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: Absolution has nuns to make Agent 47 run (spoiler: he doesn't)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/hitman-absolution-has-nuns-to-make-agent-47-run-spoiler-he-do/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/hitman-absolution-has-nuns-to-make-agent-47-run-spoiler-he-do/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/hitman-absolution-has-nuns-to-make-agent-47-run-spoiler-he-do/#comments
Turns out yesterday's Hitman Absolution tease, which featured a bunch of Kasumi Goto silhouettes, was actually showing off the naughty nuns from the clip above. Using only a minuscule amount of his silent assassin repertoire, Agent 47 takes out an ICA (his former employer) hit squad, known as "The Saints," in brutal fashion.

Those looking for something a little less up-close-and-personal can pre-order Hitman: Absolution now from GameStop and obtain the Hitman: Sniper Challenge as a bonus. Agent 47 runs (and kills) for his life once again on November 20.

JoystiqHitman: Absolution has nuns to make Agent 47 run (spoiler: he doesn't) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hitman-5hitman-absolutionIO-Interactivemicrosoftpcplaystationps3Square-EnixxboxWed, 30 May 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Hitman: Sniper Challenge' official, only available as GameStop pre-order]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/hitman-sniper-challenge-official-only-available-as-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/hitman-sniper-challenge-official-only-available-as-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/hitman-sniper-challenge-official-only-available-as-gamestop/#comments
Confirming the leak from Tuesday, Square Enix has announced the Hitman: Sniper Challenge as a pre-order bonus for Hitman: Absolution. The challenge will be available beginning May 15 at GameStop for those who pre-order Absolution, which will take its shot at retail on November 20. A Steam version of the Sniper Challenge will be available August 1, with details on how to gain access coming later.

The Sniper Challenge is a standalone experience, with Agent 47 tasked with taking out a mark and all his bodyguards from a rooftop. Efficiency is key and will grant score multipliers and unlock equipment upgrades (some which will transfer to Absolution). Progress of the best snipers will be tracked on a leaderboard and the best of the best snipers in North America will win a trip for two to Copenhagen, Denmark, where they will meet the Hitman development team.

...or they'll be drafted by the CIA into some La Femme Nikita situation.

Gallery: Hitman Absolution (Hitman: Sniper Challenge)

Continue reading 'Hitman: Sniper Challenge' official, only available as GameStop pre-order

Joystiq'Hitman: Sniper Challenge' official, only available as GameStop pre-order originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamestophitman-5hitman-absolutionHitman-Sniper-ChallengeIO-Interactivemicrosoftpcplaystationps3Square-EnixxboxThu, 10 May 2012 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Hitman: Absolution sneaking up to retail on November 20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/hitman-absolution-sneaking-up-to-retail-on-november-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/hitman-absolution-sneaking-up-to-retail-on-november-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/hitman-absolution-sneaking-up-to-retail-on-november-20/#comments ImageAgent 47 isn't doing a very good job with that whole sneaking around thing, as we found out pretty easily this morning that his next game, Hitman: Absolution, launches November 20.

Publisher Square Enix announced the date this morning alongside news that pre-orders will get access to a ... whole other Hitman title. Not too shabby!

JoystiqHitman: Absolution sneaking up to retail on November 20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hitman-5hitman-absolutionio-interactivemicrosoftpcplaystationps3q4-2012release-datesquare-enixxboxThu, 10 May 2012 09:35:00 EST<![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[Hitman: Absolution's Agent 47 reminds us of his O.G. status]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/hitman-absolutions-agent-47-reminds-us-of-his-o-g-status/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/hitman-absolutions-agent-47-reminds-us-of-his-o-g-status/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/hitman-absolutions-agent-47-reminds-us-of-his-o-g-status/#comments
The Hitman folks probably should've stuck the word "assassin" somewhere in their game title - that way they could avoid embarrassing marketing moments. Take, for instance, the trailer above's insistence that Agent 47 is the "original" assassin. Doesn't his blood-soaked legacy speak for itself?

Continue reading Hitman: Absolution's Agent 47 reminds us of his O.G. status

JoystiqHitman: Absolution's Agent 47 reminds us of his O.G. status originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agent-47eidoseidos-interactivegameplayhitman-5hitman-absolutionio-interactivemicrosoftpcplaystationps3square-enixxboxWed, 02 May 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hitman: Absolution trailers draw a bead on its characters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/hitman-absolution-trailers-draw-a-bead-on-its-characters/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/hitman-absolution-trailers-draw-a-bead-on-its-characters/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/hitman-absolution-trailers-draw-a-bead-on-its-characters/#comments Image
The bald and bar-coded Agent 47 isn't the only character in Hitman: Absolution, you know. The latest trailers introduce us to Benjamin Travis and Jade - members of 47's employer, "The Agency" - and the actors who play them.

