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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionadd-onbungiecrotas-enddestinydlcdownloadable-contentdrop-ratesfirst-person-shooterfpsissuesluke-smithmicrosoftmistakesplaystationproblemsps3ps4updatevault-of-glassxboxxbox-oneMon, 26 Jan 2015 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Exo Zombies invade Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/exo-zombies-invade-call-of-duty-advanced-warfare-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/exo-zombies-invade-call-of-duty-advanced-warfare-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/exo-zombies-invade-call-of-duty-advanced-warfare-trailer/#comments
The latest trailer for Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare shows off the game's upcoming downloadable content, Exo Zombies. Arriving as part of the first content pack, Havoc, Exo Zombies features the voice acting talents of John Malkovich, Bill Paxton, Rose McGowan and Jon Bernthal. The Havoc DLC pack will launch on January 27 for Xbox One and Xbox 360. Havoc also includes four multiplayer maps, the AE4 assault rifle and Widowmaker custom variant.

While the Havoc DLC can be purchased separately for $15, season pass holders will receive the pack at no additional charge. Advanced Warfare's $50 season pass grants access to three other pieces of downloadable content: Ascendance, Supremacy and Reckoning. Activision struck a deal with Microsoft to bring Advanced Warfare DLC to the Xbox platforms before it arrives on other systems, so the publisher has yet to offer a release date for Havoc on PS4, PS3 or PC.
[Image: Activision]

JoystiqExo Zombies invade Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jan 2015 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionadd-onCall-of-Dutycall-of-duty-advanced-warfaredlcdownloadable-contentexo-zombiesfirst-person-shooterfpshavocmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4sledgehammer-gamestrailerxboxxbox-onezombiesWed, 21 Jan 2015 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tower of Guns opens to PS3, PS4, Xbox One fans in early 2015]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/14/tower-of-guns-opens-to-ps3-ps4-xbox-one-fans-in-early-2015/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/14/tower-of-guns-opens-to-ps3-ps4-xbox-one-fans-in-early-2015/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/14/tower-of-guns-opens-to-ps3-ps4-xbox-one-fans-in-early-2015/#comments

Tower of Guns, a bullet-hell-style shooter that's sprinkled with roguelike elements like procedurally-generated rooms and loot, will open fire on the PS3, PS4 and Xbox One (via the ID@Xbox program) early next year. The upcoming ports were announced in a post from Terrible Posture Games cofounder Joe Mirabello, which added that Grip Digital will be handling publishing duties.

Cross-buy compatibility will be supported for the PS3 and PS4 ports, with the latter version running at 60 frames per second in 1080p. A Vita version sounds unlikely however - Grip Games' Jakub Mikyska explains that it was attempted, but Unreal Engine games don't run well on the handheld. Mikyska also noted that the device's CPU isn't quite up to handling Tower of Guns' clouds of projectiles, adding that even getting the PS3 version to work was difficult.

PC users have been dodging Tower of Guns' bullets since March on Steam and GOG, with the latter store currently offering a 50 percent discount on the frenzied ascent.
[Image: Terrible Posture Games]

JoystiqTower of Guns opens to PS3, PS4, Xbox One fans in early 2015 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 Dec 2014 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bullet-hellfpsgrip-gamesmicrosoftplaystationps3ps4terrible-posture-gamestower-of-gunsxbox-oneSun, 14 Dec 2014 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Duke Nukem 3D: Megaton Edition hits PS3, Vita in January]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/05/duke-nukem-3d-megaton-edition-hits-ps3-vita-in-january/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/05/duke-nukem-3d-megaton-edition-hits-ps3-vita-in-january/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/05/duke-nukem-3d-megaton-edition-hits-ps3-vita-in-january/#comments Duke Nukem 3D: Megaton Edition will launch on Vita and PS3 in January, Devolver Digital announced via Twitter today. The game will arrive in North America on January 13, 2015 and in Europe the following day. The port was revealed in August 2013, months after its launch on Steam in March.

The PC, Mac and Linux versions of the Megaton Edition includes the core game as well as three DLC packs, and is still available for $10. It also received competitive and co-op multiplayer gameplay modes in a January update, allowing up to eight player to duke it out across the three platforms. The PS3 and Vita versions hit a few bumps since Abstraction Games took on the porting duties; the games were submitted to Sony in May and ran into "lots of certification issues" as of September.
[Image: Devolver Digital]

JoystiqDuke Nukem 3D: Megaton Edition hits PS3, Vita in January originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Nov 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Duke-NukemDuke-Nukem-3Dduke-nukem-3d-megaton-editionfirst-person-shooterfpsplaystationplaystation-vitaportps3PSNrelease-datevitaWed, 05 Nov 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Titanfall update gets cooperative, adds ranked play]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/22/titanfall-update-gets-cooperative-adds-ranked-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/22/titanfall-update-gets-cooperative-adds-ranked-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/22/titanfall-update-gets-cooperative-adds-ranked-play/#comments The next major update for Titanfall will land tomorrow on Xbox One and PC, Respawn announced today. The patch is the "biggest update ever," according to the developer's blog, which revealed the inclusion of new modes in the update. For starters, Titanfall players will have a new "Frontier Defense" cooperative multiplayer mode in which teams of four stand their ground against waves of AI enemies, getting assistance from stationary turrets and loadout crates.

The other major addition is ranked play, which will be in beta through the end of the month. Respawn's dedicated discussion on its ranked play system for Titanfall notes that players will receive "Rank Chips," which act as "expensive pedometers" that measure players' prowess in the game. Players will have the ability to turn off their Rank Chips as well, so ranked play in Titanfall won't boil down to a separate set of maps or playlists. The update will introduce a multitude of other fixes and improvements, such as the ability to go full-screen with the mini-map, a "sudden death" addition to Capture the Flag mode and seven new Titan insignias.
[Image: EA Games]

JoystiqTitanfall update gets cooperative, adds ranked play originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Oct 2014 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co-opcooperativeEAea-gamesElectronic-Artsfirst-person-shooterfpsfrontier-defensemicrosoftmultiplayerpatchpcranked-playrespawnRespawn-Entertainmenttitanfallupdatexbox-oneWed, 22 Oct 2014 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[First-person platformer Deadcore is a sci-fi speedrun]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/17/first-person-platformer-deadcore-leaps-to-pc-mac-linux/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/17/first-person-platformer-deadcore-leaps-to-pc-mac-linux/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/17/first-person-platformer-deadcore-leaps-to-pc-mac-linux/#comments First-person platformer Deadcore is now available on PC, Mac and Linux. Developed by the five-person French studio 5 Bits Games, the game costs $10 on Steam and Desura. Set in a mysterious sci-fi world, Deadcore has players climbing to the top of a labyrinthine tower, shooting at mechanical enemies and triggers in the twisted tower's security system to open new pathways.

