 2, "Kasumi -- Stolen Memory") to fill the role of lead writer for Darkspore.

JoystiqBioWare lending Maxis a hand on Darkspore development originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecomic-con-2010DarksporeeamaxispcrpgMon, 26 Jul 2010 10:20:00 EST<![CDATA[StarCraft 2 action figures shown off at Comic-Con]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/25/starcraft-2-action-figures-shown-off-at-comic-con/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/25/starcraft-2-action-figures-shown-off-at-comic-con/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/25/starcraft-2-action-figures-shown-off-at-comic-con/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Blizzard's line-up of action figures based on its handful of lucrative franchises will soon expand to include the burly, frontline soldiers of StarCraft 2. The DC Unlimited-manufactured miniatures were prominently displayed at the company's Comic-Con booth, which the toy trade site Figures.com captured through the magic of digital photography.

The first set of action figures include a Terran Space Marine, the Protoss heavyweight Zeratul and returning StarCraft protagonist Jim Raynor. If you're hoping to recreate the strategic action of the series on your bedroom nightstand, you might want to check out Figures' detailed images of these three toys, which are set to hit store shelves in spring 2011.

JoystiqStarCraft 2 action figures shown off at Comic-Con originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 25 Jul 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-figuresBlizzardcomic-con-2010pcStarcraft-2toysSun, 25 Jul 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Street Fighter IV's brawlers getting new DLC outfits this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/25/super-street-fighter-ivs-brawlers-getting-new-dlc-outfits-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/25/super-street-fighter-ivs-brawlers-getting-new-dlc-outfits-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/25/super-street-fighter-ivs-brawlers-getting-new-dlc-outfits-this/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

We wouldn't blame you for confusing yesterday's Street Fighter-focused Comic-Con panel for a wedding ceremony -- after all, it contained announcements of something old, something new, something borrowed (that is to say, fighters from Tekken) and ... well, Chun-Li's new outfit is blue, isn't it? Fine, the analogy doesn't quite work, but the fact remains: Series producer Yoshinori Ono revealed that all of Super Street Fighter IV's characters would receive new outfits in a DLC pack to be released this fall.

Kotaku caught an image of the slide showing off some of these new outfits, including a Catwoman-esque get-up for Cammy, and a nightmarish, open-chested leather suit for Rufus. Note that we're using "nightmarish" in the literal sense, here. As in: "We plan to have nightmares about this, possibly as soon as tonight."

JoystiqSuper Street Fighter IV's brawlers getting new DLC outfits this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 25 Jul 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomcomic-con-2010costumesdlcmicrosoftplaystationps3Super-Street-Fighter-IVxboxSun, 25 Jul 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fable 3 gameplay footage from Comic-Con is very, very upsetting]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/25/fable-3-gameplay-footage-from-comic-con-is-very-very-upsetting/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/25/fable-3-gameplay-footage-from-comic-con-is-very-very-upsetting/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/25/fable-3-gameplay-footage-from-comic-con-is-very-very-upsetting/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We're not sure who was responsible for controlling the Fable 3 Comic-Con show floor demo shown in the video below, but whoever it was should be ashamed. Not because of all the peasant murder, mind you -- we've all done that -- but for executing the most aggressive flatulence attack we've ever seen.

Continue reading Fable 3 gameplay footage from Comic-Con is very, very upsetting

JoystiqFable 3 gameplay footage from Comic-Con is very, very upsetting originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 25 Jul 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comic-con-2010Fable-3Lionhead-StudiosmicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosxboxSun, 25 Jul 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[inFamous 2 animated cutscene has attitude to spare]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/25/infamous-2-animated-cutscene-has-attitude-to-spare/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/25/infamous-2-animated-cutscene-has-attitude-to-spare/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/25/infamous-2-animated-cutscene-has-attitude-to-spare/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Though inFamous 2 protagonist Cole McGrath may have lost a bit of gruffness-of-voice since the series' first iteration, it seems he's gained a bit of .... well, gruffness-of-attitude. Check out the trailer below to see the negatively-charged man give the low-down on his new stomping grounds.

