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[Aliens: Colonial Marines delayed to February 2013 on 360/PS3/PC, Wii U date to be revealed later]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/aliens-colonial-marines-delayed-to-february-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/aliens-colonial-marines-delayed-to-february-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/aliens-colonial-marines-delayed-to-february-2013/#comments
Aliens: Colonial Marines launches on February 12, 2013, Sega announced this morning. The Gearbox Software-developed game was previously given a "fall 2012" launch window, and was planned as a Wii U hardware launch title (the game is also planned for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC), though no hard date was ever given before. In fact, despite the February 12 date announcement, the game's Wii U version still doesn't have a date. "A release date for the announced Wii U version will be revealed at a later time," the press release reads.

Upset? That's understandable, but Sega's hoping to deflect some of that rage with a new trailer, which we've dropped just above.

Continue reading Aliens: Colonial Marines delayed to February 2013 on 360/PS3/PC, Wii U date to be revealed later

JoystiqAliens: Colonial Marines delayed to February 2013 on 360/PS3/PC, Wii U date to be revealed later originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2012 09:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aliens-Colonial-Marinesdelaydelaysgearboxgearbox-softwaremicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3q1-2013release-datesegawii-uxboxMon, 21 May 2012 09:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Expiring trademarks suggest trouble for Brothers in Arms: Furious 4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/expiring-trademarks-suggest-trouble-for-brothers-in-arms-furiou/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/expiring-trademarks-suggest-trouble-for-brothers-in-arms-furiou/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/expiring-trademarks-suggest-trouble-for-brothers-in-arms-furiou/#comments ImageBrothers in Arms: Furious 4 may be in trouble. Some lapsing trademarks for the its title intimate the Gearbox-developed game is all but abandoned (or the name is changing), and our inquiries into Gearbox Software have yet to be answered. "We don't have anything to share at this point in time," an Ubisoft representative told Joystiq.

Brothers in Arms: Furious 4 was announced at last year's E3 ... and then that was it. We didn't hear a single thing after that preliminary announcement, even though the game was given a tentative 2012 launch window. Right now a cancelation isn't confirmed, but it's looking like these four will have something to be really furious about soon enough.

JoystiqExpiring trademarks suggest trouble for Brothers in Arms: Furious 4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brothers-in-arms-the-furious-4gearboxgearbox-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3ubisoftusptoxboxFri, 18 May 2012 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Co-opinion: Slaughtering Skags in Borderlands 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/co-opinion-slaughtering-skags-in-borderlands-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/co-opinion-slaughtering-skags-in-borderlands-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/co-opinion-slaughtering-skags-in-borderlands-2/#comments Image
David Hinkle: So, Borderlands 2. How fitting I would play as the slender female and you the hulking giant mohawk guy, eh?
Jessica Conditt: To be fair, Salvador is supposed to be a tiny, muscled man, not the hulking behemoth that I felt like while playing him. Double shotguns will do that to a man.
Agreed. And even though you were carrying every single gun in the universe, we ran into a few bottlenecks. I certainly tried to play Maya as a tank, but I don't think that was a very good idea. Skags, man. Skags.
And that new, juicy element. Slag, right? We took more damage when they flung it on us, which was an annoying experience. But the phaselock health dump was a saving grace there. You kept me alive on quite a few occasions with that. Slag, man. Slag.

Gallery: Borderlands 2 (PAX East 2012)

Continue reading Co-opinion: Slaughtering Skags in Borderlands 2

JoystiqCo-opinion: Slaughtering Skags in Borderlands 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Borderlandsborderlands-2co-opGearboxGearbox-Softwaremicrosoftpax-eastpax-east-2012pcplaystationps3xboxMon, 09 Apr 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Borderlands 2 conjures up Mechromancer class, adds character customization options]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/borderlands-2-conjures-up-mechromancer-class-adds-character-cus/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/borderlands-2-conjures-up-mechromancer-class-adds-character-cus/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/borderlands-2-conjures-up-mechromancer-class-adds-character-cus/#comments ImageOn the final day of PAX East, members of Gearbox detailed plans for Borderlands 2, which is set to drop on September 18. The biggest news nuggest is the Mechromancer, a class that will be added to the game as DLC after launch and free to those who pre-order. The Mechromancer is a female human/machine hybrid, which is totally great because we wrote all of this erotic Claptrap fan-fiction that would totally explain -- ahem, sorry. She will also have a friend: a giant robot called D374-TP (Deathtrap).

Game Informer was at the panel - all of us were too busy scurrying back to our respective journalizing holes to attend today - and says that in addition to the Mechromancer, there will be options to customize the look of your character. Costumes and custom gear will be earned when players complete missions and challenges.

Finally, there will be a special edition of Borderlands 2 that will retail for $149.99. It's packaged in a big plastic loot box replete with a Marcus Kincaid bobblehead and, obviously, a copy of Borderlands 2.

JoystiqBorderlands 2 conjures up Mechromancer class, adds character customization options originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>borderlands-2gearboxgearbox-softwaremechromancermicrosoftpax-eastpax-east-2012pcplaystationps3special-editionxboxMon, 09 Apr 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Each Borderlands DLC pack was made in eight weeks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/each-borderlands-dlc-pack-was-made-in-eight-weeks/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/each-borderlands-dlc-pack-was-made-in-eight-weeks/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/each-borderlands-dlc-pack-was-made-in-eight-weeks/#comments ImageBorderlands 2 art director Jeramy Cooke and concept designer Scott Kester both worked on the first Borderlands, and they shrug off accomplishments such as "made Borderlands" with considerable humility. When Cooke mentioned casually that every piece of DLC for the first title was created in just eight weeks each, we stopped him for clarification.

"You don't understand, those first DLCs, we were literally counting K to try and fit features in there because at the time we hadn't expected it to be such a huge success, so we didn't know that 'oh, we'll have to put all this DLC in,'" Cooke said during a meeting at PAX East 2012.

This development time is impressive considering the heft of each pack, but also because Gearbox hadn't prepared the full game to handle add-on content.

"It was the first time the company had ever done DLC, but we were like, damn it, if we're going to do it, let's do it," Kester said. And so they did.

