Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Metro: Last Light shines in this week's UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/metro-last-light-shines-in-this-weeks-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/metro-last-light-shines-in-this-weeks-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/metro-last-light-shines-in-this-weeks-uk-charts/#comments It's another familiar week of UK cha-... oh wait, it isn't.

After Dead Island: Riptide sliced through its competition for three weeks, this time it's dethroned by another follow-up in the form of Metro: Last Light. By debuting in top spot, it does what Metro 2033 failed to do when it placed fifth in 2010.

Chart-Track says Metro 2033 sold stronger than Last Light in its launch week. Back then, Metro 2033 was fighting March megatons like Final Fantasy 13, God of War 3, and Battlefield Bad Company 2. In contrast, May 2013 has been dead quiet - emphasis on dead.

Having said that, this week sees another new release in the top ten via Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity. The spinoff charts fourth this week. We expect the next 3DS Poke-game to do slightly better.

In other movers and shakers, Last Light only nudged Riptide into second place, making this week a 1-2 for Deep Silver and Koch Media. Tomb Raider drops out of the top five for the first time in its 11th week, slipping down to sixth. Meanwhile, Injustice: Gods Among Us and The Walking Dead (packaged retail edition) shuffle into eighth and seventh.

Continue reading Metro: Last Light shines in this week's UK charts

JoystiqMetro: Last Light shines in this week's UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 May 2013 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chart-trackchart-track-weeklydeep-silverKoch-mediametro-2033-last-lightmetro-2034metro-last-lightmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ukxboxMon, 20 May 2013 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Twin-stick shooter 'Narco Terror' smokes some fools this summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/twin-stick-shooter-narco-terror-smokes-some-fools-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/twin-stick-shooter-narco-terror-smokes-some-fools-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/twin-stick-shooter-narco-terror-smokes-some-fools-this-summer/#comments

In what appears to be a modern take on late-80s arcade game Narc, Deep Silver's Narco Terror is a twin-stick blast-everything shooter of one man (or two in local or online co-op) versus the cartels. The game is listed for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.

JoystiqTwin-stick shooter 'Narco Terror' smokes some fools this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deep-silvermicrosoftnarco-terrorpcplaystationps3rubiconrubicon-organizationxboxFri, 17 May 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Freefall Racers for Kinect being published by Deep Silver, headed to XBLA [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/rumor-freefall-racers-for-kinect-being-published-by-deep-silver/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/rumor-freefall-racers-for-kinect-being-published-by-deep-silver/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/rumor-freefall-racers-for-kinect-being-published-by-deep-silver/#commentsRumor Freefall Racers, Kinect racer for XBLA, being published by Deep Silver Deep Silver will publish an upcoming gesture-based racing game for Kinect called Freefall Racers. The first breadcrumb in this trail comes from an Australian rating that has surfaced, outing Deep Silver as publisher.

The developer is Smoking Gun Interactive, whose most recent work includes two Kinect experiences, Mars Rover Landing and Home Run Stars, so a new Kinect project would make sense. The Vancouver-based studio at least partly funded Freefall Racers with help from the Canadian government, as evidenced by the $461,243 contributed through the Canada Media Fund (PDF) last year.

Our first glimpse of the game is courtesy of environmental artist Anthony Leonati, who published six screens from Freefall Racers on his personal website. [Update: The images have been pulled from Leonati's website.] In addition to the screens, he also pegs Freefall Racers for Xbox Live Arcade, though his LinkedIn profile indicates he has since moved on from Smoking Gun to become a senior environment artist at EA.

We've followed up with Deep Silver and Smoking Gun Interactive for comment and will update this post accordingly.

[Thanks, lifelower]

Gallery: Freefall Racers

JoystiqRumor: Freefall Racers for Kinect being published by Deep Silver, headed to XBLA [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deep-silverfreefall-racerskinectmicrosoftSmoking-Gun-Interactivexblaxboxxbox-live-arcadeThu, 16 May 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ex-THQ president Rubin discusses cramped Metro working conditions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/ex-thq-president-rubin-discusses-terrible-metro-working-conditio/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/ex-thq-president-rubin-discusses-terrible-metro-working-conditio/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/ex-thq-president-rubin-discusses-terrible-metro-working-conditio/#comments Former THQ president Jason Rubin has spoken about the struggles Metro: Last Light developer 4A Games went through to get its game to launch. In a post on GamesIndustry International, Rubin extolled the efforts of the Ukrainian studio, citing a relatively meager budget, cramped working conditions, and extreme logistical troubles as major adversities.

According to Rubin, the game's development budget was "less than some of its competitors spend on cut scenes, a mere 10 percent of the budget of its biggest competitors." That budget apparently didn't extend to swanky office equipment, with 4A's staff sat "elbow to elbow" at card tables and on folding chairs. Upon seeing 4A Games in person, Rubin wrote, he wanted to buy them proper office chairs, but the logistics were something else.

"When 4A needed another dev kit, or high-end PC, or whatever," Rubin wrote, "Someone from 4A had to fly to the States and sneak it back to the Ukraine in a backpack lest it be 'seized' at the border by thieving customs officials. After visiting the team I wanted to buy them Aeron office chairs, considered a fundamental human right in the west. There were no outlets in the Ukraine, and our only option was to pack a truck in Poland and try to find an 'expediter' to help bribe its way down to Kiev."

In the end, the offices were too cramped for the wider Aeron chairs anyway.

Continue reading Ex-THQ president Rubin discusses cramped Metro working conditions

JoystiqEx-THQ president Rubin discusses cramped Metro working conditions originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4a-gamesdeep-silvermetro-2033-last-lightmetro-2034metro-last-lightmicrosoftpcplaystationps3thqxboxWed, 15 May 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Metro - Last Light]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/metareview-metro-last-light/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/metareview-metro-last-light/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/metareview-metro-last-light/#comments
Metro: Last Light doesn't sound appetizing with its "suffocating despair" and "gnarled monstrosities," but it's that kind of loveliness that made Ludwig enthuse about the Metro 2033 follow-up in his four and a half stars review. He deemed Last Light "an unusual, meticulously detailed shooter inextricable from its environment."

