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 2015 AOL, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Destiny dev: DLC mistakes won't be repeated]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/destiny-dev-dlc-mistakes-wont-be-repeated/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/destiny-dev-dlc-mistakes-wont-be-repeated/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/destiny-dev-dlc-mistakes-wont-be-repeated/#comments Destiny designer Luke Smith recently addressed concerns over Bungie's future updates for the game. Namely, Smith said "the mistakes [Bungie] made with the DLC1 reward economy will not be repeated," in a NeoGAF thread, admitting the developer's previous attempts at expanding the first-person shooter with add-on content resulted in a few problems for players. Smith claims the developer will avoid mistakes such as "vendor gear invalidating the effort of [Vault of Glass] Raiders" and exotic gear upgrades resulting in a talent reset.

"Our philosophy about rewards/loot continue to evolve as we see how players play and react," Smith wrote. He noted that item drop rates appear to be "much improved" in the Crota's End DLC compared to Vault of Glass, and that Bungie plans to "improve acquisition stories and frequency" as well as "lessen the grind and get players to the fun parts of their arsenal faster." It issued a hot fix for Destiny in December to boost the drop rates for the Crota's End raid mission.
[Image: Activision]

JoystiqDestiny dev: DLC mistakes won't be repeated originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jan 2015 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionadd-onbungiecrotas-enddestinydlcdownloadable-contentdrop-ratesfirst-person-shooterfpsissuesluke-smithmicrosoftmistakesplaystationproblemsps3ps4updatevault-of-glassxboxxbox-oneMon, 26 Jan 2015 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Weekly: New 3DS XL, The Talos Principle review, no more review scores and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/joystiq-weekly-new-3ds-xl-the-talos-principle-review-no-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/joystiq-weekly-new-3ds-xl-the-talos-principle-review-no-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/joystiq-weekly-new-3ds-xl-the-talos-principle-review-no-more/#commentsWelcome to Joystiq Weekly, a "too long; didn't read" of each week's biggest stories, reviews and original content. Each category's top story is introduced with a reactionary gif, because moving pictures aren't just for The Daily Prophet.
This was a busy week, but our decision to drop numerical review scores is probably what will have the longest-lasting effect on Joystiq. While not everyone has expressed support of the decision, we immensely appreciate the effort and thought many have put into discussing the topic with us. We hope our transition into using "In Other Words" text summaries and the new Joystiq Excellence Award will be more effective at conveying our stances and better at helping you find games that you'd actually enjoy.

Even if you're indifferent about the discussion of reviews though, plenty happened this week beyond our shift in examining games. The New 3DS XL will reach us next month, Xbox One consoles slipped back to their $350 holiday price, The Talos Principle surprised us with its depth, and 3D After Burner 2 transcended the fabled "arcade-perfect" status of arcade ports. All those stories and more are waiting for you after the break!

Continue reading Joystiq Weekly: New 3DS XL, The Talos Principle review, no more review scores and more

JoystiqJoystiq Weekly: New 3DS XL, The Talos Principle review, no more review scores and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Jan 2015 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d-after-burner-2amiibocode-name-steamdestinyevolvegrand-theft-auto-5joystiq-weeklynew-3ds-xlnpdoff-the-gridrock-bandthe-legend-of-zelda-majoras-mask-3dthe-talos-principletwitchxbox-oneXCOM-The-Board-GameSun, 18 Jan 2015 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Destiny tops PS4 downloads in 2014]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/destiny-tops-ps4-downloads-in-2014/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/destiny-tops-ps4-downloads-in-2014/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/destiny-tops-ps4-downloads-in-2014/#comments Bungie's Destiny topped the PlayStation Store's PS4 best-sellers list for all of 2014, Sony revealed today. The store's top sellers on the current-generation console don't include many surprises; Grand Theft Auto 5 took the second spot, followed by Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, Minecraft and The Last of Us Remastered to round out the top five. GTA 5 was the most purchased PS4 game in the month of December.

As for PS3 games, Minecraft led all purchases on the system in 2014 on the PS Store, followed by GTA 5, Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, Destiny and Battlefield 4. Likewise, the list of top-selling PS4 and PS3 add-ons are a mix of Destiny, Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 and Call of Duty: Ghosts DLC for the most part; Battlefield 4 Premium and The Last of Us' Left Behind DLC swooped in to the third spot in the PS4 and PS3 lists, respectively. Sword Art Online: Hollow Fragment was the highest-selling game last year on the PlayStation Store for Vita. The Bandai Namco RPG was trailed on the handheld system by Minecraft, Killzone: Mercenary, Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Z and Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster.
[Image: Activision]

JoystiqDestiny tops PS4 downloads in 2014 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jan 2015 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Battlefield-4call-of-duty-advanced-warfaredestinygrand-theft-auto-5minecraftplaystationplaystation-networkplaystation-storeplaystation-vitaps3ps4psnsalessonythe-last-of-us-remasteredtop-sellingvitaFri, 16 Jan 2015 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision takes victory lap, Destiny biggest new game franchise launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/activision-takes-victory-lap-destiny-biggest-new-game-franchise/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/activision-takes-victory-lap-destiny-biggest-new-game-franchise/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/activision-takes-victory-lap-destiny-biggest-new-game-franchise/#comments Let us be colloquial: Activision makin' mad bank, yo. Like, all the cheddar. The publisher took a victory lap this morning, reiterating the top placement of Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare during yesterday's NPD, the success of Skylanders among children and making a pertinent addendum to Destiny's sales in 2014.

Last night, US retail tracking group NPD released its year-end data, with Destiny ranked third behind Call of Duty and Madden NFL 15. Activision noted this morning that Destiny was in second place "among all titles in the U.S. in 2014, based on revenue." This would reflect the significant digital distribution push Destiny had, as well as the special editions and expansion bundles.

Continue reading Activision takes victory lap, Destiny biggest new game franchise launch

JoystiqActivision takes victory lap, Destiny biggest new game franchise launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jan 2015 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014ActivisionActivision-Blizzardcall-of-dutycall-of-duty-advanced-warfaredestinymicrosoftplaystationps3ps4skylandersxboxxbox-oneFri, 16 Jan 2015 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Destiny 'Crota's End' hard mode coming Jan. 21]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/destiny-crotas-end-hard-mode-coming-jan-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/destiny-crotas-end-hard-mode-coming-jan-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/destiny-crotas-end-hard-mode-coming-jan-21/#comments Next week, 'Crota's End' will get its revenge for all of the cheesy tactics used by Destiny players (maybe us included, maybe not. What's it to you?).

Bungie is unlocking hard mode for the latest raid on January 21, the developer revealed in an update today. In Crota's End hard mode, both Crota and standard enemies will be far more challenging. Thankfully, though, the mode features swanky new loot.

Those stamping out Crota in the mode will have a chance to earn powerful new primary weapons (see them after the break!), an exclusive color palette and a devious-looking ship known as "The Bane of the Dark Gods" (It's the ominous looking ship, above).

