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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Target clearance: Too Human, Mercenaries 2, Fracture and others]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/target-clearance-too-human-mercenaries-2-fracture-and-others/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/target-clearance-too-human-mercenaries-2-fracture-and-others/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/target-clearance-too-human-mercenaries-2-fracture-and-others/#comments
Everyone's favorite aggressive clearance retailer, Target, is discounting their old video game stock. This means that your local Target has cut the price of Xbox 360 titles including Fracture, Virtua Fighter 5, Too Human, Viva Pinata: Trouble in Paradise and others by as much as 30%. Playstation 3 titles including Mercenaries 2, Web of Shadows, EndWar and others have also seen a price cut. As always, your mileage may vary depending on your local store's selection and price cutting schedule.

For those willing to tempt fate by not making a purchase just yet, expect what's left of the clearance selection to be discounted by as much as 50% in the next week or so. It's Target tradition.

JoystiqTarget clearance: Too Human, Mercenaries 2, Fracture and others originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dealsdiscountsfracturemercenaries-2targettoo-humanThu, 29 Jan 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Worldwide PS3 releases for the week of October 5th]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/05/worldwide-ps3-releases-for-the-week-of-october-5th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/05/worldwide-ps3-releases-for-the-week-of-october-5th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/05/worldwide-ps3-releases-for-the-week-of-october-5th/#commentsFiled under:

Did anyone else think that the Fracture demo wasn't as abysmal as you were expecting? Sure, it was the epitome of mediocre third-person action with a gimmick attached, but at times it was almost fun. Well the full game is out this week in both the US and Europe and, unless you're a European lego fan with vigilante tendencies, that's pretty much it. Oh, except for basketball. Lots of basketball. Here's the full release list:

US Games EU Games
 Asian Games
 Release dates are constantly subject to change, so be sure to check with your local retailer before making any sudden moves. Your PS3 will play games from any region, so go ahead and import anything you see above. Do be aware that DLC is locked to specific regions, though, so European games will require DLC from the Euro PSN Store. You may also be interested to know that NBA 09: The Inside is the only NBA game to support trophies.

JoystiqWorldwide PS3 releases for the week of October 5th originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 Oct 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>euroreleasesFractureLego-batmanNBAreleasestoo-much-basketballSun, 05 Oct 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fracture video walkthrough shows new locales, destruction thereof]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/23/fracture-video-walkthrough-shows-new-locales-destruction-thereo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/23/fracture-video-walkthrough-shows-new-locales-destruction-thereo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/23/fracture-video-walkthrough-shows-new-locales-destruction-thereo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When LucasArts production assistant Vicki Miller says she's going to walk you through some new areas of Fracture - the action game banking on its geo-deformation being wicked cool - you watch. Not because she's an industry luminary or anything ... she's just so darn nice.

Said video walkthrough takes viewers to the desert southwest and Washington, D.C. What ensues is a bunch of frantic shooting and upheaval of earth, yet, somehow, Miller's soothing voice-over makes it all seem like everything's going to be just fine. Her hypnotic suggestion alone won't sell the game, however; you should try out the recently released demo to see if the game's ker-azy gameplay gimmicks are your thing.

JoystiqFracture video walkthrough shows new locales, destruction thereof originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Sep 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fracturelucasartsPS3videoXbox-360Tue, 23 Sep 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Thursday: Fracture demo, COD4 map sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/psn-thursday-fracture-demo-cod4-map-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/psn-thursday-fracture-demo-cod4-map-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/psn-thursday-fracture-demo-cod4-map-sale/#commentsFiled under: , ,


This week is fairly quiet for the PSN update. The demo for the incredibly well-promoted title Fracture becomes available, along with the demo for the big game from a couple weeks back, Mercenaries 2. For those who haven't yet picked up the map pack for Call of Duty 4, it's on sale this week for a measly $5. The full list of additions can be found after the break.

The European PSN update can be found over at PS3 Fanboy. Go say hello, they miss you and give great hugs.