Deadcore features a Speedrun mode with online leaderboards, allowing players to challenge their friends' best times in the fast-paced levels. Bandai Namco handled the distribution of the independent platformer, as announced back in April. Head past the break to check out the game's launch trailer, which shows off Deadcore's jumping abilities.
[Image: Bandai Namco]

Continue reading First-person platformer Deadcore is a sci-fi speedrun

JoystiqFirst-person platformer Deadcore is a sci-fi speedrun originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Oct 2014 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5-bits-gamesBandai-Namcodeadcoredesurafirst-person-platformerfpslaunchlaunch-trailerlinuxmacpcplatformerscreenshotsSTEAMtrailerFri, 17 Oct 2014 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Evolve's closed 'big alpha' test hits Halloween weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/09/evolves-closed-big-alpha-test-hits-halloween-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/09/evolves-closed-big-alpha-test-hits-halloween-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/09/evolves-closed-big-alpha-test-hits-halloween-weekend/#comments Evolve's "Big Alpha" test is scheduled to begin on October 30, 2K announced today. The closed alpha phase will be available to Xbox One players through November 2, while PS4 and PC players will have access from October 31 to November 2. Those interested in participating in the alpha test can register for "priority access" on Xbox One through 2K's website.

Pre-order customers will have a guaranteed spot in the Halloween weekend alpha on their platform of choice. The "Big Alpha" test requires that PS4 and Xbox One users have a PS Plus or Xbox Live Gold subscription, respectively. Turtle Rock Studios also offered a special limited-use code for "a couple thousand" alpha testers to register with on its blog. The four-versus-one multiplayer shooter was delayed in August after a previous alpha test, and will launch on February 10, 2015.
[Image: 2K]

Continue reading Evolve's closed 'big alpha' test hits Halloween weekend

JoystiqEvolve's closed 'big alpha' test hits Halloween weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Oct 2014 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k2K-Gamesalphaalpha-testbig-alphaevolvefpsmicrosoftmultiplayerpcplaystationps4shooterturtle-rock-studiosxbox-oneThu, 09 Oct 2014 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pre-order Alien: Isolation digitally, watch it download in terror]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/30/pre-order-alien-isolation-digitally-watch-it-download-in-terro/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/30/pre-order-alien-isolation-digitally-watch-it-download-in-terro/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/30/pre-order-alien-isolation-digitally-watch-it-download-in-terro/#comments Digital pre-orders for Creative Assembly's frightful first-person game Alien: Isolation are now available. Players can put money down in advance of the game's impending launch in one week on Steam, PSN and Xbox Live to pre-download the game and pick up its season pass.

Xbox One players can pre-purchase the game's Nostromo Edition on Microsoft's store, which includes the full game as well as the "Crew Expendable" bonus content. PS4 and PS3 players can scoot over to PSN to pre-order either the Nostromo Edition or the Season Pass bundle, with individual passes available on launch day, October 7. Likewise, the Nostromo Edition as well as the Digital Deluxe Edition are available to pre-purchase on Steam, the latter of which also includes the game's season pass. The $30 season pass give players access to Alien: Isolation's survivor mode map packs.
[Image: Sega]

JoystiqPre-order Alien: Isolation digitally, watch it download in terror originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Sep 2014 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alien-isolationaliens-isolationcreative-assemblydigital-pre-orderfpshorrormicrosoftpcplaystationpre-orderps3ps4psnscarySegaSTEAMxboxxbox-livexbox-oneTue, 30 Sep 2014 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bungie closes Destiny's 'Loot Cave,' discusses future fixes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/25/bungie-closes-destinys-loot-cave-discusses-future-fixes/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/25/bungie-closes-destinys-loot-cave-discusses-future-fixes/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/25/bungie-closes-destinys-loot-cave-discusses-future-fixes/#comments Well that was fun while it lasted. The infamous "Loot Cave" that allowed Destiny players to collectively shoot into the darkness and reap massive rewards has been fixed by Bungie. "The Hive of the holy 'Treasure Cave' have realized the futility of their endless assault on Skywatch and have retired to lick their wounds and plan their next attack," the developer wrote in its latest update notes.

Bungie also issued notes on some of Destiny's other issues that it plans to address in the future, in which it said that "shooting at a black hole for hours on end isn't our dream for how Destiny is played." Aside from addressing the Loot Cave exploit, Bungie will "increase engram drops from completing activities" and allow players to opt-in to voice chat during online matchmaking sessions. The developer also plans to increase damage dealt by players and reduce the impact from bosses during Strike missions as well as issue a number of balance changes to impact the effectiveness of weapons at different ranges.
[Image: Activision]

JoystiqBungie closes Destiny's 'Loot Cave,' discusses future fixes originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Sep 2014 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionbungiecavedestinydevelopmentexploitfixfpslootloot-cavemicrosoftmmofpsplaystationps3ps4shootertreasureupdatexboxxbox-oneThu, 25 Sep 2014 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Destiny combines arms in the Crucible this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/19/destiny-combines-arms-in-the-crucible-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/19/destiny-combines-arms-in-the-crucible-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/19/destiny-combines-arms-in-the-crucible-this-weekend/#comments The next two community events for Bungie's Destiny will start this weekend. We had names for the two events before, Combined Arms and The Queen's Wrath, and now we have dates and descriptions for them as well. The Combined Arms event is an "all out war on a massive scale" in the Crucible multiplayer section. Players form fireteams of up to six, driving across the map and making use of increased heavy weapon ammo drops. The event starts today and lasts through the weekend.

Next up is The Queen's Wrath, a set of bounty missions that begin on Tuesday, September 23 and runs through Monday, October 6. By completing the mission, players earn unique rare and legendary gear. The following two Destiny events are September's Salvage mission and October's Iron Banner mission. This week's Vault of Glass quest was first conquered roughly 11 hours after it opened. Bungie opted to double its well-broadcasted shooter's public events for players to encounter while patrolling areas in the game.
[Image: Bungie]

JoystiqDestiny combines arms in the Crucible this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Sep 2014 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionbungiechallengescombined-armscommunity-eventscrucibledestinyeventsfpsmicrosoftmissionsmultiplayeronline-multiplayerplaystationps3ps4questsshooterthe-queens-wrathxboxxbox-oneFri, 19 Sep 2014 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Battleborn and the rise of the friendly shooter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/17/battleborn-and-the-rise-of-the-friendly-shooter/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/17/battleborn-and-the-rise-of-the-friendly-shooter/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/17/battleborn-and-the-rise-of-the-friendly-shooter/#comments "We are absolutely, deliberately targeting the idea that we want a game that people can just pick up and play," says John Mulkey, design director on Gearbox's new shooter, Battleborn (PS4, Xbox One, PC). His team's latest design, which favors collaboration, community input and a heavy focus on testing and tuning, couldn't be more different from the cult classic he built levels for - years ago.

