Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light now stationed on Core Online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-now-stationed-on-core-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-now-stationed-on-core-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-now-stationed-on-core-online/#comments Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light now stationed on CoreonlineLara Croft and the Guardian of Light has made the jump to Core Online, Square Enix's recently unveiled cloud gaming platform. It's the third game to find its way there, with Hitman: Blood Money and Mini Ninjas made available at launch. Core Online is accessible via Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Chrome, making Guardian of Light available to Mac users.

Lara Croft's 2010 jaunt into isometric puzzling is free-to-play through Core Online, but only if you're okay with having play interrupted by ads. The service's help page indicates ads should generally appear every 20 minutes, as long as you watch a full minute of sponsored messages at each interruption. On our testing we were offered a selection of three ads, each with different running times. 1 minute and 14 seconds of a Mini Ninjas ad gave us 25 minutes playing time.

If you prefer raiding tombs without people intermittently trying to sell you stuff, you can remove ads from the full game for $9.99, or from individual missions for $0.99 each.

JoystiqLara Croft and the Guardian of Light now stationed on Core Online originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Nov 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coreonlinecrystal-dynamicsfree-to-playlara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmacpcrelease-datesquare-enixWed, 14 Nov 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Coreonline: A new cloud gaming service from Square Enix [update: how to 'earn' play time]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/coreonline-a-new-cloud-gaming-service-from-square-enix/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/coreonline-a-new-cloud-gaming-service-from-square-enix/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/coreonline-a-new-cloud-gaming-service-from-square-enix/#comments Coreonline A new cloud gaming service from Square EnixSquare Enix has announced a new cloud gaming service called Coreonline, which will bring "high definition" gaming to browsers. Specifically, the service will "allows users to easily play popular, console quality games on the web." Coreonline will be accessible via Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer thanks to "a combination of Google and Square Enix's proprietary technology."

Currently there are only two titles available, Mini Ninjas and Hitman: Blood Money. In the case of Mini Ninjas, the Coreonline site merely redirects users to the Chrome Web Store, where a streaming version of Mini Ninjas has already been available for some time. Blood Money, on the other hand, will play directly in the Coreonline store. We loaded the game, at which point we were asked to watch an ad, which "earned" us 10 minutes of play time. Ads can be skipped by purchasing individual levels or entire games, according to Square Enix.

Lara Croft: Guardian of Light will be released on the service in October. Gyromancer and Tomb Raider: Underworld are also in development. At present, Mini Ninjas, Blood Money and Lara Croft support Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer 8 on Windows 7. On Mac, Lara Croft and Mini Ninjas will only work in Chrome, while Blood Money does not currently support Mac at all.

Update: It turns out that you "earn" minutes of play based on which ads you choose to watch. At the end of our initial ten minutes, we were given a selection of ads, each worth a number of minutes. A 1:17 ad for Kohl's for example, is worth 26 minutes of play time, whereas a 7 second ad for the Samsung Series 9 is worth 5 minutes.

Continue reading Coreonline: A new cloud gaming service from Square Enix [update: how to 'earn' play time]

JoystiqCoreonline: A new cloud gaming service from Square Enix [update: how to 'earn' play time] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 09:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coreonlinehitman-blood-moneylara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmacmini-ninjaspcsquare-enixWed, 29 Aug 2012 09:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light gets Chrome'd out this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-gets-chromed-out-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-gets-chromed-out-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-gets-chromed-out-this-fall/#comments Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light continues its long and storied tradition of being ported to unexpected platforms this fall, when the Crystal Dynamics XBLA adventure makes its way to Google's Chrome browser.

Previously, LCATGOL has made its way to PSN, Steam, iOS, OnLive and the Blackberry Playbook; a list that makes less sense the longer you read it. The game will be powered by Google's open source Native Client framework and will run in-browser, similar to other XBLA-to-Chrome converts like Bastion and From Dust. No word yet on pricing or availability beyond the fall release window.

JoystiqLara Croft and the Guardian of Light gets Chrome'd out this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jun 2012 20:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserchromeCrystal-Dynamicsgooglegoogle-chromelara-croftlara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmacpcsquare-enixThu, 28 Jun 2012 20:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light ported to the BlackBerry PlayBook]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-ported-to-the-blackberry-pl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-ported-to-the-blackberry-pl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-ported-to-the-blackberry-pl/#comments ImageLara Croft and the Guardian of Light has been generally recognized as a great downloadable game that should be played by as many people as possible, which is why we're confused about its launch on the BlackBerry PlayBook. Get it? Because no one owns a PlayBook.

That's not true, we realize, but all is fair in love and bad comedy. Already a few happy PlayBookers and/or RIM and Square Enix employees have left gushing reviews on Guardian of Light's App World page, suggesting it's a solid experience even two years out and even on PlayBook. Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light is available now for $3.99 via the BlackBerry App World.

JoystiqLara Croft and the Guardian of Light ported to the BlackBerry PlayBook originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 May 2012 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlackBerrylara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmobileplaybookSquare-EnixtabletTue, 01 May 2012 07:30:00 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[Big Square Enix Xbox Marketplace sale includes Deus Ex, Lara Croft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/big-square-enix-xbox-marketplace-sale-includes-deus-ex-lara-cro/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/big-square-enix-xbox-marketplace-sale-includes-deus-ex-lara-cro/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/big-square-enix-xbox-marketplace-sale-includes-deus-ex-lara-cro/#comments Square Enix is holding a sale this week on the Xbox Marketplace, taking half off DLC for Deus Ex: Human Revolution and Just Cause 2, along with discounts on several of Lady Croft's adventures and its associated DLC.

The highlights of the sale are certainly the Deus Ex's Missing Link DLC and co-op adventure Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light for 600 MSP ($7.50). There's also some attempted discounts on full downloads of Battlestations: Pacific, Just Cause 2 and Tomb Raider: Underworld; but chances are you can find better in your local bargain bin.

Another game worth checking out is updated original Tomb Raider: Legend: Anniversary, available in two chunks at 400 MSP ($5) apiece (caveat is you'll need to own TR: Legend since it's the DLC). So, try the first two levels before you buy the whole thing. Find the full list of discounts after the break.

Continue reading Big Square Enix Xbox Marketplace sale includes Deus Ex, Lara Croft

JoystiqBig Square Enix Xbox Marketplace sale includes Deus Ex, Lara Croft originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deus-ex-human-revolutionDLCgames-on-demandJust-Cause-2lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmicrosoftSaleSquare-EnixTomb-Raider-AnniversaryXBLMxboxxbox-live-marketplaceWed, 08 Feb 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Reminder: Lara Croft, Prince of Persia 50% off this week on Xbox Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/reminder-lara-croft-prince-of-persia-50-off-this-week-on-xbox/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/reminder-lara-croft-prince-of-persia-50-off-this-week-on-xbox/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/reminder-lara-croft-prince-of-persia-50-off-this-week-on-xbox/#comments Lara! Hey, Lara! With all the stress of Christmas shopping, you may have left someone off your gift list: Yourself. This is just a friendly reminder that Microsoft has you covered this week, with 50 percent discounts on Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light and Prince of Persia Classic. You can grab both at $7.50 and $5, respectively, starting tomorrow. Lara Croft is co-op too, so you could even claim that you bought it for someone else (good luck explaining why it only works on your Xbox though).

