Joystiq

GamersGate offering Bethesda's best for cheap this weekend

Mike Schramm — Fri, 10 May 2013 03:00:00 EST

GamersGate is hosting a big sale on Bethesda titles this weekend, featuring games from the last few years of the company's history on sale for a fraction of the usual price. Dishonored, for example, is available for a low $14.99, or you can get Skyrim for $14.95, Rage for $9.95, or Fallout: New Vegas' Ultimate Edition for $9.95. Brink, Oblivion, Fallout 3, and Morrowind are all listed at bargain prices as well.

A few of the titles have dropped out of stock already, which means that GamersGate has run out of digital keys for them. But as long as the title is still available for purchase, you can buy it, and then GamersGate will deliver a key when more are available. The deals last through the weekend, so now's your chance to fill out that Bethesda back catalog you've been missing.

GamersGate offering Bethesda's best for cheap this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 May 2013 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IndieFort Spring Bundle on GamersGate; Arcen's library 75% off on Steam

Mike Schramm — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 05:45:00 EST

The GamersGate IndieFort Spring Bundle is now available, offering up a quintet of indie games at one rock-bottom price. The core bundle contains Arcen Games' RT, AI War: Fleet Command, Coffee Stain's tower defense game, Sanctum, the Linux-originated space shooter Zigfrak, Legendo's Fortune Winds: Ancient Trader, and an alpha version of Stygian's turn-based RPG, Underrail.

All five cost $7.99 in total, or you can add a little extra if you want to tip the developers. There are also some map packs and DLC bonuses to unlock, depending on how many copies the bundle sells overall.

Steam is also offering the entire Arcen library for 75 percent off. That includes Shattered Haven for $2.49, or A Valley Without Wind 1 and 2 for $3.74, on sale with the rest of Arcen's games all week long.

IndieFort Spring Bundle on GamersGate; Arcen's library 75% off on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 05:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dead Space 3 price sliced to $32 on PC from GameFly

Mike Schramm — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 22:00:00 EST

Despite only arriving on store shelves a month ago, Dead Space 3's price has been dismembered down to just $31.99, thanks to GameFly. Currently marked down to $39.99 on the retailer's site, using the coupon code "GFDMAR20" - which earns you 20% off PC titles - will slice off an additional $8 off at checkout.

Because this is a digital PC version, remember that you'll need an EA Origin account and your PC will need to be connected to the Internet as you play. Still, there's no cheaper way to get into the game our reviewer called "an exciting, shocking and mammoth adventure through the ghostly, unvarnished segments of space."

Dead Space 3 price sliced to $32 on PC from GameFly originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Mar 2013 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xbox 360 250GB Spring Value Bundle includes Darksiders 2, Batman: Arkham City

Mike Schramm — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 21:00:00 EST

Microsoft 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.

Xbox 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.

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Plants vs. Zombies goes free on iOS this week

Mike Schramm — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 23:59:00 EST

For the first time in the game's history on iOS, Plants vs. Zombies has dropped to the low price of completely free. On either the iPhone or in HD on the iPad, you can grab the full-featured app for free through the rest of this week.

Statistically, given how many copies of the game have sold already, you probably already own it on at least one of your gaming devices, but just in case that list doesn't include iOS just yet, there you go. And now that PvZ has finally and truly achieved total platform domination, PopCap can start it on the sequel; It's due out sometime this spring.

Plants vs. Zombies goes free on iOS this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Feb 2013 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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To the Moon 66% off on Steam, Sanitarium down to $4 on GOG

Mike Schramm — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 23:15:00 EST

The critically acclaimed (and touching) adventure, To the Moon, is celebrating the holiday today with a 66 percent off Steam sale. The price of the game has dropped to $3.39 - when you start comparing your various favorite pastimes, picking up To the Moon is just about the best emotions-per-dollar deal you'll find.

If scares-per-dollar is a more valuable metric to you, then GOG.com is offering up 1998's classic Sanitarium for just a few cents more, at $3.99. It's also about memory and psychology, but it's a little less touchy-feely, and a little more grabby-stabby, if you know what we mean.