Continue reading Hitman: Absolution trailers draw a bead on its characters

JoystiqHitman: Absolution trailers draw a bead on its characters originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hitman-5hitman-absolutionIO-Interactivemicrosoftpcplaystationps3square-enixxboxThu, 26 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hitman: Absolution gets a well-dressed 'Professional Edition' [update: EU and NA]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/hitman-absolution-gets-a-well-dressed-professional-edition-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/hitman-absolution-gets-a-well-dressed-professional-edition-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/hitman-absolution-gets-a-well-dressed-professional-edition-in/#comments ImageDon't get too excited - we thought the image above revealed some kind of replica gun in a cool briefcase as part of the Hitman: Absolution "Professional Edition," but it's actually bonus in-game DLC. Oh well, no toy guns for us! Said DLC, the "Agency Gun Pack," comprises a Jagd P22G pistol, a UMP SMG and an SPS 12 semi-automatic shotgun.

The Professional Edition, announced for Europe today, also includes an art book, a making-of DVD, and a fancy clamshell box. We're due to get some kind of special edition in North America as well, but details haven't been announced yet.

Update: the North American release will have the same "Professional Edition." In addition, Square Enix announced retail-exclusive bonuses for Amazon (the "Bartoli Custom Pistol"), Best Buy (the "Bronson 1928M SMG"), GameStop (the "Agency Kazo TRG" sniper rifle), and Walmart (the "Krugermeier 2-2 Pistol").

Gallery: Hitman: Absolution (Pre-Order Items)

JoystiqHitman: Absolution gets a well-dressed 'Professional Edition' [update: EU and NA] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europehitman-5hitman-absolutionIO-Interactivemicrosoftpcplaystationprofessional-editionps3special-editionsquare-enixxboxWed, 11 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Trademark filing suggests new Mini Ninjas game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/trademark-filing-suggests-new-mini-ninjas-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/trademark-filing-suggests-new-mini-ninjas-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/trademark-filing-suggests-new-mini-ninjas-game/#comments It appears that Square Enix may be planning another game filled with tiny assassins. A European trademark filing suggests the publisher is developing a new Mini Ninjas game, titled Mini Ninjas: Hiro's Adventure. Adding to the evidence, Square has also registered a web domain under the same name.

The original Mini Ninjas (pictured) was released in 2009, though it's also coming to Google's Chrome web browser soon. The web app is currently available in beta.

JoystiqTrademark filing suggests new Mini Ninjas game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>io-interactivemini-ninjasmini-ninjas-hiros-adventuresquare-enixtrademarkWed, 14 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hitman: Absolution clips cover Diana Burnwood, actress profiles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/hitman-absolution-clips-cover-diana-burnwood-actress-profiles/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/hitman-absolution-clips-cover-diana-burnwood-actress-profiles/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/hitman-absolution-clips-cover-diana-burnwood-actress-profiles/#comments
Diana Burnwood is the female lead of the Hitman series, despite us rarely seeing her face. As Agent 47's handler, she's gone to great lengths to protect the hitman, going so far as to bring him back from the dead in a climactic act of vengeance. Now, she's the target. That's gratitude for you.

Continue reading Hitman: Absolution clips cover Diana Burnwood, actress profiles

JoystiqHitman: Absolution clips cover Diana Burnwood, actress profiles originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Diana-Burnwoodhitman-5hitman-absolutionIOIO-Interactivemicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 21 Feb 2012 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Tuesday: Twisted Metal demo, Puddle, Madden]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/psn-tuesday-twisted-metal-demo-puddle-madden/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/psn-tuesday-twisted-metal-demo-puddle-madden/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/psn-tuesday-twisted-metal-demo-puddle-madden/#comments This week on PSN, you can try out the latest entry in the Clown Car Combat genre, with the Twisted Metal multiplayer demo, or Corporate Combat in Syndicate. Or ... not really combat with Puddle.

You can also download Madden NFL 12 -- just in time for the Super Bowl! Not that you'll be playing Madden while the game is on, of course. That release joins a trio of IO Interactive games newly available for download: both Kanes & Lynches and Mini Ninjas. Find everything available this week on the PlayStation Blog.

JoystiqPSN Tuesday: Twisted Metal demo, Puddle, Madden originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demoio-interactivekane-and-lynchmini-ninjasplaystationps3psnpsn-tuesdaypsppuddlesonytwisted-metal-2011twisted-metal-2012Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:36:00 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[Square Enix may not let Kane and Lynch's 'Sleeping Dogs' lie]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/square-enix-may-not-let-kane-and-lynchs-sleeping-dogs-lie/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/square-enix-may-not-let-kane-and-lynchs-sleeping-dogs-lie/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/square-enix-may-not-let-kane-and-lynchs-sleeping-dogs-lie/#comments Square Enix has trademarked the name "Sleeping Dogs," which could be a canine-based Final Fantasy title, Hitman with a Scooby-Doo-inspired sidekick, or, most likely, another Kane and Lynch game. Yes, most likely -- we never said most desirably.

