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[Sid Meier's 'Starships' blasts off this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/sid-meiers-starships-blast-off-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/sid-meiers-starships-blast-off-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/sid-meiers-starships-blast-off-this-year/#comments
The house Sid Meier built, Firaxis, will send out an "interstellar strategy game" for PC, Mac and iPad in early 2015. According to 2K's initial announcement, players will research new technologies and spaceship designs, pierce through the unknown reaches of the galaxy and fight in turn-based combat, all hinged on "distinctive" maps and dynamically created combat missions.

"My goal was to create an experience that focuses on starship design and combat within a universe filled with interstellar adventure, diplomacy, and exploration," says Meier.

Publisher 2K is also teasing cross-connectivity between Starships and last year's turn-based Civilization spin-off, Beyond Earth.

Continue reading Sid Meier's 'Starships' blasts off this year

JoystiqSid Meier's 'Starships' blasts off this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Jan 2015 08:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k2k-gamesfiraxisFiraxis-Gamesiosipadmacmobilepcsid-meiers-starshipsstarshipsMon, 19 Jan 2015 08:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Civilization: Beyond Earth]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/23/metareview-civilization-beyond-earth/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/23/metareview-civilization-beyond-earth/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/23/metareview-civilization-beyond-earth/#comments Joystiq's Alexander Sliwinski gave 2K's interstellar strategy game Civilization: Beyond Earth four stars in his review, alternately praising it as "a good game in the context of the Civilization franchise" while also framing it as "a cut-rate disappointment" compared to its inspiration, Alpha Centauri.

While some feel that it comes up short compared to its predecessors, Civilization: Beyond Earth still has a lot to offer for fans of the strategy genre. Here's a small sampling of what critics are saying.

Continue reading Metareview: Civilization: Beyond Earth

JoystiqMetareview: Civilization: Beyond Earth originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Oct 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamescivilization-beyond-earthfiraxisfiraxis-gamesmetareviewmetareviewspcThu, 23 Oct 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Civilization: Beyond Earth review: Buy-in Alpha Centauri]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/23/civilization-beyond-earth-review-buy-in-alpha-centauri/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/23/civilization-beyond-earth-review-buy-in-alpha-centauri/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/23/civilization-beyond-earth-review-buy-in-alpha-centauri/#comments Viewed through the idea that it's a standalone expansion to Sid Meier's Civilization 5, Sid Meier's Civilization: Beyond Earth streamlines gameplay in the long-running strategy series to enhance the pace of the historically-strapped franchise. As a spiritual successor to Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri, however, it's a cut-rate disappointment.

Beyond Earth is best described as an epilogue to the events of Civilization 5. Humanity has ruined the planet and must commit itself to starting all over again on another rock and potentially making the same mistakes. And so, various nations make conglomerate factions and shoot for another spherical mass to strategically explore, expand, exploit and exterminate (4X) one another.

Why I wish Firaxis had never mentioned Beyond Earth as a spiritual successor to Alpha Centauri is that this game doesn't look like it was given the financial resources to kick off a new franchise. It feels like it had the budget of a Civ 5 expansion, where asset creation went into making a visually interesting game world, but not its overall presentation. The characters are painfully dull and inarticulate. The tech and wonder voiceovers are all done by one person, but in many cases are attributed to faction leaders within the game (who do have their own voices). The experience doesn't feel luxe. Firaxis has been the benchmark in accessible strategy games and it's owned by triple-A publisher Take-Two Interactive, but I've seen stronger production values from independent European competitors.

Continue reading Civilization: Beyond Earth review: Buy-in Alpha Centauri

JoystiqCivilization: Beyond Earth review: Buy-in Alpha Centauri originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beyond-earthcivilizationcivilization-beyond-earthfiraxisFiraxis-GamespcThu, 23 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Civilization: Beyond Earth's intro cinematic race skywards]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/15/watch-civilization-beyond-earths-intro-cinematic-race-skywards/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/15/watch-civilization-beyond-earths-intro-cinematic-race-skywards/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/15/watch-civilization-beyond-earths-intro-cinematic-race-skywards/#comments
Alpha Centauri. Not the final frontier. This is the intro to the voyages of the starship Civ: Beyond Earth. Its October 24 mission: to explore space-based strategy. To seek out new life in a new Civlization. To boldly go where no Firaxis has gone before, except that one time.
[Image: 2K Games]

JoystiqWatch Civilization: Beyond Earth's intro cinematic race skywards originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Oct 2014 08:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-GamesfiraxisFiraxis-GameslinuxmacpcTake-Two-InteractiveWed, 15 Oct 2014 08:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Civilization: Beyond Earth before planetfall 10-minute trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/01/civilization-beyond-earth-before-planetfall-10-minute-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/01/civilization-beyond-earth-before-planetfall-10-minute-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/01/civilization-beyond-earth-before-planetfall-10-minute-trailer/#comments

Civilization: Beyond Earth is all set to begin colonizing retail and digital distribution channels on October 24. Here's a deeper look at many of the strategy game's initial features. Key tactic: Don't attack the aliens (at least, not at first)!

Continue reading Civilization: Beyond Earth before planetfall 10-minute trailer

JoystiqCivilization: Beyond Earth before planetfall 10-minute trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Oct 2014 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Gamescivilization-beyond-earthfiraxisFiraxis-GamespcWed, 01 Oct 2014 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Civilization Revolution 2 charges onto App Store, out now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/02/civilization-revolution-2-charges-onto-app-store-out-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/02/civilization-revolution-2-charges-onto-app-store-out-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/02/civilization-revolution-2-charges-onto-app-store-out-now/#comments Civlization Revolution 2 is the first game in the series "developed and available exclusively for mobile devices," and you can get it now on iOS, priced $15/£10.49. Publisher 2K Games says Android owners can expect the follow-up to siege their storefronts "soon."

