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[Need for Speed Rivals on PC will look 'easily as good' as next-gen versions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/need-for-speed-rivals-coming-to-pc-looks-easily-as-good-as-next-gen/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/need-for-speed-rivals-coming-to-pc-looks-easily-as-good-as-next-gen/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/need-for-speed-rivals-coming-to-pc-looks-easily-as-good-as-next-gen/#commentsNeed for Speed Rivals coming to PC, will look 'easily as good' as nextgen versions Need for Speed Rivals - the franchise's first turn into the new world of next-gen consoles - is also coming to the PC. In crafting the PC version, Ghost Games executive producer Marcus Nilsson promises "Need for Speed Rivals will look easily as good on PC as next-generation consoles."

The original press release for Need for Speed Rivals made no mention of a PC version; however, the PR has since been amended revealing the PC version will arrive on November 19 alongside the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of the game. Xbox One and PS4 versions will launch "later this year."

Other than differences in graphical fidelity and online player count, Rivals features differences in its new marquee feature "AllDrive" across current- and next-gen systems. AllDrive is the ability for the game to "seamlessly" adapt to player interaction as they cross paths in the open-world space. On next-gen consoles, players will have unspecified exclusive ways to interact with the game using other devices.

Nilsson would not detail if the PC version's feature-set would be based on the current- or next-gen platform versions.

Expanding on how AllDrive would work, Nilsson offered an example of how the game would react to friends in the same world engaged in separate chases that come across each other. With the new feature, Need for Speed Rivals would recognize player proximity and any current missions and automatically shift objectives and scoring to that of a traditional co-op encounter. Players can enter and exit each other's worlds to race and interact "on-the-fly." The core features of AllDrive will be available on all platforms.

For more on Need for Speed Rivals, read our reveal post with additional comments from the game's executive producer.

[Ed. Note: This post was updated to reflect changes to the announcement press release.]

JoystiqNeed for Speed Rivals on PC will look 'easily as good' as next-gen versions originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 May 2013 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CriterionCriterion-GamesEAGhost-Gamesmicrosoftneed-for-speed-rivalspcplaystationps3xboxThu, 23 May 2013 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed Rivals floors it to Xbox One, PS4 'later this year', PC and current-gen consoles Nov. 19]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/need-for-speed-rivals-speeds-to-xbox-one-ps4-and-current-gen-this-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/need-for-speed-rivals-speeds-to-xbox-one-ps4-and-current-gen-this-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/need-for-speed-rivals-speeds-to-xbox-one-ps4-and-current-gen-this-november/#commentsNeed for Speed Rivals races to currentgen Nov 19 Xbox One and PS4 'later this year' Recently renamed developer Ghost Games and the fellow racing fanatics at Criterion Games have banded together for Need for Speed Rivals: a new game that represents the franchise's first drift into the next-gen console world (which is not to be confused with the 2005 handheld spinoff).

Powered by Frostbite 3, Rivals aims to utilize the power of the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 to give players "the freedom to seamlessly go from single player to co-op to multiplayer" when it releases "later this year." [Update: This story has been updated for accuracy, removing mention of a release window for the next-gen versions from an outdated release draft.]

Need for Speed Rivals transports players to the fictitious Redview County, an open-world environment where players can take on the role as either street racer or police officer. Like Most Wanted before it, racers aim to become the most infamous person behind the wheel, while cops attempt to work together to drive the area's high-risk inhabitants off the road. Players can personalize the experience with custom license plates, paint, liveries decals and rims, and performance upgrades.

Current-generation consoles will also join the rivalry - powered by its own version of Frostbite 3 - on November 19. A PC version is also in the works.

Gallery: Need for Speed: Rivals

Continue reading Need for Speed Rivals floors it to Xbox One, PS4 'later this year', PC and current-gen consoles Nov. 19

JoystiqNeed for Speed Rivals floors it to Xbox One, PS4 'later this year', PC and current-gen consoles Nov. 19 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 May 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CriterionCriterion-GamesEAGhost-Gamesmicrosoftneed-for-speed-rivalspcplaystationPlayStation-4ps3PS4xboxXbox-1Xbox-OneThu, 23 May 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Criterion creative director indicates he isn't working on a racing game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/criterion-creative-director-indicates-he-isnt-working-on-a-raci/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/criterion-creative-director-indicates-he-isnt-working-on-a-raci/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/criterion-creative-director-indicates-he-isnt-working-on-a-raci/#comments Need for Speed: Most Wanted and Burnout Paradise developer Criterion looks to be expanding beyond the racing game genre. Studio creative director and VP Alexander Ward responded yesterday to recent speculation about a new Need for Speed: Underground game, ruling out any impending announcements of either that or a new Burnout - or at least ones that involve himself.

This morning, Ward tweeted "The key word was 'personally'....#tothefuture #weseefarther," underlining that some of the comments he made were only in reference to himself. His tweet may imply Criterion has separate teams working on separate games - Ward said only nine months ago the Need for Speed series was "definitely a Criterion gig" now.

"Here is what I want folks to know," Ward wrote yesterday. "Some folks are eternally disappointed. Nothing I can do about that. So many tweets asking for new Burnout. Equally many tweets asking for a new NFS game from us. Also Road Rash. Whilst I love all of those games, I am personally not doing any."

"After over a decade of making racing games it's time to make something new. It is early days thus I have nothing to 'announce' or talk about," Ward continued. However, he certainly didn't sever his own ties with the genre, later saying, "I am proud of all of the Burnout games. When it feels right we will make another one. We are creative people."

Continue reading Criterion creative director indicates he isn't working on a racing game

JoystiqCriterion creative director indicates he isn't working on a racing game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex-wardalexander-wardcriterion-gamesEAukTue, 16 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed: Most Wanted DLC: Heroes and Legends reach Terminal Velocity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/need-for-speed-most-wanted-dlc-heroes-and-legends-reach-termin/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/need-for-speed-most-wanted-dlc-heroes-and-legends-reach-termin/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/need-for-speed-most-wanted-dlc-heroes-and-legends-reach-termin/#comments
A trio of new DLC packs have pulled in to Need for Speed: Most Wanted's Fairhaven city, bringing a cadre of new cars and an entirely new game area with them. Terminal Velocity is the first offering and most substantial, bringing speeders to Fairhaven International Airport. The airport itself is under construction in-game, and features lots of launchers for high-flying antics, along with a new "nitrous jump" mod for extra pop off those construction ramps.

