Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[BioWare drops 10-day validation from Mass Effect PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/10/bioware-drops-10-day-valdiation-from-mass-effect-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/10/bioware-drops-10-day-valdiation-from-mass-effect-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/10/bioware-drops-10-day-valdiation-from-mass-effect-pc/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


After stirring up a hornets' nest of gamer contempt last week by announcing that the forthcoming PC flavor of Mass Effect would require re-validation every 10 days, BioWare community manager Jay Watamaniuk has come forward as the voice of reason on the game's official forums, stating that the developer has now removed the "feature" from the game.

Instead of employing the previously revealed DRM madness, Watamaniuk explained that Mass Effect will include just a one time online authentication, allowing players to play the game once validated without the disc in the drive at all. That said, if any new content is downloaded, the game will again have to bite the disc to make sure it's real. The caveat to all of this, however, is that each Mass Effect purchase will only be able to be installed a maximum of three times, news that has again incited us to pick up our torches and pitchforks and join the mob outside.

JoystiqBioWare drops 10-day validation from Mass Effect PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 May 2008 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredrmeaelectronic-artselectronicartsmasseffectPCsecuromSat, 10 May 2008 09:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect PC will 'Bring Down the Sky' at launch [Updated]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/mass-effect-pc-wont-bring-down-the-sky-at-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/mass-effect-pc-wont-bring-down-the-sky-at-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/mass-effect-pc-wont-bring-down-the-sky-at-launch/#commentsFiled under: ,


Don't expect to play Mass Effect's "Bring Down the Sky" downloadable content on the day the game releases for PC. Developer BioWare tells IGN that the DLC will not be included in the PC release, though there will be an "announcement soon" about "additional content" for it. Update: The DLC will not be included in the box, but will be offered for free to BioWare community members

BioWare dodges the question about whether future DLC will be staggered and released on Xbox 360 first, followed by PC. Either way, the PC gamer race is sure to giggle with delight as they experience less texture popping and shorter elevator rides when Mass Effect launches May 28.

JoystiqMass Effect PC will 'Bring Down the Sky' at launch [Updated] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebring-down-the-skyDLCmasseffectPCThu, 10 Apr 2008 14:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect II will have 'richer' side quests]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/12/mass-effect-2-will-have-more-effective-side-quests/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/12/mass-effect-2-will-have-more-effective-side-quests/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/12/mass-effect-2-will-have-more-effective-side-quests/#commentsFiled under: ,


In an interview with MTV's Multiplayer, BioWare General Manager Greg Zerschuk says Mass Effect II's side quests will be "a little bit richer." He says the company is looking into ways to auto-generate content and possibly tie those into the main story. He'd like to make sure that side quests stay to the side, but that there's something "purposeful about them."

Zerschuk explains now that the technological backbone for Mass Effect is there, the sequel should be much better. He uses the company's Baldur's Gate series as an example, explaining that the the first one was a very solid game, but that the sequel allowed things to be taken "to a whole new level."

JoystiqMass Effect II will have 'richer' side quests originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Mar 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaremasseffectXbox-360zerschukWed, 12 Mar 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joyswag: Win Mass Effect's 'Bring Down the Sky' DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/10/joyswag-win-mass-effects-bring-down-the-sky-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/10/joyswag-win-mass-effects-bring-down-the-sky-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/10/joyswag-win-mass-effects-bring-down-the-sky-dlc/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We never forget a face. That explains why we nearly overlooked the charming fellow above, as his disturbing assemblage of teeth, eyes and wrinkles really stretches our definition of "face" to its very hideous limit. Apparently, we were supposed to meet him for a round of Mass Effect today, foiling his and his fellow Batarians' plan to toss an asteroid at an unsuspecting planet.

If you feel like your galactic romp across BioWare's rich galaxy is in need of extension, the "Bring Down the Sky" Mass Effect add-on promises "approximately 90 minutes" of gameplay and 50 gamerscore points. It's available on the Xbox Live Marketplace now for $5, or 400 MS Points. Oh, and you can win a download code for it right now.
  • To enter this giveaway, suggest a caption for the above image in the comments section.
  • You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec).
  • Limit 1 entry per person. If you enter this giveaway more than once you'll be automatically disqualified and jettisoned into space!
  • This entry period ends tomorrow at 5:45pm ET Tuesday 3/11/08. We'll randomly select 10 winners at that time.
  • For complete rules capable of generating extensive dialogue trees, click here.
[Update: The contest is over. We'll be contacting the winners shortly, so please keep an eye on your inbox!]

JoystiqJoyswag: Win Mass Effect's 'Bring Down the Sky' DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Mar 2008 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareBreakingNewsBring-Down-the-SkyDLCjoyswagMarketplaceMassEffectXbox-360Xbox-LiveXboxLiveMon, 10 Mar 2008 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect to drop for the PC in May, EA to publish]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/12/mass-effect-to-drop-for-the-pc-in-may-ea-to-publish/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/12/mass-effect-to-drop-for-the-pc-in-may-ea-to-publish/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/12/mass-effect-to-drop-for-the-pc-in-may-ea-to-publish/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Mass Effect's long-rumored jump to the PC is now a certainty, as publisher Electronic Arts has taken the popular action RPG under its wing with plans to publish the title for the PC in May. The game is the first in a new deal struck between EA and Microsoft, which will see the publisher bringing this and other unspecified games to the PC market.

According to EA, Mass Effect has undergone a slight makeover for its PC debut, with new PC-centric "fully customizable" controls, the ability to assign hot keys for "run and gun control," an enhanced inventory system, and a new decryption minigame. The publisher also boasts of the version's new "highly detailed" visuals, though we're curious to see if the console version's horrendous texture pop-in will be checked at the door before boarding the painfully slow rising elevator leading to Mass Effect's spring release.

