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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Amazon is your cheap THQ download headquarters next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/amazon-is-your-cheap-thq-download-headquarters-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/amazon-is-your-cheap-thq-download-headquarters-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/amazon-is-your-cheap-thq-download-headquarters-next-week/#comments Starting this Sunday, you'll be able to download a startlingly large number of THQ games from Amazon for prices that are equally startling in their affordability. The Deal of the Week will offer Saints Row 3 for $25, Warhammer 40k: Dawn of War II Retribution Complete Pack for $20, and an assortment of $5 games including Darksiders, STALKER, and Company of Heroes. In addition, tons of DLC is discounted. Find the full list after the break.

This could be a good time to see what Warhammer 40K games are all about before the eventual arrival of the formerly MMO Dark Millennium.

Continue reading Amazon is your cheap THQ download headquarters next week

JoystiqAmazon is your cheap THQ download headquarters next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazondarksiderspcsaints-row-the-thirdthqwarhammer-40000-dawn-of-war-iiFri, 30 Mar 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Tuesday: NFL Blitz, TNT Racers and Darksiders]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/psn-tuesday-nfl-blitz-tnt-racers-and-darksiders/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/psn-tuesday-nfl-blitz-tnt-racers-and-darksiders/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/psn-tuesday-nfl-blitz-tnt-racers-and-darksiders/#comments As we inch closer to the biggest commercial showcase NFL game of the year, fans of pigskin ovals can whet their appetites for the big day with NFL Blitz, which brings nostalgic arcade goodness to PSN. Last year's cartoonish, over-the-top XBLA racer TNT Racers also makes its PlayStation debut today, just 11 months after the port was originally announced for the first quarter of 2011.

Speaking of games from a long time ago, Darksiders is now available as well, as are DLC packs for Resistance 3 and Apples to Apples. If you're a PlayStation Plus subscriber, this month's free swag includes the complete Back to the Future series as well as the first three Syphon Filter games. Hit the source link for a complete list of everything happening this week.

JoystiqPSN Tuesday: NFL Blitz, TNT Racers and Darksiders originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apples-to-applesback-to-the-futuredarksidersmovenfl-blitzplaystationps3PSN-Tuesdayresistance-3Syphon-Filtertnt-racersTue, 03 Jan 2012 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[$5 Metro 2033 kicks off THQ week on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/5-metro-2033-kicks-off-thq-week-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/5-metro-2033-kicks-off-thq-week-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/5-metro-2033-kicks-off-thq-week-on-steam/#comments Angry gas mask man commands you to buy. As part of THQ Week, Steam has thrown a very hefty discount on one of 2010's hidden gems, Metro 2033. The post-apocalyptic Russian shooter is currently on sale for $5, as in five bucks, as in less than a greasy, unhealthy combo meal.

Steam is also offering the THQ Hit Collection for $50, half the usual price. The Hit Collection includes favorites like Darksiders, Red Faction: Guerrilla, Saints Row 2 and ... others like Homefront and Red Faction: Armageddon. Finally, the whole THQ catalog (minus Saints Row: The Third and Space Marine) is 33 percent off this week, with more discounts coming in the days ahead.

Finally, in other Steam news, Ninjabee's Ancients of Ooga is today's daily deal, available for $5.

Joystiq$5 Metro 2033 kicks off THQ week on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Oct 2011 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ancients-of-oogadarksidershomefrontMetro-2033pcRed-Faction-Guerrillasaints-row-2steamthqthq-weekMon, 10 Oct 2011 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Study: Positive correlation between piracy and game review scores]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/06/study-positive-correlation-between-piracy-and-game-review-score/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/06/study-positive-correlation-between-piracy-and-game-review-score/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/06/study-positive-correlation-between-piracy-and-game-review-score/#comments Pirates may be dirty, pillaging fiends, but they have high standards, according to a study from Copenhagen Business School and University of Waterloo. The study tracked 173 new games on BitTorrent over a three-month release period, finding 127 of these were downloaded by 12.7 million unique peers, and that a torrent's popularity was directly correlated to its review scores. The 10 most-downloaded games comprised over 5.3 million downloads, or 42 percent of the 127 pirated games.

Fallout: New Vegas had the most downloads (962,793) and an average review score of 83.7, followed by Darksiders (656,296) with a review score of 82.7. Tron: Evolution had the lowest score of the top 10 at 59.5, yet came in fifth place (496,349). StarCraft 2 had the highest review score at 89.5 and landed in seventh place (420,138). Review scores can't trump a title's notoriety, reputation or core fanbase, but researchers found "Metacritic Scores explain 10% of the variance in the unique peers per game on BitTorrent." In other words, the only vessel that these pirates are sailing on is a statistically positive relationship.

JoystiqStudy: Positive correlation between piracy and game review scores originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Aug 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bittorrentDarksidersDarksiders-Wrath-of-WarFallout-New-Vegaspcpiracy-researchPiratesStarcraft-2Tron-EvolutionSat, 06 Aug 2011 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOTA's new Darksiders, Darkstalkers and Okamiden toys go to Comic-Con]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/08/sotas-new-darksiders-darkstalkers-and-okamiden-toys-go-to-comi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/08/sotas-new-darksiders-darkstalkers-and-okamiden-toys-go-to-comi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/08/sotas-new-darksiders-darkstalkers-and-okamiden-toys-go-to-comi/#comments Toymaker SOTA has announced that it's prepping a trio of exclusive, licensed video game-based items for this year's San Diego Comic-Con International, which runs July 21-24. The biggie (and by that we mean nearly a foot tall) is a statue ($160) of Morrigan and Lilith from the gothic fighter Darkstalkers, which depicts the two as they "fall, together, in a loose embrace, unaware of how much longer they have together" and "freezes in time a moment that Morrigan and Lilith wish to last forever." SOTA's words, not ours.

Smaller and fluffier, a keychain-sized Okamiden plush will be included as part of a "San Diego Comic-Con Impulse Pak" ($40) that features three of SOTA's non-game-related Bobble Budds. Finally, there's our favorite of the bunch: Darksiders' War astride his horse, Ruin, in an LED-lit statue (above, $250) that looks as hot as the flames erupting from the Apocalypse rider's steed.