Just how much community input and playtesting went into No One Lives Forever anyway, I ask Mulkey. "Oh, god," he says, briefly thrust back into a previous life. "None."

Propelled chiefly by the strength of its clever vision, a game like No One Lives Forever seems to be an outlier now. It was a game made without a steady stream of analytics, feedback and pushback, though meant to be consumed more succinctly, and for what was then a much smaller audience. "A game like this, we hope, it's not just this game that hits and fades away," says Scott Kester, the man in charge of Battleborn's look. "We want this to go. We want to keep making it."

Continue reading Battleborn and the rise of the friendly shooter

JoystiqBattleborn and the rise of the friendly shooter originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Sep 2014 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbattlebornfpsgearboxgearbox-softwarejohn-mulkeymicrosoftmobapcplaystationps4xbox-oneWed, 17 Sep 2014 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[This weekend's Destiny event goes 3-vs-3 in the Crucible]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/12/this-weekends-destiny-event-goes-3-vs-3-in-the-crucible/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/12/this-weekends-destiny-event-goes-3-vs-3-in-the-crucible/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/12/this-weekends-destiny-event-goes-3-vs-3-in-the-crucible/#comments Bungie's freshly-launched Destiny is more than just a first-person shooter, it's an MMO-like game with planned community events for players to pepper with bullets. The developer unveiled the next set of missions in a blog today, starting with the 3-vs-3 Crucible event, Salvage. The playlist spans this weekend and has players fighting to "claim and salvage relics on small to medium sized maps." Players earn Crucible reputation, marks and gear by taking other teams of three on in the mode.

Then starting on September 16, the Vault of Glass level 26 raid opens. Set in a mysterious area beneath Venus, players take on "your greatest challenge yet," which happens to be long division for us. Vault of Glass champions receive raid set gear and ascendant materials. The last three sets of challenges are without description at the moment. Two of them, Combined Arms and Queen's Wrath, are planned for September, with the Iron Banner event set for October. These online events are playable as long as Destiny's servers are stable, which are in good shape as of our initial State of Service update.
[Image: Bungie]

JoystiqThis weekend's Destiny event goes 3-vs-3 in the Crucible originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Sep 2014 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionbungiechallengescommunity-eventscrucibledestinyeventsfpsmicrosoftonlineplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneFri, 12 Sep 2014 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Interstellar Marines uses the buddy system, gets co-op in September]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/27/interstellar-marines-teeming-with-co-op-update-in-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/27/interstellar-marines-teeming-with-co-op-update-in-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/27/interstellar-marines-teeming-with-co-op-update-in-september/#comments Interstellar Marines has sold over 100,000 copies since it launched in July 2013 on Steam Early Access, developer Zero Point Software announced this week. The sci-fi game has generated "more than $1.5 million in revenue" for the studio. Still in "heavy development," the tactical FPS will also receive an update on September 18 that adds cooperative multiplayer to the game.

Zero Point Software first revealed Interstellar Marines in 2006, and the game received multiple "it's still alive" reassurances over the years. Players can pick up the game on PC, Mac or Linux via Steam for $18.99, which grants access to both the Early Access version of the game and its upcoming expansions and updates, such as the "Project Co-Op" one scheduled for next month. The developer will showcase its spacey shooter at PAX Prime in Seattle this weekend at Alienware's booth (#1246).
[Image: Zero Point Software]

Continue reading Interstellar Marines uses the buddy system, gets co-op in September

JoystiqInterstellar Marines uses the buddy system, gets co-op in September originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Aug 2014 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cooperativeearly-accessfpsinterstellar-marinesLinuxmacmultiplayerpcsalessci-fishooterspacesteamsteam-early-accessupdatezero-point-softwareWed, 27 Aug 2014 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Destiny beta: 88.3 million games played]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/04/destiny-beta-88-3-million-games-played/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/04/destiny-beta-88-3-million-games-played/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/04/destiny-beta-88-3-million-games-played/#comments Last week, Bungie revealed that 4.6 million players participated in Destiny's beta phase, a program that pushed the game's servers ahead of its September 9 launch. The developer has since offered more numbers behind the beta in large infographic form, found after the break.

Destiny's beta program saw 88,384,720 games played as well as the creation of 6.5 million guardians. The community's kill-to-death ratio in the cooperative story, strike and exploration missions was 22.53, thanks to a grand total of 3.7 billion kills during those quests. What's more, Bungie's Saturday field trip to the moon resulted in 853,235 concurrent players. Relive the Destiny beta through our archived discussions and livestreams, in which we determined we would appreciate an apartment in the game's tower, but still enjoyed kicking back in the social sections.
[Image: Activision]

Continue reading Destiny beta: 88.3 million games played

JoystiqDestiny beta: 88.3 million games played originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Aug 2014 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionbetaBungiedestinydestiny-betafpsinfographicmicrosoftmmoplaystationps4statisticsstatsxbox-oneMon, 04 Aug 2014 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NeonXSZ begins descent to Steam August 22]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/28/neonxsz-begins-descent-to-steam-august-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/28/neonxsz-begins-descent-to-steam-august-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/28/neonxsz-begins-descent-to-steam-august-22/#comments
NeonXSZ, the latter three letters of which are pronounced "excesses," will launch on Steam via Early Access on August 22. The game puts players in the cockpit of a ship within cyberspace, joining a war between viruses and machines. While just entering beta, NeonXSZ is "already fully playable for 100-plus hours," according to the single-person developer, Intravenous Software.

NeonXSZ features "dozens of ships" complete with more than 850 upgrades, emphasizing treasure-collecting and enemy-blasting gameplay akin to that of classic "6DoF" FPS games like Descent and twitchy shooters such as Quake. The procedurally-generated, open world in NeonXSZ includes "approximately one thousand AI dudes" from four different factions, each at odds with one another. Those enemies drop parts of their hulls, upgrades and weaponry, so loot gathered from players' conquests is not randomized. The alpha version of NeonXSZ arrived on the Desura store in September 2013 for PC, Mac and Linux.

