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[2K sales week kicks off on XBLM]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/2k-sales-week-kicks-off-on-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/2k-sales-week-kicks-off-on-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/2k-sales-week-kicks-off-on-xblm/#comments A sizable selection of games and add-ons from publisher 2K Games are now on sale on Xbox Live Marketplace. The deals, which include half-off on the Mechromancer Pack from Borderlands 2 (400 MSP), the same discount for BioShock 2 on Games on Demand ($9.99), and a beefy 75 percent off XBLA games Axel & Pixel and The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom (200 MSP each), all come to an end on January 14.

The full list of on-sale games and add-ons awaits you after the break.

Continue reading 2K sales week kicks off on XBLM

Joystiq2K sales week kicks off on XBLM originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jan 2013 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbioshock-2borderlandsborderlands-2mafia-2microsoftnba-2k12XBLAXBLMxboxxbox-liveWed, 09 Jan 2013 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mafia 2 developer 2K Czech lays off 40]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/mafia-2-developer-2k-czech-lays-off-40/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/mafia-2-developer-2k-czech-lays-off-40/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/mafia-2-developer-2k-czech-lays-off-40/#comments Mafia 2 and Top Spin 4 developer 2K Czech has laid off up to 40 from its Brno arm and less than 10 from its Prague branch according to a report from Develop. The cuts represent a loss of between 20-25 percent for the formerly 200-strong 2K Czech.

The studio told Develop the cuts are more about slimming down than changing directions, saying it "has realigned its resources to streamline the development process, reduce costs and maximize studio performance."

You always hate to hear about job cuts of any kind, and you can count on staffers from 2K Czech to have plenty of colorful ways to express their frustration.

JoystiqMafia 2 developer 2K Czech lays off 40 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-czechlayoffsMafia-2microsoftpcplaystationps3top-spin-4xboxThu, 01 Sep 2011 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[New Prague-based dev studio, Warhorse, is ready to rock your RPG world]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/23/new-prague-based-dev-studio-warhorse-is-ready-to-rock-your-rpg/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/23/new-prague-based-dev-studio-warhorse-is-ready-to-rock-your-rpg/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/23/new-prague-based-dev-studio-warhorse-is-ready-to-rock-your-rpg/#comments Four eminent 2K Czech and Bohemia Interactive employees have split to form Warhorse, a new development studio in Prague, and are now working on a previously unannounced RPG. Mafia and Mafia II creator Dan Vávra is heading the team at Warhorse, co-founded with Martin Klíma, author of Dragon's Lair. Viktor Bocan, designer of Operation Flashpoint, and Mafia animator Zbynek Trávnivký complete the fearsome foursome.

Combined, the Warhorse crew's games have sold more than 11 million copies. They are hiring now for work on this mysterious RPG, requesting people who are willing to move to Prague to work with talented, successful, laid-back developers, which we're sure will be nearly impossible to find.

JoystiqNew Prague-based dev studio, Warhorse, is ready to rock your RPG world originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Jul 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Czechbohemia-interactivedevelopmentMafiaMafia-2operation-flashpoint-dragon-risingpcwarhorsewarhorse-studiosSat, 23 Jul 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[2K Games DLC marked down for Xbox Live Deal of the Week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/2k-games-dlc-marked-down-for-xbox-live-deal-of-the-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/2k-games-dlc-marked-down-for-xbox-live-deal-of-the-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/2k-games-dlc-marked-down-for-xbox-live-deal-of-the-week/#comments If you're of the opinion that the respective, already-pretty-massive worlds of BioShock 2, Borderlands and Mafia 2 could use a little expanding, you can do so on the cheap this week. Xbox Live Marketplace has discounted select DLC for the three titles as its current Deal of the Week.

Continue reading 2K Games DLC marked down for Xbox Live Deal of the Week

Joystiq2K Games DLC marked down for Xbox Live Deal of the Week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 May 2011 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbioshock-2borderlandsdeal-of-the-weekmafia-2microsoftxblmxboxxbox-liveTue, 10 May 2011 12:05:00 EST<![CDATA[OnLive marks Mafia 2 down to five bucks today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/22/onlive-marks-mafia-2-down-to-five-bucks-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/22/onlive-marks-mafia-2-down-to-five-bucks-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/22/onlive-marks-mafia-2-down-to-five-bucks-today/#comments 2K Games' 1940s crime drama Mafia 2 is no stranger to being discounted on the PC -- but never quite as cheap as this. OnLive's weekly "$5 Friday" promotion has set its sights on Mafia 2, bringing the streamable title's price down to a single Lincoln until the end of the day.

Continue reading OnLive marks Mafia 2 down to five bucks today

JoystiqOnLive marks Mafia 2 down to five bucks today originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Czech2k-gamesMafia-2onlivepcFri, 22 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock 2, Mafia 2 marked down for Amazon Deal of the Day]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/04/bioshock-2-mafia-2-marked-down-for-amazon-deal-of-the-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/04/bioshock-2-mafia-2-marked-down-for-amazon-deal-of-the-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/04/bioshock-2-mafia-2-marked-down-for-amazon-deal-of-the-day/#comments We'll probably never be able to realize our vision for a video game based on a crime syndicate that operates solely out of subaquatic tunnels. However, Amazon's offering the next best thing: BioShock 2 and Mafia 2 are marked down to $11 and $15, respectively, as the Deal of the Day promotion.

Continue reading BioShock 2, Mafia 2 marked down for Amazon Deal of the Day

JoystiqBioShock 2, Mafia 2 marked down for Amazon Deal of the Day originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesamazonbioshock-2deal-of-the-dayMafia-2microsoftplaystationps3xboxMon, 04 Apr 2011 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[$30 Mafia 2 re-release includes all DLC, available now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/30-mafia-2-re-release-includes-all-dlc-available-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/30-mafia-2-re-release-includes-all-dlc-available-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/30-mafia-2-re-release-includes-all-dlc-available-now/#comments A week after being ratted out by Amazon, 2K Games has officially announced the Mafia 2 re-release. While the PC version will retain the "Director's Cut" branding, as seen on Amazon, the console re-releases will be labeled as part of the "Greatest Hits" series for PS3 and "Platinum Hits" collection for Xbox 360.