To the Moon 66% off on Steam, Sanitarium down to $4 on GOG originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Feb 2013 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Amazon weekly has two bundles: Microsoft arcade, Ubisoft's Settlers

Jessica Conditt — Sun, 27 Jan 2013 19:30:00 EST

Amazon's digital games deal of the week covers two exemplary bundles, the Microsoft 5-Game Arcade Pack and the Settlers Bundle from Ubisoft.

The Microsoft 5-Game Arcade Pack includes Steam versions of Deadlight, Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet, Iron Brigade, Mark of the Ninja and Toy Soldiers, all for $10. The standard price for this bundle is $70, for a savings of $60. These games are also on sale individually on Amazon, Toy Soldiers for $2.50 and the rest for $3.75.

The Settlers Bundle offers Windows versions of Dawn of Discovery Gold, Heritage of Kings: The Settlers, The Settlers 7: Paths to a Kingdom Deluxe Gold Edition and its "The Two Kings" DLC pack, and The Settlers: Rise of an Empire Gold Edition. This bundle is currently $16, compared with the normal price of $85.

Also for PC, Fable: The Lost Chapters is $2.50, rather than $10. For Steam, the Age of Empires 3 Complete Collection is $10 via Amazon.

Amazon weekly has two bundles: Microsoft arcade, Ubisoft's Settlers originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 Jan 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Game on, man! Aliens: Colonial Marines is ready for pre-order

Mike Schramm — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 22:30:00 EST

The release of Gearbox's Aliens: Colonial Marines is finally zeroing in towards us, with publisher Sega launching a new television teaser to promote the oft-delayed title. For PC soldiers, Colonial Marines features a number of bonuses on Steam if players are willing to sign up for the Weyland-Yutani sponsored expedition before its launch.

Steam pre-order bonuses include a Sonic-Harpoon Artillery Remote Projectile (or S.H.A.R.P.) stick rifle, a weapon referenced in James Cameron's Aliens that fires explosive darts. Aliens: Colonial Marines will also be available for Xbox 360, Wii U, and the PlayStation 3, when it launches on February 12.

Game on, man! Aliens: Colonial Marines is ready for pre-order originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Jan 2013 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Grab a free toy biplane for your avatar on Xbox Live today

Mike Schramm — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 22:30:00 EST

You've already won something in 2013 - it's a free Toy Soldiers-themed biplane for your avatar on Xbox Live. We admit, it's a little hard to get to, but if you've got a few minutes to spend browsing around Microsoft's interface (and about 150 MB free on your hard drive), the biplane avatar prop (usually 240 MSP) is yours for the taking.

So here's how you do it: The prop is being given away as part of the Chain Reaction deal inside Microsoft's "Sales and Specials" app, which is a free app designed to point you toward games and content on sale. If you don't have this app, you'll have to download it - go to the Games tab on Xbox Live, and then choose "Browse Games." The "Sales and Specials" link is up in the top right corner (it currently features a Madden 2013 graphic), and then you'll just need to click on "Get the Free App" to download the app. It'll update once if you don't have it yet, taking up about 150 MB of hard drive space.

Once you have the app, you can simply navigate over to the "Chain Reaction" set of deals, and the first deal in the chain is a free biplane, no strings attached. Sure, it's a little complicated, but the holidays are over, right? Might as well pick up one more present while you can.

[Thanks, Karl.]

Grab a free toy biplane for your avatar on Xbox Live today originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jan 2013 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Amazon gives $5 coupon to customers who purchased 2K, Ubi, EA or THQ game this year

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 25 Dec 2012 10:30:00 EST

Amazon is offering a $5 coupon on digitally distributed PC products to those who purchased a product on Amazon from publishers 2K, Ubisoft, EA and THQ during 2012. Some of these games can be activated on Steam, while others are Origin. The real fine print is when the coupons can actually be used -- anyway, it's a lot of details, which we'll get into after the break.

Continue reading Amazon gives $5 coupon to customers who purchased 2K, Ubi, EA or THQ game this year

Amazon gives $5 coupon to customers who purchased 2K, Ubi, EA or THQ game this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Dec 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Red Orchestra 2 celebrates Fall 2012 content pack with free Steam weekend

Mike Schramm — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 23:59:00 EST

The World War 2-themed shooter Red Orchestra 2 is having a free weekend on Steam and double XP special until Sunday at 4pm EST. The free Steam Weekend includes all of the game's content from the 'Game of the Year' edition along with the new Red Orchestra 2 'Fall 2012 content pack,' which features a fresh map and a number of updates.

