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[Dragon Age: Inquisition gets special recognition from GLAAD]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/dragon-age-inquisition-gets-special-recognition-from-glaad/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/dragon-age-inquisition-gets-special-recognition-from-glaad/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/dragon-age-inquisition-gets-special-recognition-from-glaad/#comments GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) has given a special recognition award to Dragon Age: Inquisition. The 26th Annual GLAAD Media Awards, which has a laundry list of award categories, including comics, singled out the BioWare RPG from the video game pack.

David Gaider, lead writer for the Dragon Age series at BioWare has spoken in the past about the "hump of assumptions" involved in creating and including lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender characters in video games. Inquisition featured the first "fully gay" characters in the series. Straight and bisexual characters have been a BioWare standard for over a decade.

Bioware parent company, Electronic Arts, has also repeated received a 100 percent rating from the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index. The publisher earned the achievement again in 2015.
[Image: C. Felichidá]

JoystiqDragon Age: Inquisition gets special recognition from GLAAD originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jan 2015 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragon-age-3dragon-age-inquisitionglaadglbtmicrosoftpcplaystationps4xbox-oneMon, 26 Jan 2015 12:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age: Inquisition PC patch 3 notes, 'close' to launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/dragon-age-inquisition-patch-3-notes/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/dragon-age-inquisition-patch-3-notes/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/dragon-age-inquisition-patch-3-notes/#comments The third PC patch for Dragon Age: Inquisition is focused on fixing myriad bugs, particularly those that break the game for some players, BioWare writes in a blog post. The patch is "close" to release, Executive Producer Mark Darrah said on Twitter over the weekend.

The patch tweaks multiplayer issues, balance issues, and adds requested features such as a key binding that allows walking on PC, armor upgrade menus and a push-to-talk option in the multiplayer end-of-match summary.

"Based on feedback from our players, we tweaked the banter system to be less random in order to prevent extra-long periods of silence," BioWare writes. "We fixed quest blockers in the personal quests of Dorian and Sera as well as a spawning issue in Solas's personal quest (I won't elaborate to avoid light spoilers). [...] We continue to listen to feedback from our players, and we thank everyone for working with us to create an even better Dragon Age experience."

Information about patches on Xbox 360, PS3, Xbox One and PS4 is incoming. See the complete PC patch 3 notes direct from BioWare below.
[Image: BioWare]

Continue reading Dragon Age: Inquisition PC patch 3 notes, 'close' to launch

JoystiqDragon Age: Inquisition PC patch 3 notes, 'close' to launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Jan 2015 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWaredragon-age-3dragon-age-inquisitionEApatchpatch-notespcupdateMon, 19 Jan 2015 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age: Inquisition stats record more than 2 million flying lizards slain]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/dragon-age-inquisition-stats-record-more-than-2-million-flying/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/dragon-age-inquisition-stats-record-more-than-2-million-flying/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/dragon-age-inquisition-stats-record-more-than-2-million-flying/#comments The official Dragon Age: Inquisition Twitter account has some interesting statistics for all the Heralds of Andraste out there. According to tweets made earlier this week, more than 2.6 million dragons have been slain by players of Inquisition.

The unfortunate Ferelden Frostback was the most-killed of her species, while the Highland Ravager has been the most successful at evading death. Fifty-eight percent of all dragons were killed in the land of Orlais, so any of our readers who happen to be fire-breathing monsters, take note: this is not a land you want to be traveling to right now.

As for who's doing the slaying, the overall majority - 68 percent - of Inquisitors have been male, while 32 percent have been female. While the percentage of female heroes may seem small, it's actually a big step up from BioWare's Mass Effect series; back in 2011, the developer revealed that fewer than 15 percent of players used a female version of Commander Shepard between Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2.

But really, it doesn't matter if you're male, female, Qunari, Dwarf, etc. What matters is that we find the dragon that sounds like Sean Connery and -- oh, wrong thing? Wrong thing.
[Image: EA]

JoystiqDragon Age: Inquisition stats record more than 2 million flying lizards slain originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Jan 2015 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredragon-age-inquisitioneaelectronic-artsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneSun, 18 Jan 2015 20:30:00 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[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[Joystiq Top 10 of 2014: Dragon Age: Inquisition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/03/joystiq-top-10-of-2014-dragon-age-inquisition/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/03/joystiq-top-10-of-2014-dragon-age-inquisition/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/03/joystiq-top-10-of-2014-dragon-age-inquisition/#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.

Dragon Age: Inquisition presents a world on fire; fire formed from the spark of lovers, the friction of politics, and the heat of a dragon's breath. It is a game that gives players everything they could have wanted from another entry in the classic RPG franchise. It satisfied our appetites for combat, beautiful worlds, thought-provoking narrative, memorable characters and challenging scenarios.

And then it somehow made us hungry for more.

Continue reading Joystiq Top 10 of 2014: Dragon Age: Inquisition

JoystiqJoystiq Top 10 of 2014: Dragon Age: Inquisition originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Jan 2015 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-of-2014biowaredragon-age-3dragon-age-inquisitioneaelectronic-artsjoystiq-best-of-2014microsoftpcplaystationps3ps4recommendedxboxxbox-oneSat, 03 Jan 2015 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Origin New Year's sale: Dragon Age: Inquisition, The Sims 4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/23/origin-new-years-sale-dragon-age-inquisition-the-sims-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/23/origin-new-years-sale-dragon-age-inquisition-the-sims-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/23/origin-new-years-sale-dragon-age-inquisition-the-sims-4/#comments Though all of the calendars here at Joystiq HQ still read "2014" digital retailer Origin is already ringing in the new year with discounts of up to 75 percent off a number of EA's recent and not so recent games.

The highlights of Origin's New Year's Sale include epic roleplaying adventure Dragon Age: Inquisition at $40, virtual life hit The Sims 4 at $30 and Battlefield 4 Premium Edition - that's the military shooter plus all of its downloadable additions - at $30. If you'd prefer to rifle through EA's back catalogue, you can find the Mass Effect Trilogy at $15 and the massive Command & Conquer Ultimate Collection, which includes 17 real-time strategy games, at $10. You'll find a full list of current discounts on the sale's Origin page.

