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[THQ auction results: Nordic Games takes Darksiders, Red Faction; 505 Games is Drawn to Life]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/thq-auction-darksiders-red-faction-homeworld/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/thq-auction-darksiders-red-faction-homeworld/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/thq-auction-darksiders-red-faction-homeworld/#comments THQ auction results Nordic Games takes Darksiders, Red Faction 505 Games is Drawn to Life
The THQ back catalog auction results are in, with Nordic Games riding away with the intellectual property (IP) rights to Darksiders, Red Faction and MX vs. ATV for $4.9 million. The company picked up nearly all the assets in the auction, including Titan Quest, Supreme Commander, Frontlines, Stuntman, Juiced, Full Spectrum Warrior, Destroy All Humans and much more.

"First and foremost we are very happy about this deal which also turns over a new leaf for the entire Nordic Games Group. In the long term, we either want to cooperate with the original creators or best possible developers in order to work on sequels or additional content for these titles," said Nordic Games CEO Lars Wingefors. "A very important point for us is not to dash into several self-financed multi-million dollar projects right away, but rather to continue our in-depth analysis of all titles and carefully selecting different financing models for developing new instalments of acquired IPs."

The other reveal is 505 Games grabbed the rights to Drawn to Life and Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter for $300K.

The news follows this afternoon's unexpected acquisition of the Homeworld franchise by Gearbox Software. We now know the price tag for Gearbox to re-release the original games on digital distribution networks and take a swing at its own spin on the real-time strategy franchise was $1.35 million.

We've listed the winning bids in greater detail after the break.

Continue reading THQ auction results: Nordic Games takes Darksiders, Red Faction; 505 Games is Drawn to Life

JoystiqTHQ auction results: Nordic Games takes Darksiders, Red Faction; 505 Games is Drawn to Life originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>505-gamesDarksidersdarksiders-2Destroy-All-HumansHomeworldmicrosoftnordic-gamesnordic-games-licensing-abpcplaystationps3red-factionSupreme-Commanderthqthq-bankruptcyxboxMon, 22 Apr 2013 18:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders 2 rides out the weekend with 75% off Steam sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/14/darksiders-2-rides-out-the-weekend-with-75-off-steam-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/14/darksiders-2-rides-out-the-weekend-with-75-off-steam-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/14/darksiders-2-rides-out-the-weekend-with-75-off-steam-sale/#comments Darksiders 2 rides out the weekend with 75% off Steam saleDarksiders 2 celebrates the Sunday before taxes are due in the US with a little financial relief: Get the game for 75 percent off, $12.50, on Steam through tomorrow morning. Which, again, is Tax Day in the US.

We're not trying to scare you, but taxes are kind of a big deal. They're on par with death, according to some famous dead people. But after your taxes are done, lighten the mood with some Darksiders 2. Sure, that's how that works.

JoystiqDarksiders 2 rides out the weekend with 75% off Steam sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksiders-2pcSTEAMSun, 14 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Crytek declares intent to acquire Darksiders IP in April's THQ auction]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/crytek-declares-intent-to-acquire-darksiders-ip-in-aprils-thq-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/crytek-declares-intent-to-acquire-darksiders-ip-in-aprils-thq-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/crytek-declares-intent-to-acquire-darksiders-ip-in-aprils-thq-a/#comments Crytek USA Corp. CEO David Adams revealed his company will bid on the Darksiders IP when it's auctioned next month. Posting on Twitter, Adams said the property "belongs at home with its creators," referring to himself and the other 35 ex-Vigil employees at the recently-formed Crytek USA studio. Darksiders creator Vigil was shuttered by now defunct publisher THQ.

Ryan Stefanelli, Crytek USA principal designer and Vigil co-founder, furthered Adams' comments. Talking to Destructoid, Stefanelli said, "When the Darksiders IP goes up for auction, Crytek will be bidding for it. Not much more to say since the rest is left up to courts and legal shenanigans, but we're all excited at the prospect."

The IP, which comprises the two Darksiders games, goes up for sale on April 1 in THQ's back catalog auction, with bidding ending on April 15. Other properties in the impending auction include Homeworld and Red Faction.

JoystiqCrytek declares intent to acquire Darksiders IP in April's THQ auction originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crytekcrytek-usadarksidersdarksiders-2thqvigil-gamesFri, 29 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders 2 disappearing from Wii U eShop in Europe March 31]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/darksiders-2-disappearing-from-wii-u-eshop-in-europe-march-31/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/darksiders-2-disappearing-from-wii-u-eshop-in-europe-march-31/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/darksiders-2-disappearing-from-wii-u-eshop-in-europe-march-31/#comments Darksiders 2 disappearing from Wii U eShop in Europe March 31For reasons currently unknown, Darksiders 2 will be removed from Europe's Wii U eShop on March 31. A message displayed on the shop notes that it will be available for re-download only for those who have purchased the game, and otherwise unavailable digitally. We suspect the reason has something to do with the implosion of publisher THQ.

We've checked in with both Nintendo of America and Nintendo of Europe for more information - Europe for specific reasoning, and America to see if Darksiders 2's eShop life is nearing its expiration date here as well.

JoystiqDarksiders 2 disappearing from Wii U eShop in Europe March 31 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksiders-2eshopnintendoremovalthqwii-uThu, 28 Mar 2013 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Humble Weekly Bundle serves up Darksiders 2, also Android bundle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/humble-weekly-bundle-serves-up-darksiders-2-also-android-bundle/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/humble-weekly-bundle-serves-up-darksiders-2-also-android-bundle/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/humble-weekly-bundle-serves-up-darksiders-2-also-android-bundle/#comments Darksiders 1 & 2 and Red Faction: Guerrilla & Armageddon comprise the second batch of weekly offerings from Humble Indie Bundle, with all four PC games currently on offer at ridicucheap prices. Pay up $1 and you'll pick up Darksiders and RF: Armageddon, with the soundtracks to both included along with the 'Path to War' DLC for Armageddon.

However, if you're willing to pony up more than the average paying price, you'll also get Darksiders 2 (plus soundtrack) and RF: Guerrilla. At the time of writing, the pair can be yours for around the very, very silly $7.50 mark.

Meanwhile on Android, there's another Humble Bundle for the platform called the Mobile Bundle. Featuring in the latest charitable collection are Contre Jour, Anomaly Korea, Plants vs. Zombies, and Bladeslinger. As ever you can pay what you want, but an average-cough up (around $5.50 at the mo) lets you unlock the secrets of The Room, and generally shoot up stuff in Metal Slug 3. The soundtracks to all, except Contre Jour, are also included.

