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 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Sega Valentine's Day sale starts today for mobile titles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/sega-valentines-day-sale-starts-today-for-mobile-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/sega-valentines-day-sale-starts-today-for-mobile-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/sega-valentines-day-sale-starts-today-for-mobile-titles/#comments For some, Valentine's Day is a sweet occasion. Happy couples the world over will be lounging back, nibbling on an array of chocolate delights before partaking in the annual somersault contest that ensues. You know, like how our parents used to do before they got all old and stuff.

For us loners, the holiday is a day of self-indulgent sobbing and darkness, but it doesn't have to be. If you're in the market for some iOS or Android games, you can snuggle up to Sonic and company through Sega's Valentine's Day sale starting today and running through the 14th.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode 1 and Sonic CD lead the charge of discounted downloads for iOS and Android users, both half off, while iDevices also see considerable price cuts down to $.99 on Streets of Rage, Golden Axe and Super Monkey Ball. Gunstar Hero, Altered Beast and Virtua Fighter 2 are also on sale for a buck each.

For the full list of what's on sale, hit the source link below.

JoystiqSega Valentine's Day sale starts today for mobile titles originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 07:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>altered-beastandroidgolden-axeiosipadiphonemacmobilesegasonic-cdsonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-1streets-of-ragesuper-monkey-ballvalentines-dayvalentines-day-saleSat, 11 Feb 2012 07:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Let's go save some crazy money, with Sega PSN/XBLA sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/lets-go-save-some-crazy-money-with-sega-psn-xbla-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/lets-go-save-some-crazy-money-with-sega-psn-xbla-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/lets-go-save-some-crazy-money-with-sega-psn-xbla-sales/#comments Sega is offering discounts on its digital console games this month, on both PSN and XBLA. The regions, timing, and games are all different between the platforms for maximum confusion. In fact, the only thing the two sales have in common is Streets of Rage 2.

Through November 29, North American PSN users will be able to get After Burner Climax for $5, and Genesis classics Streets of Rage 2, Comix Zone, and Golden Axe for $2.99 each. Sega's XBLA sale starts November 22 and runs through November 28, and offers 50% discounts on Crazy Taxi (sale price 400 Points), Sega Rally Online Arcade (400 Points), Streets of Rage 2 (200), Outrun Online Arcade (400), Happy Tree Friends (400), and Phantasy Star 2 (200).

Continue reading Let's go save some crazy money, with Sega PSN/XBLA sales

JoystiqLet's go save some crazy money, with Sega PSN/XBLA sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>after-burner-climaxcomix-zonecrazy-taxigolden-axehappy-tree-friendsmicrosoftoutrun-online-arcadephantasy-star-2playstationps3psnsegasega-rally-online-arcadestreets-of-rage-2xblaxboxWed, 16 Nov 2011 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fanmade 'Golden Axe Myth' available to download, for now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/26/fanmade-golden-axe-myth-available-to-download-for-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/26/fanmade-golden-axe-myth-available-to-download-for-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/26/fanmade-golden-axe-myth-available-to-download-for-now/#comments A fan-created Golden Axe game called "Golden Axe Myth" is now available for download on PC. In development since 2007, Myth has been designed as prequel to the arcade/Genesis game, and features all-new graphics, music and levels, and even a downloadable artbook and soundtrack. And it all looks great! So why is it that we're feeling so sad on this otherwise happy occasion?

It's basically a total bummer to be reminded of Sega's takedown of Streets of Rage Remake just two weeks ago. Presuming that Myth will fall to the same fate, we're already feeling sad about the (future) ending of this fan creation. But that's all the more reason for you to download Golden Axe Myth while you can.

And to future fan-game developers: Just make a couple of changes! Call it "Platinum Halberd" and give the dwarf blue hair or something. It doesn't have to end in tragedy!

JoystiqFanmade 'Golden Axe Myth' available to download, for now originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fan-gamefanmadegolden-axegolden-axe-mythpcsegaTue, 26 Apr 2011 15:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega puts entire XBLA catalog on sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/sega-puts-entire-xbla-catalog-on-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/sega-puts-entire-xbla-catalog-on-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/sega-puts-entire-xbla-catalog-on-sale/#comments Frugal, Xbox-owning Sega fans, this is your week! Sega's entire Xbox Live Arcade catalog is currently heavily discounted. Again, that's the entire XBLA catalog, from Altered Beast to Virtual On. See all the discounts after the break. The sale ends April 25.

Continue reading Sega puts entire XBLA catalog on sale

JoystiqSega puts entire XBLA catalog on sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comix-zonegolden-axemicrosoftoutrun-online-arcadephantasy-star-2segasonicsonic-the-hedgehogstreets-of-rage-2virtual-on-oratorio-tangramxblaxboxTue, 19 Apr 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega permanently drops prices on its iPhone and iPad titles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/09/sega-permanently-drops-prices-on-its-iphone-and-ipad-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/09/sega-permanently-drops-prices-on-its-iphone-and-ipad-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/09/sega-permanently-drops-prices-on-its-iphone-and-ipad-titles/#comments If you've purchased an iDevice as a holiday gift for that certain special someone, Sega's made it a bit more affordable for you to load it up with some solid interactive apps. Nearly all of the publisher's games for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch have received permanent, sizable price cuts.