Of course, Ludwig wasn't the only brave soul to delve into the underground sequel. Here are some other thoughts we dug up.
  • GamesRadar (90/100): "Subtlety is what makes Last Light such an exceptionally immersive game. It nails the core tenets of a shooter, then forces you to react to enemies in ways outside of simply taking cover. It plops you in a post-apocalyptic world, then fills it with tons of minor but substantial details, like the shadows of once-living people now permanently nuked into stone walls. It strips you of hope, only to dangle a tiny sliver of it ahead of you like a carrot on a stick."
  • Game Informer (88/100): "This sequel plays more like a shooter than its predecessor, but doesn't sacrifice its intricate narrative or creative vision in the process. Masochistic fans will appreciate the harder difficulties that recreate the grueling experience of the original, but no matter how you approach it, exploring Last Light's absorbing world is wholly entertaining."
  • Giant Bomb (80/100): "By its very nature of being a sequel, Last Light doesn't feel as fresh as Metro 2033 did, but there's still nothing else like it. Few games generate immersion through gameplay and transport you to their world the way Metro does."
  • Eurogamer (70/100): "Metro: Last Light is not a bad game, but nor is it a good one in quite the same sense as its predecessor. Metro 2033 was flawed but trying to do its own thing. If anything, Last Light feels like a regression. Similarities abound, but this is a more conservative FPS, one looking at the competition rather than itself, and one with some terrible missteps. So go in with low expectations, and you might be pleasantly surprised."

JoystiqMetareview: Metro - Last Light originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4a-gamesdeep-silvermetro-2033-last-lightmetro-2034metro-last-lightmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 14 May 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Metro Last Light review: Tunnel vision]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/metro-last-light-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/metro-last-light-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/metro-last-light-review/#comments There is so much suffocating despair in Metro: Last Light. The world is irradiated rubble, blanketed in noxious fumes and trampled by gnarled monstrosities. Humans that remain must huddle underfoot, eking out lives in Moscow's underground railways. But the worst thing, the cruelest twist, the darkest dick move of the apocalypse, is that millions die and the accordion still makes it.

If not its purpose, I have to respect the accordion's presence in Metro: Last Light. You can listen to the instrument's musical wheezing as part of a show put on in a dilapidated theater, one of several populated hubs you'll visit in your trek through the tunnels of Moscow. If you opt out of the game's scavenging and shooting for a few moments, there's an entire show to take in. It has all the awkwardness and earnestness of a production that only needs to be less bleak than its surroundings.

Last Light, much like predecessor Metro 2033, is a feat of obsessive, paradoxical world-building - you believe this as a place that has been demolished, poisoned and forced to retreat into claustrophobic hovels. There are glimmers of recuperating life in these bastions, most of all in Metro's stunning sewer-bound equivalent of Venice. The town layouts are noticeably linear, in part because there isn't much room for subterranean sprawl, and because the game spends all its money on the critical path. To explore is to linger, listen and look; and that's fine.

Gallery: Metro: Last Light (5/13/13)

Continue reading Metro Last Light review: Tunnel vision

JoystiqMetro Last Light review: Tunnel vision originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 May 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4a-gamesdeep-silvermetro-2033-last-lightmetro-2034metro-last-lightmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxMon, 13 May 2013 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Saints Row 4's PAX East presentation mechs it up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/saints-row-4s-pax-east-presentation-dubstep-gun/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/saints-row-4s-pax-east-presentation-dubstep-gun/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/saints-row-4s-pax-east-presentation-dubstep-gun/#comments

Saints Row 4's behind-closed-doors demo from PAX East is now available for public consumption. Senior Producer Jim Boone from developer Volition narrates the walkthrough featuring the inflato-ray and the dubstep gun

Boone also covers weapon upgrades, customization, superpowers, the new enemy type and... mechs.

JoystiqSaints Row 4's PAX East presentation mechs it up originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 May 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deep-silversaints-row-4Volitionvolition-incThu, 09 May 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Killer is Dead trailer features Mondo's girls, EU pinned for August]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/killer-is-dead-trailer-features-mondos-girls-eu-pinned-for-aug/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/killer-is-dead-trailer-features-mondos-girls-eu-pinned-for-aug/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/killer-is-dead-trailer-features-mondos-girls-eu-pinned-for-aug/#comments
If you hadn't gathered yet, from it being a Suda game and including "gigolo missions," the upcoming Killer is Dead features scantily-clad ladies, as does this possibly NSFW video. While the North American release window is still "Summer 2013," Europe and Japan received upgrades to August.

JoystiqKiller is Dead trailer features Mondo's girls, EU pinned for August originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deep-silvereuropegrasshopper-manufacturekadokawa-gameskiller-is-deadmicrosoftplaystationps3release-datexboxxseedTue, 30 Apr 2013 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Island Riptide surfs the crest of this week's UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/dead-island-riptide-surfs-the-crest-of-this-weeks-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/dead-island-riptide-surfs-the-crest-of-this-weeks-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/dead-island-riptide-surfs-the-crest-of-this-weeks-uk-charts/#comments Dead Island Riptide is the new chart leader in the UK. Like Dead Island before it, the zombie-stuffed continuation may be critically divisive, but commercially it's doing the business so far. Having said that, Riptide's first week sales come in at less than half of the original's. Dead Island sliced through the 5 million mark for sales earlier this year.

Caught in the high Riptide is Injustice: Gods Among Us; last week's number one washes up this week in number two. Meanwhile, enhanced re-release Dark Arisen also matches its original's first week chart performance, notching third spot just like Dragon's Dogma did. The third of four new releases in this week's top ten is Star Trek; it boldly goes into fourth place. The last top ten debutante is Lego City Undercover: The Chase Begins, the 3DS version doing what its sibling failed to; the Wii U version debuted at 12th earlier this year.