Oh, and if you're looking for a digital lump of coal, Ghostbusters: Sanctum of Slime will also be 50 percent off at $5.

JoystiqReminder: Lara Croft, Prince of Persia 50% off this week on Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deal-of-the-weekghostbusters-sanctum-of-slimelara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmicrosoftprince-of-persia-classicxboxxbox-liveMon, 05 Dec 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light leaping to Xperia Play]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-leaping-to-xperia-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-leaping-to-xperia-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-leaping-to-xperia-play/#comments Last year, Square Enix snuck Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light onto the iOS App Store. It's following that mobile release this November with a version for Android -- specifically, Sony Ericsson's button-enriched phone, the Xperia Play.

This is part of a newly announced partnership between Square Enix and Sony Ericsson, which will bring more of the publisher's "established hits" to the Xperia Play "in the coming months." As of now, only Guardian of Light has been announced. A look at Square Enix's iPhone catalog could at least suggest possibilities.

[Image: iPhone version; the Xperia version won't need those virtual buttons.]

JoystiqLara Croft and the Guardian of Light leaping to Xperia Play originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcrystal-dynamicslara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmobilerelease-datesquare-enixxperia-playWed, 28 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Croft, Comic Jumper, TMNT this week's XBL Deal of the Week, Torchlight next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/croft-comic-jumper-tmnt-this-weeks-xbl-deal-of-the-week-torc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/croft-comic-jumper-tmnt-this-weeks-xbl-deal-of-the-week-torc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/croft-comic-jumper-tmnt-this-weeks-xbl-deal-of-the-week-torc/#comments This week's Xbox Live Deal of the Week deals are organized under the generous umbrella of "Mutants and more!" The soon-to-be-pulled TMNT: Turtles in Time Re-Shelled is available for just $5 / 400 Microsoft Points until July 4. (Note: Ubisoft told us it would be pulled at the end of this month.) That's certainly mutant-themed, so what's next? X-Men Arcade is also 50% off at just $5, so that's another mutant-themed offering. So there's something of a theme here ...

... except the other three games are non-mutant-themed! The excellent Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light is 50% off, dropping the asking price to just $7.50 / 600 Microsoft Points, while both Comic Jumper and Hard Corps: Uprising are 50% off, dropping their sticker prices to $5 / 400 Microsoft points each. While we love those deep discounts, is it too much to ask for a solid theme?

Next week's offerings, while more thematically consistent, aren't nearly as delicious. The highlight for "Heatin' Up Summer" is definitely Torchlight for 33% off, at $10 / 800 Microsoft Points. Less enticing offerings include: Dante's Inferno DLC, a Medal of Honor map pack, and a Red Hot Chili Peppers album for Rock Band.

Continue reading Croft, Comic Jumper, TMNT this week's XBL Deal of the Week, Torchlight next week

JoystiqCroft, Comic Jumper, TMNT this week's XBL Deal of the Week, Torchlight next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comic-jumperCrystal-Dynamicsdeal-of-the-weekHard-Corps-Uprisinglara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmicrosoftTMNT-Turtles-in-Time-Re-Shelledx-men-arcadeXBLAxboxTue, 28 Jun 2011 15:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Crystal Dynamics 'not making a second' Lara Croft game, focus is on Tomb Raider [Update: CrystalD responds!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/crystal-dynamics-not-making-a-second-lara-croft-game-focus-is/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/crystal-dynamics-not-making-a-second-lara-croft-game-focus-is/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/crystal-dynamics-not-making-a-second-lara-croft-game-focus-is/#comments Last year, we spoke with Crystal Dynamics' global brand director Karl Stewart, about the studio's new three team structure: the "pillar" team was hard at work on the new Tomb Raider reboot, one of the highlights of this year's E3; the experimental team was working on smaller games under the "Lara Croft" banner; and the brand team, which looks after the lucrative Tomb Raider brand and, ostensibly, oversees projects like the upcoming movie.

At that time, Stewart told us, "The experimental team is basically just looking at the IP going forward and how we can take Lara to new and exciting places." The first and, as it turns out likely the last, place they took her was last year's Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light, an excellent isometric downloadable co-op game. So is Crystal Dynamics still looking to take Lara to new and exciting places? Outside of the reboot, it sounds like the answer to that question is in the negative.

"We're not making a second one," Stewart told me.

"Not yet, or just not?" I asked.

"Oh no, we're not making a second Lara. For us, that Lara Croft was, in a way, it was sort of the furthest possible extension of that iteration of Lara. Once we finished Guardian of Light, obviously we knew we were making this version of Tomb Raider," Stewart told us, referring to the reboot they were showing off during our interview.

Stewart was clear that the game performed well financially. "In business terms, it was very successful," he told me. What was less successful was the implementation of its online co-op feature. "In terms of issues, the one issue that plagued us all the way through, which looking back we would've changed our minds to do other things, was definitely the online," Stewart lamented. "I wish if we had the ability and had the information, we could've been a bit more transparent."

While the studio isn't pursuing the experimental Lara Croft series, it does recognize it as a successful "creative side endeavor" for the studio. In fact, Stewart told us that Daniel Neuberger, game director on Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light, is now the game director of the new Tomb Raider.

[Update 6/12 6:20pm: Stewart reached out to Joystiq to say clarify that CrystalD isn't "'Currently' working on a new version of Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light in the near future" and to note that he "didn't use the word 'Never.'" He adds, "We don't currently have plans on the table, but it was an exciting project and you just never know." We've asked Stewart to clarify whether or not the "experimental team" is still in operation in the above-mentioned three group structure.]

JoystiqCrystal Dynamics 'not making a second' Lara Croft game, focus is on Tomb Raider [Update: CrystalD responds!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Crystal-Dynamicse3-2011Karl-Stewartlara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmicrosoftplaystationps3PSNSquare-EnixXBLAxboxFri, 10 Jun 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Tuesday: Red Faction: Battlegrounds, StarDrone, Angry Birds sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/psn-tuesday-red-faction-battlegrounds-stardrone-angry-birds/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/psn-tuesday-red-faction-battlegrounds-stardrone-angry-birds/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/psn-tuesday-red-faction-battlegrounds-stardrone-angry-birds/#comments
This week's PSN update adds two very different type of arcade titles: Red Faction: Battlegrounds is the vehicular combat game that somehow ties into the Red Faction universe. Don't think about it too hard, just drive around for $10 and blow stuff up. Meanwhile the Move-supported StarDrone is a hybrid pinball / brick-breaking game. Check out the videos for a better idea.