All three items will be available at the show and through SOTA's online store. You can view more pictures and details at the source link.

JoystiqSOTA's new Darksiders, Darkstalkers and Okamiden toys go to Comic-Con originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomcomic-con-2011DarksidersDarksiders-Wrath-of-WarDarkstalkersokamiokamidensan-diego-comic-con-2011sota-toystoysFri, 08 Jul 2011 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[OnLive celebrates Indie-pendence Day with an explosive sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/03/onlive-celebrates-indie-pendence-day-with-an-explosive-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/03/onlive-celebrates-indie-pendence-day-with-an-explosive-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/03/onlive-celebrates-indie-pendence-day-with-an-explosive-sale/#comments OnLive is celebrating "Indie-pendence" Day with a massive sale on -- you guessed it -- a random selection of mainstream blockbusters and popular underground games.

The sale includes Batman: Arkham Asylum, Darksiders, Just Cause 2, a pre-order deal on Deus Ex: Human Revolution, and of course an inundation of hit indie titles such as Braid, The Maw, Osmos and Amnesia: The Dark Descent. OnLive's "Indie-pendence" Day Sale runs through the completely unrelated day of July 4, so hurry and check out your options after the jump before this thing vanishes like smoke after a firework.

Update: OnLive is sending all PlayPack subscribers a free game of their choice this Tuesday, and as long as you sign up for the monthly unlimited-gaming service before midnight Pacific on July 4, you can snag a free game too. Thanks, Silent Killer01!

Continue reading OnLive celebrates Indie-pendence Day with an explosive sale

JoystiqOnLive celebrates Indie-pendence Day with an explosive sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 03 Jul 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amnesia-the-dark-descentBatmanBatman-Arkham-AsylumBraidDarksidersDarksiders-Wrath-of-Wardeus-ex-human-revolutionfireworksIndiependence-Day-SaleJust-Cause-2OnLivepcThe-MawSun, 03 Jul 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bone up on Darksiders 2 with this trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/bone-up-on-darksiders-2-with-this-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/bone-up-on-darksiders-2-with-this-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/bone-up-on-darksiders-2-with-this-trailer/#comments War -- what is he good for? Absolutely nothing in Darksiders 2, because Death is the one handling all the fighting. Game Informer got hold of the first trailer, featuring the new, bony protagonist jumping, swinging his scythe around, and delivering vague threats.

And, in case you needed further confirmation of this unbelievable fact after yesterday's reveal, the video clearly shows that ... his pants are made of bone.

JoystiqBone up on Darksiders 2 with this trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bone-pantsdarksidersdarksiders-2microsoftpcplaystationps3thqvigil-gamesxboxThu, 02 Jun 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Become a space wolf with Warhammer 40K: Space Marine's pre-order bonuses]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/become-a-space-wolf-with-warhammer-40k-space-marines-pre-order/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/become-a-space-wolf-with-warhammer-40k-space-marines-pre-order/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/become-a-space-wolf-with-warhammer-40k-space-marines-pre-order/#comments Though it's possible you've been offered the opportunity to dress like a space wolf at some other point today, we were quite excited to be extended such a chance by the newly announced pre-order bonuses for Warhammer 40K: Space Marine. Folks pre-ordering the forthcoming third-person space shooter at GameStop will get the hilariously named armor, as well as the "black templar chapter armor." A variety of other bonuses are available from several other retailers, detailed below the break.

Additionally, a "limited run" of the collector's edition seen above will be offered at retailers, going for $79.99 on PC and $89.99 on 360/PS3. Beyond the faux "Purity Seal" and artbook, Space Marine's collector's edition comes bundled in a box (shaped like an old book!) with the soundtrack, a pack of "character information cards" and the game itself.

Additionally, among the other ways you can currently get Darksiders for free, PC pre-orders at most retailers -- except THQ's own store, it seems -- will snag a copy of that alongside Space Marine.

Continue reading Become a space wolf with Warhammer 40K: Space Marine's pre-order bonuses

JoystiqBecome a space wolf with Warhammer 40K: Space Marine's pre-order bonuses originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 May 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonbest-buydarksidersdev-diarygamestopmicrosoftpcplaystationpre-orderps3relicrelic-entertainmentsteamthqwarhammer-40k-space-marinexboxFri, 27 May 2011 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[OnLive's Space Marine pre-order includes free MicroConsole and Darksiders]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/onlives-space-marine-pre-order-includes-free-microconsole-and-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/onlives-space-marine-pre-order-includes-free-microconsole-and-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/onlives-space-marine-pre-order-includes-free-microconsole-and-d/#comments Yet again, OnLive and THQ have hooked up to give you a free MicroConsole. And, as avowed free stuff enthusiasts, we greet the mental image of a mighty mountain of MicroConsoles approvingly.

The latest offer is for Warhammer 40K: Space Marine. If you pre-order the "Full PlayPass" of the streaming game between now and August 22, you'll get a free MicroConsole -- or, if (as is becoming ever more likely) you already have one, you can choose a free game instead (by pre-ordering by May 31). You'll also get $5 off the regular $50 price, and a free copy of Darksiders.

We're sure any OnLive execs you meet would also personally hug you, though that bonus isn't explicitly documented.

JoystiqOnLive's Space Marine pre-order includes free MicroConsole and Darksiders originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 May 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksidersonliveonlive-microconsolepcpre-orderthqwarhammer-40k-space-marineWed, 25 May 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders is 75% off on Steam this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/darksiders-is-75-off-on-steam-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/darksiders-is-75-off-on-steam-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/darksiders-is-75-off-on-steam-this-weekend/#comments Got $10.00 and a few hours to kill? We can hardly think of a better thing to do than picking up Darksiders on Steam, which is on sale for the aforementioned 10 bucks until 10am PT on Monday, March 21. Seriously, think about it. Is there anything else that will give you so much bang for little?

Yeah, thought so -- though if you know how good a time Darksiders is, you may have already played it (or read this site, we guess), in which case we'd suggest you tell a friend. What kind of monster would keep that kind of knowledge to themself?