JoystiqHumble Weekly Bundle serves up Darksiders 2, also Android bundle originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Mar 2013 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcharitydarksidersdarksiders-2humble-android-bundlehumble-android-bundle-6humble-bundle-weeklyhumble-indie-bundlemobilepcRed-Faction-ArmageddonRed-Faction-GuerrillaTue, 26 Mar 2013 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 250GB Spring Value Bundle includes Darksiders 2, Batman: Arkham City]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/xbox-360-250gb-spring-value-bundle-includes-darksiders-2-batman/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/xbox-360-250gb-spring-value-bundle-includes-darksiders-2-batman/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/xbox-360-250gb-spring-value-bundle-includes-darksiders-2-batman/#comments Xbox 360 250GB Spring Value Bundle includes Darksiders 2, Batman Arkham CityMicrosoft has announced a new 250GB Spring Value Bundle for the Xbox 360, available in "select major retail stores" and shipping out today for $300. In addition to the black Xbox 360 with a 250GB hard drive, the bundle includes a wireless controller, copies of Darksiders 2 and Batman: Arkham City (the latter in downloadable form), and a free month of Xbox Live.

That's a nice deal, though you may prefer to wait until after you've heard about the next Xbox, which is expected to be announced later this year.

JoystiqXbox 360 250GB Spring Value Bundle includes Darksiders 2, Batman: Arkham City originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Feb 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batman-arkham-citycheapdarksiders-2dealmajor-nelsonmajornelsonmicrosoftpricespring-bundlespring-value-bundlexboxxbox-liveThu, 28 Feb 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Paper Mario $20, Kid Icarus $15, Darksiders 2 $15 at BestBuy.com [update: moar!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/paper-mario-15-kid-icarus-20-darksiders-2-15-at-bestbuy-com/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/paper-mario-15-kid-icarus-20-darksiders-2-15-at-bestbuy-com/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/paper-mario-15-kid-icarus-20-darksiders-2-15-at-bestbuy-com/#comments Paper Mario $20, Kid Icarus $15, and more at Best BuyBestBuy.com wants you to start your weekend with some much needed self-indulgence, because, like a supermodel slathered in megaprettyoxide-infused war paint, you're worth it. So why not treat your beauticious self to Paper Mario: Sticker Star, going at $19.99, or Kid Icarus: Uprising for $14.99?

Of course, you might feel you're worth that and quite a bit more. If so, you could always plump for Epic Mickey 2 on Wii at $11.99, or Darksiders 2 on PS3 or Xbox 360 at $14.99.

Update: As you eagle-eyed commenters spotted, Professor Layton and Miracle Mask, which was sold out at the time of writing, is available once more at $14.99. Also going at $14.99 is Pokémon Black/White 2.

JoystiqPaper Mario $20, Kid Icarus $15, Darksiders 2 $15 at BestBuy.com [update: moar!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Feb 2013 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsbest-buydarksiders-2epic-mickey-2kid-icarus-uprisingmicrosoftnintendopaper-mario-sticker-starplaystationps3wiixboxFri, 15 Feb 2013 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Rubin: Vigil's new IP meant 'even more risk' for potential buyers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/rubin-vigils-new-ip-meant-even-more-risk-for-potential-buyer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/rubin-vigils-new-ip-meant-even-more-risk-for-potential-buyer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/rubin-vigils-new-ip-meant-even-more-risk-for-potential-buyer/#comments Despite many of its major brands and studios being snatched up during this week's auction, several of THQ's intellectual properties remain unclaimed, their respective studios dissolving as a result. Among those unclaimed properties is the Darksiders franchise, which failed to garner any bids during the auction proceedings.

"Having just finished a product, Vigil was farthest from release of their next game," THQ president Jason Rubin told Game Informer. "We were not able to garner any interest from buyers, despite a herculean effort. Additionally, they were working on a new IP, which meant even more risk for a buyer."

Vigil's new IP, codenamed Crawler, was a show-stopper by all internal accounts: "When the teams got together recently to show each other their titles, Crawler dropped the most jaws," Rubin said. "It is a fantastic idea, and truly unique. The fact that nobody bid for the team and title is a travesty. It makes no sense to me."

Darksiders will be sold (along with THQ's other remaining properties) in the coming weeks, though what that process entails remains unknown.

JoystiqRubin: Vigil's new IP meant 'even more risk' for potential buyers originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Jan 2013 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctioncodename-crawlercrawlerdarksiders-2jason-rubinTHQthq-auctionVigilThu, 24 Jan 2013 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Vigil Games Lead Combat Designer stands up, says goodbye]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/vigil-games-lead-combat-designer-stands-up-says-goodbye/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/vigil-games-lead-combat-designer-stands-up-says-goodbye/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/vigil-games-lead-combat-designer-stands-up-says-goodbye/#comments Vigil Games Lead Combat Designer stands up, says goodbyeVigil Games Lead Combat Designer Ben Cureton and the rest of the Vigil staff cleaned out the office today, after Vigil was left untouched at THQ's auction. Vigil was shuttered, and as per THQ's letter to employees, everyone working there was laid off. In a post on NeoGAF, Cureton compared the scene in the office to a silent warzone.

"The walls look bare," he wrote. "It's quiet. The seats are empty."

Vigil Games, the studio behind Darksiders 2, was working on something called Crawler, a project we first heard about in THQ's December bankruptcy filing. After two months working on Crawler, Cureton was convinced that it would blow people's minds.

"I knew, without a shadow of the doubt, that the project we were working on (Codenamed: Crawler) was going to blow people away. In fact, it did blow people away. We did, in two months, what many companies haven't done in a year. The pride of knowing that no one was doing anything like us was so satisfying, it kept us coming to work and giving 100 percent every single day, even through the dark times."

Today was one of those dark times. Cureton was taken aback when he didn't find Vigil's name on the list of purchased properties.

"Maybe you can imagine what it feels like when you read the list of who bought what only to discover your name is not on the list," he said. "Why? Did we do something wrong? Were we not good enough? Were we not worth 'anything?' Imagine that."

In the end, Cureton thanked fans of the Darksiders series and promised to continue making games, having already worked in the industry 20 years.

"In closing, I can only say thank you to the fans of Vigil games," Cureton said. "Your support means more than you can imagine. Your feedback (both positive and negative) gave us long-lasting insight that we will all take with us, wherever we may go. You are the reason we made Darksiders 1 and 2... and you are the reason we will continue to make games.

"And with that... my seat is empty."