Outside of the new releases, this week's musical chairs are very interesting. Tomb Raider continues its impressive run, only down from fourth to fifth. FYI, Square Enix, that's eight weeks it's been in the UK top five, and it's ahead now of BioShock Infinite. After five weeks, Irrational's sky-high shooter is floating just below in sixth. Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon is another consistent performer, and five weeks in the 3DS game is still haunting the top ten.

Continue reading Dead Island Riptide surfs the crest of this week's UK charts

JoystiqDead Island Riptide surfs the crest of this week's UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dschart-trackchart-track-weeklydead-island-riptidedeep-silvermicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3techlandukvitawii-uxboxMon, 29 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Metro: Last Light on Steam includes Metro 2033 e-book]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/metro-last-light-on-steam-includes-metro-2033-e-book/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/metro-last-light-on-steam-includes-metro-2033-e-book/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/metro-last-light-on-steam-includes-metro-2033-e-book/#comments Metro 2033 was a prominent post-apocalyptic novel from Russian author Dmitry Glukhovsky before it inspired 4A Games' shooter. Making up for the lost marketing opportunity of the first game, sequel Metro: Last Light will include a free copy of the Metro 2033 novel with all PC purchases authenticated through Steam.

The story of Metro: Last Light was provided by Glukhovsky, who has also created two written sequels to his acclaimed original work. Metro: Last Light is being developed by 4A Games and published by Deep Silver, who acquired the rights after the collapse of THQ.

Continue reading Metro: Last Light on Steam includes Metro 2033 e-book

JoystiqMetro: Last Light on Steam includes Metro 2033 e-book originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Apr 2013 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4a-gamesdeep-silverdmitry-glukhovskymetro-2033-last-lightmetro-2034metro-last-lightpcsteamSat, 27 Apr 2013 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Saints Row 4 gets 'Commander in Chief' pre-order bonus]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/hail-to-the-commander-in-chief-saints-row-4-preorder-bonus/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/hail-to-the-commander-in-chief-saints-row-4-preorder-bonus/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/hail-to-the-commander-in-chief-saints-row-4-preorder-bonus/#comments Saints Row 4 getting a CommanderinChief editionPublisher Deep Silver - new owner of the Volition-developed Saints Row series - has announced that Saints Row 4 is getting a special "Commander in Chief" edition, available for free to everyone who pre-orders the upcoming game.

Earning the special edition content means you'll get a snazzy Uncle Sam outfit, a "Screaming Eagle" jet, and a "'Merica weapon," which boasts flamethrowers, "dub step guns," and rocket launchers.

Saints Row 4 will see the Third Street Saints voted into presidential office on August 20 in North and Latin America, and August 23 in other regions.

Continue reading Saints Row 4 gets 'Commander in Chief' pre-order bonus

JoystiqSaints Row 4 gets 'Commander in Chief' pre-order bonus originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>collectors-editioncommander-in-chief-editiondeep-silvermicrosoftpcpreorderpreorder-bonussaints-row-4special-editionvolitionxboxMon, 22 Apr 2013 19:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Dead Island: Riptide]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/metareview-dead-island-riptide/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/metareview-dead-island-riptide/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/metareview-dead-island-riptide/#comments
Dead Island Riptide puts some spring back in zombies' steps
Dead Island: Riptide, the pseudo sequel to paradise-gone-wrong simulator Dead Island, shares one clear trait with its predecessor. No, not zombies (but, yeah, those are in there). It's that reviews are all over the place for the game's launch. The original Dead Island entered into a similarly hostile critical climate, but went on to sell 5 million units globally. Our Riptide review will be available later this week.
  • Game Informer (80/100): "Riptide's flaws are many, but they couldn't hold me back from having a blast. Few games nail the visceral feel of melee combat and co-op fun like Dead Island. At its worst, an annoying hiccup breaks the immersion of the grizzly trek through a zombie-infested paradise. At its best, Riptide hits the same high notes as the original."
  • IGN (72/100): "Technically, it's done nothing to build itself into a great game. Rather than fix the graphics and the performance problems that plagued the original two years ago, Techland slightly modified the setting and delivered a new character and more content. It's a fun time, but there are no surprises or killer new features to make it an impressive package."
  • Eurogamer (60/100): "What makes that so sad is that this feels like a series only a few great decisions away from being really good. A better script with a sense of humor, a bit more imagination in quest design, more coherent inventory management and character development... These things shouldn't be unattainable goals for a developer that must be flush from the unexpected success of the first game."
  • VideoGamer (50/100): "On the whole however Riptide is yet another missed opportunity, and just too painfully average, wonky and padded out with filler to truly recommend."
  • Gamespot (40/100): "Riptide is dumb, and mind-numbingly slow, and somehow manages to make the art of zombie-slaying feel like utter tedium. And if slaying zombies isn't fun in a game that's all about slaying zombies, why bother? "

JoystiqMetareview: Dead Island: Riptide originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-island-riptideDeep-silverMetareviewmetareviewsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxMon, 22 Apr 2013 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Ride to Hell: Retribution trailer is looking for a broken jaw]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/20/ride-to-hell-retribution-trailer-is-looking-for-a-broken-jaw/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/20/ride-to-hell-retribution-trailer-is-looking-for-a-broken-jaw/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/20/ride-to-hell-retribution-trailer-is-looking-for-a-broken-jaw/#comments
This trailer for Ride to Hell: Retribution sets the tone for the game's "no rules" attitude. The Deep Silver-published game is coming to Xbox 360, PC and PS3 Junes 25 in North America, and June 28 globally.