JoystiqDarksiders is 75% off on Steam this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DarksidersDarksiders-Wrath-of-Warpcsteamthqvalvevigil-gamesThu, 17 Mar 2011 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ puts PC games on sale, including Metro 2033, Darksiders, more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/05/thq-puts-pc-games-on-sale-including-metro-2033-darksiders-mor/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/05/thq-puts-pc-games-on-sale-including-metro-2033-darksiders-mor/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/05/thq-puts-pc-games-on-sale-including-metro-2033-darksiders-mor/#comments The official THQ online store (which has the new logo that's look like it's asking, "THQ?") is sporting some spiffy sales this weekend, offering some pretty great games for just a few bucks. The highlight of the sale is probably Metro 2033, which for the PC is only $10. But you can also find Company of Heroes: Gold Edition for only $7.50, the underrated (I said it) Darksiders for $10, and Red Faction: Guerilla and Titan Quest: Gold Edition for only $5 a piece.

They're not all winners (hey there, World of Zoo), but if you need to catch up on some PC titles, THQ (?) has you covered.

JoystiqTHQ puts PC games on sale, including Metro 2033, Darksiders, more originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Feb 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>company-of-heroesdarksidersmetro-2033pcred-faction-guerrillasalethqtitan-questSat, 05 Feb 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Randy's picks of 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/02/best-of-the-rest-randys-picks-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/02/best-of-the-rest-randys-picks-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/02/best-of-the-rest-randys-picks-of-2010/#comments
 Super Mario Galaxy 2
This is my personal favorite game of 2010 for many reasons, all of which you can read in the review I wrote back in May. In a nutshell: It's the best Mario game ever -- in my opinion, but I've been told I'm not alone -- and can pretty much claim the title of best-ever platformer while it's at it. The experience is magical, the design is masterful and if there were one game I could be stranded on a desert island with ... well, this is it.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Randy's picks of 2010

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Randy's picks of 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 02 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-of-the-rest-2010Darksidersepic-mickeygod-of-war-3halo-reachmetal-gear-solid-peace-walkerNeed-for-Speed-Hot-Pursuitsuper-mario-galaxy-2VanquishSun, 02 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Alexander's picks of 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/01/best-of-the-rest-alexanders-picks-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/01/best-of-the-rest-alexanders-picks-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/01/best-of-the-rest-alexanders-picks-of-2010/#comments Dance Central
This is how the dancing genre should be done. Harmonix brought it on and stepped it up with Dance Central, a full-body follow-the-choreography game that showed off Microsoft's Kinect tech and ended up being the device's killer app at launch. Authoritative, yet fun, Dance Central felt like the first step in a franchise that could potentially have an amazing future.

Dance Central 2 is a given and I can't wait to see what it delivers. Harmonix has shown us with Rock Band that it can rapidly build upon a core foundation. Chained dance routines? Online dance battles? Customizable routines? It's probably all on the table... and I would dance on that table using a stripper pole for all of it. But, my gawd, I would give anything for the option to remove or exchange freestyle sections for more moves.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Alexander's picks of 2010

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Alexander's picks of 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1-vs-100best-of-the-restbest-of-the-rest-2010Civilization-5dance-centralDarksidersJust-Cause-2microsoftpcplaystationps3pspsonyvalkyria-chronicles-2xboxSat, 01 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Mike's picks of 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/best-of-the-rest-mikes-picks-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/best-of-the-rest-mikes-picks-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/best-of-the-rest-mikes-picks-of-2010/#comments Enslaved: Odyssey to the West
Ninja Theory put a heck of a game together here, with some incredible art direction and animation, level design, and the best adventurous duo since Nathan Drake and Elena Fisher. The world traversed by Monkey and Trip is colorfully portrayed and brilliantly built, the gameplay is perfectly formulated to support the characters and the story, and while I admit the game's early levels outdo the somewhat abrupt ending, this was the best original IP I played in 2010.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Mike's picks of 2010

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Mike's picks of 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-of-the-rest-2010darksidersenslaved-odyssey-to-the-westfinal-fantasy-xiiilord-of-ultimamicrosoftmobileneed-for-speed-hot-pursuitpcplaystationpocket-frogsps3puzzle-agentpuzzle-quest-2world-of-warcraft-cataclysmxboxThu, 30 Dec 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders 2 will star new character, take place alongside events of first game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/darksiders-2-will-star-new-character-take-place-alongside-event/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/darksiders-2-will-star-new-character-take-place-alongside-event/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/darksiders-2-will-star-new-character-take-place-alongside-event/#comments
Cue that one sad song ...

During his keynote speech at the IGDA Leadership Forum, THQ wunderkind Danny Bilson revealed some info on Darksiders 2, the sequel to Joe Mad's inspired take on a post-apocalyptic Earth. Instead of taking up the mantle of War again, the sequel will offer a new playable character -- one of the other three horsemen of the apocalypse, perhaps?

"When we do the Darksiders sequel, it'll be a different character and take place simultaneously to the other story," Bilson said. "There's only one apocalypse -- I couldn't very well have four different apocalypses, one for each rider. It has some new mechanics and some very robust features that differentiate it a lot and grow it from the first game because you have to build on the first one, you can't repeat it. I think that's very important in franchise-building."

It tied into the rest of the keynote, which revolved around Bilson and THQ's take on sequels and how to approach them when trying to create franchises. Look for our full write-up of Bilson's candid keynote speech soon.

JoystiqDarksiders 2 will star new character, take place alongside events of first game originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Nov 2010 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>danny-bilsondarksidersdarksiders-2igdaigda-leadership-forumigda-leadership-forum-2010microsoftpcplaystationps3thqvigil-gamesxboxMon, 08 Nov 2010 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Retailers offer free games with Darksiders PC pre-order]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/retailers-offer-free-games-with-darksiders-pc-pre-order/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/retailers-offer-free-games-with-darksiders-pc-pre-order/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/retailers-offer-free-games-with-darksiders-pc-pre-order/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Though you may lack the alchemical expertise to do so under normal circumstances, folks who are planning on picking up the PC version of Darksiders when it comes out this Thursday can turn their one-game purchase into a two-game purchase. (Ooh! Aah!) This opportunity comes from a handful of digital retailers, who are offering complimentary THQ games along with pre-orders for the apocalyptic action-adventure title.

