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 aiming to launch with next-gen consoles this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/11/need-for-speed-rivals-will-launch-with-next-gen-consoles-this-y/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/11/need-for-speed-rivals-will-launch-with-next-gen-consoles-this-y/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/11/need-for-speed-rivals-will-launch-with-next-gen-consoles-this-y/#comments Need for Speed: Rivals is slated to be a launch title for Xbox One and PlayStation 4, Lead Designer James Mouat told Joystiq at E3. The game was already announced as coming to Xbox 360, PS3 and PC on November 19, but Mouat said the team wants the game to "be out on launch" for next-generation consoles.

Mouat also confirmed that the game will not include local, split-screen multiplayer. While the Rivals' "AllDrive" feature places a heavy emphasis on competitive, online-connected multiplayer, Mouat assured us that "if you never touch the Internet with your console, it still plays fine," and that "you'll have an entire single-player campaign to play through."

JoystiqNeed for Speed: Rivals aiming to launch with next-gen consoles this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Jun 2013 17:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterionCriterion-Gamese3-2013ghost-gamesmicrosoftneed-for-speed-rivalsplaystationps4xbox-oneTue, 11 Jun 2013 17:38:00 EST<![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[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[PSA: Need for Speed: Most Wanted DLC reaches Ultimate Speed today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/19/psa-need-for-speed-most-wanted-dlc-reaches-ultimate-speed-toda/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/19/psa-need-for-speed-most-wanted-dlc-reaches-ultimate-speed-toda/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/19/psa-need-for-speed-most-wanted-dlc-reaches-ultimate-speed-toda/#comments
Criterion's latest racer, Need for Speed: Most Wanted, presents its first premium DLC pack today. The Ultimate Speed pack has five new rides up for grabs - the Pagani Zonda R, McLaren F1LM, Lamborghini Aventador J and Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse - with 25 subsequent challenges for each to overcome.

Fairhaven also has one new Most Wanted rival prowling the streets in a Hennessey Venom GT Spyder, which you may then take down and claim for yourself. The Ultimate Speed pack is available on Xbox 360, PS3 and Origin right now for 800 MS Points ($10).

Gallery: Need for Speed: Most Wanted - Ultimate Speed Pack

JoystiqPSA: Need for Speed: Most Wanted DLC reaches Ultimate Speed today originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Dec 2012 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criteriondlceamicrosoftneed-for-speed-most-wanted-2012pcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3ultimate-speed-packvitaxboxWed, 19 Dec 2012 05:00:00 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[Need for Speed: Most Wanted puts the 'car' in carnage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/26/need-for-speed-most-wanted-puts-the-car-in-carnage/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/26/need-for-speed-most-wanted-puts-the-car-in-carnage/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/26/need-for-speed-most-wanted-puts-the-car-in-carnage/#comments
There's not an iota of Tonto in this non-live-action launch trailer for Need for Speed: Most Wanted, but we'll forgive that oversight just this once. But we'll never forget.

JoystiqNeed for Speed: Most Wanted puts the 'car' in carnage originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Oct 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterionEAmicrosoftneed-for-speed-most-wanted-2012pcplaystationps3trailerxboxFri, 26 Oct 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Need For Speed: Most Wanted gameplay video is in hot pursuit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/06/need-for-speed-most-wanted-gameplay-video-is-in-hot-pursuit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/06/need-for-speed-most-wanted-gameplay-video-is-in-hot-pursuit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/06/need-for-speed-most-wanted-gameplay-video-is-in-hot-pursuit/#comments
This gameplay trailer for Need for Speed: Most Wanted shows a full race in which the driver navigates the city of Fairhaven to outpace his opponent (yes, similar to Criterion's Burnout series). Need for Speed: Most Wanted is scheduled to launch October 30 for PS3, Xbox 360 and PC.