"If you've experienced Hard Mode in Vault of Glass, you have some clues for how we can scale up a Raid," Bungie says in the weekly update. "Prepare to take better care of your teammates. You'll have fewer options for healing yourself, and each other."

Croat's End hard mode is set to launch in Destiny at 1pm Eastern on January 21.

Continue reading Destiny 'Crota's End' hard mode coming Jan. 21

JoystiqDestiny 'Crota's End' hard mode coming Jan. 21 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Jan 2015 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionBungieCrotas-EndDestinymicrosoftplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneThu, 15 Jan 2015 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[2015 DICE Award nominations led by Shadow of Mordor]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/2015-dice-award-nominations-led-by-shadow-of-mordor/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/2015-dice-award-nominations-led-by-shadow-of-mordor/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/2015-dice-award-nominations-led-by-shadow-of-mordor/#comments The Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences announced the nominees for this year's DICE Awards, recognizing a total of 56 games. Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor received nine nominations, including the Game of the Year award. The other Game of the Year nominees are Destiny, Dragon Age: Inquisition, Far Cry 4 and Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft.

Far Cry 4 received seven nominations, one being for Action Game of the Year. Destiny and Hearthstone each had six nominations, whereas Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare and Monument Valley received five apiece. The 18th Annual DICE Awards ceremony will be held at the The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas following the 2015 DICE Summit, which runs from February 3 through February 5. The event will be livestreamed on DICE's Twitch channel, starting at 10:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. PT). Head past the break for a partial list of nominees; the full list can be found on AIAS' website.

Continue reading 2015 DICE Award nominations led by Shadow of Mordor

Joystiq2015 DICE Award nominations led by Shadow of Mordor originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jan 2015 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2015-dice-awardsacademy-of-interactive-arts-and-sciencesaiasdestinyDICEdice-2015dice-awardsdice-awards-2015dragon-age-inquisitionfar-cry-4hearthstonemiddle-earth-shadow-of-mordorMonolith-ProductionsWarner-Bros-Interactive-EntertainmentwbieWed, 14 Jan 2015 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Destiny patch repairs Crota's bum knee]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/psa-destiny-patch-repairs-crotas-bum-knee/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/psa-destiny-patch-repairs-crotas-bum-knee/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/psa-destiny-patch-repairs-crotas-bum-knee/#comments Bungie issued a new patch for Destiny today, primarily providing fixes for issues with the Crota's End raid in the game's first expansion, The Dark Below. As the developer revealed late last week, the update zapped a glitch that allowed players to easily beat the raid boss, Crota, by unplugging one teammate's network cable. The "force quit" by one player previously caused Crota to enter an irrecoverable kneeling state, according to Bungie's patch notes.

Additionally, not only does the update fix a "rare case where the Shriekers would not spawn, preventing players from reaching the Deathsinger" enemy in the expansion, but the Deathsinger now has a chance to drop rare exotic gear and materials.

The Dark Below launched in December, bringing with it a slew of story missions and three Crucible arenas. The DLC is available for $20 on its own, or as part of Destiny's $35 season pass.
[Image: Bungie]

JoystiqDestiny patch repairs Crota's bum knee originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jan 2015 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionadd-onBungiedestinydestiny-the-dark-belowdlcexpansionexploitfixmicrosoftpatchplaystationps3ps4season-passthe-dark-belowupdatexboxxbox-oneMon, 12 Jan 2015 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Next week's Destiny patch fixes Crota's End exploits]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/next-weeks-destiny-patch-fixes-crotas-end-exploits/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/next-weeks-destiny-patch-fixes-crotas-end-exploits/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/next-weeks-destiny-patch-fixes-crotas-end-exploits/#comments Bungie will deploy a Destiny patch fixing several issues within the recently introduced DLC raid mission Crota's End, addressing lingering bugs before introducing a harder difficulty mode for the level.

Notably, the patch will eliminate the "knee glitch" that allowed players to easily take out raid boss Crota by yanking a teammate's LAN cable during a specific mid-battle moment. The update will additionally tweak Crota's End treasure chest contents, add new requirements for the bridge encounter, and fix enemy-spawning bugs that currently prevent some players from fighting the Deathsinger.

Bungie's patch will begin to roll out for Destiny players on January 13.

[Image: Bungie]

JoystiqNext week's Destiny patch fixes Crota's End exploits originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Jan 2015 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiecrotas-enddestinydlcmicrosoftpatchplaystationps3ps4the-dark-belowxboxxbox-oneFri, 09 Jan 2015 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: GOTY Edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/05/metareview-goty-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/05/metareview-goty-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/05/metareview-goty-edition/#comments
Over the weekend the Joystiq hive mind concluded its annual hive dance and deemed Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor the top dawg of 2014. Monolith's action-RPG may have hacked and slashed its way to the top of our list, but a glance at The Rest of the Internet makes one thing clear: When it comes to 2014's GOTY awards, there isn't One Game to rule them all.

With that in mind, we've taken the Metareview format we use to collate other outlets' reviews and given it a GOTY paint job. As ever, it's just a sampling of all the publications out there and plenty of places have yet to dole out their awards. Nonetheless, here's a wee look at the best games of 2014 according to everyone else.

Continue reading Metareview: GOTY Edition

JoystiqMetareview: GOTY Edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Jan 2015 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bayonetta-2best-of-2014destinydragon-age-inquisitionhearthstonehearthstone-heroes-of-warcraftiosipadmario-kart-8metareviewmicrosoftmiddle-earth-shadow-of-mordormobilenintendopcplaystationps3ps4wii-uxboxxbox-oneMon, 05 Jan 2015 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Xav's picks of 2014]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/05/best-of-the-rest-xavs-picks-of-2014/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/05/best-of-the-rest-xavs-picks-of-2014/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/05/best-of-the-rest-xavs-picks-of-2014/#comments
ATTENTION: The year 2014 has concluded its temporal self-destruct sequence. If you are among the escapees, please join us in salvaging and preserving the best games from the irradiated chrono-debris.

Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes

Set aside your cries of it being a glorified demo; you'll get no support from me. I poured dozens of hours into Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes, exploring every facet, achieving S ranks throughout (some of which you can watch on my YouTube channel) and doing it again and again to test and examine its reaction to my exploration and exploitation.

Ground Zeroes is a marvel of technology and, yes, it's a great tease of what Kojima Productions has in store with The Phantom Pain. Truthfully, I'm a series fanatic and - as last year's mention of Splinter Cell: Blacklist will attest - a lover of all things stealthy, so it may come as no great shock that I ended up adoring Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes. But I can identify when something doesn't work and I truly believed Ground Zeroes accomplished its task beautifully. I loved the game for what it offered and ultimately delivered on: a taste of what's to come, powered by technology befitting of a main course. I think we all got a little mad about it because we can't wait for more.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Xav's picks of 2014

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Xav's picks of 2014 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Jan 2015 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-of-the-rest-2014dark-souls-2destinyelite-dangerousinfamous-second-sonjoystiq-best-of-2014metal-gear-solid-5-ground-zeroesmicrosoftoff-the-gridpcplaystationps3ps4recommendedtitanfallxboxxbox-oneMon, 05 Jan 2015 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Alexander's picks of 2014]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/05/best-of-the-rest-alexanders-picks-of-2014/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/05/best-of-the-rest-alexanders-picks-of-2014/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/05/best-of-the-rest-alexanders-picks-of-2014/#commentsATTENTION: The year 2014 has concluded its temporal self-destruct sequence. If you are among the escapees, please join us in salvaging and preserving the best games from the irradiated chrono-debris.

Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft

If you'd told me a year ago that I'd spend a majority of my 2014 with a collectible card game, I'd have politely smiled and nodded, blind to how deeply Hearthstone would get its hooks in me. Blizzard once again proved itself to be the master of evolving a genre for the masses, creating a card game that is distinctly a video game and pulling in 20 million players.

Hearthstone was the perfect distraction from my coursework, allowing for 15-minute breaks. Its daily quests passively pushed me to develop a well-rounded appreciation for the game. I took the time to check out Hearthstone forums and researched different decks as I collected more cards. I soaked in the HearthPwn.

The additional cards added through the Curse of Naxxramas single-player adventure and the Gnomes vs. Goblins expansion have kept the game fresh. Hearthstone is a mathematical crunchfest at the tournament level and, much like poker, I can appreciate it, even knowing I will never be part of that world. Hearthstone and I have a casual understanding and I don't see us concluding our daily dalliance any time soon.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Alexander's picks of 2014

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Alexander's picks of 2014 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Jan 2015 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-of-the-rest-2014destinydungeon-of-the-endlesshearthstone-heroes-of-warcraftjoystiq-best-of-2014microsoftpcplaystationps3ps4recommendedtitanfalltowerfall-ascensionxboxxbox-oneMon, 05 Jan 2015 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[You can still browse New Years deals on the Xbox Marketplace]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/03/you-can-still-browse-new-years-deals-on-the-xbox-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/03/you-can-still-browse-new-years-deals-on-the-xbox-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/03/you-can-still-browse-new-years-deals-on-the-xbox-marketplace/#comments
New year, same simple pleasures - Shockingly, it turns out that saving money in 2015 is just as fun as it was in 2014! In recognition of this truth, Xbox Marketplace's existing, week-long New Years deals have been extended until January 6, providing a range of savings across the Xbox One and Xbox 360 libraries. We've noticed discrepancies when checking for sale prices between console and browser-based store views however, so keep that in mind as you explore.

The sale's highlights include $44.99 price tags for Destiny and Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare on both platforms, Alien Isolation for $29.99 on Xbox One ($33.49 on Xbox 360), Diablo 3: Ultimate Evil Edition for $39.99 and Forza Horizon 2's Day One Deluxe Edition for $67.99. The Telltale Games Collection for Xbox One is also 50 percent off ($55), though despite Major Nelson's related post listing it as a general offer, that price is only available to Xbox Live Gold members.

If none of the above strike your interest, perhaps you'll find something by browsing the sale in its entirety. You do own The Orange Box and Red Dead Redemption by now though, don't you?
[Image: Activision, Telltale Games, Sega]

JoystiqYou can still browse New Years deals on the Xbox Marketplace originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Jan 2015 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alien-isolationcall-of-duty-advanced-warfaredestinyforza-horizon-2major-nelsonmicrosoftthe-telltale-games-collectionxboxxbox-marketplacexbox-oneSat, 03 Jan 2015 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Richard's picks of 2014]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/02/best-of-the-rest-richards-picks-of-2014/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/02/best-of-the-rest-richards-picks-of-2014/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/02/best-of-the-rest-richards-picks-of-2014/#commentsATTENTION: The year 2014 has concluded its temporal self-destruct sequence. If you are among the escapees, please join us in salvaging and preserving the best games from the irradiated chrono-debris.

The Vanishing of Ethan Carter

The best thing about The Vanishing of Ethan Carter might be that it tells its story in a way that only a video game can. Other games aspire to emulate other forms of media, to be more like movies or books. Ethan Carter, on the other hand, embraces the interactivity of the medium in a wonderful way, with an awareness of a video game's ability to let you live through a moment, rather than just witnessing it.

At first, Ethan Carter feels like a typical paranormal mystery, and its investigation mechanics are cleverly implemented, asking you to put the events of the past in the correct order to reveal the truth behind a series of murders. The mystery elements turn out to be just a small part of The Vanishing of Ethan Carter, though, and you soon find yourself pulled into some of the greatest moments of pure fantasy that I've ever seen in a video game.

I won't say another word, for fear of spoiling anything. If you appreciate a good mystery, and you believe in the transportational power of games, do yourself a favor and pick it up.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Richard's picks of 2014

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Richard's picks of 2014 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Jan 2015 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbest-of-2014best-of-the-rest-2014dark-souls-2destinyhearthstonehearthstone-heroes-of-warcraftiosipadiphonejoystiq-best-of-2014microsoftmobilepcpersona-qpersona-q-shadow-of-the-labyrinthrecommendedtales-from-the-borderlandsthe-vanishing-of-ethan-carterxbox-oneFri, 02 Jan 2015 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Destiny's Xur has an extended stay in the Tower this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/28/destinys-xur-has-an-extended-stay-in-the-tower-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/28/destinys-xur-has-an-extended-stay-in-the-tower-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/28/destinys-xur-has-an-extended-stay-in-the-tower-this-week/#comments 'Twas the Friday after Christmas, and all through the Tower / not a Guardian was stirring, not even 420xXxPower.

PlayStation Network and Xbox Live outages kept many Destiny players offline this weekend, and while that may sound like inconvenience enough, Bungie's sci-fi shooter happens to feature a merchant, named Xur, who only appears on the weekend to sell high-level gear. His assortment of goods is also different each time he appears, so if you miss him the weekend that he has something you want, it can be a good, long while before you'll get another chance to barter.

Thankfully, Bungie is keeping Xur around just a little bit longer this week in an effort to give players time to browse ol' tentacle-face's otherworldly wares. In a post on the Destiny forums, Community Manager David "DeeJ" Dague announced that Xur will remain in the tower with his current inventory until Monday, 10 p.m. Pacific. Dague also wrote that the team will "keep an eye on the overall situation, and prolong the extension, as needed, for as long as is feasible."