JoystiqVigil Games Lead Combat Designer stands up, says goodbye originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>closureDarksidersdarksiders-2microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3shut-downshutteredTHQvigil-gameswii-uxboxWed, 23 Jan 2013 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: THQ assets divided]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/thq-assets-divided/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/thq-assets-divided/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/thq-assets-divided/#comments The THQ auction has resulted in the company's assets being distributed among several publishers.
  • Developer Volition and the Saints Row franchise, along with the Metro license, have been purchased by Dead Island publisher Deep Silver.
  • Relic Games (Warhammer 40K, Company of Heroes) has gone to Sega.
  • The South Park game and THQ Montreal have been purchased by Ubisoft.
  • Take-Two Interactive has purchased Evolve.
Vigil and other unnamed THQ properties not included in the sale will "remain part of the chapter 11 case," and THQ will look for buyers. According to a letter sent to employees, "If you are an employee of an entity that is not included in the sale, we regret that your position will end."

Update 2:Official court documents of THQ bid winners with prices, along with runners-up.

Update: DDinvesting reports THQ auction results:
  • $500k Homefront (Crytek)
  • $26M for Relic (Sega)
  • $2.5M for THQ Montreal (Ubisoft)
  • $3.2M for South Park (Ubisoft)
  • $11M for Evolve (Take-Two)
  • $22.3M for Volition (Koch Media)
  • $5.8M for Metro (Koch Media)

JoystiqReport: THQ assets divided originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksiders-2deep-silverrelicsaints-row-3segaTake-Two-Interactivethqthq-bankruptcythq-montrealubisoftWed, 23 Jan 2013 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders, Saints Row, Alice PC download bundles cheap on Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/11/darksiders-saints-row-alice-pc-download-bundles-cheap-on-amazo/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/11/darksiders-saints-row-alice-pc-download-bundles-cheap-on-amazo/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/11/darksiders-saints-row-alice-pc-download-bundles-cheap-on-amazo/#comments If you've been meaning to check out the Darksiders franchise, you couldn't pick a better time. For one thing, THQ could use the money. For another, it's really not that much money today. For the next two days, the PC download version of the "Franchise Pack" containing both Darksiders games, a Season Pass, and a ton of DLC, is just $13.19 on Amazon. The Saints Row: The Third "Full Package" with the game and DLC is just $12.49.

In non-THQ download deals, the Alice: Madness Returns Complete Collection, with both Alice games, is $11.99. In all three cases, these bundles are cheaper than buying the individual games! So even if you only want one Darksiders game, you should go ahead and buy the full set.

JoystiqDarksiders, Saints Row, Alice PC download bundles cheap on Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Jan 2013 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alice-madness-returnsamazondarksidersdarksiders-2pcsaints-row-the-thirdFri, 11 Jan 2013 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Double Fine requests paperwork in THQ bankruptcy, auction details posted]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/11/double-fine-requests-paperwork-in-thq-bankruptcy-auction-detail/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/11/double-fine-requests-paperwork-in-thq-bankruptcy-auction-detail/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/11/double-fine-requests-paperwork-in-thq-bankruptcy-auction-detail/#comments The bidding procedures for assets in the THQ bankruptcy have been posted, along with a mention that Tim Schafer's Double Fine Productions has requested some documents from the case. The Distressed Debt Investing Twitter feed - which has been a solid source on the proceedings - mentioned Double Fine was checking things out. It was previously reported Warner Bros. and Electronic Arts were also sniffing about.

Before going to bed tonight with dreams of Double Fine making the next Darksiders game, let's tap the brakes here for two seconds. Any company with half a brain (and a couple million laying around) right now is looking at THQ, especially since the assets of the company will be split up if the individual pieces receive bids more than the whole. So, while the big dogs fight for Saints Row and other similarly large properties, a smaller company could take a... oh, a Homeworld? Perhaps a franchise that won't continue "in any meaningful way" like Red Faction?

Double Fine and THQ had a relationship in producing Costume Quest and Stacking, although it's unclear who owns the actual intellectual property (we're following up). If you're interested and have the cash, feel free to read the bidding procedures. Bids are due January 22, 2013, by 9AM Eastern.

JoystiqDouble Fine requests paperwork in THQ bankruptcy, auction details posted originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Jan 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksiders-2thqthq-bankruptcyFri, 11 Jan 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ will sell whole unless exceeded by individual asset bids]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/thq-auction-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/thq-auction-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/thq-auction-details/#comments THQ acknowledging the details of yesterday's reported bankruptcy proceedings this morning, confirming its assets will only be purchased a la carte if individual offers exceed a whole buyout.

"Today's ruling provides a clear path. We will now know definitively by January 23 where we stand," stated THQ CEO Brian Farrell. "We appreciate the support of our employees, partners, and suppliers now more than ever."

As things stand now, we know that private equity firm Clearlake Capital Group has offered "$60 million, including a new $10 million note for the benefit of the company's creditors." What this means is that anybody offering more for the whole of the company can take THQ from the cushy speed agreement made between THQ executives and Clearlake.

There's also the very real possibility that Electronic Arts, along with Warner Bros and other bidders, could collaboratively purchase THQ's intellectual property (Saints Row, Darksiders) and studios (Volition, Relic, Vigil). If those bids exceed Clearlake's total (and Saints Row is definitely getting any player most of the way there), that's it for THQ.

Bids are due January 22, 2013, by 9AM Eastern. The auction will be held at 3PM. Hearing on the sale will be held at 9:30AM the following day, followed by the closing on January 24.

Continue reading THQ will sell whole unless exceeded by individual asset bids

JoystiqTHQ will sell whole unless exceeded by individual asset bids originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jan 2013 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clearlakeclearlake-capital-groupdarksiders-2thqthq-bankruptcyTue, 08 Jan 2013 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam Holiday Sale continues with Dishonored, Future Soldier, Darksiders franchise and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/21/steam-holiday-sale-continues-with-dishonored-future-soldier-da/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/21/steam-holiday-sale-continues-with-dishonored-future-soldier-da/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/21/steam-holiday-sale-continues-with-dishonored-future-soldier-da/#comments Steam Holiday Sale continue with Dishonored, Future Soldier, Darksiders franchise and moreValve's unceasing quest for the bottom of your bank account continues today with six new daily deals, as part of its ongoing annual Steam Holiday Sale promotion.

Today's stable of temptations include Dishonored for $30, Darksiders and Darksiders 2 (plus a wealth of DLC) for $13.59, Ghost Recon: Future Soldier for $15 (or as part of a massive $68 Tom Clancy's franchise pack), all three FEAR games (plus DLC) for $13.71, as well as SimCity 4 and Psychonauts for less than five bucks each.

