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[DOTA 2 patch files hint at microtransactions, more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/dota-2-patch-files-hint-at-microtransactions-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/dota-2-patch-files-hint-at-microtransactions-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/dota-2-patch-files-hint-at-microtransactions-more/#comments As is their wont, players have been rustling through some of the test build files for Valve's upcoming Dota 2, and they've found signs of some interesting (but still unofficial) features already. First and foremost, Valve hasn't yet determined exactly what the monetization model for the game will be, but it seems microtransactions will be a part of that model, as there are various announcers (including Half-Life's Dr. Kleiner), character taunts and skins, new hero items, and a few other goodies that may be purchasable either with an in-game currency, or with real money.

There are also new kinds of couriers to buy (animal pets, basically, that will ferry items back and forth from your base), and there's one more consumable: Something called souls. A "Repentant Soul" will supposedly get players out of the "low priority punishment queue" when used, which suggests some sort of "pay or be punished" system. Gabe Newell mentioned just such a system last year, where he talked about Valve charging players "based on how much fun they are to play with." In other words, act stupid in game, get punished, and then you may have to pay your way out of jail.

Finally, "treasure caches" are mentioned in the files. They'll probably work the same way that Team Fortress 2's crates do, where you get items that need to be unlocked with a key. This is all good news for those waiting for Dota 2 -- since Valve said it wouldn't worry about monetization until the fun was in there first, the game must be almost done, right?

JoystiqDOTA 2 patch files hint at microtransactions, more originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcerscratesdota-2dr-kleineritemslootmicrotransactionspcsalesskinstreasure-cachesvalveThu, 22 Mar 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield Heroes go Savage in new content pack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/battlefield-heroes-go-savage-in-new-content-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/battlefield-heroes-go-savage-in-new-content-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/battlefield-heroes-go-savage-in-new-content-pack/#comments Savage heroes are now available in Battlefield Heroes.
Thoughts we had while watching this Battlefield Heroes trailer for the new Savage Heroes content pack coming out this summer: Whoa, EA is really changing around the ol' Battlefield formula with this one, eh? Axes? "Cold North"? Is it possible they're turning the free-to-play persistent online shooter into a free-to-play hack-and-slash deathmatch? That would be pretty rad!

Oh, no wait. It's actually some new savage-styled skins and costumes for the Battlefield Heroes fighters. Oh well -- that's pretty rad, too. As the trailer says, the new pack is available in the game's online store right now.

JoystiqBattlefield Heroes go Savage in new content pack originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-heroescontentcustomizableeaitemspcsavage-heroesTue, 23 Aug 2011 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve relaunching Team Fortress 2 as free-to-play title]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/valve-relaunching-team-fortress-2-as-free-to-play-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/valve-relaunching-team-fortress-2-as-free-to-play-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/valve-relaunching-team-fortress-2-as-free-to-play-title/#comments Develop has posted an interview with Team Fortress 2 developer Robin Walker in which he says that the company has decided to make the popular class-based shooter completely free-to-play, supported only by microtransactions. Walker says the game has experimented with multiple price points over its long history (including allowing players to play for free during temporary periods) and that making this transition now "feels like a fairly straightforward next step along the 'Games as Services' path we've been walking down for a while now."

Walker also says that this is a model that specifically fits the multiplayer game at this moment in the product's life, when Valve is trying to reach as many players as it possibly can. The permanent price drop won't affect development on the game at all, but monetization will only go through the game's item shop. You can read more in the interview, live now over at Develop.

There's no official word on any of this from Valve yet, on either the Steam blog or the official Team Fortress 2 site. We are scheduled to hear about the next update today (and even see a "Meet the Medic" video) and the game was set to go free for just a week, but this is obviously a more permanent direction. We've contacted Valve and will post more here when we get it.

Update: Valve's Doug Lombardi has responded to us with a simple confirmation: "Yep." Enjoy your free TF2, kids!

Update: The site has been updated as well. The game's completely free to play, forever!