Continue reading PSN Thursday: Fracture demo, COD4 map sale

JoystiqPSN Thursday: Fracture demo, COD4 map sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-duty-4cod4fracturePS3psnpsn-storepsn-thursdayPSPThu, 18 Sep 2008 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[American PSN releases for September 18th]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/american-psn-releases-for-september-18th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/american-psn-releases-for-september-18th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/american-psn-releases-for-september-18th/#commentsFiled under: ,


If you ask us, Europe wins this week. But two demos are never to be sniffed at. The Call of Duty 4 map pack has lowered in price to $4.99 until the 25th, in case you haven't already picked that up. Please be sure to check out the Valkyria Chronicles video if you're even slightly intrigued in that game. Or even if you're not. Here's the full release list:

Playable content
  • Fracture demo
  • Mercenaries 2 demo
Add-on content
  • Rock Band DLC (listed after the cut)
  • Call of Duty 4 Map Pack (repriced to $4.99 until the 25th)

Continue reading American PSN releases for September 18th

JoystiqAmerican PSN releases for September 18th originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fracturemercenaries-2psn-storereleasesThu, 18 Sep 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Reminder: Fracture demo, Burnout bikes go live today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/reminder-fracture-demo-burnout-bikes-go-live-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/reminder-fracture-demo-burnout-bikes-go-live-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/reminder-fracture-demo-burnout-bikes-go-live-today/#commentsFiled under: ,


The hardest of hardcore among you probably have this marked on your calendar, but, in case you've forgotten, allow us to remind you that the demo for LucasArts' terraforming action game Fracture and "Burnout Paradise Bikes," which ... adds bikes ... to Burnout Paradise, both go live on Xbox Live and PSN today.

To help us stay well below our Comcast 250 GB limit, we'd like to humbly suggest these two products be merged into one. "Earthosaur: The Terraforming Bike: The Game," puts you, Det. Dirk Dangerstein behind the handlebars of Earthosaur, a bike that has the power to shift the very earth it prowls like a silent, prowling fox. ... Also, the bike is possessed by your ex-partner, who was killed in a gangland shootout. ... And it can transform into a robot dinosaur.

How about it, Silicon Valley? How about it?

JoystiqReminder: Fracture demo, Burnout bikes go live today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>burnout-paradisedlcEarthosaurfracturegreat-foolproof-videogame-ideasPS3psnwhy-we-should-be-in-game-developmentXbox-360xbox-liveThu, 18 Sep 2008 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[European PSN releases for September 18th]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/european-psn-releases-for-september-18th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/european-psn-releases-for-september-18th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/european-psn-releases-for-september-18th/#commentsFiled under: , ,

That's more like it. Have you noticed that we haven't been moaning about European PSN releases for a little while? That's because SCEE has clearly stepped up their game. Big releases are nigh-on simultaneous and demos and add-ons are rarely late, either. Being a European is pretty good this week, with three demos, two song packs for Rock Band and some decent videos and themes. Here's the full release list:

Playable content
  • Fracture demo
  • SoulCalibur IV demo
  • NBA Live 09 demo
Add-on content
  • Rock Band DLC (listed after the break)
  • Rock Band Song Export Key (£2.49/€3.49)
Having said that, the Rock Band DLC is lagging slightly, but we're going to give them the benefit of the doubt for a few weeks, until they get everything synced up properly. The most confusing thing about this update is the Rock Band Son Export Key. Why would Europe need that now, if Rock Band 2 is nowhere in sight? Unless EA is going to surprise the region with a sooner-than-expected (ie, within the next 6 months) release? Who knows. What it does mean is that the song export patch (which includes GHIII controller compatability) should be available soon. Right?

Continue reading European PSN releases for September 18th

JoystiqEuropean PSN releases for September 18th originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Sep 2008 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>euroreleasesfractureNBA-live-09releasesRock-Bandsoul-calibur-ivThu, 18 Sep 2008 10:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Fracture demo sends shockwaves through Xbox Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/fracture-demo-sends-shockwaves-through-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/fracture-demo-sends-shockwaves-through-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/fracture-demo-sends-shockwaves-through-xbox-live/#commentsFiled under: ,


Here we are, September 18, and the Fracture demo promised by LucasArts has landed on Xbox Live Marketplace. Weighing in at 772MB, the demo allows players to sample a section of Fracture's single player campaign. Using the game's terrain deformation system, players can try their hand at creating and destroying the landscape using a variety of weapons. Here's hoping that creating hills, holes, craters and spires is enough to keep things interesting. If you've been anxious to try out Fracture's much vaunted terrain deformation, give it a go.

JoystiqFracture demo sends shockwaves through Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Sep 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>day-1day-1-studiosday-oneday-one-studiosfracturelive-marketplacelucasartsmarketplacexbox-live-marketplaceThu, 18 Sep 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fracture demo to reshape Xbox Live Sept. 18]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/10/fracture-demo-to-reshape-xbox-live-sept-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/10/fracture-demo-to-reshape-xbox-live-sept-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/10/fracture-demo-to-reshape-xbox-live-sept-18/#commentsFiled under: ,


LucasArts has announced that an earth-shattering demo of Fracture is scheduled to crack up the Xbox Live Marketplace on Thursday, September 18. If you need a little help digging the name Fracture from your mind, it's a third person shooter with the central mechanic of land deformation, which the devlopers have cleverly dubbed Terrain Deformation. Players can build their own cover or, conversely, pull the land out from under the feet of approaching enemies. Land deformation can also be used for other things, such as accessing otherwise unreachable areas (think of it like a dirt elevator).