Continue reading Sega permanently drops prices on its iPhone and iPad titles

JoystiqSega permanently drops prices on its iPhone and iPad titles originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>golden-axeipadiphoneipod-touchmobilephantasy-star-iisegasonic-the-hedgehogsuper-monkey-ballThu, 09 Dec 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Phantasy Star 2 released for iPhone; other Sega games on sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/26/phantasy-star-2-released-for-iphone-other-sega-games-on-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/26/phantasy-star-2-released-for-iphone-other-sega-games-on-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/26/phantasy-star-2-released-for-iphone-other-sega-games-on-sale/#comments Sega is temporarily dropping prices of its iPhone games in honor of kids going back to school. You know, it's been a long time since our GameBoy Advance was confiscated for illicit Pokémon Fire Red playing, but we're pretty sure you're still not allowed to play games during class. Oh well -- it's the thought that counts, Sega!

Additionally, Phantasy Star 2 launched today on the App Store with a sale price of $2.99 (normally $4.99). See the complete Sega sale details after the break.

Continue reading Phantasy Star 2 released for iPhone; other Sega games on sale

JoystiqPhantasy Star 2 released for iPhone; other Sega games on sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ecco-the-dolphingolden-axemobilephantasy-star-2shining-forcesonic-the-hedgehogstreets-of-ragesuper-monkey-ballThu, 26 Aug 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega marks down downloadable games for Sonic's birthday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/23/sega-marks-down-downloadable-games-for-sonics-birthday/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/23/sega-marks-down-downloadable-games-for-sonics-birthday/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/23/sega-marks-down-downloadable-games-for-sonics-birthday/#commentsTo celebrate Sonic the Hedgehog's 19th birthday (the American release date of the first Genesis game was June 23, 1991), Sega of America is dropping prices on downloadable games and DLC, most of which is related to Sonic. Offers on each platform have a different start date and a different duration.

The PSN sales will be active today through Tuesday, July 6, and include the PSP Sonic Rivals games ($10.99 or $13.99 for 1 or 2, respectively, or $17.99 for both) and discounted DLC for Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing, Sonic Unleashed and Sonic the Hedgehog.

iPhone sales run tomorrow through June 30, and include discounts on the iPhone's Genesis games (Streets of Rage and Golden Axe are at the magic 99-cent price at which they start to seem like a good idea) along with Super Monkey Ball ($2.99) and the iPad's Super Monkey Ball 2: Sakura Edition ($4.99).

Finally, the XBLA sale will begin -- and end -- Thursday, June 24. If you want to buy any of the Genesis Sonic games for $3 each, you'd best have your Microsoft Points ready that day.

JoystiqSega marks down downloadable games for Sonic's birthday originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jun 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>golden-axeipadmicrosoftmobileplaystationps3pspsonic-rivalsSonic-Rivals-2sonic-the-hedgehogSonic-Unleashedstreets-of-ragexboxWed, 23 Jun 2010 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega Genesis Classics rising from their graves, hitting Steam and other PC platforms [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/sega-genesis-classics-rising-from-their-graves-hitting-steam-an/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/sega-genesis-classics-rising-from-their-graves-hitting-steam-an/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/sega-genesis-classics-rising-from-their-graves-hitting-steam-an/#comments
POWER UP in our gallerySega is bringing a Virtual Console-like experience to PC digital distribution platforms. Sega Genesis Classics is a series of individual Genesis games available for download via Steam and additional, unspecified download services.

On June 1, PC users will be able to download Golden Axe, Ecco the Dolphin, Comix Zone, and Vectorman, "from $2.99." We don't yet know how the prices will vary per game, but even if just one is that cheap, it's quite a savings over the $8 Virtual Console price.

The screenshots sent out by Sega also include images of Gain Ground, Altered Beast, Space Harrier, Crack Down, Sonic 3D Blast, and Shadow Dancer, so we can expect to see those games from the distant past on PC in the near future.

Update: Sega's blog post about the collection clears up the launch lineup: all of these games will actually be available June 1.

Gallery: Sega Genesis Classics (PC)

Continue reading Sega Genesis Classics rising from their graves, hitting Steam and other PC platforms [update]

JoystiqSega Genesis Classics rising from their graves, hitting Steam and other PC platforms [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 May 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>altered-beastcomix-zonecrack-downecco-the-dolphingain-groundgenesisgolden-axeretrosegasega-genesissega-genesis-classicsshadow-dancersonic-3d-blastspace-harriersteamvectormanFri, 21 May 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega discounting select Virtual Console titles for the holidays]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/sega-discounting-select-virtual-console-titles-for-the-holidays/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/sega-discounting-select-virtual-console-titles-for-the-holidays/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/sega-discounting-select-virtual-console-titles-for-the-holidays/#comments Sega and Nintendo have teamed up to offer players a few holiday VC deals, announcing on Sega's UK blog that select Virtual Console titles will be discounted for a limited time. From December 24, 2009, until January 6, 2010, select titles will be reduced to 500 Wii Points each from down from 800 Wii Points.