JoystiqValve relaunching Team Fortress 2 as free-to-play title originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 20:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-to-playin-game-storeitemsmicrotransactionspcrobin-walkerteam-fortressTeam-Fortress-2valveThu, 23 Jun 2011 20:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age: Journeys bonus items transfer to Origins]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/22/dragon-age-journeys-bonus-items-transfer-to-origins/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/22/dragon-age-journeys-bonus-items-transfer-to-origins/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/22/dragon-age-journeys-bonus-items-transfer-to-origins/#comments You may have scoffed at the prospect of a flash-based, 2D version of BioWare's upcoming RPG epic, Dragon Age: Origins. "A browser game meant to simulate the deep, immersive emotions that arise when one plays roles," you may have said, mid-scoff. "Who would play something like that?" As it turns out, if you're looking forward to the full, three-dimensional version of Dragon Age, the answer to your query is simply: You.

A short Q&A on the Dragon Age: Journeys developers' blog cultivated an enticing bit of info about the browser adventure: if you play through it while logged into your EA account, you can gain access to three items that will transfer over to your Dragon Age: Origins save file on Xbox 360, PS3 or PC. No details were given about the items in question, but we're imagining they'll either be used to help you slay dragons, or to help you become a more profound lover.

JoystiqDragon Age: Journeys bonus items transfer to Origins originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonusbrowser-baseddragon-agedragon-age-journeysdragon-age-originsflashitemsMicrosoftrpgXbox-360Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:06:00 EST<![CDATA[It's-a Mario World: Infuriating Items]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/13/its-a-mario-world-infuriating-items/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/13/its-a-mario-world-infuriating-items/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/13/its-a-mario-world-infuriating-items/#commentsFiled under:


Let's make one point very clear from the onset: The Mario Kart series has thoroughly rocked our boxers since 1992. Despite some shortcomings we still have pretty high praise for Wii's latest iteration, and most fanboys agree that there currently exists no better Nintendo Wi-Fi experience. For everything Mario Kart does right, though, there always seems to be a cheaply overpowered item that renders even the most skilled racer indefensible.

So this is us venting. We have seen too many races (and online VR points) slip away on account of nasty item distribution. The series' long-standing method of reserving the best (or at least most destructive) pickups for trailing racers can be especially frustrating to those who would have otherwise earned a legitimate first place rank. Competition, in effect, is deadened by a deliberately equalized playing field. Mario Kart's algorithm for item probability is more at fault than the items themselves, but you know you've cussed out a spiny blue shell before. Now get angry with us in our new rant gallery.
It's-a Mario World is a weekly feature in which the ubiquity of Nintendo's flagship character is celebrated. Check back every Friday to find out what strange and wonderful thing has got us tipping our caps. * * * Links of the week: SMB clone revived! | Mario Tennis comes out swingin'! | Delgrego disses the Party! Get him! | New Mario and Luigi 3 screens!

JoystiqIt's-a Mario World: Infuriating Items originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Dec 2008 02:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angerbananasitemsits-a-mario-worldjoystiqfeaturesmario-brothersmario-kartsuper-mario-brosunfair-projectilesweaponsSat, 13 Dec 2008 02:13:00 EST<![CDATA[The best of WoW Insider: November 25 - December 2, 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/03/the-best-of-wow-insider-november-25-december-2-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/03/the-best-of-wow-insider-november-25-december-2-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/03/the-best-of-wow-insider-november-25-december-2-2008/#commentsFiled under: , ,


December is here, and where are WoW players? In Northrend, of course -- a sizable amount of the population has hit 80 already, and the rest of us are scrambling through the new content to join them. In the meantime, WoW Insider continues to have everything you need to know about the world's most popular MMO, from new spec and gear guides to the coolest quests and items on the way up. Here's our most popular posts from the past week.

News

Features

JoystiqThe best of WoW Insider: November 25 - December 2, 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classesdeath-knightitemslevel-80levelingnorthrendsoloworld-of-warcraftwow-insiderwrath-of-the-lich-kingzul-gurubWed, 03 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[It's-a Mario World: Mushroom Feast]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/28/its-a-mario-world-mushroom-feast/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/28/its-a-mario-world-mushroom-feast/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/28/its-a-mario-world-mushroom-feast/#commentsFiled under:


Commence with the spending frenzy! Black Friday's door-busting sales and no-holds-barred consumer fistfights initiate holiday shopping today, and that means the annual limited-edition Nintendo swag is now being clawed from store shelves. As many of you know, this year is no slouch with two new DS Lite colors, one of which is a phenomenal Mario-red. No cause for alarm; some foaming at the mouth is to be expected. Almost harder to believe is DS Fanboy's current giveaway where one lucky reader will take it home free. The rest of us can bag it at Amazon.com while supplies last.