For those who enjoy the demo, Fracture will be hitting retail on October 7 in North America and October 10 in Euorpe.

Gallery: Fracture

JoystiqFracture demo to reshape Xbox Live Sept. 18 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>day-1day-1-studiosday-oneday-one-studiosfracturelucasartsWed, 10 Sep 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fracture demo out next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/10/fracture-demo-out-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/10/fracture-demo-out-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/10/fracture-demo-out-next-week/#commentsFiled under: ,

Fracture is not a game where one plays doctor, healing people from fractured bones and other various medical ailments ... it's another shooter. Oh, one of those. As if the holiday season didn't have enough already. However, there is one thing that makes Fracture stand out of the crowd -- the ability to manipulate the terrain around your character. That might get people to notice it amongst the other huge names that it will be competing with.

But how does "Terrain Deformation," as it's called, work? Instead of explaining it to you, why not try it out next week when the demo hits the PSN? You'll get your chance to mess around with good old dirt on Thursday, September 18 -- no shovel required. The game will release in North America on October 7 and in Europe on October 10.

JoystiqFracture demo out next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fracturelucasartsWed, 10 Sep 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Breaking news: Fracture demo due on Sept. 18]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/10/breaking-news-fracture-demo-due-on-sept-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/10/breaking-news-fracture-demo-due-on-sept-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/10/breaking-news-fracture-demo-due-on-sept-18/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Hoping to shatter our notions of shooters and the rigid environments they take place in, LucasArts' Fracture is set to debut in demo form via the Xbox Live Marketplace and PlayStation Network on Thursday, September 18th. If you recall (and let's face it, you probably don't), Fracture's biggest back-of-the-box bullet point is "Terrain Deformation," which allows players to reshape the landscape in the midst of frantic combat.

The interactive teaser is an opportunity to "create cover, solve puzzles and revolutionize battlefield tactics," says LucasArts, shortly before reminding us that Fracture will dash onto the retail stage and break its metaphorical leg on October 7th in North America, and October 10th in Europe. Let's hope big "L" steps up the marketing campaign just a tad before then.

Gallery: Fracture

JoystiqBreaking news: Fracture demo due on Sept. 18 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Sep 2008 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Day-1-StudiosDemoFractureLucasartsPS-StorePS3PSNXBLMXbox-360Xbox-LiveWed, 10 Sep 2008 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[LucasArts cuts staff, remains committed to internal development]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/lucasarts-cuts-staff-remains-committed-to-internal-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/lucasarts-cuts-staff-remains-committed-to-internal-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/lucasarts-cuts-staff-remains-committed-to-internal-development/#commentsFiled under:


LucasArts has confirmed to Joystiq that the company laid off "a portion" of its workforce yesterday, June 5. Margaret Grohne, director of public relations for LucasArts, could not comment on the number of employees affected or which departments they came from. She could confirm that Peter Hirschmann, vice president of product developer, did depart the company yesterday in what was a "mutual decision" with management, and that his "passion and humor will be missed."

According to Grohne, the layoffs are not the result of a shift away from internal product development. "We remain committed to both our internal teams and working with external partners," Ghrone told Joystiq, adding that "[sites] are definitely reading too much into the layoffs; [LucasArts] is not halting internal development."

To that end, Ghrone stated that no titles have been canceled or put on-hold as a result of the layoffs, and that the company is "very proud" of the work done by the internal team creating Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, as well as that done by the staff of Day 1 Studios, who are developing the upcoming original IP Fracture for LucasArts.

Regarding various reports of now ex-employees of the company divulging information online concerning titles such as the next Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Star Wars Battlefront 3, and a "lightsaber game" for Wii, Grohne stated that the company cannot comment on unannounced products.

The LucasArts layoffs follow THQ's elimination of at least 200 jobs last month.