Continue reading NeonXSZ begins descent to Steam August 22

JoystiqNeonXSZ begins descent to Steam August 22 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Jul 2014 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betadescentearly-accessfpsintravenous-softwareLinuxmacneonxszpcshooterSTEAMsteam-early-accessMon, 28 Jul 2014 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Take a break in Destiny's beta]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/22/take-a-break-in-destinys-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/22/take-a-break-in-destinys-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/22/take-a-break-in-destinys-beta/#comments There are some who may want a break from all the gunfire in Destiny, Bungie's latest FPS that entered its beta phase on PS4 last week and will arrive on Xbox One tomorrow. We compiled a list of things to do in Destiny's beta in this gallery to keep you busy when it returns.

Continue reading Take a break in Destiny's beta

JoystiqTake a break in Destiny's beta originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jul 2014 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionbetaBungiedestinydestiny-betafpsmmoplaystationps4Tue, 22 Jul 2014 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Former Infinity Ward devs create VR-friendly Reload Studios]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/15/former-infinity-ward-devs-create-vr-friendly-reload-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/15/former-infinity-ward-devs-create-vr-friendly-reload-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/15/former-infinity-ward-devs-create-vr-friendly-reload-studios/#comments Former Infinity Ward developers announced the formation of a new Los Angeles-based studio today, Reload Studios. Co-founded by James Chung and Taehoon Oh, Reload Studios currently houses 12 individuals that will focus on game development for virtual reality, mobile and home console platforms. While the developer is being officially introduced now, Chung's LinkedIn profile indicates that the studio first formed in May.

Chung and Oh are joined by former Call of Duty: Modern Warfare series producer Pete Blumel, Infinity Ward developer Hougant Chen and Disney animator Nik Ranieri. Reload Studios also has ties to independent licensed game developer Heavy Iron as well as EA. The developer is currently working on a VR-enabled first-person shooter for mobile and next-gen systems and plans to launch its first game in 2015.
[Image: Reload Studios]

JoystiqFormer Infinity Ward devs create VR-friendly Reload Studios originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jul 2014 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementCall-of-DutyfpsindieInfinity-Wardjames-chungreload-studiostaehoon-ohVirtual-RealityvrTue, 15 Jul 2014 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Midnight Star blasts off on Ireland's App Store]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/01/midnight-star-blasts-off-on-irelands-app-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/01/midnight-star-blasts-off-on-irelands-app-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/01/midnight-star-blasts-off-on-irelands-app-store/#comments Midnight Star, the mobile FPS from Halo co-creator Alex Seropian, is live on the Ireland App Store. This is the game's soft launch, allowing developer Industrial Toys to get some extra testing in and punch out the final problems.

"We need to flesh out and destroy any remaining bugs, test the RPG systems to make sure the game loops feel fun, turn some dials, etc.," Community Manager Johnny Skwirut writes. "Once we fix and tweak everything to make the game as good as it can be, we will release globally so the entire world can play the game together."

We got our fingers on a pre-release version of Midnight Star at E3, and found it to be a robust, mobile-focused FPS, with a few twists.
[Image: Industrial Toys]

JoystiqMidnight Star blasts off on Ireland's App Store originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Jul 2014 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fpsindustrial-toysiosipadiphonemidnight-starmobileTue, 01 Jul 2014 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Destiny gets classy with PS4 gameplay trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/05/19/destiny-gets-classy-with-ps4-gameplay-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/05/19/destiny-gets-classy-with-ps4-gameplay-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/05/19/destiny-gets-classy-with-ps4-gameplay-trailer/#comments
Destiny, the Bungie-developed multiplayer shooter set in "the last city on Earth" (our guess is Boise, Idaho), received a new video today. The developer discusses its approach to crafting the game and briefly explains the skills and abilities players will use that are unique to each of Destiny's character classes.

The gameplay shown in the trailer is from Destiny's PS4 version, but the game will also arrive on September 9 for Xbox One, Xbox 360 and PS3. Bungie recently offered a look at the game's loot after announcing plans to launch a beta version of the cooperative FPS in July. We spent some time with the "$500 million bet" from Activision in video preview form back in April.
[Image: Bungie]

JoystiqDestiny gets classy with PS4 gameplay trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 May 2014 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionBungieBungie-Studioscooperativedestinyfirst-person-shooterfpsgameplay-videomultiplayeronline-multiplayerplaystationps4shootertrailervideoMon, 19 May 2014 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Everything is black and white with VisionEck on PS4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/05/09/everything-is-black-and-white-with-visioneck-on-ps4/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/05/09/everything-is-black-and-white-with-visioneck-on-ps4/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/05/09/everything-is-black-and-white-with-visioneck-on-ps4/#comments
Developer VizionEck announced its black-and-white game for PS4 today, which is also called VizionEck. If that's not confusing enough, it also offered a minimalistic trailer with shifting dichromatic shapes, barely sussing out just what the eck the game is.

Lead developer and founder of Michael Armbrust described the gist of VizionEck on the PlayStation Blog, revealing that the game is technically a first-person shooter (Right? We totally thought so too!). Though Armbrust insists the mysterious trailer contains lots of "secrets and game features" hidden in its frames, he says players control a cube known as a Ranger, whose health is indicated by the brightness of its outlines. The multiplayer-focused game seemingly pits players against one another as they can blend in with other cubes, or the black backgrounds as their health is depleted and their cubes go dark, working to take others out.

Armbrust noted in the blog's comments that the game does contain single-player modes and that the developer is looking into using Project Morpheus for VizionEck. He also confirmed via the game's Twitter that VizionEck is "exclusive to PlayStation."
[Image: VizionEck]

JoystiqEverything is black and white with VisionEck on PS4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 May 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-and-whitecubefirst-person-shooterfpsIndiemichael-armbrustminimalistplaystationps4shootertrailervideovizioneckFri, 09 May 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Warface exits beta, enters warzone on Xbox 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/22/warface-exits-beta-enters-warzone-on-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/22/warface-exits-beta-enters-warzone-on-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/22/warface-exits-beta-enters-warzone-on-xbox-360/#comments
As was previously announced, Crytek Kiev-developed FPS Warface officially launched on Xbox 360 today following its near one-month open beta phase. The game is free for all Xbox Live Gold subscribers to play, and features four soldier classes, playable in cooperative multiplayer raids as well as versus modes.