It should also be noted that the excellent Lara Croft: Guardian Of Light is 50 percent off for $7.49. Also, the phenomenon that is Angry Birds has come in step on PSN with its iOS cousins, as the game is available now for $1.99 instead of $3.99

Greedy green pigs can head on past the break and steal a glance at all of this week's DLC.

Choose your platform to view the corresponding release list:
(Note: Continue past the break to view both release lists.)


Continue reading PSN Tuesday: Red Faction: Battlegrounds, StarDrone, Angry Birds sale

JoystiqPSN Tuesday: Red Faction: Battlegrounds, StarDrone, Angry Birds sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Angry-birdslara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightplaystationps3PSNPSN-Storepsn-tuesdaypsn-weeklypspRed-Faction-BattlegroundssonyStardroneTue, 05 Apr 2011 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[XBLM in March: Lara Croft deals, MvC3 and Dragon Age 2 DLC, free Gold weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/xblm-in-march-lara-croft-deals-mvc3-and-dragon-age-2-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/xblm-in-march-lara-croft-deals-mvc3-and-dragon-age-2-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/xblm-in-march-lara-croft-deals-mvc3-and-dragon-age-2-dlc/#comments Major Nelson has posted highlights from the Xbox Live Marketplace schedule for March. First up, the Dragon Age 2 "Black Emporium" DLC -- free to those who purchase new copies of the game -- will land on March 8 for 800 points ($10). Second, as promised, bonus characters Jill and Shuma Gorath will be available for Marvel vs. Capcom 3 on March 15 for 400 points ($5) each.

In other XBLM happenings, March 7 kicks off a Lara Croft themed "Deal of the Week," which will see Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light knocked down to 600 points ($7.50). Lara Croft DLC will also be discounted by fifty percent. Also, the week of March 14 will see several St. Patrick's Day deals, notably some discounted Green Day DLC (green -- geddit?) and Social Distortion's "Bad Luck" for Rock Band.

Finally, Xbox Live Silver members can enjoy free Xbox Live Gold this weekend, beginning Friday, March 4 at 12PM ET through Monday, March 7 at 12PM ET. Head past the break for a more complete schedule of releases.

Continue reading XBLM in March: Lara Croft deals, MvC3 and Dragon Age 2 DLC, free Gold weekend

JoystiqXBLM in March: Lara Croft deals, MvC3 and Dragon Age 2 DLC, free Gold weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatar-marketplacedeal-of-the-weekdlcdragon-age-2games-on-demandlara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmarvel-vs-capcom-3microsoftxblmxboxXbox-360xbox-liveThu, 03 Mar 2011 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Ludwig's picks of 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/01/best-of-the-rest-ludwigs-picks-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/01/best-of-the-rest-ludwigs-picks-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/01/best-of-the-rest-ludwigs-picks-of-2010/#comments Vanquish
Shinji Mikami is still playing the game of Telephone he started in 2005. With Resident Evil 4, he revitalized Capcom's stagnant survival-horror franchise by turning it into a strictly paced shooter, where standing your ground (you couldn't move and shoot at the same time, remember?) was the only way to advance. The idea made it all the way across the ocean -- mostly intact -- and eventually found its way into Epic's Gears of War.

The Mikami-led team at Platinum Games, in turn, heard all the bits about military meatheads and enemies that can be demolished without remorse, but the part about lumbering man-tanks got garbled. Instead, we get a protagonist that can slide across the battlefield in the blink of an eye.

At its nuclear-powered core, Vanquish still honors Resident Evil 4's balance of risk and reward. It's an exceptionally hectic shooter where rocketing in and out of critical engagements is key -- but if your suit overheats, you're slow again. And then you're dead.

Even Gears of War's train level comes back a little warped. Now there are two trains, and one of them is upside-down.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Ludwig's picks of 2010

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Ludwig's picks of 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bayonettabest-of-the-rest-2010blurcastlevania-lords-of-shadowdonkey-kong-country-returnsfinal-fantasy-xiiihalo-reachiphonelara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmicrosoftmobilenintendopac-man-championship-edition-dxplaystationps3tilt-to-livevanquishwiixboxSat, 01 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Andrew's picks of 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/01/best-of-the-rest-andrews-picks-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/01/best-of-the-rest-andrews-picks-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/01/best-of-the-rest-andrews-picks-of-2010/#comments DJ Max Portable 3
I blame myself for not pimping out PM Studio's excellent DJ Max Portable 3 more this year. The Korean music game is quite possibly the only music game you'll ever need on a handheld, thanks to its seemingly endless soundtrack, varied modes, rewarding progression, beautiful graphics, and note charts that will make your fingers cry. Oh, and for the first time in the franchise's history, you actually feel like a DJ. Ludwig makes fun of me for the epileptic fit I get into when playing it, but he just doesn't understand.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Andrew's picks of 2010

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Andrew's picks of 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art-academybest-of-the-rest-2010dance-centraldj-max-portable-3dslara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3pspsonysuper-mario-galaxy-2valkyria-chronicles-2wiiwindows-phone-7xboxSat, 01 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Richard's picks of 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/best-of-the-rest-richards-picks-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/best-of-the-rest-richards-picks-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/best-of-the-rest-richards-picks-of-2010/#comments Castlevania: Lords of Shadow
There are more than a few complaints floating around that Castlevania: Lords of Shadow isn't a real Castlevania title. I would argue that Lords of Shadow is more Castlevania than many recent entries in the series. I think fans tend to forget (or overlook) that Castlevania began as a linear action title. For me, the series has never been about completing the map. It's about exploring wonderful and sinister places, which Lords of Shadow packs in spades. When I played the 8-bit Castlevania 2: Simon's Quest as a child, I saw lots of blocky pixels, but what I imagined is perfectly represented by Lords of Shadow. From stinking bogs to dark forests and forgotten castles, all is so meticulously and lovingly crafted that my seven-year-old self was enthralled with every moment.

I'll take that over the same 13-year-old sprites any day.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Richard's picks of 2010

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Richard's picks of 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bayonettabest-of-the-rest-2010castlevania-lords-of-shadowdance-centralkinectlara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmacmicrosoftminecraftpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 30 Dec 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Raziel and Kain settle their differences in Guardian of Light trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/raziel-and-kain-settle-their-differences-in-guardian-of-light-tr/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/raziel-and-kain-settle-their-differences-in-guardian-of-light-tr/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/raziel-and-kain-settle-their-differences-in-guardian-of-light-tr/#comments We can't remember all the transgressions Kain and Raziel have carried out against one another (didn't dude rip other dude's wings off and throw him into hell?), but we're happy to see them working together for a common goal in the Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light DLC trailer below.