JoystiqLucasArts cuts staff, remains committed to internal development originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jun 2008 14:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BreakingNewsfractureindiana-joneslayoffslucasartsstar-warsthe-force-unleashedFri, 06 Jun 2008 14:41:00 EST<![CDATA['Break'-ing news: New Fracture trailer explores plot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/01/break-ing-news-new-fracture-trailer-explores-plot/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/01/break-ing-news-new-fracture-trailer-explores-plot/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/01/break-ing-news-new-fracture-trailer-explores-plot/#commentsFiled under: ,


We've been intrigued by the terraforming gameplay we've seen from past previews of Fracture, spurring our curiosity about what little details we knew about the plot of the game. The developers at LucasArts, much like the man from which their name was derived, usually imbue their games with fantastic storytelling -- particularly in those rare releases that don't involve lightsabers and Bothans. The above trailer's themes of civil war and environmentalist undertones definitely provide the base for an interesting plotline; we just hope the game's writers can keep up, providing us with an unorthodox FPS protagonist -- one who is capable capable of weaving polysyllabic words into complete sentences.

Joystiq'Break'-ing news: New Fracture trailer explores plot originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 01 Jun 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>environmentenvironmentalistfpsfracturelucasartsplotPS3trailerXbox-360Sun, 01 Jun 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fracture gets October release, new site, new trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/01/fracture-gets-october-release-new-site-new-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/01/fracture-gets-october-release-new-site-new-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/01/fracture-gets-october-release-new-site-new-trailer/#commentsFiled under:

Gamers looking out for Fracture might take interest in the game's newly redesigned and relaunched website. Fracture was announced around this time last year, and it looks like the game is well on its way to release this October 2008 according to the new website.

With the new site in place, a release for October, and a demo hitting the PSN a month or two before the scheduled release, then it seems we'll be hearing much more on this title in the months to come. It looks like this blogger was wrong when he said, in a previous Fracture post a few days ago, that Fracture news would again be sparse; this is most definitely a good thing that it won't. If you're interested in Fracture, make sure you check out the official website. But also, make sure you check out the new trailer after the break.

[Via Joystiq]

Continue reading Fracture gets October release, new site, new trailer

JoystiqFracture gets October release, new site, new trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 01 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>day-1-studiosfracturelucasartsSun, 01 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fracture: New trailer, like love, can move mountains]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/01/fracture-new-trailer-like-love-can-move-mountains/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/01/fracture-new-trailer-like-love-can-move-mountains/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/01/fracture-new-trailer-like-love-can-move-mountains/#commentsFiled under: ,


Lucasarts debuted the latest trailer for the upcoming action-shooter, Fracture, on GameTrailers early Saturday morning. Setting the stage for a war that takes place between a split United States, two factions face-off for dominance over the nation. The evil-doers, known as the Pacificans, have altered DNA to create a stronger, more dominant race while the Atlantic Alliance have put their effort into creating advanced cybernetics to thwart a Pacific attack. With an interesting concept and unique gameplay (terraform weapons look awesome!) can Fracture make a name for itself when it hits this October? Time will tell. Also, Pacificans? Really?

JoystiqFracture: New trailer, like love, can move mountains originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 01 Jun 2008 04:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008-releasesday-1-studiosfracturelucasartsSun, 01 Jun 2008 04:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Fancy new Fracture site announces October release date]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/fancy-new-fracture-site-announces-october-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/fancy-new-fracture-site-announces-october-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/fancy-new-fracture-site-announces-october-release-date/#commentsFiled under: , ,


LucasArts has updated the official website for their terrain-deforming third-person shooter Fracture. Now featuring a wide array of videos and other content, the site also proudly claims an October release date for the anticipated title.

The website offers videos demonstrating the range of terrain-deforming weapons, convincing us even more that Fracture is the true spiritual successor to the classic PC game Scorched Earth. LucasArts has also launched a community wiki for the game, presumably because the constantly changing landscape of the wiki echoes the constantly changing landscape of the-- nevermind.

JoystiqFancy new Fracture site announces October release date originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 May 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fracturelucasartsPS3Xbox-360Fri, 30 May 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fracture demo coming this Fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/fracture-demo-coming-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/fracture-demo-coming-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/fracture-demo-coming-this-fall/#commentsFiled under:

It's been ages since we last heard about Fracture -- a terra-forming shooter -- so it's quite nice to hear anything on the title really. In fact, you could say the news has been quite fractured, or, if you want to put it in more delicate terms ... fraked. Anyway, enough of the fluff and on to the cold hard news; that is what you're here for, right?

Speaking to CVG, LucasArts has communicated that a demo should appear on the PSN sometime in "August or September." The demo includes a tutorial stage and a level where "you can try out all the land-bending trickery," according to CVG. They of course refer to the terrain deformation system which lets players control the ground, and use it for strategic purposes. Since the demo comes out in a few months, and since we suspect news to be just as infrequent from here on out, expect radio silence until then.