Need for Speed Movie Legends is a DLC pack centered around iconic movie rides. Bond's Aston Martin DBS 2008 and Aston Martin DB5 are here - Smokey's Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am Special Edition 1977 is represented, as is Vin Diesel's chunky ride from the Fastion & Furious, the Dodge Charger R/T 1970. Rounding out the pack is the Shelby GT500 1967 from Gone in 60 Seconds.

Continue reading Need for Speed: Most Wanted DLC: Heroes and Legends reach Terminal Velocity

JoystiqNeed for Speed: Most Wanted DLC: Heroes and Legends reach Terminal Velocity originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Feb 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterion-gamesdlceamicrosoftneed-for-speed-heroesneed-for-speed-most-wanted-2012need-for-speed-movie-legendspcplaystationps3terminal-velocityxboxTue, 26 Feb 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony completely revises list of PS4 EU studios, down from 53 to 30 [updates]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/sony-completely-revises-list-of-ps4-eu-studios-down-from-53-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/sony-completely-revises-list-of-ps4-eu-studios-down-from-53-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/sony-completely-revises-list-of-ps4-eu-studios-down-from-53-to/#comments Sony made wholesale corrections to the list of European/PAL companies confirmed as PS4 developers and publishers, reducing the list of named studios from 53 to 28. Curiouser, not one of the developers and publishers named on the previous list makes an appearance on the new roll call. A spokesperson for Sony Computer Entertainment Europe confirmed to us the first list, sent out last week, was erroneous, and this new one is correct. There are no revisions for any other regions.

The new list removes a number of significant names, including Mojang (Minecraft), Rovio (Angry Birds), Frozenbyte, Criterion Games, and City Interactive. In their stead are some new noteworthy studios, such as CD Projekt, who've confirmed The Witcher 3 as a PS4 game. Also included are Bohemia Interactive, Deep Silver, Ninja Theory, IO Interactive, Codemasters, 2K Games, and Sumo Digital. The full list can be found after the break.

We've reached out to a number of studios for comment. Mojang's Daniel Kaplan reiterated to us the comments he gave to Gamasutra, saying his studio hasn't decided anything yet, and that the error is "confusion from Sony's side." Gamasutra's article also confirms Super Crate Box developer Vlambeer and Skulls of the Shogun creator 17-Bit, both included in the original list, as not currently working on anything for the PS4.

A spokesperson for Monsters (probably) Stole My Princess developer Mediatonic, included in the original list but not in the corrected one, told us he couldn't make any comment on his studio and PS4 development. Meanwhile, Sumo Digital's inclusion adds weight to the rumor the British studio is working on LittleBigPlanet 3, but for the PS4. When approached previously about LBP3, a studio representative told Joystiq, "No comment."

Update 1: A spokesperson for 505 Games tells us the Italian company is "definitely" planning to publish games on the PS4. 505 Games was in the original list of European/PAL PS4 developers and publishers, but not the revised list. The spokesperson noted the company's logo appears in the image showcasing PS4 partners, as shown during last week's event, as do many of the names in the revised list.

Update 2: Sony Computer Entertainment Europe informs us the list of European PS4 studios has been further revised. Two more studios are now present in the form of Criterion Games and Ghost Games (an EA studio) - both were in the original list of 53. That takes the tally of confirmed European studios up to 30.

Continue reading Sony completely revises list of PS4 EU studios, down from 53 to 30 [updates]

JoystiqSony completely revises list of PS4 EU studios, down from 53 to 30 [updates] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbohemia-interactivecity-interactivecodemasterscriterion-gamesdeep-silvereuropefrozenbytemediatonicmercurysteammojangninja-theoryPALplaystation-4ps4roviosony-computer-entertainment-europesumo-digitalvlambeerMon, 25 Feb 2013 08:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Why hooligans have a place in Need for Speed: Most Wanted]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/why-hooligans-have-a-place-in-need-for-speed-most-wanted/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/why-hooligans-have-a-place-in-need-for-speed-most-wanted/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/why-hooligans-have-a-place-in-need-for-speed-most-wanted/#comments
Need for Speed: Most Wanted's online play is equal parts chaos and confusion, going against the normal regimented competitions and controlled environments found in other racing games. Criterion Games creative director Alex Ward says this design is part of the studio's "philosophy" for online play.

In Most Wanted online, players are called to a meeting area before an event starts, without much warning or information. Unless you've played the particular event before, you have no idea what to do and - as mentioned in Joystiq's review - there's nothing stopping other players from foiling each other before the event starts.

"The philosophy there is that we know people are utter degenerate hooligans online," Ward says - and the actions of these "hooligans," as he calls them, is a "valid" part of the overall online experience.

Gallery: Need for Speed: Most Wanted (Wii U)

Continue reading Why hooligans have a place in Need for Speed: Most Wanted

JoystiqWhy hooligans have a place in Need for Speed: Most Wanted originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Feb 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex-wardcriterioncriterion-gameseamicrosoftneed-for-speed-most-wanted-2012nintendopcplaystationps3wii-uxboxFri, 15 Feb 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Co-Driving through Need for Speed: Most Wanted on Wii U]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/co-driving-through-need-for-speed-most-wanted-on-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/co-driving-through-need-for-speed-most-wanted-on-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/co-driving-through-need-for-speed-most-wanted-on-wii-u/#comments Since the tail end of 2011, a core team of engineers at Criterion has been working with the Wii U. The final hardware launched in November, and Criterion started to scratch its collective noggin and figure out how it would work for Need for Speed: Most Wanted.

This meant missing the Wii U launch, but Criterion Games' Alex Ward was fine with that during a preview session last week - if Need for Speed: Most Wanted had been at launch, it would've lacked all online functionality.

"The reason we didn't do the game for launch is because the online side of it wasn't very clear to us," said Ward. "We weren't sure how much we could do online or how it was going to be, because obviously Nintendo were making a lot of changes up until their run-up to launch. So we didn't want to bring the game out at launch on Wii U with no online play."