JoystiqMass Effect to drop for the PC in May, EA to publish originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Feb 2008 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebreakingnewseaelectronic-artselectronicartsmasseffectPCXbox-360Tue, 12 Feb 2008 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Heed Totilo's warning -- keep a late Mass Effect save to play new DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/09/heed-totilos-warning-keep-a-late-mass-effect-save-to-play-ne/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/09/heed-totilos-warning-keep-a-late-mass-effect-save-to-play-ne/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/09/heed-totilos-warning-keep-a-late-mass-effect-save-to-play-ne/#commentsFiled under: ,


We're certain that anyone who is excited about the new DLC for BioWare's intergalactic opera Mass Effect probably beat the game late last year, allowing their respective Commander Shepherds to grow portly and short-winded in the following months. While you may be tempted to delete those vestiges of space adventures past from your hard drive so you can start anew when it comes time to 'Bring Down the Sky', MTV Multiplayer's Stephen Totlio strongly suggests you don't -- unless you want to wait a few hours before perusing the new content.

You see, in order to access the new missions provided in the download, you'll need your trusty space-faring vessel, which is not available for the last couple of hours and first few hours of the game. So, whether you've started the game over, or just deleted your old saves, make sure you reclaim your wings by March 10 if you want to venture forth into uncharted territories in search of new extraterrestrial nookie.

JoystiqHeed Totilo's warning -- keep a late Mass Effect save to play new DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Feb 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareDLCeaElectronic-ArtsmasseffecttotiloXbox-360Sat, 09 Feb 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect DLC to 'Bring Down the Sky' on March 10]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/mass-effect-dlc-to-bring-down-the-sky-on-march-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/mass-effect-dlc-to-bring-down-the-sky-on-march-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/mass-effect-dlc-to-bring-down-the-sky-on-march-10/#commentsFiled under: ,


BioWare has unveiled the first in a series of downloadable add-ons to its interstellar epic of planetary exploration and interspecies cavorting, Mass Effect. Warping onto the Xbox Live Marketplace on Monday, March 10th, "Bring Down the Sky" expands the game's rich universe by adding a new uncharted world and an alien race mentioned but never seen in the award-winning central campaign.

It seems an extremist group of Batarians, who sadly look nothing like the gigantic space bats we envisioned them to be, has taken control of a mobile asteroid station and set it on a collision course with a nearby colony. Since you'll have absolutely none of that, you'll download the adventure for 400 MS Points ($5) and put an end to the crisis within "approximately 90 minutes." If saving Terra Nova isn't reward enough, there are 50 Gamerscore points in it for you.

Gallery: Mass Effect DLC - Bring Down the Sky

JoystiqMass Effect DLC to 'Bring Down the Sky' on March 10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Feb 2008 12:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BiowareBreakingNewsEAElectronic-ArtsMassEffectMicrosoft-Game-StudiosXbox-360Wed, 06 Feb 2008 12:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Today's most satirical video: Loading.Ready.Run tackles 'Max Effect']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/29/todays-most-satirical-video-loading-ready-run-tackles-max-eff/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/29/todays-most-satirical-video-loading-ready-run-tackles-max-eff/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/29/todays-most-satirical-video-loading-ready-run-tackles-max-eff/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's been a week since Fox News ran a largely ignorant news segment on the the brief, minor and optional sex scene found in Mass Effect. The crew of Loading.Ready.Run have produced a satire of the news segment for our enjoyment. All the important interview tactics are present, from the gaming supporter being frequently cut off mid-sentence, having his mic turned off, and the host giving loaded questions and descriptions ("full on hardcore porn sex ... with freaky alien chicks"). The acting may not be top-notch, but the snark is.

For a summary of events surrounding Mass Effect so far, including head-turning comments by Jack Thompson, check out this post. Video embedded after the break.

[Thanks, Pattmyn]

Continue reading Today's most satirical video: Loading.Ready.Run tackles 'Max Effect'

JoystiqToday's most satirical video: Loading.Ready.Run tackles 'Max Effect' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jan 2008 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsfoxfox-newshottestvideomasseffectsexXbox-360Tue, 29 Jan 2008 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamers wage war on Mass Effect basher's book, garner apology [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/26/gamers-wage-war-on-mass-effect-bashers-book-garner-apology/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/26/gamers-wage-war-on-mass-effect-bashers-book-garner-apology/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/26/gamers-wage-war-on-mass-effect-bashers-book-garner-apology/#commentsFiled under: ,


Anyone who has stared into the pitch-black eye of madness known as the Fox News Network's "coverage" of Mass Effect and its "Luke Skywalker meets 'Debbie Does Dallas'" gameplay, is probably now familiar with psychology specialist Cooper Lawrence, who laughingly admitted on the show that she had never played Mass Effect, but still assured the program's viewers of the game's vicious, child corrupting qualities.

We imagine the chuckles came to an abrupt end when Lawrence checked the Amazon ratings of her newest book, "The Cult of Perfection: Making Peace With Your Inner Overachiever," whose middling review had been torn asunder by incensed gamers -- many of whom took the time to mention that they had never actually read the book, but hated it anyways. Amazon recently took down these negative reviews -- a shame, as we're sure they'd provide more entertainment than the actual book ever could.

Lawrence has since apologized in a New York Times article, claiming she was misinformed about the game, and that she's "seen episodes of 'Lost' that are more sexually explicit." Nice work, Lawrence. You might have settled things with the gaming community, but now you've pissed off the DHARMA Initiative, who are capable of doing much more than just downvoting self-help literature.

Update: X-Play's Adam Sessler recently spoke his mind about the "Mass Stupidity" debacle -- his video comments can be viewed (and enjoyed) after the jump.

Continue reading Gamers wage war on Mass Effect basher's book, garner apology [update]

JoystiqGamers wage war on Mass Effect basher's book, garner apology [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 Jan 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AmazonBioWareCooper-LawrenceCooperLawrenceEAElectronic-ArtsFoxNewsLostMassEffectXbox-360Sat, 26 Jan 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fox says EA ignored invite to discuss Mass Effect [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/25/fox-says-ea-ignored-invite-to-discuss-mass-effect/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/25/fox-says-ea-ignored-invite-to-discuss-mass-effect/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/25/fox-says-ea-ignored-invite-to-discuss-mass-effect/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In what looks to be a standstill, MTV Multiplayer's Stephen Totilo contacted Fox News to follow up on a letter sent to them yesterday by Electronic Arts asking to "correct the record" on the ignorant Mass Effect "sexposé." An unnamed spokesperson replied, "Fox News Channel has extended several invitations to EA through a company representative to appear on 'Live Desk With Martha MacCallum' to discuss 'Mass Effect' and the segment which aired on Monday. We have received no response."