Continue reading Raziel and Kain settle their differences in Guardian of Light trailer

JoystiqRaziel and Kain settle their differences in Guardian of Light trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blood-omendlckainlara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmicrosoftplaystationps3razielsquare-enixxboxWed, 22 Dec 2010 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Lara Croft & the Guardian of Light half off, Kane and Lynch character packs available today on XBLM]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-half-off-kane-and-lynch-char/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-half-off-kane-and-lynch-char/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-half-off-kane-and-lynch-char/#comments As part of Xbox LIve's "Countdown to 2011," today's deal is the excellent downloadable title Lara Croft & the Guardian of Light at 50 percent off, which means the co-op adventure can be yours for 600 Microsoft Points (that's $7.50). That's quite inexpensive for some time with Lady Croft. We'd say "cheap," but she ain't cheap.

Also available today is the free Kane & Lynch character pack for Guardian of LIght. Don't ask questions, just let the weird wash over you.

Finally, there's a dose of randomness with a pet monkey for your Avatar, half off for 120 MSP ($1.50). "He's not horrible. He's lovely. He's a lovely little monkey."

Gallery: Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light

JoystiqLara Croft & the Guardian of Light half off, Kane and Lynch character packs available today on XBLM originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dealskane-and-lynchkane-and-lynch-2kane-and-lynch-2-dog-dayslara-croftlara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmicrosoftxboxWed, 22 Dec 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New games flood App Store before impending holiday release freeze]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/new-games-flood-app-store-before-impending-holiday-release-freez/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/new-games-flood-app-store-before-impending-holiday-release-freez/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/new-games-flood-app-store-before-impending-holiday-release-freez/#comments The App Store is in constant danger of new release bombardments, sure, but many companies adhere to a regular, weekly bombing run beginning each Wednesday, through the wee hours of the night (UTC), dropping their new iPhone and iPad games on Apple's marketplace while many of us are snoozing. Last night was no exception -- actually, scratch that. It was exceptional!

Pending the start of the "iTunes Connect Holiday Shutdown" next Thursday -- a six-day lockout period when developers will be unable to release or update apps, including games -- an army of companies, armed with their big holiday releases (for little iDevices), launched a massive attack on the App Store last night. What began as a few warning shots yesterday grew into a full-on assault, led by Gameloft's crisp clones, NOVA 2 and Shadow Guardian, and Square Enix's surprise (and apparently rushed) port of Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light.

Even Sega couldn't resist launching a few more classics in Altered Beast and Sonic Spinball. And what's this ... Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3? Hey, if Street Fighter IV worked ...

Pursue our complete list of new release highlights after the break, and then make double-sure "Santa" knows you've been good enough for an iTunes gift card this year.

Continue reading New games flood App Store before impending holiday release freeze

JoystiqNew games flood App Store before impending holiday release freeze originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>altered-beastapp-storearalon-sword-and-shadowaralon-sword-and-shadow-hdbattlefield-bad-company-2broken-sword-the-smoking-mirrorbroken-sword-the-smoking-mirror-remastereddoctor-whodungeon-defendersdungeon-defenders-first-waveeagame-of-lifegameloftgeared-2helsings-firehelsings-fire-hdhook-worldsiosipadiphoneitunes-connectlara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmobilemonkey-island-talesmonkey-island-tales-1-hdnova-2pixn-love-rushpixn-love-rush-dxpocket-godpocket-god-journey-to-uranusreal-racing-2release-daterivenriven-the-sequel-to-mystscrabbleshadow-guardiansonic-spinballspace-minerspace-miner-hdtron-legacyultimate-mortal-kombat-3world-of-gooyoot-towerzombiesmashzombiesmash-hdThu, 16 Dec 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light exploring iDevices tomorrow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/15/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-exploring-idevices-tomorr/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/15/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-exploring-idevices-tomorr/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/15/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-exploring-idevices-tomorr/#comments New Zealand's iTunes App Store revealed Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light for the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad well before the game's official announcement in North America -- a tweet from Crystal Dynamic's global brand director Karl Stewart soon after confirmed its veracity. The game will arrive tomorrow for $6.99 (iPhone) and $9.99 (iPad), and its content is said to be unchanged from the Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network game released to critical fanfare earlier this year.

Two-player co-op is included, and both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth options will be at your disposal. As far as the recently released DLC for the game is concerned, however, it's not clear whether or not it'll end up on the App Store version -- we've asked Crystal Dynamics to clarify [see below].

Lara and Totec's now mobile adventure will be available to North Americans starting tomorrow morning at 12:01AM EST.

Update: A Crystal Dynamics representative confirmed that the DLC from Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network iterations of the game is not included with the iOS version.

Gallery: Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light (iPhone/iPad)

JoystiqLara Croft and the Guardian of Light exploring iDevices tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storecrystal-dynamicseidoseidos-interactiveitunes-app-storelara-croftlara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmobilesquare-enixWed, 15 Dec 2010 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Get into Harms Way, Doritos Crash Course and Bomberman Battlefest on XBLA today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/get-into-harms-way-doritos-crash-course-and-bomberman-battlefes/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/get-into-harms-way-doritos-crash-course-and-bomberman-battlefes/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/get-into-harms-way-doritos-crash-course-and-bomberman-battlefes/#comments The two final contenders in the Doritos-sponsored "Unlock Xbox" game design contest have been fully realized and released as Xbox Live Arcade games today, for free. Until December 26, you can cast your vote for either Doritos Cash Course (download) or Harms Way (download) through the Xbox Unlock ad on the Dashboard, with the winner to be announced on December 29 and offered a 50G (that's dollars, not Achievement points) part-time, game consulting gig with Doritos.

Perhaps overshadowed by the flavorful showdown, the previously announced Bomberman Live sequel, Battlefest (download), is also available on the Arcade today for 800 Microsoft Points ($10). Additionally, the third Lara Croft: GoL challenge pack add-on, "A Hazardous Reunion" (download), has been released for 400 points ($5), along with the "Marvel Pinball" tables (download/trial) for Pinball FX 2, priced at 800 points.

Update: The Costume Quest DLC "Grubbins on Ice" (download) has also been released today for 400 points.