Released originally for consoles back in 2008, the first Civ Rev garnered a warm reception by combining the series' core strategy with smoother, friendlier design that suited the platforms. A DS version was also released with top-down 2D visuals in contrast to the 3D look on consoles, and that was mirrored in an eventual mobile port. In the words of one Alexander Sliwinski, the iOS version "may not be all it could have been on the eyes, but it definitely pokes the organ it's supposed to properly -- your brain."

Apart from a sleeker 3D look, Civ Rev 2 introduces new units, technology, buildings and wonders to the first game's arsenal, while Winston Churchill and John F. Kennedy join the 16 returning leaders. However, according to multiple reports the mobile follow-up doesn't feature multiplayer, meaning you'll only be battling wits against AI opponents. That maybe isn't too surprising given 2K dropped multiplayer for the first game's iOS port, although it did introduce it in an update some years later.
[Image: 2K Games]

JoystiqCivilization Revolution 2 charges onto App Store, out now originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jul 2014 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-china2k-gamescivilization-revolution-2firaxisiosipadiphonemobileout-nowrelease-dateWed, 02 Jul 2014 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Civilization Revolution 2 announced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/23/civilization-revolution-2-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/23/civilization-revolution-2-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/23/civilization-revolution-2-announced/#comments Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution 2 was revealed this morning ... for iOS. Sneaky, sneaky, we know, but had we noted the platform in the headline you wouldn't have even read this far and jumped straight to the comments with rage.

Well, now that we do have your attention, the game will be playable on all relatively current iOS devices beginning July 2 (next week!). It is "coming soon" to Android devices, according to publisher 2K Games. No word yet on Windows phones, Ouyas or NGage.

Continue reading Civilization Revolution 2 announced

JoystiqCivilization Revolution 2 announced originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jun 2014 08:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>civilization-revolution-2firaxisFiraxis-GamesiosipadiphonemobileMon, 23 Jun 2014 08:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Civilization: Beyond Earth not just the new Alpha Centauri]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/12/civilization-beyond-earth-not-just-the-new-alpha-centauri/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/12/civilization-beyond-earth-not-just-the-new-alpha-centauri/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/12/civilization-beyond-earth-not-just-the-new-alpha-centauri/#comments

Sid Meier's Civilization: Beyond Earth is unabashedly the spiritual successor to Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri, which Electronic Arts retains the licensing rights for, keeping it safe deep within Yucca Mountain for never use.

We spoke with Pete Murray of Firaxis Games about how Beyond Earth will balance what Alpha Centauri fans expect with delivering a new experience for the uninitiated.

JoystiqCivilization: Beyond Earth not just the new Alpha Centauri originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jun 2014 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbeyond-earthcivilization-beyond-earthfiraxisFiraxis-Gamespete-murrayThu, 12 Jun 2014 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM: Enemy Unknown gets acquainted with Android, out now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/24/xcom-enemy-unknown-gets-acquainted-with-android-out-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/24/xcom-enemy-unknown-gets-acquainted-with-android-out-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/24/xcom-enemy-unknown-gets-acquainted-with-android-out-now/#comments XCOM: Enemy Unknown is out now on Google Play, commander. The new Android port is priced $10/£7.14, and according to a message from XCOM HQ, an advance on the Amazon Appstore is expected "soon."

Despite claiming the lives of many of our best friends - or at least a bunch of soldiers named after them - we ranked Enemy Unknown as our second-best game of 2012. The good news: Firaxis transitioned the console and PC release into a "slick, portable package" on iOS, and hopefully that'll pan out the same way on Android.
[Image: 2K Games]

JoystiqXCOM: Enemy Unknown gets acquainted with Android, out now originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Apr 2014 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K2K-Gamesamazonamazon-appstoreandroidfiraxisFiraxis-Gamesgoogle-playmobilexcom-enemy-unknownThu, 24 Apr 2014 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Civilization: Beyond Earth breaks free from history, heads to the final frontier]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/12/civilization-beyond-earth-breaks-free-from-history-heads-to-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/12/civilization-beyond-earth-breaks-free-from-history-heads-to-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/12/civilization-beyond-earth-breaks-free-from-history-heads-to-th/#comments
When I ask Firaxis lead designer why the studio decided to take the Civilization series to space with Civilization: Beyond Earth - just announced at PAX East - his answer is simple: "Why not?" Designer and programmer Anton Strenger offers a little more meat. "I think that one of the things that space allows us to do as designers, and for the artists as well, is to get free from a historical context." Civilization has always been tied to human history, but Beyond Earth allows it to branch out in a fresh new direction (even if that direction isn't completely new to Firaxis).

"We, as designers, were free to come up with really fun new gameplay systems that didn't really make sense in a more historical game, or even like a fantasy game." Specifically, Strenger mentions one of Beyond Earth's new tactical elements, the orbital layer, which allows players to launch satellites over a planet, influencing the events below. Firaxis' artists had a field day creating satellite designs, says Strenger. Producer Lena Brenk chimes in, "Yeah, that was amazing to see the artists. Usually we have historic reference that they're working from, and right now they get to invent a world, basically, an alien planet in the future."