"No problem," said Xur. "I'll stick around. / After all, no one can buy when the internet's down." / His tentacles curved into a smile of delight / "Merry Xur-mas to all, and to all a good night!"
[Image: Activision]

JoystiqDestiny's Xur has an extended stay in the Tower this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 28 Dec 2014 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbungiedestinymicrosoftplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-onexurSun, 28 Dec 2014 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The 8-bit Time Machine takes game music back to 1985]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/21/the-8-bit-time-machine-takes-game-music-back-to-1985/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/21/the-8-bit-time-machine-takes-game-music-back-to-1985/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/21/the-8-bit-time-machine-takes-game-music-back-to-1985/#comments Modern game soundtracks are nice thanks to their full orchestras and high-definition sound, and chiptune music can be a fun trip down Nostalgia Lane. While it may seem like you'd have to choose one or the other, you can have your audio-flavored cake and eat it too thanks to "The 8-bit Time Machine," a 10-track album from Italian film composer Giovanni Rotondo that seeks to give listeners 8-bit versions of modern game soundtracks, albeit with a few modern tweaks.

Featuring 8-bit interpretations of themes from the likes of Destiny, Super Mario Galaxy, Battlefield 1942, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and Watch Dogs as well as two original tracks, the album is currently gathering backers on crowdfunding site indiegogo. As of writing, the campaign has $1,033 raised of its $1,000 goal, with a $1,500 stretch goal to add four tracks.

Rotondo is planning to release the album via iTunes, Google Play, Amazon mp3, Pandora and Spotify in January 2015.
[Image: Giovanni Rotondo]

JoystiqThe 8-bit Time Machine takes game music back to 1985 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 21 Dec 2014 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8-bitangry-birdsbattlefield-1942braiddestinygiovanni-rotondomusicportalsuper-mario-galaxythe-legend-of-zeldathe-legend-of-zelda-wind-wakerthe-time-machinewatch-dogsSun, 21 Dec 2014 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Destiny hot fix tweaks Crota's End raid drops]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/17/destiny-hot-fix-tweaks-crotas-end-raid-drops/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/17/destiny-hot-fix-tweaks-crotas-end-raid-drops/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/17/destiny-hot-fix-tweaks-crotas-end-raid-drops/#comments If you're suffering from a lack of level-boosting loot in Destiny's raids, Bungie has the cure for what ails you. A patch issued this week tweaks gear drop rates within The Dark Below's new raid mission Crota's End, ensuring that more players will receive new equipment for their efforts.

Following this week's patch, Raid gear in Crota's End now begins at level 30, putting players on an upgrade path to level 32. The Crota's End-specific helmet item additionally spawns on Normal Mode now, and Hard Mode players have a better chance of receiving it as a drop.

The fix also addresses issues regarding reputation gains, Hive shield functionality, and Pocket Infinity charging. The patch is available as a free update for all Destiny players on all available platforms.

[Image: Bungie]

JoystiqDestiny hot fix tweaks Crota's End raid drops originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Dec 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiedestinymicrosoftpatchplaystationps3ps4updatexboxxbox-oneWed, 17 Dec 2014 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Destiny goes dark below $30 (well, it's $29.99) on Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/16/destiny-goes-dark-below-30-well-its-29-99-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/16/destiny-goes-dark-below-30-well-its-29-99-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/16/destiny-goes-dark-below-30-well-its-29-99-on-amazon/#comments If you've been patiently holding out on Destiny, if the Dark Below expansion is prompting a relapse, or if you've always fancied a picnic in space with Bill Nighy, then head on over to Amazon. PS4 and Xbox One copies are half-price there at $29.99, but that's for today only.

Bungie's galactic shooter kicks off another round of Iron Banner today, and that's scheduled to end on December 22. While the player-vs-player event won't feature Dark Below maps this time around, Lord Saladin has exclusive level 31 gear to tempt you back to the Crucible.
[Image: Activision-Blizzard]

JoystiqDestiny goes dark below $30 (well, it's $29.99) on Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Dec 2014 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionActivision-Blizzardamazonamazon-gold-boxbungiedestinymicrosoftplaystationps4xbox-oneTue, 16 Dec 2014 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[This week's UK charts are last week's UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/15/this-weeks-uk-charts-are-last-weeks-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/15/this-weeks-uk-charts-are-last-weeks-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/15/this-weeks-uk-charts-are-last-weeks-uk-charts/#comments It's nearly the time for merriment, which means it's nearly time for the Christmas Doctor Who special. The UK gaming chart is already getting into the festive mood by re-enacting the "Blink" episode. The chart managed to keep its eyes wide open for the whole week, meaning the top five games have stayed in exactly the same position, and nobody's going to get eaten and sent back to the 1920s by sharp-toothed gargoyles. For now.

So, it's (gasp) FIFA 15 on top for the second week running, followed by Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, Grand Theft Auto 5, Far Cry 4 and Lego Batman 3. There aren't even any new releases to holler about, so the only real action comes courtesy of Destiny. Bungie's shooter planet-hopped seven places into ninth, no doubt boosted by the new Dark Below expansion.

The top ten below the break may be almost the same, but the customary (and lovably roguish) music video isn't! Don't worry, it's not at all festive; we'll save that ear-bomb for next week.

Continue reading This week's UK charts are last week's UK charts

JoystiqThis week's UK charts are last week's UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Dec 2014 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dschart-trackchart-track-weeklydestinyeaea-canadaea-sportsfifa-15microsoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3vitawii-uxboxxbox-oneMon, 15 Dec 2014 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Weekly: Final Fantasy 15, The Crew review, readers' favorite PS1 games and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/14/joystiq-weekly-final-fantasy-15-the-crew-review-readers-favo/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/14/joystiq-weekly-final-fantasy-15-the-crew-review-readers-favo/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/14/joystiq-weekly-final-fantasy-15-the-crew-review-readers-favo/#commentsWelcome to Joystiq Weekly, a "too long; didn't read" of each week's biggest stories, reviews and original content. Each category's top story is introduced with a reactionary gif, because moving pictures aren't just for The Daily Prophet.
The Final Fantasy series has had a fun couple of weeks lately, but between the PC version of Final Fantasy 7 coming to the PS4 and Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster's incoming port, most of its news is focused on the past. Leave it to the spring release of Final Fantasy Type-0 HD, a take on an old PSP game, to bring things into the present - those that grab a copy from Type-0's first run will get an exclusive demo of Final Fantasy 15.

So, Final Fantasy fans: Is it going to work? Are you going for Type-0 HD solely because of the demo, or do you kind of want to play the game anyway? Don't worry if it's the former - plenty of people only bought Crackdown to get into the Halo 3 beta before even realizing developer Realtime Worlds' superhero sandbox had its own merits.

Demos and ports weren't the only thing that happened this week - The internet seemingly frustrated Tekken series producer Katsuhiro Harada enough to keep a character out of the North American release, we reviewed The Crew and Never Alone, and we highlighted our readers' favorite PS1 games. Those stories and more are all waiting for you after the break!