Warface launched on PC in North America in October, later receiving an update with added multiplayer modes in February. The game first debuted in Russia in 2012, and will later come to China, Taiwan and Japan. Crytek revealed late last month that the game reached 25 million registrants. Warface is based on the developer's own CryEngine 3 tech, the same engine used to create games like Crysis 3 and Ryse: Son of Rome.
[Image: Crytek]

JoystiqWarface exits beta, enters warzone on Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Apr 2014 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betacryengine-3Crytekfpsfree-to-playmicrosoftrelease-dateshooterwarfacexboxTue, 22 Apr 2014 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cybernetic sports FPS Epigenesis gets new map, singleplayer mode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/20/cybernetic-sports-fps-epigenesis-gets-new-map-singleplayer-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/20/cybernetic-sports-fps-epigenesis-gets-new-map-singleplayer-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/20/cybernetic-sports-fps-epigenesis-gets-new-map-singleplayer-mode/#comments

We're not sure at what exact point in time humanity will decide that sports could be spiced up with a few laser guns and death traps, but judging from years of pop culture, we know it's bound to happen. And when it does, you're going to want to be prepared. Thankfully, Epigenesis, a futuristic first-person sportsball simulator, has just added a new singleplayer mode so that you can practice your moves before being sent to the game grid.

The game's most recent update also includes a new map, called the Legacy Arena. This level is more vertically-oriented than most of Epigenesis' existing content, featuring a mineshaft that helps divide battling players into upper and lower playing fields. Because everything in the world, no matter how practical or unassuming, is always cooler when people with cybernetic augments fight around it.

Epigenesis won the Make Something Unreal 2013 competition, as well as Game of the Year at the 2013 Swedish Games Awards. It has been on Steam Early Access since November of last year.
[Image: Dead Shark Triplepunch]

Continue reading Cybernetic sports FPS Epigenesis gets new map, singleplayer mode

JoystiqCybernetic sports FPS Epigenesis gets new map, singleplayer mode originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 Apr 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-shark-triplepunchepigenesisfpsindiepcsportssteamsteam-early-accessupdateSun, 20 Apr 2014 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Portal to find a companion in Android-based handheld, Nvidia Shield [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/26/portal-to-find-a-companion-in-android-based-handheld-nvidia-shi/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/26/portal-to-find-a-companion-in-android-based-handheld-nvidia-shi/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/26/portal-to-find-a-companion-in-android-based-handheld-nvidia-shi/#comments Popular first-person puzzle-shooter Portal is coming to Nvidia's Android-based handheld system, Shield. Nvidia is handling the adaptation, said to be a full port of the PC version of the game, with the blessing of Valve.

The Nvidia Shield launched in late July 2013 and our review of the system deemed it an "expensive novelty." Nvidia upped the system's PC streaming functions to 1080p and added button-mapping options in December.

While it is unclear whether Portal will make its way to the Google Play store for use on more Android devices, all signs point to its exclusivity on the Nvidia Shield. We've contacted Nvidia to clarify that point, and will update as we learn more.

Update: Nvidia informed Joystiq that Portal is a "native Android game," and will be sold on the Google Play store for use on other Android devices.
[Image: Valve]

JoystiqPortal to find a companion in Android-based handheld, Nvidia Shield [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Mar 2014 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidfpshandheldmobilenvidianvidia-shieldPlatformerportportalpuzzleshieldvalveWed, 26 Mar 2014 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Respawn: Titanfall not originally planned for Xbox One]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/13/respawn-titanfall-not-originally-planned-for-xbox-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/13/respawn-titanfall-not-originally-planned-for-xbox-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/13/respawn-titanfall-not-originally-planned-for-xbox-one/#comments While Titanfall might be one of the Xbox One's most popular games this year, Respawn said the game wasn't originally in production for the console at all. In an interview with Eurogamer, lead engineer Richard Baker explained that Titanfall was initially in development for PC only, saying that "originally we weren't planning on an Xbox One version of the game." Baker added that Xbox One development made the PC version of the game that much better, as it "justified the effort in moving to [DirectX 11] and even 64-bit."

Those changes were necessary to adapt the Source engine so the game would run properly on Xbox One. This heavily involved making the engine "multi-threaded" so it "buffered commands as soon as they were issued." Among the other development decisions made by Respawn was the use of uncompressed audio in the PC version's 48 gigabyte download.
[Image: EA Games]

JoystiqRespawn: Titanfall not originally planned for Xbox One originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Mar 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>64-bitcpuDirectX-11EAea-gamesElectronic-ArtsfpsmicrosoftRespawn-Entertainmenttitanfallxbox-oneThu, 13 Mar 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Killzone Shadow Fall drops new weapons and modes in April DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/05/killzone-shadow-fall-drops-new-weapons-and-modes-in-april-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/05/killzone-shadow-fall-drops-new-weapons-and-modes-in-april-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/05/killzone-shadow-fall-drops-new-weapons-and-modes-in-april-dlc/#comments Killzone: Shadow Fall's first multiplayer expansion will launch in April with new weapons, abilities and game modes for the PS4 launch game. Titled "The Insurgent Pack," the expansion is headlined by the addition of the insurgent character class, which features hack and steal abilities. The assault, scout and support classes will also receive new abilities: Assault characters will gain access to a guard drone, scout players get an e-pulse emitter and support characters can send out a tactical echo emitter to stall infiltrating enemies.

Insurgent Pack owners will also receive a single-player "elite mode," limiting them to three lives on hard difficulty in the Shadow Fall campaign, in addition to collectible crates that will spawn once per online match for a limited time. The DLC also includes the M82 assault rifle from Killzone 2 and Killzone 3, as well as the L512 SMG Pistol and Sta14 sniper rifle.

Lastly, Sony announced that two of the free multiplayer maps for the game are now available to play on PSN. They arrive just as the game's multiplayer mode becomes free this week.
[Image: Sony Computer Entertainment America]

JoystiqKillzone Shadow Fall drops new weapons and modes in April DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Mar 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>april-2014DLCfpsGuerrilla-Gameskillzonekillzone-shadow-fallmapsplaystationps4release-windowSCEASONYSony-Computer-Entertainment-Americathe-insurgent-packweaponsWed, 05 Mar 2014 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Titanfall gameplay launch trailer prepares you for a mech drop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/04/titanfall-gameplay-launch-trailer-prepares-you-for-a-mech-drop/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/04/titanfall-gameplay-launch-trailer-prepares-you-for-a-mech-drop/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/04/titanfall-gameplay-launch-trailer-prepares-you-for-a-mech-drop/#comments
With Titanfall's launch just one week away, we feel the only proper course of action is to watch every video for the game that's in reach. That includes this gameplay launch trailer for the game, which combines an appropriate amount of drama, mech-like titans, explosions, bouts of slow-motion and guys getting punched in the face. Well, we could do with a little more face-punching, to be certain.