We're wondering if an EA representative coming on MacCallum's show would get the same treatment as Geoff Keighley in the original segment. Also today, Totilo contacted Brown, who reiterated his position from yesterday's letter. Hence, both sides are waiting for other to somehow respond. Is someone going to make the next move (we're doubtful), or is this just going to blow away until the next batch of "sex-ified" games? (Potential candidates include Grand Theft Auto 4, Smash Bros Brawl and Spore.)

Update: GameDaily contacted EA VP of Communications Jeff Brown, who wrote the original letter to Fox News, to see if there was any update on the situation. Said Brown, "Not much to say other than there's no interest here in another debate with an 'expert' that will say anything to sell a book. They need to step up and correct the record." We couldn't agree more (and we can't seem to get the image of Brown's razor sharp fangs out of our minds).

JoystiqFox says EA ignored invite to discuss Mass Effect [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Jan 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsfoxfox-newsmaccullummasseffectXbox-360Fri, 25 Jan 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 'virtual orgasmic rape' columnist apologizes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/17/mass-effect-virtual-orgasmic-rape-columnist-apologizes/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/17/mass-effect-virtual-orgasmic-rape-columnist-apologizes/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/17/mass-effect-virtual-orgasmic-rape-columnist-apologizes/#commentsFiled under: ,


Following his inflammatory and just-plain-wrong criticism of Mass Effect, "conservative" columnist Kevin McCullough has apologized "to the gaming universe." McCullough says he still finds the material he had umbrage with before offensive and that it should be kept out of the hands of children -- if parents and retailers are doing their jobs regarding the M-rated Mass Effect then McCullough will get his wish.

The next time some columnist wants to level criticism against a game it'd be nice if they at least play the game first, which McCullough admitted he had not done and only perused some clips of the Mass Effect sex scenes on the internet. Now that we've gotten that futile dream out of the way: Bring on the next nut job!

[Via GamePolitics]

JoystiqMass Effect 'virtual orgasmic rape' columnist apologizes originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Jan 2008 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crazycriticismmasseffectmcculloughXbox-360Thu, 17 Jan 2008 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Most bizarre thing you'll read today: Mass Effect's 'virtual orgasmic rape']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/14/most-bizarre-thing-youll-read-today-mass-effects-virtual-org/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/14/most-bizarre-thing-youll-read-today-mass-effects-virtual-org/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/14/most-bizarre-thing-youll-read-today-mass-effects-virtual-org/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We feel a little awkward pointing the way to a horribly researched criticism of Mass Effect by "conservative" blogger Kevin McCullough, but it's probably just about the most flat-out crazy thing you'll read all day. GamePolitics discovered the article entitled "The 'Sex-Box' Race for President" where McCullough just pulls out of the vacuum of space various criticisms against Mass Effect which are "pushing our next generation of young men through the gates of hell as fast as is humanly possible." McCullough's issues include, but are not limited to:
  • Mass Effect is marketed to fifteen year old boys. That may be possible, but the game is rated M (17+).
  • He says players engage in "the most realistic sex acts ever conceived." Sorry, but there are much better sex simulators.
  • That players can customize an avatar's body and breast size -- that's just not true in the slightest.
  • The piece de resistance: Players can "hump in every form, format, multiple, gender-oriented possibility they can think of." As we've gone over before, there's no love for our gay brothers in the game, sex is straight or between the ladies. Not to mention players can only have sex with a few characters -- it certainly isn't the Baskin-Robbins interstellar sex club of 31,000 flavors.
Those are McCullough's issues in just the first two paragraphs! Happy facepalming gentle readers.

[Via GamePolitics]

JoystiqMost bizarre thing you'll read today: Mass Effect's 'virtual orgasmic rape' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crazycriticismmasseffectmcculloughXbox-360Mon, 14 Jan 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Takahashi apologizes for Mass Effect review]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/takahashi-apologizes-for-mass-effect-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/takahashi-apologizes-for-mass-effect-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/takahashi-apologizes-for-mass-effect-review/#commentsFiled under: ,


Mercury News reporter Dean Takahashi has quite publicly apologized for his negative and unfair review of Mass Effect. Takahashi's mea culpa reveals that he rushed into (and through) the early levels of the game without taking the time to learn the rules. BioWare can also be faulted for its lack of explanation in teaching the uninitiated the finer points gameplay.

The lengthy apology clearly highlights issues we've heard about and experienced in Mass Effect over and over again. Some simple thoughts to enjoy Mass Effect: Take your time and be sure to make time, it is an RPG after all and not a rushed experience. Hopefully for the sequel they'll fix blatantly ridiculous things like the inventory system, inability to run around the Citadel, and the slowest elevators in intergalactic history -- the title sure sold enough to warrant future installments.

JoystiqTakahashi apologizes for Mass Effect review originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jan 2008 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>masseffectmea-culpamercury-newstakahashiXbox-360Wed, 02 Jan 2008 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Griffin's Picks of 2007]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/best-of-the-rest-griffins-picks-of-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/best-of-the-rest-griffins-picks-of-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/best-of-the-rest-griffins-picks-of-2007/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition (Wii)

For a port of a two-year-old game, RE4: Wii Edition didn't have a whole lot going for it. It had the same extra features as the PS2 port of the game, not-so-updated graphics, and slightly lower reviews than its original iteration -- and yet, somehow, just by changing how the game is controlled, Capcom created an entirely new adventure. When the peculiar controls for the Wii were first announced, this is the type of interactivity that I imagined from the future games for the system -- responsive, accurate, and realistic. The only way they could have made the gunplay feel any more natural would have been to package the game with an actual gun, which you shot at the on-screen zombies. Once.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Griffin's Picks of 2007

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Griffin's Picks of 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jan 2008 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Best-of-the-rest-2007Blue-DragonBlueDragonCrackdownDSGH3GOTY-2007Guitar-Hero-3GuitarHero3MassEffectPokemonPuzzle-QuestPuzzleQuestResident-Evil-4ResidentEvil4The-BigsTheBigsWiiXbox-360Wed, 02 Jan 2008 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Justin's Picks of 2007]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/best-of-the-rest-justins-picks-of-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/best-of-the-rest-justins-picks-of-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/best-of-the-rest-justins-picks-of-2007/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Dead Head Fred (PSP)