JoystiqRide to Hell: Retribution trailer is looking for a broken jaw originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 20 Apr 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Deep-silvereutechnyxmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ride-to-hellride-to-hell-retributiontrailerxboxSat, 20 Apr 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Metro: Last Light included with select GeForce GTX cards]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/metro-last-light-included-with-select-geforce-gtx-cards/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/metro-last-light-included-with-select-geforce-gtx-cards/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/metro-last-light-included-with-select-geforce-gtx-cards/#comments If you're in the market for a new graphics card, Nvidia is hoping to entice you with a special promotion. Those who purchase an Nvidia GeForce GTX 660 or above will also get a free download of Metro: Last Light when it launches this May. The deal is available via many online retailers, though it looks like Micro Center is the only physical retailer to offer the promotion. A full list can be found here.

In other graphical news, publisher Deep Silver has revealed the PC specs required to play Metro: Last Light, and the good news is you won't need that GeForce GTX 660. Baseline specs bottom out at the Nvidia GTS 250 or AMD Radeon 4000 series. See the full specs after the break. You can also automatically test your rig for compatibility right here.

Continue reading Metro: Last Light included with select GeForce GTX cards

JoystiqMetro: Last Light included with select GeForce GTX cards originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Apr 2013 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4a-gamesdeep-silvermetro-2033-last-lightmetro-2034metro-last-lightpcFri, 19 Apr 2013 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Killer is Dead screens showcase combat, gigolo missions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/killer-is-dead-screens-showcase-combat-gigolo-missions/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/killer-is-dead-screens-showcase-combat-gigolo-missions/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/killer-is-dead-screens-showcase-combat-gigolo-missions/#comments Killer is Dead screen showcase combat, gigolo missionsGrasshopper Manufacture games often feature mature content, and Killer is Dead is no exception. These screens feature its 'gigolo missions,' where you travel the world to meet "exotic women" - publisher XSEED's words - as well as some of the crazy-looking combat.

Gallery: Killer is Dead (4/16/13)

JoystiqKiller is Dead screens showcase combat, gigolo missions originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Apr 2013 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deep-silvergrasshopper-manufacturekadokawa-gameskiller-is-deadmicrosoftplaystationps3xboxxseedWed, 17 Apr 2013 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Metro: Last Light trailer teaches us about the trouble out there]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/metro-last-light-trailer-teaches-us-about-the-trouble-out-there/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/metro-last-light-trailer-teaches-us-about-the-trouble-out-there/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/metro-last-light-trailer-teaches-us-about-the-trouble-out-there/#comments
This new Metro: Last Light trailer further explores both the human and monstrous elements to emerge in the game's hopeless, irradiated landscape.

JoystiqMetro: Last Light trailer teaches us about the trouble out there originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4a-gamesdeep-silvermetro-2033-last-lightmetro-2034metro-last-lightmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3wii-uxboxTue, 16 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Metro: Last Light trailer illuminates game world]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/metro-last-light-trailer-illuminates-game-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/metro-last-light-trailer-illuminates-game-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/metro-last-light-trailer-illuminates-game-world/#comments

For those who missed out on Metro 2033, this trailer is a primer of the game's world and explains that Metro isn't actually a post-apocalyptic train simulator. You know, in case you were confused.

JoystiqMetro: Last Light trailer illuminates game world originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Apr 2013 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Deep-silvermetro-2033-last-lightmetro-2034metro-last-lightmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 09 Apr 2013 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Sacred Citadel's final character revealed, coming to PSN April 16]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/sacred-citadels-final-character-revealed-coming-to-psn-april-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/sacred-citadels-final-character-revealed-coming-to-psn-april-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/sacred-citadels-final-character-revealed-coming-to-psn-april-1/#comments
Sacred Citadel, the side-scrolling cooperative action RPG from Deep Silver that serves as a prologue to Sacred 3, will be landing on PSN April 16 for $14.99. PC and Xbox 360 versions are also due, though the release dates have yet to be announced.

Additionally, Deep Silver revealed a new video for the game's final playable character, the Seraphim Mage. The mage specializes in offensive magic, including combo attacks that use both fire and ice elements.

Gallery: Sacred Citadel (4/2/13)

JoystiqSacred Citadel's final character revealed, coming to PSN April 16 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Action-RPGDeep-silverplaystationps3release-datesacred-citadelseraphim-mageSouthEnd-InteractiveTue, 02 Apr 2013 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Killer Is Dead's second trailer is no less crazy than the first]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/killer-is-deads-second-trailer-is-no-less-crazy-than-the-first/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/killer-is-deads-second-trailer-is-no-less-crazy-than-the-first/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/killer-is-deads-second-trailer-is-no-less-crazy-than-the-first/#comments
The second trailer for Suda51's Killer is Dead includes earth-stealing, giant aliens, and a woman with 16 arms all holding guns, all to the wholly apt backdrop of Wagner's "Flight of the Valkyries."

Killer is Dead is coming to Xbox 360 and PS3 in North America and Europe this summer.

JoystiqKiller Is Dead's second trailer is no less crazy than the first originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Apr 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deep-silvergrasshopper-manufacturekadokawa-gameskiller-is-deadmicrosoftplaystationps3suda-51xboxxseedMon, 01 Apr 2013 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ride to Hell achievement listing suggests imminent ride to retail]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/ride-to-hell-achievements-listing-indicates-imminent-ride-to-ret/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/ride-to-hell-achievements-listing-indicates-imminent-ride-to-ret/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/ride-to-hell-achievements-listing-indicates-imminent-ride-to-ret/#comments Ride to Hell achievements listing indicates imminent ride to retail Ride to Hell, the Deep Silver biker game first announced in 2008 before dropping off the radar for several years, may make a surprise arrival on retail shelves in the near future. A list of achievements, posted today by Xbox360Achievements, is the latest piece of growing evidence that the long-unseen game is due for release soon.

Ride to Hell was initially expected on Xbox 360 in Q2 2009, but after missing its release window it was rumored to be canceled. Earlier this year, Deep Silver confirmed to Polygon the game is still in development, saying there would be announcements on it soon. Shortly after, a game called Ride to Hell: Retribution received a multiplatform rating from the Australian Classification Board, with developer Eutechnyx listed as the author and Deep Silver as the publisher.