JoystiqNeed For Speed: Most Wanted gameplay video is in hot pursuit originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Oct 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Burnoutcriteriongameplaymicrosoftmost-wantedNeed-for-Speedneed-for-speed-most-wanted-2012pcplaystationps3trailerxboxSat, 06 Oct 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NFS: Most Wanted's Kinect support detailed, lets you talk to your car]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/nfs-most-wanteds-kinect-support-detailed-lets-you-talk-to-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/nfs-most-wanteds-kinect-support-detailed-lets-you-talk-to-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/nfs-most-wanteds-kinect-support-detailed-lets-you-talk-to-you/#comments Need for Speed Most Wanted gets Kinect support, lets you command your carNeed for Speed: Most Wanted's Kinect functionality is tied to the game's mods. A gameplay video earlier this year teased support for the Xbox 360 add-on, and today Criterion outlined how it works with the equipment and upgrades you fit your car with.

No, there are no invisible steering wheels, and yes, it's voice-controlled stuff. Just as you would in a real car, by saying commands like 'Mods, Nitrous, Burn Nitrous' you can equip your vehicle with whichever mod you need, while you're on the go. No, we don't know if the car talks back, but we'll all find out when the game comes out on October 30.

JoystiqNFS: Most Wanted's Kinect support detailed, lets you talk to your car originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterionEAkinectmicrosoftneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-most-wantedneed-for-speed-most-wanted-2012xboxThu, 06 Sep 2012 14:30:00 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 to ditch traditional car unlocks, let you smash your friend's face]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/14/need-for-speed-most-wanted-to-ditch-traditional-car-unlocks-le/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/14/need-for-speed-most-wanted-to-ditch-traditional-car-unlocks-le/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/14/need-for-speed-most-wanted-to-ditch-traditional-car-unlocks-le/#comments In Criterion's upcoming Need for Speed: Most Wanted, every car in the game will be available almost immediately, executive producer Matt Webster said during EA's Gamescom press event today. Webster asked the crowd why players can't just choose any car they want at the beginning of a game, saying that the only thing holding developers back is 20 years of tradition. "An open world game deserves an open game structure," he said, adding that "if you can find it, you can drive it." Adding to the open nature of Most Wanted's progression, unlocking upgrades for a specific car is as easy as driving it.

Another Most Wanted feature involves competing with your friends. The team at Criterion thought it would be great to show which of your friends have made the best jump in a given area, for example. The solution, just slap up an in-game billboard of your friend's face. If you want to break your buddy's record, all you have to do is smash right through his or her face (as illustrated by the about-to-be-obliterated image of Peter Moore's mug seen above).

Furthermore, a feature called CloudCompete will allow players to track their friends activity and earn multiplayer points across multiple devices, including iOS, PC, Mac, Vita and consoles.

Need for Speed: Most Wanted will launch on October 30 in North America and on November 1 in Europe.

JoystiqNeed for Speed: Most Wanted to ditch traditional car unlocks, let you smash your friend's face originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Aug 2012 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criteriongamescom-2012microsoftneed-for-speed-most-wanted-2012pcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3vitaxboxTue, 14 Aug 2012 10:50:00 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[Need for Speed now officially Criterion's baby]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/23/need-for-speed-now-officially-criterions-baby/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/23/need-for-speed-now-officially-criterions-baby/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/23/need-for-speed-now-officially-criterions-baby/#comments Criterion VP Alex Ward revealed that the company took over the Need for Speed series in an interview at E3 with GameInformer. Noting that the franchise will see "strong Criterion involvement" going forward, Ward said that he will be "personally involved in how the cars drive, how the game will play out, how connected they are, and what the features are."

"It's not going to be spread anymore across different companies. Different studios have had a crack at it - it's definitely a Criterion gig now," he said.

Regarding the variety in Need For Speed titles and features (such as Hot Pursuit, Shift, and Most Wanted), Ward added, "I think it would be amazing in the future if there was one big game that had all of these in it. That would be amazing."

JoystiqNeed for Speed now officially Criterion's baby originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Jun 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex-wardcriterionNeed-for-SpeednfsSat, 23 Jun 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed: Most Wanted is a secret return to Paradise]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/11/need-for-speed-most-wanted-is-a-secret-return-to-paradise/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/11/need-for-speed-most-wanted-is-a-secret-return-to-paradise/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/11/need-for-speed-most-wanted-is-a-secret-return-to-paradise/#comments Need for Speed Most Wanted is a secret return to ParadiseIt makes sense for EA to call its new racing game Need for Speed: Most Wanted. It's spent multiple titles and a lot of money shoring up the Need for Speed brand on all kinds of platforms, and while the Most Wanted series (known for racing from an underground perspective) isn't the strongest, it's about time EA released another game bearing that title. And after the success with Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit in 2010, it's not surprising that Criterion's been given the task of making it.