JoystiqGet into Harms Way, Doritos Crash Course and Bomberman Battlefest on XBLA today originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-hazardous-reunionavatar-crash-coursebomberman-live-battlefestchallenge-pack-3costume-questdlcdoritosdoritos-crash-coursegrubbins-on-iceharms-waylara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmarvel-pinballmicrosoftpinball-fx-2unlock-xboxxblaxblawednesdayxblmxboxWed, 08 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[December XBLA deal: Buy two games, get 400 MS Points free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/01/december-xbla-deal-buy-two-games-get-400-ms-points-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/01/december-xbla-deal-buy-two-games-get-400-ms-points-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/01/december-xbla-deal-buy-two-games-get-400-ms-points-free/#comments In yet another Xbox Live Arcade deal, Microsoft is now offering a free batch of 400 MS Points for purchasing two qualifying XBLA games. Don't run off downloading games just yet though, because you'll need to head over to the Xbox Live Events page and download the Arcade Offer gamer picture to register for the giveaway first (the direct link to the gamer picture is currently broken, but it's the first one listed on the events page).

Once that's done, snag two of the games listed after the break (including favorites like Limbo, Lara Croft, Monday Night Combat, Super Meat Boy and more). Within four weeks, the free points will be added to registered Live accounts automatically or sent as redemption code via email. If you're planning to pick up any of the eligible games, you might as well get some free points too, right? The promotion ends December 20, so get to it.

[Thanks, Grand Kerfuffle]

Continue reading December XBLA deal: Buy two games, get 400 MS Points free

JoystiqDecember XBLA deal: Buy two games, get 400 MS Points free originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Dec 2010 17:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-1943blacklight-tango-downcastlevania-harmony-of-despairComic-JumperDeathSpankDeathSpank-Thongs-of-Virtuehydro-thunder-hurricanelara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightlimbomarvel-vs-capcom-2microsoftmonday-night-combatplants-vs-zombiesshadow-complexsuper-meat-boytoy-soldierstrials-hdxblaxboxXbox-Live-ArcadeWed, 01 Dec 2010 17:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Kane & Lynch and Kain & Raziel buddy up in Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/01/kane-and-lynch-and-kain-and-raziel-buddy-up-in-lara-croft-and-the-gu/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/01/kane-and-lynch-and-kain-and-raziel-buddy-up-in-lara-croft-and-the-gu/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/01/kane-and-lynch-and-kain-and-raziel-buddy-up-in-lara-croft-and-the-gu/#comments Ever wondered what playing through Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light would be like if Lara was Adam 'Kane' Marcus and Totec was James Seth Lynch, eponymous characters of the Kane & Lynch series? According to a hack of the PC version that popped up on YouTube - along with a helpful confirmation straight from developer Crystal Dynamics' Twitter account - soon enough you'll be able to experience such bizarreness firsthand as both characters will be available for download at some point in the future (remember: before the end of 2010).

Also revealed was that other Kane from CrystalD's past: Kain and Raziel (of Legacy of Kain series fame) will be the second character pack. Names are also put to the second and third content expansions: "Things That Go Boom" (number two) and "Hazardous Reunion" (number three). PS3 owners can actually buy the second pack right now, as of last week's update. The YouTube clip after the break shows a bit of our old friends Kain and Raziel in action ... for the first time in seven years. Quick, someone explain YouTube to them!

[Note: Crystal Dynamics is asking fans to tweet their choice for which character pack should come first. Instead, we're going to ask you to decide in our totally scientific poll, just below.]

View Poll


Continue reading Kane & Lynch and Kain & Raziel buddy up in Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light DLC

JoystiqKane & Lynch and Kain & Raziel buddy up in Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Dec 2010 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crystal-dynamicsdlcdownloadable-contenteidoshazardous-reuinionkane-and-lynchlara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightlegacy-of-kainlegacy-of-kain-soul-reavermicrosoftpcplaystationps3psnsquare-enixsteamthings-that-go-boomxblaxblmxboxWed, 01 Dec 2010 16:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Lara Croft co-op patch arrives for PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/23/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-co-op-patch-arrives-for-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/23/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-co-op-patch-arrives-for-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/23/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-co-op-patch-arrives-for-pc/#commentsPC players of Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light despairing about the lack of online play can now see a bit of sunshine coming in through a crack in a cave wall. Just one day after the release of the co-op-enabling patch for the PSN version, developer Crystal Dynamics tweeted that it's now available through Steam as well.

Since PC gamers have been waiting the longest (by an admittedly slim margin), your PC pals should be the happiest about the arrival of online play. You should notice an extra spring in their steps leaps across chasms and an unmistakable joie de vivre in the way they clamber up walls using your ad-hoc spear handholds.

JoystiqLara Croft co-op patch arrives for PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co-opcrystal-dynamicseidoslara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightpatchpcsquare-enixsteamupdateTue, 23 Nov 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light online patch now available on PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/22/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-online-patch-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/22/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-online-patch-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/22/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-online-patch-now-available/#comments Just seven short weeks after its release, Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light is finally a finished game on the PS3. Crystal Dynamics just announced that the title's online co-op title update has finally gone live, meaning we're just a PC patch away from the game reaching its full potential on all platforms.

It's not that we're unhappy for the update -- we are -- but it's been an exercise in frustration seeing Crystal Dynamics get so close to knocking one out of the park only to have missing features pluck it from the air at the last second.

... Oh man, did we just complete a successful sports metaphor? Don't worry, we won't get NBA Jam-style swelled heads. Holy crap, that's a double! And a double's a thing in baseball, right? So three!

Okay, two-and-a-half.

JoystiqLara Croft and the Guardian of Light online patch now available on PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crystal-dynamicseidoslara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightpatchplaystationps3psnMon, 22 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light DLC arrives Oct. 27 on 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/26/free-lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-dlc-arrives-oct-27-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/26/free-lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-dlc-arrives-oct-27-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/26/free-lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-dlc-arrives-oct-27-on/#comments Those of you hopping in to Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light on Xbox 360 tomorrow will find not only the newly added ability to play with a buddy online, but also the first of the game's DLC packs, "All the Trappings." (You'll remember it as a way of saying, "Hey, sorry we sold you our game before we implemented all of the features we promised.") The new area and its combination of puzzles and combat challenges will be free for 30 days.

Plans for online support in the PS3 and PC versions are still unannounced, but if Square Enix tries to charge you guys for "All the Trappings," we promise to support all of you in a well-earned freak out.

JoystiqFree Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light DLC arrives Oct. 27 on 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-the-trappingsCrystal-Dynamicsdlceidoslara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmicrosoftpcsquare-enixxboxTue, 26 Oct 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light online co-op patch due next week for Xbox 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-online-co-op-patch-due-next/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-online-co-op-patch-due-next/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-online-co-op-patch-due-next/#comments Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light owners will finally discover online co-op on Xbox when the long-awaited patch is implemented October 27. Crystal Dynamics just announced the news and noted that the update for PS3 and PC is "coming later, stay tuned."