The previous Kane and Lynch title was Dog Days, and while it struggled to receive critical and commercial praise, Square Enix has hinted that the series may not be dead after all. Eidos "life president" Ian Livingstone said as much at the end of 2010 in an interview with Eurogamer: "We haven't made any announcements about Kane & Lynch going forward, but we all know that Kane and Lynch are two amazing characters who have a lot of brand equity," Livingstone hinted. "People like those guys, so they're not going to disappear."

Also, developer IO Interactive put out a suspicious job listing for people to work on an unannounced, third-person, AAA action title in September 2011. Again, "Sleeping Dogs" could be Square's answer to Nintendogs, but for now the evidence is piling up like a stack of old laundry against Kane and Lynch.

JoystiqSquare Enix may not let Kane and Lynch's 'Sleeping Dogs' lie originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EidosIO-Interactivekane-and-lynch-2kane-and-lynch-2-dog-daysmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Square-EnixxboxTue, 24 Jan 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Humanizing a killer with Hitman: Absolution]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/humanizing-a-killer-with-hitman-absolution/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/humanizing-a-killer-with-hitman-absolution/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/humanizing-a-killer-with-hitman-absolution/#comments This time it's personal.

It may be one of the worst taglines ever, but for Hitman: Absolution, it's an apt summary of a demo given to me in San Francisco last week. This time around, Agent 47 isn't accepting contract kills -- he's on his own mission.

Gallery: Hitman: Absolution (1/11/2012)

Continue reading Humanizing a killer with Hitman: Absolution

JoystiqHumanizing a killer with Hitman: Absolution originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hitman-5hitman-absolutionio-interactivemicrosoftplaystationps3square-enixxboxWed, 11 Jan 2012 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Hitman: Absolution to get obligatory special editions, pre-order bonuses]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/hitman-absolution-to-get-obligatory-special-editions-pre-order/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/hitman-absolution-to-get-obligatory-special-editions-pre-order/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/hitman-absolution-to-get-obligatory-special-editions-pre-order/#comments Following a demo of Hitman: Absolution in San Francisco last week, I talked to producer Hakan Abrak about this latest entry in the killer franchise. Abrak was tight-lipped on launch timing and the recent trademark that surfaced, but he did confirm to Joystiq that there would be pre-order incentives and special editions for Absolution.

"Right now we're not ready to talk about the special editions, but definitely," he said. Pre-order items were briefly mentioned as well, though without further elaboration. (Different things spread across numerous retailers is a reasonable expectation, we suspect.)

JoystiqHitman: Absolution to get obligatory special editions, pre-order bonuses originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hitman-5hitman-absolutionio-interactivemicrosoftplaystationps3square-enixxboxWed, 11 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Agent 47 saves the girl in Hitman: Absolution VGA 2011 trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/10/agent-47-saves-the-girl-in-hitman-absolution-vga-2011-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/10/agent-47-saves-the-girl-in-hitman-absolution-vga-2011-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/10/agent-47-saves-the-girl-in-hitman-absolution-vga-2011-trailer/#comments

Some guys will hold open a door for a lady, others might offer their jacket on a cold night. For Agent 47, he'll kill every dude in the world to ensure her safety. And they said chivalry is dead!

JoystiqAgent 47 saves the girl in Hitman: Absolution VGA 2011 trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Dec 2011 19:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hitman-5hitman-absolutionio-interactivemicrosoftpcplaystationps3spike-vga-2011square-enixvga-2011xboxSat, 10 Dec 2011 19:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Mini Ninjas playable in Chrome soon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/09/mini-ninjas-playable-in-chrome-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/09/mini-ninjas-playable-in-chrome-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/09/mini-ninjas-playable-in-chrome-soon/#comments Google's "Native Client" isn't merely a technology used to play Bastion in a browser window. It will also allow you to try ... Square Enix and IO Interactive's 2009 game, Mini Ninjas. The publisher announced that Mini Ninjas for Chrome is going into open beta sometime this month. It's designed to run in the upcoming version 17 of the browser.

Square Enix plans to make more games from its "group-wide lineup" playable in Chrome in 2012. Perhaps those will include some more memorable fare.

Continue reading Mini Ninjas playable in Chrome soon

JoystiqMini Ninjas playable in Chrome soon originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Dec 2011 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browser-gamechromeIO-Interactivemacmini-ninjasnative-clientpcsquare-enixFri, 09 Dec 2011 14:20:00 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[Hitman: Absolution goes on a tour of the Chicago Public Library, shoots it up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/hitman-absolution-goes-on-a-tour-of-the-chicago-public-library/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/hitman-absolution-goes-on-a-tour-of-the-chicago-public-library/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/hitman-absolution-goes-on-a-tour-of-the-chicago-public-library/#comments
In Hitman: Absolution, while Agent 47 is getting his Dewey Decimal on, a fleet of cops charge into Chicago's main library to take him out. But 47 isn't having it, as you might imagine. Find out how he gives the pigs the slip in this thorough gameplay walkthrough.

