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['Hitman: Sniper Challenge' spotted in magazine ad; spinoff game is Absolution pre-order bonus]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/hitman-sniper-challenge-spotted-in-magazine-ad-spinoff-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/hitman-sniper-challenge-spotted-in-magazine-ad-spinoff-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/hitman-sniper-challenge-spotted-in-magazine-ad-spinoff-game/#comments ImageA scan of a magazine ad reportedly from Game Informer reveals "Hitman: Sniper Challenge," a downloadable game featuring one "replayable sniper mission," with an emphasis on score. Those scores will likely tie into a contest, as the ad touts "Awesome Prize Packages for Top Snipers."

The game is advertised as a pre-order bonus for Hitman: Absolution at GameStop, where it will be handed out when you pre-order. It comes with a sniper rifle item for Absolution as well, the code for which will be given out when you pick up the retail game.

Joystiq'Hitman: Sniper Challenge' spotted in magazine ad; spinoff game is Absolution pre-order bonus originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-informergamestophitmanhitman-absolutionhitman-sniper-challengeio-interactivemicrosoftpcplaystationpre-orderps3xboxTue, 08 May 2012 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam weekend sale on Square Enix catalog, Hitman special deal today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/steam-weekend-sale-on-square-enix-catalog-hitman-special-deal-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/steam-weekend-sale-on-square-enix-catalog-hitman-special-deal-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/steam-weekend-sale-on-square-enix-catalog-hitman-special-deal-t/#comments The entire catalog of Square Enix titles on Steam is half off for the entire weekend, with daily deals today through Sunday on top of that already ridiculous sale. Today, the complete Hitman franchise is 75 percent off, at $6.25 for Codename 47, Blood Money and Silent Assassin.

The Square Enix Hit Collection, which includes Deus Ex: Human Revolution, Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light, Thief: Deadly Shadows and more, is 76 percent off today, for $75 instead of the standard $314.

JoystiqSteam weekend sale on Square Enix catalog, Hitman special deal today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deus-ex-human-revolutionHitmanHitman-Blood-Moneylara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmicrosoftpcplaystationps3PublishersaleSquare-EnixSTEAMthief-deadly-shadowsweekend-salexboxThu, 22 Mar 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix joins Good Old Games with Deus Ex and Hitman]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/square-enix-joins-good-old-games-with-deus-ex-and-hitman/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/square-enix-joins-good-old-games-with-deus-ex-and-hitman/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/square-enix-joins-good-old-games-with-deus-ex-and-hitman/#comments Day of what?Square Enix has joined the ever-growing list of publishers to bring its classic titles to GOG.com. The first two Square-Enix titles to hit the service are Hitman: Codename 47 and Deus Ex: Game of the Year Edition (2000 being the year in question). You can pick up either for $5.99 and $9.99 respectively.

GOG promises more Square Enix games to come. We'd expect most of those to come from Square's library of Eidos titles (Thief, anyone?), though the PC ports of Final Fantasy VII and VIII are a slim possibility. Slim.

JoystiqSquare Enix joins Good Old Games with Deus Ex and Hitman originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deus-exeidosgoggog.comhitmanhitman-codename-47pcsquare-enixThu, 26 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Hitman Sniper Challenge' trademarked in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/hitman-sniper-challenge-trademarked-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/hitman-sniper-challenge-trademarked-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/hitman-sniper-challenge-trademarked-in-europe/#comments Square Enix Europe continues its Hitman trademark spree with Hitman Sniper Challenge. Siliconera dug up the latest trademark, which comes a month after the site found a Hitman: Profession trademark lurking in the European database.

What is Hitman Sniper Challenge? Much like Hitman: Profession, any guess is purely speculative. What we do know is that a new Hitman game is under production (with IO supervision) at the Square Enix studio in Montreal. IO is currently finishing up Hitman: Absolution for its 2012 launch.

Square certainly has plenty of transmedia opportunities for Agent 47 that could cover angles beyond games.

Joystiq'Hitman Sniper Challenge' trademarked in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EidosHitmanhitman-5hitman-absolutionHitman-Sniper-ChallengeIO-InteractiveSniper-ChallengeSquare-EnixWed, 25 Jan 2012 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Steam Sale of 2011 predicts zombie apocalypse, crime in 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/31/final-steam-sale-of-2011-predicts-zombie-apocalypse-crime-in-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/31/final-steam-sale-of-2011-predicts-zombie-apocalypse-crime-in-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/31/final-steam-sale-of-2011-predicts-zombie-apocalypse-crime-in-20/#comments
The Steam Holiday Sale doesn't stop for anyone or anything -- not the end of a year, an era or the world -- and today, New Year's Eve 2011, is no different. The 13th day of the Steam Holiday Sale offers 75 percent off L.A. Noire, Bit.Trip Runner, the Hitman franchise, Magicka, both BioShocks, Hoard, GRID and the Counter-Strike series, and more titles at various other deduction rates.

Check out all the deals before the year and our life as we know it ends.

JoystiqFinal Steam Sale of 2011 predicts zombie apocalypse, crime in 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 Dec 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshockbioshock-2Bit-Trip-Runnercounter-strikedead-islandgridhitmanhoardLA-Noiremagickapcsteam-holiday-sale-2011steam-saleSat, 31 Dec 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[IO splitting focus, tackling new IP after Hitman: Absolution]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/io-splitting-focus-tackling-new-ip-after-hitman-absolution/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/io-splitting-focus-tackling-new-ip-after-hitman-absolution/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/io-splitting-focus-tackling-new-ip-after-hitman-absolution/#comments IO Interactive, the studio that's steered the Hitman franchise since the beginning, will take one hand off the wheel and gulp a new IP Slurpee after Hitman: Absolution ships. Speaking to Gamasutra, studio honcho Niels Jorgensen says that the IO team will split focus, collaborating on a new Hitman with the Square Enix studio in Montreal while working on a new IP.

Jorgensen has very little to share about the new IP, but does say that it'll be somewhat in line with IO's DNA of dark humor and antiheroes. Hopefully, IO can find a happy medium between the stylish seriousness of Hitman and the sub-par vulgarity of Kane and Lynch.