Though he may have been on a small screen, Dead Head Fred (voiced by Scrubs' John C. McGinley), had more character than 90 percent of the leads in this year's crop of console games. If you haven't played it, do yourself a favor and track it down. It's excellent stuff.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Justin's Picks of 2007

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Justin's Picks of 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Jan 2008 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionBest-of-the-rest-2007CrackdownDead-Head-FredDesktop-Tower-DefenseDSElder-ScrollsElderScrollsGOTY-2007MassEffectMicrosoftOblivionPCPSPPuzzle-QuestPuzzleQuestRealtime-WorldsRiot-ActSandboxShivering-IslesShiveringIslesXbox-360Tue, 01 Jan 2008 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: James' Picks of 2007]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/best-of-the-rest-james-picks-of-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/best-of-the-rest-james-picks-of-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/best-of-the-rest-james-picks-of-2007/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

pac-man ce
Pac-Man Championship Edition (XBLA)

If not worthy of a Top 10 spot, then certainly Pac-Man deserves Joystiq's 'Comeback Player of the Year' award. I covered Pac-Man CE's overblown launch in early June, but it wasn't until I became a devoted player at home that I realized the sheer genius of the first true Pac-Man sequel since 'the Ms.' hit the maze in '82. Designer Toru Iwatani managed to scrape off a quarter-century of rust and fashion a remarkably relevant game that held me down during an otherwise punishing summer drought. Geometry Wars might be the most celebrated, but Pac-Man CE is Xbox Live Arcade's true star.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: James' Picks of 2007

JoystiqBest of the Rest: James' Picks of 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Jan 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionassassins-creedassassinscreedbest-of-the-rest-2007castlevaniacastlevania-symphony-of-the-nightcrackdownDSeverdayshootereveryday-shooterGOTY-2007heavenly-swordheavenlyswordjeanne-darcLost-Planet-Extreme-ConditionlostplanetmasseffectMicrosoftmlb-07pac-manpac-man-cepac-man-championship-editionphantom-hourglassphatomhourglasspicrossPS3psnPSPpuzzle-questpuzzlequestQueasy-GamesRealtime-WorldsRiot-ActSandboxSCEShooterSony-Computer-Entertainmentsuper-stardust-hdsuperstardusthdsymphony-of-the-nightsymphonyofthenightWiixblaXbox-360zeldaTue, 01 Jan 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq's Top 10 of 2007: Mass Effect]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/game-of-the-year-10-mass-effect/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/game-of-the-year-10-mass-effect/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/game-of-the-year-10-mass-effect/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


If you've ever borrowed a great novel from a library (ask your parents), you would know that all those reams of text can latch on to your thoughts regardless of the tattered, pig-eared and terrifyingly sticky pages they're printed on. Mass Effect is just such an experience, its story spread across technically dubious and slow-turning sheets filled with text that randomly pops in and out of existence. You also have to read several chapters while standing in the world's slowest elevator, for some reason.

Still, these are complaints that are best gotten over with in the first paragraph and promptly forgotten, for Mass Effect makes its rich story heard well above the incessant clacking of the Xbox 360's exhausted DVD drive. It may seem strange to place emphasis on the massive universe and nuanced characters over the increasingly vague term of "gameplay," but BioWare's craft has masterfully blurred the lines between plot and play. We can't remember the last time we preferred chatting to aliens as opposed to shooting them in... whatever approximates a face.



A laborious inventory system and initially confusing combat certainly detract from the game's (forbidden) planet-hopping journey, but the cinematic ambition on display and tough choices to be made will linger in your memory for much, much longer. In a bountiful year which encouraged us to breathlessly rush from game to epic game, it's remarkable that Mass Effect could make us pause long enough to consider the consequences of our actions.

Gallery: Mass Effect



He sounds like a cereal (killer) ->

JoystiqJoystiq's Top 10 of 2007: Mass Effect originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Jan 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareGame-of-the-yearGOTY-2007MassEffectMicrosoftGameStudiosXbox-360Tue, 01 Jan 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NYTimes names Mass Effect game of the year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/23/nytimes-names-mass-effect-game-of-the-year-screws-up-details-ag/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/23/nytimes-names-mass-effect-game-of-the-year-screws-up-details-ag/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/23/nytimes-names-mass-effect-game-of-the-year-screws-up-details-ag/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


A little lesbianism goes a long way as the New York Times names Mass Effect its game of the year for 2007. The NYT bestowed Mass Effect with the honor for its "focus on character development, personal growth and moral tension, all fueled by a graphics system created to evoke emotional empathy." Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction was honored for being the shining star on the PS3 and BioShock was named the "best newcomer." There's also digs at Halo 3 and Super Mario Galaxy for being "unambitious representations of the state of the art."

Speaking of unambitious, for the second time in less than a month the New York Times copyeditors took a nap (albeit a minor one) on a video game-related story, which is slowly becoming inappropriate in covering an $18 billion-plus industry. There's no telling when reporter Seth Schiesel submitted his copy for this piece, but E3 2008 was already confirmed for the Los Angeles Convention Center last Tuesday, so the article's suggestion that "the solution for [E3] next year can be summed up in one word (or is that two?): Las Vegas" is just about 1,000 New York minutes behind the times.

JoystiqNYTimes names Mass Effect game of the year originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 23 Dec 2007 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>errormasseffectnew-york-timesnewyorktimesnytPS3ratchetandclanksuper-mario-galaxysupermariogalaxyWiiXbox-360Sun, 23 Dec 2007 18:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Second Mass Effect book, Ascension, announced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/21/second-mass-effect-book-ascension-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/21/second-mass-effect-book-ascension-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/21/second-mass-effect-book-ascension-announced/#commentsFiled under: ,


Say what you will about Mass Effect, but you've got to admit that it was a great read. In fact, the game's copious amounts of text will be spilling into dead-tree form a second time with Del-Rey Books' just announced Mass Effect: Ascension, which will be penned by Mass Effect lead writer Drew Karpyshyn, as was the first prequel book in the game's universe. (A second book had previously been hinted at with the (apparently) temporary subtitle of "Revolution.")