The achievements themselves indicate a mixture of shooting with biking elements. When it was first announced in 2008, Deep Silver introduced Ride to Hell as "aimed heavily at the player who wants to become fully involved in the original West Coast biker culture" with a ""hard drinking, bare-knuckle environment." Then again, this was some five years ago.

We've reached out to Deep Silver for comment.

JoystiqRide to Hell achievement listing suggests imminent ride to retail originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Achievementsdeep-silvereutechnyxmicrosoftride-to-hellride-to-hell-retributionxboxThu, 28 Mar 2013 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Island Riptide gameplay trailer thought it was safe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/dead-island-riptide-gameplay-trailer-thought-it-was-safe/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/dead-island-riptide-gameplay-trailer-thought-it-was-safe/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/dead-island-riptide-gameplay-trailer-thought-it-was-safe/#comments
If you'd like to know how Dead Island transitions into the upcoming Riptide spin-off, watch this video. If you'd rather not have Dead Island's ending pseudo-spoiled for you, look away now. If you're indifferent about all of that and just want zombie carnage, why are you still reading?

JoystiqDead Island Riptide gameplay trailer thought it was safe originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-island-riptidedeep-silvermicrosoftpcplaystationps3techlandxboxThu, 21 Mar 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Metro: Last Light illuminates 'Salvation' trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/metro-last-light-illuminates-salvation-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/metro-last-light-illuminates-salvation-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/metro-last-light-illuminates-salvation-trailer/#comments

Only darkness and things that go bump in the night lay hidden in the subway systems of Metro: Last Light. Sorry, we meant: only monsters and things that will give you bumps in the night are down there. Tickets to ride Metro: Last Light will be available this May.

JoystiqMetro: Last Light illuminates 'Salvation' trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Mar 2013 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4a-gamesdeep-silvermetro-2033-last-lightmetro-2034metro-last-lightmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 19 Mar 2013 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Saints Row 4 gets pimpin' August 20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/saints-row-4-release-date-august-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/saints-row-4-release-date-august-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/saints-row-4-release-date-august-20/#comments

Saints Row 4 has received an August 20 release date, publisher Deep Silver just announced. We are told that Saints Row 4 is not simply the Saints Row 3 "Enter the Dominatrix" standalone expansion in a different wrapper.

"That expansion was canceled and elements of it were rolled into Saints Row 4," a spokesperson for publisher Deep Silver tells Joystiq. "There will be a director's cut of Enter the Dominatrix released as DLC when SR4 comes out."

Saints Row 4 is being developed by Volition, which Deep Silver picked up along with the Saints Row IP during the THQ auction, and will launch August 20 in North America and August 23 everywhere else. The game is being developed for PC and "current-gen consoles." In a follow-up, we clarified that does not include Wii U.

Gallery: Saints Row 4

Continue reading Saints Row 4 gets pimpin' August 20

JoystiqSaints Row 4 gets pimpin' August 20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Mar 2013 09:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deep-silvermicrosoftpcplaystationps3saints-row-4Volitionvolition-incxboxFri, 15 Mar 2013 09:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Island: Riptide UK pre-order bonuses slice, dice, BBQ zombie flesh [Update: US too]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/dead-island-riptide-uk-pre-order-bonuses-slice-dice-bbq-zombi/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/dead-island-riptide-uk-pre-order-bonuses-slice-dice-bbq-zombi/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/dead-island-riptide-uk-pre-order-bonuses-slice-dice-bbq-zombi/#comments Dead Island preorder bonusesVery few things will survive the zombie apocalypse. One thing that will make the cut: pre-order bonuses. Quite literally in this case, as Dead Island: Riptide bonuses in the UK will include the Survivor Pack, which features the BBQ Blade seen above. The hefty machete has a fuel tank attached that, presumably, will set the blade on fire. If a giant flaming knife just isn't enough for you, the pack will also include a special in-game shop with discounted items and a higher chance for rare items. Furthermore, the Survivor Pack includes a booster for both XP and stats.

Finally, those who pre-order from GAME will also get the Fashion Victim pack, which includes new skins for all playable characters. New skin is probably handy for those times when you find all of yours gnawed off by the undead.

We've contacted Deep Silver to find out if these bonuses are headed to North America as well. At the moment, US retailers are listing a pre-order special edition including a Steelbook case, weapon mods, character skins and a digital map. That's not to be confused with the $80 "Rigor Mortis" Edition.

Dead Island: Riptide launches April 23.

Update: Amazon now lists the same pre-order bonuses for the US as well.

Continue reading Dead Island: Riptide UK pre-order bonuses slice, dice, BBQ zombie flesh [Update: US too]

JoystiqDead Island: Riptide UK pre-order bonuses slice, dice, BBQ zombie flesh [Update: US too] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Mar 2013 20:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-island-riptidedeep-silvermicrosoftpcplaystationps3TechlandxboxFri, 01 Mar 2013 20:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Metro: Last Light flickers in NA May 14, EU May 17]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/metro-last-light-flickers-in-na-may-14-eu-may-17/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/metro-last-light-flickers-in-na-may-14-eu-may-17/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/metro-last-light-flickers-in-na-may-14-eu-may-17/#comments Metro: Last Light is coming to North and Latin America on May 14, and Europe three days later on May 17, publisher Deep Silver announced this morning. The PS3, Xbox 360, and PC sequel to Metro 2033 was, last we heard, expected to be released this month, but that was always uncertain following original publisher THQ's troubles and the horror/shooter's acquirement by Deep Silver.

Continue reading Metro: Last Light flickers in NA May 14, EU May 17

JoystiqMetro: Last Light flickers in NA May 14, EU May 17 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Mar 2013 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4A-gamesdeep-silvereuropemetro-2033-last-lightmetro-2034metro-last-lightmicrosoftnorth-americapcplaystationps3release-datexboxFri, 01 Mar 2013 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sacred Citadel will feature four classes to level up and a gear stash]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/sacred-citadel-will-feature-four-classes-to-level-up-and-a-gear/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/sacred-citadel-will-feature-four-classes-to-level-up-and-a-gear/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/sacred-citadel-will-feature-four-classes-to-level-up-and-a-gear/#comments Sacred Citadel will feature four classes to level up and a gear stashSacred Citadel isn't just a goofy beat-em-up spinoff of Deep Silver's long-running Sacred series - turns out it's also an action RPG. When the game was announced last year, all we knew about it was that it featured co-op action and some groovy graphical flairs, but now we're seeing how Citadel relates to its big role-playing brother.