Borderlands 2 is the second time Gearbox can attempt DLC and it has implemented a robust backend system to support whatever additional content it needs, including patches and support updates. With this improved system maybe Gearbox can beat its previous record and build one piece of 20-hour DLC in just 2 hours.

Maybe.

JoystiqEach Borderlands DLC pack was made in eight weeks originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>borderlands-2dlcgearboxjeramy-cookemicrosoftpax-east-2012pcplaystationps3scott-kesterxboxSat, 07 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Aliens: Colonial Marines multiplayer, or 'How Gearbox played as Xenomorphs and dissected its guests']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/aliens-colonial-marines-multiplayer-or-how-gearbox-played-as/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/aliens-colonial-marines-multiplayer-or-how-gearbox-played-as/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/aliens-colonial-marines-multiplayer-or-how-gearbox-played-as/#comments ImageAt a recent preview event for Aliens: Colonial Marines, developer Gearbox didn't let us play through the single-player portion of its upcoming shooter, but gave us a shot at commanding our own marine in multiplayer. Playing Team Deathmatch, journalists took the reigns as marines, while a group of Gearbox employees faced off against as us the frightening Xenomorphs.

If you're familiar with team deathmatch from other shooters, Aliens: Colonial Marines will do little to surprise you. The multiplayer is asymmetrical, meaning the two sides of the conflict are pretty different in terms of abilities and play styles. While we didn't get to play as the aliens, we did get to watch them be played, which showed us that there is a least a little here that makes this different from your everyday red vs. blue combat situation.

Gallery: Aliens: Colonial Marines (4/4/12)

Continue reading Aliens: Colonial Marines multiplayer, or 'How Gearbox played as Xenomorphs and dissected its guests'

JoystiqAliens: Colonial Marines multiplayer, or 'How Gearbox played as Xenomorphs and dissected its guests' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aliens-Colonial-Marinesgearboxgearbox-softwaremicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3segawii-uxboxWed, 04 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gearbox boss says impressive Wii U 'a really nice bridge' to the next generation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/gearbox-boss-says-impressive-wii-u-a-really-nice-bridge-to-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/gearbox-boss-says-impressive-wii-u-a-really-nice-bridge-to-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/gearbox-boss-says-impressive-wii-u-a-really-nice-bridge-to-the/#comments Nintendo's Wii U demo reel at E3 last year contained a clip of Aliens: Colonial Marines, but we haven't heard much about the version since then. Speaking with Gearbox President Randy Pitchford, we tried to surgically extract a viable specimen of information out of him, but he refrained from getting too specific.

"Nintendo still has a lot to announce with their platform, and it's not up to us to go ahead of them," he told Joystiq. "I think it's a great platform and I'm really excited about it, particularly with this game, there's a lot of exciting opportunities like, 'Wow, my motion tracker is there, and I can move it like this!'" he said as he moved his arms side to side. "There's just so much cool stuff."

Gallery: Aliens: Colonial Marines (4/4/12)

Continue reading Gearbox boss says impressive Wii U 'a really nice bridge' to the next generation

JoystiqGearbox boss says impressive Wii U 'a really nice bridge' to the next generation originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aliens-Colonial-Marinesgearboxgearbox-softwaremicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3Randy-Pitchfordwii-uxboxWed, 04 Apr 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gearbox: Aliens Colonial Marines was announced before development started]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/gearbox-aliens-colonial-marines-was-announced-before-developmen/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/gearbox-aliens-colonial-marines-was-announced-before-developmen/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/gearbox-aliens-colonial-marines-was-announced-before-developmen/#comments ImageDespite first being announced by publisher Sega in 2006, development on Aliens: Colonial Marines didn't begin at Gearbox until after the title was revealed to the world.

"Everyone was just so excited that the deal got done," Gearbox President Randy Pitchford told Joystiq at a recent event for the title. "20th Century Fox, Gearbox and Sega all had to agree to do this and commit themselves to it. The fact that that deal even existed -- everyone on the business side was so excited that the deal happened that they just wanted to tell the world. So before we even started on the game they announced the deal."

Because the announcement was made so long ago, many gamers feel the game has been taking an exceptionally long time to come out. "I think there have been a couple of things that have kind of created that feeling. One thing is that it was announced before we were even started. Another thing is that there was an [Alien] RPG game in development by Obsidian which was canceled. And I think when that happened we hadn't even really shown this game or talked about it yet, so that created some confusion of, 'Wait, what was canceled?'"

Gallery: Aliens: Colonial Marines (Concept Art)

Continue reading Gearbox: Aliens Colonial Marines was announced before development started

JoystiqGearbox: Aliens Colonial Marines was announced before development started originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aliens-Colonial-Marinesgearboxgearbox-softwaremicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3Randy-Pitchfordwii-uxboxWed, 04 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Claptrap wants to whisper sweet Borderlands 2 PC specs to you, baby]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/claptrap-wants-to-whisper-sweet-borderlands-2-pc-specs-to-you-b/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/claptrap-wants-to-whisper-sweet-borderlands-2-pc-specs-to-you-b/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/claptrap-wants-to-whisper-sweet-borderlands-2-pc-specs-to-you-b/#comments Borderlands 2 features a PC-specific UI, FOV slider, remappable keybindings for keyboard and mouse, complete Steamworks support, and more. That's all gathered from Claptrap's love letter to future players. Turns out Claptrap has a broader range of emotion than many people we've met in our very popular lives, showing humor, determination, lust, compassion and now -- possibly our favorite -- romance. We're a sucker for roses, candles, compliments and software upgrades.

Gearbox has decided to reveal its innermost PC features in this gushy love letter from Claptrap, detailing the things that many players were upset to find missing in the PC version of the first Borderlands, as listed below:

Continue reading Claptrap wants to whisper sweet Borderlands 2 PC specs to you, baby

JoystiqClaptrap wants to whisper sweet Borderlands 2 PC specs to you, baby originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>borderlandsborderlands-2claptrapgearboxLove-letterpcFri, 16 Mar 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Borderlands 2 brings the best of all worlds to Pandora, devs say [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/borderlands-2-brings-the-best-of-all-worlds-to-pandora-devs-say/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/borderlands-2-brings-the-best-of-all-worlds-to-pandora-devs-say/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/borderlands-2-brings-the-best-of-all-worlds-to-pandora-devs-say/#comments Borderlands 2 is a hybridized beast of mechanics, play styles and audience potentials, all wrapped up in one cel-shaded package (now with green!). The sequel builds upon feedback from 2009's Borderlands, tweaking many aspects of single-player mode, streamlining co-op skill sets and building new character designs, writer Anthony Burch and concept designer Scott Kester from Gearbox told Joystiq.