This second novel, Ascension, will span the events between the end of the first game (Spoiler: Rosebud is his space sled!) and the beginning of the second. There's no word on a date yet, but we're going to go out on a limb and guess "sometime before the second game is released."

JoystiqSecond Mass Effect book, Ascension, announced originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Dec 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebooksDrew-KarpyshynmasseffectXbox-360Fri, 21 Dec 2007 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Zero Punctuation affected by Mass Effect's verbiage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/zero-punctuation-affected-by-mass-effects-verbiage/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/zero-punctuation-affected-by-mass-effects-verbiage/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/zero-punctuation-affected-by-mass-effects-verbiage/#commentsFiled under: ,


Yahtzee delves into the interstellar drama of Mass Effect this week and walks away with the same issues as many others, but explains it in a way that only the British expatriate can. We already know Yahtzee doesn't like America very much, so we'll take it as a back-handed compliment that he doesn't mind listening to all the North American accents in Mass Effect as compared to Wookies grunt groan bellowing (what do Wookies do?) through Knights of the Old Republic. As his issue with Mass Effect lies in its wealth of dialog and text, we'll just end this post now.

Find this week's NSFW dose of Zero Punctuation after the break.

Continue reading Zero Punctuation affected by Mass Effect's verbiage

JoystiqZero Punctuation affected by Mass Effect's verbiage originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Dec 2007 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>escapistmasseffectXbox-360yahtzeezero-punctuationzeropunctuationWed, 19 Dec 2007 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pachter insists Mass Effect coming to PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/18/pachter-insists-mass-effect-coming-to-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/18/pachter-insists-mass-effect-coming-to-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/18/pachter-insists-mass-effect-coming-to-ps3/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter is all but certain the Mass Effect trilogy is going multiplatform. In the latest episode of GameTrailers' Bonus Round (start about three-fourths of the way into the video), Pachter notes that, given the financial expectations Electronic Arts has with its recently-acquired developer, Mass Effect 2 "has to, has to" come to the PlayStation 3 in addition to the Xbox 360.

More interesting is what Pachter says after his ME2 assertion. "I wouldn't be shocked if Mass Effect One came to the PS3," he said. We aren't sure the exact details of EA's acquisition, but we do know the original Mass Effect was published by Microsoft Games Studio, leading us to assume it was a safely exclusive title. Could EA port and publish the game on Sony's console? We doubt Microsoft would be willing to let that platinum-selling title go without a fight.

JoystiqPachter insists Mass Effect coming to PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Dec 2007 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaelectronic-artsmasseffectmichael-pachtermultiplatformpachterPS3wedbush-morganXbox-360Tue, 18 Dec 2007 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect amasses a million in sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/11/mass-effect-amasses-a-million-in-sales-one-word-lesbians/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/11/mass-effect-amasses-a-million-in-sales-one-word-lesbians/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/11/mass-effect-amasses-a-million-in-sales-one-word-lesbians/#commentsFiled under: ,


Never let it be said that lesbian sex scenes don't sell video games -- and epic space opera plots don't hurt either. Wysteria Lane's street-hardened Microsoft executive Jeff Bell reveals to GameDaily that Mass Effect has affected one million in global sales over the three weeks since launch. In the same breath Bell also said that Halo 3 has reached the five million sales mark.

There's still no word if the rest of the Mass Effect franchise will still be Microsoft exclusive, but with sales this strong we're pretty sure MS is going to try and keep Mass Effect all to itself. We'll see if some exclusivity money changes hands -- and if Sony decides not to partake in the process.

JoystiqMass Effect amasses a million in sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Dec 2007 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halo3jeff-bellJeffBellMassEffectsalesXbox-360Tue, 11 Dec 2007 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Something Awful pokes fun at Mass Effect]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/01/something-awful-pokes-fun-at-mass-effect/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/01/something-awful-pokes-fun-at-mass-effect/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/01/something-awful-pokes-fun-at-mass-effect/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We've recently finished our first play-through Bioware's gargantuan space opera, and while we walked away from the experience with great satisfaction, we humbly suggest they change the title of the game from Mass Effect to "The Galactic Adventures of Chatty Cathy." Seriously, you'll exchange more words with your enemies than you will bullets. It's like a 12 Angry Men simulator, only in space, and sans Tony Danza.

One of the goons at Something Awful recently made a parody of the lengthy conversation system in Mass Effect. Don't judge the comic by it's corny title (Ass Effect? Really?), as it actually has a few nuggets of comedy gold. However, if you haven't played the game yet, you might not get some of the jokes -- in which case, we present an alternate comic: Marmaduke!

He's a dog who thinks he's a person!

JoystiqSomething Awful pokes fun at Mass Effect originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 Dec 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ComicMassEffectParodySomething-AwfulXbox-360Sat, 01 Dec 2007 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Podcast 026 - Space fondling edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/23/joystiq-podcast-026-space-fondling-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/23/joystiq-podcast-026-space-fondling-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/23/joystiq-podcast-026-space-fondling-edition/#commentsFiled under:


With news slowed to a slight trickle and good games coming in a torrent, we're forced to veer from the typical format to talk about the games we've been playing. If you're looking for the secret, inside scoop on Mass Effect, Assassin's Creed, Rock Band, Kane and Lynch: Dead Men or a bevy of other titles, we've got it. Also, space lesbians, a Brush With Fame and blood balloons. It's a bargain at any price.

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Joystiq Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3)
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[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

Hosts: Chris Grant, Ludwig Kietzmann and Justin McElroy

Music: "Get Ready for Love" by Nick Cave, "Red Eye" by Ben Kweller.

See all of this week's links after the jump.

Continue reading Joystiq Podcast 026 - Space fondling edition

JoystiqJoystiq Podcast 026 - Space fondling edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Nov 2007 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassinscreedjoystiqpodcastmasseffectpodcastsrockbandFri, 23 Nov 2007 15:15:00 ESTJoystiq Podcast 026Chris Grant, Ludwig Kietzmann, Justin McElroy1:15:41podcasts<![CDATA[Jeff Bell recognizes Joystiq's contribution to society]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/jeff-bell-recognizes-joystiqs-contribution-to-society/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/jeff-bell-recognizes-joystiqs-contribution-to-society/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/jeff-bell-recognizes-joystiqs-contribution-to-society/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

So, check this out, blogger's prerogative: We've totally flipped on Jeff Bell. Sure, when we first met Jeff Bell at E3, we rushed to judgment, laughing up our sleeves and revoking his Ghetto Pass. But as things went on, our understanding and appreciation of Jeff Bell (or, as he's known on the streets, "Jeff Bell") continued to grow.