Double XP bonuses are available to all players - whether they already own Red Orchestra 2, or participating in the free weekend. If you decide to add the game to your library, Red Orchestra 2 will be available for 75% off until Monday. Just think, 70 years ago this month, Russian soldiers were fighting for their lives in the freezing winter cold, and now you, with that hot chocolate and those footie pajamas, can have a fun afternoon pretending to do the same for free.

Continue reading Red Orchestra 2 celebrates Fall 2012 content pack with free Steam weekend

Red Orchestra 2 celebrates Fall 2012 content pack with free Steam weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Dec 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BioShock Infinite: Industrial Revolution puzzle game available with pre-order [update: more retailers]

Mike Schramm — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 16:30:00 EST

A pre-order from GameStop for the upcoming BioShock Infinite will net you not one but two games, apparently. Not only will you of course get a copy of the BioShock followup itself, but you'll also pick up a completely separate puzzle game called BioShock Infinite: Industrial Revolution, a Flash-based puzzle game that appears to have been created just for this promotion. Industrial Revolution places you in the shoes of a factory worker in BioShock Infinite's world, completing puzzles to support either one of the game's two factions.

Industrial Revolution will have over 50 levels to play through, and will be available to pre-order sometime before BioShock Infinite releases on February 26 of next year. The original version of BioShock had its own Hacking minigame included, but this one seems completely separate, just a fully promotional tie-in title rather than an integral part of the finished release.

Update: The offer is not exclusive to GameStop: Irrational has the full list of retailers here.

BioShock Infinite: Industrial Revolution puzzle game available with pre-order [update: more retailers] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 21 Oct 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath HD now on PC via Steam, discounted along with Oddboxx collection

Jordan Mallory — Sat, 15 Sep 2012 18:00:00 EST

The HD remake of Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath is now available on Steam, replacing the decidedly un-HD version that has existed on Valve's service since 2010. Normally available for $9.99, the game has been discounted by 30 percent for the next 30 hours or so. Owners of the original standard-definition version will be able to download the new hotness for free "soon," so says Oddworth Inhabitants.

In addition to the obvious boon of higher-resolution textures and character models built from more polygons, the HD release also includes 12 new Steamworks achievements that weren't in the original port, as well as new unlockable concept art and movie extras, additional difficulty levels, more Easter eggs and improved PC controls.

Coincidentally, the Oddboxx collection has also been marked down by 30 percent for the next 30 hours, meaning that you can snag Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee, Oddworld: Abe's Exodus, Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee and Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath HD for $10.49.

Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath HD now on PC via Steam, discounted along with Oddboxx collection originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 15 Sep 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: Damage Inc. Pacific Squadron WWII demo out now on Xbox Live

Mike Schramm — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 23:00:00 EST

Just in case you've been waiting to see what Mad Catz's grab-bag titled Damage Inc. Pacific Squadron WWII (which used to be the much more feasible War Wings) is like, you're in luck. The game now has a playable demo, available on Xbox Live. The demo is exclusive to Gold members, rings in at just about 770 mb, and can be grabbed for free.

Unfortunately, the demo doesn't come with a free Pacific AV8R flightstick, which Mad Catz will be including with the Collector's Edition of the game, and presumably will be the best way to experience flying around in the Pacific Theater. As Mad Catz says in the press release, this game is part of its goal of "pursuing targeted software opportunities that pose manageable downside risk by complementing our hardware initiatives." Which is corporate talk for: They're making the game to sell the stick.

But if you have another Mad Catz flight stick, it should work, or just a standard controller will probably do what you need as well. If the demo spins your propeller, the game will be out on August 28.

PSA: Damage Inc. Pacific Squadron WWII demo out now on Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Aug 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Trine 2 half off for XBLA Gold Members through July 2

Mike Schramm — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 01:55:00 EST

Atlus sends word that Frozenbyte's vibrant puzzle-platformer, Trine 2, is being sold at half price on Xbox Live Arcade for Gold Members this weekend. That means you can pick it up for 600 Microsoft Points ($7.50) through July 2nd.