Titles getting the 40% off treatment include such Genesis classics as ToeJam & Earl, Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic 2, Sonic 3, Gunstar Heroes, Puyo Puyo 2, Golden Axe, Shining Force and Streets of Rage. Also, for the lump of coal types, Sega has discounted the "admit it, it stinks" brawler, Altered Beast. It's a great offer for new Wii owners, or those looking to relive their lost youth.

JoystiqSega discounting select Virtual Console titles for the holidays originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>altered-beastdiscountgolden-axegunstar-heroeslimited-time-offerPuyo-Puyo-2salessegashining-forcesonic-the-hedgehogsonic-the-hedgehog-2sonic-the-hedgehog-3Streets-of-Ragetoejam-and-earlToejamAndEarlvirtual-consoleTue, 22 Dec 2009 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[VC in Brief: Golden Axe (Arcade) and Zombies Ate My Neighbors (SNES)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/26/vc-in-brief-golden-axe-arcade-and-zombies-ate-my-neighbors/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/26/vc-in-brief-golden-axe-arcade-and-zombies-ate-my-neighbors/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/26/vc-in-brief-golden-axe-arcade-and-zombies-ate-my-neighbors/#commentsThis week, the Virtual Console receives two new titles: Golden Axe on the VC Arcade and Zombies Ate My Neighbors on the SNES. Both are great times for co-op enthusiasts and, really, just great times.
  • Zombies Ate My Neighbors (SNES, 1-2 players, 800 Wii Points)
  • Golden Axe (Arcade, 1-2 players, 900 Wii Points)
Every week, we like to check out what's new on the Virtual Console. We offer these videos as a sort of taste to help you decide whether or not you would want the game in question. We also toss in our own two cents because we're pushy jerks like that.

JoystiqVC in Brief: Golden Axe (Arcade) and Zombies Ate My Neighbors (SNES) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>golden-axesegavc-in-briefzombies-ate-my-neighborsMon, 26 Oct 2009 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[NintendoWare Weekly: Zombies Axed My PictureBook]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/26/nintendoware-weekly-zombies-axed-my-picturebook/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/26/nintendoware-weekly-zombies-axed-my-picturebook/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/26/nintendoware-weekly-zombies-axed-my-picturebook/#commentsOf course Nintendo of America didn't release Castlevania: The Adventure ReBirth today. That would have been far too obvious. However, rather than disappointing us with this week's selections, Nintendo actually surprised us with a very welcome, seasonally appropriate Virtual Console classic! Knock on the post break and see what kind of downloadable candy Nintendo is shoving into our pillowcases.

[Image credit]

Continue reading NintendoWare Weekly: Zombies Axed My PictureBook

JoystiqNintendoWare Weekly: Zombies Axed My PictureBook originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSdsiwareghost-mansion-partygolden-axeNintendonintendoware-weeklypicturebook-gamessudokutales-of-monkey-islandvirtual-consoleWiiwiiwarezombies-ate-my-neighborsMon, 26 Oct 2009 10:20:00 EST<![CDATA[European Nintendo Downloads: Learning with the Golden Axe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/18/european-nintendo-downloads-learning-with-the-golden-axe/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/18/european-nintendo-downloads-learning-with-the-golden-axe/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/18/european-nintendo-downloads-learning-with-the-golden-axe/#commentsWe're going to be in the minority on this one, but that's okay: for us, by far the most exciting new addition to Europe's Wii Shop this week is the arcade version of Golden Axe. More of you may be happy to see Super Star Wars, however. Or, if you're teensy, Learning with the PooYoos.

DSiWare offers a cute-sounding camera app that lets you add MySims characters to photos. The great thing about this, of course, is that MySims characters are unbelievably cute.

  • Golden Axe (Arcade, 1-2 players, 900 Wii Points)
  • Super Star Wars (SNES, 1 player, 800 Wii Points)
  • Magnetis (WiiWare, 1-4 players, 500 Wii Points)
  • Learning with the PooYoos: Episode 1 (WiiWare, 1 player, 500 Wii Points)
  • MySims Camera (DSiWare, 1 player, 200 DSi Points)
[Image credit]

JoystiqEuropean Nintendo Downloads: Learning with the Golden Axe originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsiwaregolden-axelearning-with-the-pooyoosvirtual-consolewiiwareFri, 18 Sep 2009 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega wants your vote for the next Genesis XBLA game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/14/sega-wants-your-vote-for-the-next-genesis-xbla-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/14/sega-wants-your-vote-for-the-next-genesis-xbla-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/14/sega-wants-your-vote-for-the-next-genesis-xbla-game/#comments
In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Genesis, Sega is asking you, The Internet, to pick the next Genesis game to arrive on Xbox Live Arcade. It doesn't look like an easy choice either, as the list of candidates has some of the console's best games. All told, you can cast your vote for:
  • Earthworm Jim
  • Streets of Rage
  • Golden Axe II
  • Toejam & Earl
  • Shining Force
  • Revenge of Shinobi
  • Wonderboy in Monster World
Sega is accepting votes until August 21, so head over to genesispoll.com and vote. We'd be remiss not to mention that all of these games are available on Virtual Console already, but XBLA is guaranteed to add a few extra features, like game saving, Achievements and online multiplayer. Keep that in mind when casting your vote.