As always, various Flash Sales will come and go throughout the day, so remember to check the store periodically. Alternatively, add games you're interested in to your wishlist, and Valve will email you if they happen to go on sale.

JoystiqSteam Holiday Sale continues with Dishonored, Future Soldier, Darksiders franchise and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Dec 2012 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Darksidersdarksiders-2DishonoredDLCFearFEAR-2fear-3ghost-recon-future-soldiermacpcpsychonautssimcity-4Steamsteam-holiday-saleSteam-Holiday-Sale-2012ValveFri, 21 Dec 2012 14:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Everything Darksiders for $13.19 on Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/20/everything-darksiders-for-13-19-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/20/everything-darksiders-for-13-19-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/20/everything-darksiders-for-13-19-on-amazon/#comments No, "Everything Darksiders" isn't the name of a new apocalypse-themed cookbook from THQ, although that would be pretty sweet. What we're saying, if you'd listen for five minutes, is that Darksiders, Darksiders 2 and 11 pieces of Darksiders 2 DLC can all be purchased from Amazon as a Darksiders Franchise Pack for $13.19.

There is a catch of course, which is that the pack is A) download only and 2) PC only, so anyone without Windows and some phat pipes is in for a struggle. For everyone else though, this sale could at least facilitate an ironic way to ride out Friday's end of the world.

JoystiqEverything Darksiders for $13.19 on Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Dec 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Amazondarksidersdarksiders-2DLCpcsaleTHQVigil-GamesThu, 20 Dec 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders 2 statue brings Death and Despair into your living space]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/darksiders-2-statue-brings-death-and-despair-into-your-living-sp/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/darksiders-2-statue-brings-death-and-despair-into-your-living-sp/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/darksiders-2-statue-brings-death-and-despair-into-your-living-sp/#comments Darksiders 2 statues bring Death and Despair into your living spaceState of the Art Toys is preparing to let loose Death and his steed Despair on the collectibles world. A $249.99 statue of both Darksiders 2 characters is available for pre-order right now, with the first shipments expected to go out in mid-February.

High intensity LEDs are built into Despair, lighting up his mane, hooves and tail. Death rides atop Despair with his scythes in hand, ready to reap the souls of all your other collectibles should they get out of line. What? That movie Toy Story was a documentary, you guys - your toys are alive and move when you're not looking.

Gallery: Darksiders 2 (Death and Despair Figurine)

Continue reading Darksiders 2 statue brings Death and Despair into your living space

JoystiqDarksiders 2 statue brings Death and Despair into your living space originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Dec 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>collectiblesdarksiders-2deathdespairmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3thqvigil-gameswii-uxboxTue, 11 Dec 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders 2 'The Demon Lord Belial' DLC revealed, available tomorrow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/03/darksiders-2-the-demon-lord-belial-dlc-revealed-available-tom/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/03/darksiders-2-the-demon-lord-belial-dlc-revealed-available-tom/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/03/darksiders-2-the-demon-lord-belial-dlc-revealed-available-tom/#comments Darksiders 2 'Demon Lord Belial' DLC revealedDarksiders 2 will suddenly summon "The Demon Lord Belial" as downloadable content this week. Death seeks out the last remnants of humanity and faces off against the Demon Lord Belial in this DLC, which is included for those with a "Darksiders 2: Season Pass."

The Demon Lord Belial is $9.99 (800 Microsoft Points) and rides onto PS3, Xbox 360 and PC tomorrow, December 4. It'll cross the pond December 6 for Europeans with PS3s. Speaking of THQ, remember that you can currently pay what you want for a whole mess of games from the publisher in the Humble THQ Bundle.

JoystiqDarksiders 2 'The Demon Lord Belial' DLC revealed, available tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Dec 2012 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksiders-2microsoftpcplaystationps3thqvigil-gamesxboxMon, 03 Dec 2012 17:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders 2 Wii U review: Scythe quest]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/27/darksiders-2-wii-u-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/27/darksiders-2-wii-u-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/27/darksiders-2-wii-u-review/#comments For Wii U re-releases of existing games, we're republishing our original reviews with added evaluation of the new material. Keep track of all of Joystiq's Wii U launch coverage on the Wii U hub page!

Death may be deficient when it comes to charisma and skin tone, but he boasts one of the biggest adventures of the year in Darksiders 2. The Wii U version of the grim reaper's star vehicle is as roomy as a hearse and comes packing nearly all of the game's DLC right out of its new blue box.

The Wii U revision isn't too ambitious in utilizing Nintendo's new hardware, though this also spares us from obnoxious mechanisms that don't do justice to the game's original design. Pairing different weapons, powers and protective outerwear with Death's taut physique is a simple time saver on the Wii U's GamePad, and it's a great deal faster than the sluggish menu that shipped with the other versions. You can, of course, keep the original menu and play exclusively on the TV or your handheld screen.

There's some graphical tearing on the smaller screen, but otherwise Darksiders 2 comes close to technical parity with the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions. There appears to be more shadow pop-in within the larger areas, but the framerate holds up just as well (which is to say, it doesn't always hold up when fighting gets frantic). Attacks feel responsive through the game pad - the light click of the right shoulder button works especially well for Death's graceful dodge - and they all work through the Pro controller if you prefer. The face-button commands are not remapped, however, leading to considerable travel time for your right thumb between jumping on B and manipulating the camera via the right stick.

Other Darksiders detritus ends up on the Wiipad too: you jolt the controller to spur on your undead equine transportation (that's the thesaurus result on "zombie horse"), and you tilt it to roll around the impractical, spherical keys that tend to litter ancient temples. Neither of these are preferable to doing it the old-fashioned way, so it's just as well they're optional control methods.

The best addition to Darksiders 2 on Wii U is the inclusion of post-release content, offered separately on other systems. You can start using some bonus high-level weapons and armor once you exceed level 5, while "Argul's Tomb," a bonus campaign that can be accessed from the main menu, offers extra traversal puzzles involving portals and Death's ghostly grappling hook.

The overall game doesn't get the polish on Wii U that it needed on other platforms back in August, but it remains a majestic blend of melee combat, puzzle solving and exploration. And if you squint, it's the best Steven Tyler game since Revolution X!