Gallery: Need for Speed: Most Wanted (Wii U)

Continue reading Co-Driving through Need for Speed: Most Wanted on Wii U

JoystiqCo-Driving through Need for Speed: Most Wanted on Wii U originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterion-gameseaneed-for-speed-most-wanted-2012nintendoultimate-speed-packwii-uWed, 13 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed: Most Wanted demo hits PSN, Xbox Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/13/need-for-speed-most-wanted-demo-hits-psn-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/13/need-for-speed-most-wanted-demo-hits-psn-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/13/need-for-speed-most-wanted-demo-hits-psn-xbox-live/#comments If you're looking to sample Criterion's latest racer, Need for Speed: Most Wanted has a demo available on Xbox Live and PlayStation Network today. The demo tosses players the keys to four different vehicles: the Aston Martin V12 Vantage, Porsche 911 Carrera S, Audi R8 GT Spyder and Ford Focus RS500.

During the Need for Speed: Most Wanted demo, players can earn up to 50,000 Speed Points, the in-game currency. These 50,000 Speed Points can then be applied to the single-player game proper.

Continue reading Need for Speed: Most Wanted demo hits PSN, Xbox Live

JoystiqNeed for Speed: Most Wanted demo hits PSN, Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Nov 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterion-gamesdemoeamicrosoftneed-for-speed-most-wanted-2012playstationps3xboxTue, 13 Nov 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed: Most Wanted review: Burnout, baby]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/30/need-for-speed-most-wanted-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/30/need-for-speed-most-wanted-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/30/need-for-speed-most-wanted-review/#comments Need for Speed: Most Wanted is Criterion's second crack at the Need for Speed series, EA's biggest racing brand. Unlike 2010's Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit, Criterion's first shot at the series, Need for Speed: Most Wanted is a game very much rooted in Criterion's past - not EA's.

Need for Speed: Most Wanted is an open-world racer akin to Criterion's last effort for its most well-known series, Burnout: Paradise. Paradise's world felt larger than Most Wanted's city of Fairhaven, but Most Wanted is a more learned execution than Paradise, a game that doesn't take your time for granted and never takes you out of the driver's seat - literally and figuratively.

Gallery: Need for Speed Most Wanted (E3 2012)

Continue reading Need for Speed: Most Wanted review: Burnout, baby

JoystiqNeed for Speed: Most Wanted review: Burnout, baby originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Oct 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterion-gameseamicrosoftneed-for-speed-most-wanted-2012pcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3vitaxboxTue, 30 Oct 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed: Most Wanted coming to Wii U in 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/26/need-for-speed-most-wanted-coming-to-wii-u-in-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/26/need-for-speed-most-wanted-coming-to-wii-u-in-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/26/need-for-speed-most-wanted-coming-to-wii-u-in-2013/#comments Need for Speed Most Wanted coming to Wii U in 2013Criterion Studio's fuel-injected, open-world playground in Need for Speed: Most Wanted has joined the likes of Batman: Arkham City and Tekken Tag Tournament 2 as yet another current-gen title that will also make its way to the Wii U.

"In 2013, Nintendo fans will be able to experience what it means to be Most Wanted amongst their friends on the Wii U," EA told Polygon. The announcement came after the game was spotted in a list of pending European Wii U titles, tucked inside Nintendo's recent financial statement. No further information regarding potential Wii U-exclusive features was available, nor was a more specific release window. Think someone will make a WiiPad steering wheel?

JoystiqNeed for Speed: Most Wanted coming to Wii U in 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Oct 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013CriterionCriterion-GamesEAElectronic-Artsneed-for-speed-most-wanted-2012nintendorelease-windowwii-uFri, 26 Oct 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Run down these 'Need for Speed: Most Wanted' Kinect commands]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/need-for-speed-most-wanted-has-plenty-of-kinect-voice-commands/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/need-for-speed-most-wanted-has-plenty-of-kinect-voice-commands/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/need-for-speed-most-wanted-has-plenty-of-kinect-voice-commands/#comments
Using Kinect on Xbox 360, Need for Speed: Most Wanted will try its best to keep you out of menus and in the open world constructed by Criterion Games when it launches on October 30.

In the video above, producer Chris Roberts shows off just some of the stuff you can yell at your television while racing away from authorities. The insta-modding is perhaps the most useful, allowing players to strengthen their car's chassis while being hounded by zealous coppers.

JoystiqRun down these 'Need for Speed: Most Wanted' Kinect commands originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterion-gameseakinectmicrosoftneed-for-speed-most-wanted-2012xboxFri, 19 Oct 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Drive whatever car you fancy in Need for Speed: Most Wanted ... if you can find it, that is]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/drive-whatever-car-you-fancy-in-need-for-speed-most-wanted/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/drive-whatever-car-you-fancy-in-need-for-speed-most-wanted/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/drive-whatever-car-you-fancy-in-need-for-speed-most-wanted/#comments Drive whatever car you fancy in Need for Speed Most Wanted if you can find it, that is
As if driving through pictures of your friends on billboards weren't enough to get you exploring the open world of Need for Speed: Most Wanted, perhaps finding lavish sports cars will sway you. Criterion's betting on exactly that, as seen in the latest trailer.

JoystiqDrive whatever car you fancy in Need for Speed: Most Wanted ... if you can find it, that is originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Aug 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterioncriterion-gameseaea-criterionelectronic-artsgameplaykinectmicrosoftneed-for-speed-most-wanted-2012pcplaystationps3xboxTue, 28 Aug 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed: Most Wanted's pretty cars with dirty faces]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/02/need-for-speed-most-wanteds-pretty-cars-with-dirty-faces/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/02/need-for-speed-most-wanteds-pretty-cars-with-dirty-faces/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/02/need-for-speed-most-wanteds-pretty-cars-with-dirty-faces/#comments
Need for Speed: Most Wanted features a bunch of very fast, very pretty cars. As it turns out, when those cars go real fast, they get pretty banged up. Also, some short cuts of dubstep play for some reason. We don't quite understand the latter effect, but the former just makes 'em look kinda rugged.

JoystiqNeed for Speed: Most Wanted's pretty cars with dirty faces originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Aug 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterioncriterion-gameseaelectronic-artsgameplaymicrosoftneed-for-speed-most-wanted-2012pcplaystationps3xboxThu, 02 Aug 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest Need for Speed: Most Wanted video hints at Kinect support]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/29/latest-need-for-speed-most-wanted-video-hints-at-kinect-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/29/latest-need-for-speed-most-wanted-video-hints-at-kinect-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/29/latest-need-for-speed-most-wanted-video-hints-at-kinect-support/#comments Latest Need for Speed Most Wanted gameplay video hints at Kinect support
A recent gameplay video walkthrough for Need for Speed: Most Wanted includes a pack shot for a Kinect-supported Xbox 360 version. Since Kinect integration for the game has yet to be revealed, we've contacted EA for more information. In the meantime, feel free to check out the gameplay video.