JoystiqHitman: Absolution goes on a tour of the Chicago Public Library, shoots it up originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Oct 2011 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chicagochicago-public-librarygameplayhitman-5hitman-absolutionio-interactivemicrosoftpcplaystationps3square-enixxboxMon, 10 Oct 2011 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Hitman: Absolution has hardcore mode for masochists]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/07/hitman-absolution-has-hardcore-mode-for-masochists/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/07/hitman-absolution-has-hardcore-mode-for-masochists/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/07/hitman-absolution-has-hardcore-mode-for-masochists/#comments Well, okay, you don't technically need to be a masochist, but a hardcore mode in Hitman Absolution, included specifically for veterans of the series, just may be a real blood-boiler. Producer Hakan Abrak told Eurogamer that the difficulty setting rewards methodical stealth play with Achievements and/or Trophies.

"We will get into more details at a later point, but obviously it's linked to the playing style," he said. "It's more pacify your enemies, be undetected, maybe solve the challenges in a smarter way. That will probably give you a stealth assassin achievement." It might also give you an ulcer, depending on how many times you're forced to restart each mission.

Abrak also hopes to silence critics who say Absolution ditches its stealth roots for the more action-packed gameplay we saw in the gameplay demo -- don't expect that, Abrak says. "Rest assured, the hardcore fans that like to have replayablity value in the game or want to have this stealth assassin -- you know, I'm the ultimate stealth assassin -- that playing style, those achievements, are very much in the game."

For more info on Hitman Absolution, be sure to check out our preview from back in June.

JoystiqHitman: Absolution has hardcore mode for masochists originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Oct 2011 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eidoshardcorehitman-5hitman-absolutionio-interactivemicrosoftpcplaystationps3square-enixxboxFri, 07 Oct 2011 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hitman: Absolution preview: Stealth kills]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/hitman-absolution-preview-stealth-kills/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/hitman-absolution-preview-stealth-kills/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/hitman-absolution-preview-stealth-kills/#comments The very first screen in the hands-off demo of Hitman: Absolution we saw at a pre-E3 event last month tells the story of what the fifth interation in this stealth assassin series is trying to be. The logo of the game appears over an extremely detailed window pane, with rain beating down on it from outside, and a blurry view of the Chicago skyline at night in the background.

The image could easily just be mistaken for a menu screen -- in high definition view, it looks just plain gorgeous, like a live action piece of art. But as soon as the player presses start, you discover that it's actually an in-game shot. A body flies through the window, shattering the glass, and the camera pans down to reveal Agent 47, inside what appears to be a library of some kind, hiding in the dark from Chicago police.

Gallery: Hitman: Absolution

Continue reading Hitman: Absolution preview: Stealth kills

JoystiqHitman: Absolution preview: Stealth kills originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hitman-5hitman-absolutionio-interactivemicrosoftpcplaystationps3square-enixxboxTue, 07 Jun 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hitman: Absolution screens sneak out of Russia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/05/hitman-absolution-screens-sneak-out-of-russia/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/05/hitman-absolution-screens-sneak-out-of-russia/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/05/hitman-absolution-screens-sneak-out-of-russia/#comments We've spotted Agent 47, and he's over at the Eidos forums, officially outed in Hitman: Absolution by one Eidos moderator known as "Acid Burn," a la Hackers. There are only two shots, unfortunately, but we've dropped them into a gallery below for your perusal.

Continue reading Hitman: Absolution screens sneak out of Russia

JoystiqHitman: Absolution screens sneak out of Russia originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 Jun 2011 20:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eidoseidos-interactivehitman-5hitman-absolutionio-interactivemicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxSun, 05 Jun 2011 20:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Hitman: Absolution using 'Avatar' mo-cap tech, hollywood actors]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/12/hitman-absolution-using-avatar-mo-cap-tech-hollywood-actors/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/12/hitman-absolution-using-avatar-mo-cap-tech-hollywood-actors/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/12/hitman-absolution-using-avatar-mo-cap-tech-hollywood-actors/#comments Hollywood Reporter has managed to sneak in a few questions to IO Interactive game director Tore Blystad about the forthcoming Hitman: Absolution, and got an earful back about the development process. "We've designed a more stylized, more serious, and darker game this time around in both the story line and the visuals," Blystad told HR.

Blystad also revealed that his studio employed Giant Studios for the game's motion capture -- the same studio that James Cameron used for Avatar -- and that Keith Carradine (Cowboys & Aliens) and Marsha Thomason (White Collar) will be voicing two main roles. Carradine is Agent 47's antagonist this time around, while Thomason will act as 47's handler. Blystad's betting that the theatrical approach his studio is taking to voice acting and motion capture will dovetail nicely into the next Hitman film. "The hope is that the movie will be going in a similar direction, and then when they both come out they will speak the same language," he said.