These retailers include Steam, which gives pre-orderers a digital copy of Titan Quest Gold Edition; Direct2Drive, which is handing out Red Faction: Guerrilla and Gametap, which is offering a free copy of Company of Heroes with each pre-order. Sure beats the Hell out of a keychain or scented sticker set, doesn't it?

Continue reading Retailers offer free games with Darksiders PC pre-order

JoystiqRetailers offer free games with Darksiders PC pre-order originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DarksidersDarksiders-Wrath-of-Warpcpre-orderthqvigil-gamesTue, 21 Sep 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameFly selling God of War 3, Mass Effect 2 and more for under $20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/gamefly-selling-god-of-war-3-mass-effect-2-and-more-for-under/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/gamefly-selling-god-of-war-3-mass-effect-2-and-more-for-under/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/gamefly-selling-god-of-war-3-mass-effect-2-and-more-for-under/#comments GameFly is currently running a decidedly insane sale on used copies of a handful of 2010 blockbusters until this Friday, September 17. If you've got $20 to spare, you can grab Darksiders, God of War 3, Alpha Protocol, Mass Effect 2 or Dante's Inferno -- all with free shipping to boot.

Continue reading GameFly selling God of War 3, Mass Effect 2 and more for under $20

JoystiqGameFly selling God of War 3, Mass Effect 2 and more for under $20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alpha-protocoldantes-infernodarksidersgameflygod-of-war-3mass-effect-2microsoftplaystationps3xboxWed, 15 Sep 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ merchandises the Hell out of Darksiders]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/24/thq-merchandises-the-hell-out-of-darksiders/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/24/thq-merchandises-the-hell-out-of-darksiders/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/24/thq-merchandises-the-hell-out-of-darksiders/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Sure, you might have liked Darksiders well enough, but we know what you really wanted from the game: your very own War to lead his own tiny Apocalypse into your living room. THQ is obliging this desire with a line of Darksiders merchandise produced in collaboration with partners in the publishing and toy industries.

Udon Entertainment is producing an Art of Darksiders book featuring "a comprehensive collection of concept art from the game, including original artwork from creative director and comic book legend, Joe Madureira." And SOTA Toys will release a 14" doll action figure statue of War and his horse Ruin. SOTA says that this is just the first item in an eventual Darksiders line.

Both of these items will debut at Comic-Con, which takes place from July 22-25. Preorders for the statue will open on SOTA's site at the same time.

JoystiqTHQ merchandises the Hell out of Darksiders originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Jun 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DarksidersDarksiders-Wrath-of-Warmerchandisemicrosoftpcplaystationps3SOTA-ToysTHQUdon-EntertainmentVigil-GamesxboxThu, 24 Jun 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ puts Devil's Third in 2012, announces UFC Trainer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/22/thq-puts-devils-third-in-2012-announces-ufc-trainer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/22/thq-puts-devils-third-in-2012-announces-ufc-trainer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/22/thq-puts-devils-third-in-2012-announces-ufc-trainer/#commentsFiled under: , ,

While we were furiously running from appointment to appointment somewhere inside the LA Convention Center last week, THQ was busy holding an investor call -- and subsequently detailing a densely packed game release future. While we already heard from the publisher back in February that Darksiders and Saint's Row sequels would be arriving sometime in fiscal 2012 (between March 2011 and April 2012), it seems that Valhalla Games' debut effort Devil's Third will join the fold (as evidenced by the above image).

Also of note, "UFC Trainer" was detailed in the financial call as a Kinect/Move/Wii exercise/training title set for release in Jan 2011 (as reported by GameSpot). It's aiming to contend with the likes of EA Sports Active and Wii Fit, albeit with a tougher slant. "We want this thing tuned to perfection without lag. And I'm not going to ship it until it's the coolest fighting thing in the world," THQ exec Danny Bilson said of UFC Trainer, explaining its absence from E3. He also reconfirmed that a sequel to Darksiders has been "greenlit" and is currently in production, though said nothing of the Devil's Third release window specifically (presumably for fear of being sliced to bits by Valhalla's ninjas).

JoystiqTHQ puts Devil's Third in 2012, announces UFC Trainer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jun 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Danny-BilsonDarksidersDarksiders-2devils-thirdmicrosoftplaystationps3q1-2012release-dateSaints-RowSaints-Row-3THQUFC-TrainerxboxTue, 22 Jun 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIII, Bayonetta, Modern Warfare 2, more for $30 each at Kmart]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/final-fantasy-xiii-bayonetta-modern-warfare-2-more-for-30-ea/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/final-fantasy-xiii-bayonetta-modern-warfare-2-more-for-30-ea/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/final-fantasy-xiii-bayonetta-modern-warfare-2-more-for-30-ea/#commentsKmart isn't a name we turn to often for game deals, but the retailer has made a pretty strong case for our continued attention, with a bunch of limited-time deals that are, frankly, a little ridiculous. How about paying for just the good half of Final Fantasy XIII? At $30, that's essentially what Kmart is offering.

Time-release RPGs not for you? How about Bayonetta, Metro 2033, or Modern Warfare 2 for $30 each? Even Nier's been marked down to $44.99, though that game is ridiculous on its own merits. These deals are only available through May 10, and can be found both online and in-store. See the full list of weekly discounts after the break.

[Via Slickdeals]

Continue reading Final Fantasy XIII, Bayonetta, Modern Warfare 2, more for $30 each at Kmart

JoystiqFinal Fantasy XIII, Bayonetta, Modern Warfare 2, more for $30 each at Kmart originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 May 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliens-vs-predatorbayonettadarksidersdealsdiscountkmartmetro-2033Microsoftmodern-warfare-2nierPlatinum GamesPlatinumGamesSegaXbox-360Tue, 04 May 2010 20:01:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Free Red Faction games are in the mail from Darksiders promo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/free-red-faction-games-are-in-the-mail-from-darksiders-promo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/free-red-faction-games-are-in-the-mail-from-darksiders-promo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/free-red-faction-games-are-in-the-mail-from-darksiders-promo/#commentsIf you took advantage of the offer for a free copy of Red Faction: Guerrilla via the "mystery code" inside new copies of Darksiders -- and if, for some reason, you've been avoiding your mailbox -- now is the time to face the rush of junk mail once again. You might have a free game waiting for you!