Before you do that, though, remember that the time has almost come for another Steam Summer Sale, and your wallet's almost certain to take a beating. Trine 2 is a great game, and if you want to play it on Xbox this is a solid deal. We're just looking out for you, man.

Trine 2 half off for XBLA Gold Members through July 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Jun 2012 01:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Final Fantasy XIII-2 purchases on Amazon net $20 gift card

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST

Looking to do some time travel on the cheap? Amazon's not quite able to bend time just yet, but it can offer you a $20 credit on a brand new copy of the just-released Final Fantasy XIII-2, not to mention a digitized "mini strategy guide." We're hopeful that the strategies are bigger than the guide itself.

Should you choose to go with Amazon's deal, you could always put the $20 credit towards a flux capacitor or something that might actually facilitate time travel. Maybe hallucinogens? We're not sure if Amazon's in that racket yet, but that's another potential avenue for seeking your desire to float across the pond of time. Maybe a Doors album is a better way to go?

Final Fantasy XIII-2 purchases on Amazon net $20 gift card originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gameloft puts all Android titles on sale to kick off 2012

Mike Schramm — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Most developers on the iOS and Android stores decided to put their titles on sale during the Christmas holiday, but not Gameloft. That rascally developer has announced it will have all of its Android catalog on sale this week instead, starting Thursday through January 5, for just 99 cents. From Modern Combat 3 to Asphalt 6: Adrenaline, Halo-alike N.O.V.A. 2 HD, and WoW-alike Order & Chaos Online, every Gameloft title for Android will be just a buck.

iOS users have seen similar sales like this before from Gameloft, but now it's time for Android users to take a turn, and load up all of those newly unwrapped smartphones with all that Gameloft has to offer for just 99 cents each.

Gameloft puts all Android titles on sale to kick off 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Witcher 2, Double Fine games, more in Steam Holiday Sale today

JC Fletcher — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:15:00 EST

Pace yourself! Steam's Holiday Sale is only in day two, and you can already get Costume Quest for $3.74 (or with Psychonauts for just $2 more!), Lego Batman for $5, The Witcher 2 for $24, The Witcher 1 for $2.49, and Modern Warfare 2 for $15.

You're definitely going to be broke after this year's sale but, on the upside, you'll be able to play a lot of games until your electricity is shut off and you're evicted.

Witcher 2, Double Fine games, more in Steam Holiday Sale today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Download The Witcher 2 for PC from Amazon for $23.99

Jordan Mallory — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 10:30:00 EST

Is a Witcher a person who hunts witches? Or perhaps, a person who witches? These are the questions, and now the answers can be had for as little as $23.99 at Amazon. We guess they could also be had for free at Wikipedia, but where's the fun in that?

Download The Witcher 2 for PC from Amazon for $23.99 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Sep 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Perfect World completes Cryptic Studios acquisition

Mike Schramm — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 19:45:00 EST

Atari announced earlier this year that it was trying to sell off City of Heroes developer Cryptic Studios, and it's now essentially done just that, according to the company. Chinese MMO developer Perfect World recently bought an equity interest in the studio, and Atari has now divested its own interest, meaning that Cryptic is in the hands of the same company that also owns a majority interest in Torchlight developer Runic Games.

Perfect World reportedly paid $49.8 million for the sale, and Atari says it will put $30.7 million of that total right back into its own debt, leaving the rest for investment in other deals and programs. Cryptic was working on Neverwinter, as well as developing content for Star Trek Online and the free-to-play Champions Online, but any other titles the company was working on with Atari are probably done for. We'll have to see just how the fate of these games plays out as Perfect World oversees things going forward.

Perfect World has said the purchase will use Cryptic's experience in the MMO space to "strengthen our well-established R&D capabilities," as well as "add [the aforementioned] attractive game titles to our portfolio."

Perfect World completes Cryptic Studios acquisition originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Amazon offering Buy One, Get One Free sale, other discounted titles

Mike Schramm — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 16:45:00 EST

Even though there's currently all the sunshine you can grab for free outside, Amazon is offering up a big Buy One Get One Free sale on video games, earning you two different titles for the price of one. There are some clunkers in there (and a few of the titles are sold out), so you might have to pick and choose a little bit, bargain-bin style.