JoystiqSega wants your vote for the next Genesis XBLA game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earthworm-jimgenesisgolden-axegolden-axe-2Microsoftrevenge-of-shinobishining-forceshining-force-2streets-of-ragetoejam-and-earlwonderboywonderboy-in-monster-worldxblaXbox-360Fri, 14 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[VC/WiiWare Tuesday: That's Galactic Dancin']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/23/vc-wiiware-tuesday-thats-galactic-dancin/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/23/vc-wiiware-tuesday-thats-galactic-dancin/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/23/vc-wiiware-tuesday-thats-galactic-dancin/#commentsThis week, Japan gets two arcade games -- both of which have titles starting with the letter G, and both of which are already available on Virtual Console as ports. Galaga '88, Namco's cute, brightly colored, fireworks-filled sequel to Galaga, is definitely something we'd consider double-dipping for. Both the arcade version and the TG16 port (Galaga '90) are great, and the port includes a bit of extra content. And is it okay to like Golden Axe? Because we like Golden Axe.

On the WiiWare front, Hudson launches its second downloadable FPS for the Wii. Unfortunately, it's the dire-looking Water Warfare.

Virtual Console:
WiiWare:

JoystiqVC/WiiWare Tuesday: That's Galactic Dancin' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadebang-bang-kidsgalaga-88galaga-90golden-axejapanvctuesdayvirtual-consolewater-warfarewiiwareTue, 23 Jun 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Mario Kart races onto Japan's Virtual Console next month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/super-mario-kart-races-onto-japans-virtual-console-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/super-mario-kart-races-onto-japans-virtual-console-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/super-mario-kart-races-onto-japans-virtual-console-next-month/#commentsThe lineup of Virtual Console games heading to Japan next month is fairly light. But we suspect that won't matter at all because it includes Super Mario Kart. Super Mario Kart plus any quantity of other games seems like a nice month! Oh, especially since it also includes Final Fantasy II, which, unfortunately, we don't expect to see on our own Virtual Console.

Other games include another Famicom entry in the Jake Hunter series, adorable Wagyan Land and Mappy sequels from Namco, and the original arcade versions of Altered Beast (!) and Golden Axe (!!).

Famicom:
  • Tantei Jinguuji Saburo: Toki no Sugiyuki Mama Ni
  • Final Fantasy II
Super Famicom:
  • Super Wagyan Land (out June 2)
  • Super Mario Kart
Virtual Console Arcade
  • Altered Beast (out June 2)
  • Golden Axe
  • Hopping Mappy (out June 2)

JoystiqSuper Mario Kart races onto Japan's Virtual Console next month originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 May 2009 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>golden-axejapansuper-mario-kartvirtual-consoleFri, 29 May 2009 18:05:00 EST<![CDATA[ESRB rates Sega classics, to appear on PlayStation Network]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/esrb-rates-sega-classics-to-appear-on-playstation-network/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/esrb-rates-sega-classics-to-appear-on-playstation-network/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/esrb-rates-sega-classics-to-appear-on-playstation-network/#commentsFiled under:

Classic Sega games are coming to the PlayStation Network, if leaked ESRB ratings are to be believed. Streets of Rage 2, Golden Axe and Sonic the Hedgehog 2 can all be seen with new ratings from the board. These games are already available as re-released on Xbox LIVE Arcade, so it makes sense that the PlayStation Network should get them as well.

Fans of Sega compilations may also want to look into the upcoming Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection, which houses a number of classic 16-bit games.

JoystiqESRB rates Sega classics, to appear on PlayStation Network originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>esrbgolden-axesegasonic-the-hedgehogsonic-the-hedgehog-2streets-of-rage-2Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[360 Deals: It's a free $10 gift card bonanza]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/26/360-deals-its-a-free-10-gift-card-bonanza/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/26/360-deals-its-a-free-10-gift-card-bonanza/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/26/360-deals-its-a-free-10-gift-card-bonanza/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


This week, there is a lot of Xbox 360 new game release deals. So much so, that we'll forgo an overly long intro and just get right to it. So ...