Continue reading Joystiq Weekly: Final Fantasy 15, The Crew review, readers' favorite PS1 games and more

JoystiqJoystiq Weekly: Final Fantasy 15, The Crew review, readers' favorite PS1 games and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 Dec 2014 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amiiboborderlandscall-of-duty-advanced-warfaredestinydoomfinal-fantasy-15final-fantasy-type-0-hdfinal-fantasy-x-x2-hd-remasterlara-croft-and-the-temple-of-osirisnever-aloneps1super-smash-bros-2014tekken-7the-crewthe-witcher-3-wild-hunttheatrhythm-dragon-questxbox-oneSun, 14 Dec 2014 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Weekend deals include GOG bundles, Shadow of Mordor, Wii U bundles, 3DS XLs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/13/weekend-deals-include-gog-bundles-shadow-of-mordor-wii-u-bundl/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/13/weekend-deals-include-gog-bundles-shadow-of-mordor-wii-u-bundl/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/13/weekend-deals-include-gog-bundles-shadow-of-mordor-wii-u-bundl/#comments
Should you be looking for a few good gaming deals, this weekend holds plenty of promise. For starters, Good Old Games is finishing off its Big Winter Sale with an encore offering of every daily bundle that was featured in the two-week sale. Deals focused on The Witcher, Rayman, Prince of Persia series and others can be had, with titles ranging in support for PC, Mac and Linux platforms. Flash deals and general discounts will also be offered until the sale's conclusion later today at 2pm GMT.

If you're willing to deal with limited availability of physical goods, deals on several notable console games are also available to the swift; Among Amazon's batch of sales is Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor (Xbox One) for $27.99, Driveclub (PS4) for $34.99, Halo: The Master Chief Collection (Xbox One) for $44.99, The Last of Us: Remastered ($29.99), Forza Horizon 2 and Sunset Overdrive (Xbox One) for $39.99, and Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13 (Xbox 360, PS3) for $14.99. Xbox owners can also snatch up Destiny (Xbox 360) and Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare (Xbox One) for $30 apiece from the Microsoft store.

Lastly, leaked details concerning Target's weekly ad suggest that starting on Sunday, the retail chain will offer the 32 GB Wii U with Super Mario 3D World and Nintendo Land for $250. Shoppers should also be able to pick up a 3DS XL for $149.99.
[Image: GOG]

Continue reading Weekend deals include GOG bundles, Shadow of Mordor, Wii U bundles, 3DS XLs

JoystiqWeekend deals include GOG bundles, Shadow of Mordor, Wii U bundles, 3DS XLs originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Dec 2014 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscall-of-duty-advanced-warfaredestinydriveclubgoggood-old-gameslinuxmacmicrosoftmiddle-earth-shadow-of-mordornintendopcplaystationps4wii-uxbox-oneSat, 13 Dec 2014 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Console Madness Giveaway: Free PS4, Destiny Ghost Edition, much more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/12/console-madness-giveaway-free-ps4-destiny-ghost-edition-much/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/12/console-madness-giveaway-free-ps4-destiny-ghost-edition-much/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/12/console-madness-giveaway-free-ps4-destiny-ghost-edition-much/#comments In November, Joystiq went a little console crazy. We gave away an Xbox One Limited Edition Bundle. Then we gave away another Xbox One Limited Edition Bundle. Then we took a break to give away some sweet phones and a Witcher board game. Break's over. Now Joystiq's embarking on its biggest, craziest giveaway of the holiday season yet.

What are we giving away? First, a limited edition, white PlayStation 4 complete with a copy of Destiny. We've also got one copy of the Destiny: Ghost Edition for one lucky runner up. A third runner up will receive copies of Madden NFL 2015, NHL 2015, and The Crew for PS4. Finally, our fourth runner up will receive the great MYSTERY SWAG BOX!

Here's how to get the goods: Just use the Rafflecopter widget below between December 12 and December 19. Winners will be selected at random and contacted via email. Full rules and details after the break.
Console Madness Giveaway: Free PS4, Destiny Ghost Edition, much more

[Images: Activision]

Continue reading Console Madness Giveaway: Free PS4, Destiny Ghost Edition, much more

JoystiqConsole Madness Giveaway: Free PS4, Destiny Ghost Edition, much more originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Dec 2014 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisiondestinygiveawayplaystationps4Fri, 12 Dec 2014 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, Destiny top 2014 console sales in US]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/12/call-of-duty-advanced-warfare-destiny-top-2014-console-sales-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/12/call-of-duty-advanced-warfare-destiny-top-2014-console-sales-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/12/call-of-duty-advanced-warfare-destiny-top-2014-console-sales-i/#comments
Activision's strategy of heavy investment in a small group of franchises resulted in the company having the two top-selling console games of the year. The publisher announced this morning that Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare and Destiny were the number one and two games, respectively, to sell-through at US retail based on data from NPD through November.

"We are excited about how fans have responded to Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, Destiny and Skylanders Trap Team, and have even more great new content in store in 2015," said Activision CEO Eric Hirshberg. The Skylanders franchise was also noted as the top kids video game franchise of the year based on toys and accessory sales.

Activision Blizzard has had an exceptional year financially, having recently raised its outlook. On the other side of the corporate coin, the Blizzard half of the equation has also been doing quite well, with World of Warcraft subscriptions back over 10 million and Hearthstone's 20 million registered users.

Continue reading Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, Destiny top 2014 console sales in US

JoystiqCall of Duty: Advanced Warfare, Destiny top 2014 console sales in US originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Dec 2014 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionActivision-Blizzarddestinymicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneFri, 12 Dec 2014 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Paul McCartney, the hologram, in Destiny music video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/09/paul-mccartney-the-hologram-in-destiny-music-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/09/paul-mccartney-the-hologram-in-destiny-music-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/09/paul-mccartney-the-hologram-in-destiny-music-video/#comments

Holograms are generally reserved for dead artists and sci-fi depictions of AI, but Paul McCartney has no use for society's limited definitions of advanced technology. The music video for McCartney's Destiny song features him as a hologram, roaming the same lands as our Guardians.

JoystiqPaul McCartney, the hologram, in Destiny music video originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Dec 2014 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionBungiedestinymicrosoftmusic-videopaul-mccartneyplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneTue, 09 Dec 2014 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Streams: Finding our Destiny in the Dark Below]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/09/joystiq-streams-finding-our-destiny-in-the-dark-below/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/09/joystiq-streams-finding-our-destiny-in-the-dark-below/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/09/joystiq-streams-finding-our-destiny-in-the-dark-below/#comments

How far we have come since Dinklage first found us in the wreckage of Russia! We have rolled and re-rolled our characters, we have raided with friends and unlikely allies. We have kitted ourselves out with the tightest loot there ever was, and discovered Loot Caves that passed into legend as quickly as they were discovered. The first days of Destiny are long gone. Now it's time for the Dark Below.

Join Joystiq as seasoned players Richard Mitchell (@TheRichardM), Earnest Cavalli and Alexander Sliwinski (@Sliwinski) return to humanity's post-Space-Ball future to check out Destiny's first expansion. The action begins at 3:00PM EST on Joystiq.com/Twitch.

Joystiq.com/Twitch broadcasts every Tuesday and Thursday at 4:00PM EST like clockwork, but if you want to catch every extended, unusual, or unexpected stream, make sure to follow us on Twitch.