In Absolution, Agent 47 finds himself on the run from police while simultaneously hunting "his most dangerous contract to date." As promised, more details will be revealed next month at E3.

JoystiqHitman: Absolution using 'Avatar' mo-cap tech, hollywood actors originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 May 2011 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatargiant-studioshitman-5hitman-absolutionio-interactivejames-cameronkeith-carradinemarsha-thomasonmicrosoftmocapmotion-capturepcplaystationps3square-enixtore-blystadxboxThu, 12 May 2011 09:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Hitman: Absolution revealed in teaser trailer, next stop: E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/hitman-absolution-revealed-in-teaser-trailer-next-stop-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/hitman-absolution-revealed-in-teaser-trailer-next-stop-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/hitman-absolution-revealed-in-teaser-trailer-next-stop-e3/#comments It wasn't much of a puzzle but we think we've finally got it all put together. Remember that Hitman ARG that culminated in the above screen? It's a grab from the game's teaser trailer, which developer IO Interactive just shared with the universe. And the game's official title? Yup, it's Hitman: Absolution, just like that trademark application hinted it would be.

Lastly, if you're wondering when you're going to learn more about Agent 47's latest, we're going to guess that the highlighted "110706" in the bar code at the end of the teaser strongly suggests a June 7 reveal at this year's E3. Watch out!

Update: Square Enix just shared the press release, which has a couple more details. Hitman: Absolution is being built "from the ground up" on IO's new (and proprietary!) "Glacier 2" tech. That tech is going to power "much-loved classic gameplay with completely new features never seen before in the Hitman franchise." To learn exactly what those new features will be, you'll have to wait until E3 where Square Enix says Absolution will be showcased "by invitation only." How exclusive!

Continue reading Hitman: Absolution revealed in teaser trailer, next stop: E3

JoystiqHitman: Absolution revealed in teaser trailer, next stop: E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 May 2011 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eidoshitman-5hitman-absolutionio-interactivesquare-enixTue, 10 May 2011 12:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Hitman ARG concludes with new Hitman image]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/21/hitman-arg-concludes-with-new-hitman-image/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/21/hitman-arg-concludes-with-new-hitman-image/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/21/hitman-arg-concludes-with-new-hitman-image/#comments When IO Interactive kicked off an ARG earlier this month for its Hitman series, all signs pointed to an E3 reveal of the long-rumored Hitman 5. Now that the gumshoe AR game has concluded, it seems downright obvious that said game will make its debut at this year's big LA gaming convention. The image you see above was unearthed by a group of mystery hitmen -- which is to say, "folks who secretly assassinate mysteries" -- and was confirmed by IO Interactive to be the final clue of the ARG.

Outside of a few cursory words on the image, the IO Interactive rep didn't reveal much else, though he did say "an even more awesome follow-up" is being planned now that HitmanForum.com members have uncovered everything this ARG has to offer. As previously indicated, the ARG points to an E3 reveal of the next Hitman game.

JoystiqHitman ARG concludes with new Hitman image originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arge3-2011hitman-5io-interactivemicrosoftpcplaystationps3square-enixxboxMon, 21 Mar 2011 11:55:00 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[Report: IO Interactive drops 30 staff in wake of canned Microsoft project]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/01/report-io-interactive-drops-30-staff-in-wake-of-canned-microsof/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/01/report-io-interactive-drops-30-staff-in-wake-of-canned-microsof/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/01/report-io-interactive-drops-30-staff-in-wake-of-canned-microsof/#comments According to Danish site Computerworld, IO Interactive has laid off approximately 30 employees, though the developer wouldn't detail specific numbers. "Because we are a part of a listed company (as a company under the Square Enix Group, ed.), I can not enter the number or reasons about layoffs," IO Interactive general manager Niels Jørgensen said, confirming the lowered headcount. Though Jørgensen couldn't be specific, it is believed that the layoffs are a result of a canceled project with Microsoft.

"This is a natural part of any studio's existence when you ramp-up and ramp-down on projects to ensure you have the right level of resources and expertise within the studio. We genuinely wish those who have been affected by this the best of luck for the future," Jørgensen further explained. According to reports, IO now comprises roughly 160 employees, down for the second time this year after layoffs hit back in March.