We've begun hearing from tipsters whose freebie Red Factions have arrived. The timing couldn't be better for THQ: having just announced the PC release of Darksiders yesterday, the arrival of the promo discs gives us cause to bring up the game again in posts like this one! We see what you did there, THQ.

[Thanks Ben!]

JoystiqPSA: Free Red Faction games are in the mail from Darksiders promo originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksidersMicrosoftpromotionpsared-faction-guerillathqXbox-360Wed, 31 Mar 2010 09:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders PC release announced, arrives in June]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/darksiders-pc-release-announced-arrives-in-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/darksiders-pc-release-announced-arrives-in-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/darksiders-pc-release-announced-arrives-in-june/#comments THQ and Vigil announced today that Darksiders is bringing its apocalyptic brand of action adventure to the PC. The game will hit the platform this summer, with THQ offering only a June release window. It's being optimized for the PC, with Vigil's David Adams promising "key features such as user-defined resolutions, interface and both keyboard and game pad control sets."

Darksiders released earlier this year on Xbox 360 and PS3. It received decent reviews -- from both Joystiq and the industry at large -- and it enjoyed healthy sales, something THQ was quite keen to announce. No doubt THQ hopes to see some of that success repeated on the PC.

[Via Big Download]

JoystiqDarksiders PC release announced, arrives in June originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksidersq2-2010release-datethqvigil-gamesTue, 30 Mar 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ's Bilson: Research and focus testing will 'usually destroy' creativity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/thqs-bilson-research-and-focus-testing-will-usually-destroy/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/thqs-bilson-research-and-focus-testing-will-usually-destroy/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/thqs-bilson-research-and-focus-testing-will-usually-destroy/#comments During an interview at the 2010 Game Developers Conference, THQ executive VP of Core Games Danny Bilson told Joystiq that market research creates "bland" titles, citing it is not a process his group is willing to utilize for future development. "We don't do research to find out what people want to play. If you need to do that kind of research you must not be playing games yourself," Bilson said, noting that research and overusing focus tests can "misguide creative forces."

According to Bilson, his core group at THQ is ruled by creating "excellent" titles. Put simply, Bilson says he will not ship a game if it's not "really good" -- noting that doing otherwise will make it impossible for him to "sleep at night." As an example of this process, Bilson noted his decision to push Darksiders from a 2009 release into the early-2010 calendar in order to ensure the game was of high quality. (Darksiders currently holds an average Metacritic rating of 83.)

"Inspiration comes from one place and research and focus testing will usually destroy it. It will usually create 'bland' and create something for everyone and really nothing for anyone," he said, praising the idea that publishers should not ship a game until it's ready. "If my teams make really good games, in the long run, that's what people relate to. They're not buying advertising, they're not buying Wall Street nonsense. They're buying what's on that disc."

JoystiqTHQ's Bilson: Research and focus testing will 'usually destroy' creativity originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>danny-bilsondarksidersfocus-testinggdc-2010market-researchMicrosoftthqXbox-360Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders dev David Adams gushes about THQ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/darksiders-dev-david-adams-gushes-about-thq/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/darksiders-dev-david-adams-gushes-about-thq/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/darksiders-dev-david-adams-gushes-about-thq/#comments Unlike the less than wonderful relations some developers are currently having with their publishing partners, Vigil Games' general manager David Adams says things between his studio and THQ couldn't have been better during the development of Darksiders. "We were pretty lucky, just because our publisher had this weird, insane faith in us that I don't necessarily think any other publisher would have had ... our take was that if we just did really cool stuff, people would see that -- they'd want to jump on the bandwagon and support us, and THQ did," Adams tells GamesIndustry.biz in a recent interview.

Adams adds that his studio is constantly "trying to be more efficient, do stuff quicker, using less money," so that certainly can't hurt how THQ feels about Vigil, especially given the last year of "restructuring" the publisher underwent to become financially solvent once again. "THQ went through a lot of pain and restructuring -- they took a lot of bullets so we could continue to make our game, and that's a good indication of their faith in us, and their drive to make great-quality products." We'd like to point out that, in this situation, we're all winners because THQ has seemingly become a competitive publisher again, due to producing quality products that we get to play -- and hey, tons of people don't lose their jobs.

JoystiqDarksiders dev David Adams gushes about THQ originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksidersdavid-adamsdevelopmentlayoffsMicrosoftthqvigilvigil-gamesXbox-360Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Thursday: God of War 3 demo leads a long night of downloading]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/psn-thursday-god-of-war-leads-a-long-night-of-downloading/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/psn-thursday-god-of-war-leads-a-long-night-of-downloading/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/psn-thursday-god-of-war-leads-a-long-night-of-downloading/#commentsDemos for God of War III and Darksiders are up this week. Grandia's on PS One Classics. Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix is half-price. There's Valkyria Chronicles and Uncharted 2 DLC. Echoshift is up on PSP. Basically, if you don't find something for you this week on the PlayStation Network, you probably don't own a PlayStation console.

Choose your platform to view the corresponding release list:
(Note: Continue past the break to view both release lists.)

Continue reading PSN Thursday: God of War 3 demo leads a long night of downloading

JoystiqPSN Thursday: God of War 3 demo leads a long night of downloading originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksidersdemostracionDLC-HD10Vechoshiftgod-of-war-3PSN-Storepsn-thursdaysuper-street-fighter-ii-turbo-hd-remixuncharted-2-among-thievesvalkyria-chroniclesThu, 25 Feb 2010 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Reminder: Hefty Darksiders demo out today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/reminder-hefty-darksiders-demo-out-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/reminder-hefty-darksiders-demo-out-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/reminder-hefty-darksiders-demo-out-today/#comments A quick note for all the apocalyptic adventure-seekers out there: The promised Darksiders demo is now available on Xbox Live Marketplace. As previously announced, this is no ordinary demo, either. No, this sucker contains the game's first dungeon in its entirety, a chunk of gameplay that should take approximately 90 minutes to complete for the "average player." It's not often that publishers give away that much game for free, so be sure to give it a go.

Oh, and don't forget to post your completion time here in the comments. We're curious to see how close to the mark THQ's estimate is.