[Images: Acitvision]

JoystiqJoystiq Streams: Finding our Destiny in the Dark Below originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Dec 2014 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>destinyjoystiq-streamsplaystationps4Tue, 09 Dec 2014 14:56:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Destiny's first expansion The Dark Below out now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/09/psa-destinys-first-expansion-the-dark-below-out-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/09/psa-destinys-first-expansion-the-dark-below-out-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/09/psa-destinys-first-expansion-the-dark-below-out-now/#comments Destiny's first paid expansion The Dark Below is now available across the PlayStation 4, PS3, Xbox One, and Xbox 360 platforms, publisher Activision announced today.

The Dark Below introduces a collection of new story missions and quests, along with the cooperative Strike mission "The Will of Crota" and a new Raid for up to six players. Players can also expect to see Legendary loot that boosts characters to Light Level 32 and three new arenas for the game's Crucible multiplayer component.

Today's launch should re-enable Destiny access for players who were mistakenly locked out from the game over the weekend after pre-purchasing The Dark Below.

The PlayStation 4 and PS3 versions of Destiny also receive an exclusive exotic weapon and an additional Strike mission as part of today's DLC launch. The Dark Below is priced at $19.99 on all platforms, and is bundled as part of the Destiny Expansion Pass for $34.99.

[Image: Activision]

Continue reading PSA: Destiny's first expansion The Dark Below out now

JoystiqPSA: Destiny's first expansion The Dark Below out now originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Dec 2014 11:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbungiedestinydlcmicrosoftplaystationps3ps4the-dark-belowxboxxbox-oneTue, 09 Dec 2014 11:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Destiny DLC countdown locking out players on PS4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/08/report-destiny-dlc-countdown-locking-out-players-on-ps4/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/08/report-destiny-dlc-countdown-locking-out-players-on-ps4/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/08/report-destiny-dlc-countdown-locking-out-players-on-ps4/#comments The PlayStation 4 version of Bungie's online multiplayer FPS Destiny is currently unplayable for a handful of users who have purchased the upcoming expansion The Dark Below, reports from Reddit indicate.

When booting up Destiny after purchasing the content, affected users see a timer counting down to the launch of The Dark Below. The screen reportedly prevents players from starting the game or accessing existing Destiny content.

Reddit user Grit45 confirms that deleting and re-installing Destiny fixed the issue in their case. While others remain locked out of the game even after restoring their PS4 system licenses, the issue could potentially resolve itself when the countdown concludes and The Dark Below launches on December 9 at 1:00 a.m. PST.

[Image: RamiBlack]

JoystiqReport: Destiny DLC countdown locking out players on PS4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Dec 2014 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugbungiecountdowndestinydlcglitchplaystationps4the-dark-belowMon, 08 Dec 2014 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Destiny progress will carry over to sequel, Bungie says]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/08/destiny-progress-will-carry-over-to-sequel-bungie-says/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/08/destiny-progress-will-carry-over-to-sequel-bungie-says/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/08/destiny-progress-will-carry-over-to-sequel-bungie-says/#comments Player progress in Destiny will transfer to the sequel, Bungie Community Manager David Dague confirmed to IGN. Bungie has 10 years to fulfill its promises for the Destiny franchise, and it's laying out some of the groundwork now.

"It's been no secret that we have a 10-year plan for the expansion and evolution of this franchise, and it's something that we're always dreaming about," Dague said. He continued, "The idea is that the Guardian you have created is something you can bring along with you on that adventure. If you take a look at the way people have played other games for a long period of time, they've had a relationship with the same character for a very long time."

Dague didn't go into detail about development of a Destiny sequel. Destiny's first expansion, The Dark Below, launches on December 9.

JoystiqDestiny progress will carry over to sequel, Bungie says originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Dec 2014 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionBungiedestinymicrosoftplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneMon, 08 Dec 2014 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Iron Banner returns to Destiny on December 16]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/07/the-iron-banner-returns-to-destiny-on-december-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/07/the-iron-banner-returns-to-destiny-on-december-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/07/the-iron-banner-returns-to-destiny-on-december-16/#comments Raids, strikes, missions and console-exclusive content aren't the only things heralding the arrival of Destiny's first expansion, The Dark Below. Lord Saladin and The Iron Lords will return to Destiny's PvP mode, the Crucible, for another round of the Iron Banner event on December 16.

Bungie Community Manager David "DeeJ" Dague detailed the news - along with plenty of other updates, such as fixes, tweaks and clarifications about how gear will work once The Dark Below is available - as part of the Bungie Weekly Update. DeeJ wrote that while more details about "the experiments happening in the PvP labs" are still incoming, players should know now that participating in the Iron Banner event gives them a chance to earn level 31 gear (the current level cap is 30), and that participants do not need to own The Dark Below to compete.

The Iron Banner event, like much of Destiny's content, has seen several major changes throughout its lifespan. After high-level players complained about not feeling powerful enough in relation to low-level players, Bungie introduced "Iron Banner 2.0," which was received better.

Whispers of Iron Banner 3 say it features a major villain who turns out to be a red herring thrown in to distract from the fact that the plot is actually adapted from the "Extremis" storyline. Or are we thinking of some other, iron-related trilogy?
[Image: Activision]

JoystiqThe Iron Banner returns to Destiny on December 16 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 07 Dec 2014 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbungiedestinyiron-bannermicrosoftplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneSun, 07 Dec 2014 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Destiny's The Dark Below DLC is lit up in launch trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/04/destinys-the-dark-below-dlc-is-lit-up-in-launch-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/04/destinys-the-dark-below-dlc-is-lit-up-in-launch-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/04/destinys-the-dark-below-dlc-is-lit-up-in-launch-trailer/#comments The environments in Destiny's The Dark Below expansion appear to be fairly well-lit - some of them are bathed in an eerie greenish glow, but still, they're lit. Maybe it's more of a metaphor about the darkness inside of us all. Or maybe it's just a cool name for some DLC. The Dark Below launches on December 9.

Continue reading Destiny's The Dark Below DLC is lit up in launch trailer

JoystiqDestiny's The Dark Below DLC is lit up in launch trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Dec 2014 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionBungiedestinyDLCmicrosoftplaystationps3ps4the-dark-belowxboxxbox-oneThu, 04 Dec 2014 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Destiny's PlayStation-exclusive Dark Below content detailed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/02/destinys-playstation-exclusive-dark-below-content-detailed/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/02/destinys-playstation-exclusive-dark-below-content-detailed/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/02/destinys-playstation-exclusive-dark-below-content-detailed/#comments When the Dark Below expansion drops for Destiny on December 9, PlayStation 3 and 4 players will receive a launch-exclusive Strike mission and exotic weapon. Both will be PSN-only through fall 2015, at least.

The Strike is a Mars mission called The Undying Mind, set in The Black Garden. Players will face a "timeless Vex machine-beast that has survived for ages. Prepare for firefights amidst vine-laden pillars and decaying paths in an effort to destroy the ancient evil," the PlayStation Blog reads. The weapon is The 4th Horseman, a shotgun with four barrels, five shots and a "sizzlingly fast" fire rate. See an image of the quad-barreled blaster after the break.