One of the most prevalent changes players will notice in Borderlands 2 is the skill-tree functionality in co-op mode. Instead of simply beating down enemies separately but at the same time, as often happened in Borderlands, there will be more synergy between each character's abilities, Kester and Burch said.

For example, the Siren's phaselock abilities have been fine-tuned to include the "sweet release" kill skill, which insta-heals every member of her party if she kills an enemy frozen in phaselock. Additionally, the Assassin can execute enemies in the Siren's phaselock relatively easily with his melee or sniping moves, and the Commando will be able to throw down a bubble shield to protect the entire team. The Gunzerker is nuanced as well, including a skill that ramps up the power in the last shot of his gun's magazine, and if an enemy is killed with an excess amount of force, the extra points are converted to health. He can also dual-wield any weapon, which is awesome for everyone. Except the guys he's shooting at.

Continue reading Borderlands 2 brings the best of all worlds to Pandora, devs say [Update]

JoystiqBorderlands 2 brings the best of all worlds to Pandora, devs say [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Anthony-Burchassassinborderlands-2commandogearboxgearbox-softwaregunzerkermicrosoftpcplaystationps3Scott-KesterSirenxboxFri, 02 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Aliens: Colonial Marines shifted to a fall 2012 launch window]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/aliens-colonial-marines-release-date-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/aliens-colonial-marines-release-date-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/aliens-colonial-marines-release-date-update/#comments Despite those signs from Sega's abdomen and the worried look on its face, it seems like Aliens: Colonial Marines isn't bursting out of development onto retail shelves any time soon. The game will now arrive some time in "fall 2012," according to a statement released by Sega this evening, bumping it a full season away from its originally intended spring 2012 window.

We're also told that a fancy new trailer for the game will be arriving tomorrow, so, uh, hold onto your butts! Oh ... shoot ... wrong franchise. Ummm, get to the choppah? Sorry, we kinda exhausted our Aliens references in the first paragraph.

JoystiqAliens: Colonial Marines shifted to a fall 2012 launch window originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aliens-Colonial-Marinesdelaygearboxgearbox-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3q3-2011q4-2012release-datesegaxboxThu, 26 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Aliens: Colonial Marines special edition spotted]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/aliens-colonial-marines-special-edition-spotted/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/aliens-colonial-marines-special-edition-spotted/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/aliens-colonial-marines-special-edition-spotted/#comments They're everywhere, man! Gamekyo has discovered an image of what appears to be a collector's edition of Aliens: Colonial Marines. Based on the unconfirmed evidence, the collector's edition will include a nifty display box, several in-game weapons, a new "USMC Academy Firing Range" game mode and the USCM Dossier, which offers "essential briefing notes on the Xenomorph infestation." We're assuming the more salient points will cover acid blood and secret mouths.

What's that? Oh yeah, it also includes a badass power loader statue. Despite all that, Sega tells Joystiq that it is "not commenting on this rumor."

JoystiqAliens: Colonial Marines special edition spotted originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aliens-Colonial-Marinescollectors-editiongearboxmicrosoftpcplaystationps3segaxboxMon, 09 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Duke Nukem Forever DLC introduces The Doctor Who Cloned Me this Tuesday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/10/duke-nukem-forever-dlc-introduces-the-doctor-who-cloned-me-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/10/duke-nukem-forever-dlc-introduces-the-doctor-who-cloned-me-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/10/duke-nukem-forever-dlc-introduces-the-doctor-who-cloned-me-this/#comments To be honest, we thought Duke's DNA was too invincible to be cloned, but here we are. A new set of DLC for Duke Nukem Forever drops on Tuesday, adding new single-player and multiplayer content. Dr. Proton has cloned Duke in Area 51 and now Duke's gotta eradicate 'em all. Sounds like par for the course.

On the multiplayer side, The Doctor Who Cloned Me also adds four new multiplayer maps to the game: Sky High, Command, Drop Zone and Biohazard. You can see some images of the DLC in our gallery below.

Gallery: Duke Nukem Forever (The Dr. Who Cloned Me)

JoystiqDuke Nukem Forever DLC introduces The Doctor Who Cloned Me this Tuesday originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Dec 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcdownloadable-contentduke-nukem-forevergearboxgearbox-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3the-doctor-who-cloned-mexboxSat, 10 Dec 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gearbox seeks live-action Lilith]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/gearbox-seeks-live-action-lilith/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/gearbox-seeks-live-action-lilith/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/gearbox-seeks-live-action-lilith/#comments Borderlands 2 developer Gearbox is seeking a real-life Lilith. The person hired will appear in the game as the "live action version of the character," and there are additional opportunities to participate in promotional events and trade shows. We pity the actress in advance for the latter.

This isn't a contest, it's a contract job opportunity. The actress/model will be paid $1,000 per day of shooting, with a guaranteed minimum of one day of work.

Interested applicants can either submit a headshot photo (of their face, not of one committed in Borderlands) by email or attend one of the cattle ca..., er, open casting calls being held in Dallas, TX, during the first two weeks of December.

JoystiqGearbox seeks live-action Lilith originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>borderlands-2gearboxgearbox-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 29 Nov 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cheap Portal 2, Orcs Must Die! in Steam's 'Autumn Sale']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/cheap-portal-2-orcs-must-die-in-steams-autumn-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/cheap-portal-2-orcs-must-die-in-steams-autumn-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/cheap-portal-2-orcs-must-die-in-steams-autumn-sale/#comments Starting today and continuing through November 27, Valve will offer daily discounts and deals on many, many titles in honor of the holiday. Such is the plight of the Steam user.