ANYWAYS. We still have a gallery this week amidst all of the excitement. It started out as a series of photographs capturing every possible angle of the aforementioned DS Lite, but that didn't quite work. Instead, being so stuffed with Thanksgiving turkey and delicious pumpkin pie, we couldn't help thinking about what comprises Mario's diet. The short answer? Mushrooms. Lots of them. Seriously, what is it about fungus? Chomp down on our new gallery in which you'll taste a smorgasbord of 'shroom varieties Mario has consumed throughout his career. Yum.
It's-a Mario World is a weekly feature in which the ubiquity of Nintendo's flagship character is celebrated: We'll incessantly ruminate about mustache wax, debate the curious whereabouts of the princess and covet the luminous power stars strewn about the galaxy. Check back here every Friday to find out what strange and wonderful thing has got us tipping our caps.

JoystiqIt's-a Mario World: Mushroom Feast originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Nov 2008 22:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upitemsits-a-mario-worldjoystiqfeaturesmario-brothersmushroomspower-upspowerupssuper-mario-bros.Fri, 28 Nov 2008 22:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Mega Man 9's item shop is the future of Mega Man's past]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/mega-man-9s-item-shop-is-the-future-of-mega-mans-past/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/mega-man-9s-item-shop-is-the-future-of-mega-mans-past/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/mega-man-9s-item-shop-is-the-future-of-mega-mans-past/#commentsFiled under: ,


Though it's intended as a sort of continuation of Mega Man 2, Mega Man 9 still manages to sneak in some elements from the later games. The item store is full of things that have shown up in Mega Man 6 and later, which is fine! We like later Mega Man games, and the idea of synthesizing the best elements from the whole series is a sound one. Plus some of this stuff is really helpful.

You can use the bolts found throughout the levels to buy these items. Just for reference, we saw several of these bolts in the E3 demo levels, but couldn't reach any of them. So good luck! You can probably figure out what they all are from looking, but we'll describe them for you as well after the break.

Continue reading Mega Man 9's item shop is the future of Mega Man's past

JoystiqMega Man 9's item shop is the future of Mega Man's past originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Aug 2008 12:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomitemsmega-man-9platformretroshootingThu, 14 Aug 2008 12:51:00 EST<![CDATA[It's-a Mario World: Rare Power-ups]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/its-a-mario-world-rare-power-ups/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/its-a-mario-world-rare-power-ups/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/its-a-mario-world-rare-power-ups/#commentsFiled under:

Welcome to the inaugural edition of It's-a Mario World, Nintendo Wii Fanboy's newest feature about one of Nintendo's oldest characters. Every Thursday, we'll bring you a fresh perspective on Mario games and culture, emphasizing his lesser-discussed titles and memorable game content for your nostalgic enjoyment. In this first issue, join us as we reminisce about Mario's hard-to-find power-ups.

You know the common fare: Mushrooms, flowers and stars comprise the mainstay arsenal in any Mario game, and other traditional items like golden coins and 1-ups are found in sequels and off-shoots everywhere. But what about the obscured items of Mushroom Kingdom history, the rare perishables you rationed and strange pick-ups you briefly adored? Why didn't they catch on? Were they too uncouth for mainstream appeal? Let our gallery shed some light on these shadowy items of utmost rarity.

It's-a Mario World is a weekly feature in which the ubiquity of Nintendo's flagship character is celebrated: We'll incessantly ruminate about mustache wax, debate the curious whereabouts of Princess Peach and covet the luminous power stars strewn about the galaxy. Check back here every Thursday to find out what strange and wonderful thing has got us tipping our caps.