The Dark Below launches for Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS3 and PS4 on December 9, bringing new story missions, weapons, armor, an increase of the Light level cap to 32, a competitive multiplayer map, cooperative Strike, six-player Raid, and more goodies.

Continue reading Destiny's PlayStation-exclusive Dark Below content detailed

JoystiqDestiny's PlayStation-exclusive Dark Below content detailed originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Dec 2014 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionBungiedestinyDLCplaystationps3ps4the-dark-belowTue, 02 Dec 2014 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Destiny update tunes exotic weapons to feel more 'overpowered']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/01/destiny-update-tunes-exotic-weapons-to-feel-more-overpowered/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/01/destiny-update-tunes-exotic-weapons-to-feel-more-overpowered/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/01/destiny-update-tunes-exotic-weapons-to-feel-more-overpowered/#comments Bungie updated Destiny today, changing the game's exotic weapons and introducing "additional acquisition paths for destination upgrade materials." Version 1.1 of the game re-balances the exotic gear so the weapons "look, feel and sound overpowered," and they will no longer require Ascendant Materials to upgrade. Final upgrades to exotic gear will require that players have exotic shards, obtained by dismantling other exotic gear or trading in seven Strange Coins.

The update changed a number of exotic weapons, such as boosting the magazine size and reload speed of the Thorn and the stability of Hard Light and Monte Carlo. Bungie's update blog features a full list of the changes made to the exotic weaponry, which will generally start at a higher attack value than the items previously did. The version 1.1 update also fixed a few issues such as Raid exploits and lowered frame rates for Xbox One players using party chat. Destiny's first major expansion, The Dark Below, will launch on December 9.
[Image: Activision]

JoystiqDestiny update tunes exotic weapons to feel more 'overpowered' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Dec 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbungiedestinyexoticexotic-weaponsfixmicrosoftpatchplaystationps3ps4tuningtweakupdatexboxxbox-oneMon, 01 Dec 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[All of the Lights: Many curious uses for the PS4 light bar]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/27/all-of-the-lights-many-curious-uses-for-the-ps4-light-bar/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/27/all-of-the-lights-many-curious-uses-for-the-ps4-light-bar/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/27/all-of-the-lights-many-curious-uses-for-the-ps4-light-bar/#comments Sony is no stranger to idiosyncratic hardware design. Nintendo and Sega put analog sticks on their controllers in the '90s? Sony adds on an extra stick and redefines console controllers. Touch screens are de rigueur? Sony slaps a touch surface on the front and back of PS Vita. The PlayStation 4 is a sleek piece of modern consumer tech design, but even it's got its quirks.

Case in point: the Dualshock 4 light bar. Every PS4 controller looks like KITT from Knight Rider, with a giant oblate spheroid of light pulsing on the front. Not just good for running down the battery, the light bar actually performs some unusual functions in a variety of games. Below the break is a taster's choice selection of memorable light bar uses from the PlayStation 4's first year of games. After browsing that, take our poll and discuss the light bar's career in the comments.

[Images: Sony]

Continue reading All of the Lights: Many curious uses for the PS4 light bar

JoystiqAll of the Lights: Many curious uses for the PS4 light bar originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Nov 2014 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alien-isolationdestinydualshock-4dualshock-4-light-barDualShock4grand-theft-auto-5infamous-second-sonjoystiq-discussionlight-barplaystationps4tomb-raider-2013transistorThu, 27 Nov 2014 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Destiny's Dark Below trailer runs through the goodies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/26/destinys-dark-below-trailer-runs-through-the-goodies/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/26/destinys-dark-below-trailer-runs-through-the-goodies/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/26/destinys-dark-below-trailer-runs-through-the-goodies/#comments
Destiny's upcoming expansion The Dark Below brings a boatload of new features to Bungie's multiplayer FPS, and the trailer above outlines what you can expect to see. Featured additions include new equipment, guns, environments, story missions, Crucible maps, a multiplayer Raid, and maybe even a Jacuzzi. Actually, that's probably not a Jacuzzi. Don't risk it. The Dark Below premieres on December 9.

[Video: Activision]

JoystiqDestiny's Dark Below trailer runs through the goodies originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Nov 2014 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbungiedestinydlcexpansionmicrosoftplaystationps3ps4the-dark-belowtrailerxboxxbox-oneWed, 26 Nov 2014 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New trailer for Destiny's The Dark Below glances at gameplay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/24/new-trailer-for-destinys-the-dark-below-glances-at-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/24/new-trailer-for-destinys-the-dark-below-glances-at-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/24/new-trailer-for-destinys-the-dark-below-glances-at-gameplay/#comments After Destiny's cinematic introducing the story of the game's upcoming DLC, The Dark Below, leaked, Bungie opted to issue a more explanatory video. As seen on Game Informer, the developer diary-style trailer discusses the "one way trip" nature of The Dark Below's design. The trailer also introduces Eris Morn, the merchant and primary quest-giver that failed to defeat the DLC's main villain Crota in the past.

The Dark Below will launch on December 9 and adds new gear and maps to the game, which are also shown in today's video. The DLC will cost $20, and it is also part of the Destiny's $35 season pass program. Those that buy the expansion will also receive a new Sparrow vehicle capable of performing some fancy tricks.
[Image: Activision]

JoystiqNew trailer for Destiny's The Dark Below glances at gameplay originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Nov 2014 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionadd-onBungiedestinydestiny-the-dark-belowdev-diarydeveloper-diarydlcdownloadable-contentexpansionmicrosoftplaystationps3ps4season-passthe-dark-belowtrailervideoxboxxbox-oneMon, 24 Nov 2014 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Destiny's Dark Below DLC trailer leaks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/20/destinys-dark-below-dlc-trailer-leaks/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/20/destinys-dark-below-dlc-trailer-leaks/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/20/destinys-dark-below-dlc-trailer-leaks/#comments A cinematic for Destiny's The Dark Below expansion has reportedly leaked. The video found after the break, courtesy of YouTube user Mr Jester6598, seems a lot like a standard trailer that sets up the game's upcoming DLC.

Information on future Destiny add-ons has been prone to spill across the web in the past few months; Bungie confirmed a leak of two DLC packs' mission names and descriptions in September, followed by the discovery of an entire map on Venus for the House of Wolves expansion in October.