Three of IO's employees will move from Copenhagen to Montreal to direct the team and assist in communications between the two studios, developing a game that's "faithful to the Hitman experience."

JoystiqIO splitting focus, tackling new IP after Hitman: Absolution originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Hitmanhitman-5hitman-absolutionIO-Interactivemicrosoftpcplaystationps3Square-EnixxboxThu, 01 Dec 2011 10:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix Montreal opening in 2012, working on Hitman; Eidos Montreal adds 100, working on 'third AAA project']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/square-enix-montreal-opening-in-2012-working-on-hitman-eidos-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/square-enix-montreal-opening-in-2012-working-on-hitman-eidos-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/square-enix-montreal-opening-in-2012-working-on-hitman-eidos-m/#comments Following the strong reception of Deus Ex: Human Revolution, one report indicated Square Enix planned to expand developer Eidos Montreal by as many as 350 additional employees, while earlier reports suggested that Square would establish a new studio elsewhere in Canada in 2012. Turns out, both were half right. Square Enix announced today plans to add 250 new jobs in Canada, with 100 going to the team at Eidos Montreal, and 150 being dedicated to a new studio named, cleverly enough, Square Enix Montreal.

The 100 new employees at Eidos Montreal will be "driving work on a third AAA project at the studio" alongside the existing Deus Ex and Thief franchises, while the "first project at Square Enix Montréal will be to work on a new premium quality game in the award-winning Hitman franchise," adding a second studio to augment Copenhagen-based IO Interactive's work on the series.

The new studio will be under the guidance of general manager Lee Singleton, who's "been leading Square Enix London Studios, a UK-based team which focuses on shaping and bringing to market great games from some of the world's most talented independent development teams." Those games include Just Cause 2 and Batman: Arkham Asylum which you've probably never heard of.

Continue reading Square Enix Montreal opening in 2012, working on Hitman; Eidos Montreal adds 100, working on 'third AAA project'

JoystiqSquare Enix Montreal opening in 2012, working on Hitman; Eidos Montreal adds 100, working on 'third AAA project' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deus-ex-human-revolutioneidos-montrealHitmanLee-Singletonsquare-enixsquare-enix-montrealMon, 21 Nov 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hitman: Absolution, now with 17 minutes of commentary]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/06/hitman-absolution-now-with-17-minutes-of-commentary/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/06/hitman-absolution-now-with-17-minutes-of-commentary/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/06/hitman-absolution-now-with-17-minutes-of-commentary/#comments
For those of you out there who appreciate the special, unique combination of baldness, stealth and fine mensware, take note: Square Enix and Eidos have released a seventeen minute long Hitman: Absolution walkthrough, narrated by Game Director Tore Blystad and Gameplay Director Christian Elverdam.

JoystiqHitman: Absolution, now with 17 minutes of commentary originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 Nov 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eidoshitmanhitman-5hitman-absolutionmicrosoftpcplaystationps3square-enixxboxSun, 06 Nov 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Potential Hitman ARG suggests new announcement is coming in time for E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/potential-hitman-arg-suggest-new-announcement-is-coming-in-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/potential-hitman-arg-suggest-new-announcement-is-coming-in-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/potential-hitman-arg-suggest-new-announcement-is-coming-in-time/#comments Some subtle marketing suggests we'll be hearing about a new Hitman game soon. Well, okay, we have been hearing about it -- Hitman 5 isn't exactly a secret at this point, having been mentioned on IO Interactive resumes and namedropped by a voice actor. But things are heating up yet again, indicating a full-on reveal isn't far off.

Some potential subtle marketing is the source of this latest uptick in attention, starting with an ad from Faircount Media Group in a catalog at the Sundance Film Festival depicting a box of Hitman Series brand doughnuts with a bardcode ending in "47." When a Hitman Forum user tracked down the agency responsible for the ad and emailed them, he received a response from an account saying "you are on the right track," along with a new image showing a pair of black gloves, what appears to be a game script, and another barcode ending in "47." Forum users claim some of the random numbers, when deciphered, point to E3.

Add in the vague responses from an actual IO Interactive employee on the Hitman Forum boards (Nick@IO is his user name) and it would appear we've got the makings of an ARG -- that is, unless it's all just one big, very mean conspiracy.

JoystiqPotential Hitman ARG suggests new announcement is coming in time for E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 15:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agent-47argeidosfaircount-media-grouphitmanhitman-5io-interactivesquare-enixsquare-enix-europeWed, 16 Mar 2011 15:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Hitman 5 mentioned on a few IO Interactive resumes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/hitman-5-mentioned-on-a-few-io-interactive-resumes/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/hitman-5-mentioned-on-a-few-io-interactive-resumes/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/hitman-5-mentioned-on-a-few-io-interactive-resumes/#comments If you were unsatisfied by voice actor David Bateson's kind-of-but-not-really confirmation that a new installment of the Hitman franchise was in the works, perhaps you'll be won over by some additional, recently uncovered evidence. IO Interactive's Rasmus Hoejengaard, Damien Simper and Theo Engell-Nielsen all listed Hitman 5 on their LinkedIn resumes, the latter of which includes a 2011 launch window for the unannounced title.

We're not sure what stronger evidence we could find for the project's existence, aside from, like, time traveling into the future and bringing back a finished copy of the game. Can anyone get on that?

JoystiqHitman 5 mentioned on a few IO Interactive resumes originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Nov 2010 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eidoshitmanhitman-5io-interactiveresumeMon, 08 Nov 2010 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Deadline: Fox finds Hitman 2 director]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/24/deadline-fox-finds-hitman-2-director/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/24/deadline-fox-finds-hitman-2-director/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/24/deadline-fox-finds-hitman-2-director/#comments According to a Deadline report, 20th Century Fox is in talks with "Paintball" director Daniel Benmayor to helm the second Hitman film. Benmayor has worked on some killer commercials, including a few for Sony PlayStation -- you know, before The Butler did it.