JoystiqFracture demo coming this Fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 May 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>day-1-studiosfracturelucasartsThu, 29 May 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GameTrailers TV to debut new Facebreaker, Resident Evil 5 footage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/gametrailers-tv-to-debut-new-facebreaker-resident-evil-5-footag/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/gametrailers-tv-to-debut-new-facebreaker-resident-evil-5-footag/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/gametrailers-tv-to-debut-new-facebreaker-resident-evil-5-footag/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Whether you're in it for the pugilistic spectacle or gratuitous undead hostility, we think there are a few good reasons to catch this Friday's episode of GameTrailers TV on Spike. Not only will we see the character creation mode in EA's cartoonish boxing game, Facebreaker, we'll actually get to see show host Geoff Keighley and EA's Peter Moore break each other's faces. In the game.

If you prefer your violence to be dispensed with the pull of a finger (and not the swing of a fist), the episode will also feature new gameplay footage of Capcom's controversial Resident Evil 5. Add a trailer for world-warping shooter Fracture and in-game footage of Golden Axe: Beast Rider, and you have yourself a decent bit of entertainment. You'll find a trailer for the episode, which airs on Friday, May 30th, at 1AM ET/PT, after the break.

Continue reading GameTrailers TV to debut new Facebreaker, Resident Evil 5 footage

JoystiqGameTrailers TV to debut new Facebreaker, Resident Evil 5 footage originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 May 2008 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomEAElectronic-ArtsFacebreakerFractureGolden-Axe-Beast-RiderGTTVLucasArtsPeter-MoorePS3Resident-Evil-5SegaWiiXbox-360Thu, 29 May 2008 11:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Fracture gets a few minor changes at CES]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/fracture-gets-a-few-minor-changes-at-ces/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/fracture-gets-a-few-minor-changes-at-ces/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/fracture-gets-a-few-minor-changes-at-ces/#commentsFiled under: ,

LucasArts' title Fracture seemed neat with terrain deformation mechanics, but some issues were raised that needed addressed: why does the main character look so bland? What happens if you run out of ammo? Some tweaks to the game have been made -- the character looks a bit different (but still a bit generic), and you've a weapon that lets you move the land without using ammo. But it's not as cool. There's a new weapon called the Black Widow that lets you shoot and detonate up to six charges whenever you want. A new stage set in San Francisco was shown, but really, just watch the new video and make your own call.

JoystiqFracture gets a few minor changes at CES originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jan 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fracturelucas-artslucasartsTue, 08 Jan 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA["Terrain Deformation" is LucasArts' next-gen answer in Fracture]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/05/terrain-deformation-is-lucasarts-next-gen-answer-in-fracture/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/05/terrain-deformation-is-lucasarts-next-gen-answer-in-fracture/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/05/terrain-deformation-is-lucasarts-next-gen-answer-in-fracture/#commentsFiled under:

We haven't heard much from Fracture in a while, but we've always had it in the back of our minds as a game to keep our eye on. This new video talks about the main draw to the game, terrain deformation, where you can alter the landscape of the battlefield to your hearts content given a plethora of devices with varying effects. You can see some new footage (on the 360 build), some behind the scenes work, and more or less a big propaganda machine in action (even a military officer is singing praises about the concept).

Worked on us! We won't be seeing this game this year, but early next year we definitely expect to hear more and hopefully we'll be able to get our hands on something. Messing around with the very ground beneath your characters feet may prove to be just what the action-shooter genre needs to reinvent itself.

Joystiq"Terrain Deformation" is LucasArts' next-gen answer in Fracture originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Oct 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fracturelucasartsFri, 05 Oct 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq impressions: Fracture (Xbox 360, PS3)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/joystiq-impressions-fracture-xbox-360-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/joystiq-impressions-fracture-xbox-360-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/joystiq-impressions-fracture-xbox-360-ps3/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Sure, this is a science-fiction title from LucasArts, but this is not a Star Wars game. I repeat, this is not a Star Wars game. LucasArts' Fracture is one of the most innovative games in the first-person shooter genre we've seen this show. We had a chance to watch a demonstration of the single-player game and the terrain deforming mechanic that defines the shooter and separates it from the general lot.

The story is essentially an extrapolation on the possible effects of global warming and genetic engineering 150 years into the future. With the entire middle portion of the US underwater, the East coast and Europe's cybernetic-centric Atlantic Alliance go to war against the West coast / East Asia's Republic of Pacific. While you only get to play as the Atlantic in single-player, both sides are playable in multiplayer. (The Pacific side will likely be your team for Fracture 2.) What about the rest of the world, such as South Africa? A LucasArts representative said with a smile, "to be answered in Fracture!"