First, he goes all troll on the message boards, asking a user what his contribution to society was, which was undeniably funny. Now, he's starring in the above Mass Effect take-off straight from Microsoft HQ. Bell's performance in the clip, a clear indication that he's got a good sense of humor, would have been enough to win us over. But it certainly doesn't hurt that his monitor is clearly displaying everyone's favorite video game blog. Your check's in the mail Jeff Bell. That's right, the rumors are true: Microsoft is on Joystiq's payroll.

JoystiqJeff Bell recognizes Joystiq's contribution to society originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Nov 2007 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jeff-belljeffbellmasseffectXbox-360Tue, 20 Nov 2007 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Mass Effect (Xbox 360)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/metareview-mass-effect-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/metareview-mass-effect-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/metareview-mass-effect-xbox-360/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Sure, some of you lucky bastards readers already plopped a whole heap of time into Mass Effect thanks to K-Mart's inability to, you know, read. Others of us, however, don't get to play "Jack Bauer in Space" until tomorrow. Yeah, that's right, we're jealous individuals (sans those on staff who took advantage of the "blue light special") who know that Bioware determines its release schedule with a formula more complex than how the NFL calculates a QB's passer rating.

We here at Joystiq are all primed and ready to save the universe, use our Force special powers on enemy combatants, knock boots with some genderless aliens, and finally move past Jade Empire. However, maybe you're not convinced as we are -- that's okay because the Metareview is here to help.
  • GameSpy (100/100): "Mass Effect's greatest strength is the quality of the narrative. BioWare has a track record of producing amazingly engrossing storylines, but never before have you been presented with this level of meaningful interaction. You'll experience difficult and thought-provoking situations, including moral and ethical questions without a clear right or wrong answer. The Commander Shepard character is thus defined by player involvement, sublimely capturing the essence of role-playing."
  • IGN (94/100): "Mass Effect is game that is greater than the sum of its parts. Technical issues abound, but the majority of Mass Effect is so expertly delivered that it can transcend its weaknesses. Applying number ratings to a game like this doesn't do it justice because there is no way you can ignore its technical flaws. Simply put, Mass Effect is a game that must be played. Then it must be played again. Don't pass this one up."
  • Eurogamer (80/100): "Forced to stumble towards a conclusion, I'd say that despite the niggles, Mass Effect is most definitely a great game with an awful lot going for it - but one that doesn't quite deserve unquestioning praise. For what it achieves in delivering a compelling narrative and wonderful atmosphere, BioWare deserves a huge amount of credit, as there are few games that come anywhere near it in this regard. The dialogue system, and the impact it has on individual missions and the game as a whole is exceptional, adding greatly to the potential replay value. Where it doesn't quite hit the mark for me is in the action stakes. Although it underpins the game with all sorts of excellent ideas that ought to make it a deeper, more intelligent and immersive experience, the simple truth is that the minute-to-minute combat simply isn't as intense and involving as you'd expect from a game in 2007. Throw in some grumbles about the somewhat unoptimised state of the frame-rate, texture pop-in and v-syncing terrors, and it's a game that just falls short of our expectations. An eight, then, but a good one..."

JoystiqMetareview: Mass Effect (Xbox 360) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Nov 2007 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BiowareEAElectronic-ArtsMass EffectMassEffectmetareviewMicrosoftXbox-360Mon, 19 Nov 2007 14:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect soundtrack due November 20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/mass-effect-soundtrack-due-november-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/mass-effect-soundtrack-due-november-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/mass-effect-soundtrack-due-november-20/#commentsFiled under: ,

While most Xbox 360 owners prepare to trek down to their favorite store or wait no-so patiently by the mailbox tomorrow for their chance to play BioWare's latest opus Mass Effect, Sumthing Else Music Works has announced that players can also pick up the game's official soundtrack on November 20, perfect for those times spent plotting against Saren while away from the console.

The soundtrack was put together by veteran game music composers Jack Wall (Myst, Jade Empire) and Sam Hulick (Maximo vs. Army of Zin), with additional tracks by Richard Jacques (The Club) and film and television composer David Kates (Battlestar Galactica, Man of the Year). More interesting than the name dropping, however, is that soundtrack's blend of " 80's electronic music with modern orchestral scoring" apparently takes inspiration from some of our favorite films, such as Blade Runner and Dune, all but guaranteeing a trip to the cash register. What can we say? We're weak.

JoystiqMass Effect soundtrack due November 20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Nov 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaremasseffectsoundtrackssumthing-elseXbox-360Mon, 19 Nov 2007 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New games this week: Cornucopia edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/new-games-this-week-cornucopia-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/new-games-this-week-cornucopia-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/new-games-this-week-cornucopia-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


We know, we know. It's an easy way out. But with all of the releases this week, we just couldn't put one over the other. So, in honor of Thanksgiving, it's the cornucopia, with a little something for fans of first-person shooters, action, sci-fi RPGs and rocking totally out. But this week is about more than just Unreal Tournament III, Mass Effect, Rock Band and Uncharted: Drake's Fortune. Check out the full list after the break.

Continue reading New games this week: Cornucopia edition

JoystiqNew games this week: Cornucopia edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Nov 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSmasseffectnewgamesPCPS2PS3PSProck-bandrockbandunchartedWiiXbox-360Mon, 19 Nov 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sci vs. Fi: Mass Effect airing Tuesday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/17/sci-vs-fi-mass-effect-airing-tuesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/17/sci-vs-fi-mass-effect-airing-tuesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/17/sci-vs-fi-mass-effect-airing-tuesday/#commentsFiled under:


For those who didn't catch the Halo 3 edition of Sci vs. Fi (on, you guessed it, the Sci Fi network), you missed an interesting look at the game from a number of different perspectives. Scientists picked apart the game from a logistical standpoint, Bungie discussed the creation of the game, gamers talked about how the game differed from it's previous iterations, and Brian Posehn brought the funny. A good time was had by all.