But there are still some good deals to be had, including Fear 2: Project Origin, Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom, Lost Planet 2, Spider-man: Shattered Dimensions, and Sin & Punishment: Star Successor all free when you buy another one.

The online retailer also just posted its new Video Games Deals of the week, Duke Nukem Forever for $38, Hunted: The Demon's Forge for $40, the Wii's Mystery Case Files: The Malgrave Incident for only $15 and more. Just one request: Once you order as many as your wallet will allow, please do get at least a couple of breaths of fresh air.

Amazon offering Buy One, Get One Free sale, other discounted titles originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 03 Jul 2011 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monkey Island episodes come to iPad, 4 and 5 available free with survey on Wii

Mike Schramm — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 22:00:00 EST

Telltale Games has posted an online survey for gamers researching a little bit about your buying and playing habits, and in return for completing it, you can grab copies of the Tales of Monkey Island episodes 4 and 5 on WiiWare for free. Just fill out the required questions over on SurveyMonkey Island (man we're funny), put in your Wii code, and boom, you're playing the last two episodes of the series for zero dollars.

What's that? You also want to play the first three, but didn't pick them up in that Steam sale? You're in luck -- the series is also coming the iPad. On that platform, the first episode is completely free, and the rest of the episodes are discounted to just $6.99 a piece. More information on that deal in the press release after the break. You'll notice the series has been renamed on Apple's tablet to "Monkey Island Tales," which Telltale says was only so they could put "Monkey Island" first in the title.

So that's the whole series for just two measly payments of just $6.99 (unless you don't have an iPad, in which case you'll have to wait). That's a whole lot of game for just chimp change.

Continue reading Monkey Island episodes come to iPad, 4 and 5 available free with survey on Wii

Monkey Island episodes come to iPad, 4 and 5 available free with survey on Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Jun 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GOG selling Interplay titles for half off, including Freespace and sequel

Mike Schramm — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 01:00:00 EST

GoG.com has announced a big half-off sale on a bunch of older Interplay titles, allowing you to pick up some titles of serious quality for just a couple bucks apiece. There are some real gems in there, including the Descent games, the classic Giants: Citizen Kabuto, Fallout 1, 2 and Tactics, and the great Sacrifice, all for just $2.99 each.

We'd be remiss as well if we didn't point out that the much-loved space combat game Freespace is also on sale, along with its sequel, for the same ludicrously low prices. Three bucks for a bunch of must-play titles from video gaming's days of yore? Deals don't get much better than that, people.

GOG selling Interplay titles for half off, including Freespace and sequel originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Jun 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Amazon selling Supreme Commander for a Lincoln

Mike Schramm — Fri, 20 May 2011 07:00:00 EST

Amazon has Chris Taylor's legendary RTS title Supreme Commander as a Games for Windows edition for the low, low price of just $4.50. It's only available to US customers, and only as a download.

Yes, for less than the price of a gallon of gas, you too can command vast armies of units of all shapes and sizes, zooming in and out of a gigantic map at will. It'll be the cheapest war ever fought.

Amazon selling Supreme Commander for a Lincoln originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 May 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Deus Ex: Human Revolution coming to OnLive, free MicroConsole and original Deus Ex with pre-order

Mike Schramm — Thu, 19 May 2011 19:30:00 EST

OnLive has announced that the service will be offering the upcoming Deus Ex: Human Revolution as a streaming title day-and-date with the retail release, and users who pre-order the game will get all kinds of goodies. First, ponying up cash in advance for any flavor of the game will net a free copy of the original Deus Ex: Game of the Year for play via the service.

Secondly, pre-ordering the Augmented Edition of the game (for $53.99 rather than the standard $44.99, and packing its own goodies) will get you an OnLive game system to play it on, free of charge. If you already have a MicroConsole, you can choose a free game. That's not a bad deal at all, especially if you were considering getting Human Revolution in the first place.

The free game deal has to be redeemed by next Wednesday, May 25, but according to the fine print, the console deal is valid right up until Deus Ex: Human Revolution's release on August 23.