Kicking off the sale today are a myriad of games including recent releases Orcs Must Die!, Portal 2 and, uh, Duke Nukem Forever. There are even a few games under $4, and one is actually a bunch of games together: The Oddboxx. Yet another highlight is the Sam & Max Collection, a bundle of the first three seasons ending with the The Devil's Playhouse, for $12.49.

Valve will be switching up what's on sale every day, so ... be careful.

JoystiqCheap Portal 2, Orcs Must Die! in Steam's 'Autumn Sale' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesduke-nukem-forevergearboxgearbox-softwareorcs-must-diepcrobot-entertainmentsteamvalveWed, 23 Nov 2011 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Gearbox and Claptrap honor late Borderlands fan with eulogy, NPC in sequel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/05/gearbox-and-claptrap-honor-late-borderlands-fan-with-eulogy-npc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/05/gearbox-and-claptrap-honor-late-borderlands-fan-with-eulogy-npc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/05/gearbox-and-claptrap-honor-late-borderlands-fan-with-eulogy-npc/#comments Michael John Mamaril was a huge Borderlands fan, until he died of cancer last month at the age of 22. His friend Carlo, also a Borderlands fan, asked Gearbox Software to have the game's snarky robot, Claptrap, eulogize Mamaril. Gearbox did, and it has also promised to include Mamaril as an NPC in Borderlands 2. You can hear the heartfelt eulogy from Claptrap and Gearbox on Soundcloud.

Gearbox has established itself as a pivotal figure in the Borderlands community, outside of simply creating the game. In April, Gearbox had Claptrap help a man propose to his girlfriend, and now we've seen the deeper side of its indulgence. Cheers, Gearbox, Carlo and, most of all, Michael John Mamaril.

JoystiqGearbox and Claptrap honor late Borderlands fan with eulogy, NPC in sequel originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Nov 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>borderlands-2Carlocheersclaptrapeulogygearboxgearbox-softwareMichael-John-Mamarilmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxSat, 05 Nov 2011 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[You decide what goes in the Borderlands 2 collector's edition; also, a survey]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/you-decide-what-goes-in-the-borderlands-2-collectors-edition-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/you-decide-what-goes-in-the-borderlands-2-collectors-edition-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/you-decide-what-goes-in-the-borderlands-2-collectors-edition-a/#comments Gearbox is all ears (and other limbs, internal organs and appendages -- they're not freaks) for the contents of the Borderlands 2 collector's edition, asking for creative fan suggestions to fill out its packaging. Post your collector's edition dreams in the official forum, or right here, as Gearbox has promised to read our own thread as well.

Gearbox also has a short survey for Borderlands players to fill out, asking questions about which aspects of the game were most important and why, ending with an open-ended suggestion box. For those low on free-form comment juices, feel free to copy this one with the appropriate words inserted:

"Borderlands was a(n) (adjective) game with (adjective) art style and (adjective) gameplay mechanics. (Don't) change anything in that regard for Borderlands 2. The storyline could be (more/less) cohesive in the sequel and the AI could (not) be improved. Also, more lasers."

JoystiqYou decide what goes in the Borderlands 2 collector's edition; also, a survey originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Sep 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>borderlands-2collectors-editiongearboxgearbox-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3surveyxboxFri, 09 Sep 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Borderlands 2 leaked gameplay video is 14 minutes of amazing midget-massacre]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/03/borderlands-2-leaked-gameplay-video-is-14-minutes-of-amazing-mid/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/03/borderlands-2-leaked-gameplay-video-is-14-minutes-of-amazing-mid/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/03/borderlands-2-leaked-gameplay-video-is-14-minutes-of-amazing-mid/#comments

Borderlands 2 is running on a platform of trimmed fat and effective economics -- it will be better, Gearbox says, it will be meaner and it will fix all of the problems of its predecessor. We've all heard promises like this one before, but if the leaked gameplay video above is anything to go by, Borderlands 2 has our vote.

The video shows 14 minutes of Borderlands 2, featuring new weapons such as a disposable, regenerative, Wal-Mart-inspired rifle, a new character in Maya the Siren, an old character in Roland, and new enemies, such as the torturer Nomad, who uses a midget as a meat-shield. Check out the stunning new art style and gameplay mechanics of Borderlands 2 above, and don't forget to vote in 2012 pre-order before it drops after April 2012!

JoystiqBorderlands 2 leaked gameplay video is 14 minutes of amazing midget-massacre originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Sep 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Gamesborderlands-2gearboxgearbox-softwareleakedmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxSat, 03 Sep 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gearbox gifts Borderlands 2 to its PAX panel attendees, you want ours?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/28/gearbox-gifts-borderlands-2-to-its-pax-panel-attendees-you-want/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/28/gearbox-gifts-borderlands-2-to-its-pax-panel-attendees-you-want/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/28/gearbox-gifts-borderlands-2-to-its-pax-panel-attendees-you-want/#comments In an undeniably generous gesture, Gearbox gave a voucher good for a free copy of Borderlands 2 to all of the more than a thousand attendees of its PAX Prime 2011 panel. Yes, you read that right. Free. For everybody.

If you weren't among the lucky hanging out in the Pegasus room, we're continuing the Oprah spirit by passing on our code to you. Yep, that's ours up there. Go ahead. Take it. Oh, and let us know in the comments that you got it. (Update: Looks like it's been used!)

JoystiqGearbox gifts Borderlands 2 to its PAX panel attendees, you want ours? originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 28 Aug 2011 21:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>borderlands-2gearboxmicrosoftpax-prime-2011pcplaystationps3xboxSun, 28 Aug 2011 21:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Brothers In Arms franchise will return to Sgt. Baker]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/28/brothers-in-arms-franchise-will-return-to-sgt-baker/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/28/brothers-in-arms-franchise-will-return-to-sgt-baker/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/28/brothers-in-arms-franchise-will-return-to-sgt-baker/#comments Though the slightly more light-hearded Brothers In Arms: Furious Four may be the next step in the franchise, Gearbox says it isn't done with franchise star Sgt. Matt Baker. Company boss Randy Pitchford confirmed at PAX Prime 2011 that another game is in the works involving Baker, the lead in previous Brothers In Arms games Road to Hill 30, Earned in Blood and Hell's Highway.