JoystiqReport: IO Interactive drops 30 staff in wake of canned Microsoft project originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>io-interactivelayoffsmicrosoftniels-jorgensenMon, 01 Nov 2010 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Agent 47 voice actor pleads the 5th on Hitman 5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/agent-47-voice-actor-pleads-the-5th-on-hitman-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/agent-47-voice-actor-pleads-the-5th-on-hitman-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/agent-47-voice-actor-pleads-the-5th-on-hitman-5/#comments In an interview with The Liberty Gaming.com, David Bateson, the ice cold voice of Agent 47 in the Hitman games, was reluctant to say much about the mysterious next sequel in the series. "As recently as this year, I even had someone call me up from IO Interactive to ask me to remove the fact that I was set to record the next installment in the franchise," Bateson told the site, "which I had written up as upcoming news on my website. I respect that of course, a comment like that can create all sorts of headaches to people with development deadlines to meet."

"I have to plead the 5th Amendment on this one," Bateson said, before admitting that the new project has undergone "delays" -- despite the process being "a well oiled machine on recording day." That's not to say he just waltzed into the gig.

"It seems that with company buy outs and global power shifts in the world of computer gaming and the Hitman franchise, there is now an LA-based caster on board, who is responsible for voice casting, and I had to audition along with the rest of the planet for the right to play Agent 47," Bateson recounted. "However, I have been informed by IO Interactive that I still have the part. I won't even bother to describe how gutted I would have been if they went for a sound-a-like."

Continue reading Agent 47 voice actor pleads the 5th on Hitman 5

JoystiqAgent 47 voice actor pleads the 5th on Hitman 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agent-47david-batesonhitman-2-moviehitman-5hitman-movieio-interactivemicrosoftpcplaystationps3voice-actorxboxFri, 22 Oct 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kane and Lynch film needs a new director]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/27/kane-and-lynch-film-needs-a-new-director/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/27/kane-and-lynch-film-needs-a-new-director/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/27/kane-and-lynch-film-needs-a-new-director/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Following the inexplicable trend of movies based on video games getting totally derailed before they even start filming, it seems the once-certain production of Kane and Lynch has become ... decidedly less so. LA Times reports that planned director Patrick Alessandrin (District 13: Ultimatum) is no longer behind the reins of the movie. As a result, the movie's shooting schedule, planned to start next month, has been delayed.

A representative from Millennium Films confirmed that "the director has not been chosen" and that the film's "start date is TBD." If you're part of the ever-burgeoning community of high-profile film directors who read this site (what up, Spiels?), consider this your invitation to step in and save the day. That is, if you think you can handle the raw thespianic force of a Willis/Foxx collaboration.

JoystiqKane and Lynch film needs a new director originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Sep 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eidosfilmio-interactivekane-and-lynchkane-and-lynch-dead-menlionsgatemillenniummoviesquare-enixMon, 27 Sep 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kane and Lynch 2 apparently nailed belly chic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/kane-and-lynch-2-apparently-nailed-belly-chic/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/kane-and-lynch-2-apparently-nailed-belly-chic/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/kane-and-lynch-2-apparently-nailed-belly-chic/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In my otherwise totally accurate and insightful review of Kane and Lynch 2: Dog Days, I mocked the couture of the game's villains. I might have even said they dressed like my dad, which is wholly unfair to a man at least 50 percent to thank for giving me the precious gift of life.

Continue reading Kane and Lynch 2 apparently nailed belly chic

JoystiqKane and Lynch 2 apparently nailed belly chic originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>belly-chicIO-Interactivekane--lynch-2-dog-dayskane-and-lynchkane-and-lynch-2kane-and-lynch-2-dog-daysmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Square-EnixxboxTue, 24 Aug 2010 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Kane and Lynch 2 shoots up UK sales charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/kane-and-lynch-2-shoots-up-uk-sales-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/kane-and-lynch-2-shoots-up-uk-sales-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/kane-and-lynch-2-shoots-up-uk-sales-charts/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days has stormed the UK sales charts in its premiere week to hold the top spot -- for ransom, no doubt. According to Chart-Track, the dubious duo's first outing only reached the number 14 spot in its second week of release back in 2007. It would seem the two have gained a significant following in the meantime.

The rest of the chart involves the usual suspects, with Toy Story 3, Red Dead Redemption and Lego Harry Potter holding the next three spots in the queue following Kane & Lynch, respectively. Ubisoft's Dance titles keep on movin' and shakin', as Just Dance moves up the chart to the fifth spot and Dance on Broadway gets knocked down by the understudy to ninth. Whatever else goes on in the charts, those Dance games refuse to leave the top ten.

Also, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 has surpassed Brain Age (known there as Dr Kawashima) to become "the biggest selling UK title ever" after 41 weeks. Out of those weeks, it was absent for only three.

Check out this week's top selling titles after the break.

Continue reading Kane and Lynch 2 shoots up UK sales charts

JoystiqKane and Lynch 2 shoots up UK sales charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainchart-trackeidosIO-Interactivekane-and-lynch-2kane-and-lynch-2-dog-daysmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3square-enixukwiixboxMon, 23 Aug 2010 09:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: Kane and Lynch 2: Dog Days]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/review-kane-and-lynch-2-dog-days/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/review-kane-and-lynch-2-dog-days/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/review-kane-and-lynch-2-dog-days/#comments Out of Jack Handey's "Deep Thoughts," one of my favorites goes something like this: "If God dwells inside us like some people say, I sure hope He likes enchiladas, because that's what He's getting." It's a quote that was oddly present in my mind during my time with Kane and Lynch 2: Dog Days.