If anything there catches your eye, you should probably buy it quickly. All of the discounts included in Origin's New Year's Sale disappear on December 27, at 8AM Pacific Time.
[Image: EA]

JoystiqOrigin New Year's sale: Dragon Age: Inquisition, The Sims 4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Dec 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragon-age-3dragon-age-inquisitioneaholidaymacnew-years-saleoriginpcTue, 23 Dec 2014 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Presents: Dragon Age, Dark Souls and dominatrixes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/23/joystiq-presents-dragon-age-dark-souls-and-dominatrixes/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/23/joystiq-presents-dragon-age-dark-souls-and-dominatrixes/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/23/joystiq-presents-dragon-age-dark-souls-and-dominatrixes/#comments Anthony John Agnello (@ajohnagnello) chats with BioWare Creative Director Mike Laidlaw about Dragon Age: Inquisition. They discuss the influence that From Software's Dark Souls series had on Laidlaw when crafting the developer's latest RPG.

Listen to the MP3

Continue reading Joystiq Presents: Dragon Age, Dark Souls and dominatrixes

JoystiqJoystiq Presents: Dragon Age, Dark Souls and dominatrixes originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Dec 2014 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWaredark-soulsdark-souls-2demons-soulsdragon-age-3dragon-age-inquisitionEAElectronic-Artsjoystiq-presentsMike-LaidlawradiorecommendedstoryTue, 23 Dec 2014 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age: Inquisition add-ons expand multiplayer, go Deluxe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/16/dragon-age-inquisition-add-ons-expand-multiplayer-go-deluxe/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/16/dragon-age-inquisition-add-ons-expand-multiplayer-go-deluxe/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/16/dragon-age-inquisition-add-ons-expand-multiplayer-go-deluxe/#comments Today, Dragon Age: Inquisition gets a piece of free multiplayer content and a $10 upgrade that elevates the Standard Edition of the game to the Deluxe Edition, all across PC, PS4, PS3, Xbox One and Xbox 360. The free multiplayer expansion is titled Destruction and it adds new paths to existing destinations, BioWare writes on the Dragon Age blog:

"The conflicts raging throughout the world have upset the balance of nature. Wild creatures now roam the battlefield, introducing chaos as they attack both friend and foe."

The $10 Deluxe Upgrade "is ideal for players who purchased the Standard Edition of Dragon Age: Inquisition," mostly because it features swag already in the $70 Digital Deluxe Edition, including the Skyhold Throne, Bog Unicorn, Red Hart Halla, Flames of the Inquisition weapons, Inquisitor Armor and an armored mount.

Dragon Age: Inquisition received a day-one patch and a second patch released last week that addressed stability and multiplayer issues. BioWare says it's already working on a third patch. These are all tweaks to an already robust, enchanting and "gorgeous" game, as outlined in our five-star review.
[Image: BioWare]

JoystiqDragon Age: Inquisition add-ons expand multiplayer, go Deluxe originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Dec 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareDLCdragon-age-3dragon-age-inquisitionexpansionmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneTue, 16 Dec 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age: Inquisition stability patch out for all but Xbox One]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/09/dragon-age-inquisition-stability-patch-out-for-all-but-xbox-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/09/dragon-age-inquisition-stability-patch-out-for-all-but-xbox-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/09/dragon-age-inquisition-stability-patch-out-for-all-but-xbox-one/#comments The first post-launch patch for Dragon Age: Inquisition drops today on PS3, PS4, Xbox 360 and PC, BioWare says in its blog. The patch will hit Xbox One "as soon as possible," the post says. This is Patch 2, following Inquisition's day-one patch, and it focuses on stability. BioWare breaks down the content as follows:
  • Stability - Various crashes, freezes, audio / voice glitches, and many stability improvements.
  • Gameplay - Conversations, quests, plot states, combat, UI, camera, controls, follower / enemy AI and path finding, exploits, radar, and search.
  • Multiplayer - In addition to some of the gameplay improvements listed above, multiplayer fixes also cover areas such as animations, game mode bugs, stat reporting, and stability / crash fixes.
  • PC - Numerous control and UI fixes, fixes to some hitching, improved Mantle performance, graphical glitches.
"Beyond Patch 2 we'll continue to release patches that focus on gameplay improvements," BioWare says. "We've already lined up a number of improvements and fixes we'd like to include in Patch 3, and of course we'll continue listening to you to make sure we're addressing your concerns." The blog post continues, "Patch 2 includes the first range of fixes towards addressing the feedback we've received on the PC controls; it cleans things up so you'll see fewer problems with the current layout."

Continue reading Dragon Age: Inquisition stability patch out for all but Xbox One

JoystiqDragon Age: Inquisition stability patch out for all but Xbox One originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Dec 2014 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWaredragon-age-3dragon-age-inquisitionEAmicrosoftpatchpcplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneTue, 09 Dec 2014 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age: Inquisition cut to $45 in Amazon's Cyber Monday sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/01/dragon-age-inquisition-cut-to-45-in-amazons-cyber-monday-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/01/dragon-age-inquisition-cut-to-45-in-amazons-cyber-monday-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/01/dragon-age-inquisition-cut-to-45-in-amazons-cyber-monday-sale/#comments
Summon the advisers to the war table and plot a course for Amazon, because today's deal of the day has Dragon Age: Inquisition down to $45 on all platforms. The offer ends at midnight PT today (3AM ET tomorrow), and only applies to the extras-less Standard version.

As for why Inquisition is worth the inquiry, BioWare's RPG scored the full five stars in our review. In the words of Joystiq's Alexander Sliwinski, "This is the sequel fans were hoping for all along, and new adventurers will be eased into this next generation of Dragon Age."

Continue reading Dragon Age: Inquisition cut to $45 in Amazon's Cyber Monday sale

JoystiqDragon Age: Inquisition cut to $45 in Amazon's Cyber Monday sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonbiowareblack-fridayblack-friday-2014cyber-mondaycyber-monday-2014dragon-age-3dragon-age-inquisitionEAholidayholiday-2014kinectmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneMon, 01 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA Black Friday: Up to 75 percent off 300 games, DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/25/ea-black-friday-up-to-75-percent-off-300-games-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/25/ea-black-friday-up-to-75-percent-off-300-games-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/25/ea-black-friday-up-to-75-percent-off-300-games-dlc/#comments Like GameStop, Walmart and Microsoft, EA's digital distribution service Origin will celebrate Black Friday with big discounts on a wide number of items.

Though very recent PC games like Dragon Age: Inquisition maintain their $60 launch prices, slightly older games like The Sims 4 and FIFA 15 are available at $40. Likewise discounted is Titanfall, which can be purchased for $15. The biggest discounts are seen on EA's classic games. The normally $15 Mass Effect is now available at $3.74 while Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 and SimCity 4 are each available for $10. A full rundown of the discounts can be found on Origin.