But just a few seconds with this game reveals a deeper truth: This is really a secret message from Criterion to its fans, funneled through EA's branding channels. Need for Speed: Most Wanted is an open-world racer in a beautiful city. It's full of various events, environmental features to find, and a social backend that's full of information and ways to connect and compete with fellow players.

In other words, it's Burnout Paradise 2.

Gallery: Need for Speed Most Wanted (E3 2012)

Continue reading Need for Speed: Most Wanted is a secret return to Paradise

JoystiqNeed for Speed: Most Wanted is a secret return to Paradise originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>burnout-paradisecriterione3e3-2012eamicrosoftneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-most-wanted-2012pcplaystationps3racingxboxMon, 11 Jun 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Criterion tracks a lot of things with Autolog]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/07/criterion-tracks-a-lot-of-things-with-autolog/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/07/criterion-tracks-a-lot-of-things-with-autolog/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/07/criterion-tracks-a-lot-of-things-with-autolog/#comments Autolog screen
Need for Speed: Most Wanted is playable on the show floor here at E3 (and we'll have a full preview later on this week), but what interested us most about the demo here is what's up above. There's a circle of eight screens running the game in EA's booth, and above that is a little leaderboard that's constantly updating with the Autolog stats of those racing below. EA used some Need for Speed (and Criterion) specific terms for player names, so "Paradise," "Undrgrnd," and "Need4Spd" are all players.

The level of granularity is really shocking: Criterion is tracking everything from "Speed Points" earned (which is the main leaderboard stat being tracked during the demo) to whether a player is crashing or racing, and even their speed or if they're using boost at any given moment. All of this is being tracked in real-time, and it's then being pumped into a dynamic web page (you can just barely see the browser URL at the top).

This is a setup specifically for this E3 installation - obviously, you won't usually be watching a web page while playing Need for Speed: Most Wanted. But this little leaderboard does show just how much information Criterion is keeping track of with Autolog in the game. Every single element of your racing will be watched and number crunched in real time.

JoystiqCriterion tracks a lot of things with Autolog originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jun 2012 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autologcriterionmicrosoftneed-for-speed-most-wanted-2012playstationps3xboxThu, 07 Jun 2012 15:45:00 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[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 coming to iOS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/burnout-crash-coming-to-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/burnout-crash-coming-to-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/burnout-crash-coming-to-ios/#comments EA has announced that it will bring Criterion's latest, tiniest iteration in the Burnout franchise, Burnout Crash, to the iOS platform this holiday season. The punishing puzzle game, which originally launched on the PSN and XBLA, seems like a perfect fit for handheld devices -- though we don't suggest playing it while driving in real life.

A post on EA's blog makes the upcoming version of the game sound true to the original, including "three game modes, 18 traffic junctions and six unique locations." As long as Dr. Beat and his nitroglycerin-infused ambulance make an appearance, we'll be satisfied.

Gallery: Burnout Crash (iOS)

JoystiqBurnout Crash coming to iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Burnout-CrashcriterioneaiosiphonemobileWed, 12 Oct 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch David Hasselhoff shill for Burnout Crash]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/watch-david-hasselhoff-shill-for-burnout-crash/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/watch-david-hasselhoff-shill-for-burnout-crash/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/watch-david-hasselhoff-shill-for-burnout-crash/#comments
We're not quite sure we understand the motivation behind this union of 'hoff and Burnout Crash. Is it because Burnout is a game about cars, and Hasselhoff just wants you to jump in his car?