If you remember the old game Scorched Earth, you'll recall there were weapons that cratered and created (via "sand piles") land, and Fracture takes much from that idea. Using special grenades you can lower and raise the land. Examples shown were creating a wall between enemies and lowering the earth to turn a crack in a wall into a new doorway, among others. You could even use it to make stairs to a higher ground. We were told that there is a floor and ceiling to terraforming the land, but that it is reportedly "forgiving." We saw within minutes a battlefield that was utterly devastated and warped, very impressive.

Gallery: Fracture

Continue reading Joystiq impressions: Fracture (Xbox 360, PS3)

JoystiqJoystiq impressions: Fracture (Xbox 360, PS3) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 23:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e307fractureimpressionslucasartsPS3Xbox-360Wed, 11 Jul 2007 23:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Fracture details explode forth from the ground]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/04/fracture-details-explode-forth-from-the-ground/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/04/fracture-details-explode-forth-from-the-ground/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/04/fracture-details-explode-forth-from-the-ground/#commentsFiled under:

LucasArts is making a game called Fracture. We've covered it once or twice before. We're really excited about it. Taking that into consideration, when we read a new preview of the title, our excitement grew even more because the terrain deformation mechanic is starting to make more sense to us. We'll explain how it works without going into all the back story -- read that if you want. What we will tell you is the visuals look sharper and resolutions higher than 720p are being considered.

You can carry two weapons at a time, along with four types of grenades. Each weapon has a primary (shooting) feature and a secondary. The secondary features primarily (get it?) deal with terrain deformation -- the machine gun will chip away at the ground, making a staircase on a steep cliff. The shotgun bullets bounce off walls and the rocket launcher creates a subterranean torpedo. Another weapon serves as a type of vacuum, sucking up dirt and debris into a gigantic ball, then rolling it into enemies for an eventual explosion. The grenades serve different purposes as well, mostly for terrain deformation. They're really cool sounding, but that's for you to read up on. Look for the game in early 2008 as well as more coverage over E3!

JoystiqFracture details explode forth from the ground originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Jul 2007 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360fracturelucas artsLucasArtsmicrosoftplaystation 3Playstation3ps3sonyxbox 360Xbox360Wed, 04 Jul 2007 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Fracture details, co-op confirmed!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/20/new-fracture-details-co-op-confirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/20/new-fracture-details-co-op-confirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/20/new-fracture-details-co-op-confirmed/#commentsFiled under: ,

If you missed the strangely entertaining (and musically epic) trailer for the upcoming LucasArts title Fracture (or if you're like me, Psi-Ops with land-altering grenades minus the psychic abilities), please go back and watch it. It just hit the right chords for me -- a guy who generally doesn't find entertainment in first- and third-person shooters. PSU scored an interview with LucasArts producer David Perkinson and we're going to summarize it. It's pretty cool, so go ahead and read the entire thing if you're particularly interested.

  • The game takes place in America and addresses many "hot button" issues like stem cell research, genetic engineering and global warming. Using American landforms or man-made icons like the Golden Gate Bridge will give players a feeling familiarity and emotional stake in the game's story. Hopefully.
  • Moral and ethical shades of gray permeate the story -- right and wrong aren't clearly defined and what you see ain't what you get. So to speak.
  • Terrain deformation is integral to gameplay: solving puzzles, creating advantageous battlegrounds, and destruction are just as important as the generic aim + shoot formula in most similar titles.
  • Weapons are unique, too -- machine guns will eat away at the ground and a subterranean missile launcher allows you to detonate the missile at will. More details to come on weaponry.
  • An "augmentation" system will be put into play later on -- think status-up boosts in sports game, classic RPGs, or games like KOTOR.
  • There will be both split-screen Co-Op and online play available from day one.
  • LucasArts claims to take advantage of each system's specialties (PS3 and 360), but they're vague on purpose. We expect an interesting announcement in the coming months.
  • As far as resolution and framerate goes, they're vague again but from the comment "We plan to optimize the game to achieve a high frame-rate, while maintaining the level of gameplay desired" we translate that as 720p/60fps. Agreed?

That's it for now. Don't know why, but this game might just turn into a sleeper hit or a very, very far miss. Odds are higher on a sleeper hit, though, since it seems to share a few design similarities with the aforementioned Psi-Ops. We'll keep you updated on this one.
[Thanks, Justin!]