All versions will include the same bonus content: the "Betrayal of Jimmy," "Jimmy's Vendetta" and "Joe's Adventures" DLC, plus the four, once-retail-exclusive style packs. The best part: These editions are available at "select retailers" right now -- and for $30 apiece -- with more retail availability to follow next month.

Gallery: Mafia 2 (Director's Cut box art)

Continue reading $30 Mafia 2 re-release includes all DLC, available now

Joystiq$30 Mafia 2 re-release includes all DLC, available now originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesdirectors-cutgreatest-hitsMafia-2microsoftpcplatinum-hitsplaystationps3xboxWed, 30 Mar 2011 15:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Mafia 2: Director's Cut revealed by Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/mafia-2-directors-cut-revealed-by-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/mafia-2-directors-cut-revealed-by-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/mafia-2-directors-cut-revealed-by-amazon/#comments Some compelling evidence that we just can't fuhgeddabout has surfaced over on Amazon, suggesting a re-release of Mafia 2 impends. As you can see in the cover art above, Mafia 2: Director's Cut for PS3, PC, and Xbox 360 includes the original game and some additional DLC: three story packs and four car and clothes packs.

The story packs are most likely Joe's Adventures, Jimmy's Vendetta and The Betrayal of Jimmy, while the car and clothes packs sound like those retailer pre-order exclusives that were later offered separately. We've contacted 2K Games for comment.

[Thanks, No Name]

JoystiqMafia 2: Director's Cut revealed by Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Czech2k-gamesamazonjimmys-vendettajoes-adventuresMafia-2mafia-2-directors-cutmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Take-Twothe-betrayal-of-jimmyxboxWed, 23 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mafia 2 is three-quarters off on Steam during midweek madness]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/09/mafia-2-is-three-quarters-off-on-steam-during-midweek-madness/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/09/mafia-2-is-three-quarters-off-on-steam-during-midweek-madness/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/09/mafia-2-is-three-quarters-off-on-steam-during-midweek-madness/#comments Sales and deals no longer need to be relegated to the bookends of our working week -- Steam's breaking the mold with a "Midweek Madness" discount on Mafia 2. From today until Thursday at 4 PM PST, the open-world crime drama is 75 percent off, knocking its price to a meager $7.50.

Continue reading Mafia 2 is three-quarters off on Steam during midweek madness

JoystiqMafia 2 is three-quarters off on Steam during midweek madness originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-czech2k-gamesMafia-2pcsalesteamWed, 09 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tons of 2K Games and Rockstar DLC on sale through Xbox Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/25/tons-of-2k-games-and-rockstar-dlc-on-sale-through-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/25/tons-of-2k-games-and-rockstar-dlc-on-sale-through-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/25/tons-of-2k-games-and-rockstar-dlc-on-sale-through-xbox-live/#comments Are any of your many, many 2K Games or Rockstar titles for Xbox 360 in need of a little expansion? Maybe you'd like to have an Undead Nightmare on the Zombie Island of Dr. Ned? Perhaps a visit to Minerva's Den to settle Jimmy's Vendetta? Itching to sing The Ballad of Gay Tony in ... um, the Underdome? These analogies are escaping us, but our bloodhound-esque nose for value is not: All the aforementioned DLC, as well as quite a few other BioShock 2, Mafia 2, Borderlands and Red Dead Redemption expansions are on sale through Xbox Live until January 31.

There are also a few avatar items discounted, not to mention a few full classic games such as Sid Meier's Pirates and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. You're not likely to see a fire sale of this scope on the platform any time soon -- check after the jump for the full list of encheapened items.

Continue reading Tons of 2K Games and Rockstar DLC on sale through Xbox Live

JoystiqTons of 2K Games and Rockstar DLC on sale through Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshock-2borderlandsmafia-2microsoftRed-Dead-RedemptionxboxTue, 25 Jan 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[12 Days of Joyswag: Mafia 2 gun-shaped lamp and game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/19/12-days-of-joyswag-mafia-2-gun-shaped-lamp-and-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/19/12-days-of-joyswag-mafia-2-gun-shaped-lamp-and-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/19/12-days-of-joyswag-mafia-2-gun-shaped-lamp-and-game/#comments
To celebrate the holidays, we're having twelve straight days of giveaways up through Christmas day. And while we say it's to celebrate, really ... we're simply getting rid of some of the larger packages around the ol' office.

Here on day five, it's time to unload this gun-shaped Mafia 2 lamp. The more astute amongst you may be thinking, "Hey Joystiq ... didn't we already do this one?" Well, yes. Four months ago. But we've got another lamp and, with only 200 made, that means ol' Joystiq commanded a full 1% of the limited run. And like before, we're giving this away to one of you, along with a copy of the game on either Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3. Find the full rules after the break, then make with the commenting. Capisce?

Continue reading 12 Days of Joyswag: Mafia 2 gun-shaped lamp and game

Joystiq12 Days of Joyswag: Mafia 2 gun-shaped lamp and game originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 19 Dec 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12-days-of-joyswag-2010JoyswagMafia-2microsoftplaystationps3xboxSun, 19 Dec 2010 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mafia 2 DLC 'Joe's Adventures' makes you an offer on November 23]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/mafia-2-dlc-joes-adventures-makes-you-an-offer-on-november-23/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/mafia-2-dlc-joes-adventures-makes-you-an-offer-on-november-23/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/mafia-2-dlc-joes-adventures-makes-you-an-offer-on-november-23/#comments
 The third DLC pack for Mafia 2, entitled "Joe's Adventures," will open up more of Empire Bay on November 23. It'll set back wannabe wiseguy types a cool $10 across the board -- $9.99 on PSN and 800 MS Points ($10) on Xbox Live and Windows PC.