Continue reading inFamous 2 animated cutscene has attitude to spare

JoystiqinFamous 2 animated cutscene has attitude to spare originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 25 Jul 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comic-con-2010inFamous-2playstationps3Sony-Computer-EntertainmentSucker-Punch-ProductionsSun, 25 Jul 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Street Fighter X Tekken screenshots X-posed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/25/street-fighter-x-tekken-screenshots-x-posed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/25/street-fighter-x-tekken-screenshots-x-posed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/25/street-fighter-x-tekken-screenshots-x-posed/#comments Curious what the cast of Tekken looks like when dipped in Capcom's unique art style for Street Fighter X Tekken (that's pronounced Street Fighter "cross" Tekken, by the by)? Check them out in this batch of screenshots for the mashed-up fighter, posted in the gallery below.

Gallery: Street Fighter X Tekken

JoystiqStreet Fighter X Tekken screenshots X-posed originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 25 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomcomic-con-2010microsoftplaystationps3street-fighter-x-tekkenxboxSun, 25 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview: Marvel vs. Capcom 3 (four new characters)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/25/preview-marvel-vs-capcom-3-4-new-characters/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/25/preview-marvel-vs-capcom-3-4-new-characters/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/25/preview-marvel-vs-capcom-3-4-new-characters/#comments Dr. Doom, Super Skrull, Chun-Li and Trish joined the cast of Marvel vs. Capcom 3 in the Comic-Con show floor preview build; though Thor and Amaterasu didn't make the trip (lazy gods!). I checked out the new characters and chatted with producer Ryota Niitsuma about the latest roster updates.

Of the four, Super Skrull seems to be attracting the most attention at the show. The famous comic book villain has been the hero at Comic-Con, wowing attendees with his Fantastic Four powers: slamming opponents with Thing fists, flaming on with Human Torch fire, and performing an impressive Mr. Fantastic stretch-throw impression. Niitsuma recalled that Skrull's mix of abilities was a tough concoction to brew -- but certainly a potent one in action.

Gallery: Marvel vs Capcom 3 (Comic Con)

Continue reading Preview: Marvel vs. Capcom 3 (four new characters)

JoystiqPreview: Marvel vs. Capcom 3 (four new characters) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 25 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomcomic-con-2010marvelMarvel-vs-Capcom-3Marvel-vs-Capcom-3-Fate-of-Two-Worldsmicrosoftplaystationps3ryota-niitsumaxboxSun, 25 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom making online version of Street Fighter 3: 3rd Strike]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/25/capcom-making-online-version-of-street-fighter-3-3rd-strike/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/25/capcom-making-online-version-of-street-fighter-3-3rd-strike/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/25/capcom-making-online-version-of-street-fighter-3-3rd-strike/#commentsFiled under: , ,

[Fighters Generation]
Capcom didn't just announce two Street Fighter games in yesterday's Comic-Con panel -- that would hardly have been worth holding a panel. Producer Yoshinori Ono also announced that the company is working on Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike Online, an updated re-release of the 1999 arcade/Dreamcast game.

It's "not going to come out in the immediate future," Ono told the crowds already daydreaming about online Q matches, "but just let everyone know that Street Fighter 3 is coming back." He didn't have any more details, simply directing suggestions to Capcom-Unity. It seems relatively safe to assume that an online-focused fighting game is being considered at least for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, probably as a digital release like Marvel vs. Capcom 2.

JoystiqCapcom making online version of Street Fighter 3: 3rd Strike originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 25 Jul 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomcomic-con-2010fightingstreet-fighterstreet-fighter-3street-fighter-3-3rd-strikestreet-fighter-3-3rd-strike-onlineSun, 25 Jul 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Six more Rock Band 3 songs (and three for Dance Central!) revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/24/six-more-rock-band-3-songs-and-one-for-dance-central-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/24/six-more-rock-band-3-songs-and-one-for-dance-central-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/24/six-more-rock-band-3-songs-and-one-for-dance-central-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , ,

As hinted at yesterday by Harmonix's Twitter, a whole gang of tracks were confirmed to be included in Rock Band 3 during the developer's recent Comic-Con panel. These ditties include:
  • "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" by Tears for Fears
  • "Rock Lobster" by The B-52s
  • "Foolin'" by Def Leppard
  • "Beautiful People" by Marilyn Manson
  • "Hey Man, Nice Shot" by Filter
  • "Cold as Ice" by Foreigner
Also, three new tracks were confirmed for Dance Central: "Drop it Like it's Hot" by Snoop Dogg, "Push It" by Salt N' Pepa, and "Bust a Move" by Young MC. Never before has a rhythm game played host to a trio of tracks giving such welcome instructions.