Tuesday night, Sci Fi is airing a special look at Mass Effect on the program. From the looks of it, we can expect the commentary of Keith David (Requiem for a Dream creepster who voices Captain Anderson in the game) and the ever insightful observations of the Cho-Bot. Of course, by that time, you'll probably have the game in your hot little hands, your mind aflutter with all the galactic exploration you'll soon be doing. We won't blame you if you forget to set your TiVos.

JoystiqSci vs. Fi: Mass Effect airing Tuesday originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Nov 2007 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareMass EffectMassEffectMicrosoftXbox-360Sat, 17 Nov 2007 21:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Singapore un-bans Mass Effect]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/16/singapore-un-bans-mass-effect/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/16/singapore-un-bans-mass-effect/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/16/singapore-un-bans-mass-effect/#commentsFiled under: ,

The Singapore Media Developmental Authority has reversed its decision to ban Mass Effect from the country. The game will go on sale next week and have an M18 rating. According to The Strait Times, the Board of Film Censors will selectively use game ratings on high-profile games until January, when they expect to initiate a game classification system.

The decision to ban the game earlier this week spurred from a lesbian love scene found in BioWare's anticipated RPG. The Strait Times also noted that Assassin's Creed was released this week with a rating for graphic violence.

JoystiqSingapore un-bans Mass Effect originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Nov 2007 13:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banbiowarebreakingnewscensorgaylesbianlgbtmasseffectsexsingaporeXbox-360Fri, 16 Nov 2007 13:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect banned in Singapore over lesbian scene]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/14/mass-effect-banned-in-singapore-over-lesbian-scene/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/14/mass-effect-banned-in-singapore-over-lesbian-scene/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/14/mass-effect-banned-in-singapore-over-lesbian-scene/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

If a human female and a humanoid alien who is classified as female want to express their love in a physical manner, who are we to interrupt the natural order of the universe? According to Singapore newspaper The Straits Times, the government's Media Development Authority has banned BioWare's Mass Effect from sale in the country.

As reported by Reuters, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said, "the city-state should keep its conservative values and not allow special rights for homosexuals." The lesbian scene was posted on GameVideos earlier this week before Microsoft asked them to remove it.

[Thanks, Mitchell]

JoystiqMass Effect banned in Singapore over lesbian scene originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Nov 2007 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaregaylesbianlgbtmasseffectsexXbox-360Wed, 14 Nov 2007 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Today in Joystiq: November 13, 2007]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/13/today-in-joystiq-november-13-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/13/today-in-joystiq-november-13-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/13/today-in-joystiq-november-13-2007/#commentsFiled under:

We don't know what makes us jealous of Bethesda developer Ashley Cheng more: that he procured a copy of Mass Effect early (thanks to Kmart) or that he drinks Nuka Cola (of Fallout 3 fame). Check out the highlights for today:

Joystiquery
Metareview: Crysis (PC)
Metareview: Assassin's Creed (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3)
Readers pick best webcomic: The Littlest Hashshashin

News
Fall Xbox 360 dashboard update revealed: download Halo December 2
See the first trailer for Lego Batman
Brash to make game based on Jumper
Watch NiGHTS transform into a fish, rocket in new trailer
PS3 DivX support announced
South Park's Timmy, Freezepop in Rock Band
Alone in the Dark confirmed for Wii, PS2
The Office game is better than you'd think
Tim Schafer would 'love' to make an XBLA game
MS confirms downloadable Xbox games, free Carcassonne for Live anniv.
NBC's 'Life' investigates Prince of Persia
Some LEGO Batman details to whet your appetite for vengeance
Fable 2, Alan Wake not cancelled either
Wii Photo Channel gets better, worse in December
Mario more recognizable in Canada than Prime Minister
Supreme Commander confirmed for Xbox 360
Haze on track for December release
Geometry Wars: Galaxies delayed to 2008 in Europe
Gametap's 'Re\Visioned' animated series concludes first season

Culture & Community
Study shows that parents avoid playing video games with their kids
Midnight launch for Rock Band keeps Best Buys open late
Zero Punctuation guy makes games too

JoystiqToday in Joystiq: November 13, 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Nov 2007 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-Game-StudiosBethesda-Softworksbiowaredailyrecapfalloutfallout3masseffectRPGXbox-360Tue, 13 Nov 2007 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect love scene now less safe for work [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/12/mass-effect-love-scene-now-less-safe-for-work/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/12/mass-effect-love-scene-now-less-safe-for-work/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/12/mass-effect-love-scene-now-less-safe-for-work/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Update: Microsoft has asked GameVideos to yank the video. Peepshow's over, folks!

WARNING: Unlike the sex scene we linked last week, this one can be described as "not safe for work," "not work safe," "NSFW," "NWS," and "not safe to play around female spouse." Any potential job loss, spouse loss, or sleeping on the couch that you incur from watching this video lies solely on your shoulders. That said, there isn't any Asari nipple to be seen in the video, so this is an FX level skin drama at best.

Said video, containing some (female) Commander Shepherd on Asari action beneath the break. Yeah, we tease like that.

Continue reading Mass Effect love scene now less safe for work [update]

JoystiqMass Effect love scene now less safe for work [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Nov 2007 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BiowareboobiesEAElectronic-ArtsMass EffectMassEffectXbox-360Mon, 12 Nov 2007 12:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect launch trailer elevates excitement to critical mass]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/11/mass-effect-launch-trailer-elevates-excitement-to-critical-mass/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/11/mass-effect-launch-trailer-elevates-excitement-to-critical-mass/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/11/mass-effect-launch-trailer-elevates-excitement-to-critical-mass/#commentsFiled under: , ,


For those not lucky enough to snag an early, blue light special copy of Mass Effect, we humbly offer you this incredible launch trailer to slake your thirst. The short video does a great job of showcasing the game's ambitious cinematic qualities - we just hope it doesn't collapse under the weight of its own hype. Remember, you're just nine short days away from getting some strange tail in space.