The company also reiterated that the first DLC pack would be free "to say thanks for your patience." Guardian of Light was one of the standout downloadable titles of the summer, despite missing a key feature at launch. It was originally intended to be patched in during September, but Lady Croft slept in and missed the date.

Gallery: Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light (7/6/2010)

JoystiqLara Croft and the Guardian of Light online co-op patch due next week for Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lara-croftlara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmicrosoftpatchSquare-EnixxblaxboxWed, 20 Oct 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Tuesday: Lara Croft, Deathspank, Claptrap's New Robot Revolution]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/28/psn-tuesday-lara-croft-deathspank-claptraps-new-robot-revolu/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/28/psn-tuesday-lara-croft-deathspank-claptraps-new-robot-revolu/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/28/psn-tuesday-lara-croft-deathspank-claptraps-new-robot-revolu/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The PSN update has quite some quality downloadable games this week. Lara Croft and The Guardian of Light not only arrives, but it adds a whole featured section on the PSN. There's also Deathspank: Thongs of Virtue and Swords & Solidiers.

Fans of Borderlands should also take a look at the game's final piece of DLC, "Claptrap's New Robot Revolution." Although, remember, if you haven't already invested in the game's DLC, the Borderlands Game of the Year Edition will be out October 12. Check out the full PSN update after the break.

Choose your platform to view the corresponding release list:
(Note: Continue past the break to view both release lists.)

Continue reading PSN Tuesday: Lara Croft, Deathspank, Claptrap's New Robot Revolution

JoystiqPSN Tuesday: Lara Croft, Deathspank, Claptrap's New Robot Revolution originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>borderlandsClaptraps-New-Robot-RevolutionDeathSpank-Thongs-of-Virtuelara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightplaystationps3PSNPSN-Storepsn-tuesdaypsn-weeklypspsonyvalkyria-chronicles-2Tue, 28 Sep 2010 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light PS3 and PC won't launch with online co-op]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-ps3-and-pc-wont-launch-wit/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-ps3-and-pc-wont-launch-wit/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-ps3-and-pc-wont-launch-wit/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Much like their Xbox-playing counterparts, folks hoping to do some remote Tomb Raiding with an online pal on PS3 and PC will have to cool their jets for a bit. According to a press release from Crystal Dynamics, the PS3 and PC versions of the Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light are still slated to arrive on September 28 -- however, contrary to what was previously promised, the new versions will not have online co-op capabilities until "a later date." A Crystal Dynamics representative explained the 360 online co-op update will go live "in the very near future." We've followed up to find out if it will arrive alongside the new versions, as was announced last month.

We've also contacted Crystal Dynamics to get a better idea of what "a later date" entails for the PS3 and PC versions. For the developer's sake, we sure hope it means "before we plan to launch all those DLC expansions later this year."

Continue reading Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light PS3 and PC won't launch with online co-op

JoystiqLara Croft and the Guardian of Light PS3 and PC won't launch with online co-op originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Crystal-Dynamicsdelaylara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmicrosoftonline-cooppcplaystationps3square-enixxboxTue, 21 Sep 2010 10:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Castlevania HD, Lara Croft, Monday Night Combat sales analyzed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/09/castlevania-hd-lara-croft-monday-night-combat-sales-analyzed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/09/castlevania-hd-lara-croft-monday-night-combat-sales-analyzed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/09/castlevania-hd-lara-croft-monday-night-combat-sales-analyzed/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Gamasutra has posted its Xbox Live Arcade sales analysis for August, and the results appear mixed for the final three Summer of Arcade titles. While the piece notes that every 2009 Summer of Arcade title managed to garner 80,000 players in their respective first weeks, this year's batch is less consistent. Based on leaderboard data, Castlevania: Harmony of Despair had only 44,601 players in its first week, with sales declining each following week to close out the month with just over 75,000 players. Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light -- perhaps due to the lack of online co-op -- befell a similar fate, acquiring 44,733 players in its first week and adding 22,498 more the following week to cap off August with 67,231 players.

Meanwhile, Monday Night Combat -- which launched between Castlevania and Lara Croft -- debuted with over 86,000 players, followed by strong additions the next two weeks for a total of nearly 172,000 in August. Granted, these numbers are all culled from leaderboards and don't necessarily translate directly to sales, it seems like this year's Summer of Arcade failed to drum up the same interest as last year's event, which packed in the likes of Shadow Complex, 'Splosion Man, and Trials HD. Check out the full article on Gamasutra for more stats than you can shake a slice of bacon at.

JoystiqCastlevania HD, Lara Croft, Monday Night Combat sales analyzed originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 22:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>castlevania-harmony-of-despairlara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmicrosoftmonday-night-combatSummer-of-ArcadexboxThu, 09 Sep 2010 22:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon no longer selling Xbox Live Arcade games, as GameStop begins to offer them]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/amazon-no-longer-selling-xbox-live-arcade-games-as-gamestop-beg/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/amazon-no-longer-selling-xbox-live-arcade-games-as-gamestop-beg/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/amazon-no-longer-selling-xbox-live-arcade-games-as-gamestop-beg/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Just one year after launching a retail portal for Xbox Live content, Amazon is "no longer selling Xbox Live Arcade game codes," according to a statement on the site's Xbox Live page. Following a prompt on the same page to buy Castle Crashers for Xbox 360, for example, shoppers will find the item listed as "Currently unavailable," with a notice adding, "We don't know when or if this item will be available again."

It's unclear why Amazon discontinued its Xbox Live program, considering the retailer continues to sell codes for games on PlayStation Network and Nintendo's WiiWare service. "You can continue to purchase Xbox Live points on Amazon.com and those points can be redeemed through your Xbox 360 console to purchase any of the games that were previously available," Amazon notes. (Those points can also be redeemed through the Xbox.com Marketplace, which does not offer standalone content codes for sale.)

In related news, Microsoft has partnered with GameStop to sell Xbox Live content codes in stores. Following a recent trial, codes for more than 45 downloadable games and add-ons will be offered in the retailer's locations nationwide, including the XBLA Summer of Arcade selection Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light. With supposedly only "15 percent" of gamers buying downloadable games, GameStop President Tony Bartel told USA Today's Game Hunters that "the marketing and selling of downloadable content in store as a meaningful way to participate and expand the sales of digital content, providing the customer with a richer gaming experience." Essentially, the brick-and-mortar exposure should make more people aware that downloadable games exist in the first place -- something Amazon.com might not do so well.

JoystiqAmazon no longer selling Xbox Live Arcade games, as GameStop begins to offer them originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazondlcgamestoplara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmicrosoftxblaxblmxboxxbox-liveMon, 23 Aug 2010 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[First Lara Croft DLC pack free for 30 days on Xbox 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/first-lara-croft-dlc-pack-free-for-first-30-days-on-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/first-lara-croft-dlc-pack-free-for-first-30-days-on-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/first-lara-croft-dlc-pack-free-for-first-30-days-on-xbox-360/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Presumably to make the sting of that delayed online co-op less painful, Square Enix will offer the first DLC release for Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light to Xbox 360 players for free -- for one month.