That's not to say, however, that Firaxis is just making everything up. "It's really important to us that the player be able to draw a line of plausibility through the entire experience," says lead designer Will Miller, "we want the suspension of disbelief maintained throughout." Beyond Earth begins around 200 to 250 years in the future, he says, and science-fiction fans will recognize plausible concepts like ships that fly at sub-light speeds and cryogenic stasis. "But where you end up is quite different, so we're going to draw that line from where we are now to these sort of post-human evolutions." You won't be starting NASA from scratch, in other words, but Beyond Earth starts in a believable place: Humanity travels to a new planet. The question is how you choose to master it.

Continue reading Civilization: Beyond Earth breaks free from history, heads to the final frontier

JoystiqCivilization: Beyond Earth breaks free from history, heads to the final frontier originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Apr 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamescivilizationcivilization-beyond-earthfiraxisFiraxis-Gamesmacpax-east-2014pcrecommendrecommendedSat, 12 Apr 2014 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Civilization: Beyond Earth announced, ready to colonize this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/12/civilization-beyond-earth-announced-ready-to-colonize-this-fal/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/12/civilization-beyond-earth-announced-ready-to-colonize-this-fal/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/12/civilization-beyond-earth-announced-ready-to-colonize-this-fal/#comments Sid Meier's Civilization: Beyond Earth was just announced at developer Firaxis' panel at PAX East. It's not a sequel to Alpha Centauri (those rights are owned by EA), but 2K Games is finally giving fans the spiritual successor to the sci-fi strategy game they've been constantly nagging Firaxis about for over 10 years.

The elephant in the room has been tackled right up front at the PAX East panel happening right now. Firaxis' Will Miller, who is co-lead designer on the Beyond Earth project, said, "The heart and soul [of Alpha Centauri] lives at Firaxis. For all the fans of Alpha Centauri, this is the game we've made for you."

"The biggest systematic change for Civ 5 is that tech is a web, not a tree," said David McDonough, the other co-lead on the project. "By the end of the game you've got 70 percent of the web." He notes this leads to two cultures having radically different techs, where genetically modified aliens can fight sentient robots.

Beyond Earth will have players assembling their cultural identity and craft their colony before exploring their new world. The game will also add a quest system (something very new to the series,) for players to learn more about their new planet. We've got more details here. The game is set to land this fall.

Continue reading Civilization: Beyond Earth announced, ready to colonize this fall

JoystiqCivilization: Beyond Earth announced, ready to colonize this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Apr 2014 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-GamesCivilizationcivilization-beyond-earthfiraxisFiraxis-Gamespax-east-2014pcSat, 12 Apr 2014 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Civilization 5: The Complete Edition available now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/04/psa-civilization-5-the-complete-edition-available-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/04/psa-civilization-5-the-complete-edition-available-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/04/psa-civilization-5-the-complete-edition-available-now/#comments
2K Games launched a DLC-bundled Complete Edition of Firaxis' life-consuming strategy game Civilization 5 today, serving up a meaty collection of expansions and map packs alongside the core Civ 5 experience.

Civilization 5: The Complete Edition includes the previously released Gods & Kings and Brave New World expansion packs, along with every add-on map pack released for the game to date. Featured content includes the Explorer's Map Pack, a trio of Civilization and Scenario Pack add-ons, and several entries in the Cradle of Civilization series of playable maps.

The compilation also includes the new Conquest of the New World Deluxe Scenario, which challenges players to relive Christopher Columbus's 1492 voyage across the Atlantic. The Deluxe Scenario is available as a free upgrade to players who previously purchased the Brave New World expansion pack on Steam, and will be bundled with all Brave New World purchases going forward.
[Image: 2K Games]

Continue reading PSA: Civilization 5: The Complete Edition available now

JoystiqPSA: Civilization 5: The Complete Edition available now originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Feb 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamescivilization-5civilization-5-the-complete-editioncompilationfiraxispcTue, 04 Feb 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM: Enemy Within Review: Of MECs and Men]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/11/xcom-enemy-within-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/11/xcom-enemy-within-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/11/xcom-enemy-within-review/#commentsXCOM Enemy Within Review Firaxis has elevated XCOM: Enemy Unknown's intensity through the bulkier risk-reward strategy system in its expansion, XCOM: Enemy Within. The expansion's potency is at worst intriguing and at best traumatic. Its net effect is as captivating as its launch pad with new items, juiced-up soldiers, alien mechs, a new branching series of side quests, and 47 fresh battlegrounds ripe with opportunities for tactical excision.

Enemy Within's single-player campaign starts the same way as Enemy Unknown -- bunkered in an underground military base at the brink of the end of the world, following the escalating war with the aliens to its climax. Think of the expansion as a lateral addition to a core game and mission list that remains unchanged. It's possible to play Enemy Within almost exactly like Enemy Unknown, but Enemy Within adds an optional quest line early on: Defend the XCOM nations and XCOM itself from a transhuman threat... an organization called Exalt.

To further humanity's evolution, Exalt attempts to disrupt XCOM operations and promote the assimilation of alien technology into human biology. Thick with narrative irony, XCOM simultaneously develops two tracks of transhuman upgrades, the exact kind of alien-human integration that Exalt wants: MECs and gene mods. Each unlocks after the construction of cybernetics or genetics labs, respectively, enabling the manufacture of XCOM super soldiers to combat both Exalt and the Sectoids' breed of elite soldiers.