JoystiqWatch David Hasselhoff shill for Burnout Crash originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Burnout-Crashcriteriondavid-hasselhoffeakinectmicrosoftpsnxblaxboxWed, 21 Sep 2011 20:00:00 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[Burnout Crash! preview: Kinect Party on the Autolog]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/burnout-crash-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/burnout-crash-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/burnout-crash-preview/#comments Forgoing the usual AAA disc release, Criterion decided the next entry in its Burnout franchise would be a downloadable title featuring Kinect integration. My initial preview of Burnout Crash!, following its unveiling at EA's summer showcase, focused on how the main modes and how gameplay works.

The game has come a long way just over a month later -- as it should have, since it's kinda launching soon. My experience with the Kinect Party mode and Autolog earlier this week showed me that Burnout Crash! stands out as a fun party game.

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

Continue reading Burnout Crash! preview: Kinect Party on the Autolog

JoystiqBurnout Crash! preview: Kinect Party on the Autolog originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Aug 2011 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Burnout-CrashcriterioneakinectmicrosoftxboxWed, 31 Aug 2011 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Burnout Crash! collides with XBLA and PSN on September 20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/burnout-crash-collides-with-xbla-on-september-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/burnout-crash-collides-with-xbla-on-september-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/burnout-crash-collides-with-xbla-on-september-20/#comments During a recent preview session for Criterion's Burnout Crash!, creative director Richard Franke revealed that a launch date and price had finally been set. On September 20, Burnout Crash! will be available for download on Xbox Live Arcade for 800 MS Points ($10) and $9.99 on PSN.

We've got a preview of the game's Kinect Party mode and new Autolog features coming later today, so keep an eye out for that.

JoystiqBurnout Crash! collides with XBLA and PSN on September 20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Burnout-CrashcriterioneamicrosoftxblaxboxWed, 31 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Burnout Crash trailer hits the road, terrifies us]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/burnout-crash-trailer-hits-the-road-terrifies-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/burnout-crash-trailer-hits-the-road-terrifies-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/burnout-crash-trailer-hits-the-road-terrifies-us/#comments We were really enjoying the first trailer for Burnout Crash, until it occurred to us that, statistically speaking, there are almost certainly some babies in those cars. Maybe even a whole baby family, going to volunteer at a baby soup kitchen or donate blood or something. Oh, and they have one of those cute suction cup Garfields hanging on the window. ... No! It's a baby suction cup Garfield. And he's just finished a 10-year prison stint for a crime he didn't commit, and he was driving to meet his son, Baby Suction Cup Garfield Jr. that was born while he was in lock-up. Also? It's his birthday.

...You should totally watch the trailer though. It's cute. Just try not to think about the ... well, you know.

JoystiqBurnout Crash trailer hits the road, terrifies us originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>also-it-was-baby-suction-cup-garfield-jrs-birthdayBurnout-Crashcriterioneagamescom-2011microsoftplaystationps3psnxblaxboxFri, 19 Aug 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Burnout Crash hits home in August, was once a Wii game [update: now '2011']]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/burnout-crash-hits-home-in-august-was-once-a-wii-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/burnout-crash-hits-home-in-august-was-once-a-wii-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/burnout-crash-hits-home-in-august-was-once-a-wii-game/#comments Burnout Crash! will bring its top-down pileups, Kinect collisions and titular exclamation point to PSN and XBLA in August, according to an announcement on EA's UK news site. EA originally announced the downloadable auto pinball title as a "fall" release.

Another revelation about Crash! was provided by Criterion creative director Alex Ward at EA's summer showcase. Ward told Giant Bomb that the project started on Wii before it became Crash!. "It was a user-created game where you drew a road with the wand, and we thought, if we made Crash Mode, you could make it all yourself." Criterion worked on that until discovering that it was "quite boring."

Update: The announcement on EA's site has replaced all references to "August" (and the one out-of-place reference to "Winter") to just "2011."

JoystiqBurnout Crash hits home in August, was once a Wii game [update: now '2011'] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex-wardburnoutBurnout-Crashcriterionmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3psnwiixblaxboxTue, 12 Jul 2011 09:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Burnout Crash! preview: Pinball wizard]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/08/burnout-crash-preview-pinball-wizard/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/08/burnout-crash-preview-pinball-wizard/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/08/burnout-crash-preview-pinball-wizard/#comments Ever since I was a young boy
I've played the silver ball
From Soho down to Brighton
I must have played them all
But I ain't seen nothing like him
In any amusement hall
That deaf, dumb and blind kid
Sure plays a mean pinball

Right about now, I imagine you're wondering what The Who's "Pinball Wizard" has to do with a downloadable title about crashing cars -- but with the Kinect functionality, it's those last two lines that really linger. Burnout Crash! in motion with Kinect is like some foreign ballet that my brain just doesn't have the faculties to understand.