Though Origin's Black Friday sale is available until December 1, you should keep a close eye on the event once Black Friday rolls around. EA won't commit to anything just yet, but the Origin news feed suggests that even bigger discounts will come on November 28.
[Image: EA]

JoystiqEA Black Friday: Up to 75 percent off 300 games, DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Nov 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-fridayblack-friday-2014dragon-age-3dragon-age-inquisitioneaholidaymacoriginpcTue, 25 Nov 2014 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Grand Theft Auto 5 becomes the UK's all-time bestseller]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/24/grand-theft-auto-5-becomes-the-uks-all-time-bestseller/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/24/grand-theft-auto-5-becomes-the-uks-all-time-bestseller/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/24/grand-theft-auto-5-becomes-the-uks-all-time-bestseller/#comments The new king of Britain is Grand Theft Auto 5, after it claimed the crown for the most units sold in the nation in the ever of ever. On the back of hitting PS4 and Xbox One, Rockstar's latest crime circus usurped the former rule of Call of Duty: Black Ops, according to data-bods Chart Track. While Chart Track didn't report specific sales figures, MCV claims GTA 5 was at "almost 4 million" units sold in the UK ahead of its arrival on the newest systems.

As per other re-releases, GTA 5 offers enhanced graphics on PS4 and Xbox One. In its case, however, there's also the undoubted showpiece of the new first-person camera.

"Rather than lowering the camera and shoving it in the chests of its three protagonists, GTA 5's first-person mode adds detailed animations that give the perspective a feeling more akin to simulation than a shooter," said Joystiq's Xav de Matos in our updated review.

GTA 5 isn't the only rock star in this week's UK charts, so head below the break to see how well Far Cry 4 and Dragon Age: Inquisition did, and just how badly Sonic Boom flopped. You'll also find the UK top ten and, as ever, the minimally-beloved customary music video.

Continue reading Grand Theft Auto 5 becomes the UK's all-time bestseller

JoystiqGrand Theft Auto 5 becomes the UK's all-time bestseller originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Nov 2014 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dschart-trackchart-track-weeklydragon-age-inquisitionfar-cry-4grand-theft-auto-5gta5microsoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3ps4RockStarRockstar-Gamessonic-boomukvitawii-uxboxxbox-oneMon, 24 Nov 2014 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age: Inquisition Easter egg is The Lord of the Pies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/21/dragon-age-inquisition-easter-egg-is-the-lord-of-the-pies/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/21/dragon-age-inquisition-easter-egg-is-the-lord-of-the-pies/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/21/dragon-age-inquisition-easter-egg-is-the-lord-of-the-pies/#comments A Dragon Age: Inquisition Easter egg that a BioWare artist is dubbing "The Lord of the Pies" surfaced this week, and occurs when players manage to fall through the floor of the Skyhold area of the game. Shown in a video courtesy of YouTube user LeeCsM after the break, the secret, cavernous room with creepy music discovered under Skyhold houses what LeeCsM calls a "Nug with a top hat."

BioWare designers jumped into YouTube's comments to confirm that the Easter egg was placed in the game intentionally, with artist Graham Kelly noting that he "hid it under the level" and that players "weren't meant to fall through it." Kelly added that the hidden figure is "not a bunny either," but rather The Lord of the Pies. "I may or may not have hidden some of his smaller flock around the rest of Skyhold," he wrote. While we didn't find any pie, we enjoyed our time with Dragon Age: Inquisition in our review.
[Image: EA, LeeCsM (YouTube)]

Continue reading Dragon Age: Inquisition Easter egg is The Lord of the Pies

JoystiqDragon Age: Inquisition Easter egg is The Lord of the Pies originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Nov 2014 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredragon-agedragon-age-3dragon-age-inquisitioneaEaster-eggElectronic-Artshiddenlord-of-the-piesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4secretxboxxbox-oneyoutubeFri, 21 Nov 2014 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Streams: Inquisiting together in Dragon Age: Inquisition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/18/joystiq-streams-inquisiting-together-in-dragon-age-inquisition/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/18/joystiq-streams-inquisiting-together-in-dragon-age-inquisition/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/18/joystiq-streams-inquisiting-together-in-dragon-age-inquisition/#comments

The Joystiq that inquisits together, stays together! This maxim is undeniable as a fearless band of adventurers shall prove on today's Joystiq Streams. Last week, Alexander Sliwinski (@sliwinski) gave viewers a guided tour of Dragon Age: Inquisition's first hour, but it was a lonesome affair. This week, he'll have friends with him as Susan Arendt (@susanarendt), Anthony John Agnello (@ajohnagnello), and Richard Mitchell (@TheRichardM) join him in exploring Inquisition's standalone multiplayer game.

All the Dragon Age: Inquisition glory goes down at 4:00PM EST on Joystiq.com/Twitch, just as it does every Tuesday and Thursday. If you want to catch all of our streams, like tomorrow's Super Smash Bros. for Wii U stream, make sure to follow us on Twitch.
[Images: Electronic Arts]

JoystiqJoystiq Streams: Inquisiting together in Dragon Age: Inquisition originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Nov 2014 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragon-age-3dragon-age-inquisitionjoystiq-streamsmicrosoftpcplaystationps4xbox-oneTue, 18 Nov 2014 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Holy crap, your wallet is screwed today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/18/holy-crap-a-bunch-of-games-launched-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/18/holy-crap-a-bunch-of-games-launched-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/18/holy-crap-a-bunch-of-games-launched-today/#comments November 18 is the new October 7. Last month's $300 day tamed before it began, as the launch of Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor moved up a few days while Dragon Age: Inquisition was delayed to the industry's new busy day, today. It's okay, friends, we're here to guide you through today's retail chaos.

Dragon Age: Inquisition reached Xbox One, PS4, PS3, Xbox 360 and PC today, and was received well in our five-star review of the game. Joystiq Streams took Dragon Age for a spin earlier this week, so those that want a taste of the game's first hour should watch the archived video. Meanwhile, Ubisoft dished Far Cry 4 out to current-gen, last-gen and PC players, a game deemed the "undisputed king" of open-world shooters that offers a "staggering number of adventures."

Continue reading Holy crap, your wallet is screwed today

JoystiqHoly crap, your wallet is screwed today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Nov 2014 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-SportsBioWaredragon-agedragon-age-inquisitionEAElectronic-Artsfar-cry-4grand-theft-auto-5gtagta5microsoftnew-releasesnintendonovember-18October-7out-nowpcplaystationps3ps4RockStarRockstar-GamesTake-TwoUbisoftwatch-dogswii-uwwe-2k15xboxxbox-oneTue, 18 Nov 2014 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age: Inquisition's women, and the remarkable ordinary]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/18/dragon-age-inquisitions-women-and-the-remarkable-ordinary/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/18/dragon-age-inquisitions-women-and-the-remarkable-ordinary/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/18/dragon-age-inquisitions-women-and-the-remarkable-ordinary/#comments This article is spoiler-free.