Set to be written by Kane & Lynch scribe Kyle Ward, the smartly dressed assassin's second cinematic outing has yet to confirm the return of one bald, shiny star. For the sake of consistency, we hope there's an Olyphant in the room when Fox finalizes its discussions. Where else in Hollywood could you find someone to play a glib bump-off professional who regularly dives through the air while shooting a gun?

[Via Collider]

JoystiqDeadline: Fox finds Hitman 2 director originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 May 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20th-century-foxdaniel-benmayorgame-to-filmhitmanhitman-2-movieMon, 24 May 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hitman, UFC, American Idol added to Games on Demand]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/hitman-ufc-american-idol-added-to-games-on-demand/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/hitman-ufc-american-idol-added-to-games-on-demand/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/hitman-ufc-american-idol-added-to-games-on-demand/#comments Three new games have landed on Xbox Live Games on Demand this week. The games offer some vastly different experiences, so there should be something for everyone. For those who enjoy watching sweaty dudes pummel each other, UFC 2009: Undisputed is the game for you. If you prefer more discreet (perhaps even sneaky) violence, Hitman: Blood Money might be more up your alley. If, on the other hand, you'd rather have your singing talents mocked by a virtual Simon Cowell -- and who wouldn't -- it's Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore 2 all the way. Each game runs $29.99 in North America. As usual, pricing and availability will vary in other regions.

Shortcut: Add UFC 2009: Undisputed to your download queue [via Xbox.com]
Shortcut: Add Hitman: Blood Money to your download queue [via Xbox.com]
Shortcut: Add American Idol Encore 2 to your download queue [via Xbox.com]

[Via Major Nelson]

JoystiqHitman, UFC, American Idol added to Games on Demand originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american-idolEidosgames-on-demandHitmanhitman-blood-moneyIO-InteractiveKaraoke Revolutionkaraoke-revolution-american-idolKaraokeRevolutionShooterStealthThird-Person-Shooterufcufc-2009ufc-2009-undisputedTue, 30 Mar 2010 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[IO Interactive hit with layoffs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/io-interactive-hit-with-layoffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/io-interactive-hit-with-layoffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/io-interactive-hit-with-layoffs/#comments
[Michael Heilemann]

A Square Enix representative confirmed to Joystiq this morning that Hitman franchise / Kane & Lynch 2 developer IO Interactive has let go of an undisclosed number of staff members (reports claim as many as 35 out of approximately 200). In a statement from IO general manager Niels Jorgensen, the layoffs are explained as necessary to keep the business "operating effectively as projects start up and ramp down." Considering the studio's next game isn't set for release until late August, it's not clear if this decision will impact the game's final stages of development (if at all).

Jorgensen goes on to say that he believes the "organizational changes" will help IO "continue to deliver great games," while he also regrets the loss of said personnel. "We would like to thank all employees affected for their contribution and efforts and wish them well in their future careers." We've posted the full response from Jorgensen after the break, and would like to extend our condolences to anyone who lost their job at IO.

Continue reading IO Interactive hit with layoffs

JoystiqIO Interactive hit with layoffs originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-developmenthitmanio-interactivekane-and-lynch-2kane-and-lynch-2-dog-dayslayoffsniels-jorgensensquare-enixTue, 30 Mar 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hitman 2 may recast lead, Kane and Lynch still coming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/20/hitman-2-may-recast-lead-kane-and-lynch-still-coming/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/20/hitman-2-may-recast-lead-kane-and-lynch-still-coming/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/20/hitman-2-may-recast-lead-kane-and-lynch-still-coming/#comments Though it was sniped by critics, Hitman was a smash at the box office, raking in $100 million in theaters plus another $80M on DVD. Emboldened, producer Adrian Askarieh has a full slate of Eidos films in the works, projects that he recently discussed with GameDaily.

His main focus right now is a Just Cause film, which he's producing independently, so don't be surprised if it doesn't quite hit that same level of Hitman polish. Look for that to start shooting next year. Also next year, Kane and Lynch is finally set to start filming in March -- after plenty of false starts -- with Bruce Willis in the Kane role. Finally, there's the Hitman sequel, which Askarieh said may need a new lead, as star Timothy Olyphant is filming a new show for FX. Though Askarieh said he'd like to get Olyphant back, we can't imagine why when Richard Moll is right there.

JoystiqHitman 2 may recast lead, Kane and Lynch still coming originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Adrian-Askarieheidoshitmanhitman-2-moviejust-causekane-and-lynchmoviesTue, 20 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rocksteady 'not involved' in the development of Hitman 5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/16/rocksteady-not-involved-in-the-development-of-hitman-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/16/rocksteady-not-involved-in-the-development-of-hitman-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/16/rocksteady-not-involved-in-the-development-of-hitman-5/#comments
Despite the recently discovered resume indicating that Batman: Arkham Asylum developer Rocksteady Studios may be working on a game titled Hitman5 (yes, without a space), Eidos "Life President" Ian Livingstone flat out denies the possibility. Talking to Prey's World Gaming Magazine, Livingstone said, "Hitman always has been and always will be IO Interactive's baby, which it still continues to be so."

Worried about miswording in that? He followed up with, "Rocksteady are not involved with the development of Hitman 5." All that said, we do know that some version of Hitman is on the way, as Livingstone has confirmed as such in the past and Rocksteady is currently hiring a few positions to produce a "AAA titile on the next generation platforms." It appears as though the two are unrelated though, at least for now. Meanwhile, IO Interactive is currently wrapping up development of Mini Ninjas for a September release -- and then the studio can get to work on the next Hitman game in earnest, eh?

(Please?)

[Via Blue's News]

JoystiqRocksteady 'not involved' in the development of Hitman 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 16 Aug 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batman-arkham-asylumblues-newseidoseidos-interactivehitmanhitman-5hitman5ian-livingstoneio-interactivepreys-world-gaming-magazinerocksteadyrocksteady-studiosSun, 16 Aug 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Actor's resume lists Rocksteady-developed 'Hitman5']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/actors-resume-lists-rocksteady-developed-hitman5/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/actors-resume-lists-rocksteady-developed-hitman5/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/actors-resume-lists-rocksteady-developed-hitman5/#commentsAccording to the resume of actor Mark Sloan, Rocksteady Studios - the London-based developer behind Batman: Arkham Asylum - is bringing its British sensibilities to the next Hitman game, titled, well, Hitman5. Sloan's resume indicates that he performed motion capture work for the game.