Here's the twist: No shooting. ... No, no, we're kidding. There will probably be shooting.

JoystiqBrothers In Arms franchise will return to Sgt. Baker originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 28 Aug 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brothers-in-armsgearboxpax-prime-2011Sun, 28 Aug 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Aliens: Infestation hits DS on October 11]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/28/aliens-infestation-infests-ds-on-october-11/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/28/aliens-infestation-infests-ds-on-october-11/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/28/aliens-infestation-infests-ds-on-october-11/#comments
Hope you're not "bugged" by a little news this late on a Sunday but Gearbox just announced that Aliens: Infestation would arrive on the DS on Oct. 11 in the US and on Sept. 30 in the EU. It's a little bit of a delay from the previous loose window of "September" for the WayForward-developed title.

Also, we're supremely sorry about that "bugged" part. We're in a room with like a thousand sweaty dudes and all we've eaten today is a low-fat muffin.

Gallery: Aliens: Infestation (7/20/11)

JoystiqAliens: Infestation hits DS on October 11 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 28 Aug 2011 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliens-infestationdsgearboxnintendopax-prime-2011Sun, 28 Aug 2011 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Borderlands is 75% off on Steam this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/25/borderlands-is-75-off-on-steam-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/25/borderlands-is-75-off-on-steam-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/25/borderlands-is-75-off-on-steam-this-weekend/#comments Gearbox's shoot and loot RPG, Borderlands, is 75 percent off on Steam this weekend. That means you can grab the original game for $4.99, or the "Game of the Year" edition for $7.49. Each of the game's four DLC packs are discounted to $2.49, with the four-pack bundle costing $7.49.

Want to buy Borderlands and go questing with a few friends? A four pack of the GOTY edition is only $22.49. That's cheaper than a night at the movies. Heck, that might be cheaper than popcorn at the movies now.

If you pace yourself, you'll be finished with all that Borderlands content by the time Borderlands 2 rolls around sometime after March next year.

JoystiqBorderlands is 75% off on Steam this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Aug 2011 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-GamesBorderlandsBorderlands Game of the Year Editiongearboxgearbox-softwarepcThu, 25 Aug 2011 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Aliens: Colonial Marines trailer kills a whole lot of humans]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/aliens-colonial-marines-trailer-kills-a-whole-lot-of-humans/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/aliens-colonial-marines-trailer-kills-a-whole-lot-of-humans/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/aliens-colonial-marines-trailer-kills-a-whole-lot-of-humans/#comments
If we had a nickel for each of the titular soldiers that gets massacred in this (apparently leaked) trailer for Aliens: Colonial Marines, we'd probably have enough money to afford the therapy we'll need to get over how many titular soldiers we just saw get massacred. Come, join our distress!

JoystiqAliens: Colonial Marines trailer kills a whole lot of humans originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 11:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliensAliens-Colonial-Marinesgearboxgearbox-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3segaxboxWed, 24 Aug 2011 11:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Borderlands 2 improves UI for split-screen, now with online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/borderlands-2-improves-ui-for-split-screen-now-with-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/borderlands-2-improves-ui-for-split-screen-now-with-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/borderlands-2-improves-ui-for-split-screen-now-with-online/#comments Borderlands 2 will allow you to take you couch co-op companion online. Gearbox's Steve Gibson told Joystiq at the Gamescom reveal of the game that those playing split-screen will be able to go online and connect with two other players.

"The only situation you can not do is split-screen plus split-screen because you need a host," Gibson said. "And a split-screen guy uses a lot of CPU, so he can not be the host."

Another improvement for the sequel concerns the user interface, which has been reworked for split-screen. Now you can easily manage the upgrades menu without all that awkward scrolling around.

Gallery: Borderlands 2

JoystiqBorderlands 2 improves UI for split-screen, now with online originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Gamesborderlands-2gamescom-2011gearboxgearbox-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxFri, 19 Aug 2011 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Borderlands 2, starring Salvador the dwarf and a dump of new details]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/06/borderlands-2-starring-salvador-the-dwarf-and-a-dump-of-new-det/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/06/borderlands-2-starring-salvador-the-dwarf-and-a-dump-of-new-det/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/06/borderlands-2-starring-salvador-the-dwarf-and-a-dump-of-new-det/#comments Borderlands 2 is bumpin' up the brutality with new details, courtesy of the latest issue of GameInformer. Co-op will remain four-player, but the enemy and NPC AI has been revved to support a more interactive environment, with friendlies offering dialogue and bandits carrying weapons unique to their class. Eridium, a new element, will serve as currency and a means of upgrading weapons and vehicles, we assume by duct-taping it to whichever item you wish to improve.

The original Borderlands characters will be NPCs in the Gearbox sequel, but we do have a small amount of details on a new character, the dwarf Salvador, who is pictured above. A Gunzerker, Salvador will be able to dual-wield any weapon, all while sporting a sweet beard. Borderlands 2 will use all new weapons, each designed to fit the personalities of their in-game manufacturers, and the story will feature dynamic missions, making factors such as time critical to your success.

Borderlands 2 is expected to launch in Take-Two's fiscal year 2013, which begins April 1, 2012. But most importantly, Claptrap will be back, we hope with some new dance moves.

JoystiqBorderlands 2, starring Salvador the dwarf and a dump of new details originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Aug 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>borderlands-2dwarfgearboxgearbox-softwaregunzerkermicrosoftpcplaystationps3salvadorTake-TwoxboxSat, 06 Aug 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Borderlands 2 rolling in sometime after March 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/borderlands-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/borderlands-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/borderlands-2/#comments Borderlands 2, which Gearbox described as a "no-brainer" sequel following the success of the first title, has been officially announced. The game will head to Xbox 360, PS3 and PC during 2K's next fiscal year, which begins on April 1, 2012.

The sequel will bring to the unexplored regions of planet Pandora, and introduce "all-new characters, skills, environments, enemies, weapons and equipment."

Borderlands 2 will be shown for the first time two weeks from now at Gamescom, and then come stateside for a PAX Prime presentation August 26 - 28.