JoystiqLatest Need for Speed: Most Wanted video hints at Kinect support originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 29 Jul 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterionCriterion-GamesEAea-gameskinectmicrosoftNeed-for-Speedneed-for-speed-most-wanted-2012nfspcplaystationps3xboxSun, 29 Jul 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed: Most Wanted limited edition and pre-order bonuses revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/16/need-for-speed-most-wanted-limited-edition-and-pre-order-bonuse/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/16/need-for-speed-most-wanted-limited-edition-and-pre-order-bonuse/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/16/need-for-speed-most-wanted-limited-edition-and-pre-order-bonuse/#comments Much to nobody's surprise, Need for Speed: Most Wanted will have an initial limited edition run, offering bonus in-game incentives for early adopters. Pre-ordering Need for Speed: Most Wanted is the only way to get the limited edition, which unlocks the Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale and Porsche 911 Carrera S for early use in multiplayer, and gives players double speed points throughout their first four hours of multiplayer.

Depending on where you pre-order Need for Speed: Most Wanted, you'll also get to choose between three different booster packs: speed, power or strike. The Speed pack grants players the Caterham Superlight R500, along with the Track Tyres and Lightweight Chassis mods for improved handling and top speed. The Power pack includes the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor with Reinforced Chassis and Nitrous Dump mods for greater damage sustainability and for "making tight jumps and powered up takedowns." Finally, the Strike pack includes a Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series with Powertrain and Re-inflating Tyre mods for improved torque and acceleration, and greater ability to withstand rival takedown attempts.

If you want to snag a limited edition copy of Need for Speed: Most Wanted, you'll need to pre-order by October 30.

Continue reading Need for Speed: Most Wanted limited edition and pre-order bonuses revealed

JoystiqNeed for Speed: Most Wanted limited edition and pre-order bonuses revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterionCriterion-Gamesealimited-editionmicrosoftneed-for-speed-most-wanted-2012pcplaystationps3xboxMon, 16 Jul 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Buckle up for Need for Speed: Most Wanted gameplay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/buckle-up-for-need-for-speed-most-wanted-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/buckle-up-for-need-for-speed-most-wanted-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/buckle-up-for-need-for-speed-most-wanted-gameplay/#comments Buckle up for Need for Speed Most Wanted gameplay
Words are great - we've built an entire website on 'em - but sometimes you need visuals to help you, uh, visualize stuff. So go ahead and check out some Need for Speed: Most Wanted gameplay, embedded here in this very post. After all, it is Mike Schramm's most wanted game of E3 and he does not toss around such praise lightly.

JoystiqBuckle up for Need for Speed: Most Wanted gameplay originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Jun 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterionCriterion-Gamese3-2012eamicrosoftneed-for-speed-most-wanted-2012pcplaystationps3xboxTue, 05 Jun 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed: Most Wanted pulls into retail on October 30 [Update: PC, iOS and Android ports, Limited Edition confirmed]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/need-for-speed-most-wanted-pulls-into-retail-on-october-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/need-for-speed-most-wanted-pulls-into-retail-on-october-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/need-for-speed-most-wanted-pulls-into-retail-on-october-30/#comments It wasn't much of a surprise, but EA officially pulled the wraps off (again) on Need for Speed: Most Wanted, the latest from UK's Criterion Studios. It's the follow-up to the outfit's previous take on the Need for Speed franchise, Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit - with an open world.

A gameplay demo showcased the new open world, and even gave us a glimpse of Porsche, Lamborghini, Aston Martin and Dodge whips, the titular "most wanted" rides the player will be tasked with collecting. Also: beautiful slow-motion crashes ala Burnout.

Update: EA just sent us a press release, detailing a special-run Limited Edition version (just like Hot Pursuit) of the game, which packs in "double speed points, custom liveries, pre-customized rollouts and two vehicles: the Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale and Porsche 911 Carrera S." Also, ports are coming to PC, iOS and Android - find more details in the press release past the break.

Continue reading Need for Speed: Most Wanted pulls into retail on October 30 [Update: PC, iOS and Android ports, Limited Edition confirmed]

JoystiqNeed for Speed: Most Wanted pulls into retail on October 30 [Update: PC, iOS and Android ports, Limited Edition confirmed] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Jun 2012 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterioncriterion-gamese3-2012eamicrosoftneed-for-speed-most-wanted-2012playstationps3xboxMon, 04 Jun 2012 16:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Criterion's next game is Need for Speed: Most Wanted]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/01/criterions-next-game-is-need-for-speed-most-wanted/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/01/criterions-next-game-is-need-for-speed-most-wanted/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/01/criterions-next-game-is-need-for-speed-most-wanted/#comments ImageForget about that other Need for Speed: Most Wanted that came out in 2005 - Criterion's got its own Need for Speed: Most Wanted title, and it's set to be unveiled next week during E3. EA confirmed the recent rumors in a missive today announcing its plans for E3.

There are literally zero details beyond the name and the developer, but we'd wager the game will feature Hot Pursuit's lauded Autolog system. And based on the previous "Most Wanted" entry in the series, we're guessing the title has something to do with police chases and speedy automobiles. We'll assuredly find out more next Monday when EA's E3 press conference kicks off.

Update: Geoff Keighley's tweeted the above image, which he says is the "first-ever image" of the game in action. As expected, the game features both high-end automobiles and police chasing said automobiles. Hot damn!

Continue reading Criterion's next game is Need for Speed: Most Wanted

JoystiqCriterion's next game is Need for Speed: Most Wanted originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Jun 2012 12:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterion-gamese3-2012eaelectronic-artsneed-for-speed-most-wantedneed-for-speed-most-wanted-2012Fri, 01 Jun 2012 12:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: 'Need for Speed: Most Wanted' listed on E3 booth schedule [Update: Yup!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/report-need-for-speed-most-wanted-listed-on-e3-booth-schedul/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/report-need-for-speed-most-wanted-listed-on-e3-booth-schedul/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/report-need-for-speed-most-wanted-listed-on-e3-booth-schedul/#comments ImageThat mysterious Need for Speed game mentioned during EA's fiscal 2012 investors call may become slightly less ethereal during E3, as TwitchTV's booth schedule lists "Need for Speed: Most Wanted" as one of the games it'll be showcasing, according to IGN.