Shortcut: Download the Darksiders demo to your Xbox 360 [Via Xbox.com]

JoystiqReminder: Hefty Darksiders demo out today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksidersdemothqvigil-gamesxblmThu, 25 Feb 2010 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[European PSN releases for February 25]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/european-psn-releases-for-february-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/european-psn-releases-for-february-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/european-psn-releases-for-february-25/#commentsFiled under: , ,

There's new content for both PS platforms in the latest PSN Euro update, ranging from an unimaginably beefy demo for Darksiders, W!Games' strategy title Greed Corp, the The Secret Armory of General Knoxx expansion for Borderlands, the totally free third installment of Blue Toad Murder Files and a PSP demo for The Eye Of Judgment Legends. Check out the full list of releases after the jump!

Choose your platform to view the corresponding release list:
(Note: Continue past the break to view both release lists.)

Continue reading European PSN releases for February 25

JoystiqEuropean PSN releases for February 25 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue-toad-murder-filesborderlandsdarksidersGreed-CorpPSNpsn-thursdayStrategyValcon-GamesWGamesXBLAThu, 25 Feb 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders' free Red Faction promo open to anyone who bought it new, no code required]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/18/darksiders-free-red-faction-promo-open-to-those-without-codes-b/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/18/darksiders-free-red-faction-promo-open-to-those-without-codes-b/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/18/darksiders-free-red-faction-promo-open-to-those-without-codes-b/#comments Got yourself a copy of Darksiders but, for whatever reason (admit it, you lost it), don't have the slip of paper it came with containing the "mystery code" redeemable for a free copy of Red Faction Guerrilla and digital art book? Seems you're not out of luck -- unless you bought it second-hand (or "pre-played," if you will).

Vigil has announced via its official Darksiders blog that those without codes, but who purchased the game new can still get the free RFG and disc full o' artwork. It's a little more work than simply clicking a link and typing in a code, but, hey, free is free. Those who want in on the promotion must fill out a form, provide "your original purchase receipt of a NEW copy of Darksiders," the barcode from the cover insert and, like everything else, pay shipping and "handling" (we never quite got what that is, exactly).

You have until March 7 to get in on the promotion, whatever your situation may be.

[Thanks, NBA Kirkland]

JoystiqDarksiders' free Red Faction promo open to anyone who bought it new, no code required originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksidersMicrosoftpromoRed-Faction-Guerrillathqvigil-gamesXbox-360Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Extensive' 90-min Darksiders demo on XBL, PSN Feb. 25]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/extensive-90-min-darksiders-demo-on-xbl-psn-feb-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/extensive-90-min-darksiders-demo-on-xbl-psn-feb-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/extensive-90-min-darksiders-demo-on-xbl-psn-feb-25/#comments
If a batch of positive reviews has yet to sway you towards picking up Darksiders, THQ and developer Vigil Games are hoping to change that by means of a demo planned to hit Xbox Live and PlayStation Network on February 25. Not just any demo, mind you, but one its publisher claims will "take approximately 90 minutes to complete for the average player." That claim is backed up by the fact that it will include the entire first dungeon -- which is home to two bosses -- from the retail release.

Vigil general manager David Adams explains in the demo's announcement that the dev "really wanted to give gamers a true idea of the variety of gameplay that the game offers," adding, "rather than just making a standard 20-minute demo version of the first few levels, we decided to give away this massive level and reveal the true essence of the game."

Here's what we want you to do. Bookmark this post, then, once the demo hits, come back here and leave a comment letting us know how long it took you to complete. Nothing official-like, but it'll be fun to put THQ's estimate to the test. Just remember -- it said "for the average player." We know you're all well above average.

Joystiq'Extensive' 90-min Darksiders demo on XBL, PSN Feb. 25 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DarksidersdemoMicrosoftpsnPSN-Storethqvigil-gamesxblxblmXbox-360Tue, 16 Feb 2010 13:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders' hidden code reveals free copy of Red Faction Guerrilla]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/12/darksiders-hidden-code-reveals-free-copy-of-red-faction-guerril/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/12/darksiders-hidden-code-reveals-free-copy-of-red-faction-guerril/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/12/darksiders-hidden-code-reveals-free-copy-of-red-faction-guerril/#comments Early copies of Darksiders contained an insert (see above) that quite explicitly asked buyers to not to throw it away -- that's what "do not discard" means. Today it was revealed that the code will net the bearer a free copy of Red Faction Guerrilla for PS3 or Xbox 360. The code will also grant them "a digital Hellbook disc featuring Darksiders art, videos, and other awesome stuff." Yeah, that's great but let's get back to that whole "free game" thing.

The offer is only available in the US and ends March 7, 2010. We've got a call in to THQ about whether recent Darksiders printings still have the card. Of course there's a catch: there's a $5 shipping charge; however, we can guarantee (because it was all over our "Best of the Rest" for 2009) that $5 is an incredibly small price to pay for hours of joyous Martian destruction.

[Thanks Salvador and Stephen McB]

JoystiqDarksiders' hidden code reveals free copy of Red Faction Guerrilla originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Feb 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksidersMicrosoftRed-Faction-GuerrillathqXbox-360Fri, 12 Feb 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders, Saint's Row sequels from THQ in fiscal 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/darksiders-saints-row-sequels-from-thq-in-fiscal-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/darksiders-saints-row-sequels-from-thq-in-fiscal-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/darksiders-saints-row-sequels-from-thq-in-fiscal-2012/#comments
THQ's Brian Farrell has revealed on today's investor conference call that the company is planning to revisit some of its most successful franchises as far away as the fiscal year of 2012 (which would be sometime after March 2011), including this year's bestseller Darksiders, and the popular Saint's Row franchise. Farrell says the company is looking to fiscal 2012 for "accelerated growth with three major core game titles scheduled: Warhammer 40k Space Marine, a sequel to Darksiders and the third generation of our popular Saint's Row franchise."

Given that these are more than a year away, we don't have any more information besides the fact that they're planned for release (Who will Darksiders ape next? Will Saint's Row finally solve all of those bugs?). But news of sequels for both games will be welcomed by their respective fans.