Continue reading XCOM: Enemy Within Review: Of MECs and Men

JoystiqXCOM: Enemy Within Review: Of MECs and Men originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Nov 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxismicrosoftpcplaystationps3Take-Twoxboxxcom-enemy-unknownMon, 11 Nov 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM Enemy Unknown and The Bureau bundled for $25 on Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/03/xcom-enemy-unknown-and-the-bureau-bundled-for-25-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/03/xcom-enemy-unknown-and-the-bureau-bundled-for-25-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/03/xcom-enemy-unknown-and-the-bureau-bundled-for-25-on-amazon/#comments Looking for an opportunity to jump in on the XCOM franchise? Amazon is currently offering the PC versions of Firaxis' turn-based strategy game XCOM: Enemy Unknown and 2K Marin's third-person shooter The Bureau: XCOM Declassified as a discounted bundle priced at $24.99. Both games are redeemable via Steam.

Downloadable versions of XCOM: Enemy Unknown and The Bureau are available individually for $9.99 and $19.99, respectively.

If you prefer the classic stylings of the XCOM games from the '90s and early 2000s, you may want to check out the $3.75 XCOM Complete Pack, which collects XCOM: Apocalypse, XCOM: Enforcer, XCOM: Interceptor, XCOM: Terror from the Deep, and the 1993 debut entry XCOM: UFO Defense.

JoystiqXCOM Enemy Unknown and The Bureau bundled for $25 on Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Oct 2013 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-marinamazonfiraxispcsteamthe-bureau-xcom-declassifiedxcom-enemy-unknownThu, 03 Oct 2013 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM: Enemy Unknown on PC with DLC for $10 through Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/09/06/xcom-enemy-unknown-on-pc-with-dlc-for-10-through-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/09/06/xcom-enemy-unknown-on-pc-with-dlc-for-10-through-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/09/06/xcom-enemy-unknown-on-pc-with-dlc-for-10-through-amazon/#commentsdeal XCOM PC plus all DLC for $10 Commander, XCOM: Enemy Unknown is currently $10 through Amazon's digital distribution network. We don't believe this is a Sectoid conspiracy, but that's a pretty good deal, especially since it includes both the Elite Soldier and Slingshot downloadable content packs.

XCOM's Enemy Within expansion, which will add new tech, enemies and maps, is currently scheduled for November 12. The expansion is priced at $30 on PC, so if you've yet to pick up XCOM, this deal would be the same as getting the Xbox 360 or PS3 "Commander Edition." That version includes a copy of Enemy Unknown, along with the Slingshot and Elite Soldier content packs for $40.

JoystiqXCOM: Enemy Unknown on PC with DLC for $10 through Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Sep 2013 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxisFiraxis-Gamespcxcom-enemy-unknownFri, 06 Sep 2013 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM: Enemy Within narrated trailer shows contents within]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/09/04/xcom-enemy-within-narrated-trailer-shows-contents-within/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/09/04/xcom-enemy-within-narrated-trailer-shows-contents-within/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/09/04/xcom-enemy-within-narrated-trailer-shows-contents-within/#comments

Commander, you shouldn't be required to wait in line, so here's the XCOM: Enemy Within gameplay demonstration from Gamescom and PAX Prime 2013 direct to your personal device. In it, Lead Designer Ananda Gupta briefs you on new weapons, abilities and enemies.

JoystiqXCOM: Enemy Within narrated trailer shows contents within originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Sep 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-GamesfiraxisFiraxis-Gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxxcom-enemy-unknownxcom-enemy-withinWed, 04 Sep 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM: Enemy Unknown finds 'Enemy Within' expansion this Nov.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/21/xcom-enemy-unknown-finds-enemy-within-expansion-november-12/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/21/xcom-enemy-unknown-finds-enemy-within-expansion-november-12/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/21/xcom-enemy-unknown-finds-enemy-within-expansion-november-12/#comments
XCOM: Enemy Unknown will seek out the "Enemy Within" when the critically acclaimed reboot receives its first major expansion on November 12. Enemy Within will be available on PC and Mac for $30, while Xbox 360 and PS3 get the $40 "Commander Edition" that includes a copy of Enemy Unknown and the Slingshot and Elite Soldier content packs.

Enemy Within takes place in the confines of Enemy Unknown, so it's the same game with more stuff. That descriptive noun includes new soldier abilities earned through alien research, such as gene mods and MECs, more commonly known as "mechs," even more commonly known as awesome mechanical exoskeletons that include flamethrowers and grenade launchers.

The expansion also adds new weapons and equipment, new enemies - like the "Mechtoid," a machine-encased Sectoid soldier, more resources, additional "tactical challenges" on maps and much more content for multiplayer.

Finally, in celebration of the international Gamescom convention going on right now, Firaxis found the perfect time to add the most important feature to XCOM: More soldier accents! The developer has reorganized the voicebank, so soldiers now have access to all their localized languages. We always did find it odd that XCOM used an international team with only perfect American accents.

Continue reading XCOM: Enemy Unknown finds 'Enemy Within' expansion this Nov.

JoystiqXCOM: Enemy Unknown finds 'Enemy Within' expansion this Nov. originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Aug 2013 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxisgamescom-2013macmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxxcom-enemy-unknownxcom-enemy-withinWed, 21 Aug 2013 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Civilization 5's brave new launch trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/28/civilization-5s-brave-new-launch-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/28/civilization-5s-brave-new-launch-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/28/civilization-5s-brave-new-launch-trailer/#comments

Sid Meier's Civilization 5 enters a "Brave New World" of trade and culture when the expansion pack launches July 9. Similar to Civilization 4's Beyond the Sword, this new expansion is meant for the culture snobs, who believe in taking over the world with a LOLCAT wave.