If you're looking for more moving pictures related to the game, be sure to check out our video preview and our "beta massacre" special, in which six Joystiq staffers took on the game's PC beta as a team, meeting their digital demise collectively. Titanfall will launch on March 11 for Xbox One, Xbox 360 and PC.
[Image: EA Games]

JoystiqTitanfall gameplay launch trailer prepares you for a mech drop originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Mar 2014 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAea-gamesElectronic-Artsfpsgameplay-trailerlaunch-trailermechsmicrosoftpcRespawn-EntertainmentshootertitanfallTitanstrailerxboxxbox-oneTue, 04 Mar 2014 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Warface raids towers, captures new modes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/22/warface-raids-towers-captures-new-modes/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/22/warface-raids-towers-captures-new-modes/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/22/warface-raids-towers-captures-new-modes/#comments
Crytek issued a new update for the PC version of Warface this week, adding two new modes to the multiplayer game. The free-to-play FPS received a co-op mode known as Tower Raid, shown in a new trailer for the game, in addition to the Capture versus mode. Crytek also renamed the Claymore mine in the update, changing it to the "Directional Mine," and increased the item unlock progression speed in both co-op and versus modes.

Crytek provided the full patch notes in a post on its GFace social platform. There's no word on whether these modes will wind up on Xbox 360 as well. Warface entered its beta phase on the platform earlier this month, and requires an Xbox Live Gold subscription to play.
[Image: Crytek]

JoystiqWarface raids towers, captures new modes originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 22 Feb 2014 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>captureco-opCrytekfirst-person-shooterfpsfree-to-playmultiplayerpcshootertower-raidtrailerupdateversuswarfaceSat, 22 Feb 2014 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free-to-play shooter Warface goes beta on Xbox 360 today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/05/free-to-play-shooter-warface-goes-beta-on-xbox-360-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/05/free-to-play-shooter-warface-goes-beta-on-xbox-360-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/05/free-to-play-shooter-warface-goes-beta-on-xbox-360-today/#comments
Crytek's Warface: Xbox 360 Edition enters its public beta phase today. The free-to-play shooter is powered by the company's own Cryengine technology, the same engine used in games such as Crysis 3 and Ryse: Son of Rome. Players can register for the beta on the game's official site. The PC version of Warface went live for the public in October 2013.

While the game is free for FPS fans to jump into, it is only playable by Xbox Live Gold subscribers. This continues a trend for free-to-play and subscription-based games, as both Wargaming's World of Tanks and the full version of Happy Wars require a paid Xbox Live membership to play. Even the upcoming Bethesda MMO The Elder Scrolls Online, which itself requires a monthly subscription, will need a Gold membership on Xbox One.

Continue reading Free-to-play shooter Warface goes beta on Xbox 360 today

JoystiqFree-to-play shooter Warface goes beta on Xbox 360 today originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Feb 2014 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaCrytekfpsfree-to-playmicrosoftmicrosoft-studiosmultiplayeronlineopen-betashootertrailerwarfacewarface-xbox-360-editionxboxWed, 05 Feb 2014 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[FPS Warriors 2 bundle has eight Steam shooters for four bucks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/29/fps-warriors-2-bundle-has-eight-steam-shooters-for-four-bucks/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/29/fps-warriors-2-bundle-has-eight-steam-shooters-for-four-bucks/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/29/fps-warriors-2-bundle-has-eight-steam-shooters-for-four-bucks/#comments Bundle Stars' latest cheap game pack is the FPS Warriors 2 bundle, which features eight games for $3.98. The game bundle site says the FPS Warriors 2 collection saves players a whopping $80 on total standard price of the games, each available for PC via Steam.

The following eight shooters are included in the bundle: Nuclear Dawn, Hard Reset Extended Edition, Painkiller Overdose, Painkiller: Black Edition, AirBuccaneers, Zeno Clash 2, Zeno Clash, and Chaser. If the four-dollar price tag isn't convincing enough, players have plenty of time to buy in, as the bundle is good for the next 28 days. Bundle Stars is also currently selling the Brutal and Kingdoms bundles for the next few weeks.

JoystiqFPS Warriors 2 bundle has eight Steam shooters for four bucks originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Jan 2014 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airbuccaneersbundlebundle-starschaserfirst-personfirst-person-shooterfpsfps-warriors-2hard-resetnuclear-dawnpainkillerpainkiller-black-editionpainkiller-overdosepcshooterzeno-clashzeno-clash-2Wed, 29 Jan 2014 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Aerial shooter Strike Vector targets January 28 launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/23/aerial-shooter-strike-vector-targets-january-28-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/23/aerial-shooter-strike-vector-targets-january-28-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/23/aerial-shooter-strike-vector-targets-january-28-launch/#comments French indie studio Ragequit Corporation has revealed an unexpectedly near-term release date for its airborne first-person multiplayer shooter Strike Vector: January 28.

The game, which counts Quake 3 and Crimson Skies among its inspirations, drops players into the cockpit of the titular "Vector," a futuristic VTOL jet that can either fly like a traditional fighter plane or hover like a helicopter. The real draw of the ship though, lies in its customizable armaments. Ragequit Corporation claims that the Vector offers "hundreds of combinations" of available weaponry, which should make it easier to ensure that your flying death machine is a unique snowflake among the hordes of other pilots you'll be battling against.

While no price is listed on the game's Steam page as of yet, Eurogamer claims that once on sale, Strike Vector will bear a $24.90 price tag.

JoystiqAerial shooter Strike Vector targets January 28 launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Jan 2014 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crimson-skiesfpsindiepcquake-3ragequitragequit-corporationsteamstrike-vectorThu, 23 Jan 2014 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rekoil launching on Jan. 28 for PC, Jan. 29 for XBLA as Rekoil: Liberator]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/04/rekoil-launching-on-jan-28-for-pc-jan-29-for-xbla-as-rekoil/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/04/rekoil-launching-on-jan-28-for-pc-jan-29-for-xbla-as-rekoil/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/04/rekoil-launching-on-jan-28-for-pc-jan-29-for-xbla-as-rekoil/#comments
Team-based first-person-shooter Rekoil is set for a late January release on PC and Xbox Live Arcade for $14.99, publisher 505 Games confirmed with Polygon this week. Steam users will be able to load up and aim for each other's vital organs on January 28, with Xbox Live Arcade players following suit on January 29 with Rekoil: Liberator.