Now, we know what you're thinking: sorry, it's not about how Joe had a falling out with Mac, found himself frozen for centuries only to be thawed out in Empire Bay and within the employ of the mob. In fact it's about Joe Barbaro, protagonist Vito Scaletta's best friend, and follows the events of Joe's life while Vito finds himself in prison. While the former sounds amazing, if there's one thing Encino Man taught us, it's that recently thawed cavemen are too pre-occupied with wheezin' the juice to commit any crimes.

Gallery: Mafia 2: Joe's Adventures


Continue reading Mafia 2 DLC 'Joe's Adventures' makes you an offer on November 23

JoystiqMafia 2 DLC 'Joe's Adventures' makes you an offer on November 23 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Czech2k-gamesjoes-adventuresMafia-2microsoftpcplaystationps3take-twoxboxFri, 22 Oct 2010 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Mafia 2 'Cars and Clothes' DLC available now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/29/mafia-2-cars-and-clothes-dlc-available-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/29/mafia-2-cars-and-clothes-dlc-available-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/29/mafia-2-cars-and-clothes-dlc-available-now/#comments Mafia 2's "Cars and Clothes" DLC pack -- which, appropriately, adds both new cars and clothes -- is available now on all platforms for $2.99/240 Microsoft Points. If you want to catch a glimpse of the four formerly retailer-exclusive themes for the new rides and duds, check out the trailer below.

Continue reading Mafia 2 'Cars and Clothes' DLC available now

JoystiqMafia 2 'Cars and Clothes' DLC available now originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesdlcMafia-2microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 29 Sep 2010 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Mafia 2 takes Guinness f-bomb record; HotD: Overkill effing dethroned]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/mafia-2-takes-guinness-f-bomb-record-hotd-overkill-effing-deth/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/mafia-2-takes-guinness-f-bomb-record-hotd-overkill-effing-deth/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/mafia-2-takes-guinness-f-bomb-record-hotd-overkill-effing-deth/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Mafia 2's rap sheet now includes a Guinness World Record for "most swearing in a video game." The mob saga surpassed House of the Dead: Overkill's 189 permutations on the word "f*ck" by ... well, they're still counting. Seriously.

A representative for Guinness World Records tells Joystiq that at the moment the company has accepted that there are over 200 f-bombs in the game. He elaborated, "The number associated with the record is liable to change in the next few weeks, as 2K have promised to supply us with a copy of the game's full script under NDA so we can count the number of f-bombs ourselves and update the record with a complete figure." The company hopes to get the record into the 2011 Gamer's Edition that will be available in January.

The prolific profanities were first noticed by Achievement Hunter and compiled into a video. Take a listen to the NSFW montage after the break.

Continue reading Mafia 2 takes Guinness f-bomb record; HotD: Overkill effing dethroned

JoystiqMafia 2 takes Guinness f-bomb record; HotD: Overkill effing dethroned originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Czechguinness-world-recordsguinness-world-records-gamers-editionhouse-of-the-dead-overkillMafia-2microsoftpcplaystationps3Take-Two-InteractivexboxMon, 20 Sep 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo: Reach tops UK charts, Sports Champions takes silver]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/halo-reach-tops-uk-charts-sports-champions-takes-silver/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/halo-reach-tops-uk-charts-sports-champions-takes-silver/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/halo-reach-tops-uk-charts-sports-champions-takes-silver/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Halo: Reach took the top spot on the UK all-formats sales chart last week. According to Chart-Track, Reach's first-week sales were 20,000 units ahead of Halo 3 and 200,000 more than Halo 3: ODST. The members of Noble 6 also had the fifth biggest launch ever in the UK, with the top four belonging to Modern Warfare 2 (Xbox 360 and PS3), GTA: San Andreas (PS2) and GTA IV (Xbox 360), respectively.

Likely a distant, but still impressive, debut at the number two spot is PlayStation Move's Sports Champions. The only other Move-required games in the top 40 were Start the Party! (#29) and Ubisoft's Racket Sports (#32). Rounding out the top three was Mafia 2, which held the top sales spot for the three weeks prior.

Ubisoft's Prince of Persia: Forgotten Sands turned back time and went up the charts to fifth place last week, likely due to the movie's home video launch and retail promotions. Also, Ubi's Just Dance made it back into the top ten in eighth place. It gave us a good scare last week when the stalwart Wii-exclusive slipped to 11. Check out the UK top ten after the break.

Continue reading Halo: Reach tops UK charts, Sports Champions takes silver

JoystiqHalo: Reach tops UK charts, Sports Champions takes silver originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chart-trackHalo-ReachMafia-2microsoftnintendoplaystationplaystation-moveprince-of-persia-the-forgotten-sandsps3sports-championstoy-story-3ukwiixboxMon, 20 Sep 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Joe's Adventures' in Mafia 2 coming later this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/16/joes-adventures-mafia-2-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/16/joes-adventures-mafia-2-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/16/joes-adventures-mafia-2-dlc/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Mafia 2's third major piece of downloadable content will be "Joe's Adventures," available on PS3, Xbox 360 and PC later this year. Take-Two will announce pricing and an exact date at a later time. The DLC will expand the story of Joe Barbaro in the crime epic by ... wait -- "Joe's Adventures?" Madonn' that's a clunker! You chose that over "Barbaro's Badda-bing Bash?" C'mon!

Oh, you want more? How about "Barbaro Shop 2: Back in Business" ... or "The Barbaro of Empire Bay?" Heck, "Joe the Barbaro-ian" is better than "Joe's Adventures." At least spice it up a bit -- make it "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure" or something. No, wait -- that's taken. Okay, we got! "Barbaroella." Done.

Gallery: Mafia 2 ("Joe's Adventure" DLC)

Joystiq'Joe's Adventures' in Mafia 2 coming later this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCJoes-AdventuresMafia-2microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 16 Sep 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mafia 2 is top UK earner for third week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/13/mafia-2-is-top-uk-earner-for-third-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/13/mafia-2-is-top-uk-earner-for-third-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/13/mafia-2-is-top-uk-earner-for-third-week/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Take-Two's Mafia 2 whacked the competition to hold the top of the UK sales charts for a third week in a row. Making that feat even more surprising is the fact that Chart-Track notes the mob epic had a 58 percent drop in sales for the week. Second place went to Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X. 2, which, after premiering the week before, flew up six spots with the launch of the PS3 version. Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days suppressed the rest, despite a 50 percent sales drop, to take the bronze.