JoystiqCivilization 5's brave new launch trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Jun 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamescivilization-5firaxisFiraxis-GamespcFri, 28 Jun 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM: Enemy Unknown for Mac comes to Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/28/xcom-enemy-unknown-for-mac-comes-to-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/28/xcom-enemy-unknown-for-mac-comes-to-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/28/xcom-enemy-unknown-for-mac-comes-to-steam/#comments The Mac version of XCOM: Enemy Unknown is available now on Steam for $40. The news represents a curious turnaround for the Mac version's developer and general Mac specialist Feral Interactive, who told us back in May it "doesn't release games on Steam."

A month later, Feral announced the arrival of the Mac version on Steam, which it says supports cross-platform multiplayer across Windows PC and Mac. Also, if you've bought the PC version on Steam, you'll have free access to the Mac version.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown launched a full-scale invasion of our Top 10 of 2012 list, eventually notching a commendable second place behind Journey. Since then, Firaxis' extraterrestrial strategy game has hovered across to iOS, where it's currently available for $20.

JoystiqXCOM: Enemy Unknown for Mac comes to Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Jun 2013 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesferal-interactivefiraxismacrelease-datesteamxcom-enemy-unknownFri, 28 Jun 2013 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam free-play weekend: Civilization 5, Saints Row: The Third]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/07/steam-free-play-weekend-civilization-5-saints-row-the-third/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/07/steam-free-play-weekend-civilization-5-saints-row-the-third/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/07/steam-free-play-weekend-civilization-5-saints-row-the-third/#comments Civilization 5 and Saints Row: The Third are free to play on Steam, starting now and concluding on Sunday, June 9 at 1 p.m. PT. Both games are on sale for 75 percent off, bringing Saints Row: The Third to $10 and Civilization 5 to $7.50. All accompanying DLC is also on sale.

Civilization 5, which launched in 2010, is set to receive the Brave New World expansion in July, introducing new civilizations and mechanics to Firaxis' flagship series. Saints Row 4, meanwhile, is due on August 20 for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC. An elaborate special edition, which includes a dubstep gun, was announced yesterday.

JoystiqSteam free-play weekend: Civilization 5, Saints Row: The Third originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Jun 2013 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>civilization-5firaxisFiraxis-Gamesfree-play-weekendmacpcsaints-row-the-thirdsteamvalvevolitionvolition-incFri, 07 Jun 2013 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Civilization 5 sends new trailer along trade route]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/31/civilization-5-sends-new-trailer-along-trade-route/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/31/civilization-5-sends-new-trailer-along-trade-route/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/31/civilization-5-sends-new-trailer-along-trade-route/#comments

Civilization 5's Brave New World expansion is already full of features that'll make culture-based leaders happy. Here's a quick look at how the game's new trade system will work, with the return of caravans and a legit purpose to the oceans.

Continue reading Civilization 5 sends new trailer along trade route

JoystiqCivilization 5 sends new trailer along trade route originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 May 2013 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamescivilization-5firaxispcsid-meiers-civilization-5Fri, 31 May 2013 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Civilization 5: Brave New World enacts policies and ideologies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/24/civilization-5-brave-new-world-enacts-policies-and-ideologies/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/24/civilization-5-brave-new-world-enacts-policies-and-ideologies/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/24/civilization-5-brave-new-world-enacts-policies-and-ideologies/#comments
In addition to the two new civilizations announced this week for Civ 5's Brave New World expansion, Firaxis has also released a trailer with a quick overview of how the game's new policies and ideologies will be enacted as of July 9.

Continue reading Civilization 5: Brave New World enacts policies and ideologies

JoystiqCivilization 5: Brave New World enacts policies and ideologies originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 May 2013 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbrave-new-worldcivilization-5firaxispcFri, 24 May 2013 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sid Meier's Ace Patrol review: Strategy simplified]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/ace-patrol-review-sid-meier/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/ace-patrol-review-sid-meier/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/ace-patrol-review-sid-meier/#comments
There's a certain stigma attached to strategy games, where deep systems and mechanics can hoist a sky-high barrier for the uninitiated. Sid Meier's Ace Patrol sidesteps these stigmas, presenting a turn-based experience so simple that even the strategically challenged will be able to play and excel.

Designed for iOS devices, Ace Patrol is a dogfighting game set in WWI. With a series of taps, intense air combat is engaged over a battlefield of hexagonal grids. Using these taps, players execute everything from strafing to swooping dives, hard banking, the Immelman turn and other expert maneuvers.

Gallery: Sid Meier's Ace Patrol

Continue reading Sid Meier's Ace Patrol review: Strategy simplified

JoystiqSid Meier's Ace Patrol review: Strategy simplified originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxisFiraxis-Gamesiosipadiphonemobilesid-meiersid-meiers-ace-patrolMon, 13 May 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM: Enemy Unknown Mac version not on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/xcom-enemy-unknown-mac-version-not-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/xcom-enemy-unknown-mac-version-not-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/xcom-enemy-unknown-mac-version-not-on-steam/#comments Though XCOM: Enemy Unknown Elite Edition arrived on Mac on April 25, one place it didn't launch was Steam. A representative of the Mac version's developer, Feral Interactive, told Joystiq that it "does not release games on Steam."

This isn't the only game that Feral has shipped on platforms not owned by Valve, as the developer is credited with creating Mac versions of BioShock 2, Grid and both Batman: Arkham City and Arkham Asylum, among many other games. When asked about whether any games from its catalog would launch on Steam at any point, the representative said they "do not talk about future products."