Gallery: Darksiders 2 (Wii U)

Continue reading Darksiders 2 Wii U review: Scythe quest

JoystiqDarksiders 2 Wii U review: Scythe quest originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Nov 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksiders-2nintendothqvigil-gameswii-uwii-u-launchTue, 27 Nov 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders 2, Kingdoms of Amalur, EndWar all coming to PSN Nov. 20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/16/darksiders-2-kingdoms-of-amalur-endwar-all-coming-to-psn-nov/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/16/darksiders-2-kingdoms-of-amalur-endwar-all-coming-to-psn-nov/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/16/darksiders-2-kingdoms-of-amalur-endwar-all-coming-to-psn-nov/#comments Darksiders 2, Kingdoms of Amalur, EndWar all coming to PSN Nov 20Prepare to get your brutality, fantasy, and strategy on, as Darksiders 2, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, and Tom Clancy's EndWar are all arriving on PlayStation Network November 20. This week's PlayStation Blogcast confirmed the trio of PS3 digital releases.

Darksiders 2 recently got its second downloadable content pack, Abyssal Forge. Developer Vigil Games claims the DLC has some of the toughest enemies in the game. But, as the saying goes, Death laughs in the faces of a game's toughest enemies, or something. According to the podcast, the PSN version of Darksiders 2 includes a pass to the game's Crucible arena, and the official soundtrack.

Eccentric shoot-em-up Sine Mora lands on PSN next week too, for PS3 and Vita. Grinding onto Vita via PSN is Jet Set Radio, free for PS Plus users until the end of the year. Clan of Champions and the fifth episode of The Walking Dead will be available online for PS3.

JoystiqDarksiders 2, Kingdoms of Amalur, EndWar all coming to PSN Nov. 20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Nov 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbig-huge-gamesdarksiders-2EAkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningplaystationplaystation-vitaps3PSNthqtom-clancys-endwarubisoftvigil-gamesvitaFri, 16 Nov 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders 2 for PC 66% off on Amazon, Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/darksiders-2-for-pc-66-off-on-amazon-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/darksiders-2-for-pc-66-off-on-amazon-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/darksiders-2-for-pc-66-off-on-amazon-steam/#comments Death is here to chop Darksiders 2 prices by 66 percent for PC. Both Steam and Amazon currently have deals on the apocalyptic action game, dropping the regular $50 price to $17. The deal runs for the next day and a half of Steam, the Amazon sale doesn't say when its time is up.

Despite Darksiders 2 selling 1.4 million copies since launch, THQ CEO Brian Farrell said the game sold "below our expectations." The publisher is currently hanging on to life by a thread.

Gallery: Darksiders 2 (8/14/12)

JoystiqDarksiders 2 for PC 66% off on Amazon, Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Nov 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksiders-2pcthqvigil-gamesWed, 14 Nov 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ stock plummets 50 percent]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/06/thq-stock-plummets/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/06/thq-stock-plummets/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/06/thq-stock-plummets/#comments THQ stock plummets during morning tradingTHQ's stock is (as of this writing) down 42 percent, trading at $1.74, following yesterday's dramatic second quarter earnings conference call.

The conference call, which totaled 12 minutes, concluded with CEO Brian Farrell saying that the company had been "advised not to conduct a [question and answer] session" following prepared remarks because it is currently "exploring strategic alternatives" with a company that handles private equity deals.

THQ took drastic measures a few months ago to save its stock, after shares fell below a dollar and the company was threatened with NASDAQ delisting. The solution was a 10-to-one reverse stock split, turning THQ's 70 million shares into 7 million. That action moved the decimal point on the company's $0.51/share stock into $5.16/share. THQ's market capitalization at the time stood at $35.4 million. Now, a couple months later, with today's drop it sits at $11.9 million.

THQ has been working other angles to obtain cash to continue doing business, selling off its UFC license earlier this year to Electronic Arts for an "undisclosed cash payment." Selling off more assets is still on the table, but the company doesn't plan to disclose developments or progress until the board and its advisers at Centerview Partners LLC deem it appropriate.

Update: THQ's stock closed the day at $1.50/share, down 50 percent.

JoystiqTHQ stock plummets 50 percent originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Nov 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksiders-2stockthqTue, 06 Nov 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ explores 'strategic alternatives' with private equity broker]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/05/thq-centerview-partners-llc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/05/thq-centerview-partners-llc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/05/thq-centerview-partners-llc/#comments THQ's second quarter earnings conference call today totaled 12 minutes. Executives rattled through the financial quarter, noted game delays and CEO Brian Farrell concluded that the company had been "advised not to conduct a [question and answer] session" following prepared remarks. Since these calls usually last about an hour, this was unusual.

THQ's sudden case of tongue-biting has to do with it "exploring strategic alternatives" with a company called Centerview Partners LLC. This company's job is to evaluate financing alternatives to improve THQ's overall cash. The company notes that it does not plan to disclose developments or progress until the board deems it appropriate.

We spoke to sources with knowledge of companies like Centerview Partners and their take is THQ is attempting to go private. Centerview Partners is a broker for private equity deals, which means THQ's shareholders would preferably be out of the picture. THQ's stock is currently trading at $3.02, following drastic measures to retain its listing; it should also be noted after hours trading has been suspended.

JoystiqTHQ explores 'strategic alternatives' with private equity broker originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Nov 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Centerview-PartnersCenterview-Partners-LLCdarksiders-2q2thqMon, 05 Nov 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders 2 Abyssal Forge DLC engineers October 30 release date]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/darksiders-2-abyssal-forge-dlc-engineers-october-30-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/darksiders-2-abyssal-forge-dlc-engineers-october-30-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/darksiders-2-abyssal-forge-dlc-engineers-october-30-release-date/#comments Darksiders 2 Abyssal Forge DLC engineers October 30 release dateDarksiders 2 is getting its second chunky piece of DLC in time for Halloween, with Abyssal Forge available to download on PS3, Xbox 360, and PC on October 30. Except if you're playing on PS3 in Europe, in which case you'll have to wait one day longer, until Halloween itself. Abyssal Forge is priced higher than Argul's Tomb, coming in at $9.99 or 800 MSP.

Vigil Games further detailed the DLC today, which features a new swampy area called Shadow Lands. It includes two new dungeons, along with new enemies and unique loot. Vigil claims Abyssal Forge features "the hardest enemies and puzzles yet."

It'll also spotlight the meaty-looking dude in the above picture. He's an outcast known as the Mad Smith who's been wasting his years away by building an army, probably with that giant thingamabob he's holding. We expect he'll find another use for it when you meet him in Shadow Lands.

JoystiqDarksiders 2 Abyssal Forge DLC engineers October 30 release date originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Oct 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksiders-2microsoftpcplaystationps3release-datethqvigil-gamesxboxWed, 24 Oct 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders 2 creative director Joe Madureira leaves Vigil Games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/darksiders-2-creative-director-joe-madureira-leaves-vigil-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/darksiders-2-creative-director-joe-madureira-leaves-vigil-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/darksiders-2-creative-director-joe-madureira-leaves-vigil-games/#comments Vigil Games founder and creative director Joe Madureira has left the company. The news comes via a tweet, in which Madureira bids farewell to Vigil, thanks publisher THQ and refers to the Darksiders franchise as a "career highlight." In a message on his Facebook fan page, Madureira notes, "I could not be more proud of what we achieved, or the awesome people who helped build up this studio." He adds that Vigil is "in very good hands, so expect only awesomeness down the road."