Deus Ex: Human Revolution coming to OnLive, free MicroConsole and original Deus Ex with pre-order originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 May 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Riot Games confirms Tencent majority buyout

Mike Schramm — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 22:15:00 EST

Riot Games has confirmed that a majority of the company was bought by China's Tencent, putting its stamp of approval on rumors of the deal last week. Brandon Beck, Riot's CEO, is quoted as saying that "Tencent's investment will provide our talented team of designers, developers and community staff with additional resources to focus on innovating around League of Legends and launching new projects that push the boundaries in the gaming space."

Financial Times has a nice analysis of the deal -- it sounds like this agreement will help both sides, as Riot will not only get that nice cash infusion of a rumored $350 million, but also invaluable assistance and insight for what it was already hoping would be a nice overseas adoption. And Tencent, of course, gets to lay claim to League of Legends and any other titles that Riot developers, along with the huge microtransaction-based revenues that go along with them, both here and eventually overseas.

Plus, this is a sign of the growing trend of Eastern publishers picking up Western companies to develop content for the large audiences over there. Chinese publisher The9 recently bought another Blizzard spinoff, Red 5 Studios, for $15 million, and Japanese firm DeNA picked up iOS developer ngmoco for $400 million as well. Western audiences are big, but Eastern audiences are bigger and, as a result, there's high demand for well-developed games in that market.

Riot Games confirms Tencent majority buyout originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Harmonix giving away a free Doors song at music stores for Record Store Day

Mike Schramm — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

This coming Friday is known in America as Black Friday, the day when millions spend their post-Thanksgiving Day off shopping for Christmas presents (and thus retailers all get to make sure they end the year "in the black"). In a more rebellious circle, it's also known as Buy Nothing Day, an anti-consumerism protest against a culture of spending. And here's one more celebration: Friday will also be known as "Record Store Day," a day to frequent your local record store and keep it alive in the face of the digital music revolution.

The music lovers at Harmonix are on board with that last one: The Rock Band 3 developer is offering free song tokens at participating record stores, and the purchase of any CD or record at those stores will earn you a free download of The Doors' "Roadhouse Blues" to play in Rock Band 3. The deal is only while supplies last, unfortunately -- you'll need an actual card with a code to download the song.

Good luck to everyone who goes out to find one. We'll be enjoying Friday's other celebration, Mongolian Independence Day. Where's our DLC for that, Harmonix? Road House.

Harmonix giving away a free Doors song at music stores for Record Store Day originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Amazon offering some great games for $20 or less

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 19:25:00 EST

Despite what you may think, it would be actually criminal to miss out on today's incredible Amazon game deals. Batman: Arkham Asylum (not the Game of the Year edition, alas) for $15? Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker for just $20? Chrono Trigger for $15? It's kind of like a fire sale over there.

You can peruse the entire list for yourself right here, and read our suggestions after the break. Frankly, we're inclined to buy each person on our holiday shopping list a copy of Assassin's Creed 2. It's only $20!

Continue reading Amazon offering some great games for $20 or less

Amazon offering some great games for $20 or less originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Osmos only $2.50 as Game for Windows Live's Deal of the Week

Mike Schramm — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 17:30:00 EST

$2.50 doesn't buy a lot these days -- we remember when two bucks and fifty cents could get you a few movie rentals, a nice big bag of candy, or even a sweet comic book. But nowadays, it barely buys you a cup of coffee. One thing you can do with your $2.50 this weekend, though, is take advantage of Games for Windows Live's Deal of the Week -- Microsoft is offering up the terrific indie game Osmos for just two dollars and two quarters.

The game's great -- it was an Indiecade finalist last year, and has you playing as a celestial body trading off mass for movement and always trying to eat orbs bigger than you are. $2.50 doesn't go as far as it used to, but this deal, on through Wednesday of next week, is money well spent.

Update [11/15/10]: This deal is also available through the newly relaunched Games for Windows Marketplace.