Three new titles entered the top ten: Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions, Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep and R.U.S.E. took sixth through eighth, respectively. Red Dead Redemption just barely hung onto the top ten, but the real shock is that Just Dance took eleventh place -- we think that's the lowest it's gone all year.

Check out the full list of the UK's top 10 bestselling titles for the week after the break.

Continue reading Mafia 2 is top UK earner for third week

JoystiqMafia 2 is top UK earner for third week originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Sep 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainchart-trackdskane-and-lynch-2kane-and-lynch-2-dog-daysMafia-2microsoftnintendoplaystationps3rusesalesspider-man-shattered-dimensionstetris-party-deluxetom-clancy-hawx-2toy-story-3ukwiixboxMon, 13 Sep 2010 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[August NPD: It's another mad, mad, Madden year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/09/august-npd-its-another-mad-mad-madden-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/09/august-npd-its-another-mad-mad-madden-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/09/august-npd-its-another-mad-mad-madden-year/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The sun will rise, the moon will set and it would be a sign of the end days if Madden didn't rule August software sales in the United States. The August NPDs are out and Madden NFL 11 sold over 1.8 million units in the month, a six percent increase over last year, with significant increases on PS3. Mafia 2, which Take-Two expects to be profitable, entered with a badda-boom and appears to have sold around 200K units during the month -- the title has been a chart topper in the UK since launch.

The Xbox 360 remains the top-selling console for a second month, but its sales did drop nearly 20 percent from July. The only hardware to see sales gains during the month was the PlayStation 3, which according to the NPD has now seen 13 consecutive months of year-over-year sales increases.

Overall, hardware and software sales were down both year-over-year and year-to-date. Sales for hardware, software and accessories combined was down 10 percent to $818.9M from last year and down 8 percent year-to-date to $8.31 billion. Consoles tried to make up for the sagging handheld market, as NPD analyst Anita Frazier notes, "The 360 and PS3 platforms both grew in dollar sales versus last year. In fact, the 360 platform contributed more than 1/3 of total new physical retail sales across hardware, software and accessories while the PS3 platform contributed over 1/4 of total dollar sales."

Oh yeah, one more thing: the top ten list of titles after the break only charts console and portable SKUs, so it's worth mentioning StarCraft 2 sold another 300K units in August, which would make it the second best-selling game for the month... if it were factored in. Frazer also stated, "PC games retail dollar sales saw a 35% increase over last August."
  • 360: 357K, down 83K (-19.7%)
  • DS: 343K, down 55.3K (-13.9%)
  • Wii: 244K, down 9.7K (-3.8%)
  • PS3: 226K, up 11K (5.1%)
  • PSP: 79K, down 4.6K (-5.5%)

Continue reading August NPD: It's another mad, mad, Madden year

JoystiqAugust NPD: It's another mad, mad, Madden year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsmadden-nfl-11mafia-2microsoftnintendonpdnpd-monthlyplaystationps3pspsonysuper-mario-galaxy-2wiixboxThu, 09 Sep 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mafia 2 banned in United Arab Emirates]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/07/mafia-2-banned-in-united-arab-emirates/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/07/mafia-2-banned-in-united-arab-emirates/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/07/mafia-2-banned-in-united-arab-emirates/#commentsFiled under: , ,

According to a report from ME Gamers, the United Arab Emirates National Media Council has officially banned the sale of Mafia 2 within its borders. No statement has been formally issued by the NMC regarding the ban, though a report from Arabian Business (via Gamasutra) cites "excessive violence and nudity contained in the game."

Mafia 2 joins a laundry list of other titles deemed inappropriate by the UAE's media governance body, including this year's Heavy Rain and Darksiders. That said, reports in the past have pointed out the relative ease with which UAE residents can still pick up various "banned" games.

Mafia 2 has been criticized by UNICO National, an Italian American organization, as a "pile of racist nonsense." The game was also criticized by Joystiq for forcing us to spend "way too much time in shallow block-counter-repeat fistfights or behind the wheel of a clunky automobile."

JoystiqMafia 2 banned in United Arab Emirates originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-czechbannedMafia-2microsoftnational-media-councilpcplaystationps3take-twotake-two-interactiveuaeunited-arab-emiratesxboxTue, 07 Sep 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mafia 2 controls top of UK Charts for second week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/06/mafia-2-controls-top-of-uk-charts-for-second-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/06/mafia-2-controls-top-of-uk-charts-for-second-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/06/mafia-2-controls-top-of-uk-charts-for-second-week/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Did you think Take-Two's Mafia 2 would slip off the top spot in the UK charts after one week? Well, fuhgeddaboudit -- Chart-Track notes that despite a 23 percent drop in sales, the crime sandbox maintained its Godfather status. Last week, the publisher announced that it expects the game to continue being a good earner.

Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days maintained its silver status with Nintendo's Wii Sports Resort rallying into bronze (thanks to a Wiimote bundle). Sales stalwarts Toy Story 3 and Red Dead Redemption remain in fourth and fifth, respectively.

It appears that the time for one of Ubisoft's Dance titles is over. Older brother Just Dance is still jammin' at seventh, but Dance on Broadway has a bum leg and laryngitis, slipping even further this week down to 22.

Check out last week's top 10 selling titles in the UK after the break.

Update: Oops, we neglected to mention Metroid: Other M premiered last week at 12. Looks like we weren't the only ones who didn't notice it was available.