JoystiqBorderlands 2 rolling in sometime after March 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012Borderlands-2gearboxgearbox-softwaremicrosoftplaystationps3xboxWed, 03 Aug 2011 08:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Upcoming patch to expand Duke Nukem Forever's weapon limit [update: 'unlikely' for consoles]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/upcoming-patch-to-expand-duke-nukem-forevers-weapon-limit/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/upcoming-patch-to-expand-duke-nukem-forevers-weapon-limit/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/upcoming-patch-to-expand-duke-nukem-forevers-weapon-limit/#comments Say what you will about how well Duke Nukem Forever treated the Duke Nukem 3D legacy, but one mechanic in particular is very un-Duke. Specifically, it's very strange that Duke Nukem Forever limits our brash hero's arsenal to a paltry two guns at a time. An upcoming patch aims to fix that.

Community manager Chris Faylor stated on the Gearbox forums that updates based on user feedback are "in the works for all three platforms." Along with some other fixes and additions, the PC update will raise Duke's weapon limit from two to four. Faylor didn't confirm whether or not the weapon limit would be raised on the Xbox or PS3 versions, saying that details on the console updates should be announced "as they're finalized."

Update: Sadly, it doesn't appear that the weapon expansion update will be coming to Xbox or PS3. In a new forum post, as reported by Shacknews, Faylor cited technical issues and noted that it is "unlikely that the expanded inventory can be enabled on consoles."

JoystiqUpcoming patch to expand Duke Nukem Forever's weapon limit [update: 'unlikely' for consoles] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Jul 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>duke-nukem-forevergearboxmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxFri, 29 Jul 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Duke Nukem Forever getting fanciful hats (and new multiplayer modes/maps) this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/duke-nukem-forever-first-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/duke-nukem-forever-first-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/duke-nukem-forever-first-dlc/#comments We may not have liked Duke Nukem when we last hung out back in early June, but hey, now he's got a variety of thoroughly enjoyable hats -- we're easily swayed! And he'll be showing off that variety of hats in a handful of new Duke Nukem Forever multiplayer maps and modes this fall, in the "Hail to the Icons" Parody Pack.

As its name implies, the DLC parodies several games, which we'll allow you to decipher for yourself in the descriptions after the break (take a wild guess at which game those hats are poking fun at). Gearbox and 2K have yet to name a price or firm release date for the content, only giving it a "fall" window. But if you're really into checking the new stuff out as soon as you can, 2K Games is also holding a multiplayer event at its Novato, CA offices in early August -- the main site has details on how to get involved.

And finally, we'd be remiss if we didn't remind you that if you joined the developer's "First Access Club" before DNF dropped back in June, the pack will be free when it eventually launches. We believe Duke would say, "Hell yeah." (But you know, it'd be all gravelly, because that's how he speaks.)

Gallery: Duke Nukem Forever DLC ('Hail to the Icons')

Continue reading Duke Nukem Forever getting fanciful hats (and new multiplayer modes/maps) this fall

JoystiqDuke Nukem Forever getting fanciful hats (and new multiplayer modes/maps) this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jul 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesdlcdownloadable-contentduke-nukem-forevergearboxgearbox-softwarehail-to-the-iconshail-to-the-icons-parody-packmicrosoftpcplaystationps3q3-2011release-datetake-two-interactivexboxTue, 26 Jul 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Duke Nukem Forever becomes a big Mac game in August]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/duke-nukem-forever-becomes-a-big-mac-game-in-august/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/duke-nukem-forever-becomes-a-big-mac-game-in-august/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/duke-nukem-forever-becomes-a-big-mac-game-in-august/#comments "With sales data, it seems like *customers* love Duke. I guess sometimes we want greasy hamburgers instead of caviar..." - Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford

If Pitchford is right, the upcoming Mac version of Duke Nukem Forever, being readied for August by Aspyr Media, may require a marketing strategy for different tastes. A Hunch survey published a few months ago suggested that Mac users are 80 percent more likely than PC owners to be vegetarian.

Before you spit out your San Pellegrino Limonata at the mere thought of playing Duke's repeatedly reheated entree on your Mac, let Aspyr President Michael Rogers remind you of the game's pedigree ingredients. "Duke Nukem Forever represents many of the best aspects of gaming: shooting aliens, saving ladies in distress, and great tag-lines," he says. "We think Mac gamers will love taking a bite of Duke's special pain cake."

Well, if pain cake is anything like garrote cake, it's as vegi-friendly as it is deadly.

Continue reading Duke Nukem Forever becomes a big Mac game in August

JoystiqDuke Nukem Forever becomes a big Mac game in August originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Jun 2011 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aspyr-mediaduke-nukem-foreverfpsgearboxmacrandy-pitchfordrelease-dateMon, 27 Jun 2011 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Duke Nukem Forever demo on XBL, Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/psa-duke-nukem-forever-demo-on-xbl-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/psa-duke-nukem-forever-demo-on-xbl-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/psa-duke-nukem-forever-demo-on-xbl-steam/#comments
If you weren't one of the millions who had some obligation to their forgotten childhood to buy Duke Nukem Forever during launch week, you can now test drive the relic on Steam and Xbox Live.

Continue reading PSA: Duke Nukem Forever demo on XBL, Steam

JoystiqPSA: Duke Nukem Forever demo on XBL, Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Jun 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-Gamesdemoduke-nukem-forevergearboxgearbox-softwaremicrosoftpcxboxTue, 21 Jun 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Duke Nukem Forever]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/13/metareview-duke-nukem-forever/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/13/metareview-duke-nukem-forever/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/13/metareview-duke-nukem-forever/#comments
The world has changed, but Duke Nukem remains the same ... for better or for worse, or for worserer. The legendary development of Duke Nukem Forever has come to an end and it would seem that, unless you're mainlining nostalgia, the almost decade-and-a-half wait hasn't been worth it:
  • PC Gamer (80/100): "I'm sure that years of anticipation will spoil Duke Nukem Forever for some-there's no getting around that at the end of that long road is only a good game and not an amazing one. It is what it is. He may not be at the top of his game, but even after all this time, Duke still knows how to party."
  • IGN (55/100): "Duke Nukem Forever isn't a revitalization of the early days of the first-person shooter genre or a middle-finger to the increasingly complex and sophisticated nature of videogame entertainment. It's a muddled, hypocritical exercise in irritation with solid shooting mechanics and decent encounter design."
  • Guardian (40/100): "A mark for nostalgia then - it's the Duke, after all - and one for the game. If this was 15 years in the making, it makes you wonder what they did for the other 14 years and 10 months."
  • Eurogamer (30/100): "For all his muscle and bravado, Duke Nukem is actually a fragile creature. His legacy is based on a specific combination of time and technology and a mercurial element of fun that simply doesn't lend itself to repetition, especially after so long in limbo. The appeal of Duke Nukem lives on. But your time and money would be better spent reliving his iconic past than bearing witness to this gruesomely mangled resurrection."