JoystiqDarksiders, Saint's Row sequels from THQ in fiscal 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012brian-farrellbuggy-saints-rowcore-game-titlesdarksidersdarksiders-wrath-of-warfiscal-2012franchisemarch-2011Microsoftreleasessaints-rowsaints-row-2saints-row-3saints-row-the-thirdthqvolitionwarhammer-40k-space-marineXbox-360Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders rides into 1.2 million homes, THQ recovering financially]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/darksiders-rides-into-1-2-million-homes-thq-financially-recover/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/darksiders-rides-into-1-2-million-homes-thq-financially-recover/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/darksiders-rides-into-1-2-million-homes-thq-financially-recover/#comments THQ today announced to investors its financial holdings for the year ending December 31, 2009, reporting a net income of $1.4 million and sales of $701.5 million in the final nine months of the year. To put that in some perspective, the net income for the same period last year was a $334.2 loss. No doubt well-reviewed titles like UFC Undisputed 2009 and (personal favorite) Red Faction: Guerrilla helped that financial 180° turn -- a much needed one after a rocky 2008 and a mess of layoffs in 2009.

The publisher also announced "first four week" sales of Darksiders have already reached 1.2 million in the US (Ahem, Mr. Greenwald? Did you hear that?). Interestingly, THQ called the game part of its "growing portfolio of owned brands," among Red Faction, de Blob, Drawn to Life, and Saint's Row. And with this afternoon's investor call, it would certainly appear we'll be seeing more from that portfolio in the coming year.

JoystiqDarksiders rides into 1.2 million homes, THQ recovering financially originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksidersde-blobdrawn-to-lifeearningsfinanceincomeinvestorMicrosoftmoneyred-factionred-faction-guerrillasaints-rowthqufc-undisputed-2009Xbox-360Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst: Darksiders likely didn't sell enough for THQ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/analyst-darksiders-likely-didnt-sell-enough-for-thq/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/analyst-darksiders-likely-didnt-sell-enough-for-thq/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/analyst-darksiders-likely-didnt-sell-enough-for-thq/#comments Poor Darksiders. Like an overeager child, it tried to win THQ's approval with its solid mechanics and colorful doomsday aesthetic, but, according to Signal Hill analyst Todd Greenwald, it likely missed the mark. He estimated for Gamasutra that the game has sold less than a million units, especially disappointing considering -- again, Greenwald's assertion -- the two to three years of development for the game and "heavy marketing dollars." Making matters worse is the fact that the game was discounted two weeks after its release.

Here's hoping that a poor first outing for the Horseman doesn't necessarily mean Armageddon for his series.

JoystiqAnalyst: Darksiders likely didn't sell enough for THQ originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksidersMicrosoftthqTodd-Greenwaldvigil-gamesXbox-360Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Digital Foundry analyzes Darksiders post-patch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/digital-foundry-analyzes-darksiders-post-patch/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/digital-foundry-analyzes-darksiders-post-patch/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/digital-foundry-analyzes-darksiders-post-patch/#comments Removing screen tearing from a game requires plenty of work (probably!), so Digital Foundry was understandably skeptical when a patch to the 360 version of Darksiders, less than a month after its launch, claimed to help the game's image quality. But according to DF's analysis, Vigil and THQ were able to pull it off, reducing tearing by as much as 50 percent.

How'd they do it? It would appear that this feat was achieved by locking the frame rate at 30 per second rather than letting the game push out as many frames as it could at any given moment. That seems like good news for fans and great news for all those poor, torn screens.

JoystiqDigital Foundry analyzes Darksiders post-patch originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksidersMicrosoftpatchscreen-tearingthqvigil-gamesXbox-360Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders screen-tearing patch out tomorrow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/26/darksiders-screen-tearing-patch-out-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/26/darksiders-screen-tearing-patch-out-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/26/darksiders-screen-tearing-patch-out-tomorrow/#comments Starting tomorrow, the screen-tearing present in the Xbox 360 version of Darksiders will (hopefully) be a thing of the past, as the game's official blog reports the patch will be available for download starting tomorrow. You'll find the update available starting tomorrow at 2am PT (5am ET).

We'd like to be a bit more excited about it, but knowing that everyone ever in the world will eventually succumb to the apocalypse ... well, we're finding it a bit difficult to get pumped about an update to some video game. If you'll excuse us, we're going to call our families and tell 'em how awesome they are.

[Via VG247]

JoystiqDarksiders screen-tearing patch out tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksidersjoe-madureiraMicrosoftpatchscreen-tearingthqupdatevigil-gamesXbox-360Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[UK charts: Just Dance on Modern Warfare 2's grave]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/18/uk-charts-just-dance-on-modern-warfare-2s-grave/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/18/uk-charts-just-dance-on-modern-warfare-2s-grave/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/18/uk-charts-just-dance-on-modern-warfare-2s-grave/#comments For nine straight weeks, the UK's gamer populace has been mesmerized by the siren's song of Modern Warfare 2. Today, that's all changed, with the latest Chart-Track data showing a new entry usurping Modern Warfare 2's top spot: Just Dance. Ubisoft's quirky dance title for the Wii has enjoyed a level of success there we would never have thought possible. Can its performance be attributed to good advertising or simply the United Kingdom's unrestrained love of Kevin Bacon?

And MW2 wasn't even in the second spot, either. Wii Fit Plus managed to grab the silver, while Infinity Ward's shooter was bumped down to a respectable bronze. Newcomers Bayonetta and Darksiders also managed to stay on the list, along with Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed 2, which stealthily secured the tenth spot.

JoystiqUK charts: Just Dance on Modern Warfare 2's grave originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbayonettachart-trackdarksidersDSinfinity-wardjust-danceMicrosoftmodern-warfare-2Nintendoplatinum-gamessegathqubisoftuk-chart-getvigil-gamesWiiXbox-360Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Snag Darksiders for $40 at Newegg]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/snag-darksiders-for-40-at-newegg/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/snag-darksiders-for-40-at-newegg/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/snag-darksiders-for-40-at-newegg/#comments If you've been waiting for a good reason to pick up Darksiders on your Xbox 360, we might just have one. Newegg is currently selling the game for a cool $39.99, a full $20 off the standard $59.99 price. The $40 price includes shipping, too, so it's really a pretty significant savings. For what it's worth, we enjoyed the game quite a bit, despite its flaws. A $40 price point could only make it better, right?

Says Justin McElroy, who reviewed the game for Joystiq, "You're crazier than Jeff Zucker if you don't buy Darksiders for $40 /topical." So there you go.