Both of Rocksteady's other games, Urban Chaos: Riot Response and Batman: Arkham Asylum, have been for publisher (and partial owner) Eidos, so it isn't much of a stretch to believe that the developer would get a crack at a major Eidos property like Hitman. Presumably, series developer IO Interactive has its hands full with the Kane & Lynch sequel and Mini Ninjas.

What's harder to believe is that the same Mark Sloan is responsible for the "Soft Mark," "Pushy Mark," "Chatty Mark," and "Menacing Mark" audio performances in the resume. Such range!

[Thanks, Garret!]

JoystiqActor's resume lists Rocksteady-developed 'Hitman5' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batman-arkham-asylumeidosHitmanhitman-5hitman5Mark-Sloanresumerocksteady-studiosTue, 11 Aug 2009 17:28:00 EST<![CDATA[IESB: Writer hired on for sequel to Hitman movie]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/24/iesb-writer-hired-on-for-sequel-to-hitman-movie/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/24/iesb-writer-hired-on-for-sequel-to-hitman-movie/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/24/iesb-writer-hired-on-for-sequel-to-hitman-movie/#comments As fans of the exploits of one Agent 47, seeing Hitman the movie was like watching a really bad movie. But, Fox liked how much money it made (grossed near $100 million in worldwide box office sales, dontchaknow) -- IESB reports the studio has hired on writer Kyle Ward to pen a sequel, with producers Adrian Askarieh, Daniel Alter and Chuck Gordon returning.

Ward is no stranger to adapting games for film, as he recently penned Kane & Lynch, set to star Bruce Willis and begin filming later this year. Hey. Ward, do us a favor? Before you get to work, make sure you watch a decent film about a hitman first, 'kay?

JoystiqIESB: Writer hired on for sequel to Hitman movie originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agent-47foxhitmanhitman-2-moviekyle-wardmoviesWed, 24 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Livingstone: Kane & Lynch 2 aimed for Sept., more Hitman, Tomb Raider en route]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/11/livingstone-kane-and-lynch-2-aimed-for-sept-more-hitman-tomb-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/11/livingstone-kane-and-lynch-2-aimed-for-sept-more-hitman-tomb-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/11/livingstone-kane-and-lynch-2-aimed-for-sept-more-hitman-tomb-r/#comments In Mumbai for the Golden Cursor Animation Awards, recently appointed Eidos "life president" Ian Livingstone sat down with the folks at GamingIndians and spilled a full bag of beans. Unsurprisingly, he says the Square Enix acquisition was "a great deal in many ways" and that the various Eidos development studios would remain largely independent. "It's great news for the brand and for the people," he says.

And also, apparently, great for sequels, as Livingstone confirms work on the next Hitman game, a sequel to Kane & Lynch currently targeted for a September release date and -- big shock! -- a re-imagining of Lara Croft and the Tomb Raider series. "The next Tomb Raider, I think, will surprise a lot of people and reinvigorate the franchise," Livingstone notes, stressing the relevance of game characters in mainstream media these days. Incidentally, he more than intimates that Eidos Montreal is working on Thief 4, though now we know that to be a fact -- the "worst kept secret in the industry," in fact.

JoystiqLivingstone: Kane & Lynch 2 aimed for Sept., more Hitman, Tomb Raider en route originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 May 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crystal-dynamicsdeus-exeidoseidos-montrealhitmanhitman-5ian-livingstoneio-interactivekane-and-lynchkane-and-lynch-2square-enixtomb-raiderMon, 11 May 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix buyout of Eidos approved]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/27/square-enix-buyout-of-eidos-approved/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/27/square-enix-buyout-of-eidos-approved/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/27/square-enix-buyout-of-eidos-approved/#comments
The Square Enix purchase of Eidos will go through, as 85% of the Eidos shareholders voted in favor (big surprise there) of their new overlords at a recent court hearing and passed the motion of acquisition at the EGM afterward. It is estimated that Square Enix will take over operating duties some time in late April, when it's assumed all of Eidos' shares will be delisted.

We imagine Square Enix's first order of business will be to start work on Final Fantasy X3: Lara's Shadow, in which Yuna, Rikku, and Lara work together to solve a mystery surrounding a sunken ship. Also, they try to find Tidus again.

JoystiqSquare Enix buyout of Eidos approved originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessbuyouteidoshitmansquare-enixtomb-raiderFri, 27 Mar 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix explains why it wants Eidos]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/16/square-enix-explains-why-they-want-eidos/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/16/square-enix-explains-why-they-want-eidos/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/16/square-enix-explains-why-they-want-eidos/#comments
Like a middle-aged woman who spends half of Feb. 15 explaining to her mother why a new toilet brush and a night of darts is as much a Valentine's Day as she can expect from Lyle, Square Enix has gone on the record with the precise reasons it has an interest in buying struggling publisher Eidos. In addition to the dev houses included in the deal, the company has its eye on Hitman, Tomb Raider, Deus Ex and Kane & Lynch.

Meanwhile, and surprising no one, 20-percent Eidos shareholder Warner Bros.* says it's putting its support behind the deal and honestly, it's kind of hard to blame it.

*Did you know Time Warner is our parent company? Well, now you do.

Source -- Warner backs Square Enix's bid for Eidos
Source -- Square Enix Cites "Major" Eidos Franchises

JoystiqSquare Enix explains why it wants Eidos originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Feb 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deus-exeidoshitmankane-and-lynchsquare-enixtomb-raiderwarnerwarner-brosMon, 16 Feb 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Spike VGA Winners: GTAIV snags game of the year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/spike-vga-winners-gtaiv-snags-game-of-the-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/spike-vga-winners-gtaiv-snags-game-of-the-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/spike-vga-winners-gtaiv-snags-game-of-the-year/#commentsFiled under:


Here you go, a recap of all of last night's Spike TV Video Game Award winners that is viewable (in its entirety) after the break. And if you weren't already aware thanks to this blog's title, Grand Theft Auto IV beat out all other contenders for Game of the Year honors. It's a bit controversial to say the least, but then again, it is the Spike VGAs. Right?