Madureira plans to reveal "the Next Big Thing" soon. In the meantime, the well-known artist is focusing on his other job, namely "banging out a bunch of comics."

Vigil's most recent game, Darksiders 2, topped the NPD sales chart for August, selling 247,000 copies. Only time will tell what Madureira's departure means for Vigil - and possibly for publisher THQ, which has a lot riding on the success of Darksiders 2.

JoystiqDarksiders 2 creative director Joe Madureira leaves Vigil Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Oct 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksidersdarksiders-2microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3thqvigil-gameswii-uxboxMon, 22 Oct 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii U's Darksiders 2 features off-screen play, included DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/28/wii-us-darksiders-2-features-off-screen-play-included-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/28/wii-us-darksiders-2-features-off-screen-play-included-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/28/wii-us-darksiders-2-features-off-screen-play-included-dlc/#comments Darksiders 2 Wii U bonus content detailedDarksiders 2's Wii U release, which will be out on the console's November 18 launch day, supports the full range of control options. You can play on your TV with the GamePad used to access your inventory and special abilities; you can play directly on the GamePad's screen, leaving the TV free for things that don't have skull faces; or you can use the Pro Controller and get an experience similar to that on other consoles.

Other perks of the Wii U version include built-in DLC, including Argul's Tomb, and the "Death Rides," "Angel of Death & Shadow of Death," and "Deadly Despair" packs, which bestow extra quests, items, armor, and ... horse speed.

Gallery: Darksiders 2 (Wii U)

Continue reading Wii U's Darksiders 2 features off-screen play, included DLC

JoystiqWii U's Darksiders 2 features off-screen play, included DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Sep 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksiders-2dlcnintendowii-uwiipadFri, 28 Sep 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders 2 first DLC, Argul's Tomb, comes for Death on September 25]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/19/darksiders-2-first-dlc-arguls-tomb-comes-for-death-on-septemb/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/19/darksiders-2-first-dlc-arguls-tomb-comes-for-death-on-septemb/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/19/darksiders-2-first-dlc-arguls-tomb-comes-for-death-on-septemb/#comments Tomb of Argul DLC in Darksiders 2 on Sep 25Argul's Tomb, the ice-based DLC for Darksiders 2, is set to launch on September 25 for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC, for $7 (560 Microsoft Points).

Argul's Tomb comes free with the Limited Edition of Darksiders 2, including anyone who pre-ordered the game. It will come packaged with the Wii U version of Darksiders 2 when that console hits in the US on November 18.

Continue reading Darksiders 2 first DLC, Argul's Tomb, comes for Death on September 25

JoystiqDarksiders 2 first DLC, Argul's Tomb, comes for Death on September 25 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Sep 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arguls-tombdarksiders-2DLCmicrosoftpcplaystationps3THQvigil-gamesxboxWed, 19 Sep 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders 2 DLC 'Argul's Tomb' has hell frozen over]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/12/darksiders-2-dlc-arguls-tomb-has-hell-frozen-over/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/12/darksiders-2-dlc-arguls-tomb-has-hell-frozen-over/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/12/darksiders-2-dlc-arguls-tomb-has-hell-frozen-over/#comments Darksiders 2 'Argul's Tomb' DLC revealArgul's Tomb, the first piece of DLC for Darksiders 2, is set to launch "in the next few weeks," a reveal video from IGN shows. Argul's Tomb is free for those who pre-ordered Darksiders 2, and it will be included in the Wii U version on launch day.

Argul's Tomb is a far-away realm that hides legendary items and weapons within its icy, frozen confines, and has two new dungeons and one open area for an on-rails shooter.

JoystiqDarksiders 2 DLC 'Argul's Tomb' has hell frozen over originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Sep 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arguls-tombdarksiders-2DLCmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3THQvigil-gameswii-uxboxWed, 12 Sep 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD: Darksiders 2 sold 247K copies in August]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/07/npd-darksiders-2-sold-247k-copies-in-august/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/07/npd-darksiders-2-sold-247k-copies-in-august/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/07/npd-darksiders-2-sold-247k-copies-in-august/#comments Darksiders 2 brought Death to top of the NPD charts for the month of August, having launched on August 14 in North America. In close to two weeks - the cut-off for NPD's August period was August 25 - the Vigil Games sequel managed to move 247,000 copies at retail, GI.biz reports. This figure doesn't account for international sales or Steam, and is perhaps a muted victory in a month that saw software sales go down year-over-year.

A lot is riding on Darksiders 2, the first major release under newly appointed THQ president Jason Rubin. It's undoubtedly setting the tone for his THQ, which he hopes will get back to prosperity by focusing on games with the highest potential for success. This move has seen THQ drop Guillermo Del Toro's Insane and roll Saints Row 3's Dominatrix DLC into a full sequel.

JoystiqNPD: Darksiders 2 sold 247K copies in August originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Sep 2012 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksiders-2microsoftnintendonpdpcplaystationps3thqvigil-gameswii-uxboxFri, 07 Sep 2012 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Death arrives on UK charts in second, Sleeping Dogs lie in first]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/death-arrives-on-uk-charts-in-second-sleeping-dogs-lie-in-first/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/death-arrives-on-uk-charts-in-second-sleeping-dogs-lie-in-first/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/death-arrives-on-uk-charts-in-second-sleeping-dogs-lie-in-first/#comments Sleeping Dogs rests comfortably in first place for a second week on the UK charts. Darksiders 2's debut didn't knock off the crime simulator, but the apocalyptic sequel did see 80 percent more units sold in its first week than its predecessor, according to Chart-Track.

The only other new entry to the top of the charts last week was Transformers: Fall of Cybertron, which rolled out into fifth. The holiday season is just starting and the battle for the charts is slowiy heating up. Transform this page past the break for the UK top ten.