JoystiqNew Fracture details, co-op confirmed! originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 May 2007 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360FractureLucas ArtsLucasArtsMicrosoftPlayStation 3Playstation3PS3SonyXbox 360Xbox360Sun, 20 May 2007 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Podcast 007 - Synergy edition (feat. Shawn Andrich and Dennis McCauley)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/16/joystiq-podcast-007-synergy-edition-feat-shawn-andrich-and-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/16/joystiq-podcast-007-synergy-edition-feat-shawn-andrich-and-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/16/joystiq-podcast-007-synergy-edition-feat-shawn-andrich-and-d/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Arriving fashionably late is the latest installment of the Joystiq Podcast, double-oh seven! No, it's not "Bond edition," it's "Synergy edition." Why synergy? When you combine guest host Shawn Andrich, of the popular Gamers with Jobs Conference Call podcast, with discussion of Jaffeton you can't help but feel the synergy. Roll in some discussion with GamePolitics blogger -- and Joystiq columnist -- Dennis McCauley, and thinks get downright synergistic.

Get the podcast:
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[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

Hosts: Christopher Grant and Justin McElroy

Guests: Shawn Andrich (Gamers with Jobs) and Dennis McCauley (GamePolitics)

Music: "We Weren't Put Together" by David E. Sugar

Program:
0:01:30 - Spider-Man 3 synergy ("who cleans up all that webbing?")
0:12:36 - Sony goat of war II ("red phone")
0:21:07 - PlayStation 4 is coming ("fourth dimension new chipset")
0:27:53 - GTAIV "limited" on 360 ("it makes no qualitative difference")
0:33:38 - LucasArts' Fracture ("everybody's a miner")
0:41:00 - Wii release calendar ("What're ya' buyin'?")
0:49:55 - Dennis McCauley on Clements High maps
1:03:48 - The Jaffeton (censored)

JoystiqJoystiq Podcast 007 - Synergy edition (feat. Shawn Andrich and Dennis McCauley) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2007 03:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>davidjaffefracturegtaIVplaystation4PS3spider-man3WiiXbox-360Wed, 16 May 2007 03:05:00 ESTJoystiq Podcast 007Christopher Grant, Justin McElroy1:30:17podcasts<![CDATA[How's about an earth-changing trailer for Fracture?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/08/hows-about-an-earth-changing-trailer-for-fracture/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/08/hows-about-an-earth-changing-trailer-for-fracture/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/08/hows-about-an-earth-changing-trailer-for-fracture/#commentsFiled under: ,



This game. Looks. Awesome. No, not graphically -- stuff like Gears of War still has it beat, but the concept behind the title is fantastic in premise and executed (at least in this early trailer) with such pizazz that you can't help but think: "Now that is cool." See, Fracture allows you to handle different types of weaponry that actually alter the ground you fight on. Want to make a jagged earth spike pop up from under your enemy? Done. How about turning the ground into a whirlpool of quicksand? Done. This game looks to be a lot of fun, sticking something new in a tired genre, the way Psi-Ops did on the PS2. Let us know what you think.

JoystiqHow's about an earth-changing trailer for Fracture? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2007 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FractureLucas ArtsLucasArtsMicrosoftPlayStation 3Playstation3PS3XBox 360Xbox360Tue, 08 May 2007 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq takes a first look at Fracture]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/04/joystiq-takes-a-first-look-at-fracture/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/04/joystiq-takes-a-first-look-at-fracture/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/04/joystiq-takes-a-first-look-at-fracture/#commentsFiled under:


Just announced yesterday, LucasArts' new title, Fracture -- debuting next year -- has an interesting premise. In the future, terrain deformation will become an integral part of warfare. In Fracture, players will utilize a number of weapons that alter terrain in many different ways. Joystiq got a closer look at the game last night at a media event in San Francisco. Joystiq learned a few new details about the plot, including how terrain deformation came about and why the eastern and western halves of the United States are bent on each others' destruction. Of course, the meat and potatoes of the event were firsthand looks at the game's weapons. Joystiq notes that most of the terrain-affecting weapons are grenades, though there are some interesting guns as well (including a subterranean grenade launcher). Unfortunately, Joystiq also found out that the terrain weapons do not affect buildings and other structures, which makes the game seem more constricted than we had hoped. All in all, though, Fracture looks like it could be a very fun game.

Hit the "read" link for Joystiq's full impressions.

JoystiqJoystiq takes a first look at Fracture originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2007 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>day 1day 1 studiosDay1Day1Studiosfracturelucas artsLucasArtsFri, 04 May 2007 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq impressions: Fracture (PS3/360)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/03/joystiq-impressions-fracture-ps3-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/03/joystiq-impressions-fracture-ps3-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/03/joystiq-impressions-fracture-ps3-360/#commentsFiled under: , ,


LucasArts and Day 1 Studios unveiled Fracture last night at a San Francisco media event. The Presideo campus headquarters of LucasFilm, LucasArts, and ILM (as seen on Conan O'Brien) housed us for several game videos, a demo, and question-and-answer time.