"...We will be offering the first DLC pack for free for the first 30 days, exclusively on the Xbox 360," Crystal Dynamics general manager Darrell Gallagher said in a press release, "so that gamers can get a taste of some of the exciting extras we have in store." This DLC pack is the first of five. Square Enix didn't announce a release date for the DLC, but it wouldn't be much of a conciliatory measure if it didn't arrive before the September 28 release of the online patch.

JoystiqFirst Lara Croft DLC pack free for 30 days on Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Crystal-DynamicsDLClara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmicrosoftSquare-EnixTomb-RaiderxboxTue, 17 Aug 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/review-lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/review-lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/review-lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light/#comments When Lara Croft triumphantly steps out into the sunlight, precious trinket held aloft, everyone cheers (and momentarily overlooks the dead Royal Bengal tiger at her feet). But that immortal moment of success always overshadows a lonely line of work, fraught with deadly pits, unstoppable boulders and hideous creatures. Nobody ever talks about that unglamorous time Lara broke a hip inside the tomb of Qeutzalopec and had to chew on a giant spider leg for three weeks.

In temporarily putting the Tomb Raider brand aside, Crystal Dynamics has finally given gaming's iconic action archaeologist a helping hand. Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light introduces an unexplored social element into a franchise that I've come to adore for its sense of isolation and discovery. A second player, acting as Aztec guardian Totec, necessarily disrupts that atmosphere, but also facilitates unplanned moments of creativity. Enter: Spider Bowling.

Continue reading Review: Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light

JoystiqReview: Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co-opcrystal-dynamicslara-croftlara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmicrosoftplaystationps3square-enixxblaxboxMon, 16 Aug 2010 12:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light will not have online co-op until Sept. 28]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-will-not-have-online-co-op/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-will-not-have-online-co-op/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-will-not-have-online-co-op/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We hope you've got space for Lara Croft and one guardian of light on your couch, because that's where the heroic pair will find themselves on August 18th. Developer Crystal Dynamics has confirmed that when Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light launches on Xbox Live Arcade, concluding Microsoft's Summer of Arcade promotion, it will only support offline co-op.

Online co-op, as well as Xbox Live standards like full leaderboard support and voice chat functionality, will be introduced via a free update on September 28. On the same day, Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light will arrive on PlayStation Network and Steam.

The baffling omission of the online component appears to have been made at the last minute, with Crystal Dynamics global brand director Karl Stewart telling Joystiq, "We made a decision recently because we were focusing on how we can deliver the best possible experience to the players. If we had launched with online co-op, we wouldn't feel comfortable that it was the best possible experience for the player." Though online co-op had been promoted and promised since the game's announcement, Stewart claims that "nothing underhanded" influenced the decision. "This is our first digital title and we want to make sure we deliver the best possible experience to players."

It's a tough decision: delay the game on Xbox Live Arcade and miss out on Summer of Arcade promotion, or get an imperfect version in front of players first. Either way, it's a disappointing scenario for all parties involved, including Microsoft. You can play Lara Croft on Xbox Live Arcade first -- but not on Xbox Live at first.

JoystiqLara Croft and the Guardian of Light will not have online co-op until Sept. 28 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co-opcrystal-dynamicskarl-stewartlara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmicrosoftsummer-of-arcadexblaxboxFri, 06 Aug 2010 16:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light plunders PS3, Steam on Sep. 28, five DLC packs in 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-plunders-ps3-steam-on-sep/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-plunders-ps3-steam-on-sep/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-plunders-ps3-steam-on-sep/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Though Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light is making its debut as part of Microsoft's high-profile (and heavily co-marketed) Summer of Arcade program, that doesn't mean Lara isn't destined for other platforms. Square Enix today announced that GoL will be released on both PlayStation Network and Steam on September 28th for the same $15 asking price. But Lara's plans for 2010 don't stop there.

While we agree DLC is a pretty strange acronym for Downloadable Content, we're going to disagree with Crystal Dynamics General Manager Darrell Gallagher when he insists, "DLC for us means Downloadable Lara Croft." Don't get us wrong, we're on board for Guardian of Light in a big way (though our initial enthusiasm has certainly been blunted with today's news that online co-op will suffer a one-month delay for Xbox owners). We simply worry that five DLC packs over three months is going to cause a consumer revolt, fueled by cries of "that should've been in the game."

The first three packs are straight-up expansions, meaning fresh puzzles and "new areas" to visit. The latter two are "playable character packs" which will let you swap out Lara and Totec throughout the entire campaign for "some other well-known videogame characters." Our guess: Hitman's Agent 47 ... or perhaps another trigger-happy hero from Square's catalog, Vincent from Final Fantasy VII.

JoystiqLara Croft and the Guardian of Light plunders PS3, Steam on Sep. 28, five DLC packs in 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Crystal-DynamicsDLClara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmicrosoftpcplaystationps3PSNSquare-EnixSteamXBLAxboxFri, 06 Aug 2010 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Lara Croft Avatar items and premium theme coming to Marketplace]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/24/lara-croft-avatar-items-and-premium-theme-coming-to-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/24/lara-croft-avatar-items-and-premium-theme-coming-to-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/24/lara-croft-avatar-items-and-premium-theme-coming-to-marketplace/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If your anticipation for the co-op treasure-plundering action of Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light is so strong that you're seeking for outlets through which to give Crystal Dynamics money, here's your chance. A handful of Avatar items based on the XBLA title will arrive on the Xbox Live Marketplace July 29. The particulars and prices of these items have yet to be revealed, though a handful of images posted in the gallery below indicate costumes for Lara, her partner-in-raiding Totec, a Tomb Raider-themed T-shirt, a hideous matted wig and ... some kind of ... demon suit.

The background featured in these images is actually available on the Marketplace today for 240 MSP, under the title "The Lava Tomb." It's perfect for those who think their menu navigation experience could use a bit more molten rock and ugly statuettes.

Gallery: Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light Avatar items

Continue reading Lara Croft Avatar items and premium theme coming to Marketplace

JoystiqLara Croft Avatar items and premium theme coming to Marketplace originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Jul 2010 01:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Avatarcrystal-dynamicslara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmicrosoftpremium-themessquare-enix-europeXBLMxboxSat, 24 Jul 2010 01:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Lara Croft still likes all kinds of guns]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/19/lara-croft-still-likes-all-kinds-of-guns/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/19/lara-croft-still-likes-all-kinds-of-guns/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/19/lara-croft-still-likes-all-kinds-of-guns/#comments Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light was one of our favorite games at this year's E3 -- while it's a new taste for the franchise, it certainly seemed like one gamers will enjoy. But even if all of the puzzle-solving and co-op has you worried that Lara's gone too cerebral, let this trailer reassure you: The girl still knows how to shoot things until they stop moving.