Feral is offering XCOM: Enemy Unknown on the Mac App Store, among other online retailers listed on its site.

JoystiqXCOM: Enemy Unknown Mac version not on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 May 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesferal-interactivefiraxismacmac-app-storeSTEAMxcom-enemy-unknownMon, 06 May 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Firaxis' 'Haunted Hollow' available now on iOS (for real this time)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/firaxis-haunted-hollow-available-now-on-ios-for-real-this-ti/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/firaxis-haunted-hollow-available-now-on-ios-for-real-this-ti/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/firaxis-haunted-hollow-available-now-on-ios-for-real-this-ti/#comments

Firaxis Games' (XCOM: Enemy Unknown, Civilization) free-to-play mobile game Haunted Hollow is available now on the iOS App Store. As we noted last week - when the game accidentally launched the first time - Haunted Hollow takes place over a series of one-on-one, tug-of-war style matches in which players scare the local villagers.

Firaxis also has another iOS title ready to fly in with Ace Patrol, a World War I dogfighting tactics game by strategy game guru Sid Meier himself, which will be available May 9 as a free download.

JoystiqFiraxis' 'Haunted Hollow' available now on iOS (for real this time) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxishaunted-hollowiosipadiphonemobileThu, 02 May 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sid Meier's Ace Patrol lands on iOS May 9]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/sid-meiers-ace-patrol-lands-on-ios-may-9/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/sid-meiers-ace-patrol-lands-on-ios-may-9/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/sid-meiers-ace-patrol-lands-on-ios-may-9/#commentsSid Meier's Ace Patrol lands on iOS next week Sid Meier's next project is an iOS game set in World War I called Ace Patrol, a dogfighting strategy game created by Meier himself. Ace Patrol will launch on the App Store May 9 as a free download.

Ace Patrol is comprised of four campaigns - all downloads gain access to the British campaign and multiplayer side; in-app purchase is required to access the other campaigns. Of course, you can also throw some coin down on the typical tactical and cosmetic boosts, like new planes and elaborate paint jobs.

Multiplayer pits two squadrons against each other, allowing for either hot-swapping a device or asynchronous matches over Game Center.

Gallery: Ace Patrol (iOS)

Continue reading Sid Meier's Ace Patrol lands on iOS May 9

JoystiqSid Meier's Ace Patrol lands on iOS May 9 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-games2k-mobileace-patrolfiraxisFiraxis-Gamesiosipadiphonemobilesid-meiersid-meiers-ace-patrolWed, 01 May 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Civilization 5: Brave New World launches in July, XCOM units playable]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/civilization-5-brave-new-world-launches-in-july/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/civilization-5-brave-new-world-launches-in-july/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/civilization-5-brave-new-world-launches-in-july/#comments

The Civilization 5: Brave New World expansion has been given a launch date of July 9 for North America, July 12 internationally.

During today's Firaxis PAX East panel, the team also announced that the game will feature XCOM squads as late-game units. The units are paratroopers who can drop in 40 units away (delivered by Skyranger), the standard is 9. Would you expect any less from the elite squad of humanity's last hope?

Gallery: Civilization V - Brave New World

JoystiqCivilization 5: Brave New World launches in July, XCOM units playable originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Mar 2013 17:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamescivilization-5firaxisFiraxis-Gamespax-east-2013pcSat, 23 Mar 2013 17:54:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM: Enemy Unknown on Mac April 25]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/xcom-enemy-unknown-on-mac-april-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/xcom-enemy-unknown-on-mac-april-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/xcom-enemy-unknown-on-mac-april-25/#comments XCOM Enemy Unknown coming to MacXCOM: Enemy Unknown for Mac just received a release date of April 25 at PAX East.

Announced earlier this month, the Mac version is the "elite edition," which includes the Slingshot and Elite Solidier downloadable content packs, as well as the second wave update.

JoystiqXCOM: Enemy Unknown on Mac April 25 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Mar 2013 17:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>firaxisFiraxis-Gamesmacpax-site-2013xcom-enemy-unknownSat, 23 Mar 2013 17:51:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM: Enemy Unknown announced for iOS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/xcom-enemy-unknown-iOS/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/xcom-enemy-unknown-iOS/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/xcom-enemy-unknown-iOS/#comments

XCOM: Enemy Unknown was just announced for iPad and iPhone during a PAX East panel.

"It is a straight port. We have not made any gameplay exceptions," XCOM: Enemy Unknown Lead Designer Jake Solomon told us. "You play the exact same game [as on PC or consoles], it's just now fully playable on an iPhone or an iPad."

Asked about the game's pricing, Solomon wouldn't give specifics, saying, "It's going to be priced appropriately for what it is. It's going to be a premium price point. It is the game. It is the full game."

In case you're looking for a definition of "premium" on iOS, expect to be more than $1 and probably push the limits like The Walking Dead does at $15.

The game should be out by summer. We've been told it will not include the Slingshot pack downloadable content, however the Elite Soldier DLC will be included. Meanwhile, the free Second Wave update has not yet been ruled out.

JoystiqXCOM: Enemy Unknown announced for iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Mar 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxisFiraxis-Gamesiosipadiphonemobilexcom-enemy-unknownSat, 23 Mar 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Seen@PAX East: A tactical poster for your time]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/seen-pax-east-a-tactical-poster-for-your-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/seen-pax-east-a-tactical-poster-for-your-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/seen-pax-east-a-tactical-poster-for-your-time/#comments SeenPax East Hanging at the 2K booth at PAX East is an inspirational poster of marketing, featuring the characters from Firaxis' Civilization and XCOM: Enemy Unknown. If you're at the show, you can pick up the poster at the "Strategy Masterminds Mega Panel - Behind the Scenes at Firaxis Games" panel. The panel features the team of Firaxis showing off "never-before-seen footage" and teasing "big reveals" at 4:30PM.