Players will be able to play as three characters at a time, picked from four character classes (including a Khukuri Shaman, an Ancarian Ranger, a Safiri Warrior, or an unrevealed class), and each has their own set of skills to be leveled up and unlocked. Additionally, characters can equip weapons or armor that can be stashed in town, or pop potions to refill either a health or a power meter.

Sacred Citadel, says Deep Silver, will serve as a prologue to the upcoming Sacred 3, and should be out for Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network and the PC sometime this year.

Continue reading Sacred Citadel will feature four classes to level up and a gear stash

JoystiqSacred Citadel will feature four classes to level up and a gear stash originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Feb 2013 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionaction-rpgclassesdeep-silverequipmentlevelingmicrosoftpcplaystationps3role-playing-gamerpgsacred-citadelsouthend-interactivexboxThu, 28 Feb 2013 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony completely revises list of PS4 EU studios, down from 53 to 30 [updates]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/sony-completely-revises-list-of-ps4-eu-studios-down-from-53-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/sony-completely-revises-list-of-ps4-eu-studios-down-from-53-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/sony-completely-revises-list-of-ps4-eu-studios-down-from-53-to/#comments Sony made wholesale corrections to the list of European/PAL companies confirmed as PS4 developers and publishers, reducing the list of named studios from 53 to 28. Curiouser, not one of the developers and publishers named on the previous list makes an appearance on the new roll call. A spokesperson for Sony Computer Entertainment Europe confirmed to us the first list, sent out last week, was erroneous, and this new one is correct. There are no revisions for any other regions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbohemia-interactivecity-interactivecodemasterscriterion-gamesdeep-silvereuropefrozenbytemediatonicmercurysteammojangninja-theoryPALplaystation-4ps4roviosony-computer-entertainment-europesumo-digitalvlambeerMon, 25 Feb 2013 08:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Island sales pass 5 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/dead-island-sales-pass-5-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/dead-island-sales-pass-5-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/dead-island-sales-pass-5-million/#comments Counting both retail and digitally distributed copies of Dead Island, total sales for the weird zombie action-RPG have surpassed five million units globally, Deep Silver announced today. In meaningless, arbitrary statistics, that shakes down to about 402.18 units sold an hour since the game was originally released in back in September of 2011.

By December 2011, Dead Island had shipped 3 million units worldwide, with a fourth million added to that total after another eight months. Today's figure, however, is our first look at how the game has actually sold, since shipped figures count all units sent to retailers, while sell-through/net sales only count what is actually purchased by a consumer. We're sure those Steam sales didn't hurt anything.

Continue reading Dead Island sales pass 5 million

JoystiqDead Island sales pass 5 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-islandDeep-silverfiguresmicrosoftpcplaystationps3salesTechlandxboxTue, 05 Feb 2013 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Killer is Dead launches worldwide this summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/31/killer-is-dead-launches-worldwide-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/31/killer-is-dead-launches-worldwide-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/31/killer-is-dead-launches-worldwide-this-summer/#comments Killer is Dead launches worldwide this summerSuda 51's Killer is Dead is confirmed for a worldwide launch on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in summer 2013. XSEED is releasing the Grasshopper Manufacture game in North America, while Deep Silver is bringing it to Europe and Oceania.

True to the developer's form, Killer is Dead stars an assassin taking out criminals in the near future. The hero, Mondo Zappa, brandishes a sword with his right hand and everything from guns to drills with his other, artificial arm.

Today's announcement comes hot on the trail of Grasshopper Manufacture's acquirement by Japanese MMO makers GungHo Online Entertainment. GungHo does have an American publishing branch, but this Grasshopper game won't be the first to take advantage of it.

Update: Killer is Dead will feature both Japanese and English audio on the disc.

Gallery: Killer is Dead (1/31/13)

Continue reading Killer is Dead launches worldwide this summer

JoystiqKiller is Dead launches worldwide this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Jan 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deep-silvergrasshopper-manufacturekadokawa-gameskiller-is-deadmicrosoftplaystationps3suda-51xboxxseedThu, 31 Jan 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Deep Silver confirms acquisition of Saints Row, Metro and Volition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/deep-silver-confirms-acquisition-of-saints-row-metro-and-voliti/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/deep-silver-confirms-acquisition-of-saints-row-metro-and-voliti/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/deep-silver-confirms-acquisition-of-saints-row-metro-and-voliti/#comments Koch Media/Deep Silver officially announced today it has secured the intellectual property rights for two THQ franchises: Saints Row and Metro. It has also obtained Volition, the Chicago-based development studio responsible for Saints Row.

"These franchises hold a special place in the hearts and minds of anyone who loves exceptional video games," said Deep Silver COO Geoff Mulligan. "We're thrilled to usher in a new era for these franchises and are proud to welcome the visionaries and talented forces at Volition on board."

Although Deep Silver doesn't mention the cost of these acquisitions, the Saints Row IP and Volition Studio sold for $22.3 million, according to documents obtained by Joystiq, while the rights to Metro 2033 and upcoming sequel Metro: Last Light sold for $5.9 million. Deep Silver will elaborate upon future plans for each franchise in the coming months.

Continue reading Deep Silver confirms acquisition of Saints Row, Metro and Volition

JoystiqDeep Silver confirms acquisition of Saints Row, Metro and Volition originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deep-silverKoch-mediametro-last-lightmicrosoftpcplaystationps3saints-rowsaints-row-4saints-row-the-thirdthqxboxWed, 23 Jan 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ bid winners, prices and runners-up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/thq-bid-winners-prices-and-runners-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/thq-bid-winners-prices-and-runners-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/thq-bid-winners-prices-and-runners-up/#comments Joystiq has obtained details on the winning auction bids for the various THQ intellectual properties and licenses made available during the company's bankruptcy auction. We've listed the winning bids and runners up below.