If that name sounds familiar, that's because it should: The original Need for Speed: Most Wanted (above) was released on nearly every system in existence way back in the ancient caveman days of 2005. It's possible that this may be the Criterion-developed Need for Speed game the rumor mill was churning over a couple weeks ago, but that's just rampant speculation on our part.

It's also possible that TwitchTV could merely be showing off the Game Boy Advance port of the original or something, we're going to go ahead and assume that isn't the case since we don't live in a Far Side cartoon.

Update: We have also received the schedule in question and can confirm that Need for Speed: Most Wanted is indeed among TwitchTV's on-site programming for E3, along with "TBA" titles from Ubisoft, Capcom and Warner Bros.

JoystiqReport: 'Need for Speed: Most Wanted' listed on E3 booth schedule [Update: Yup!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterionCriterion-GamesE3-2012EAelectronic-artsneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-most-wantedtwitchtvSat, 26 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit devs working on Vita title]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/report-need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-devs-working-on-vita-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/report-need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-devs-working-on-vita-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/report-need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-devs-working-on-vita-title/#comments ImageUK studio Criterion Games is apparently prepping a project for release on the PlayStation Vita. Superannuation spotted a job listing for a software engineer that at one point reportedly listed "optimising and tuning the game resource system for the PS Vita" as part of the position's overview. The listing was seemingly altered since, as it now reads, "Optimizing and tuning the game resource system for other platforms."

Aside from the bite-sized Burnout Crash launched on XBLA last year, Criterion Games has been rather quiet for the past couple years. The team's last console release was the fantastic Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit in 2010, and many expect that the next Need for Speed entry will be handled once again by Criterion. We've yet to hear a peep from the studio in 2012, but E3 isn't too far away.

We contacted Criterion's parent company, EA, for comment.

JoystiqReport: Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit devs working on Vita title originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterioncriterion-gameseaelectronic-artsplaystationplaystation-vitavitaThu, 17 May 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Burnout Crash review: Accident prevention]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/20/burnout-crash-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/20/burnout-crash-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/20/burnout-crash-review/#comments As anyone who possesses the required documentation and vehicular means can attest, it is not terribly difficult to crash a car. There are countless laws and infrastructural guidelines designed to keep your automobile from touching anything but the ground beneath it -- ignoring just one is enough to cause a horrific, steel-twisting wreck. If impulse, not reason, guided your hands-on-wheels and feet-on-pedals, then the act of safe driving would be exponentially more difficult than the dangerous variety.

Perplexingly, Criterion Games has centered the focus of Burnout Crash on a task that's even more difficult, and more obscure than avoiding collisions with other automotive objects: In Burnout Crash, you must collide with all the other automotive objects. Harsh penalties await for players who let chunks of traffic slip through their grasp, bringing you to a haunting realization: You're not orchestrating symphonies of coordinated property damage, you're committing automotive genocide.

Gallery: Burnout Crash! (8/31/11)

Continue reading Burnout Crash review: Accident prevention

JoystiqBurnout Crash review: Accident prevention originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Burnout-Crashcriterioncriterion-gameseakinectmicrosoftplaystationps3xboxTue, 20 Sep 2011 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[NFS: Hot Pursuit getting three new DLC packs in the next three weeks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/nfs-hot-pursuit-getting-three-new-dlc-packs-in-the-next-three-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/nfs-hot-pursuit-getting-three-new-dlc-packs-in-the-next-three-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/nfs-hot-pursuit-getting-three-new-dlc-packs-in-the-next-three-w/#comments After yesterday's discovery of new Achievements arriving in this week's Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit patch -- cheevos that hinted at Lamborghini and Porsche DLC -- EA today issued a press releasing detailing three new DLC packs launching over the next three weeks starting on February 22. And wouldn't you know it, two of the packs happen to be themed after the aforementioned luxury car brands; "Lamborghini Untamed" adds three Lambos and 10 new events, while "Porsche Untamed" brings two Porsches and 10 more new events.

Kicking the tires on the three weeks of DLC is the "Armed and Dangerous" pack, which adds two modes: "Most Wanted", described as "an open-world battle where the cops are out to bust a specific racer while the racers battle to protect them, making full use of the open world, weaponry and demanding team tactics," and "Arms Race," which EA details as "every man for himself as racers use their full arsenal of weaponry on each other in ruthless races to the finish." Armed and Dangerous arrives next week for $7, with Lamborghini Untamed and Porsche Unleashed launching in subsequent weeks at the same price.

As detailed on the Need for Speed Blog, folks interested in snagging the forthcoming DLC will have to download this week's patch (version 1.2) first, which must be manually downloaded on Xbox 360s (via the Marketplace) since the 257MB patch handily exceeds the console's maximum size for an automatic Title Update. The PlayStation 3 update is automatically triggered upon startup.

Continue reading NFS: Hot Pursuit getting three new DLC packs in the next three weeks

JoystiqNFS: Hot Pursuit getting three new DLC packs in the next three weeks originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armed-and-dangerouscriterion-gamesdlceaelectronic-artslamborghinilamborghini-untamedmicrosoftneed-for-speed-hot-pursuitpcplaystationporscheporsche-unleashedps3xboxThu, 17 Feb 2011 13:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam Holiday Sale discounts Left 4 Dead 2, GTA IV, NFS: Hot Pursuit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/steam-holiday-sale-discounts-left-4-dead-2-gta-iv-nfs-hot-pur/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/steam-holiday-sale-discounts-left-4-dead-2-gta-iv-nfs-hot-pur/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/steam-holiday-sale-discounts-left-4-dead-2-gta-iv-nfs-hot-pur/#comments The Steam savings keep on coming as today's deals offer up another bevy of digital wares on the cheap. There are plenty to choose from, including Left 4 Dead 2 at a very reasonable $6.79, the GTA IV collection (which includes both The Lost and Damned and The Ballad of Gay Tony) for $10, and hefty discounts on Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit, Singularity and Transformers: War for Cybertron. Hit the jump for the full list.