JoystiqSnag Darksiders for $40 at Newegg originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actiondarksidersdealsneweggthqvigil-gamesThu, 14 Jan 2010 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Darksiders (Xbox 360, PS3)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/11/metareview-darksiders-xbox-360-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/11/metareview-darksiders-xbox-360-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/11/metareview-darksiders-xbox-360-ps3/#comments Now that the definitive source on these here vidya games has weighed in on the intense debate regarding the quality of Darksiders, it's time we opened up the floor to other opinions and thoughts. Below, in our usual style, we've organized several viewpoints for your perusing. The majority of reviews laud Vigil's title as a genuinely fun time, so check out the links below and be sure to wage war with your own opinions in the comments section below!
  • GameInformer (85/100): "Even without a clear narrative purpose, Darksiders never wavers from being an enjoyable adventure. I had a blast playing it, and strangely enough, the obvious nods to other games added to the fun. Despite a lame last boss fight, the setup planted for the sequel has me counting the days until it arrives."
  • GameTrailers (84/100): "Darksiders has a lot of staples in its stable. And, yes there's even a horse. And a flying section. And even some gun segments. They're all fun, but nothing to blog home about. It's able to emulate its idols very well, so whatever War is doing, it's bound to be enjoyable. But anyone who's attracted to this sort of game, or action games in general, is going to feel more familiar than floored."
  • GameSpot (80/100): "Darksiders unapologetically borrows gameplay ideas and mechanics from all over the spectrum and is constantly cramming new ones in all the way up to the very end. While it's not innovative by any stretch of the imagination, neither is it entirely derivative, as these myriad features not only gel together surprisingly well, but when put together even feel fresh again. Though it's hobbled by a disappointing story and excessively complex controls (as well as some technical issues on the Xbox 360), Darksiders is a fun and entertaining adventure with a host of fair but challenging puzzles, a lengthy single-player campaign, and an engaging combat system."
  • Eurogamer (80/100): "Still, while on the surface of it Darksiders feels like a game with a lot of good ideas but only a few of its own, where even a brief flying section on an angelic mount owes rather a lot to Panzer Dragoon, overall the silly old story and wonderful art style give terrific heft to the universe, and the clockwork of the puzzles and game systems are precision-engineered in a manner that you come to trust implicitly. It may be a game of betrayal and redemption, but you won't feel hard done by if you choose to begin 2010 in its company."
  • IGN (78/100): "Just as War is on a quest to alter how he's perceived, it seems Darksiders itself is on a quest for its own identity. It draws heavily from mechanics established in the 3D Legend of Zelda games and mixes in a forgiving combat system along with elements from a host of other popular titles. It's a goulash of collection mechanics, exploration, and combat we've all seen before, but to Vigil's credit all these elements are adeptly combined in the same product and executed well overall. While the game world could have been developed more, the boss fights leave a lot to be desired, and more interesting things could have been done with the combat and puzzles, the game as it stands is still thoroughly entertaining. If it's successful and a sequel is eventually produced, it'd be great to see a game filled with terrors wielding powers of unknowable strength take a few more risks and step into territory less well-traveled. In the meantime, we should just enjoy the solid puzzle and combat mechanics Vigil is offering, as well as the opportunity to stomp demons as a Horseman of the Apocalypse."
  • GameDaily (70/100): "All of this amounts to a game that, while entertaining, falls short of being a triple A experience. Darksiders has an engaging story, beautiful visuals and plenty of badass characters, but THQ/Vigil Games' reliance on tired concepts prevent it from being a must buy."
Source - Darksiders reviews (Xbox 360)
Source - Darksiders reviews (PS3)

Gallery: Darksiders

JoystiqMetareview: Darksiders (Xbox 360, PS3) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksidersmetareviewMicrosoftthqvigil-gamesXbox-360Mon, 11 Jan 2010 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: Darksiders]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/11/review-darksiders/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/11/review-darksiders/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/11/review-darksiders/#comments It's impossible to review Darksiders without the conversation beginning and ending with its influences. Though it's not technically a copy cat, this is a game that wears its inspirations on its bone-armored sleeve. It's a gutsy move by newcomer Vigil Games, considering it's inviting comparisons to some of the gaming's heaviest hitters, but it's one that -- for the most part -- pays off.

You're War, the angriest of the Four Horsemen, and you've just been tricked into starting Armageddon. Now, all the people on Earth are dead and you've been given one chance to travel to the post-apocalyptic planet and take your vengeance on the party responsible, whoever that may be.

Gallery: Darksiders: Wrath of War (9/30/08)

Continue reading Review: Darksiders

JoystiqReview: Darksiders originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksidersMicrosoftthqvigil-gamesXbox-360Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[UK charts: MW2 show continues, Bayonetta and Darksiders debut]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/11/uk-charts-mw2-show-continues-bayonetta-and-darksiders-debut/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/11/uk-charts-mw2-show-continues-bayonetta-and-darksiders-debut/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/11/uk-charts-mw2-show-continues-bayonetta-and-darksiders-debut/#comments Reporting the UK sales chart is starting to feel like being a weatherman in Los Angeles. For the ninth week in a row, Modern Warfare 2 sits atop the all formats chart. If Modern Warfare 2 makes it to ten weeks in a row, we're expecting a communique from Hitchhiker's Marvin.

The next three spots are occupied by a casual alliance, consisting of Wii Fit Plus, Just Dance for Wii and Wii Sports Resort, respectively. Proving that the UK still has interest in games beyond war, sports and losing weight, Bayonetta's hair grabbed the fifth spot on the chart for its debut. THQ's Zelda meets God of War hybrid, Darksiders, also had a strong debut in eighth place. Had it bested the current chart champ, we'd be checking for signs of the apocalypse.

Source - 9 successive weeks at No1 for Call of Duty [GFK Chart-Track]
Source - Latest UK Software Charts [GFK Chart-Track]

JoystiqUK charts: MW2 show continues, Bayonetta and Darksiders debut originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bayonettabritaincall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2chart-trackdarksidersjust-danceMicrosoftmodern-warfare-2NintendoukWiiwii-fit-pluswii-sports-resortXbox-360Mon, 11 Jan 2010 10:45:00 EST