JoystiqSeen@PAX East: A tactical poster for your time originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Mar 2013 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesCivilization-5firaxisFiraxis-Gamespax-east-2013pcxcom-enemy-unknownSat, 23 Mar 2013 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Civilization 5 enters 'Brave New World' with expansion pack this summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/civilization-5-expansion-brave-new-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/civilization-5-expansion-brave-new-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/civilization-5-expansion-brave-new-world/#comments Civilization 5 enters 'Brave New World' with expansion pack this summerHistory can't be stopped and neither can developer Firaxis' Civilization 5 expansion packs, with "Brave New World" arriving this summer for Mac and PC. This is the second "massive expansion" for the strategy game, following last year's excellent "Gods & Kings," which added religion and espionage to the mix. Brave New World's big features are trade networks and ideology.

"Right at the beginning there are trade routes," Firaxis producer Dennis Shirk told us. "Caravans go back and forth in trade routes. Barbarians can attack them spawning more barbarians. Other players can attack to disrupt trade during wartime." Players will also have a button to easily display an overlay of trade routes in the game.

Another major addition to gameplay is that when the industrial and modern eras roll around, ideology comes into play. "We just wanted to have that culture game be as engaging as the military victory," said Shirk. "Before it was just a really passive game style."

Ideology will be used to enhance the experience of the cultural victory. Per usual, there will be more wonders and scenarios. We'll learn more about this latest expansion next week at PAX East.

Gallery: Civilization V - Brave New World

Continue reading Civilization 5 enters 'Brave New World' with expansion pack this summer

JoystiqCivilization 5 enters 'Brave New World' with expansion pack this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>civilization-5firaxisFiraxis-GamesmacpcFri, 15 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM: Enemy Unknown coming to Mac]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/xcom-enemy-unknown-coming-to-mac/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/xcom-enemy-unknown-coming-to-mac/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/xcom-enemy-unknown-coming-to-mac/#comments XCOM Enemy Unknown coming to MacGood day, Commander. If you've been unable to experience XCOM: Enemy Unknown due to an allegiance for programs that run on OSX, your wait will soon be over. The award-winning turn-based strategy game is on its way to Mac in an "elite edition," which bundles all previously released downloadable content, including the Slingshot and Elite Solidier packs, along with the second wave update.

XCOM took the silver in our 2012 Game of the Year awards. We've followed up with publisher 2K Games for a narrower release window on the Mac edition.

JoystiqXCOM: Enemy Unknown coming to Mac originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Mar 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxisFiraxis-Gamesmacxcom-enemy-unknownMon, 04 Mar 2013 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Abduct XCOM: Enemy Unknown PC for $16]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/abduct-xcom-enemy-unknown-pc-for-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/abduct-xcom-enemy-unknown-pc-for-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/abduct-xcom-enemy-unknown-pc-for-16/#comments If for some reason you still haven't let XCOM: Enemy Unknown get its sharp, slimy hooks into you, Green Man Gaming has a heckuva deal on the PC version. Already discounted to $20, you can knock it all the way down to 16 bucks with the coupon code GMG20-P4DLK-FKYRS.

We suggest you use the savings on building satellites. Like, as many as possible. Always.

JoystiqAbduct XCOM: Enemy Unknown PC for $16 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Feb 2013 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxispcTake-Two-Interactivexcom-enemy-unknownWed, 20 Feb 2013 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Download XCOM for $25 from Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/download-xcom-for-25-from-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/download-xcom-for-25-from-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/download-xcom-for-25-from-amazon/#comments In turn-based strategy terms, here's how to acquire XCOM: Enemy Unknown for $25.
  • Order your browser to go to this Amazon link.
  • Spend 25 money units to purchase and download the PC version XCOM: Enemy Unknown.
  • Alien Activity
  • Play XCOM: Enemy Unknown.
  • Rejoice over substantial savings.

JoystiqDownload XCOM for $25 from Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Jan 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxispctake-two-interactivexcom-enemy-unknownFri, 25 Jan 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM: Enemy Unknown now on Xbox Games on Demand]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/xcom-enemy-unknown-now-on-xbox-games-on-demand/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/xcom-enemy-unknown-now-on-xbox-games-on-demand/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/xcom-enemy-unknown-now-on-xbox-games-on-demand/#comments Steam sale continues with great deals on FTL, XCOM, and moreXCOM: Enemy Unknown is available now from the the Xbox Marketplace's Games on Demand section. All it will cost you is a sectoid arm and a muton foot, which converts roughly to $59.99 (in the United States).

For those not stuck in underground bunkers while the planet is under attack, more cost-effective hard copy options can be delivered to your door for $10 less (or more). But how you want to go spending your hard-earned alien limbs for one of the best games of last year is your choice, Commander.