Best Buy is giving out a free beanie hat with purchase of Guitar Hero World Tour, selling Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway for $40 and offering Blitz II for $50. Target stores only have one good deal and that's a free $25 gift card with purchase of an Xbox 360 Arcade console. Circuit City is dishing out the gift cards (as has become the norm), giving away a free $10 gift card with purchase of Fable II, Golden Axe, Far Cry 2, Dead Space, Saints Row 2, and Hell's Highway. You can score a free $10 gift card and mini strategy guide with purchase of Fallout 3 (CE), a free $15 iTunes gift card with purchase of Guitar Hero World Tour and a free t-shirt with Legendary. Phew ... happy shopping!

Joystiq360 Deals: It's a free $10 gift card bonanza originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 26 Oct 2008 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blitz-iicircuit-citydead-spacedealsfallout-3far-cry-2golden-axehells-highwaylegendarysaints-row-2Sun, 26 Oct 2008 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview -- Golden Axe Beast Rider (360, PS3)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/20/metareview-golden-axe-beast-rider-360-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/20/metareview-golden-axe-beast-rider-360-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/20/metareview-golden-axe-beast-rider-360-ps3/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Normally, we avoid metareviews of games that have been universally maligned because, well, who cares about them? But reader Joseph P. pointed us to a review this morning that made us reconsider our position on Golden Axe: Beast Rider. Let's see if you can figure out which one it is.
  • Eurogamer (30/100): "Castle Crashers has already shown that there's a market for well-produced 2D hackandslash, but instead we get this utterly charmless and shamelessly derivative 3D shrug of a game. SEGA might as well have released this as The Adventures of Fiery Boob Lady, and left their mothballed franchise with at least modicum of dignity."
  • IGN (32/100): "If had to sum up my feelings for Golden Axe: Beast Rider in five words or less, I'd actually do it in one: hatred. The game is so ridden with poor production values that there's absolutely nothing redeeming about the game, and its checklist of annoying issues will drive all but the already-insane crazy long before it ends."
  • GamePro (40/100): "Fans hoping for a worthwhile update to one of gaming's most revered hack-and-slash franchises will be sorely disappointed by this poorly designed and utterly mediocre title."
  • Play (90/100): "I could write another page on things I love about Beast Rider, like how bloody cool it looks when Tyris slices a body in two or hacks off an arm, subtle homages like scampering gnomes and thorny spikes, the naked body parts that Death Adder's minions use for decoration, how the game runs like a dream on PS3, and how awesome it is that the single-player experience wasn't compromised to add some bogus online crapola, but I think my work here is done."
You read that right: A 9 out of 10. How could something like this have happened, you ask? Well, in this missive, reviewer Dave Halverson theorizes that most reviewers didn't even finish the game. We haven't played it ourselves and with Halverson listing "the lack of a multiplayer mode" among the things he loves about Beast Rider, we don't know who to trust. Have any of you given it a shot?

JoystiqMetareview -- Golden Axe Beast Rider (360, PS3) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Oct 2008 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>golden-axegolden-axe-beast-ridermetareviewPS3Xbox-360Mon, 20 Oct 2008 09:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Shipping this week: it begins edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/13/shipping-this-week-it-begins-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/13/shipping-this-week-it-begins-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/13/shipping-this-week-it-begins-edition/#commentsFiled under: , ,


And here ... we ... go. We're halfway through October and it's finally started. The industry imposed holiday game torrent is upon us. We hope you've saved up some cash (or tidied up your GameFly queue) because, starting now, you're going to need it. Just look at all of these games:
Yeah, this is going to be a tough couple of months.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqShipping this week: it begins edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Oct 2008 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blitzblitz-the-league-2dead-spacefifafifa-09fifa-soccer-09golden-axegolden-axe-beast-riderrock-revolutionsaints-row-2shipping-this-weekMon, 13 Oct 2008 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[The Abrax: Golden Axe's purple chicken evolved?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/24/the-abrax-golden-axes-purple-chicken-evolved/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/24/the-abrax-golden-axes-purple-chicken-evolved/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/24/the-abrax-golden-axes-purple-chicken-evolved/#commentsFiled under:

Sega has released a new video featuring one of the new beasts in Golden Axe: Beast Rider. As the title implies, the beast in question can be ridden. Called the Abrax, the beast looks to be something of an amalgamation of the dragons and the purple chicken-lizard thing from the original arcade game. It has a variety of abilities, including a tail whip, fire breath, and fireballs that take on the properties of mortar shells. All in all, the Abrax looks like a pretty sweet ride, although we can't help but feel something's missing.

Check out a video of the original chicken-lizard in action after the break. We're these guys separated at birth, or what?

Continue reading The Abrax: Golden Axe's purple chicken evolved?

JoystiqThe Abrax: Golden Axe's purple chicken evolved? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Sep 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>golden-axegolden-axe-beast-ridersecret-levelsegaWed, 24 Sep 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Forget friends as Golden Axe: Beast Rider releases Oct. 17 in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/22/forget-friends-as-golden-axe-beast-rider-releases-oct-17-in-eu/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/22/forget-friends-as-golden-axe-beast-rider-releases-oct-17-in-eu/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/22/forget-friends-as-golden-axe-beast-rider-releases-oct-17-in-eu/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Sega has announced that Heavenly Golden Axe of War (also known by its official title: Golden Axe: Beast Rider) will release Oct. 17 in Europe. Retailers currently have Oct. 14 listed for North America, but we've contacted Sega of America to confirm. GA:BR is the AAA AA+ title based on the co-op driven, arcade beat 'em up from the early '90s. Sadly, Beast Rider does not feature any co-op play.