Continue reading Mafia 2 controls top of UK Charts for second week

JoystiqMafia 2 controls top of UK Charts for second week originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Sep 2010 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainchart-trackkane-and-lynch-2kane-and-lynch-2-dog-daysMafia-2microsoftnintendoplaystationps3red-dead-redemptionToy-Story-3ukwiiwii-sports-resortxboxMon, 06 Sep 2010 09:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Mafia 2 likely to be profitable, Take-Two says]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/02/mafia-2-likely-to-be-profitable-take-two-says/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/02/mafia-2-likely-to-be-profitable-take-two-says/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/02/mafia-2-likely-to-be-profitable-take-two-says/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Speaking today during Take-Two's quarterly earnings call, CEO Ben Feder commented on Mafia 2's projected profitability. Perhaps directly rebutting one analyst's recent prediction, Feder assured investors, "Based upon the initial launch, we expect this to be another profitable title for Take-Two." He did not offer specific sales or shipment data for the game's first week at retail, nor did Feder note a general timetable for when to expect Mafia 2 to cross over into the black.

Mafia 2 was released on August 24 to somewhat favorable critical reception, following an eight-year development process that began when 2K Czech set to work on a custom game engine. Our first glimpse of the game (pictured above) came just over three years ago.

JoystiqMafia 2 likely to be profitable, Take-Two says originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-federMafia-2microsoftpcplaystationps3salesTake-TwoxboxThu, 02 Sep 2010 17:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Mafia 2 faces Jimmy's Vendetta on September 7]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/mafia-2-faces-jimmys-vendetta-on-september-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/mafia-2-faces-jimmys-vendetta-on-september-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/mafia-2-faces-jimmys-vendetta-on-september-7/#commentsFiled under: , ,

After the Betrayal of Jimmy, it only makes sense that Mafia 2 players would be present for Jimmy's Vendetta. 2K Games announced today that the next piece of Mafia 2 DLC will be available on September 7 for $9.99 on PC and PS3, and 800 Microsoft Points on Xbox 360.

"Jimmy's Vendetta" adds "more than 30 new quests and leaderboard ranking" as players step into the role of Jimmy, taking care of business left unfinished by other mobsters. As you progress through the series of assassinations and car chases, we'll find out if the storyline sets up our idea for the next content pack, "Let's Leave Jimmy Alone for a While, He's Had Kind of a Rough Couple of Days."

Continue reading Mafia 2 faces Jimmy's Vendetta on September 7

JoystiqMafia 2 faces Jimmy's Vendetta on September 7 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-CzechdlcJimmys-Vendettamafia-2microsoftplaystationps3release-datexboxTue, 31 Aug 2010 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Mafia 2 enters UK charts, biggest launch since Red Dead Redemption]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/mafia-2-enters-uk-charts-biggest-launch-since-red-dead-redempti/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/mafia-2-enters-uk-charts-biggest-launch-since-red-dead-redempti/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/mafia-2-enters-uk-charts-biggest-launch-since-red-dead-redempti/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Take-Two's crime drama, Mafia 2, debuted at the top of the UK charts last week, with Chart-Track calling it "the biggest UK game launch since Take-Two's very own Red Dead Redemption 14 weeks ago." Though it's an impressive start, we've yet to see how the game fares in the United States, and whether sales have the stamina to recoup the costs of a lengthy development.

Kane and Lynch aren't done with their Dog Days up on the charts just yet. Despite slipping into second place this week, the duo managed a 33 percent increase in sales. Toy Story 3 and Red Dead Redemption found comfortable spots in third and fourth, respectively, and a Wii sale in the region helped boost the system-bundled Wii Sports Resort from 16 to number five.

If there's one surprise, it's that one of Ubisoft's Dance titles is out of the top ten. Don't worry, Just Dance is still gettin' down like an all-night rave at sixth, but Dance on Broadway has fallen off the stage and into row 16.

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

Continue reading Mafia 2 enters UK charts, biggest launch since Red Dead Redemption

JoystiqMafia 2 enters UK charts, biggest launch since Red Dead Redemption originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chart-Trackkane-and-lynch-2kane-and-lynch-2-dog-daysMafia-2microsoftnintendoplaystationps3Red-Dead-RedemptionToy-Story-3UKwiixboxTue, 31 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mafia 2 unlikely to be profitable, Pachter says]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/30/mafia-2-unlikely-to-be-profitable-pachter-says/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/30/mafia-2-unlikely-to-be-profitable-pachter-says/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/30/mafia-2-unlikely-to-be-profitable-pachter-says/#commentsFiled under: , ,

According to Michael Pachter, Mafia 2 sales appear unlikely to recoup the cost of the game's six-year development period. The Wedbush analyst told Gamasutra that "consumer interest appears to be waning" for 2K Games' crime drama.

Mafia 2 currently holds the #43 position on Amazon's Video Game Bestsellers list, one week after release. In comparison, Rockstar's Red Dead Redemption faced regular shortages when it was first released and sold five million units in just three weeks' time.

Take-Two will update its investors with the company's latest financial results later this week. In addition to confirming sales figures, Pachter expects "the company to announce a shift in release dates for LA Noire out of 2010 and into 2011." Now ... wouldn't that be surprising?

JoystiqMafia 2 unlikely to be profitable, Pachter says originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analystMafia-2michael-pachtermicrosoftpcplaystationps3salestake-twoxboxMon, 30 Aug 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[See Mafia 2 and get ... a haircut]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/27/see-mafia-2-and-get-a-haircut/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/27/see-mafia-2-and-get-a-haircut/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/27/see-mafia-2-and-get-a-haircut/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We, as it turns out, are in a race with PR to the end of civilization. It goes a little like this: they keep coming up with more obstinately dumb ways to promote games and, since we too are dumb, we fall for it and write about it. Then they get dumber and we have to write about it harder. And so on.

So we're going to do our part and tell you that 2K Games is offering free haircuts to gamers in the UK to entice them to check out Mafia II (full details after the jump). But we do so with the understanding that we're propagating a cycle that terminates with "Hurl Your Feces at Halo 4 as You Screech in Delight" in the not-too-distant future.

So, sorry. For that.

(P.S. The title of the press release literally includes the phrase "Invite You To Become A Mane Man." We didn't add that.)