There's this scene early in Dragon Age: Inquisition when you, as the Herald of Andraste, gather your advisors around the war table and talk about what the Inquisition's next move should be. Your council is a pretty savvy lot. You've got a Seeker of the Chantry, wise in the ways of the church; a Spymaster, with eyes and ears seemingly everywhere in Thedas; an Ambassador, who understands the necessity of playing politics; and an ex-Templar, training soldiers for those times when diplomacy and manipulation aren't enough. It's not actually that important of a scene, as the war table serves as the menu for choosing side missions that earn you extra goodies like Inquisition perks and coin, so you'll see your posse take their places around the table quite frequently. What struck me, though, is that in my version of the game, four out of the five people at the table are women.

Continue reading Dragon Age: Inquisition's women, and the remarkable ordinary

JoystiqDragon Age: Inquisition's women, and the remarkable ordinary originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Nov 2014 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWaredragon-age-3dragon-age-inquisitioneamicrosoftpcplaystationps4xbox-oneTue, 18 Nov 2014 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Streams: Expect Dragon Age: Inquisition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/13/joystiq-streams-expect-dragon-age-inquisition/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/13/joystiq-streams-expect-dragon-age-inquisition/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/13/joystiq-streams-expect-dragon-age-inquisition/#comments

"Dragon Age: Inquisition is an immense fantasy epic, a sprawling adventure across the many landscapes of Thedas, unapologetically mature in its exploration of politics and brazen in its combat," says Joystiq's Alexander Sliwinski in his 5-star review of BioWare's first RPG for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. "Inquisition is also developer BioWare's redemption song. It's everything that a sequel to Dragon Age: Origins should have been, and time will slip by as players enjoy the hundred hours of escapades it delivers."

Powerful words about an RPG from a studio that hit a serious rough patch after 2009's Origins, but seeing is believing. Does Dragon Age: Inquisition really deliver all that and more as Alexander says it does? He'll take us on a guided tour of the game starting at 4:00PM EST on Joystiq.com/Twitch.

Joystiq.com/Twitch broadcasts every Tuesday and Thursday at 4:00PM EST, but sometimes we just get the itch to play. On Friday? We'll be playing the new Mario Kart 8 DLC. At what time? Follow us on Twitch to find out.
[Images: Electronic Arts]

JoystiqJoystiq Streams: Expect Dragon Age: Inquisition originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Nov 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragon-age-3dragon-age-inquisitionjoystiq-streamsmicrosoftpcplaystationps4xbox-oneThu, 13 Nov 2014 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Dragon Age: Inquisition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/11/metareview-dragon-age-inquisition/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/11/metareview-dragon-age-inquisition/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/11/metareview-dragon-age-inquisition/#comments Yeah, we know. "Nobody expects the Dragon Age: Inquisition" and all that. News Content Director Alexander Sliwinski gave the game five stars, explaining that Dragon Age: Inquisition is "BioWare's reaffirmation of what it's capable of delivering," and that players in it "aren't just exploring a new world, but helping shape it at various levels of society. Inquisition sets the bar for what a blockbuster RPG should be."

Other critics around the web were largely impressed by Dragon Age: Inquisition as well. Head past the break for a glimpse at other reviews. BioWare's latest will arrive on Xbox One, PS4, PS3, Xbox 360 and PC next Tuesday, November 18. A six-hour trial of the game will reach Xbox One's EA Access service on Thursday.

Continue reading Metareview: Dragon Age: Inquisition

JoystiqMetareview: Dragon Age: Inquisition originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Nov 2014 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWaredragon-age-3dragon-age-inquisitionEAElectronic-ArtsMetareviewmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneTue, 11 Nov 2014 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation 4 firms up with 2.02 system update, available now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/11/playstation-4-firms-up-with-2-02-system-update-available-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/11/playstation-4-firms-up-with-2-02-system-update-available-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/11/playstation-4-firms-up-with-2-02-system-update-available-now/#comments Hot on the heels of the PS4's 2.01 system update is - you guessed it - 2.02, available to download now. We've successfully nabbed and installed the firmware, but the patch notes currently offer little to report on what it's changed. According to Sony's support page, with 2.02 "system software stability during use of some features has been improved." Well, then.

2.02 is the second PS4 update within a week, so it seems likely that, like 2.01, it's designed to tackle some of the problems that arose after the major 2.00 update. 2.00 caused a variety of glitches for some users, such as the console not powering up from Rest Mode (as addressed by the 2.01 update). 2.00 has also got on badly with certain games, including the Evolve alpha and, as our review attested to, the upcoming Dragon Age: Inquisition.

Here's our Editor's Note from the review:

"The PlayStation 4 version of Dragon Age: Inquisition currently experiences severe crashing hourly, requiring consoles be unplugged and restarted. EA and Sony have told us this is due to the console's recent 2.0 firmware update. Joystiq has been informed this issue will be corrected in a day one patch. We were provided a console by Sony with an advance copy of the upcoming patch. Following that we experienced only one crash that went immediately to the dashboard. We will update this note on the game's launch day."
[Image: Sony]

JoystiqPlayStation 4 firms up with 2.02 system update, available now originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Nov 2014 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.02dragon-age-3dragon-age-inquisitionEAfirmwareplaystationps4psnsonyTue, 11 Nov 2014 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age: Inquisition review: Tipping the scales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/11/dragon-age-inquisition-review-tipping-the-scales/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/11/dragon-age-inquisition-review-tipping-the-scales/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/11/dragon-age-inquisition-review-tipping-the-scales/#commentsPC, Xbox One, PS4
Dragon Age: Inquisition is an immense fantasy epic, a sprawling adventure across the many landscapes of Thedas, unapologetically mature in its exploration of politics and brazen in its combat. Inquisition is also developer BioWare's redemption song. It's everything that a sequel to Dragon Age: Origins should have been, and time will slip by as players enjoy the hundred hours of escapades it delivers.

The end of Inquisition's spectacular first act gave me chills. The last time I can recall that feeling is when the Normandy was reintroduced in Mass Effect 2. It's the chill of being at the beginning of a grand story and anticipation for what's to come.

Inquisition is the thoughtfully conceived world of Dragon Age living up to its potential. Origins looked dated when it first launched. Dragon Age 2 lacked scope. By comparison, Inquisition's arresting Hinterlands, the first massive open area players can explore, is full of things to do and collect. There are several of these lands in the game, along with mission-based set pieces and the player's hub fortress. This is the sequel fans were hoping for all along, and new adventurers will be eased into this next generation of Dragon Age.