Continue reading Steam Holiday Sale discounts Left 4 Dead 2, GTA IV, NFS: Hot Pursuit

JoystiqSteam Holiday Sale discounts Left 4 Dead 2, GTA IV, NFS: Hot Pursuit originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterionCriterion-Gamesdigital-distributioneagrand-theft-auto-ivleft-4-dead-2need-for-speed-hot-pursuitpcsteamsteam-holiday-salesteam-holiday-sale-2010valveThu, 30 Dec 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Three new supercars pulling into Need for Speed Hot Pursuit DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/10/three-new-supercars-pulling-into-need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/10/three-new-supercars-pulling-into-need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/10/three-new-supercars-pulling-into-need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-dlc/#comments So, you've finally managed to topple the impossibly low track times set by your unlawful friends in Need for Speed Hot Pursuit, learning how to handle the game's fastest, most reckless automobiles along the way. The "Super Sports" DLC pack, due out on December 21 on Xbox 360, and December 22 on PSN, will to add 13 new events and three cars to the game: The Porsche 911 GT2 RS, the GUMPERT Apollo S and the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport. We bet they're as difficult to drive as they are to pronounce.

The pack will run you $6.99 USD (560 Microsoft Points), which might seem like a bit much for three new cars and 13 new races. Still, think of the joy you'll get when driving the Bugatti Veyron while playing on the law enforcement team, effectively turning yourself into the world's fanciest cop.

JoystiqThree new supercars pulling into Need for Speed Hot Pursuit DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Dec 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterion-gamesdlceamicrosoftneed-for-speed-hot-pursuitplaystationps3super-sportxboxFri, 10 Dec 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch a Need for Speed Hot Pursuit trailer, help unlock free DLC for all]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/26/watch-a-need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-trailer-help-unlock-free-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/26/watch-a-need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-trailer-help-unlock-free-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/26/watch-a-need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-trailer-help-unlock-free-dlc/#commentsDo you like Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit enough to watch a trailer for Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit? If so, that moderate, casual fandom could be rewarded with free DLC.

EA is offering a free three-pack of downloadable cars, including the Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible, the Lamborghini Murcielago LP 650-4 Roadster, and the Dodge Viper SRT10 Convertible Final Edition -- if this latest trailer reaches one million views by December 12. We've embedded it after the break in such a manner as to encourage views. We'll stop short of telling you to Rickroll your friends with it, but if we've accidentally planted the idea in your mind, there's just nothing we can do about that.

[Thanks, Alexander]

Update: The video has passed the 500,000 mark. You can do it! You can tell people to watch a video!

Continue reading Watch a Need for Speed Hot Pursuit trailer, help unlock free DLC for all

JoystiqWatch a Need for Speed Hot Pursuit trailer, help unlock free DLC for all originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterion-gamesdlceamicrosoftneed-for-speed-hot-pursuitpcplaystationps3xboxFri, 26 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA hosts Need for Speed Hot Pursuit launch party in Hollywood]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/17/ea-hosts-need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-launch-party-in-hollywood/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/17/ea-hosts-need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-launch-party-in-hollywood/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/17/ea-hosts-need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-launch-party-in-hollywood/#comments
EA hosted a launch party for its new Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit game last night at the Avalon nightclub in Hollywood. Among the celebrities and performers Chiddy Bang, we found Criterion Games' creative director Craig Sullivan right before he introduced the game to the audience. "It's been amazing," he said of the response to the game so far.

"We're really really happy with it." Sullivan's been a fan of Need for Speed since the original 3DO game, and along with the rest of Criterion, he says he was thrilled to get the chance to make an official title. "When we got our shot at the title, everybody was really up for it and we just kind of went crazy."

We asked about DLC for the game, but Sullivan was still mum. "Given the fact that Criterion Games did a year of downloadable content for Burnout Paradise," he admitted, "I would be very surprised if we didn't do any followups or downloadable content for Need for Speed." But when pressed on what that DLC might be, he declined to comment until later on.

Still, the party was a good time -- EA invited about 5,000 members of the public to come enjoy the game in a club that only held about 2,000 people. You can see pictures of the event in the gallery below.

Gallery: Need for Speed Hot Pursuit launch party

JoystiqEA hosts Need for Speed Hot Pursuit launch party in Hollywood originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 13:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>craig-sullivancriterion-gamesdlcdownloadable-contenteahollywoodlaunchmicrosoftneed-for-speed-hot-pursuitpartypcplaystationps3xboxWed, 17 Nov 2010 13:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit demo downloaded over two million times]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/10/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-demo-downloaded-over-two-million-tim/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/10/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-demo-downloaded-over-two-million-tim/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/10/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-demo-downloaded-over-two-million-tim/#comments In case the flood of promotional messages from your friends hasn't tipped you off yet, here's some news: a lot of people have checked out the Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit demo on Xbox Live and PSN. According to some stats from EA, "more than" two million consoles downloaded the demo within the span of two weeks, making it the most successful demo for the series yet.

Throughout their time with the demo, players have raced across 54 million miles of road in Seacrest County, resulting in over 20 million busts by law enforcement. If you were looking to get in on either side of the conflict, we're afraid you can no longer download the demo. But! We've got the next best thing: our review of the game!.

Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit launches on November 16 for the PS3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii and Windows PC.

JoystiqNeed for Speed: Hot Pursuit demo downloaded over two million times originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Nov 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterionCriterion-Gamesdemoeamicrosoftneed-for-speed-hot-pursuitplaystationps3racingxboxWed, 10 Nov 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit review: More than satisfies the need]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/09/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/09/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/09/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-review/#comments It's been a good year to be a fan of arcade-style racing games, with Blur and Split/Second neck-and-neck in the race to be the year's best. Unfortunately for them, Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit from Burnout Paradise creator Criterion Games just took first place.

For the reboot of this Need for Speed sub-series, which saw two installments across PS1 and PS2, Criterion has created a racer that not only lives up to expectations of thrilling speed and pristine visuals but blows past them with a cops-and-robbers career mode.

Gallery: Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit (review)

Continue reading Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit review: More than satisfies the need

JoystiqNeed for Speed: Hot Pursuit review: More than satisfies the need originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Nov 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterionCriterion-GameseaElectronic-ArtsmicrosoftNeed-for-Speedneed-for-speed-hot-pursuitplaystationps3RacingxboxTue, 09 Nov 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit trailers offer cheeky tips and tricks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/09/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-trailers-offer-cheeky-tips-and-trick/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/09/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-trailers-offer-cheeky-tips-and-trick/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/09/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-trailers-offer-cheeky-tips-and-trick/#comments What's all this, then? You'd fancy a five minute clip of British actors portraying the events of a Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit race? Brilliant, as EA's just sent one over! Perhaps you don't have a full five to sit around? A more condensed vid is available as well, both found after the break. Spot on!