Gears of War 2 came away with a pair of the colorful monkey awards, one for best shooter and another for best Xbox 360 game. Fallout 3 also did well and Valve's Left 4 Dead had nothing to be ashamed of either. Clicky the linky below to view it all.

Continue reading Spike VGA Winners: GTAIV snags game of the year

JoystiqSpike VGA Winners: GTAIV snags game of the year originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Eidosgrand-theft-auto-ivgtaivHitmanHitman-Blood-MoneyIO-Interactiverockstarrockstar-gamesShooterspike-tvStealthThird-Person-Shootervgavga-08x3f-twitterMon, 15 Dec 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hitman Reborn! downloadable demo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/hitman-reborn-downloadable-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/hitman-reborn-downloadable-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/hitman-reborn-downloadable-demo/#commentsFiled under:


Sorry we're a bit late on this one. We've been hosting it for a while, but only now did we have a chance to put it on the front page. Hopefully, we got this Japanese demo of the Reborn! game just in time for the Labor Day weekend. Enjoy!

1. Download the demo zip file.
2. Extract the contents of the zip file.
3. Connect your PSP to your computer using a USB cable.
4. Go to the PSP/GAME folder.
5. Copy NPJH90007 folder into the GAME directory. Make sure there are no sub-directories in this folder.

Check out our demos site:
demos.pspfanboy.com

[Image Source]

JoystiqHitman Reborn! downloadable demo originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demohitmanrebornFri, 29 Aug 2008 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Video comparison shows Dead Rising taken down by Hitman]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/video-comparison-shows-dead-rising-taken-down-by-hitman/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/video-comparison-shows-dead-rising-taken-down-by-hitman/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/video-comparison-shows-dead-rising-taken-down-by-hitman/#commentsFiled under:



So yeah, we're not even touching this. Not with a twenty-foot damn pole. Some user at GameTrailers compiled this video, featuring a comparison between Dead Rising: Chop 'Til You Drop and the PlayStation 2's Hitman: Blood Money. The point? To show up the supposed lack of NPC zombies in the former, by comparing it to the achievements of a two-year-old game on a technologically inferior system.

The Dead Rising footage used is a touch selective (we've seen screens with a far greater number of zombies), but like we say: we're staying out of this. It isn't going to end well.


[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqVideo comparison shows Dead Rising taken down by Hitman originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Aug 2008 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actioncapcomdead-risinghitmanhorrorportsurvival-horrorzombieTue, 26 Aug 2008 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Former Hitman, Kane and Lynch creators launch Reto-Moto]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/former-hitman-kane-and-lynch-creators-launch-reto-moto/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/former-hitman-kane-and-lynch-creators-launch-reto-moto/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/former-hitman-kane-and-lynch-creators-launch-reto-moto/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The founders of Hitman and Kane and Lynch developer IO Interactive have left to form Reto-Moto, a Copenhagen, Denmark-based studio "committed to redefining the online multi-player space." While the team isn't talking about its initial project, a press release announcing the company notes that Reto-Moto is in "active dialogue with strategic industry partners."

In a rather incestuous twist, it turns out that Reto-Moto was actually established in 1997, and was the former parent of IO Interactive before it was handed off to Eidos in 2004 as part of a £20 million acquisition. It looks like Thomas Wolfe was wrong; you can go home again.

JoystiqFormer Hitman, Kane and Lynch creators launch Reto-Moto originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eidoshitmanioio-interactiveiointeractivekane-and-lynchkaneandlynchreto-motoretomotoFri, 11 Apr 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tomb Raider comes to online video slot machines. Finally!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/tomb-raider-comes-to-online-video-slot-machines-finally/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/tomb-raider-comes-to-online-video-slot-machines-finally/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/tomb-raider-comes-to-online-video-slot-machines-finally/#commentsFiled under: ,

If there's one thing we here at Joystiq constantly find ourselves thinking while playing Tomb Raider games, it's "Man, if only this experience could be translated into an online video slot machine." Well someone at Belle Rock Entertainment must have had a window into our souls, because the group has just unveiled Tomb Raider: The Secret of the Sword, a new video slot for their online casinos.

The machine isn't based directly on the games, unfortunately. Instead, it promises to "faithfully capture the gripping excitement and suspense of the original movie" with "a glossy 5 reel 30 pay-line multi-faceted package." Fans of the movie will be happy to know that the "randomly triggered Super Mode" and "Global Adventure Bonus" have been faithfully captured here. The Secret of the Sword joins a similar Hitman slot machine in the annals of lame cross-marketing ideas for Eidos products impressive and engaging Eidos slot machine ports.

JoystiqTomb Raider comes to online video slot machines. Finally! originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Mar 2008 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casinoeidosgamblinggaminghitmanPCslot-mahcineslotstomb-raiderThu, 13 Mar 2008 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Download free Drillbit Taylor and Hitman goodies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/download-free-drillbit-taylor-and-hitman-goodies/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/download-free-drillbit-taylor-and-hitman-goodies/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/download-free-drillbit-taylor-and-hitman-goodies/#commentsFiled under: ,

If you're like us, we need a fresh coat of new gamer picture paint ever once and a while. You know, to keep things fresh and lively. But our only requirement is that all gamer pictures we grab from the XBLM must be free. Call us old fashioned, but that's how we roll. So, we're happy to share with you that two new sets of movie themed gamer pictures (and dashboard themes) are available to U.S. Xbox Live members for free.

Right now on the XBLM, you can grab a free Hitman the movie gamer picture pack and theme as well as a free gamer picture and theme from Owen Wilson's comedy Drillbit Taylor. Like we said, all four sets of downloadable goodness are free and are (surprisingly) quite well done. Especially the Drillbit Taylor pack. You'll have to download to see, but for some reason those gamer pictures make us crack up.