Continue reading Dragon Age: Inquisition review: Tipping the scales

JoystiqDragon Age: Inquisition review: Tipping the scales originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Nov 2014 03:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredragon-age-3dragon-age-inquisitioneaElectronic-Artsmicrosoftpcplaystationps4xbox-oneTue, 11 Nov 2014 03:01:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Dragon Age story bridge The Last Court now in session]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/08/psa-dragon-age-story-bridge-the-last-court-now-in-session/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/08/psa-dragon-age-story-bridge-the-last-court-now-in-session/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/08/psa-dragon-age-story-bridge-the-last-court-now-in-session/#comments
The Last Court, a text adventure bridging the narrative gap between Dragon Age 2 and the upcoming Dragon Age: Inquisition, is now available to experience for free via your web browser. If you're ready to play the role of marquis, ruling over the small state of Serault, simply head over to the Dragon Age Keep and log in with your EA Origin account.

In case you missed our previous post regarding The Last Court, the game charges you with overseeing a small fiefdom located in the country of Orlais. Major characters from the Dragon Age games will appear, and it's up to you to decide how to handle your populace and its problems. The BioWare Blog post announcing The Last Court's release states that each playthrough of the game takes an average of seven days to complete.

Better hurry then, as Dragon Age: Inquisition is due for arrival just 10 days from now, on November 18.
[Image: EA]

JoystiqPSA: Dragon Age story bridge The Last Court now in session originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 08 Nov 2014 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredragon-agedragon-age-2dragon-age-inquisitiondragon-age-keepeaelectronic-artsfailbetter-gamespcthe-last-courtSat, 08 Nov 2014 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Trial six hours of Dragon Age: Inquisition early via EA Access]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/04/trial-six-hours-of-dragon-age-inquisition-early-via-ea-access/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/04/trial-six-hours-of-dragon-age-inquisition-early-via-ea-access/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/04/trial-six-hours-of-dragon-age-inquisition-early-via-ea-access/#comments Fetch the comfy chair! Then, place it in front of your TV on November 13 to take Dragon Age: Inquisition for an in-advance spin through EA Access.

BioWare's RPG is coming to the Xbox One-exclusive service five days ahead of its November 18 release date in North America, meaning subscribers can trial the game for up to six hours. That includes the recently revealed four-player co-op, by the by.

Also, don't forget the soft cushions.

Continue reading Trial six hours of Dragon Age: Inquisition early via EA Access

JoystiqTrial six hours of Dragon Age: Inquisition early via EA Access originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Nov 2014 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bigglesBioWaredragon-age-3dragon-age-inquisitionEAea-accessmicrosoftxbox-oneTue, 04 Nov 2014 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Text adventure The Last Court ties Dragon Age 2, Inquisition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/01/text-adventure-the-last-court-ties-dragon-age-2-inquisition/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/01/text-adventure-the-last-court-ties-dragon-age-2-inquisition/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/01/text-adventure-the-last-court-ties-dragon-age-2-inquisition/#comments Failbetter Games, the studio behind Sunless Sea and a virtual cornucopia of text adventure games, has partnered with BioWare to create The Last Court: a text-based game that promotes you to ruler of Serault, a small township located within the nation of Orlais.

As the marquis, you'll need to manage threats both physical and fiscal, forging alliances and interacting with major characters from Dragon Age: Origins and Dragon Age 2. Players will be able to choose the Huntress or Scholar archetype for their character, giving themselves a boost to physical or mental stats, respectively. If you're not too keen on playing the medieval fantasy version of Parks and Recreation, here's some added incentive: The Last Court will connect the events of Dragon Age 2 to the forming of The Inquisition, the driving force behind Dragon Age: Inquisition.

Failbetter did not announce precisely when The Last Court would go live, but when it does, you'll be able to access it via the Dragon Age Keep - a website where you can sync and customize your personal saga through BioWare's universe. A first-look video is available after the break.

Continue reading Text adventure The Last Court ties Dragon Age 2, Inquisition

JoystiqText adventure The Last Court ties Dragon Age 2, Inquisition originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 Nov 2014 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredragon-agedragon-age-2dragon-age-3dragon-age-inquisitiondragon-age-originseaelectronic-artsfailbetter-gamespcthe-last-courtSat, 01 Nov 2014 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age: Inquisition pre-loading now available on Xbox One]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/29/dragon-age-inquisition-pre-loading-now-available-on-xbox-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/29/dragon-age-inquisition-pre-loading-now-available-on-xbox-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/29/dragon-age-inquisition-pre-loading-now-available-on-xbox-one/#comments The Xbox One version of BioWare's action-RPG Dragon Age: Inquisition is available for pre-ordering and pre-downloading on the Xbox One starting this week, EA and Microsoft announced.

Players who pre-purchase Inquisition on the Xbox One can download the game in full and have it primed to unlock immediately at launch. PlayStation 4 pre-order customers will automatically download the game in the days leading up to its release while the console is in standby mode, and PC pre-loading via Origin will likely be available soon.

Digital versions of Dragon Age: Inquisition will unlock when the retail edition launches on November 18.

[Image: EA]

JoystiqDragon Age: Inquisition pre-loading now available on Xbox One originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Oct 2014 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredragon-age-3dragon-age-inquisitioneaelectronic-artsmicrosoftpre-downloadpre-loadpre-orderxbox-oneWed, 29 Oct 2014 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Meet the followers backing you up in Dragon Age: Inquisition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/26/meet-the-followers-backing-you-up-in-dragon-age-inquisition/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/26/meet-the-followers-backing-you-up-in-dragon-age-inquisition/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/26/meet-the-followers-backing-you-up-in-dragon-age-inquisition/#comments

There's no Twitter in Thedas, so it's no surprise players of Dragon Age: Inquisition will have a handful of followers rather than thousands. Still, if each of the nine potential allies are as helpful and have as much personality as the three shown here, we doubt the Inquisitor will mind.
[Image: EA]

JoystiqMeet the followers backing you up in Dragon Age: Inquisition originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 26 Oct 2014 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredragon-age-3dragon-age-inquisitioneaelectronic-artsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneSun, 26 Oct 2014 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age: Inquisition 1080p on PS4, 900p on Xbox One]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/10/dragon-age-inquisition-1080p-on-ps4-900p-on-xbox-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/10/dragon-age-inquisition-1080p-on-ps4-900p-on-xbox-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/10/dragon-age-inquisition-1080p-on-ps4-900p-on-xbox-one/#comments Dragon Age: Inquisition will run at 1080p on PS4 and 900p on Xbox One, BioWare announced in a tweet. The disparity between platforms wasn't a concerted design choice, the message said.