Continue reading Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit trailers offer cheeky tips and tricks

JoystiqNeed for Speed: Hot Pursuit trailers offer cheeky tips and tricks originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Nov 2010 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterion-gameseaelectronic-artslive-actionmicrosoftneed-for-speed-hot-pursuitpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 09 Nov 2010 15:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit trailer tours Seacrest County]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/04/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-trailer-tours-seacrest-county/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/04/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-trailer-tours-seacrest-county/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/04/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-trailer-tours-seacrest-county/#comments Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit wants you to believe Seacrest County is a "driver's paradise," but we feel this latest trailer ignores the best thing Seacrest has to offer: Señor Guapo's Bakery on Alameda boulevard. Seriously, don't visit just to drive around, go have the churro of your life.

Continue reading Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit trailer tours Seacrest County

JoystiqNeed for Speed: Hot Pursuit trailer tours Seacrest County originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterionCriterion-Gameseamicrosoftneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-hot-pursuitnintendopcplaystationps3wiixboxThu, 04 Nov 2010 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[There's a lot going on in these Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit commercials]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/theres-a-lot-going-on-in-these-need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-comm/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/theres-a-lot-going-on-in-these-need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-comm/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/theres-a-lot-going-on-in-these-need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-comm/#comments EA has developed one of the most perplexing ad campaigns we've ever seen to promote its upcoming racer, Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit. It's a five-part mini-series following the shenanigans of two valets, one of which is also secretly a renegade cop (?), and one of which is also a street racer (?). Of course, they don't bust fools or drive fast in these ads. They park cars, because they're valets. Sometimes, they don't park the cars, because they're edgy.

Oh, and they're played by Jerry Ferrara and Kevin Dillon, whom you may know from the hit television series Entourage, or, if you're not an HBO subscriber, Hotel for Dogs. Check out the first two entries into this commercial series, titled "Officer Douche" and "You Park It," respectively, after the jump. After that, join us in wishing that these ads get their own spin-off television show, Cavemen-style. We'd love to see the complexities of these characters unfold, you know?

Continue reading There's a lot going on in these Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit commercials

JoystiqThere's a lot going on in these Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit commercials originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 22:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingcommercialcriterion-gameseaea-canadaentouragemicrosoftneed-for-speed-hot-pursuitplaystationps3xboxTue, 02 Nov 2010 22:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit limited time demo coming Oct. 26]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/25/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-limited-time-demo-coming-oct-26/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/25/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-limited-time-demo-coming-oct-26/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/25/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-limited-time-demo-coming-oct-26/#comments We've got a need -- a need for temporarily available demos of racing games that'll be available publicly in a few weeks, anyway. EA's bringin' it, with a Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit demo that will be available on Xbox Live Marketplace and PlayStation Network from tomorrow until November 9 (the demo goes live on PSN in Europe on the 27th). The publisher didn't explain the reason for the demo's temporary availability, instead focusing on the details of the forthcoming trial.

Both "Dark Horse" and "Roadster's Reborn" game modes will be included. The former is the standard cops and robbers/cat and mouse scenario, while the latter offers ghost car time trials to compete against. The game's "autolog" social networking feature plays heavily into the second game mode, only unlocking after players add friends into their "Need for Speed friends list." We look forward to reevaluating our "friends" once it becomes impossible to beat some of their track times.

JoystiqNeed for Speed: Hot Pursuit limited time demo coming Oct. 26 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Oct 2010 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autologcriterioncriterion-gamesdemomicrosoftneed-for-speed-hot-pursuitplaystationps3psnxblaxblmxboxMon, 25 Oct 2010 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit trailer introduces the Seacrest Police]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-trailer-introduces-the-seacrest-poli/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-trailer-introduces-the-seacrest-poli/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-trailer-introduces-the-seacrest-poli/#comments Though we would have assumed that the Seacrest Police was a force responsible for monitoring and punishing the behavior of a certain American Idol host, the Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit trailer posted below is evidence that this assumption was very, very stupid. Like, so stupid.

Continue reading Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit trailer introduces the Seacrest Police

JoystiqNeed For Speed: Hot Pursuit trailer introduces the Seacrest Police originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterion-gamesmicrosoftneed-for-speed-hot-pursuitplaystationps3xboxFri, 22 Oct 2010 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Space 2, Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit and more coming to iOS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/14/dead-space-2-need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-and-more-coming-to-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/14/dead-space-2-need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-and-more-coming-to-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/14/dead-space-2-need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-and-more-coming-to-ios/#commentsFiled under: , ,

EA is bringing some of its biggest properties to iOS, the company revealed during a recent presentation at the Apple Store in Ginza, Tokyo. Aside from the numerous titles already revealed last week, EA is currently working on ports of Dead Space 2, Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit, and even an ad-supported, subscription-optional version of Pogo, the company's casual online games portal. There will also be an EA Active presence on Apple's devices, as well as a version of Monopoly.

Also, the other properties EA has lined up include an adaptation of the board game Pictureka! and a new racer called Reckless -- formerly known as Deliverace. If you're wondering, "Why the name change?" then clearly you've never spent time on the Cahulawassee River. Nobody wants to be reminded of that "vacation."

For images of some of these newly-revealed games, head on over to 4Gamer.

JoystiqDead Space 2, Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit and more coming to iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apple-ioscriterion-gamesdead-space-2eaIOSipadiphonemobileneed-for-speed-hot-pursuitvisceral-gamesThu, 14 Oct 2010 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit dev diary introduces Autolog]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/14/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-dev-diary-introduces-autolog/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/14/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-dev-diary-introduces-autolog/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/14/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-dev-diary-introduces-autolog/#comments In Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit, there's an in-game social suite called Autolog. It allows players to compare progress and connect through various features -- actually, the people who created it would do a better job describing it, so head past the break for a brief video overview.