If you end up with this game in your disc drive, you'd better be ready to hide behind cover and shoot your way from one end of the game to the other over and over again, because that's what you're going to get. If that doesn't sound so bad, I should warn you that this isn't necessarily a great enchilada. ... Err, cover-based shooter. Sorry.

Gallery: Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days (E3 2010)

Continue reading Review: Kane and Lynch 2: Dog Days

JoystiqReview: Kane and Lynch 2: Dog Days originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eidosIO-Interactivekane--lynch-2-dog-dayskane-and-lynch-2kane-and-lynch-2-dog-daysmicrosoftpcplaystationps3square-enixxboxTue, 17 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kane & Lynch fire off a few thousand rounds in new Dog Days trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/kane-and-lynch-fire-off-a-few-thousand-rounds-in-new-dog-days-trai/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/kane-and-lynch-fire-off-a-few-thousand-rounds-in-new-dog-days-trai/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/kane-and-lynch-fire-off-a-few-thousand-rounds-in-new-dog-days-trai/#commentsKane & Lynch 2: Dog Days is sure to have an actual plot, though you're not going to see any of it in this trailer. However, if you want to see two men shooting everything, and everyone, they encounter -- and you're likely to, if you're a Kane & Lynch fan -- then we invite you to check out the video after the break.

Continue reading Kane & Lynch fire off a few thousand rounds in new Dog Days trailer

JoystiqKane & Lynch fire off a few thousand rounds in new Dog Days trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EidosIo-Interactivekane-and-lynchkane-and-lynch-2kane-and-lynch-2-dog-daysmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Square-EnixxboxFri, 13 Aug 2010 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Get to know Kane & Lynch, Dog Days' multiplayer director in these new videos]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/05/get-to-know-kane-and-lynch-dog-days-multiplayer-director-in-thes/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/05/get-to-know-kane-and-lynch-dog-days-multiplayer-director-in-thes/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/05/get-to-know-kane-and-lynch-dog-days-multiplayer-director-in-thes/#comments They say opposites attract, which would explain the effectiveness of the titular duo in IO Interactive's upcoming sequel, Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days. Lynch is a psychopath, a well of unchecked aggression who hardly has the foresight to see the repercussions of his actions -- a dog without a leash, if you will.

His partner, Kane, on the other hand is a bit more calculating. An ex-mercenary whose interests lie in financial gain, Kane is the type of guy who doesn't fly off the handle and, for the most part, keeps it cool -- a feat considering his partner.

Also beyond the break, you'll find the latest behind-the-scenes video produced for the game. This one features Kim Krogh, director of Kane & Lynch 2's multiplayer component. (Spoiler: He really likes it.)

Continue reading Get to know Kane & Lynch, Dog Days' multiplayer director in these new videos

JoystiqGet to know Kane & Lynch, Dog Days' multiplayer director in these new videos originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Aug 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eidosEidos-Interactiveio-interactivekane-and-lynch-2kane-and-lynch-2-dog-daysmicrosoftpcplaystationps3square-enixxboxThu, 05 Aug 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[IO Interactive's second look behind the scenes of Kane & Lynch 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/31/io-interactives-second-look-behind-the-scenes-of-kane-and-lynch-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/31/io-interactives-second-look-behind-the-scenes-of-kane-and-lynch-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/31/io-interactives-second-look-behind-the-scenes-of-kane-and-lynch-2/#comments Ready for more ultra-violence? IO Interactive is here to supply it, with a second behind-the-scenes, extra gruesome look at upcoming murder-'em-up Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days. Jump past the break to check it out.

Continue reading IO Interactive's second look behind the scenes of Kane & Lynch 2

JoystiqIO Interactive's second look behind the scenes of Kane & Lynch 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 Jul 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>behind-the-scenesio-interactivekane-and-lynch-2kane-and-lynch-2-dog-daysmicrosoftpcplaystationps3square-enixxboxSat, 31 Jul 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[IO Interactive takes us behind the scenes of Kane & Lynch 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/28/io-interactive-takes-us-behind-the-scenes-of-kane-and-lynch-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/28/io-interactive-takes-us-behind-the-scenes-of-kane-and-lynch-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/28/io-interactive-takes-us-behind-the-scenes-of-kane-and-lynch-2/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Wondering what's changed from the first Kane & Lynch title to the second? The folks at IO Interactive are here to tell you, with a peek behind the scenes of the upcoming sequel. Aside from adding online co-op to the game's main campaign, a mess of other mechanics have been tweaked in the game, apparently to quell issues fans had with the first.