Continue reading See Mafia 2 and get ... a haircut

JoystiqSee Mafia 2 and get ... a haircut originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Czech2K-GamesMafia-2microsoftpcplaystationprps3xboxFri, 27 Aug 2010 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: The Naked Gun visits Mafia 2's Empire Bay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/26/video-the-naked-gun-visits-mafia-2s-empire-bay/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/26/video-the-naked-gun-visits-mafia-2s-empire-bay/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/26/video-the-naked-gun-visits-mafia-2s-empire-bay/#comments The Zucker brothers' classic The Naked Gun and video games are no strangers. We've seen Naked Gun mashed up with GTAIV, and Doom, for example. Now, an enterprising YouTuber has brought the classic intro into Mafia 2's Empire Bay. We're pretty sure it's the first time we've seen a car use a toilet.

Continue reading Video: The Naked Gun visits Mafia 2's Empire Bay

JoystiqVideo: The Naked Gun visits Mafia 2's Empire Bay originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Mafia-2microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 26 Aug 2010 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Mafia 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/metareview-mafia-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/metareview-mafia-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/metareview-mafia-2/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Much like the mafioso antics of Mafia 2's Vito Scaletta and co., review scores for the game are all over the place. 2K Games probably wants people to fuhgedabout those on the lower end, but we've collected a sampling of the whole gamut for you below. And hey, if you haven't read our review yet, you should read it first -- capisce?
  • Game Informer (90/100): "In an era when video games are moving away from relying on cinematics for storytelling, Mafia II draws on the rich mobster film history to weave a gripping drama about family, friendship, loyalty, betrayal, and pragmatism. If you're fond of quoting Don Corleone and Tony Soprano, don't miss this game."
  • GameSpot (8.5): "Mafia II is an excellent return of a franchise with great promise. Vito and his associates are memorable characters in a city bursting with subtle visual details and violent undertones ... While you might be disappointed with what Mafia II doesn't do, it's hard to be disappointed by what this excellent game does do: deliver fun shoot-outs and pockets of shocking brutality in a world you're delighted to be a part of."
  • Giant Bomb (3/5 Stars): "Playing Mafia II gives you the feeling that the developers put more emphasis on telling a great mob story than designing a great video game, but had to split their attention too much to effectively do either one ... There are a lot of great mob stories out there already, and this one needed more focus to stand out next to all the memorable tales that came before."
  • Eurogamer (4/10): "Mafia II gets the last word by destroying the myth that the mafia is interesting at all. It contends that the mob world is a hell of boredom populated by aggressively stupid automatons. These drones wake up each morning, carry out a series of repetitious tasks, and return home. The message: thug life is nothing more than it appears. And Mafia II is even less."

Gallery: Mafia 2 (7/21/10)

JoystiqMetareview: Mafia 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-czech2k-gamesMafia-2metareviewmicrosoftpcplaystationps3take-twotake-two-interactivexboxTue, 24 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joyswag: Mafia 2 'Gun Lamp' and suitcase]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/joyswag-mafia-2-gun-lamp-and-suitcase/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/joyswag-mafia-2-gun-lamp-and-suitcase/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/joyswag-mafia-2-gun-lamp-and-suitcase/#comments Is that a gun? No, it's a gun lamp! 2K Games crafted some truly remarkable swag over the course of Mafia 2's promotion -- including a rather authentic-looking suitcase, filled with some "classified documents." One Joystiq reader will be sent the lamp, the briefcase, and a copy of the game on the platform of their choice.

To enter this giveaway:
  • Leave a comment describing the most deadly furniture you own. Also, let us know what your preferred platform is!
  • You must be 17 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec).
  • Limit 1 entry per person.
  • This entry period ends at 5:00PM ET on Thursday, August 26.
  • At that time, we'll randomly select one grand prize winner to receive a limited edition Mafia 2 lamp, suitcase, and a copy of the game on either PS3, Xbox 360 or PC. (ARV $100). Two runner-ups will receive a copy of the game. (ARV $60).
  • For a list of complete rules, click here.
What is Joyswag? Since we don't keep the games and merchandise we receive for review or promotional purposes, it becomes "Joyswag," which is passed along to our readers. Please note that Joyswag may be in "used" condition.

For more info on our policy, click here.

JoystiqJoyswag: Mafia 2 'Gun Lamp' and suitcase originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>joyswagMafia-2microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 24 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: Mafia 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/review-mafia-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/review-mafia-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/review-mafia-2/#comments There's a bit early on in Mafia 2 where war veteran and budding crook Vito Scaletta tries to go straight. He takes some grunt work at the docks, just like his late old man, loading hefty wooden crates onto a truck bed. After a few minutes of player-controlled hauling, he abandons his short-lived foray into working stiffery permanently.

But after playing though the entirety of his criminal career, after seeing the gameplay and narrative drudgery he was in store for, it's hard to say for certain that he made the right choice.

Gallery: Mafia 2 (7/20/10)

Continue reading Review: Mafia 2

JoystiqReview: Mafia 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-czech2k-gamesMafia-2Mafia-IImicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxMon, 23 Aug 2010 12:35:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Not all Italian Americans are descended from Mafia 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/18/psa-not-all-italian-americans-are-descended-from-mafia-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/18/psa-not-all-italian-americans-are-descended-from-mafia-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/18/psa-not-all-italian-americans-are-descended-from-mafia-2/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Wednesday 18 August

Weight: Ugh. I don't even want to know what I weigh after inhaling that slice.

Food consumed today: Do I really have to spell it out again? P. I. Z. Z. A. And I know for sure the guys running that joint aren't in the mafia or whatever. I don't even think they're Italian.

Evening. Cloudy. A good night for the gym.

Oh Diary, what to do about these UNICO National people? They've gone and denounced Mafia 2 as a "pile of racist nonsense" -- which is great to get some added publicity a week before launch. Lord knows this game has been in development for-ever.

But still, to suggest the game will "indoctrinate a new generation into directly associating Italians and Italian Americans with violent, murderous organized crime" -- really? Mafia 2 is clearly a period piece. I mean, look at the cars in that game. Oh, and those clothes! What a riot!