To clarify, we've noted whether the asset is a studio, intellectual property (IP) or license.

Relic (studio) and Company of Heroes (IP)
Winning bid: $26.6 million - Sega Corporation
Backup bidder: $26.3 million - Zenimax Media

THQ Montreal (studio), with 1666 (IP) and Underdog (IP)
Winning bid: $2.5 million - Ubisoft
Backup bidder: N/A

Continue reading THQ bid winners, prices and runners-up

JoystiqTHQ bid winners, prices and runners-up originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deep-silverkoch-mediatake-twothqthq-bankruptcyubisoftvolitionWed, 23 Jan 2013 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: THQ assets divided]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/thq-assets-divided/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/thq-assets-divided/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/thq-assets-divided/#comments The THQ auction has resulted in the company's assets being distributed among several publishers.
  • Developer Volition and the Saints Row franchise, along with the Metro license, have been purchased by Dead Island publisher Deep Silver.
  • Relic Games (Warhammer 40K, Company of Heroes) has gone to Sega.
  • The South Park game and THQ Montreal have been purchased by Ubisoft.
  • Take-Two Interactive has purchased Evolve.
Vigil and other unnamed THQ properties not included in the sale will "remain part of the chapter 11 case," and THQ will look for buyers. According to a letter sent to employees, "If you are an employee of an entity that is not included in the sale, we regret that your position will end."

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksiders-2deep-silverrelicsaints-row-3segaTake-Two-Interactivethqthq-bankruptcythq-montrealubisoftWed, 23 Jan 2013 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Deep Silver apologizes for 'gruesome statue']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/15/deep-silver-apologizes-for-gruesome-statue/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/15/deep-silver-apologizes-for-gruesome-statue/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/15/deep-silver-apologizes-for-gruesome-statue/#comments After discovering that sane people are universally disgusted by its foot-tall statue of a mutilated human torso in a bikini, included with the Europe/Australian Dead Island Riptide Zombie Bait Edition, publisher Deep Silver issued an apology today through its Twitter account.

The company said the statue was inspired by the violence in the game: "a decision was made to include a gruesome statue of a zombie torso, which was cut up like many of our fans had done to the undead enemies in the original Dead Island."

Deep Silver said it "sincerely regret[s] this choice," and that it is "committed to making sure this will never happen again," which is as simple as not doing it again.

What isn't clear, however, is whether it's still happening this time. The apology note makes no mention of pulling or replacing the offending item from the Zombie Bait Edition.

JoystiqDeep Silver apologizes for 'gruesome statue' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jan 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-islanddead-island-riptidedeep-silvermicrosoftxboxTue, 15 Jan 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Island: Riptide not washing up in Germany]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/30/dead-island-riptide-not-washing-up-in-germany/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/30/dead-island-riptide-not-washing-up-in-germany/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/30/dead-island-riptide-not-washing-up-in-germany/#comments Dead Island Riptide puts some spring back in zombies' stepsDead Island: Riptide, like the original Dead Island, won't be released in Germany, home base of publisher Deep Silver. Riptide creative producer Sebastian Reichert said at Gamescom he "wouldn't bet" on the game being available in Germany, but now he's stated it officially.

"We have no censored version of the game," Reichert told PCGamesN. "So we cannot release it in Germany. It feels f*cking awkward to have one of the most successful games in years and nobody in your country knows it."

We double-checked with publisher Deep Silver to make sure there wasn't anything lost in translation and a company representative confirmed Riptide wouldn't be available in Germany. The Unterhaltungssoftware Selbskontrolle (USK) must follow government-enforced criteria that, along with other elements, note a game can't have extreme violence against human-like enemies.

Under a microscope, the USK's determination of such things can get awfully fiddly. It was a surprise back in 2011 when Epic's Gears of War 3 passed the censors, while no other installment in the series had made the grade. It wasn't just a surprise to us, but to Epic itself.

JoystiqDead Island: Riptide not washing up in Germany originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Nov 2012 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-island-riptideDeep-silvergermanymicrosoftpcplaystationps3techlanduskxboxFri, 30 Nov 2012 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Island: Riptide's fake rap video stars real artist Chamillionaire]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/15/dead-island-riptides-fake-rap-video-stars-real-artist-chamilli/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/15/dead-island-riptides-fake-rap-video-stars-real-artist-chamilli/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/15/dead-island-riptides-fake-rap-video-stars-real-artist-chamilli/#comments

Dead Island is famous for having arguably the most dramatic, memorable advertisement of 2011, with its backward, slow-mo gore fest featuring an undead child. With Dead Island: Riptide, the marketing team is taking a decidedly different approach: They've decided on "No Room in Hell," a rap music video from in-game character Sam B, featuring real-life artist Chamillionaire.

In the Dead Island universe, Sam B is a one-hit wonder for his song "Who Do You Voodoo, Bitch?" and "No Room in Hell" is the last single he recorded before traveling to the Royal Palms Resort Hotel on Banoi. Considering what went down on the island when he got there, his fake record label fears this might very well be his last single, ever.

JoystiqDead Island: Riptide's fake rap video stars real artist Chamillionaire originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Nov 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chamillionairedead-island-riptideDeep-silvermicrosoftmusic-videopcplaystationps3rapsam-bxboxThu, 15 Nov 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Island: Riptide pulls in a fifth playable character, 'darker' story]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/dead-island-riptide-pulls-in-a-fifth-playable-character-darke/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/dead-island-riptide-pulls-in-a-fifth-playable-character-darke/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/dead-island-riptide-pulls-in-a-fifth-playable-character-darke/#comments Dead Island sequel will be 'darker' in tone, introduce fifth playable characterDead Island: Riptide will introduce a fifth playable character, who from the looks of things is a burly man with a backward baseball cap, or what is the world's most well-kept mullet. Deep Silver creative director Sebastian Reichert confirms the new character to VG24/7, adding that Riptide's story is darker, with a more natural sense of beauty-gone-wrong.