"We maximized the current potential of each platform," the tweet said.

The capabilities of the PS4 and Xbox One have been under extra scrutiny this week, following comments from Assassin's Creed: Unity developers that "you don't gain much" from maxed-out framerate and resolution. Assassin's Creed: Unity is locked at 900p and 30fps on Xbox One and PS4. Historically, the PS4 has proven to be more consistent than the Xbox One in running games at 1080p and 60fps.

PC requirements for Dragon Age: Inquisition are also out today, with a minimum of 4GB RAM and a recommended 8GB RAM, minimum DirectX 10 and recommended DirectX 11, and a necessary 26GB hard drive space. See the full specs below. Dragon Age: Inquisition launches on November 18.

Continue reading Dragon Age: Inquisition 1080p on PS4, 900p on Xbox One

JoystiqDragon Age: Inquisition 1080p on PS4, 900p on Xbox One originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Oct 2014 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080p30fps60fps900pdragon-age-3dragon-age-inquisitionframeratemicrosoftpcpc-requirementsplaystationps4resolutionxbox-oneFri, 10 Oct 2014 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Customize your 'stache in Dragon Age: Inquisition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/01/customize-your-stache-in-dragon-age-inquisition/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/01/customize-your-stache-in-dragon-age-inquisition/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/01/customize-your-stache-in-dragon-age-inquisition/#comments

While a thick handlebar mustache, like the ones frequently seen in the above customization and crafting trailer, won't directly increase the power of your character in Dragon Age: Inquisition, it has been proven that dragons are far less likely to flash-fry a person sporting an impressive horseshoe-shaped bush of whiskers on his (or her) upper lip.
[Image: EA]

JoystiqCustomize your 'stache in Dragon Age: Inquisition originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Oct 2014 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredragon-age-3dragon-age-inquisitioneamicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneWed, 01 Oct 2014 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Weekly: Free upgrades for Destiny, Hatoful Boyfriend review, PAX Prime and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/07/joystiq-weekly-free-upgrades-for-destiny-hatoful-boyfriend-rev/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/07/joystiq-weekly-free-upgrades-for-destiny-hatoful-boyfriend-rev/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/07/joystiq-weekly-free-upgrades-for-destiny-hatoful-boyfriend-rev/#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.
PAX Prime 2014 ended on Monday, but we're still recovering. Not from the marathon of appointments or swimming through an ocean of people - we've got those parts down pat. If you've ever heard of the PAX Pox though, just know that it's ... definitely a thing. It seemed every morning of this week brought news of another staff member falling to Prime's crowdsourced super virus.

Laptops still work on death beds, of course, so we kept churning out content from Prime while we tried to remember what clear airways and normal body temperatures feel like. You can dig through our featured content after the break worry-free though - we slathered it in hand sanitizer, so you shouldn't catch anything from going near it.

There's always the rest of this week's content that wasn't staged in a biological hazard, of course. We've got good news for Destiny fans planning on upgrading hardware at a later date, release dates for The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth and Mortal Kombat X, a review of pigeon-on-human dating simulator Hatoful Boyfriend and much more after the break!

Continue reading Joystiq Weekly: Free upgrades for Destiny, Hatoful Boyfriend review, PAX Prime and more

JoystiqJoystiq Weekly: Free upgrades for Destiny, Hatoful Boyfriend review, PAX Prime and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 07 Sep 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-city-sleepsataricostume-quest-2crown-of-the-old-iron-kingdark-souls-2destinydragon-age-inquisitiongame-4gearboxgeometry-wars-3-dimensionshatoful-boyfriendheroes-of-the-stormjoystiq-weeklynever-alonepax-prime-2014peronsa-5segasuper-meat-boy-foreverthe-binding-of-isaac-rebirthupsilon-circuitwayforwardSun, 07 Sep 2014 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age: Inquisition multiplayer builds on Mass Effect 3 legacy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/04/dragon-age-inquisition-multiplayer-builds-on-mass-effect-3-lega/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/04/dragon-age-inquisition-multiplayer-builds-on-mass-effect-3-lega/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/04/dragon-age-inquisition-multiplayer-builds-on-mass-effect-3-lega/#comments I remember when BioWare and EA announced that Mass Effect 3 would feature a multiplayer mode. Multiplayer? In a Mass Effect game? It was blasphemy! It was sacrilege! It was ... pretty fun, actually.

The squad-based third-person shooter/RPG formula used throughout the previous games in the series was tweaked just enough that facing down increasingly-difficult waves of enemies became an addictive weekly event for me. And I know I'm not the only one.

Like its sci-fi predecessor, Dragon Age: Inquisition is the third game in a traditionally single-player series and, like its predecessor, it will feature a four-player co-op mode. BioWare is no doubt hoping to once again draw players into an addictive spiral of late nights and weapon pack unlocking, and based on my experience at PAX Prime this year, they stand a good chance of succeeding.

Continue reading Dragon Age: Inquisition multiplayer builds on Mass Effect 3 legacy

JoystiqDragon Age: Inquisition multiplayer builds on Mass Effect 3 legacy originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Sep 2014 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredragon-agedragon-age-3dragon-age-inquisitioneaelectronic-artsmicrosoftpax-prime-2014pcplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneThu, 04 Sep 2014 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Weekly: Amazon buys Twitch, Madden 15 review, Early Access feature and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/30/joystiq-weekly-amazon-buys-twitch-madden-15-review-early-acce/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/30/joystiq-weekly-amazon-buys-twitch-madden-15-review-early-acce/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/30/joystiq-weekly-amazon-buys-twitch-madden-15-review-early-acce/#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.

PAX Prime 2014 is already underway, but as fun as joining a swarm of people buzzing around video game displays can be, you don't even have to leave the house to get this weekend's highlights. Well, unless your house is a black hole for Internet and phone reception ...

The point is, Joystiq is on the front lines of PAX Prime, ignoring sensible limitations to bring you a slew of news and previews. With this morning's proof that survival in numbers is a relative concept in Don't Starve Together and a reminder that thinking every MOBA is interchangeable is a mistake when it comes to Gigantic, the good stuff is already underway. There's always yesterday's reveal of Xbox One and PS4 versions of Saints Row 4 too, as well as a new, standalone expansion called Saints Row: Gat out of Hell.