    Gallery: Duke Nukem Forever (E3 2011)

JoystiqMetareview: Duke Nukem Forever originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Jun 2011 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Gamesduke-nukem-forevergearboxgearbox-softwareMetareviewmetareviewsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Take-Two-InteractivexboxMon, 13 Jun 2011 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Aliens: Colonial Marines preview: Game not over, man]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/aliens-colonial-marines-preview-game-not-over-man/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/aliens-colonial-marines-preview-game-not-over-man/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/aliens-colonial-marines-preview-game-not-over-man/#comments Gearbox's Aliens: Colonial Marines is trying to deliver the Aliens sequel you always wanted. The team at Gearbox considers Alien3 to be a sequel to the original, leaving the action-heavy Aliens without a proper narrative followup. In Colonial Marines, a group of, well ... colonial marines find themselves back on LV-426, ready to become the latest incubators of the xenomorph race.

The hands-off demo we saw started with our squad back on the planet and in the Hadley's Hope facility. "But wait, wasn't the complex destroyed in a nuclear blast at the end of Aliens?" you ask, quite astutely. Gearbox explained that a ground-based nuclear blast would leave a cone-shaped crater (that's why nuclear bombs are supposed to be detonated in mid-air), so it could have been possible for the sturdy complex and xenomorph hive to survive. Happy? No? Well, that's the premise, so get used to it.

Gallery: Aliens: Colonial Marines (E3 2011)

Continue reading Aliens: Colonial Marines preview: Game not over, man

JoystiqAliens: Colonial Marines preview: Game not over, man originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aliens-Colonial-Marinese3-2011Gearboxgearbox-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3Segawii-uxboxFri, 10 Jun 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Duke Nukem Forever review: Fail to the King, Baby]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/duke-nukem-forever-review-fail-to-the-king-baby/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/duke-nukem-forever-review-fail-to-the-king-baby/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/duke-nukem-forever-review-fail-to-the-king-baby/#comments The year was 1997, and I'd just begun writing about video games professionally. Like most of my fellow gamers, I was pretty excited when 3D Realms announced that it was working on a sequel to Duke Nukem 3D, the runaway PC hit that it had released just a year before. At my first E3, a year later, I saw the game running for the first time. Now, just as my 14th E3 has come and gone, I'm sitting at my computer having finally played the finished Duke Nukem Forever. Yet it feels like I'm still in 1998.

That's because DNF is, for better but mostly worse, perpetually stuck in the late 1990s. For all the delaying, the stalling, the drama surrounding the game, it's tough to say if any part of it has actually benefitted from the more than a decade of development. What has, at long last, been committed to a disc and placed into a box might have been alright a dozen years ago, but by today's standards it simply doesn't hold up.

Gallery: Duke Nukem Forever (E3 2011)

Continue reading Duke Nukem Forever review: Fail to the King, Baby

JoystiqDuke Nukem Forever review: Fail to the King, Baby originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Games3d-realmsduke-nukemduke-nukem-foreverfpsgearboxgearbox-softwaremicrosoftpcpiranhaplaystationps3Take-Twotriptych-gamesxboxFri, 10 Jun 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Brothers in Arms returning to Nazi territory as the Furious 4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/brothers-in-arms-returning-to-nazi-territory-as-the-furious-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/brothers-in-arms-returning-to-nazi-territory-as-the-furious-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/brothers-in-arms-returning-to-nazi-territory-as-the-furious-4/#comments Gearbox's Randy Pitchford just took the stage at Ubisoft's E3 press conference to announce a new title called Brothers in Arms: Furious 4. Pitchford promised both "a new take on wargames and a new take on World War 2" with the title, and then showed a short trailer with four different player characters, each presumably with their own abilities and characteristics, all making up a "special squad of soldiers."

Unlike the more historical bent of the previous Brothers in Arms titles, this one is a less reverent take, featuring a more stylistic look and at least one Nazi exclaiming "Schisse!" Brothers in Arms: Furious 4 is set for a release sometime next year.

Continue reading Brothers in Arms returning to Nazi territory as the Furious 4

JoystiqBrothers in Arms returning to Nazi territory as the Furious 4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 18:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brothers-in-arms-furious-4brothers-in-arms-the-furious-4e3e3-2011gearboxgearbox-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3ubisoftxboxMon, 06 Jun 2011 18:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Duke Nukem First Access Club gets free multiplayer DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/duke-nukem-forever-free-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/duke-nukem-forever-free-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/duke-nukem-forever-free-dlc/#comments It looks like Duke Nukem Forever First Access Club members will be getting more than just an early demo. Gearbox announced today that members will also receive the first multiplayer add-on DLC free of charge. Further details are scarce, though Gearbox's Steve Gibson tells Joystiq that the DLC will be available "once it is complete," which should be sometime after Duke Nukem Forever launches.

Find a new (and NSFW) trailer after the break.

Continue reading Duke Nukem First Access Club gets free multiplayer DLC

JoystiqDuke Nukem First Access Club gets free multiplayer DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcduke-nukem-forevergearboxmicrosoftpcplaystationps3psnxblmxboxxbox-liveThu, 02 Jun 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Aliens: Colonial Marines to rip through Xenomorphs in Spring 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/aliens-colonial-marines-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/aliens-colonial-marines-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/aliens-colonial-marines-release-date/#comments Other than the message imparted by the terrifying baby head we got in the mail, we haven't heard too much (useful) information about Gearbox Software's Aliens: Colonial Marines lately. It looks like that's about to change, as Gearbox and Sega today revealed plans to blow out the game at E3 next week, and announced a new "Spring 2012" launch window.