We weren't allowed to play Fracture, but I got a better sense of the title beyond the initial announcement. Fracture, which will rely on players reshaping the game's terrain in real-time, has a lot of potential. A few parts of the game concerned me -- like how the terrain weapons don't affect buildings and if changing the landscape will be fun in the middle of a fight -- but the basic ability to ripple and distort the land was impressive. Hopefully, Fracture will live up to its potential; we've already seen destructible games fall short of their hype.

Gallery: Fracture

Continue reading Joystiq impressions: Fracture (PS3/360)

JoystiqJoystiq impressions: Fracture (PS3/360) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 May 2007 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Day1StudiosdestructiblefractureJimWardlucasartsPS3terrainXbox-360Thu, 03 May 2007 17:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Fracture to (literally) change 360 landscape]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/03/fracture-to-literally-change-360-landscape/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/03/fracture-to-literally-change-360-landscape/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/03/fracture-to-literally-change-360-landscape/#commentsFiled under:


LucasArts, in cooperation with Day 1 Studios, has announced a new franchise for Xbox 360 and PS3. Entitled, Fracture, the game is based around the concept of destructible environments and land deformation. The game's plot is interesting to say the least. Fracture takes place in the 22nd century, after the polar ice caps have melted, causing the Mississippi River to flood and effectively cut the United States in half. In this new chaos, the eastern half of the U.S., known as the Atlantic Alliance, has opted to survive by employing cybernetic technology. The western half, now the Republic of Pacifica, modify themselves at the genetic level, effectively creating a race of mutants.

The gameplay revolves around destructible environments and shaping the land to your advantage. Played from a 3rd person perspective, players use different weapons that can destroy or otherwise reshape the land. For example, you might throw a special grenade that creates a pit in the ground. On the other end of the spectrum, another grenade causes the ground to shoot upward, potentially giving you access to higher areas. See a video of Fracture after the break.

Continue reading Fracture to (literally) change 360 landscape

JoystiqFracture to (literally) change 360 landscape originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 May 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>day 1 studiosDay1Studiosfracturelucas artsLucasArtsThu, 03 May 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Just announced: Fracture by Lucasarts and Day 1 Studios!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/03/just-announced-fracture-by-lucasarts-and-day-1-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/03/just-announced-fracture-by-lucasarts-and-day-1-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/03/just-announced-fracture-by-lucasarts-and-day-1-studios/#commentsFiled under: ,


Lucasarts just announced a brand new third-person shooter in collaboration with Day 1 Studios. Titled Fracture, the shooter is set in America in the year 2161, and is supposed to integrate highly destructive environments into its gameplay. The story involves an East vs West divide along the Mississippi, with mutants on one half and cybernetically enhanced humans on the other. Now, everybody knows that cyborgs and mutants hate each other, so of course, conflict is natural.

As Joystiq points out, the whole 'destructive environments' thing is something we've heard many times before and it has never really been delivered. I loved the Red Faction series myself - but I always thought it was odd how the second one actually toned down the destructive environments. I liked taking down whole bridges with people on them. It was fun.


JoystiqJust announced: Fracture by Lucasarts and Day 1 Studios! originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 May 2007 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>day 1 studiosDay1StudiosFracturelucasartsred factionRedFactionThu, 03 May 2007 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Destructible game, Fracture, announced for 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/02/destructible-game-fracture-announced-for-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/02/destructible-game-fracture-announced-for-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/02/destructible-game-fracture-announced-for-2008/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Fracture is the new collaboration between publisher, LucasArts, and developer Day 1 Studios. To be released in mid-2008 for the PS3 and 360, the third-person shooter will rely on destructible environments as a key component of the gameplay. We've heard that promise before, but like a bass noticing a Shad Rap, the game's potential is high enough for us to follow this lure to the boat.

It's the year 2161, and the United States has been divided by its flooded Mississippi River. The East is full of cybernetically enhanced humans, while the West is populated with powerful mutants aided by genetic engineering. The freaks can't get along, and this premise -- which hopefully plays out better than it sounds -- incites a world war based in America. (We look forward to the "K" broadcasters finally settling their feud with the "W" stations.)

[Update: Be sure to check out our impressions of the title as well.]

Gallery: Fracture

Continue reading Destructible game, Fracture, announced for 2008

JoystiqDestructible game, Fracture, announced for 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2007 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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