Stick with us until PAX Prime's conclusion on Monday, September 1, and in return we'll tell you all about the show's highlights without subjecting you to the dreaded PAX Pox. For now though, we've got a full recap of this week's news, reviews and features. Amazon's surprise acquisition of Twitch, Nintendo's new 3DS models, reviews of Madden NFL 15 and The Walking Dead's season finale, an examination of what makes Early Access such a valuable space to developers ... it's all arranged neat and orderly-like for you after the break!

Continue reading Joystiq Weekly: Amazon buys Twitch, Madden 15 review, Early Access feature and more

JoystiqJoystiq Weekly: Amazon buys Twitch, Madden 15 review, Early Access feature and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 30 Aug 2014 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3ds3ds-xla-city-sleepsamazonassassins-creed-unitydestinydragon-age-inquisitionearly-accessescape-dead-islandinfamous-first-lightjoystiq-weeklymadden-nfl-15new-3dspokken-tournamentSuper-Smash-Brosthe-walking-deadtwitchSat, 30 Aug 2014 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age: Inquisition 4-player co-op revealed, separate to campaign]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/27/dragon-age-inquisition-4-player-co-op-revealed-separate-to-cam/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/27/dragon-age-inquisition-4-player-co-op-revealed-separate-to-cam/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/27/dragon-age-inquisition-4-player-co-op-revealed-separate-to-cam/#comments BioWare revealed the third Dragon Age game mirrors the third Mass Effect by introducing four-player online multiplayer on top of the single-player experience. An IGN preview reveals the co-op in Dragon Age: Inquisition runs separate to the main RPG campaign, with players ditching their Inquisitor robes to team up in randomly generated mini-dungeons that take around 20 to 30 minutes to complete in total.

There'll be three multiplayer campaigns at launch, each generating a level made up from 5 of 10 smaller, pre-designed areas. Players will see different areas in different orders, with variables like the types of enemy encounter changing across different sessions. Also, rather than playing as the Inquisitor, you and your buddies are lackeys for the main hero. As Bioware's Mike Laidlaw told IGN, the studio's attempted to infuse the mulitplayer heroes with personality: "They're kind of like mini followers, and they banter among themselves."

Update: Check out the reveal trailer below the break.

Continue reading Dragon Age: Inquisition 4-player co-op revealed, separate to campaign

JoystiqDragon Age: Inquisition 4-player co-op revealed, separate to campaign originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Aug 2014 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareco-opdragon-age-3dragon-age-inquisitionmicrosoftmultiplayerpcplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneWed, 27 Aug 2014 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Expect the Keep in future Dragon Ages, maybe other BioWare games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/13/expect-the-keep-in-future-dragon-ages-maybe-other-bioware-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/13/expect-the-keep-in-future-dragon-ages-maybe-other-bioware-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/13/expect-the-keep-in-future-dragon-ages-maybe-other-bioware-games/#comments As introduced this time last year, Dragon Age Keep lets you carry over story choices from previous games in the fantasy RPG series. Rather than importing a save game file, Keep asks players to select the choices they made. We imagine it's something along the lines of "Did you choose to get busy with Morrigan, yes or no?" and so on.

It's a tool that cleverly solves the issue of moving from Dragon Age 2 on one platform like Xbox 360 to Dragon Age: Inquisition on another like PS4. With the tons of choices players can select in Keep, it sounds like a whole lot of work for designers.

Despite that, Dragon Age: Inquisition producer Cameron Lee told Joystiq he's sure the Keep system will feature in future games in the series - not that any have been announced yet - and he also thinks it'll come to other BioWare games.

Continue reading Expect the Keep in future Dragon Ages, maybe other BioWare games

JoystiqExpect the Keep in future Dragon Ages, maybe other BioWare games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Aug 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredragon-age-3dragon-age-inquisitionEAgamescom-2014microsoftpcplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneWed, 13 Aug 2014 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[What you'll be doing in your 150 hours of Dragon Age: Inquisition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/13/what-youll-be-doing-in-your-150-hours-of-dragon-age-inquisitio/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/13/what-youll-be-doing-in-your-150-hours-of-dragon-age-inquisitio/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/13/what-youll-be-doing-in-your-150-hours-of-dragon-age-inquisitio/#comments At EA's Gamescom's press conference, BioWare's Aaryn Flynn said that in testing, a recent completionist playthrough of Dragon Age: Inquisition clocked in at 150 hours. That's a mighty big number, even for a Western role-playing game, so we checked in with producer Cameron Lee to see just what would be taking up all that time.

Continue reading What you'll be doing in your 150 hours of Dragon Age: Inquisition

JoystiqWhat you'll be doing in your 150 hours of Dragon Age: Inquisition originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Aug 2014 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredragon-age-3dragon-age-inquisitionEAgamescom-2014microsoftpcplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneWed, 13 Aug 2014 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Discussion: How much would you pay for EA Access?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/01/joystiq-discussion-how-much-would-you-pay-for-ea-access/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/01/joystiq-discussion-how-much-would-you-pay-for-ea-access/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/01/joystiq-discussion-how-much-would-you-pay-for-ea-access/#comments From aggressive downloadable content campaigns to Online Passes, EA has never shied away from trying new ways to make cash with games. Following the success of programs like PlayStation Plus and Xbox Live Games With Gold, EA is embracing the subscription gaming model with EA Access on Xbox One.

For $30 per year or $5 a month, Xbox One owners can access a buffet of full games like EA Sports UFC and Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare gratis. EA also says it has "no plans" to remove games from the service, so provided you maintain your subscription, the games will stay in your library just like they do on PS Plus.

Even when paying for Xbox Live Gold on top of EA Access, there's readily apparent value. Intrepid Redditor Hidesquadron1 broke down the value of paying for a year of XBL Gold and EA Access and his math found that the annual $90 cost of both equated to roughly $672 in goods and services. Many players, however, may not value the things offered by these packages. Collectors and archivists, for example, may not want to pay to maintain access to Dragon Age: Inquisition forever even if they may want to sample other titles. For that player, the perceived cost of EA Access is more than just an annual fee.

The question then: How much would you pay for EA Access? Is it a bargain? Would you pay more? Or do you not want to pay anything for this type of subscription? Take the poll and discuss in the comments.

[Images: Electronic Arts/Moby Games]

JoystiqJoystiq Discussion: How much would you pay for EA Access? originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Aug 2014 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragon-age-inquisitionEAea-accessElectronic-Artsjoystiq-discussionmicrosoftxbox-oneFri, 01 Aug 2014 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age: Inquisition combat trailer burninates the countryside]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/30/dragon-age-inquisition-combat-trailer-burninates-the-countrysid/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/30/dragon-age-inquisition-combat-trailer-burninates-the-countrysid/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/30/dragon-age-inquisition-combat-trailer-burninates-the-countrysid/#comments
A new trailer for Dragon Age: Inquisition doesn't offer new info on the game's combat, but it's encouraging to see BioWare focus on the level of strategy offered by its real-time-with-pausing system. To see more combat in action, watch our new video preview which comes with even more dragon - that's really what it's all about, right? No?