JoystiqIt's-a Mario World: Rare Power-ups originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>itemsIts-a Mario WorldIts-aMarioWorldjoystiqfeaturesmariomario collectiblesmario weaponsMarioCollectiblesMarioWeaponspowerupssuper mario bros.super-marioSuperMarioBros.Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Getting shelled]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/26/wii-warm-up-getting-shelled/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/26/wii-warm-up-getting-shelled/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/26/wii-warm-up-getting-shelled/#commentsFiled under:



Since Mario Kart Wii is coming out soon, we wanted to know what some of your favorite (and least favorite) items are from the series. The one we're most curious about is the controversial blue shell. Do you hate it? Love it? What other items do you covet, or hope that you don't get stuck with?

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Getting shelled originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 Apr 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue-shellitemsmario-kartmario-kart-wiiSat, 26 Apr 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Jump Festa play sessions reveal new assist trophy, impressions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/28/jump-festa-play-sessions-reveal-new-assist-trophy-impressions/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/28/jump-festa-play-sessions-reveal-new-assist-trophy-impressions/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/28/jump-festa-play-sessions-reveal-new-assist-trophy-impressions/#commentsFiled under:


Well now, what is this? A source of information regarding Super Smash Bros Brawl that isn't from the dojo? We'll take it!

Apparently, Rosalina from the Wii's current most-popular game will be making an appearance in the Wii's most-popular upcoming game. She's going to be an assist trophy, as one might imagine, so she won't be playable. However, it's nice to see another Nintendo character join the obscenely large roster of folks showing their faces in the upcoming game.

Other tidbits of worth from the time enjoying the demo at Jump Festa pertain to another assist trophy in Duster from Mother 3, the Sandbag actually existing as an item during fights and playable characters Kirby and the Pokémon Trainer, who plays like his N64 version and shouts the name of Pokémon he is using, respectively.

[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqJump Festa play sessions reveal new assist trophy, impressions originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Dec 2007 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>itemssmash-bros-brawlsupermariogalaxyFri, 28 Dec 2007 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dojo update: Items returning to the fight]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/dojo-update-items-returning-to-the-fight/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/dojo-update-items-returning-to-the-fight/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/dojo-update-items-returning-to-the-fight/#commentsFiled under:


For how much things change in this game, we're glad to see some things are going to remain the same. Such as some of the franchise's most well-known items, including the Home-Run Bat and the Fire Flower. One of the other items that you may recall, the Beam Sword, has received a slight alteration, however, giving it a much farther reach.


JoystiqDojo update: Items returning to the fight originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Nov 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dojoitemslinkmariosmash-bros-brawlTue, 06 Nov 2007 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Virtua Fighter 5 only for PS3 next spring]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/08/virtua-fighter-5-only-for-ps3-next-spring/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/08/virtua-fighter-5-only-for-ps3-next-spring/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/08/virtua-fighter-5-only-for-ps3-next-spring/#commentsFiled under:

The new characters from Virtua Fighter 5
There was a time when Virtua Fighter 5 was considered a strong candidate for an arcade port to the Xbox 360, but that multiplatform hope's been dashed with the official announcement that VF5 will appear only on PS3 in the spring of 2007. Sega's technical fighter is a Sony exclusive once more.

While home-console online play remains doubtful at this point, next-gen PlayStation owners can now securely look forward to facing off as El Blaze and Eileen (the new luchador and monkey kung-fu artist, respectively) along with the other 15 fighters, decked out in all sorts of items purchased in the in-game store with prize money earned through in-game matches.

VF5 will support up to 720p HD resolution and will be featured in game footage in the SEGA booth at E3 (South Hall, Booth #946) later this week.

[Thanks, Matt; also via Joystiq]

JoystiqVirtua Fighter 5 only for PS3 next spring originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 May 2006 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360720parcadeE3EileenEl BlazeElBlazeexclusivefighterfightersfootageHDhome consolehome-consoleHomeConsolein-gameitemitemskung-fulucha libreluchadorLuchaLibrematchmatchesmoneymonkeymonkey kung-fuMonkeyKung-fumultiplatformonlineonline playOnlinePlayPlayStationportresolutionSegashopSonySouth HallSouthHallspringspring 2007spring of 2007Spring2007SpringOf2007storetechnical fighterTechnicalFighterVFVF5Virtua FighterVirtua Fighter 5VirtuaFighterVirtuaFighter5Xbox 360Xbox360Mon, 08 May 2006 19:56:00 EST