Aside from their names, 505 Games explained that Liberator will be different "in that it does not support mod tools and/or eSports the way the PC version does."

The XBLA listing notes multiplayer for up to 10 players, which sounds like a decent-sized group to leverage the game's five classes and 40 weapons against each other. Rekoil will also launch with 10 maps and seven game modes.

JoystiqRekoil launching on Jan. 28 for PC, Jan. 29 for XBLA as Rekoil: Liberator originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Jan 2014 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>505-gamesfirst-person-shooterfpsplastic-piranharekoilrekoil-liberatorrelease-dateSat, 04 Jan 2014 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cliff Bleszinski wants to do an arena shooter on PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/13/cliff-bleszinski-wants-to-do-an-arena-shooter-on-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/13/cliff-bleszinski-wants-to-do-an-arena-shooter-on-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/13/cliff-bleszinski-wants-to-do-an-arena-shooter-on-pc/#comments "I have a slide deck, I have a pitch, I have concept art, I know pretty much what I want to do."

Cliff Bleszinski has his next project in mind: a first-person shooter for PC that pays homage to classic arena shooters like Unreal Tournament and Quake. Bleszinski revealed the news on former Attack of the Show host Kevin Pereira's podcast, Pointless.

"It will be a PC experience that will harken back to a certain type of game that we cut our teeth on, if you know what I'm saying." Bleszinski went on to say that "a lot of these kids playing Call of Duty, I don't think they know what a proper arena shooter is" and that he wouldn't "work with the old guard" on this potential new project.

"I'll talk to them, have meetings, but the last thing I need is some mid-level marketing guy telling me that, 'Well, traditionally, this doesn't sell well, so we're concerned,' and all that because they're all rearward-looking and it just drives me fucking batshit." In order to fully realize this vision, Bleszinski added, he'd need to have the support of a full studio.

Bleszinski, who created the Jazz Jackrabbit and Gears of War series, left Epic Games a little over a year ago. Bleszinski, who was looking for a fresh start, left in order to "redefine" his footprint on video games. In an interview on X-Play last year, Bleszinski said, "I don't really want just the whole chainsaw gun to be my legacy."

JoystiqCliff Bleszinski wants to do an arena shooter on PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Dec 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arena-shootercliff-bleszinskifirst-person-shooterfpspcshooterFri, 13 Dec 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Killzone: Shadow Fall review: Goodbye, gray sky]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/13/killzone-shadow-fall-ps4-review-goodbye-gray-sky/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/13/killzone-shadow-fall-ps4-review-goodbye-gray-sky/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/13/killzone-shadow-fall-ps4-review-goodbye-gray-sky/#commentsWe're rolling out PlayStation 4 review coverage all the way through the launch on Nov. 15. Check out more coverage here!

This is not a review of futuristic architecture, thank God, but if it were I would have reams to write about Vekta City, the angular gem that serves as the heart and showcase of a big PlayStation 4 exclusive, Killzone: Shadow Fall. Its skyscrapers form an endless field of crystals and carbon, mantled in blue skies and fly-by lens flares. The game will let you admire the view from time to time, even with its finger extended and ready to prod - you've got some shootin' to do, remember.

This is a peculiar kind of disappointment, because it speaks highly of the environmental fidelity in Killzone: Shadow Fall. The guns are the only thing approaching pollution in Vekta's pristine metropolis, which conveys far greater depth than is available when bullets are whizzing by. Then again, it's not as if "Killzone" is dishonest about its choice of genre - and the action is worthwhile when the shooting is as boisterous and tinged with tact as it is here.

Your options in combat are grafted to your status as shadow marshall, a covert operative of the Interplanetary Strategic Alliance. Clandestine employment grants you access to the OWL, a cute but weaponized aerial vehicle that naps on your back. It also permits you to travel between Vekta City and New Helghan, a noxious, industrialized tumor of a city, fit for the Helghast refugees that lost a war and their planet.

Continue reading Killzone: Shadow Fall review: Goodbye, gray sky

JoystiqKillzone: Shadow Fall review: Goodbye, gray sky originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Nov 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fpsguerrilla-gameskillzonekillzone-shadow-fallplaystationps4ps4-launchWed, 13 Nov 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Award-winning Epigenesis plays sports in the sky with gravity guns]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/02/award-winning-epigenesis-plays-sports-in-the-sky-with-gravity-gu/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/02/award-winning-epigenesis-plays-sports-in-the-sky-with-gravity-gu/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/02/award-winning-epigenesis-plays-sports-in-the-sky-with-gravity-gu/#comments
Epigenesis, winner of the Make Something Unreal Live 2013 competition and Game of the Year from the Swedish Game Awards 2013, is hosting five-on-five ball games in the skies of Steam Early Access. Epigenesis is in late Alpha and only plays with kids that have the Windows platform and $9.99, or $29.99 to get themselves and three of their friends in. Outliers can take their ball and go home.

In Epigenesis, crossing the playing field to score points on the opposing team's goal is essential to victory. With jetpacks and gravity cannons at each player's disposal, however, it's simple only in concept. Players can leap over gaps with well-timed boost jumps, but opponents (or teammates) can ruin their day by shifting a player's arc with a well-placed shove from a gravity cannon.

The related Steam page notes that scoring a point gifts a player with a "genetically modified super-seed," which can be planted on skyscrapers to "capture" the platform. In order to win a match, a team needs to plant a series of seeds leading from their own goal post to the opposing team's. Aside from leading to victory, planted seeds can boost a player's stats or affect the arena with smokescreens and force shields.

There are currently four playable maps and types of seeds available, but two additional seed-types are "in the making."

JoystiqAward-winning Epigenesis plays sports in the sky with gravity guns originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 02 Nov 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-shark-triple-punchdead-shark-triplepunchepigenesisfpsindiepcsportssteamsteam-early-accessSat, 02 Nov 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Food Practice Shooter: TGS 2013's nutritional AR chewing/light-gun game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/09/22/food-practice-shooter-tgs-2013s-nutritional-ar-chewing-light-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/09/22/food-practice-shooter-tgs-2013s-nutritional-ar-chewing-light-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/09/22/food-practice-shooter-tgs-2013s-nutritional-ar-chewing-light-g/#comments
Attending the Tokyo Game Show is like hunting for treasure without a map. Invariably, somewhere on the show floor is a hidden gem that makes the whole trip really special, and for TGS 2013 that diamond in the rough was Food Practice Shooter.