For that, protagonist stripper Tyris Flare will apparently have to wait until a sequel, as the developers were keen to focus on combat this time around. At least we know what the first back-of-the-box bullet point will be.

Gallery: Golden Axe: Beast Rider

JoystiqForget friends as Golden Axe: Beast Rider releases Oct. 17 in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>golden-axegolden-axe-beast-riderPS3segaXbox-360Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Golden Axe video is missing something]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/22/golden-axe-video-is-missing-something/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/22/golden-axe-video-is-missing-something/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/22/golden-axe-video-is-missing-something/#commentsFiled under:


Imagine you gathered together a group of video game journalists and told them to recall their fondest memories of the classic Sega arcade game, Golden Axe. Now imagine you created a video montage of said journalists discussing said memories. Now imagine watching that video and not once hearing the word "multiplayer." Seems a little weird, no? And yet, not once in a new Golden Axe: Beast Rider mini documentary (embedded after the brdeak) does a single person mention one of the biggest (if not the biggest) features from the original Golden Axe, multiplayer. Now, we're not saying Beast Rider will be an awful game -- in fact, it looks pretty decent -- but come on. Really? Nobody remembers how awesome it was to take on Death Adder with a buddy? Nobody remembers how our brother used to kick us in the shins when our dwarf accidentally clipped his barbarian with our trusty battle axe?

Anyhway, the team at Secret Level seems to be pretty dedicated to the Golden Axe legacy. We just hope someone explains the lack of multiplayer. Somehow, we get the feeling that the answer will sound something like this: "Do you know how successful God of War is?"

Continue reading Golden Axe video is missing something

JoystiqGolden Axe video is missing something originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>golden-axegolden-axe-beast-ridersecret-levelsegaMon, 22 Sep 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bury the Shovelware: Tenchu Dark Secret]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/17/bury-the-shovelware-tenchu-dark-secret/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/17/bury-the-shovelware-tenchu-dark-secret/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/17/bury-the-shovelware-tenchu-dark-secret/#commentsFiled under:



The fall from grace. Unless your heart is nothing more than a cold, shriveled lump, you probably don't like to witness a once-respectable series slowly degrade. It's happened to many franchises. Often the decay is gradual, with gamers slowly noticing a decline in quality and is correlated with slumping sales. Other times a single misstep can throw an entire series against the ropes and nearly into submission. Either way, it's never pleasant to witness failure. Well, almost never.

What was once a prominent pillar in the stealth world has been slowly regressing into mediocrity. The Tenchu series was one of the first and most successful entries in the emerging stealth-based genre of the late 1990's. Though games involving evasive maneuvering over combat had been around for awhile, they truly flourished in 3D. From the onset, Tenchu was there. Peered with and rivaled against other top-notch franchises such as Metal Gear Solid and Splinter Cell, the word "Tenchu" was synonymous with heart-thumping, adrenaline-pumping sneaky gameplay. But everything eventually dies. And the Tenchu series received a terminal illness in the form of Tenchu: Dark Secret. Unless somebody steps in and performs some sort of miracle, we might have to talk to Tenchu fans about video game heaven. It's where all game franchises go when they pass away. All of Tenchu's friends are there, like Golden Axe, ToeJam & Earl, and Ecco the Dolphin (Sega, please prove me wrong on these).

Continue reading Bury the Shovelware: Tenchu Dark Secret

JoystiqBury the Shovelware: Tenchu Dark Secret originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Sep 2008 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eccothedolphingolden-axejack-thompsonjoystiqfeaturesnintendosegashovelwaretenchutenchudarksecrettoejamandearlWed, 17 Sep 2008 15:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Are you prepared for a new Golden Axe: Beast Rider trailer?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/are-you-prepared-for-a-new-golden-axe-beast-rider-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/are-you-prepared-for-a-new-golden-axe-beast-rider-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/are-you-prepared-for-a-new-golden-axe-beast-rider-trailer/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's been three months since we've seen any moving pictures from Golden Axe: In Name Only, but is that enough time to prepare yourself for a new trailer? Have you had enough time to get ready for footage of a title that's so clearly not a Golden Axe game that it's almost kind of adorable? Are you ready for "Not this day!" sure to be one of the classic video game lines of all time? Most importantly (and prominently), are you braced for the most gratuitous digital ass shot of this or any other decade?

Feel free to watch above, just don't say we didn't warn you.