JoystiqSix more Rock Band 3 songs (and three for Dance Central!) revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comic-con-2010harmonixmicrosoftmtv-gamesnintendoplaystationps3Rock-Band-3wiixboxSat, 24 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Street Fighter X Tekken (and vice versa) revealed at Comic-Con]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/24/street-fighter-x-tekken-and-vice-versa-revealed-at-comic-con/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/24/street-fighter-x-tekken-and-vice-versa-revealed-at-comic-con/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/24/street-fighter-x-tekken-and-vice-versa-revealed-at-comic-con/#commentsFiled under: , ,

According to Event Hubs, Capcom producer Yoshinori Ono recently dropped a fairly sizable bomb on attendees of the company's "Street Fighter Mania!: SSFIV and Beyond" panel at Comic-Con: Street Fighter X Tekken. The oft-rumored project will be developed by Capcom using the Street Fighter IV engine (only with two-fighter tag team battles), and will feature a number of fighters from Namco's similarly successful fighting franchise, including Kazuya and Nina Williams.

But that's not all! Ono also revealed that Namco Bandai would be developing Tekken X Street Fighter, which will be developed in-house at Tekken, and spearheaded by long-time franchise producer Katsuhiro Harada. Both titles will be released for 360 and PS3, though according to a cheeky slide at the end of the presentation, the current release window is "not for a while!" Update: Now with video!

Continue reading Street Fighter X Tekken (and vice versa) revealed at Comic-Con

JoystiqStreet Fighter X Tekken (and vice versa) revealed at Comic-Con originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Jul 2010 16:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomcomic-con-2010microsoftnamco-bandaiplaystationps3street-fighterstreet-fighter-x-tekkentekkenxboxSat, 24 Jul 2010 16:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview: Dragon Age 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/24/preview-dragon-age-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/24/preview-dragon-age-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/24/preview-dragon-age-2/#commentsFiled under: , ,

BioWare surprised fans at Comic-Con with a world premiere hands-on preview of Dragon Age 2, completely open to the public. A block down the street from the convention center, fans were treated to a short presentation by lead designer Mike Laidlaw, as well as a few very brief combat segments and a look at the story that kicks off the game.

I'll get impressions out of the way first: It's faster and more brutal, less cerebral and more exaggerated. You might think that's because BioWare wants to make the game a little flashier and more accessible, and you'd be right in part. But Dragon Age 2's dark secret is that even if the action is a little more over-the-top and a lot darker, there's a real, solid, story-based justification for it.

Gallery: Dragon Age 2 (concept art)

Continue reading Preview: Dragon Age 2

JoystiqPreview: Dragon Age 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Jul 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecomic-con-2010Dragon-Age-2microsoftMike-Laidlawpcplaystationps3storyxboxSat, 24 Jul 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[See how the other half lives in Gears of War 3 'Beast Mode' footage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/24/see-how-the-other-half-lives-in-gears-of-war-3-beast-mode-foot/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/24/see-how-the-other-half-lives-in-gears-of-war-3-beast-mode-foot/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/24/see-how-the-other-half-lives-in-gears-of-war-3-beast-mode-foot/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We didn't think there was anything slower in the whole, entire universe than one of Gears of War 3's lumbering, impossibly muscle-bound protagonists. We were wrong -- as evidenced by the two GameTrailers videos posted after the break, that honor goes to the new Beast Mode's "Berserker" character.