JoystiqDownload free Drillbit Taylor and Hitman goodies originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Mar 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drillbit-taylorgamer-pictureshitmanhitman-the-moviethemesxblmFri, 07 Mar 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Former Hitman devs creating 'high end' casual games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/former-hitman-devs-creating-high-end-casual-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/former-hitman-devs-creating-high-end-casual-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/former-hitman-devs-creating-high-end-casual-games/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Casual games are not everyone's cup of tea, as evidenced by our controversial inclusion of PopCap puzzler Peggle among Joystiq's top ten titles of 2007. There's no denying, however, that these often bite-sized diversions are as popular as they are addictive, reason enough why many startup studios -- such as newly formed The Game Equation -- swing that way. The Denmark-based studio, established by a pair of programmers who worked on the Hitman franchise in a previous life, aims to develop for the "high end of the casual games industry" with titles that remind them of what it was like playing games when they were youngsters. That's sweet, but what exactly does that mean?

The company has pair of puzzle games available already named Deep Blue Sea and Constellations, though at first glance there certainly doesn't appear to be anything particularly evolved about either of these efforts, entertaining as they may be. What is interesting is that in creating the match-3 puzzler Deep Blue Sea, the studio brought on an honest to goodness film and theatre composer, Rasmus Hartvig, to create the game's music, though given the dev's experience with Hitman, a series known for its dramatic scores, The Game Equation's aural emphasis is not wholly unexpected. That's all well and good, and we like good music as much as anyone, but the studio will need to pull out some considerably bigger tricks before we buy into its incongruous idea of high end casual games.

JoystiqFormer Hitman devs creating 'high end' casual games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jan 2008 08:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualConstellationsdeep blue seaDeepBlueSeaHitmanIO InteractiveIoInteractivePCthe game equationTheGameEquationWed, 02 Jan 2008 08:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Ebert actually kind of likes Hitman (the movie)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/27/ebert-actually-kind-of-likes-hitman-the-movie/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/27/ebert-actually-kind-of-likes-hitman-the-movie/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/27/ebert-actually-kind-of-likes-hitman-the-movie/#commentsFiled under:


We all know that Roger Ebert, despite his five-digit gamerscore and level 70 night elf rogue, doesn't think video games have, as of yet, risen to the level of "art." But that doesn't mean that he doesn't give a fair shake to video-game based movies. In fact, you could say he almost sort of liked Hitman, saying "Agent 47 has great success with this disguise in Hitman, which is a better movie than I thought it might be."

Ebert even goes so far as to give the movie, which earned $21 million in its first five days, 3 out of 4 stars, which is, admittedly, the same score he gave to Garfield: A Tale of Two Kitties. (In other news: Why do we still pay attention to a man who gave three stars to Garfield: A Tale of Two Kitties?)

JoystiqEbert actually kind of likes Hitman (the movie) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Nov 2007 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hitmanmoviesrogerebertTue, 27 Nov 2007 10:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Critics: Hitman film more like Hit-meh]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/critics-hitman-film-more-like-hit-meh/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/critics-hitman-film-more-like-hit-meh/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/critics-hitman-film-more-like-hit-meh/#commentsFiled under:


Did you like that headline? Yeah, we did too. It's ironic, because if the critics weighing in on the new Hitman film are any bellwether, it's the only entertaining thing about the movie. Of the 25 reviews of the Timothy Olyphant starrer (released today) only 12% gave the movie a positive review. If you're not so much with the math, that translates to "Not good."

One of the few decent reviews comes from Daniel M. Kimmel, who says "There's enough intelligence behind it that you don't feel you're just waiting to hit the reset button," which is a video game metaphor so belabored we feel compelled to dismiss his opinion out of hand. Of the negative reviews, our favorite comes from Dustin Putnam who says "Abysmal in the extreme, Hitman is 100 minutes of soul-crushing nothingness." Wow, is it too late to pre-order tickets?

JoystiqCritics: Hitman film more like Hit-meh originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Nov 2007 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eidoshitmanmoviestimothy-olyphantWed, 21 Nov 2007 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameTap offering free Hitman games and retrospective in November]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/31/gametap-offering-free-hitman-games-and-retrospective-in-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/31/gametap-offering-free-hitman-games-and-retrospective-in-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/31/gametap-offering-free-hitman-games-and-retrospective-in-november/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Next month GameTap will offer the adventures of Agent 47 (except for Blood Money) for free on the service in sequential order. Although they say the original game is available Nov. 1, technically it's available for free now. The series' gameplay became far more forgiving as things progressed, so depending on your tolerance for repeating a level over and over again, you may want to wait until Contracts becomes available Nov. 15 for the softest experience.
GameTap says they have more in store on this, but that's the basics for now. We are curious to see how one of the GameTap retrospectives holds up to the GameTrailer ones we've become enamored with.

JoystiqGameTap offering free Hitman games and retrospective in November originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Oct 2007 16:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>freegametaphitmanMacPCWed, 31 Oct 2007 16:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Variety confirms Hitman getting 'hard R' rating]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/11/variety-confirms-hitman-getting-hard-r-rating/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/11/variety-confirms-hitman-getting-hard-r-rating/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/11/variety-confirms-hitman-getting-hard-r-rating/#commentsFiled under:


Variety confirmed that Hitman is not being watered down and will be in theaters with a "hard R" rating Nov. 21. This is following rumors that Fox executives removed director Xavier Gens from Hitman's post-production and would be watering down the hyper-violent film to a PG-13 rating in an attempt to get the kids. An ironic move considering the studio would have been targeting kids with a movie who aren't old enough to play one of the Mature-rated (17+) Hitman games the film is based on.

Variety says both a source close to the project -- they wouldn't be Variety if they didn't have one of those -- and a Fox representative both confirmed that "director Xavier gens is still on board, and the movie will absolutely come out with an R rating." Now we wait and see if the violence is reasonable in keeping with the Hitman games (which the scenes shown in the trailer make us doubt) or if it'll all be over-the-top action insanity making us question what Hollywood has done to the "silent assassin."