Continue reading Death arrives on UK charts in second, Sleeping Dogs lie in first

JoystiqDeath arrives on UK charts in second, Sleeping Dogs lie in first originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Aug 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsBritainchart-trackchart-track-weeklydarksiders-2microsoftnew-super-mario-bros-2nintendoplaystationps3sleeping-dogsUKxboxTue, 28 Aug 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Darksiders 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/metareview-darksiders-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/metareview-darksiders-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/metareview-darksiders-2/#comments
Metareview Darksiders 2
Darksiders 2 is a patchwork of the best in the third-person beat-em-up action genre and that's what makes it comforting. We said in our review that "you're not required to forgive the game's faults," but it does spend more time on the good side than bad. Here's what others thought about their trip with Death.
  • Game Informer (90/100): "One of the most polished aspects of the game is environment traversal. Death can run along walls and leap between pillars much like the Prince of Persia. These platforming-like sequences add an element of verticality to exploration, and are used extensively to unearth hidden areas. The overworld is filled with them (including numerous bonus areas and bosses). A handy fast travel ability makes backtracking painless affair."
  • Gamespot (85/100): "Bigger doesn't mean better, of course, but this isn't a "more of the same, just bigger" kind of sequel. The game uses its expansive geography to cultivate a poetic tempo in which your intellectual triumphs are rewarded with the immediate pleasures of fleet-footed platforming and demonic brutality. In Darksiders 2, Death is not an end, but rather, a portal to a memorable saga of snarling brutes and stolen souls. "
  • GiantBomb (4/5): "The adventure has its rough spots and the technical issues are disappointing, but these are relatively small issues in the grand scheme of things. Darksiders 2 is an exciting and lengthy adventure with interesting characters and a host of items and features that make its mix of combat and puzzle-solving very attractive. It's better if you also played the original game, but even if you didn't, Darksiders 2 is definitely worth looking at."
  • IGN (75/100): "Despite its problems, I was compelled onward in my quest with Death because Darksiders 2 is simply a fun game. The RPG elements and to-the-point action all make for some solid gaming, glitches and all. It's a shame so many glaring issues hold such an ambitious endeavor back from the greatness its developers were clearly aiming for. Still, if you love action adventure games, it's certainly worth checking out - but don't expect it to rival the masterpieces it will inevitably call to mind."

Gallery: Darksiders 2 (8/14/12)

JoystiqMetareview: Darksiders 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Aug 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksiders-2metareviewmetareviewsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3THQVigil-gamesxboxThu, 23 Aug 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ cuts marketing jobs, boosting development side [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/21/thq-cuts-marketing-jobs-boosting-development-side/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/21/thq-cuts-marketing-jobs-boosting-development-side/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/21/thq-cuts-marketing-jobs-boosting-development-side/#comments
An internal memo attributed to THQ president Jason Rubin sent yesterday to staff outlines plans for layoffs in the publisher's marketing team and desire to boost development. The letter, published by 3D Realms founder George Broussard, notes the marketing and production staff will be cut by "20 individuals."

"It is worth pointing out that none of the development teams are effected, and we do not anticipate the reduction to have any impact whatsoever on the titles in production or the future scale of our output," wrote Rubin. "It is also quite likely that in the long run the company will hire new individuals with different skill sets in their stead. To put this in perspective, Volition alone anticipates growing by about 20 individuals in the next 12 months."

Rubin says the change represents a resource shift from oversight to production, and from centralization out to the development studios. He also notes that the two departments affected by the cuts were "largely unaffected" by the January layoffs.

We've reached out to THQ for a statement on the memo.

Update: THQ statement found after the break.

Continue reading THQ cuts marketing jobs, boosting development side [update]

JoystiqTHQ cuts marketing jobs, boosting development side [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksiders-2layoffsthqTue, 21 Aug 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Death comes for many bosses in Darksiders 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/18/death-comes-for-many-bosses-in-darksiders-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/18/death-comes-for-many-bosses-in-darksiders-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/18/death-comes-for-many-bosses-in-darksiders-2/#comments
Big and small, fat and skinny - it doesn't matter who you are, Death eventually comes for us all. Even if you're an 80-foot tall demon thing with a tentacle mouth and biceps that would put Hulk Hogan to shame, Death will soon come knocking in Darksiders 2.

THQ sent out a bunch of videos showing just that, giving us a taste of a few of the boss encounters awaiting in Vigil's latest. Above is a quick primer on combat; after the break, five different videos providing a sneak peek at different boss battles.

Continue reading Death comes for many bosses in Darksiders 2

JoystiqDeath comes for many bosses in Darksiders 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 Aug 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksiders-2microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3thqvigil-gameswii-uxboxSat, 18 Aug 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders 2 review: Scythe quest]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/15/darksiders-2-review-scythe-quest/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/15/darksiders-2-review-scythe-quest/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/15/darksiders-2-review-scythe-quest/#comments
Darksiders 2 elicits forgiveness in its weakest moments. There's a lingering sting to every stumble, and a constant yearning for just a bit more polish here and there, but the game's tremendous vision and heartening sense of adventure give it an unbreakable foundation.

The tone of Darksiders 2 is captured best in its opening shot, of a lone horseman carving through snow and inhospitable cliffs toward an immense fortress. His destination seems to teeter impossibly on a sliver of mountain, and the elegant score (care of Assassin's Creed composer Jesper Kyd) suggests this peak is but the beginning of a long, taxing ascent. Darksiders 2 is utterly devoted to the quest.

Astride the horse is capital-D Death, depicted here as a pale bruiser rocking raven hair, a spooky mask, and other skull-based attire that should guarantee him a secondary career in someone's theatrical heavy metal band. Death vows to dabble in irony and resurrect humanity, thereby aiding brother (and fellow equine enthusiast) War, who is unjustly blamed for triggering the apocalypse just a wee bit early. And like War did in Darksiders, Death completes his task by invading dungeons, slaying beasts, solving puzzles and running epic errands.

Gallery: Darksiders 2 (8/14/12)

Continue reading Darksiders 2 review: Scythe quest

JoystiqDarksiders 2 review: Scythe quest originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Aug 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksiders-2microsoftpcplaystationps3thqvigil-gamesxboxWed, 15 Aug 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders 2 'The Crucible' mode footage is a test of courage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/12/darksiders-2-the-crucible-mode-footage-is-a-test-of-courage/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/12/darksiders-2-the-crucible-mode-footage-is-a-test-of-courage/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/12/darksiders-2-the-crucible-mode-footage-is-a-test-of-courage/#comments


This video for Darksiders 2 shows off the game's flashy combat in its arena mode. Known as "The Crucible," the mode has players beating down waves of enemies until offered a random prize. Darksiders 2 arrives at retail, ready for battle on August 14 for PS3, Xbox 360, and PC.