Abbreviated to FPS (get it?), Food Practice Shooter is the brainchild of assistant professor Dr. Takayuki Kosaka of the Kanagawa Institute of Technology. The idea is fairly simple, though its execution is a bit more convoluted: In order to obtain more ammo in-game, the player must eat healthy foods in real life.

The system has three high-sensitivity scales that measure the weight of three cups of vegetables. When prompted by the game, the player removes some food from the required cup, which slightly lessens the load on the scale, which in turn communicates to the game which type of food has been taken. Then, a head-mounted sensor measures the movement of your cheek, telling the game whether you've eaten your veggies like a good boy/girl.

There's probably a less obtuse way to encourage healthy eating habits in today's youth, but where's the fun in that? Strap this thing to your face and shoot this zombie tomato or no dessert.

JoystiqFood Practice Shooter: TGS 2013's nutritional AR chewing/light-gun game originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 22 Sep 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ARchewingeatingfood-practice-shooterFPShealthy-eatingKanagawa-Institute-of-Technologylight-gunnutritionTakayuki-KosakaTGS-2013Sun, 22 Sep 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Crytek's Warface coming to Xbox 360 in 2014]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/28/cryteks-warface-coming-to-xbox-360-in-2014/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/28/cryteks-warface-coming-to-xbox-360-in-2014/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/28/cryteks-warface-coming-to-xbox-360-in-2014/#comments Crytek's online first-person shooter, Warface, will launch on Xbox 360 in early 2014. The game will retain its free-to-play model in the move to the Microsoft console, though the online play will require an Xbox Live Gold subscription.

The PC version of Warface recently entered its final closed beta phase, which players can still apply for on the GFace site. The game will launch later this year in North America, Europe and Turkey.

Crytek's free-to-play ambitions don't end with Warface, as CEO Cevat Yerli said in February that the company hopes to better support the free-to-play model within the next five years.

JoystiqCrytek's Warface coming to Xbox 360 in 2014 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Aug 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014Crytekfpsfree-to-playmicrosofttrion-worldswarfacexboxWed, 28 Aug 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Notch develops zombie shooter Shambles in FPS game jam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/16/notch-develops-zombie-shooter-shambles-in-fps-game-jam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/16/notch-develops-zombie-shooter-shambles-in-fps-game-jam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/16/notch-develops-zombie-shooter-shambles-in-fps-game-jam/#commentsNotch's latest game plops players in the middle of the zombie apocalypse Minecraft creator Markus Persson (aka Notch) participated in this year's 7DFPS developer challenge, a week-long game jam centered around first-person shooters. Persson's entry is Shambles, a Unity-based shooter that drops players in the middle of a zombie apocalypse with 50 bullets and 100 health points.

Players don't just hunt zombies in Shambles, though, as soldiers drop weapons and civilians drop health packs when killed, turning survival into a balancing act. As with other 7DFPS games, don't expect Shambles to offers hours of entertainment, but it's a nifty way to pass a little free time.

JoystiqNotch develops zombie shooter Shambles in FPS game jam originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Aug 2013 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7dfpsdeveloper-challengefpsgame-jamminecraftnotchpcshamblesshooterzombiesFri, 16 Aug 2013 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Paranautical Activity takes to Kickstarter for continued development]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/05/paranautical-activity-takes-to-kickstarter-for-continued-develop/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/05/paranautical-activity-takes-to-kickstarter-for-continued-develop/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/05/paranautical-activity-takes-to-kickstarter-for-continued-develop/#commentsParanautical Activity is on Kickstarter now The beta version of Paranautical Activity is already available for $10 directly from Code Avarice's website, but that hasn't stopped the developer from opening a campaign on Kickstarter to continue work on the game. The retro-styled FPS, which adds an intriguing dash of the random from roguelikes, was allegedly blocked from being published by Adult Swim on Steam in May due to having an active Greenlight page at the same time.

Campaign backers can receive a 20 percent discount on Paranautical Activity by pledging $8 to Code Avarice's cause. The developer is seeking $10,000 on Kickstarter by September 3, of which it has already raised $4,301.

JoystiqParanautical Activity takes to Kickstarter for continued development originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Aug 2013 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>code-avaricecrowdfundingfpsgreenlightkickstarterparanautical-activitypcSTEAMMon, 05 Aug 2013 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Insurgency gameplay video and screens are being dramatic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/07/20/insurgency-gameplay-video-and-screens-are-being-dramatic/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/07/20/insurgency-gameplay-video-and-screens-are-being-dramatic/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/07/20/insurgency-gameplay-video-and-screens-are-being-dramatic/#comments
This gameplay video for Insurgency, a team-based online FPS from New World Interactive, includes some rather dramatic music. We get it, a trailer for a game based on a popular Half-Life 2 mod by the same name deserves a little extra spice.

The fact that the game is already available on Steam through the platform's Early Access service for $14.99 says something else to us, though. Given Insurgency's tactical online play for up to 32 players, the game seems more inviting and inclusive than the dramatic music makes it sound. If New World Interactive is stumped while matching music with its trailers in the future, however, we'd recommend something more lighthearted.

Gallery: Insurgency

JoystiqInsurgency gameplay video and screens are being dramatic originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 20 Jul 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>early-accessfpshalf-life-2insurgencymacnew-world-interactivepcscreenshotssteamtactical-shootertrailerSat, 20 Jul 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mod-heavy shooter Rekoil deploys to PC, XBLA later this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/07/17/mod-heavy-shooter-rekoil-deploys-to-pc-xbla-later-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/07/17/mod-heavy-shooter-rekoil-deploys-to-pc-xbla-later-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/07/17/mod-heavy-shooter-rekoil-deploys-to-pc-xbla-later-this-year/#commentsRekoil on PC, XBLA later this year 505 Games has signed on to publish SoCal indie outfit Plastic Piranha's modular FPS, Rekoil. In development since early 2011, Rekoil is a team-based shooter targeting eSports and core gaming aficionados on PC and Xbox Live Arcade later this year. It was also one of the first Steam Greenlight games, though it failed to gain any traction.

Players will be able to customize much of Rekoil's gameplay, five different classes and ten game modes. Rekoil will support dedicated servers and provide access to public server files when it launches, along with replays and a spectator mode.

Rekoil will launch with 10 maps and over 40 different weapons later this year. 505 Games has not announced a price for Rekoil.

JoystiqMod-heavy shooter Rekoil deploys to PC, XBLA later this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Jul 2013 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fpsindiemicrosoftmodmodspcplastic-piranharekoilxboxWed, 17 Jul 2013 21:30:00 EST