It's also apt because the team at Criterion working on this had two clear influences: pinball and game shows. Richard Franke, game director, explains that Criterion took the "depth, strategy and features" of pinball and combined them with the "lights and sounds that generate excitement" from game shows. If you close your eyes and just listen to the game in progress, it sounds like you're at the local arcade, pinball machines blaring.

Gallery: Burnout Crash (XBLA/PSN)

Continue reading Burnout Crash! preview: Pinball wizard

JoystiqBurnout Crash! preview: Pinball wizard originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Burnout-Crashcriterioneakinectmicrosoftplaystationps3psnxblaxboxFri, 08 Jul 2011 17:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Burnout Crash! spins series off to XBLA, PSN, and into traffic this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/burnout-crash-spins-series-off-to-xbla-psn-and-into-traffic-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/burnout-crash-spins-series-off-to-xbla-psn-and-into-traffic-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/burnout-crash-spins-series-off-to-xbla-psn-and-into-traffic-t/#comments
We first heard about "Burnout Crash" this spring through ESRB and Australian ratings, but EA has kept mum about the downloadable racer -- until now. The publisher officially announced Burnout Crash! for PSN and XBLA, coming fall 2011.

The downloadable top-down racer is based on previous Burnout games' Crash Mode, and offers rewards for "causing traffic chaos by crashing into cars, triggering explosions and destroying everything in sight." 18 different "crash junctions" will challenge players' ability to wreck stuff.

And should you desire a new way in which to wreck stuff (like your living room), Burnout Crash! will include a Kinect mode on XBLA, in which "two teams use gestural controls to play on one television in a party battle!"

Gallery: Burnout Crash (XBLA/PSN)

Continue reading Burnout Crash! spins series off to XBLA, PSN, and into traffic this fall

JoystiqBurnout Crash! spins series off to XBLA, PSN, and into traffic this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 16:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>burnoutburnout-crashcriterionelectronic-artsfall-2011microsoftplaystationps3psnrelease-datexblaxboxThu, 07 Jul 2011 16:42:00 EST<![CDATA[NFS: Hot Pursuit patch, Achievements hint at Porsche vs. Lamborghini DLC pack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/16/nfs-hot-pursuit-patch-achievements-hint-at-porsche-vs-lamborg/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/16/nfs-hot-pursuit-patch-achievements-hint-at-porsche-vs-lamborg/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/16/nfs-hot-pursuit-patch-achievements-hint-at-porsche-vs-lamborg/#comments A new DLC pack for Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit will deal with the eternal struggle between Porsche and Lamborghini, it seems. The 1.2 patch for the game reportedly brings with it several new Achievements and Trophies, accidentally discovered by one of Eurogamer's readers -- since then, Xbox 360 Achievements has posted a full list of the new Achievements.

It's pretty compelling evidence. The Achievements list cites specific events geared around the Porsche and Lamborghini. Also, this shouldn't be confused with EA's previous marketing stunt to give users DLC for the game which, it seems, is still ongoing.

We've contacted EA for comment and will let you know what we find out.

JoystiqNFS: Hot Pursuit patch, Achievements hint at Porsche vs. Lamborghini DLC pack originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementscriteriondlceamicrosoftneed-for-speed-hot-pursuitpatchpcplaystationporsche-vs-lamborghiniporsche-vs-lamborghini-packps3trophiesxboxWed, 16 Feb 2011 23:30:00 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[From the VGAs Red Carpet: Criterion's Craig Sullivan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/12/from-the-vgas-red-carpet-criterions-craig-sullivan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/12/from-the-vgas-red-carpet-criterions-craig-sullivan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/12/from-the-vgas-red-carpet-criterions-craig-sullivan/#comments We just saw Criterion's creative director Craig Sullivan at the launch for Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit a few weeks ago, and so when he showed up on this weekend's VGAs red carpet, we congratulated him on the game and its addictive Autolog feature. "It's been phenomenal," he agreed. "It does change the way people play. People are playing the same event ten, fifteen, fifty times, and you don't get that in racing games. It's a very big deal for us and we're really glad that people are embracing it and having fun."