JoystiqAre you prepared for a new Golden Axe: Beast Rider trailer? originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>golden-axegolden-axe-beast-riderPS3segaXbox-360Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega explains Golden Axe co-op absence]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/sega-explains-golden-axe-co-op-absence/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/sega-explains-golden-axe-co-op-absence/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/sega-explains-golden-axe-co-op-absence/#commentsFiled under: , ,


As totally rad as arcade classic Golden Axe might have been in 1989, developer Secret Level's decision to axe co-op from the game's upcoming sequel is akin to castrating the series of the one thing that made it worth playing at all. Since hearing of the studio's misguided design choice, we've been pining for the opportunity to ask anyone who'd listen for an explanation, a chance we got this week at E3 when we cornered Sega's VP of marketing, Sean Ratcliffe.

"Rightly or wrongly, we don't have co-op multiplayer in the game," he offered, a statement that was met with a short, yet uncomfortable pause. "I think as much as anything it's taking inspiration from the original series but in terms of that multiplayer co-op the developer decided that they didn't want to take the game in that direction."

"If Golden Axe: Beast Rider is successful," he added, "we can then come back with something else that maybe will have the co-op mode that everyone is wishing this game has." Or, you know, you could give people what they want in the first place instead. Just a thought.

JoystiqSega explains Golden Axe co-op absence originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e32008golden-axegoldenaxePS3segaXbox-360Wed, 16 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Debut Golden Axe: Beast Rider trailer shows protagonist riding beasts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/31/debut-golden-axe-beast-rider-trailer-shows-protagonist-riding-b/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/31/debut-golden-axe-beast-rider-trailer-shows-protagonist-riding-b/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/31/debut-golden-axe-beast-rider-trailer-shows-protagonist-riding-b/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We were heartbroken to learn that the upcoming re-imagining of the once beloved arcade franchise, Golden Axe: Beast Rider, would not feature any co-op gameplay. Our faith in the title was admittedly shaken -- though this debut trailer has officially piqued our interest. After all, who needs friends when you have gigantic, mountable dinosaurs? Though we would have preferred to see some footage of some unassumping, puntable power-up gnomes, the combat in the above video certainly looks enticing -- though the gameplay featured in this preview might be lost on you if your monitor is unable to display the 400 shades of brown apparently used to create the game's visual aesthetic. May we suggest adjusting the title to the slightly more appropriate Burnt Sienna Axe?

JoystiqDebut Golden Axe: Beast Rider trailer shows protagonist riding beasts originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 May 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beast-riderbrownburntsiennagolden-axegolden-axe-beast-riderPS3secret-levelsegatrailerXbox-360Sat, 31 May 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Golden Axe returns to consoles in Beast Rider]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/golden-axe-returns-to-consoles-in-beast-rider/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/golden-axe-returns-to-consoles-in-beast-rider/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/golden-axe-returns-to-consoles-in-beast-rider/#commentsFiled under:


Click for high-resolution image.

The brand new console Golden Axe was on display at Sega's media day event. In this modern reimagining of this classic arcade game, players take on the role of Amazon warrior Tyris Flare. In a variety of skimpy outfits, players must vanquish the evil Darth Vader Death Adder. At Tyris' disposal are massive beasts -- and you'll do more than just ride them. These beasts are killing machines that can be used in a variety of ways.

These beasts are tools. According to Joystiq, "you don't heal them and care for them; you use them and grab another. But they're also alive. If they get attacked, you'll have to deal with a feisty beastie." Enemies also have access to beasts, so for those that are interested, you can "expect some hot beast-on-beast combat action."

Unfortunately, Golden Axe: Beast Rider will not feature co-operative play of any sort. Apparently, this was a conscious effort by the developers at Secret Level, to ensure that they refine the combat just right. Expect co-op in the myriad of sequels to follow, should Beast Rider proves to be successful.

JoystiqGolden Axe returns to consoles in Beast Rider originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 May 2008 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>golden-axegolden-axe-beast-riderFri, 16 May 2008 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[New screens of Golden Axe: Beast Rider]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/new-screens-of-golden-axe-beast-rider/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/new-screens-of-golden-axe-beast-rider/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/new-screens-of-golden-axe-beast-rider/#commentsFiled under: , ,


San Francisco-based studio Secret Level has released new screenshots from the upcoming Golden Axe: Beast Rider. The title was first announced waaay back in 2006, and promises to be a next-gen upgrade to the classic side-scrolling, hack 'n slash Sega series. The game is currently slated for a summer 2008 release, and is coming to Xbox 360 and PS3 (no beast-riding love for the Wii, it seems).

The shots disclosed so far don't reveal much in terms of the gameplay, but our journalistic sixth-sense tells us that the game will possibly focus on riding various kinds of beasts (honestly, sometimes we give ourselves goosebumps). Check out the gallery for all the Beast Rider images.

Gallery: Golden Axe: Beast Rider

JoystiqNew screens of Golden Axe: Beast Rider originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Feb 2008 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Secret Level, famously known for working on the Xbox gem port of Final Fight: Streetwise, just dropped fresh screens of the upcoming title Golden Axe: Beast Rider. While these images look a little rough in spots, remember the game isn't hitting the Xbox 360 and PS3 until this summer. However, we're a little more perplexed by studio's love for the use of a colon in their titles. Past games include; Star Wars: Starfighter, America's Army: Rise of a Soldier and they are currently working on Iron Man: The Video Game. Come on: Seriously. Stop: It. See what you made us do?! Make it end!