She and partner Totec do so with all kinds of heavy weaponry, including flamethrowers, rocket launchers and whatever else they find laying around that ancient temple they're exploring. The video also shows off some of the game's relic and artifact system, which will not only let you customize weapons with various stats and abilities, but encourage replaying of the game, as some of the relics will require a few runs through the title to obtain. Watch the full trailer after the break.

Continue reading Lara Croft still likes all kinds of guns

JoystiqLara Croft still likes all kinds of guns originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crystal-dynamicslara-croftlara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmicrosoftsquare-enixTomb-RaidertrailervideoweaponsxboxMon, 19 Jul 2010 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lara Croft exclusive to Xbox Live Arcade for 'exactly' four weeks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/lara-croft-exclusive-to-xbox-live-arcade-for-exactly-four-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/lara-croft-exclusive-to-xbox-live-arcade-for-exactly-four-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/lara-croft-exclusive-to-xbox-live-arcade-for-exactly-four-week/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Crystal Dynamics previously announced plans to launch Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light on XBLA, PSN and PC this summer. Since the XBLA release is now part of Microsoft's Summer of Arcade promotion, however, PSN and PC players are going to have to wait a bit longer for their date with Lara. When asked how long the game's timed exclusivity on Xbox Live would last, Crystal Dynamics' Karl Stewart told Eurogamer, "Well, for exactly four weeks, really. The agreement with Microsoft is, in order to participate in their hugely successful Summer of Arcade promotion there is a window of exclusivity. That window of exclusivity is a set four weeks."

Lara Croft is slated to launch August 18 on Xbox Live Arcade, which would mean that the PSN and PC releases are essentially on hold until September 15. Stewart explained that it's ultimately "up to the first parties and the likes of Steam to agree that's the best date for us." It's worth noting that September 15 is a Wednesday, and North American PSN updates occur on Tuesday now, which could mean Lara Croft's release in the region could get pushed back another week.

Gallery: Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light

JoystiqLara Croft exclusive to Xbox Live Arcade for 'exactly' four weeks originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crystal-dynamicsexclusivitylara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmicrosoftpcplaystationps3psnrelease-datesteamxblaxboxxbox-liveFri, 16 Jul 2010 11:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Summer of Arcade XBLA games dated and priced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/06/summer-of-arcade-xbla-games-dated-and-priced/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/06/summer-of-arcade-xbla-games-dated-and-priced/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/06/summer-of-arcade-xbla-games-dated-and-priced/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Microsoft's suggestion for how to pass those hot summer afternoons: spend 1200 Microsoft Points ($15), repeatedly. The company released the official dates and prices for the XBLA games in this year's Summer of Arcade promotion -- or, rather, dates and price, since they all share the aforementioned 1200 MSP price tag.

Like last year's Summer of Arcade, purchasing all five games in this year's lineup entitles the buyer to a 1200-point rebate (essentially buy four, get one free). Additionally, if you buy three of the five, you'll get 400 MSP back! As for the release schedule:

JoystiqSummer of Arcade XBLA games dated and priced originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Castlevaniacastlevania-harmony-of-despairhydro-thunder-hurricanelara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightLimbomicrosoftMonday-Night-Combatrelease-dateSummer-of-ArcadeXBLAXBLMxboxTue, 06 Jul 2010 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Castlevania: Harmony of Despair announced via Xbox Live 'Summer of Arcade' 2010 promo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/14/castlevania-harmony-of-despair-announced-via-xbox-live-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/14/castlevania-harmony-of-despair-announced-via-xbox-live-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/14/castlevania-harmony-of-despair-announced-via-xbox-live-summer/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It appears Konami's leaked-pulled-and-then-leaked-again Castlevania: Harmony of Despair is very much a real thing. The rumored 2D multiplayer Castlevania game is part of the Microsoft's returning Summer of Arcade promotion. The junior year's games include:
The press release hasn't mentioned any added bonuses for purchasing all of the games, but previous years promised a refund of 800 Microsoft Points ($10) with purchase of all five participating titles. It's likely this year's Summer of Arcade will do the same, but we'll follow up.

[Thanks, mrmbado!]

JoystiqCastlevania: Harmony of Despair announced via Xbox Live 'Summer of Arcade' 2010 promo originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>castlevania-harmony-of-despaire3-2010hydro-thunder-hurricanelara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightlimbomicrosoftmonday-night-combatsummer-of-arcadexblaxboxxbox-liveMon, 14 Jun 2010 17:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: Karl Stewart on Lara Croft and the new Crystal Dynamics]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/interview-karl-stewart-on-lara-croft-and-the-new-crystal-dynami/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/interview-karl-stewart-on-lara-croft-and-the-new-crystal-dynami/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/interview-karl-stewart-on-lara-croft-and-the-new-crystal-dynami/#comments At Square Enix's pre-E3 event yesterday, we got a chance to talk with Karl Stewart, global brand director for Tomb Raider developer Crystal Dynamics. We asked him about the reorganization inside the developer (which lead directly to the development of the already impressive Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light), its new approach to managing the Tomb Raider brand and how its new focus is affecting the way other Eidos studios work. We also got a taste of just how outside-the-box its new "experimental team" can go.

Joystiq: This reorganization all happened after the Square Enix acquisition?

Karl Stewart: We had actually been going through the shakeup at the studio prior to it, and really we had already presented that we knew we needed to make a drastic change for the studio and that continuing down the same path wasn't really going to cut it any longer. So Darrell Gallagher had taken over the studio at that time and he had some great ideas about how to sort of retool the studio, and it was around then that Square Enix came aboard, purchased us, so we presented our vision for it and they thought it was the right way to go. And as a result, we continued down that path.

This was after the release of Underworld?

Yeah, this was. Underworld had shipped, the DLC for 360 had already shipped and we just realized that when we started looking at our next game we knew that we needed to take a step back and build the next big title and it wasn't going to come year after year. That's been one of our frustrations: seeing the titles come out year after year after year, so we decided that was the end of that.

Continue reading Interview: Karl Stewart on Lara Croft and the new Crystal Dynamics

JoystiqInterview: Karl Stewart on Lara Croft and the new Crystal Dynamics originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 May 2010 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Crystal-DynamicsEidosinterviewKarl-StewartLara-Croft-and-the-Guardian-of-LightMicrosoftPSNSquare-EnixSquare-Enix-EuropeTomb-RaiderXBLAXbox-360Thu, 20 May 2010 09:15:00 EST