Continue reading See how the other half lives in Gears of War 3 'Beast Mode' footage

JoystiqSee how the other half lives in Gears of War 3 'Beast Mode' footage originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beast-modecomic-con-2010epic-gamesGears-of-War-3microsoftmicrosoft-game-studiosmultiplayerxboxSat, 24 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions' other costumes revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/24/spider-man-shattered-dimensions-other-costumes-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/24/spider-man-shattered-dimensions-other-costumes-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/24/spider-man-shattered-dimensions-other-costumes-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , ,

You didn't think that Peter Parker's wardrobe would only contain four outfits in his upcoming outing, Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions, did you? No, no sir. Revealed during Marvel's Comic-Con panel were a handful of new costumes that will be unlockable in-game -- a few of which will be instantly unlockable as pre-order bonuses from select retailers:
  • Scarlet Spider (unlock code included with Kmart pre-order)
  • Negative Zone Spider-Man (unlock code included with Best Buy pre-order)
  • Spider-Armor (pictured)
  • Mangaverse Spider-Man
Additionally, the previously revealed GameStop-exclusive Cosmic costume (which includes variants for each dimension) and the Iron Spider-Man suit featured in the 2099 universe (and immediately unlockable with an Amazon pre-order) were also shown at the panel. It's as yet unclear if the newly announced costumes will be tied to certain dimensions within the game or wearable throughout, like the Cosmic getup.

[Update: Clarified details about the nature of the pre-order bonuses and previously announced costumes.]

JoystiqSpider-Man: Shattered Dimensions' other costumes revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Jul 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbeenoxbonuscomic-con-2010costumesmarvelmicrosoftnintendoplaystationpre-orderps3Spider-manspider-man-shattered-dimensionsunlockablewiixboxSat, 24 Jul 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Please hammer, hurt 'em: Thor officially in Marvel vs. Capcom 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/please-hammer-hurt-em-thor-officially-in-marvel-vs-capcom-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/please-hammer-hurt-em-thor-officially-in-marvel-vs-capcom-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/please-hammer-hurt-em-thor-officially-in-marvel-vs-capcom-3/#commentsFiled under: , ,

T.Q. Jefferson, director of Marvel Games, might not have had the element of surprise on his side when revealing the inclusion of the Mighty Thor in Marvel vs. Capcom 3, but the confirmation was more than welcome when he made the announcement at the MvC 3 panel at Comic-Con.

"Bringing him into this game is huge," Jefferson said. "The fact that we've got the movie coming out and another Thor game coming out from Sega, there's an appetite for Thor out there among the fanbase." For the especially curious among you, Jefferson revealed that the version of the Asgardian god used in this game will be Thor as drawn by Olivier Coipel in the latest comic series. Update: Now with video!

Gallery: Marvel vs Capcom 3 (Comic Con)

Continue reading Please hammer, hurt 'em: Thor officially in Marvel vs. Capcom 3

JoystiqPlease hammer, hurt 'em: Thor officially in Marvel vs. Capcom 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomcomic-con-2010fightingmarvelmarvel-vs-capcom-3Marvel-vs-Capcom-3-Fate-of-Two-Worldsmicrosoftplaystationps3thortq-jeffersonxboxFri, 23 Jul 2010 16:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War 3 producer wants Carmine dead]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/gears-of-war-3-producer-wants-carmine-dead/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/gears-of-war-3-producer-wants-carmine-dead/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/gears-of-war-3-producer-wants-carmine-dead/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Rod Fergusson is the executive producer of Gears of War 3, and he wants Clayton Carmine to die. He wore a "Carmine Must Die" t-shirt at Microsoft's Comic-Con party last night, casting his vote for the fate of the third Carmine brother, but he's willing to leave the decision up to the fans: "They kept saying, 'How can you be so mean,' and 'What about Mrs. Carmine,' and 'What's that like [losing her sons]' -- all this stuff," he told us at the event. "And so we're like, let's just question them and see what they want."

Fergusson also shared a few development updates, relaying the most difficult part about designing the new Beast Mode: getting all of the playable beasts to control as solidly as Gears and Locust characters. "Just making sure the camera works from a Ticker to a Serapede to a Berserker," he explained, "just refining the technical ways of making people feel like they have control and that they're grounded in the character." It's not so much about balancing the beasts, though -- Epic wants these creatures to feel powerful, so "even if it's overbalanced a little towards the monsters, that's cool. We want to make players feel successful."