JoystiqVariety confirms Hitman getting 'hard R' rating originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Oct 2007 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hitmanhitmanmovieolyphanttimothyolyphantThu, 11 Oct 2007 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Hitman movie watered down for PG-13]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/10/rumor-hitman-movie-watered-down-for-pg-13/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/10/rumor-hitman-movie-watered-down-for-pg-13/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/10/rumor-hitman-movie-watered-down-for-pg-13/#commentsFiled under: ,


According to website Twitch, Fox Studios pulled the director of the Hitman movie off the project in post-production and will re-edit the film to receive a PG-13 rating. There is no official word yet that this is true, but the story goes director Xavier Gens was yanked off the project because the film he submitted to executives would have guaranteed an R rating. Apparently post-production of the film has now been handed over to Nicolas DeToth, the man who edited the hell out of Live Free or Die Hard to receive a PG-13 rating. Essentially they are turning a hyper-violent (mature?) movie and watering it down for the kids -- if true, there's something wrong in that, on so many levels.

Our friends over at Cinematical put it this way: "See, here's how I know Hollywood is a lunatic bin: Whomever hired Mr. Gens for this job had to know two things: 1) The director's first film -- Frontiere(s) -- is so amazingly and powerfully violent that it almost becomes parody. 2) The video game? You know, the one that this new Hitman movie is BASED ON? It's a pretty damn violent game. Like, really violent." Not only is it violent our Cinematical friends, but the games are all rated Mature, the video game industry's version of an R rating. Oh well, guess we'll just skip the movie in the theater and wait for the unrated version on DVD.

[Via Cinematical]

JoystiqRumor: Hitman movie watered down for PG-13 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Oct 2007 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hitmanhitmanmovieWed, 10 Oct 2007 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Timothy Olyphant talks about playing Agent 47]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/20/timothy-olyphant-talks-about-playing-agent-47/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/20/timothy-olyphant-talks-about-playing-agent-47/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/20/timothy-olyphant-talks-about-playing-agent-47/#commentsFiled under:


Actor Timothy Olyphant's take on Agent 47 and the Hitman movie in general is about what you'd expect: Yes, he wants to be respectful of the source material. No, he had no idea that the source material existed before he read the script. (He was a bit busy being in one of the raddest TV shows ever, thank you very much.) He does say, however, that director Xavier Gans was a big fan of Hitman, which is sort of encouraging.

In his interview, Olyphant does seem to get that Agent 47 kills people really well, which (pseudo-religious iconography aside) is pretty much the thrust of the character. He also says he sees the titular hitman as a loner who's just starting to question the meaning of his existence. Woah there, slow it down Tim. You don't want to go all Sam Fisher on us.

JoystiqTimothy Olyphant talks about playing Agent 47 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Aug 2007 10:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hitmanmoviesMon, 20 Aug 2007 10:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq impressions: Kane & Lynch: Dead Men]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/joystiq-impressions-kane-and-lynch-dead-men/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/joystiq-impressions-kane-and-lynch-dead-men/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/joystiq-impressions-kane-and-lynch-dead-men/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


If you're unsure about the nature of content in IO Interactive's Kane & Lynch: Dead Men, you need only a single glance at the bench you're sitting on in the Eidos E3 demonstration room. Packed beneath a layer of glass you can find either a cache of machine guns and bullets, packets of suspicious white powder (baking powder, perhaps?) or countless rows of hundred-dollar bills. Judging by the brief demonstration of the single-player component of the game, these are all items that have been thoroughly used, abused and stolen by Kane and Lynch at some point in their dubious careers.

Despite sharing similar criminal and psychotic tendencies, the eponymous duo don't get along very well. Their brutish behavior and decidedly harsh vocabulary stems from the Hitman developer's desire to keep things "raw and realistic," says product manager Matt Knowles. He sums the game up as "an emotionally intense crime drama," pointing towards a bickering Kane and Lynch as they prepare to enter a vibrant upmarket nightclub. They're certainly dressed for the part, but it soon becomes clear that those snazzy suits conceal a sinister kidnapping plot.

Gallery: Kane & Lynch: Dead Men

Continue reading Joystiq impressions: Kane & Lynch: Dead Men

JoystiqJoystiq impressions: Kane & Lynch: Dead Men originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jul 2007 01:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E307EidosHitmanIOInteractiveKaneandLynchPCPS3Xbox-360Fri, 13 Jul 2007 01:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Hitman movie teaser shows promise]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/hitman-movie-teaser-shows-promise/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/hitman-movie-teaser-shows-promise/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/hitman-movie-teaser-shows-promise/#commentsFiled under:


The trailer for the upcoming Hitman movie hit the internet yesterday, and we've got the somewhat shoddy YouTube video above for your quick Schubert fix. IGN has some high res Quicktime and Windows Media formats that have less obtrusive watermarks. Timothy Olyphant dons the bar code as Agent 47, and while he's not exactly David Bateson, the voice actor from the games whom the character is also modeled after, we're confident in his potential to nail the part.

Our major glimmer of hope that this game-to-film may work is that like Hitman: Blood Money, the iconic "Ellens dritter Gesang" by Franz is present, accounted for, and always as moving and poignant. So, if anyone tries to tell you the song is "Ave Maria", quite simply, they're wrong. Perhaps we're overly optimistic because we were a fan of Blood Money and its well done Achievements, or because we actually thought Kelly was a badass character in The Girl Next Door, but this could go against the trend of game franchises becoming motion pictures.

[Via Joystiq. Thanks DjDATZ, Vik, & NitroFrost for being awesome]

JoystiqHitman movie teaser shows promise originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jun 2007 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Hit manHitManHitman Blood MoneyHitmanBloodMoneyWed, 27 Jun 2007 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Hitman trailer: being bald never looked so good]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/26/hitman-trailer-being-bald-never-looked-so-good/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/26/hitman-trailer-being-bald-never-looked-so-good/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/26/hitman-trailer-being-bald-never-looked-so-good/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Leave it to the internets! The Hitman movie trailer that we mentioned will be running in front of Live Free or Die Hard (are we the only ones that still find that title a bit much?) has hit the web. Whattya think? It's a teaser trailer and doesn't show much, but it definitely looks to be true to the games. Plus it has the added bonus of Uwe Boll being completely unattached to it.