JoystiqNew Golden Axe: Beast Rider screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Feb 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>golden-axegolden-axe-beast-ridergolden-axe-screensgolden-axe-screenshotssecret-levelsegasummer-2008-game-releasesTue, 05 Feb 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega inexplicably decides to release Golden Axe soundtrack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/21/sega-inexplicably-decides-to-release-golden-axe-soundtrack/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/21/sega-inexplicably-decides-to-release-golden-axe-soundtrack/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/21/sega-inexplicably-decides-to-release-golden-axe-soundtrack/#commentsFiled under: ,


Remember all of those awesome songs in the Golden Axe series? No, we don't either, and we love Golden Axe. Pretty much the only music we remember is the tune that plays while those little gnome jerks are looting your campsite. But that song is great. Classic Sega. Most of the time, the game is too overrun by digitized screaming for us to get a good listen to the soundtrack. We get the feeling, however, that a game starring Ax Battler, Tyris Flare, and Gilius Thunderhead must have some rockin' music.

That's why we want to kick a little gnome thief guy until one of the new Golden Axe The Music CDs falls out of his bag. On February 21st, Sega Direct will release a collection of music from all three Genesis Golden Axes, the Saturn game Golden Axe: The Duel, and both arcade games. The collection will sell for 3,500 yen total ($31).

Check after the break for ten minutes of Sega Master System Golden Axe Warrior gameplay, for no good reason. It's Zeldastic!

Continue reading Sega inexplicably decides to release Golden Axe soundtrack

JoystiqSega inexplicably decides to release Golden Axe soundtrack originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Dec 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cdgenesisgolden-axesegasoundtrackFri, 21 Dec 2007 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Golden Axe screenshots reveal swords and dragons]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/golden-axe-screenshots-reveal-swords-and-dragons/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/golden-axe-screenshots-reveal-swords-and-dragons/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/golden-axe-screenshots-reveal-swords-and-dragons/#commentsFiled under:


Sega once made a game now legendary in arcades -- Golden Axe. In the age of 2D side-scrolling brawlers, it reigned supreme. Arguably. Way back in last May, Sega announced plans to bring Golden Axe to the newest generation of consoles but have been silent ever since. They have been working on a lot of other things, so we imagined the title fell by the wayside. Seems that at long last, Sega is making progress. We present these screenshots to you for your inspection. All the weird fantasy elements are there, but we've no idea how the game will play. So until then, get your cosplay on.

JoystiqGolden Axe screenshots reveal swords and dragons originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Nov 2007 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>golden-axesegaWed, 28 Nov 2007 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The VC Advantage: Ax Battler]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/24/the-vc-advantage-ax-battler/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/24/the-vc-advantage-ax-battler/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/24/the-vc-advantage-ax-battler/#commentsFiled under:


The Internet has made it easy to find cheats for games, but we miss the tips pages from game magazines, when the discovery of a new code could inspire you to go back to an old game. These codes aren't exactly new, but oldness is the essence of the Virtual Console! We're bringing back the classic codes every week on The VC Advantage.

Golden Axe has some weird inconsistencies regarding names. First, the name Golden Axe implies that there would be some kind of golden axe in the game. But the axe-wielding character's axe is silver. And, more confusingly, the axe-carrying warrior is not the guy named "Ax Battler"-- he uses a sword.

We don't care if people don't like the Golden Axe games anymore. We still love playing them. We love riding chicken monsters as a huge cat-guy. We love the "bleah" sound all the enemies make when they die in Golden Axe II.

Golden Axe (GEN)
More Continues: At the character selection screen, hold down-left, A, and C. Release all the buttons and press Start. You'll have nine continues, which should help make up for all the jerks hitting you in the back while you're in the middle of a combo. Also the jerks running and jumping into you when you're trying to ride the chicken monster. The hard part is releasing the buttons at the appropriate time to choose your character (Gilius Thunderhead, of course) since holding down-left causes you to cycle through characters.

Golden Axe II (GEN)
Tons of magic: This glitch requires a little bit of inconvenience, but it's totally worth it. When the boss music starts to play in one of the first four levels, hold the A button and don't release it until the screen turns black. During the bonus stage, don't press any buttons at all. When the next stage starts, you'll have 255 magic points. If you try to use more than your character's maximum in one spell, you'll freeze the game.

Altered Beast (GEN)
Beast select: There don't seem to be any cheats for the once Japan-and-Sega Channel-exclusive Golden Axe III, so we decided to sub in another Genesis game that features anthropomorphic monster guys. This code will let you play as any of the game's beasts, including the rolling bear guy! At the title screen, hold all three buttons, then press Start. You'll be taken to a menu in which you can choose the beast transformation for each of the game's five stages!

JoystiqThe VC Advantage: Ax Battler originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Oct 2007 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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