Osmos only $2.50 as Game for Windows Live's Deal of the Week originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Nov 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Direct2Drive offering free Civ 3 with Civ 5 pre-order

Mike Schramm — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 07:15:00 EST

Let's be honest with ourselves: If you're the kind of person who's pre-ordering Civilization V, you're probably the strategizin' type. You likely called around, made comparisons (maybe even put together a spreadsheet -- we won't judge), and then chose the most strategically fortuituous preorder that you possibly could, finding the perfect balance of cost and value for your money.

But just like all of those late game German Panzers, Direct2Drive is throwing a last-minute wrench in the gears. Preorder Civ V via it, and you'll get immediate and free access to the classic Civ III, the last iteration in the series to stay 2D, largely viewed as one of the best versions of the game. Plus, D2D preorders also get the new game's first bit of Scenario Pack DLC for free.

That's a good deal. Of course, if you want to preorder the new Civ, you probably have the old Civ collecting dust somewhere on a shelf. But you might at least add this deal to your spreadsheet, just to see how it balances out.

Direct2Drive offering free Civ 3 with Civ 5 pre-order originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Sep 2010 07:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GameStop offering buy two, get one free on all used games (again)

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 23:30:00 EST

GameStop hates you. Did you know that? It's the truth. It hates you, and it wants you to be completely destitute. What other reason could there be for the retailer to hold a buy two, get one free sale on its used games from today until Saturday, just thirty days after offering the same bargain?

Continue reading GameStop offering buy two, get one free on all used games (again)

GameStop offering buy two, get one free on all used games (again) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Split/Second down to $40 on Amazon today

David Hinkle — Mon, 31 May 2010 13:15:00 EST

How would you like to feel like Lando Calrissian all of the time? It's pretty easy -- and you don't even need to betray your friends or star in a Colt 45 commercial, either. Simply head on over to Amazon and pick up Split/Second at a reduced price of $40.

Feeling lost? Well, then you didn't read our review. Don't worry, we won't hold it against you, so long as you promise you'll read it right now. Please, don't make us turn this into a thing. Thaaaaaanks!

Split/Second down to $40 on Amazon today originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 May 2010 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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OnLive pre-registrants get free game and one-year subscription

Griffin McElroy — Sun, 30 May 2010 17:30:00 EST

Sometimes, it really does pay to take a leap of faith when it comes to investing in a new piece of technology. For example, OnLive had promised a free three month subscription to the first 25,000 people who pre-registered for the streaming game service. For unknown reasons, that offer has been sweetened -- now, this group is being offered a free game download, as well as a free year of OnLive service with no obligation to continue subscribing once said year has passed.

If you were one of the 25,000 who jumped on the OnLive wagon early, check your email before June 3 to get in on this super attractive offer.

OnLive pre-registrants get free game and one-year subscription originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 30 May 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Episodes from Liberty City $10 off at Amazon

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 26 May 2010 11:40:00 EST

Are you enjoying your nightly Wild West adventures through the expansive world of Red Dead Redemption, but wish the game was set in a more contemporary, urban environment? Here's a fun little fact you might not know: Before making Red Dead, Rockstar worked on a series called "Grand Theft Auto," which fits that very niche. Amazon recently reduced the price on the most recent GTA release by one Hamilton: Episodes from Liberty City, now available through the online retailer for $29.99 on consoles and $19.99 on PC.

Just don't be alarmed when your precious horsies are replaced by unfeeling metal automobiles, or when your beautiful, intricately crafted six-shooters are replaced by primitive-looking rocket-propelled grenades. That, dear friends, is the steep price of modernity.

Episodes from Liberty City $10 off at Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 May 2010 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Split/Second is $40 at Best Buy next week

David Hinkle — Mon, 24 May 2010 19:30:00 EST

Click image for more potential savings

If you've been thinking about picking up Black Rock's fresh-out-of-the-garage racer, Split/Second, then you may want to keep Best Buy in mind. A tipster sent in a shot of next week's circular, which highlights the game's $20 savings. On top of the savings, you'll also net three Best Buy-exclusive cars -- not a bad deal, if we may say so.

The sale runs from May 30 until June 5. Click the image above for a shot of the full page ad.