Frankly, and I don't think I'm alone here, when I think Italian American -- sure, I used to think The Godfather, and then it was The Sopranos -- but now it's GTL, you know? Those are good values. I mean, look just how far a strong body can take you. And who wants to walk around looking all pale? Which reminds me! I need to go schedule my dry cleaning to be delivered in the morning. TTYL!

-Zelny

Continue reading PSA: Not all Italian Americans are descended from Mafia 2

JoystiqPSA: Not all Italian Americans are descended from Mafia 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controversyGTLMafia-2microsoftpcplaystationps3racismstrauss-zelnick-diaryTake-TwoUNICO-NationalxboxWed, 18 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EU PlayStation Plus subscribers get Mafia 2 demo early]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/10/eu-playstation-plus-subscribers-get-mafia-2-demo-early/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/10/eu-playstation-plus-subscribers-get-mafia-2-demo-early/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/10/eu-playstation-plus-subscribers-get-mafia-2-demo-early/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Sony announced this morning via its EU PlayStation Blog that the demo for Mafia 2 will be a "24-hour exclusive" to PlayStation Plus subscribers on the EU PSN (people presumably still reeling from their bonus copies of LittleBigPlanet). Non-subscribers in the EU will get the demo tomorrow. The demo went live via Automatic Download and on the PlayStation Plus section of PSN this morning.

If you can patiently outlast today, you'll find the demo available to every European PS3 owner tomorrow. It's also available worldwide on the Xbox Live Marketplace right now and should be added to the US PSN later today.

JoystiqEU PlayStation Plus subscribers get Mafia 2 demo early originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-czech2k-gamesdemoeuropeMafia-2playstationplaystation-plusps3psntake-twotake-two-interactiveTue, 10 Aug 2010 12:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Mafia 2 trailer showcases tech behind the game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/08/mafia-2-trailer-showcases-tech-behind-the-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/08/mafia-2-trailer-showcases-tech-behind-the-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/08/mafia-2-trailer-showcases-tech-behind-the-game/#comments The latest trailer for Mafia 2 showcases some of the reasons we had such a great time playing it last month: attention to detail. Specifically, 2K Czech team members explain in the clip how the game engine powering the title goes a long way in making the world feel alive. NPCs wait for traffic signals, react naturally when you interact with them (for instance, smashing head-on into their automobile will elicit lots of shouting), and objects in the environment respond accordingly as well.

Though we might argue that main character Vito Scaletta probably doesn't need to mow down that totally innocent phone booth (as seen in the video after the break), the action does its job of impressing upon us the physicality of Empire Bay. We'll get another chance to try out the game this coming Tuesday when the demo hits, and will get the full retail release just two weeks later on the 24th.

Gallery: Mafia 2 (7/20/10)

Continue reading Mafia 2 trailer showcases tech behind the game

JoystiqMafia 2 trailer showcases tech behind the game originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Aug 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-czeck2k-gamesillusion-engineMafia-2microsoftpcphysxplaystationps3take-two-interactivetrailerxboxSun, 08 Aug 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[See Jimmy's betrayal in these new Mafia 2 screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/07/see-jimmys-betrayal-in-these-new-mafia-2-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/07/see-jimmys-betrayal-in-these-new-mafia-2-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/07/see-jimmys-betrayal-in-these-new-mafia-2-screens/#comments Remember that famous scene in the The Godfather where Michael tells Fredo to never take sides against the family? Well, in the world of Mafia 2 -- set in post-WWII America -- that movie wasn't filmed yet, so PS3-exclusive DLC protagonist, Jimmy, never learned that lesson. Feel free to see what we mean in our gallery of fresh screens below.

The Betrayal of Jimmy DLC will be free to all who pick up Mafia 2 for the PS3 new (via an included voucher) and available for download through PSN for $9.99 when the game launches on August 24.

Gallery: Mafia 2 -- The Betrayal of Jimmy

JoystiqSee Jimmy's betrayal in these new Mafia 2 screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Aug 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Czech2k-gamesdlcmafiaMafia-2playstationps3the-betrayal-of-jimmySat, 07 Aug 2010 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mafia 2 kicking in heads with latest trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/01/mafia-2-kicking-in-heads-with-latest-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/01/mafia-2-kicking-in-heads-with-latest-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/01/mafia-2-kicking-in-heads-with-latest-trailer/#comments If you didn't know, we've got a pizza slice-shaped hole in our hearts ready to be filled by Mafia 2's mafioso charms. The latest trailer, revealed "exclusively" on the latest episode of GameTrailers TV, only helps a little to abate our excitement for the game's impending release.

Continue reading Mafia 2 kicking in heads with latest trailer

JoystiqMafia 2 kicking in heads with latest trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 01 Aug 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-czech2k-gamesMafia-2microsoftpcplaystationps3take-twotake-two-interactivetrailerxboxSun, 01 Aug 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mafia 2 demo is in business August 10]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/mafia-2-demo-is-in-business-august-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/mafia-2-demo-is-in-business-august-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/mafia-2-demo-is-in-business-august-10/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Now for an offer you can't refuse: Mafia 2's demo will hit Xbox 360, PS3 and PC on August 10. Take a ride on the wise guy side and test drive the family business simulator before its August 24 launch.

Although we aren't exactly sure what's in the public demo, you can check our latest preview, or the one from E3, for an idea of what to expect. So far, we haven't been disappointed of what we've seen from the game -- and, no, nobody is holding a gun to our head to say that ... maybe.