Unfortunately, the issues named are things like "cover system," "aiming and shooting," and "AI," which kind of ... worries us. That said, art director Rasmus Poulsen promises the game is going to be "so visceral, so intense, so in your face, that you're gonna be left without any skin left." So, you know, there's that. Join us behind the scenes just after the break, won't you?

Continue reading IO Interactive takes us behind the scenes of Kane & Lynch 2

JoystiqIO Interactive takes us behind the scenes of Kane & Lynch 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>io-interactivekane-and-lynch-2kane-and-lynch-2-dog-daysmicrosoftpcplaystationps3rasmus-poulsensquare-enixxboxWed, 28 Jul 2010 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Kane and Lynch 2 demo for PS+ users on July 20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/kane-and-lynch-2-demo-for-ps-users-on-july-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/kane-and-lynch-2-demo-for-ps-users-on-july-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/kane-and-lynch-2-demo-for-ps-users-on-july-20/#commentsFiled under: , ,

PlayStation Plus is set to bear some exclusive fruit next week, with the arrival of a demo for Kane and Lynch 2: Dog Days. The demo will be available exclusively to PlayStation Plus subscribers from July 20 until July 27, at which time it will be made available to all PSN users. The PlayStation Blog reminds PS+ users that the demo will be delivered automatically to those who have set up the automatic delivery function. Of course, if you'd rather just open up the PS Store and download the demo the old fashioned way, that's okay too.

The demo itself will contain a portion of the single-player game as well as the "Fragile Alliance" online multiplayer mode.

JoystiqKane and Lynch 2 demo for PS+ users on July 20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EidosIO-Interactivekane-and-lynch-2kane-and-lynch-2-dog-daysplaystationps3Fri, 16 Jul 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kane & Lynch 2's Dog Days starting a week earlier]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/13/kane-and-lynch-2s-dog-days-starting-a-week-earlier/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/13/kane-and-lynch-2s-dog-days-starting-a-week-earlier/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/13/kane-and-lynch-2s-dog-days-starting-a-week-earlier/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Kane & Lynch 2 multiplayer
Kane and Lynch like to keep it chaotic, and that chaos is manifesting even outside of their game. You may have thought Kane & Lynch 2 was being released on August 24 in North America and August 27 in Europe, but that would be too predictable for the volatile duo.

Square Enix announced today that the release date has been bumped up a week, to August 17 in North America and August 20 in PAL territories. This works out in fans' favor, obviously, by letting them buy the game early -- but it also happens to move the game away from Mafia 2's release date.

Gallery: Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days (E3 2010)

Continue reading Kane & Lynch 2's Dog Days starting a week earlier

JoystiqKane & Lynch 2's Dog Days starting a week earlier originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>io-interactivekane-and-lynch-2kane-and-lynch-2-dog-daysmicrosoftpcplaystationps3square-enixxboxTue, 13 Jul 2010 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview: Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/06/preview-kane-and-lynch-2-dog-days/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/06/preview-kane-and-lynch-2-dog-days/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/06/preview-kane-and-lynch-2-dog-days/#comments Having spent a fair amount of time with the first Kane & Lynch game, I was intrigued by the "exclusive" Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days demo that showed up (albeit somewhat hidden) on Xbox Live Marketplace late last week. Weighing in at 1.6GB, the demo is pretty massive and includes a mixture of single-player campaign and multiplayer gameplay.

Surprisingly, the demo shows signs of a game that looks to be not that bad! Check out my complete analysis, with video coverage, after the break.

Gallery: Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days

Continue reading Preview: Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days

JoystiqPreview: Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eidosio-interactivekane-and-lynch-2kane-and-lynch-2-dog-daysmicrosoftpcplaystationps3square-enixxboxTue, 06 Jul 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 Kane & Lynch 2 demo out today, requires code]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/01/xbox-360-kane-and-lynch-2-demo-out-today-requires-code/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/01/xbox-360-kane-and-lynch-2-demo-out-today-requires-code/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/01/xbox-360-kane-and-lynch-2-demo-out-today-requires-code/#commentsFiled under: , ,

An Xbox 360 demo for Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days should be available today in North America and the UK -- though access requires a code. Previously presented as a UK and Ireland promotion, there are apparently ways to obtain demo codes even if you live on the other side of the pond.

Options include: Up-to-the-minute info is available at the "Exclusive Demo Forum" on the Kane & Lynch 2 site. Does this whole thing seem a bit chaotic to you, too? It's Kane and Lynch -- nothing ever seems to go according to the plan.

Gallery: Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days (demo screenshots)

JoystiqXbox 360 Kane & Lynch 2 demo out today, requires code originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Jul 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demoEidosIO-Interactivekane-and-lynch-2kane-and-lynch-2-dog-daysmicrosoftSquare-EnixxboxThu, 01 Jul 2010 12:30:00 EST