Thankfully, some development components have gone down smooth. "Ice-T is kicking it as Griffin," Fergusson reconfirmed. "We recorded it this week remote from New York ... Ice is doing a great, great job -- we wanted him to be him somewhat, but he's just bringing that character to life for us. It's really fun working with him on that stuff."

JoystiqGears of War 3 producer wants Carmine dead originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carmineclayton-carminecomic-con-2010epic-gamesgears-of-war-3ice-tinterviewmicrosoftrod-fergussonxboxFri, 23 Jul 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Inafune: Play as 'the Mega Man of your dreams' in Mega Man Universe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/play-as-the-mega-man-of-your-dreams-in-mega-man-universe/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/play-as-the-mega-man-of-your-dreams-in-mega-man-universe/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/play-as-the-mega-man-of-your-dreams-in-mega-man-universe/#commentsFiled under: , ,

During a Comic-Con panel, Capcom's Keiji Inafune offered a scant few details about Mega Man Universe, the Mega Man crossover game (or something) teased by an amazing stop-motion trailer, which you can see again after the break -- it's wonderful!

"We wanted to preserve as much as we can of the classic 8-bit Mega Man feel, while allowing players to project their own Mega Man onto the game," Inafune said. So it'll have an 8-bit look like Mega Man 9. "We wanted to create a platform where players can play as their favorite version of Mega Man, another Capcom character -- or maybe a different character completely," he added. "You'll be able to play as the Mega Man of your dreams."

The proposed cross-Capcom, cross-character play actually makes us think of another recent 8-bit game (unofficially) starring Mega Man, Super Mario Crossover. "The game will also unite Mega Man fans," Inafune said, "putting them together in one specific place."

The awkward, golden Mega Man from the original NES Mega Man 1 U.S. box art will even make an appearance, as he did in the teaser. "We talked about how crappy the original package art was, but there's somebody out there that loves that one and probably wants to play as him." (The trailer, by the way, was info-free for a reason: "We made the trailer purposely mysterious, because we wanted to play on the idea of what Mega Man is," Inafune explained, citing the changing face of the Mega Man series over the years.)

Finally, Inafune teased that another big Mega Man announcement was on the way soon, which would address an "oft-requested" desire from fans.

Continue reading Inafune: Play as 'the Mega Man of your dreams' in Mega Man Universe

JoystiqInafune: Play as 'the Mega Man of your dreams' in Mega Man Universe originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomComic-Con-2010Keiji-InafuneMega-Man-Universemicrosoftplaystationps3PSNXBLAxboxFri, 23 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo: Reach 'Forge World' and Firefight Versus mode introduced at Comic-Con Bungie panel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/halo-reach-forge-world-and-firefight-versus-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/halo-reach-forge-world-and-firefight-versus-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/halo-reach-forge-world-and-firefight-versus-mode/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Last night at Bungie's Comic-Con panel, the studio went "beyond the canyon" and revealed what's behind the hill in the Blood Gulch remake: "The rest of the map." Turns out this version of Blood Gulch, which will be known as "Hemorrhage" in Halo: Reach, is actually one part of a gigantic five-part map called "Forge World" -- there's an island in the back bay, an outcropping called "The Rock," a hangar built into the cliff overlooking the bay dubbed "The Colisseum," and an open field area up above. The entire map starts out blank, and players will be invited to build their own levels in it using Reach's revamped Forge editor mode.

"Forge World is the evolution of what we've been through with Forge," Bungie Community Lead Brian Jarrard told Joystiq at a Microsoft event following the panel. "How do we expand on it even further, and give people even more flexibility, and more toys to work with?" The answer: by combining very detailed and customizable tools with a variety of variables used in whatever ways players see fit, according to Jarrard. The Forge editor can now apply different physical models to pieces inserted on the map, leaving them fixed in mid-air or even half-embedded in other pieces. Additionally, spawn points can now be easily colored according to team, teleporters can be dropped at will and even customized for vehicles, and gigantic structures (like a multi-level tower) can be summoned and placed just about anywhere.