JoystiqDarksiders 2 'The Crucible' mode footage is a test of courage originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 12 Aug 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Crucibledarksiders-2microsoftpcplaystationps3THQvigil-gamesxboxSun, 12 Aug 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders 2: Death for a Salesman]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/10/darksiders-2-death-for-a-salesman/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/10/darksiders-2-death-for-a-salesman/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/10/darksiders-2-death-for-a-salesman/#commentsYou're reading Reaction Time, a weekly column that claims to examine recent events, games and trends in the industry, but is really just looking for an excuse to use the word "zeitgeist." It debuts on Fridays in Engadget's digital magazine, Distro.
Darksiders 2 Death for a Salesman
As a mascot for what remains of THQ's 2012 lineup, there's no choice more awkward or more apt than Death. The stoic star of Darksiders 2, and one quarter of the world's scariest equine club, has become the de facto face for a troubled publisher. It's mean, clearly aligned with THQ's hardcore identity, and shows obvious signs of unkemptness and decay.

The company has resorted to drastic measures to stay in business and rebuild its pipeline, which was once packed with hastily assembled licensed fare and colorful games meant to enthuse a younger demographic. In shifting fully to hardcore products like Darksiders 2, THQ shirks the playfulness implied by its name - derived from "Toy Head-Quarters" - and gets down to serious business. If not irreversible, the situation has at least begun to reek, no thanks to the bodies sacrificed on an altar of second chances. The studio closures, layoffs, executive shuffles, and major cancellations (like Insane, a horror game conceptualized with film director Guillermo del Toro) are beginning to pile up.

We look to Darksiders 2 as a portent of THQ's recovery, though Death is not the single savior so much as an ironic proof of life. If the beleaguered corporation can effectively produce and market this important milestone - the kind of high-quality, traditional game that must sustain it from now on - it gives us reason not to write off the other THQ franchises that are on the cusp of widespread popularity. The "AAA" market is probably the worst place to make a last stand, considering the endangering expenditure required to make a big impact.

Continue reading Darksiders 2: Death for a Salesman

JoystiqDarksiders 2: Death for a Salesman originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Aug 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksiders-2microsoftpcplaystationps3reaction-timexboxFri, 10 Aug 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders 2 wants you to know Death]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/07/darksiders-2-wants-you-to-know-death/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/07/darksiders-2-wants-you-to-know-death/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/07/darksiders-2-wants-you-to-know-death/#comments
Getting to know Death, getting to know all about Death. Getting to like Death, getting to hope Death likes me.

Continue reading Darksiders 2 wants you to know Death

JoystiqDarksiders 2 wants you to know Death originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Aug 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksiders-2microsoftplaystationps3THQvigil-gamesxboxTue, 07 Aug 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders 2 New Game+ and arena mode 'The Crucible' revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/06/darksiders-2-new-game-and-arena-mode-the-crucible-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/06/darksiders-2-new-game-and-arena-mode-the-crucible-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/06/darksiders-2-new-game-and-arena-mode-the-crucible-revealed/#comments Darksiders 2 arena mode 'The Crucible' revealed"Continue your life after death," THQ has promised, with the reveal of an arena mode in Darksiders 2 from developer Vigil Games. Dubbed 'The Crucible' in the game, the mode pits the lovable goofball Death against wave after wave of incorrigible baddies.

After wrapping up five waves, players can take a prize or continue to fight for an additional five. The greater the wave, the greater the prize until the mode reaches its 100-wave ceiling. "Only the most skilled players will have what it takes to conquer all 100 waves and claim the greatest prizes," a THQ press release says, challenging our video game skills.

Your summer of Death-based fun doesn't end there, though, as Darksiders 2 will also feature a New Game+ mode, where players will retain all skills and equipment for subsequent playthroughs. See, death is a giver and a taker.

Gallery: Darksiders 2 (Arena Challenge Mode)

JoystiqDarksiders 2 New Game+ and arena mode 'The Crucible' revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Aug 2012 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksiders-2microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3THQVigil-Gameswii-uxboxMon, 06 Aug 2012 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders 2 comes a knockin' with TV ad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/03/darksiders-2-rides-in-a-commercial/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/03/darksiders-2-rides-in-a-commercial/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/03/darksiders-2-rides-in-a-commercial/#comments
"Beyond Earth, beyond Hell, Death is our final salvation." What does that even mean? Can we get a theology professor in here to explain that?

JoystiqDarksiders 2 comes a knockin' with TV ad originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Aug 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksiders-2microsoftplaystationps3THQVigilvigil-gamesxboxFri, 03 Aug 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Vigil: Darksiders 3 depends on Darksiders 2 sales, could be smaller in scope]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/vigil-darksiders-3-depends-on-darksiders-2-sales-could-be-smal/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/vigil-darksiders-3-depends-on-darksiders-2-sales-could-be-smal/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/vigil-darksiders-3-depends-on-darksiders-2-sales-could-be-smal/#comments Haydn Dalton, lead designer on Darksiders 2 at developer Vigil Games, has some interesting ideas for Darksiders 3 - if THQ decides to greenlight a sequel. If Darksiders 2 is successful, Dalton told VideoGamer, it's unlikely THQ would have Vigil shift development to another franchise.

Specifically, if Darksiders 2 manages to sell "4 or 5 million units," he said, THQ president Jason Rubin would likely want a sequel, though he might expect Vigil to "reduce the scope so that we can make it even higher polished." Doing so would give the game more focus, said Dalton.

Building a smaller open world with more detail isn't necessarily a bad thing - it worked wonders in Rocksteady's Batman games. A smaller world certainly wouldn't hurt THQ's unstable bottom line. It's also worth noting that 4 million units of any game is no small feat. To put things in perspective, Saints Row: The Third, one of THQ's most successful games, managed to ship 4.25 million units in roughly seven months.

Darksiders 2 launches August 14.

JoystiqVigil: Darksiders 3 depends on Darksiders 2 sales, could be smaller in scope originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jul 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksiders-2darksiders-3microsoftpcplaystationps3thqvigil-gamesxboxThu, 26 Jul 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders 2 rides in with two-minute in-engine trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/25/darksiders-2-rides-in-with-two-minute-in-engine-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/25/darksiders-2-rides-in-with-two-minute-in-engine-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/25/darksiders-2-rides-in-with-two-minute-in-engine-trailer/#comments
Death's arrival is only a few weeks away on August 14. Putting live-action trailers aside, here's what the game will look like when it rides into retail.

Continue reading Darksiders 2 rides in with two-minute in-engine trailer

JoystiqDarksiders 2 rides in with two-minute in-engine trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jul 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksiders-2microsoftpcplaystationps3THQVigilvigil-gamesxboxWed, 25 Jul 2012 13:30:00 EST