Check out the trailer over at film site JoBlo.com, and let us know what you think. Timothy Olyphant actually looks pretty decent as Agent 47, especially with that bald head and the barcode tattoo. Combine that with the Silverballer pistols and Ave Maria playing in the background and you get a promising look ... for now.

Continue reading Hitman trailer: being bald never looked so good

JoystiqHitman trailer: being bald never looked so good originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jun 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GameCubeHitmanmoviePCPS2Timothy OlyphantXboxXbox-360Tue, 26 Jun 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameTap 'leaks' franchises coming to service]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/25/gametap-leaks-franchises-coming-to-service/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/25/gametap-leaks-franchises-coming-to-service/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/25/gametap-leaks-franchises-coming-to-service/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In one of the funnier announcements we've ever seen, GameTap's forums released (and we've confirmed that it's legit) a bevy of franchises coming to the service. Although no release dates have been given -- except for Hitman: Codename 47 coming this Thursday -- we do have the list of franchises expected on the service very soon.
  • Hitman
  • Thief
  • BloodRayne
  • The Legacy of Kain
They also announced that Wing Commander IV is coming (the one with Mark Hamill and Thomas "Hey, McFly" Wilson as Maniac). As much as we enjoy getting our GameTap info through forum posts like this, we don't expect it to become a habit -- but it was fun.

JoystiqGameTap 'leaks' franchises coming to service originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jun 2007 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bloodraynegametaphitmanlegacyofkainPCthiefwingcommanderMon, 25 Jun 2007 19:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Hitman film trailer premiering with Die Hard]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/25/rumor-hitman-film-trailer-premiering-with-die-hard/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/25/rumor-hitman-film-trailer-premiering-with-die-hard/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/25/rumor-hitman-film-trailer-premiering-with-die-hard/#commentsFiled under: ,

A trailer for the film adaptation of Hitman will be shown in the previews preceding Live Free or Die Hard, opening this Wednesday, according to reputable film site ComingSoon.net. The movie, starring Timothy Olyphant as Agent 47, began filming on March 27.

No official confirmation has been made from distributor Twentieth Century Fox, but the action-packed Bruce Willis vehicle would be a perfect fit for the trailer and is also distributed by Fox. If true, look for the teaser to find its way on the internet likely by Wednesday afternoon.

JoystiqRumor: Hitman film trailer premiering with Die Hard originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jun 2007 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20th century fox20thCenturyFoxadaptationeidosfilmfoxhitmanmovieolyphanttimothy olyphantTimothyOlyphanttwentieth centry foxTwentiethCentryFoxMon, 25 Jun 2007 18:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Three Hitman hits chopped up and stuffed in a box]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/20/three-hitman-hits-chopped-up-and-stuffed-in-a-box/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/20/three-hitman-hits-chopped-up-and-stuffed-in-a-box/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/20/three-hitman-hits-chopped-up-and-stuffed-in-a-box/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Agent 47 is about to get all bundled up and enter the frigid climate of retail to make even more of a killing as his last three adventures get bundled into one compilation called Hitman Trilogy. The game will include Hitman 2: Silent Assassin, Hitman: Contracts and Hitman: Blood Money. and will retail on PS2 and PC for the worthwhile price of $29.99, now if they'll allow the Blood Money control scheme to be used in the other two titles, that would be sweet. The game ships June 20 (today).

A bonus disc comes in the box which has a "preview" of Kane & Lynch: Dead Men, IO Interactive's latest title which features a mercenary and his lovable psychotic associate. IO Interactive is a company that really doesn't get the attention it deserves. The Hitman series has been a sleeper hit for the company and they were also the developers behind the excellent Freedom Fighters. As much as we like Agent 47, and wish all the best for Kane and Lynch, another chance at Freedom Fighters would be a nice surprise.

JoystiqThree Hitman hits chopped up and stuffed in a box originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Jun 2007 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agent 47freedom fightershitmanIOkand and lynchPCPS2Wed, 20 Jun 2007 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Today in Joystiq: June 14, 2007]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/14/today-in-joystiq-june-14-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/14/today-in-joystiq-june-14-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/14/today-in-joystiq-june-14-2007/#comments Here's the first image from the Hitman movie, with Timothy Olyphant as Agent 47. You can really get a feel for where the movie's going. Check out the highlights for today:

Joystiquery
How to control a PC with a Wii Remote
Off the Grid reviews Enemy Chocolatier
Today's most stylistic video: DS Zelda controls

News
Project Sylpheed demo now on Xbox Live Marketplace
Team Ninja designer tells complaining PS3 devs to 'get out'
Church of England asks Japanese to join campaign
Jack Thompson and Take-Two have secret meeting
PS3 Guncon relies on Wii-like pointer
Madden 08 Wii online without friend codes
Team Ninja 'has Wii fans,' would consider developing for console
Stomping the Castlevania yard with Sylvain White directing
FIFA 08 Wii: Mii-supported party games, dev talks Wii vs. Xbox One
GameTap expanding free play to 40 titles by month's end
Call of Duty dev down on destructible environments, sandbox gameplay
Gamecock details EIEIO party
More Starcraft 2 footage found online
Founders of Codemasters bought out by venture firm
May NPD: Nintendo still on top, industry sales up 49%
Warhammer Online starts beta with 200k players
Dream Skincare coming to Japanese DS

Rumors & Speculation
Rumarrrr: Monkey Island 5 in the works at LucasArrrrts
Mysterious Xbox email teases Halo 3 mythology
Analyst: Cooking Mama spices up Majesco's forecast
Rumor: Project H.A.M.M.E.R. axed
Father of Sudoku says Slitherlink is the next big thing

Culture & Community
Military tries out more Wii therapy
AMA voting on legitimacy of video game addiction
Play NES ROMs through official hardware with PowerPak
Every Saturn game you could possibly want, and then some

JoystiqToday in Joystiq: June 14, 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Jun 2007 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daily recapDailyRecapeidosfilmhit manHitManThu, 14 Jun 2007 23:59:00 EST