"For example, in Dead Island the beauty of the island was often created by man - the Beach Resort, Hotel, etc. - and the terror was created by the zombies," Reichert says. "This main design theme has changed. Palanai is an island full of natural beauty, for example, wonderful waterfalls, contrasted by natural destruction caused by storms, monsoons and rain. And of course the zombies."

Riptide isn't a sequel - it's a spin-off that can take the game in a new direction. Reichert believes the boat and flooding systems will differentiate Riptide from Dead Island, along with a new program that tracks which weapons players use and doles out proficiency stats accordingly.

"Plotwise, 'darker' is good description of where we're heading, but of course we stay bright and beautiful on the outside," Reichert says. "We are taking a very special step in this installment and we are looking forward to see how the fans react to it."

JoystiqDead Island: Riptide pulls in a fifth playable character, 'darker' story originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-island-riptideDeep-silvermicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 23 Oct 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Island: Riptide's CGI trailer mixes romance with lots of zombies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/18/dead-island-riptides-cgi-trailer-mixes-romance-with-lots-of-zo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/18/dead-island-riptides-cgi-trailer-mixes-romance-with-lots-of-zo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/18/dead-island-riptides-cgi-trailer-mixes-romance-with-lots-of-zo/#comments

Remember all the fuss over the Dead Island trailer? Well, Techland is giving its follow-up a similarly artistic treatment, albeit not quite as spectacular. This CGI video punctuates a loving final farewell with a surrounding megaton of undead. As with its predecessor's cinematic debut, we don't learn that much about Dead Island: Riptide from it. Still, it does make us appreciate how romantic a lighter can be, even outside of Elton John gigs.

The zombie-stuffed follow-up is set to launch next year.

JoystiqDead Island: Riptide's CGI trailer mixes romance with lots of zombies originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-island-riptidedeep-silvermicrosoftpcplaystationps3techlandxboxTue, 18 Sep 2012 12:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Island Riptide allows character continuation, arrives 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/dead-island-riptide-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/dead-island-riptide-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/dead-island-riptide-2013/#comments Dead Island Riptide puts some spring back in zombies' stepsDead Island Riptide is a spin-off of the original zombie resort simulator. Publisher Deep Silver is very clear to point out it is not a sequel, so think more Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood or Halo 3: ODST. Riptide was announced this summer, but now we have some more details.

The game will return the focus to close combat from the latter gunplay found in Dead Island, with a new weather system and upgrades to the engine of the first game. The weather system will now include flooding and lovely trips down zombie infested rivers on little boats. There are also forts that need to be reinforced and barricaded.

Players will be able to import their character stats from the previous game, but the new game takes place in a new location. It's the same archipelago, but not the same island. The game will launch in 2013.

Gallery: Dead Island: Riptide

JoystiqDead Island Riptide allows character continuation, arrives 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Aug 2012 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-island-riptideDeep-silvermicrosoftpcplaystationps3TechlandxboxFri, 31 Aug 2012 10:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Island's lifeblood was co-op, 4 million units shipped]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/14/dead-islands-lifeblood-was-co-op-4-million-units-shipped/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/14/dead-islands-lifeblood-was-co-op-4-million-units-shipped/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/14/dead-islands-lifeblood-was-co-op-4-million-units-shipped/#comments Dead Island's success was all due to that stunning trailer, right? Well, according to Guido Eickmeyer, development director and executive producer of games at publisher Deep Silver, the resort-vacation zombie simulator sold 4 million units because of its cooperative gameplay.

"This is why we got all the good reviews from users. This is why we got high user ratings, because it is the most exciting co-op experience that is on the market," Eickmeyer said.

Despite investing less than $25 million dollars in the project - low for a major triple-A video game - Dead Island has been played for 56,907,547 hours in co-op, which is approximately 6,500 years total.

After the success of the trailer, there were talks of forming the game around that, but there simply weren't the resources. Dead Island showed strong potential in its co-op, so the focus shifted to that and that game was a huge hit. Dead Island: Riptide is another "huge co-op experience" being revealed this week at Gamescom.

JoystiqDead Island's lifeblood was co-op, 4 million units shipped originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Aug 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-islandDeep-silvergamescomgamescom-2012gdc-2012gdc-europe-2012microsoftpcplaystationps3techlandxboxTue, 14 Aug 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sacred Citadel beats 'em up on PSN, XBLA and PC in 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/07/sacred-citadel-beats-em-up-on-psn-xbla-and-pc-in-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/07/sacred-citadel-beats-em-up-on-psn-xbla-and-pc-in-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/07/sacred-citadel-beats-em-up-on-psn-xbla-and-pc-in-2013/#comments
Remember Sacred 2: Fallen Angel? It was the last entry in the Sacred series of dungeon crawlers, that debuted back in 2008. The series is known for high, serious fantasy, but the latest title, Sacred Citadel, looks to be taking a different approach.

While there are still plenty of fantasy creatures in tow, the dungeon-crawling is taking a back seat to "b*tchin battles," "ridonkulous rides" and "crazy co-op." It looks, all in a ll, a bit more over-the-top than what Sacred players may be used to. Sacred Citadel is slated for release on PSN, XBLA and PC in 2013.

Have no fear if you're looking for something a little more traditional, however, as the Sacred Citadel website reveals that Sacred 3 is most certainly on the way, with the official Facebook page asking fans to "stay tuned."

Gallery: Sacred Citadel

JoystiqSacred Citadel beats 'em up on PSN, XBLA and PC in 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Aug 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deep-silvermicrosoftpcplaystationps3sacred-citadelSouthEnd-InteractivexboxTue, 07 Aug 2012 18:00:00 EST