Gallery: Halo: Reach (Firefight)

Continue reading Halo: Reach 'Forge World' and Firefight Versus mode introduced at Comic-Con Bungie panel

JoystiqHalo: Reach 'Forge World' and Firefight Versus mode introduced at Comic-Con Bungie panel originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-jarrardbungiecomic-con-2010firefightfirefight-versusforgeforge-worldhaloHalo-ReachmicrosoftxboxFri, 23 Jul 2010 10:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard: World of Warcraft movie has slowed, but still happening]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/blizzard-world-of-warcraft-movie-has-slowed-but-still-happenin/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/blizzard-world-of-warcraft-movie-has-slowed-but-still-happenin/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/blizzard-world-of-warcraft-movie-has-slowed-but-still-happenin/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Blizzard Entertainment took the stage here at Comic-Con in San Diego to talk about World of Warcraft-inspired merchandise, and when the topic of the WoW movie came up during the Q&A, Vice President of Creative Development Chris Metzen confirmed that though the process has slowed recently, the movie is still happening. Director Sam Raimi is still "very, very passionate" about getting the movie made, but Metzen said that a treatment is still being hammered out. If that gets approved, he said, then "hopefully it'll start moving very quickly, very soon."

Metzen and the rest of the panelists also talked about the next lore-based novel to be released -- it's called The Shattering, and will set up a lot of the events leading up to the Cataclysm expansion. Metzen cautioned the game's fans that there are "dark times ahead" for Azeroth with the return of Deathwing and quakes destroying large parts of the game world. "It's going to get rough out there for a while," he admitted. "But there's a plan. The great heroes always rise to the top."

JoystiqBlizzard: World of Warcraft movie has slowed, but still happening originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 21:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardblizzard-entertainmentCataclysmchris-metzencomic-con-2010moviepcsam-raimitreatmentworld-of-warcraftWorld-of-Warcraft-CataclysmwowThu, 22 Jul 2010 21:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Web sight: All four Shattered Dimensions Spider-Men in action]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/spider-man-shattered-dimensions-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/spider-man-shattered-dimensions-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/spider-man-shattered-dimensions-trailer/#comments In case your Spider-Sense hadn't already alerted you to the fact, all four of the Spider-Men playable in Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions have finally been revealed. (Peter Porker, a.k.a. Spider-Ham was, sadly, not among them.) We've even taken the fourth and final dimension -- the Ultimate Spider-Man universe -- for a spin (and a swing) at San Diego Comic-Con.

Now you can see all of the Spideys and their respective dimensions together in one video. We know, convenient, huh! See, we're all about the efficient delivery of Spider-Man information here at Joystiq. And, er, other stuff too, of course. But for now we're just focusing on Spideys plural. See 'em after the break.

Continue reading Web sight: All four Shattered Dimensions Spider-Men in action

JoystiqWeb sight: All four Shattered Dimensions Spider-Men in action originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisioncomic-con-2010microsoftnintendoplaystationps3Spider-Manspider-man-shattered-dimensionswiixboxThu, 22 Jul 2010 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview: Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions (Noir and Ultimate)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/preview-spider-man-shattered-dimensions-noir-and-ultimate/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/preview-spider-man-shattered-dimensions-noir-and-ultimate/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/preview-spider-man-shattered-dimensions-noir-and-ultimate/#comments With Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions' fourth and final locale out of the bag (it is "Ultimate" Spidey, as many surmised), Activision was showing off the first playable build of the game at a pre-Comic-Con event last night. I played both the newly revealed Ultimate Spidey, in his black symbiote suit, and the Noir version.

While I wasn't clued in to the game's multidimensional, overarching story (perhaps at the Comic-Con panel then?), I did get a feel for the combat, which is arguably the make-or-break component of the game. Though I only played within two of the game's four universes, I found the combat to be solid -- if a little shallow -- and in practice it came together better than I had expected after watching a developer play the game last month.