Split/Second is $40 at Best Buy next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 May 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shine a light on Alan Wake for $49, get $10 bonus credit

Richard Mitchell — Fri, 21 May 2010 15:00:00 EST

Excerpt from Alan Wake's technological thriller, It Came from Amazon:

I sat there staring at the screen, unable to believe my aching eyes. Had I had too much to drink, or was this real? The Amazon checkout cart read $49.99, and it was definitely Alan Wake sitting in the basket. That alone didn't really frighten me. What tipped me over the edge was the $10 bonus credit on a future video game purchase.

The site had similar deals on other games. Super Street Fighter IV for $30, God of War 3 for $45, Splinter Cell Conviction ... again $45. All of these and more, like Super Mario Galaxy 2, with at least $10 bonus credit. Was that even possible? Or, had the Darkness managed to infiltrate my computer?

Unsure of itself, my shaking index finger finally clicked true. The purchase was made -- with free Super Saver shipping -- and now all I could do was wait, wait and contemplate how to spend that $10 credit. Red Dead Redemption was supposed to be pretty good.

Shine a light on Alan Wake for $49, get $10 bonus credit originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 May 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Grab every Sega game on Steam for $90

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 18 May 2010 23:30:00 EST

If you're a supporter of all of Sega's ludological offerings -- not just the ones that include attitude-infused blue rodents -- you'll want to check out the Sega Complete Pack on Steam. For $90, you can grab all of Sega's PC games currently available on the platform; a list that includes Empire: Total War (and all its expansions), Space Siege, The Club, Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing, Aliens vs. Predator and a whole lot more. (Sorry Mac users, but almost all of these games are still only available to the Windows crowd.)

If you're looking for something a bit more cost-efficient, Steam is also offering Aliens vs. Predator alone at half price, for $24.99. But why not chip in the extra $65 and pick up more Total War games than you could ever play in a single lifetime? That seems like a sound economic decision to us.

Grab every Sega game on Steam for $90 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 May 2010 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Snag the Splinter Cell Xbox 360 Elite bundle for $325

Richard Mitchell — Fri, 14 May 2010 18:45:00 EST

We know how it is. You've had your eyes on the Splinter Cell Conviction Xbox 360 Elite bundle for weeks now. "I want it!," you say, "But it's so expensive." You're in luck, because it looks like Sam Fisher did some 'negotiating' with Dell and got the company to knock a full $75 off the price, making it a cool $324.99. It's worth noting that Dell seems to have the bundle details incorrect. The bundle includes two wireless controllers, not one, and a 250GB hard drive as opposed to a 120GB model. It also does not include an HDMI cable, an accessory Microsoft stopped bundling with Elites some time ago.

If $325 is still a bit too steep, you can also grab the Xbox 360 Elite Spring bundle, which includes Halo 3: ODST, Forza Motorsport 3, one wireless controller and a 120GB hard drive for just $269 ($30 off the usual price). Act now and you'll still have time to get in on the Halo: Reach beta. Lest you haven't heard, it has jetpacks.

[Via Destructoid]

Snag the Splinter Cell Xbox 360 Elite bundle for $325 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 May 2010 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone Dragon's Lair priced down, down, down to $0.99

Randy Nelson — Tue, 11 May 2010 23:59:00 EST

You can be less daring with your pocketbook when it comes to snapping up Dragon's Lair for your iDevice, as EA Play has pressed the sword button and slashed a full $4 off the game's price on the App Store. Don Bluth and Rick Dyer's classic laserdisc-based arcade game can now be had for $0.99 -- one play on the coin-op at some arcades back in the day -- but be warned: there's no telling how long this price-drop will be in effect. In other words, don't drag on your decision making process.

Dragon's Lair ($0.99):

Gallery: Dragon's Lair (iPhone)

iPhone Dragon's Lair priced down, down, down to $0.99 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 May 2010 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bayonetta can be yours for $33

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 11 May 2010 15:15:00 EST

Well, not the actual Bayonetta. The sassy lady is not for sale. She's also a fictional character, but that's neither here nor there. However, the PS3 version of the game is currently on sale at Amazon for the staggeringly low price of $32.99. That's practically half-price for an action game whose protagonist is practically half-naked the whole time. You'd better grab it while you can, though, the sale is only on for one day or until the stock is depleted.

Bayonetta can be yours for $33 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 May 2010 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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