Continue reading Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit dev diary introduces Autolog

JoystiqNeed For Speed: Hot Pursuit dev diary introduces Autolog originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autologcriterion-gamesmicrosoftneed-for-speed-hot-pursuitplaystationps3xboxThu, 14 Oct 2010 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Criterion once pitched 'Need for Speed: Split Second,' worked on Skate or Die remake]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/30/criterion-once-pitched-need-for-speed-split-second-worked-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/30/criterion-once-pitched-need-for-speed-split-second-worked-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/30/criterion-once-pitched-need-for-speed-split-second-worked-on/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In the latest issue of GamesTM, Criterion Games creative director Alex Ward dishes news on a Skate or Die remake that EA offered his studio back in 2002, which was eventually canned by Criterion. This, Ward says, soured relations between the developer and EA for some time, effectively killing Criterion's pitch on a Need for Speed title -- titled "Need for Speed: Split Second," if you can believe it. "We called a meeting with the EA guys, told them we were walking away [from Skate or Die] and they went mad," Ward said. "threatening to sue us, put us out of business ... there was a lot of anger and frustration. Then we got a call from the Need For Speed guys and they said 'we can't work with you guys any more; you just walked away and there's a shame on your company, so we can't talk to you.'"

Though the pitch was killed, Criterion instead got to work on developing its Burnout series and is now developing another reboot for EA: Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit. It also appears that the direction in which Skate or Die's remake was going -- a more realistic, simulation-style skateboarding game -- eventually became EA's Skate franchise. "I wanted to explore what it was like to just go out for a skate and have that feeling of just doing whatever you want. There was that experience from when I went skating in real life that just wasn't captured in videogames. I wanted to be able to get off the board," says Criterion dev Craig Sullivan. There are said to be many more interesting tidbits in the issue, which hits newsstands on September 5.

JoystiqCriterion once pitched 'Need for Speed: Split Second,' worked on Skate or Die remake originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex-wardburnout-3criterioncriterion-gameseaelectronic-artsmicrosoftneed-for-speed-hot-pursuitpcplaystationps3skate-or-diexboxMon, 30 Aug 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit gameplay footage will get your heart racing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-gameplay-footage-will-get-your-heart/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-gameplay-footage-will-get-your-heart/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-gameplay-footage-will-get-your-heart/#comments This freshly released gameplay trailer for Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit from Burnout vets Criterion Games has us in a hot pursuit of a controller with which we can play more of this blistering-fast racer. The footage features cops versus racers in both day and night settings, the latter we're pretty sure was put in the game just to show off the police car lights bathing passing cars and scenery in their red and blue beams.

The video begins and ends with a peek at the game's "Autolog" player vs. player challenge system. There are also some shots that'll be familiar with anyone who played Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 in the PS2 era, including roadblocks, spike strips (dropped from helicopters!) and the cops calling in high-performance backup when their cruisers just aren't getting the job done. It looks fast-tastic. Now, if only November 16 could get here faster.

Continue reading Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit gameplay footage will get your heart racing

JoystiqNeed For Speed: Hot Pursuit gameplay footage will get your heart racing originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 21:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterionCriterion-GameseaElectronic-Artsgamescom-2010microsoftNeed-for-SpeedNeed-for-Speed-Hot-Pursuitplaystationps3RacingxboxTue, 17 Aug 2010 21:40:00 EST<![CDATA[EA taking Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit on tour]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/30/ea-taking-need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-on-tour/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/30/ea-taking-need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-on-tour/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/30/ea-taking-need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-on-tour/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you happen to live in one of seven US cities selected by EA, you'll be able to catch Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit in advance of its November 16 release. Taking a cue from The Cannonball Run, the game will wind its way across the country (and back again), making pit stops at "hot local venues" along the route, where it will be playable while "renowned hip hop and rock artists" perform.

The tour rolls out on Wednesday, July 14 at the Manhattan Classic Car Club in New York City. Hit the break (not the brakes) for a full list of cities and dates, then visit the official Need for Speed site to sign up for a test drive at one of the venues.

Continue reading EA taking Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit on tour

JoystiqEA taking Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit on tour originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Criterion-GameseaElectronic-Artsmicrosoftneed-for-speed-hot-pursuitplaystationps3xboxWed, 30 Jun 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit races to retail November 16]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/14/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-races-to-retail-november-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/14/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-races-to-retail-november-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/14/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-races-to-retail-november-16/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Criterion's Need for Speed has finally been revealed. EA's E3 keynote ripped off the cover on Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit, a reboot of the long-running racing series due to launch on November 16.

The introductory trailer promises a full campaign mode for both racer and cop and reveals a new feature called Autolog. This will track how you play and will support leaderboards for bragging rights between friends. There are also in-game power-ups (a spike strip for the cops is detailed), which can be utilized through the d-pad.

Update: EA just sent a press release revealing a November 19 release for Europe, as well as a Wii port in development at Exient.

Gallery: Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit (first screens)

Continue reading Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit races to retail November 16

JoystiqNeed for Speed: Hot Pursuit races to retail November 16 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 17:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Criterion-Gamese3-2010EAElectronic-ArtsExientNeed-for-Speed-Hot-PursuitNeef-for-SpeedMon, 14 Jun 2010 17:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Codemasters working on new FPS from creator of Black]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/15/codemasters-working-on-new-fps-from-creator-of-black/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/15/codemasters-working-on-new-fps-from-creator-of-black/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/15/codemasters-working-on-new-fps-from-creator-of-black/#comments Hey, remember Black, the PS2 and Xbox FPS created by Criterion Games before it went all-in on Burnout Paradise? Turns out the name wasn't just short for "black ops" -- the senior designer on the title was Stuart Black, and the vice president of development for Codemasters has now confirmed that he's working on a new game in a new studio for the company. Black will join former game director at Sony London, Tom Gillo, and senior producer Andrew Wilson on an 80-person team working with Codemasters' EGO engine to develop the brand-new IP, which the UK's Official Xbox Magazine seems to be hinting is "the shooter that everybody asked for."

We've heard a lot of people ask for a next-gen No One Lives Forever sequel, but that's probably not what they mean. Black did have some nice stylistic twists, however, so while this game is definitely not a direct sequel (Criterion still owns that IP), we'll expect to see Black's ideas assembled in a new form.

JoystiqCodemasters working on new FPS from creator of Black originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andrew-wilsonblackBlack-2006Bodycountcodemasterscriterion-gamesfirst-person-shooterfpsnew-ipstuart-blacktom-gilloMon, 15 Feb 2010 20:00:00 EST