The Dark Below will launch on December 9 for $20, and is part of the game's $35 season pass program. Aside from The Dark Below's story missions fixated on the Hive's plans to summon a pretty mean god known as Crota, the DLC adds a special Sparrow vehicle to the game that allows players to perform tricks at high speeds. Bungie will also add some free content to the game at The Dark Below's launch, such as additional gear and five additional bounty slots.

hose still on the fence about playing Bungie's latest FPS can check out the game's trial, which launched this week with the ability to transfer players' demo progress to the full version of the game, should they choose to upgrade.
[Image: Activision]

Continue reading Destiny's Dark Below DLC trailer leaks

JoystiqDestiny's Dark Below DLC trailer leaks originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Nov 2014 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionadd-onBungiecinematicdestinydestiny-the-dark-belowdlcdownloadable-contentexpansionleakleakedmicrosoftplaystationps3ps4the-dark-belowtrailervideoxboxxbox-oneThu, 20 Nov 2014 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Buy Destiny expansion, get a Sparrow that lets you do tricks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/20/buy-destiny-expansion-get-a-sparrow-that-lets-you-do-tricks/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/20/buy-destiny-expansion-get-a-sparrow-that-lets-you-do-tricks/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/20/buy-destiny-expansion-get-a-sparrow-that-lets-you-do-tricks/#comments To make the first Destiny expansion, The Dark Below, just a bit more attractive to prospective buyers, developer Bungie has decided to throw in a new Sparrow, one specifically designed for awesome stunts.

While its possible to surf on Destiny's current class of Sparrows, the new EV-30 Tumbler handles like a futuristic, floating ATV, allowing players to pull off jumping aileron rolls, flips and other stunts usually reserved for Trials Fusion. Granted, these aerial maneuvers won't help you kill any of the local moon wizards, but only half the battle is about gunplay. The other half is about looking cool in front of a robotic Peter Dinklage.

Getting your hands on a virtual Tumbler is simple: Just purchase either the Destiny Expansion Pass or Destiny Expansion 1: The Dark Below by January 15. If you've already purchased one of these items, your Tumbler will be distributed via the in-game Postmaster starting on December 9. Beyond the break you'll find footage of the EV-30 Tumbler in action.
[Image: Activision]

Continue reading Buy Destiny expansion, get a Sparrow that lets you do tricks

JoystiqBuy Destiny expansion, get a Sparrow that lets you do tricks originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Nov 2014 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbungiedestinymicrosoftplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneThu, 20 Nov 2014 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Destiny's free trial transfers your characters to the full game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/19/destinys-free-trial-transfers-your-characters-to-the-full-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/19/destinys-free-trial-transfers-your-characters-to-the-full-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/19/destinys-free-trial-transfers-your-characters-to-the-full-game/#comments A trial version of Destiny is now available for players to freely check out, Bungie revealed. Unlike Destiny's July beta program, the trial version offers players a taste of the first-person shooter as well as the ability to transfer their character's progress to the full version of the game. Players will only be able to transfer their characters between consoles of the same family, however (PS4 and PS3, Xbox One and Xbox 360).

Bungie noted that the trial takes up roughly the same amount of space on each system's internal hard drive as the full game does; 20 GB for the PS4 and Xbox One trial and 6 GB for the PS3 and Xbox 360 demo. Conveniently, Activision's servers handle the character transferring functions automatically, no action is required on the part of players. Destiny's Reforged Iron Banner event started this week and runs until Monday.
[Image: Activision]

JoystiqDestiny's free trial transfers your characters to the full game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Nov 2014 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionbungiecharacter-transfercharactersdemodestinymicrosoftplaystationps3ps4transfertrialxboxxbox-oneWed, 19 Nov 2014 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Iron, man - Destiny's 'reforged' Iron Banner 2.0 goes live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/18/iron-man-destinys-reforged-iron-banner-2-0-goes-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/18/iron-man-destinys-reforged-iron-banner-2-0-goes-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/18/iron-man-destinys-reforged-iron-banner-2-0-goes-live/#comments It's hammer-time for Destiny, now that the game's "Reforged" Iron Banner event is up and running until Monday, November 24. Hammer-time, get it? You know... forges... hammers... can't touch this? Oh, never mind.

Bungie pitched the first Iron Banner as a limited-time PVP event in which "power matters." It was designed to remove the level playing field of the regular Crucible competitive multiplayer mode. In reality, the level-enabled advantages weren't that advantageous.

This time, Bungie knowingly introduced the tweaked Iron Banner by saying, "Power. Does. Matter! (no, really)." According to the developer, players within three levels of each other will be competitive, while "players out of your league will seem like a boss."

Continue reading Iron, man - Destiny's 'reforged' Iron Banner 2.0 goes live

JoystiqIron, man - Destiny's 'reforged' Iron Banner 2.0 goes live originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-Blizzardbungiedestinyiron-bannermicrosoftplaystationps3ps4release-datexboxxbox-oneTue, 18 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Destiny picks up voice chat options in 1.0.3 update]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/17/destiny-picks-up-voice-chat-options-in-1-0-3-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/17/destiny-picks-up-voice-chat-options-in-1-0-3-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/17/destiny-picks-up-voice-chat-options-in-1-0-3-update/#comments Bungie has issued a new update for Destiny designed to prepare the shooter for its upcoming Dark Below expansion, though it also brings with it long-awaited voice chat options that should make hunting moon wizards much easier.

According to Bungie, once the 1.0.3 update is installed, players will find a new voice chat channel dedicated to communicating with their team. Players will also be able to converse with whichever random strangers they are linked with in Strikes and team-based Crucible matches. Destiny still lacks large group voice chat and there's no way to broadcast messages across an entire "zone," but these additions go a long way toward enhancing the social aspects of the otherwise lonely multiplayer game.

Not just auditory additions, the 1.0.3 update also tweaks dozens of Destiny features, introduces new rules for the second Iron Banner event and increases the frequency of public events by "10 to 15 percent." For a full rundown of everything 1.0.3 brings to the table, see the Destiny blog.
[Image: Activision]

JoystiqDestiny picks up voice chat options in 1.0.3 update originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Nov 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbungiedestinymicrosoftpatchplaystationps3ps4updatexboxxbox-oneMon, 17 Nov 2014 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Iron Banner 2.0 comes to Destiny next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/14/iron-banner-2-0-comes-to-destiny-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/14/iron-banner-2-0-comes-to-destiny-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/14/iron-banner-2-0-comes-to-destiny-next-week/#comments Just when you thought it was safe to shoot other people in the face, Bungie has announced plans to launch a second Iron Banner event within Destiny at some point next week.

Like the first event, Iron Banner 2.0 strips gear requirements from Destiny's player vs player Crucible mode. The idea here is that players will battle one another with the best weapons and equipment they can get their hands on, proving who is the greatest moon wizard hunter (or who has the most free time to dedicate to Bungie's game). If you took part in the original Iron Banner event, your Rank will carry over to the second event, where new rewards and additional ranks are available to those who prove most deadly on the virtual battlefield.

There's no launch date attached to the second Iron Banner event, though Bungie hopes to give players notice of the festivities at least 24 hours before launch. In the meantime, read up on Iron Banner 2.0 in Bungie's latest blog post.
[Image: Activision]

JoystiqIron Banner 2.0 comes to Destiny next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Nov 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondestinymicrosoftplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneFri, 14 Nov 2014 19:00:00 EST