As you probably already know, BioWare's upcoming RPG is now due on PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS3 and PC on November 18. What you may not know is there's also a delay to Dragon Age Keep, the tool that will let you set up story choices from previous Dragon Ages to carry over in Inquisition. As explained on the BioWare blog, the delay is in keeping with the one for Inquisition, and it'll result in an extended beta program that'll drag on for testers.
[Image: EA]

JoystiqDragon Age: Inquisition combat trailer burninates the countryside originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jul 2014 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredragon-age-3dragon-age-inquisitiondragon-age-keepEAmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneWed, 30 Jul 2014 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Weekly: Battlefield delay, Dark Souls 2 DLC review, Dragon Age preview and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/26/joystiq-weekly-battlefield-delay-dark-souls-2-dlc-review-drag/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/26/joystiq-weekly-battlefield-delay-dark-souls-2-dlc-review-drag/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/26/joystiq-weekly-battlefield-delay-dark-souls-2-dlc-review-drag/#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 week hosted a smattering of high-profile release date changes. You thought you'd be playing Dragon Age: Inquisition in October? Nope! Figured you'd prowl through Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor on that same day? Wrooong. What about upholding the law in Battlefield: Hardline sometime in October? Sorry, criminals will go unchecked until next year.

We suppose we'll persevere through the frightening uncertainty that is this dose of video game release dates, but we're not sure our frail hearts can handle any more excitement in this crazy life. Actually, we're fairly certain that frailty would combust into a five-story blaze if Destiny or Super Smash Bros. slip out of 2014.

There was plenty more to this week than release-date musical chairs, though! There's details on how to get The Last Of Us: Remastered for cheap, when we can next expect Sonic Boom to break our hearts go fast, a review for Dark Souls 2's first bout of DLC, a video preview for DA: Inquisition and much more, all waiting for you after the break!

Continue reading Joystiq Weekly: Battlefield delay, Dark Souls 2 DLC review, Dragon Age preview and more

JoystiqJoystiq Weekly: Battlefield delay, Dark Souls 2 DLC review, Dragon Age preview and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 Jul 2014 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-hardlinedance-central-spotlightdark-souls-2destinydragon-age-inquisitionhalo-nightfalljoystiq-weeklymiddle-earth-shadow-of-mordorsonic-boomthe-last-of-us-remasteredthe-sims-2the-walking-deadtwitchwayward-manorwildstarSat, 26 Jul 2014 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Video preview: Nobody expects the Dragon Age: Inquisition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/25/video-preview-nobody-expects-the-dragon-age-inquisition/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/25/video-preview-nobody-expects-the-dragon-age-inquisition/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/25/video-preview-nobody-expects-the-dragon-age-inquisition/#comments
EA and BioWare's Dragon Age: Inquisition would like to go big and go home when it launches this November - which is to say it's getting ready to show off environments much larger than those seen in previous Dragon Age games, and it would very much like for you to buy it and take it home. The shelves of a store are so cold and lonely, you see.

In this Joystiq video preview, Editor-in-Chief Ludwig Kietzmann and Community Manager Anthony John Agnello explore the continent of Thedas in search of dragons and adventure, and find instead a game that teaches them the value of trying something new. Also, jumping.

Dragon Age: Inquisition begins its hunt November 18 on Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4 and PC.

JoystiqVideo preview: Nobody expects the Dragon Age: Inquisition originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Jul 2014 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredragon-agedragon-age-3dragon-age-inquisitioneaelectronic-artsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4video-previewxboxxbox-oneFri, 25 Jul 2014 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age: Inquisition delayed to November]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/22/dragon-age-inquisition-delayed-to-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/22/dragon-age-inquisition-delayed-to-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/22/dragon-age-inquisition-delayed-to-november/#comments Dragon Age: Inquisition will launch on November 18 in North America, a delay from the previous launch date of October 7, Executive Producer Mark Darrah announced today. In Europe, Inquisition will now launch on November 21.

"We appreciate the enormous support we've received from all of you to get to this point, and while this extra few weeks may not seem like a lot, I know the game you'll play will be all the better for it," Darrah says.

He continues, "I'm privileged to be a part of a team that has been working very hard to surpass every measure they've set for themselves. That has meant completing huge amounts of game content, fixing bugs both big and small, and improving the overall experience. This last bit of time is about polishing the experience we want you to see. Ensuring that our open spaces are as engaging as possible. Strengthening the emotional impact of the Hero's choices. And ensuring the experience you get is the best it can be in the platform you choose to play on."

Dragon Age: Inquisition was part of what we called "The Video Game Industry's $300 Day," a lineup of five major games slated to launch on October 7. This is the first game on that list to change release dates, and a few of our contributors totally called it.

EA also announced today the delay of Battlefield Hardline from October 21, 2014, to some time in 2015.
[Image: EA]

JoystiqDragon Age: Inquisition delayed to November originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jul 2014 16:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareDelaydragon-age-3dragon-age-inquisitionEAmicrosoftOctober-7pcplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneTue, 22 Jul 2014 16:23:00 EST<![CDATA[DA: Inquisition meets up with old friends, gives them orders in 13 minutes of gameplay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/12/da-inquisition-meets-up-with-old-friends-gives-them-orders-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/12/da-inquisition-meets-up-with-old-friends-gives-them-orders-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/12/da-inquisition-meets-up-with-old-friends-gives-them-orders-in/#comments

Dragon Age: Inquisition Creative Director Mike Laidlaw is back with more gameplay footage of BioWare's upcoming fantasy epic, and this time the eye candy is story-flavored. Mmm. While Laidlaw's last walkthrough in the lands of Thedas was focused primarily on combat - including a battle with a huge dragon - this time the Qunari Inquisitor and her crew are out to stop a traitorous mage and a small army of demons. With the help of some familiar faces, of course.

Will our brave heroes make it out alive? Can they stop the nefarious evil-doer's plot? Will Dorian reveal the secret of how he keeps his mustache so fantabulous? Find out on October 7, true believers!
[Image: EA]

JoystiqDA: Inquisition meets up with old friends, gives them orders in 13 minutes of gameplay originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Jul 2014 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredragon-age-3dragon-age-inquisitioneaelectronic-artsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneSat, 12 Jul 2014 13:30:00 EST