Gallery: Spider Man: Shattered Dimensions (Comic-Con)

Continue reading Preview: Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions (Noir and Ultimate)

JoystiqPreview: Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions (Noir and Ultimate) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbeenoxcomic-con-2010microsoftnoirplaystationps3spider-man-shattered-dimensionsultimatexboxThu, 22 Jul 2010 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview: James Bond 007: Blood Stone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/preview-james-bond-007-blood-stone/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/preview-james-bond-007-blood-stone/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/preview-james-bond-007-blood-stone/#comments Bond is back in Bizarre Creations' James Bond 007: Blood Stone. I got a first look at the game's opening act during an Activision media event in San Diego yesterday, where I also spoke with designer Sandy Lockie about the development of this original Bond adventure.

Primarily a third-person shooter, Blood Stone immediately drew comparisons to Bizarre's other shooter, The Club, when it was announced last week. Indeed, Lockie confirms that the new Bond game has its roots in the studio's previous effort. "It's basically the Club team," he tells me. "We rolled off on The Club and started working on this straight away." But while The Club was all about scoring points and more points, Bizarre is designing Blood Stone to be "a much deeper shooting experience."

Gallery: James Bond 007: Blood Stone (first screens)

Continue reading Preview: James Bond 007: Blood Stone

JoystiqPreview: James Bond 007: Blood Stone originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbizarre-creationscomic-con-2010james-bondjames-bond-007-blood-stonemicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 22 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final, Ultimate Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions universe revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/ultimate-spider-man-shattered-dimensions-universe-revealed-is/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/ultimate-spider-man-shattered-dimensions-universe-revealed-is/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/ultimate-spider-man-shattered-dimensions-universe-revealed-is/#commentsFiled under: , ,

As deduced by our industry-leading experts on men who are also spiders, the fourth and final Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions universe will be Ultimate. That is to say, it will be set in the Marvel Comic Ultimate universe -- we can't vouch for its relative "ultimateness" quite yet.

So, what's different about this one? Well, according to IGN's Comic-Con preview, the world of the Ultimate universe is bright and cel-shaded -- a stark contrast to Spidey's pitch black Symbiote suit. Spider-Man (who's voiced by series veteran Josh Keaton in the Ultimate 'verse) will encounter large groups of SHIELD troops and Carnage Symbiotes, which they'll be able to deal with simultaneously using their suit's increased offensive capabilities. Whip swaths of enemies with your Spidey-tendrils, shoot web-spikes out of your chest, or summon black spikes from the ground to wreck enemies' shops.

So, he's basically like the guy from Prototype, only he's much less inclined to eviscerate every single civilian that wanders into his field of vision. How nice! Look for our multi-dimensional preview of the game later today.

JoystiqFinal, Ultimate Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions universe revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 10:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbeenoxcomic-con-2010marvelmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3spider-man-shattered-dimensionsultimate-universewiixboxThu, 22 Jul 2010 10:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Driver comic series debuting at Comic-Con]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/21/driver-comic-series-debuting-at-comic-con/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/21/driver-comic-series-debuting-at-comic-con/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/21/driver-comic-series-debuting-at-comic-con/#commentsFiled under: , ,

With all of the comic book news lately, you'd think Comic-Con was right around the ... oh. Well, Ubisoft has another comic book based on one of its properties ready to roll out at this week's event, this one based on the upcoming Driver: San Francisco. Unlike its Assassin's Creed book, which will just be shown and discussed at a panel, issue 0 of Driver will be given away at the booths of Ubisoft and DC Comics (under whose WildStorm imprint it's being published).

The series -- no word yet about its planned duration -- is being written by Stray Bullets scribe David Lapham and Illustrated by Greg Scott (Gotham Central). Its covers artist is Mark "Jock" Simpson, who's probably best known as co-creator of The Losers, a comic which was adapted into a motion picture released back in April. Jock will be signing copies of issue 0 tomorrow through Saturday. We've got the whens and wheres for you -- along with super-sized cover images, in case you can't make it -- just after the break.

Continue reading Driver comic series debuting at Comic-Con

JoystiqDriver comic series debuting at Comic-Con originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Comic-BookComic-Con-2010DC-ComicsDriverdriver-san-franciscoReflections-InteractiveUbisoftWildstormWed, 21 Jul 2010 14:30:00 EST