JoystiqXCOM: Enemy Unknown now on Xbox Games on Demand originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jan 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-GamesfiraxisFiraxis-Gamesgames-on-demandmicrosoftxboxxcom-enemy-unknownTue, 08 Jan 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Top 10 of 2012: XCOM: Enemy Unknown]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/joystiq-top-10-of-2012-xcom-enemy-unknown/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/joystiq-top-10-of-2012-xcom-enemy-unknown/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/joystiq-top-10-of-2012-xcom-enemy-unknown/#comments GOTY HEADER IMAGESIn the ultimate showdown of "us versus them," your decisions will determine the fate of countless soldiers, the XCOM project, Earth and, oh yeah, humanity. No pressure, Commander.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown doesn't just update and re-imagine a classic PC game for a new generation. It executes on bringing a deep strategy game to consoles without skipping a beat. Developer Firaxis is well-known for creating accessible epic-scale strategy through its Civilization series. In XCOM it applies those skills acquired over a very long career - talents that went underappreciated with Civilization: Revolution - and streamlines the strategy genre to a point where everyone can feel welcome, and aficionados of the genre can recognize the brilliance in the simplicity.

Gallery: XCOM: Enemy Unknown (10/9/12)

Continue reading Joystiq Top 10 of 2012: XCOM: Enemy Unknown

JoystiqJoystiq Top 10 of 2012: XCOM: Enemy Unknown originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jan 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesBest-of-2012firaxisGame-of-the-Year-2012GOTY-2012joystiq-best-of-2012microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxxcom-enemy-unknownThu, 03 Jan 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM patch to solve roof visibility issues, make easy mode easier]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/02/xcom-patch-to-solve-roof-visibility-issues-make-easy-mode-easie/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/02/xcom-patch-to-solve-roof-visibility-issues-make-easy-mode-easie/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/02/xcom-patch-to-solve-roof-visibility-issues-make-easy-mode-easie/#comments Firaxis will soon be beaming down a patch for XCOM: Enemy Unknown. The update should fix a number of issues, notably "abductor roof visibility problems," one of the game's more annoying headaches. Inaccessible SHIVs should also be addressed. A number of other fixes will be made as well, including better multiplayer connectivity and solutions for certain states that would make the game hang.

And some good news for XCOM beginners: Easy difficulty will be made easier. Also of note, the patch will not address an issue where players who beat the game are greeted by a defeat screen. Firaxis is aware of the issue and looking into it.

The patch is slated for all platforms "soon."

JoystiqXCOM patch to solve roof visibility issues, make easy mode easier originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Nov 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxismicrosoftpatchpcplaystationps3updatexboxxcom-enemy-unknownFri, 02 Nov 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Borderlands 2 has shipped 5M units to date, XCOM a 'critical and commercial success']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/borderlands-2-5-million-xcom-success/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/borderlands-2-5-million-xcom-success/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/borderlands-2-5-million-xcom-success/#comments
Stiq Flicks Borderlands 2 and the Good, the Bad, and the Weird
Gearbox Software's Borderlands 2 has shipped 5 million units to date, Take-Two interactive announced this morning in its second quarter financials. The company also noted that XCOM: Enemy Unknown is "proving to be a critical and commercial success." Both games are remarked as having "strong digital sales."

"Take-Two's second quarter revenue and earnings exceeded our outlook, driven by the breakout success of 2K's Borderlands 2 and robust demand for our catalog and digitally delivered offerings," noted Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick. "Moreover, with Grand Theft Auto 5 slated for spring 2013, we are poised to generate substantial revenue and earnings growth in fiscal year 2014."

Both Borderlands 2 and XCOM: Enemy Unknown currently hold near 90 Metacritic ratings.

JoystiqBorderlands 2 has shipped 5M units to date, XCOM a 'critical and commercial success' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesborderlands-2firaxisFiraxis-Gamesgearbox-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxxcom-enemy-unknownWed, 31 Oct 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Play as Sid Meier, Ken Levine in XCOM: Enemy Unknown]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/play-as-sid-meier-ken-levine-in-xcom-enemy-unknown/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/play-as-sid-meier-ken-levine-in-xcom-enemy-unknown/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/play-as-sid-meier-ken-levine-in-xcom-enemy-unknown/#comments Play as Sid Meier, Ken Levine in XCOMAn XCOM: Enemy Unknown Easter egg allows players to bring in the heavy hitters when times are bleakest. PC Gamer points out that certain soldier names will activate "XCOM Heroes," who are pre-designed super soldiers.

Name alterations for soldier unlocks that have worked so far are Sid Meier, Ken Levine, Joe Kelly and Otto Zander. The one caveat for this phenomenal cosmic super soldier creation power is that once these heroes are summoned the achievements for the game will be turned off.

We also concur with PC Gamer's request that you make sure Levine lives, since after saving humanity from aliens we'd appreciate him finishing BioShock: Infinite.

JoystiqPlay as Sid Meier, Ken Levine in XCOM: Enemy Unknown originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Oct 2012 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxisFiraxis-Gamesken-levinemicrosoftpcplaystationps3Take-Two-Interactivexboxxcom-enemy-unknownThu, 11 Oct 2012 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM demo out now on Xbox, PS3 later today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/09/xcom-demo-out-now-on-xbox-ps3-later-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/09/xcom-demo-out-now-on-xbox-ps3-later-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/09/xcom-demo-out-now-on-xbox-ps3-later-today/#comments XCOM demo out now on Xbox, PS3 later todayCommander, to the living room console. Commander, to the living room console.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown's demo is available now on Xbox 360 to Xbox Live gold members. The demo will hit the PlayStation 3 following the regular PSN update later today, and be available tomorrow in Europe. The PC demo is already out there for discovery.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown is available today at retail and will deliver close encounters of the awesome kind.

JoystiqXCOM demo out now on Xbox, PS3 later today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Oct 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxisFiraxis-Gamesmicrosoftplaystationps3xboxxcom-enemy-unknownTue, 09 Oct 2012 11:00:00 EST