The social service doesn't do what most implementations have so far done and share stats out to Twitter or Facebook. Instead, it keeps the sharing inside the game, and Sullivan says that's the way Criterion designed it. "You get information about Need for Speed when you're playing Need for Speed," he says. "That was really key to us." Criterion is also seeing in-game comments used more than expected, though it "usually degenerates into a load of swearing."

As for what's next, Sullivan says DLC is the current focus, though Criterion wouldn't mind making either another Need for Speed or Burnout title, or any other genre for that matter. "We made Black before, and everybody wants us to make Black 2. As long as it's fun and it suits the strengths of the studio, we're interested in making any kind of game. We always joke and say we'll make a game about jelly, or make a game about horses, or tennis or whatever it is. If it fun and it fits with what Criterion stands for, then we'll pretty much make anything."

JoystiqFrom the VGAs Red Carpet: Criterion's Craig Sullivan originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 12 Dec 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>craig-sullivancriterionmicrosoftneed-for-speed-hot-pursuitplaystationps3vga-2010vgasxboxSun, 12 Dec 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit PC patch to bring law-breaking bugs to a stop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/27/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-pc-patch-to-bring-lawbreaking-bugs-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/27/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-pc-patch-to-bring-lawbreaking-bugs-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/27/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-pc-patch-to-bring-lawbreaking-bugs-t/#comments Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit's dev team has been combing the code of the game for some additional features and bugfixes, and both of those are set to peel out in the title in a patch next week. The patch should lay down an EMP on issues with multi-core CPUs, pop a spike strip on some runaway rain and snow effect issues, and set up a roadblock for a few other crashes and problems, stopping them in their tracks.

One issue that won't get fixed: the obsession born from the game's Autolog feature as you tryto beat your friends' times by just a few more seconds. The developers have decided that it's a personal problem, so you'll have to patch yourself on that one.

JoystiqNeed for Speed: Hot Pursuit PC patch to bring law-breaking bugs to a stop originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Nov 2010 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugscriterioneafixesissuesneed-for-speed-hot-pursuitpatchpcSat, 27 Nov 2010 04:00:00 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 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[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 captured [update: demo on October 26]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/04/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-trailer-captured/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/04/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-trailer-captured/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/04/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-trailer-captured/#commentsThe latest trailer for Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit provides lots of footage of implausibly fancy police cars chasing similarly precious private-owned vehicles, for what most be the most serious speeding citation the Seacrest County police can offer. If they have to get a helicopter on you for speeding, that's going to be a rather pricey ticket.

This trailer also gives some attention to Hot Pursuit's "Autolog" feature, which helps connect players to one another, and displays a bunch of stats about your friends' performance. In case you thought you were doing well!

Update: as noted in the video, a demo will be available October 26. We're following up with EA about the timing of the demo release for each platform.

Continue reading Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit trailer captured [update: demo on October 26]

JoystiqNeed for Speed: Hot Pursuit trailer captured [update: demo on October 26] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Oct 2010 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterionelectronic-artsmicrosoftneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-hot-pursuitpcplaystationps3racingxboxMon, 04 Oct 2010 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit trail(er)s its Most Wanted]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/24/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-trailers-its-most-wanted/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/24/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-trailers-its-most-wanted/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/24/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-trailers-its-most-wanted/#comments The Seacrest County Police only drop their spikes and break out the road block for the most wanted. But for all we know, this guy's just got one of those stuck accelerator pedals. Didn't you hear? It's spread to Porsches now.

Continue reading Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit trail(er)s its Most Wanted

JoystiqNeed for Speed: Hot Pursuit trail(er)s its Most Wanted originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterioneamicrosoftneed-for-speed-hot-pursuitpcplaystationps3tgs-2010xboxFri, 24 Sep 2010 16:40:00 EST