[Thanks, Matthew]

Gallery: Mafia 2 (7/20/10)

JoystiqMafia 2 demo is in business August 10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 19:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Czech2K-GamesdemoMafia-2microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 22 Jul 2010 19:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Mafia 2 adds Steam support, serves up Mafia 1 for digital pre-orders]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/21/mafia-2-adds-steam-support-serves-up-mafia-1-for-digital-pre-or/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/21/mafia-2-adds-steam-support-serves-up-mafia-1-for-digital-pre-or/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/21/mafia-2-adds-steam-support-serves-up-mafia-1-for-digital-pre-or/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Take-Two sent over a press release announcing a partnership between 2K Games and Valve, whose Steam platform will power the PC version of Mafia 2's online multiplayer and bestow upon those who pre-order a free copy of the original Mafia game -- available to download and play immediately prior to the sequel's August 24 launch date. Don't use Steam? No matter - the deal is good through "select digital retailers" including Steam and applies to both the standard and collector's edition, so you've got some say in the matter. Talk about an offer you can't refuse!

Steamworks will help our friend Mafia 2 through its unique feature set, including auto-updates, Steam Achievements, and all of the other data provided by the latest version of Steam.

Gallery: Mafia 2 (7/21/10)

JoystiqMafia 2 adds Steam support, serves up Mafia 1 for digital pre-orders originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Czech2k-gamesmafiaMafia-2pcpre-ordersteamtake-twoWed, 21 Jul 2010 19:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview: Mafia 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/preview-mafia-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/preview-mafia-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/preview-mafia-2/#comments For a story that has so much in common with a Godfather film, Mafia 2 still manages to stand out from its influences. The world crafted in 2K Czech's Illusion Engine is truly impressive, with a snow-covered Empire Bay of the 1940s giving way to a sunny version ten years later. The progression of time gives the already realistic locale even more life, and the change in weather represents a turning point in the game's story.

The two story missions that I played at a 2K press event last month were structured similarly to any old Grand Theft Auto mission, though I found myself enchanted by Empire Bay -- a mashup of various cities, I was told -- and its fiction, complete with music appropriate for the era. I was not to be sidetracked into a sandbox murder spree on my way to the job.

Gallery: Mafia 2 (7/20/10)

Continue reading Preview: Mafia 2

JoystiqPreview: Mafia 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-czech2k-gamesillusion-engineMafia-2microsoftpcplaystationps3take-twoxboxTue, 20 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Betrayal of Jimmy' is exclusive PS3 launch DLC for Mafia 2, 'Jimmy's Vendetta' to come later]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/betrayal-of-jimmy-is-exclusive-ps3-launch-dlc-for-mafia-2-ji/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/betrayal-of-jimmy-is-exclusive-ps3-launch-dlc-for-mafia-2-ji/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/betrayal-of-jimmy-is-exclusive-ps3-launch-dlc-for-mafia-2-ji/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you're a PS3 player and were all excited to see the exclusive "Jimmy's Vendetta" in your Mafia 2 DLC offerings, hold your horses there, Daddy-O. Turns out "Jimmy's Vendetta" is actually the second DLC pack coming to the game. The first is the one that's PS3 exclusive, and it's called "The Betrayal of Jimmy." Boy, this Jimmy guy, he's got some trust issues.

"The Betrayal of Jimmy" will be available exclusively for the PS3 at launch, free with a code inside the new game, or from PSN for $9.99. The pack will allow players to experience "dozens of intense newly created arcade-style, city-based missions" as Jimmy, a mob mercenary. "Jimmy's Vendetta" is another pack coming down the line (pricing and availability not yet announced) that will offer new locations and new missions and have the player working alongside Jimmy around Empire City.

Those previously leaked trophies are for the second pack, then, not the first. And we don't yet know if that pack is exclusive to the PS3 or not. Hey, it's confusing, but you're no mafia meathead -- you gotta be smart to outwit the feds, see?

Gallery: Mafia II DLC

Joystiq'Betrayal of Jimmy' is exclusive PS3 launch DLC for Mafia 2, 'Jimmy's Vendetta' to come later originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesdlcexclusivejimmyjimmys-vendettaMafia-2playstationps3the-betrayal-of-jimmyFri, 16 Jul 2010 17:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Mafia 2 PS3 exclusive DLC revealed - 'Jimmy's Vendetta']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/12/mafia-2-ps3-exclusive-dlc-revealed-jimmys-vendetta/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/12/mafia-2-ps3-exclusive-dlc-revealed-jimmys-vendetta/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/12/mafia-2-ps3-exclusive-dlc-revealed-jimmys-vendetta/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Mafia 2
Finally, the first details on Sony's exclusive Mafia 2 content (announced at E3) have surfaced. An early look at the game's Trophy list reveals that the PS3 version the game (see update below) will have free add-on DLC titled "Jimmy's Vendetta." From the Trophy descriptions, it appears the add-on includes several missions and an arcade-style points system, multiplier included. With one Trophy requiring 1,000 kills, it would appear that the add-on is lengthy (or repetitive!) enough to allow players to rack up such an impressive body count.

Update: An official statement from 2K Games on July 16th tells us that "Jimmy's Vendetta" is actually the second planned DLC pack for Mafia 2. "The Betrayal of Jimmy" is the first, PS3 exclusive pack, available for free at launch with an in-box code, or from the PSN for $9.99. "Jimmy's Vendetta" will come later, and pricing and availability have yet to be announced as of this update. The trophies after the break are presumably from the second pack.

Continue reading Mafia 2 PS3 exclusive DLC revealed - 'Jimmy's Vendetta'

JoystiqMafia 2 PS3 exclusive DLC revealed - 'Jimmy's Vendetta' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Czech2K-GamesdlcJimmys-VendettaMafia-2playstationps3psntrophiesMon, 12 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mafia 2 takes a tour of Empire Bay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/08/mafia-2-takes-a-tour-of-empire-bay/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/08/mafia-2-takes-a-tour-of-empire-bay/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/08/mafia-2-takes-a-tour-of-empire-bay/#comments In a new Mafia 2 developer diary, 2K Czech explores the fictional city of Empire Bay. Seen during two distinct time periods over the course of the game, the city is the product of thousands of photographs and intense bouts of wireframe modeling. There's so much to see there -- certainly more than you could process in a single drive-by.

Continue reading Mafia 2 takes a tour of Empire Bay

JoystiqMafia 2 takes a tour of Empire Bay originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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