If that weren't enough, a bit of the game's scope is explained in the announcement, which depicts a recon mission into the "ostensibly abandoned" U.S.S. Sulaco of Aliens fame. A fancy new teaser has also arrived, which we've dropped just below the break.

Continue reading Aliens: Colonial Marines to rip through Xenomorphs in Spring 2012

JoystiqAliens: Colonial Marines to rip through Xenomorphs in Spring 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aliens-Colonial-Marinese3-2011gearboxgearbox-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3q2-2012release-datesegaxboxWed, 01 Jun 2011 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop will honor Duke Nukem Forever pre-orders from simpler times]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/30/gamestop-will-honor-duke-nukem-forever-pre-orders-from-simpler-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/30/gamestop-will-honor-duke-nukem-forever-pre-orders-from-simpler-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/30/gamestop-will-honor-duke-nukem-forever-pre-orders-from-simpler-t/#comments This one goes out to Tommy (now "Tom") Meredith. In 1997, the then 17-year-old borrowed his parent's car and, with a big grin and five dollars, drove over to the local EB Games to pre-order Duke Nukem Forever. Now 31, with a receding hairline, three kids (only two of which he's sure are his), a defaulted mortgage, divorce and a vasectomy later, he will finally be able to redeem that receipt. A receipt that not only represents an innocent time, but all the hopes and dreams of his younger self.

GamePro checked in with GameStop regarding pre-orders made back in the twilight years of Babbage's. The retailer simply encourages customers who pre-ordered over a year ago to verify their reservation with a local store prior to launch. As long as the customer has a receipt the company will "honor even those pre-orders taken long ago." All pre-order customers will receive Duke's Big Package. And Tom Meredith will learn to smile again.

JoystiqGameStop will honor Duke Nukem Forever pre-orders from simpler times originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 May 2011 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>duke-nukem-foreverEB-gamesGameStopgearboxgearbox-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationpre-orderps3xboxMon, 30 May 2011 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Severed head in the mail terrifies, teases Aliens: Colonial Marines]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/26/severed-head-in-the-mail-terrifies-teases-aliens-colonial-mari/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/26/severed-head-in-the-mail-terrifies-teases-aliens-colonial-mari/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/26/severed-head-in-the-mail-terrifies-teases-aliens-colonial-mari/#comments We get a lot of weird stuff in the mail, it's simply one of the hazards of this profession. Any given day, we have to be prepared to take delivery of a miniature diorama, a personalized strait jacket, a check for $200, or maybe a pile of meat, hair and teeth? Sometimes, it's a dirty doll head.

Wait, what?

Now, getting something like this in the mail might be a frightening experience for the casual games journalist but remember, your pals at Joystiq are pros. And by pros, we mean to say that we asked Twitter what it was. Some of you suggested it might be promoting Gearbox's announced-over-three-years-ago FPS Aliens: Colonial Marines. While that seemed like a crazy assumption, it turns out the name written on the back, Rebecca, is the actual name of that lovable scamp from Aliens, Newt. Furthermore, the return address on the package is from one Ms. Rebecca Jorden, Newt's full name. Here's what Wikia has to say about the doll:
Casey was the favorite doll of Newt's. Casey was reduced to nothing but a head when she was discovered on LV-426. Casey was lost when Newt was abducted in the sub-basement reservoir in the Hadley's Hope settlement.
And if that's not enough proof of an imminent E3 re-reveal, Kotaku says it has an appointment to see the game, so ... case closed, we guess. We're mostly looking forward to seeing why Colonial Marines was put on the backburner for so long ...

... mostly.

Continue reading Severed head in the mail terrifies, teases Aliens: Colonial Marines

JoystiqSevered head in the mail terrifies, teases Aliens: Colonial Marines originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 May 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aliens-Colonial-Marinese3-2011Gearboxmicrosoftnewtpcplaystationps3SegaswagxboxThu, 26 May 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Duke Nukem Forever has gone gold]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/duke-nukem-forever-has-gone-gold/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/duke-nukem-forever-has-gone-gold/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/duke-nukem-forever-has-gone-gold/#comments Normally, we wouldn't consider it news when a game "goes gold" in time for its appointed release date. But when the game in question is Duke Nukem Forever, we feel compelled to report all evidence of an actual game -- with a modicum of skepticism, of course -- until the vulgar little adventure is in our very own hands.

"Today marks an amazing day in the annals of gaming lore, the day where the legend of Duke Nukem Forever is finally complete and it takes that final step towards becoming a reality," 2K president Christoph Hartmann said in the announcement, which boldly reiterates the June 10 and June 14 release dates worldwide and for North America, respectively.

"Slow down, guy, the game's not out yet," we said in this post just now.

Continue reading Duke Nukem Forever has gone gold

JoystiqDuke Nukem Forever has gone gold originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 May 2011 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesduke-nukemduke-nukem-foreverfpsgearboxgearbox-softwaregoldmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 24 May 2011 09:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Duke Nukem Forever demo lands June 3 for Borderlands GOTY owners and pre-orders [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/16/duke-nukem-forever-demo-lands-june-3-for-borderlands-goty-owners/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/16/duke-nukem-forever-demo-lands-june-3-for-borderlands-goty-owners/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/16/duke-nukem-forever-demo-lands-june-3-for-borderlands-goty-owners/#comments 2K Games and Gearbox Software have just announced that members of the Duke Nukem Forever "First Access Club" -- those who purchased the Borderlands Game of the Year Edition or pre-ordered DNF -- will be able to download the first-person rauncher shooter's demo on June 3. You should have received an email asking you to confirm which platform you'd like it on.

Watch Gearbox boss Randy Pitchford drop the news after the break.

Update: Adjusted post to reflect that pre-orders also get in on the demo.

Continue reading Duke Nukem Forever demo lands June 3 for Borderlands GOTY owners and pre-orders [update]

JoystiqDuke Nukem Forever demo lands June 3 for Borderlands GOTY owners and pre-orders [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 May 2011 19:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-games3d-realmsdemodemopsnduke-nukemduke-nukem-forevergearboxgearbox-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3xblaxboxMon, 16 May 2011 19:22:00 EST