JoystiqMass Effect launch trailer elevates excitement to critical mass originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Nov 2007 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BiowareMass EffectMassEffectMicrosoftTrailerXbox-360Sun, 11 Nov 2007 15:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Kmart reportedly breaks Mass Effect street date]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/10/kmart-reportedly-breaks-mass-effect-street-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/10/kmart-reportedly-breaks-mass-effect-street-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/10/kmart-reportedly-breaks-mass-effect-street-date/#commentsFiled under: ,


It's official - 2007 will henceforth be known as the "Year of Broken Street Dates." First, BioShock was sold a week in advance by Toys R' Us, then there were the reports of number of early sales of Halo 3 throughout Europe, then the recent Rock Band mix-up at Best Buy, and to top it all off, a number of lucky gamers have apparently gotten their hot little hands on copies of Mass Effect from Kmart - a full ten days before the game's official release date.

As with every instance of broken street dates, there's no guarantee that your local Kmart will be selling the game early, or that they will have any in stock. But if you're as anxious as we are to board the SSV Normandy to explore the Milky Way (while making some sweet, sweet, FCC-approved love), then you'll make the trip to your local Kmart, braving the Saturday shopping crowd, and sightings of terrifying anthropomorphic light bulbs.

[Thanks, Alex]

JoystiqKmart reportedly breaks Mass Effect street date originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Nov 2007 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>K-MartMass EffectMassEffectStreet DateStreetDateXbox-360Sat, 10 Nov 2007 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect ad talks choice, we choose Oprah]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/09/mass-effect-ad-talks-choice-we-choose-oprah/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/09/mass-effect-ad-talks-choice-we-choose-oprah/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/09/mass-effect-ad-talks-choice-we-choose-oprah/#commentsFiled under: ,

Across the country video game marketing departments are screaming, "Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war!" Ads will begin to flood the airwaves and above we have the Mass Effect television spot.

It's worth pointing out that in almost every instance -- other than the released lesbian sex scene (SFW) -- Shepard is portrayed as a scruffy mocha-skinned man. We don't know if the character selection screen is still the same as it was many moons ago, but we're praying to make a short chubby mid-life black woman to save the galaxy -- like Oprah. There's something satisfying about the star of a space opera not being a run-of-the-mill action hero guy. Help "Oprah" Shepard on her quest in Mass Effect beginning Nov. 20.

JoystiqMass Effect ad talks choice, we choose Oprah originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Nov 2007 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adcommercialmasseffectXbox-360Fri, 09 Nov 2007 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect sex scene is SFW]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/08/mass-effect-sex-scene-is-sfw/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/08/mass-effect-sex-scene-is-sfw/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/08/mass-effect-sex-scene-is-sfw/#commentsFiled under: , ,

"Close your eyes and relax, Commander," utters the blue-skinned humanoid as she brushes her fingertips against Ms. Shepard's cheek. Of course, your eyes are wide open as you hunch down in your chair and angle the monitor away from your coworker's potential gaze, curious to see how this issue of 'lesbian alien sex' plays out in BioWare's Mass Effect. Don't worry, you won't be spilling any hot coffee over this tastefully "steamy" scene.

JoystiqMass Effect sex scene is SFW originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Nov 2007 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaremasseffectsfwXbox-360Thu, 08 Nov 2007 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[LucasArts, BioWare collaborating on...something]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/30/lucasarts-bioware-collaborating-on-something/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/30/lucasarts-bioware-collaborating-on-something/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/30/lucasarts-bioware-collaborating-on-something/#commentsFiled under:

With the dust only just now beginning to settle from Mass Effect developer BioWare's acquisition by industry powerhouse Electronic Arts, many of us believed that it would be some time before we got wind of the company's next project. It would seem, however, that we were wrong, as both BioWare and LucasArts issued a joint statement today announcing that the studios are working together on "an interactive entertainment product," stopping just shy of cluing us in on just what it is exactly that they are building behind the curtain.

The two bedfellows, which have previously worked together on KOTOR, revealed next to nothing about the new project, stating only that it will "deliver an experience that will span the traditional boundaries of video game entertainment." So, is this project the oft-rumored Knights of the Old Republic MMO, or something else entirely? The wheels of speculation are turning.

JoystiqLucasArts, BioWare collaborating on...something originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Oct 2007 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BiowareBreakingNewsKOTORLucasartsMassEffectmysteryTue, 30 Oct 2007 09:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect is done and you still can't play it]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/22/mass-effect-is-done-and-you-still-cant-play-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/22/mass-effect-is-done-and-you-still-cant-play-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/22/mass-effect-is-done-and-you-still-cant-play-it/#commentsFiled under: ,


Do you have a sense of rightness, of glee seeping into your nervous system? It's not your imagination. That's the sixth gamer sense letting you know that somewhere in the world BioWare's next RPG Mass Effect is complete. ... Or you're a crystal meth fiend. It's tough to say. But since you're reading Joystiq and not CheapDiscreetPseudoephedrine.com, we're going to assume it's the first one.

But you're probably also discovering that you're feeling a little empty inside. That's because you know that, despite its incontrovertible done-ness, you still can't play Mass Effect until its release a month from now. ... That, or your having a post-meth-high crash. It's one of the two.

[Thanks, EvanB]

JoystiqMass Effect is done and you still can't play it originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Oct 2007 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaElectronic-ArtsmasseffectXbox-360Mon, 22 Oct 2007 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Seth Green heads up Mass Effect cast]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/18/seth-green-heads-up-mass-effect-cast/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/18/seth-green-heads-up-mass-effect-cast/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/18/seth-green-heads-up-mass-effect-cast/#commentsFiled under: ,


Attention nerds: Do not think for a moment that casting of Seth Green in a prominent role in Mass Effect is in any way a cynical ploy for geek cred or your attention. Yes, Green may have appeared in Robot Chicken, Idle Hands, Family Guy, Batman Beyond, Buffy: The Vampire Slayer and Angel ... hmm. OK, so maybe it's a little bit of a ploy. But Green's also a fine comedic actor, so it's not like he was only cast because it's a statistical certainty that his wallet holds at least one dollar that formerly belonged to you.

Green is playing the sarcastic pilot role of Joker in the sci-fi RPG (not The Joker, sorry fanfic kids), but he's not sure he'll be playing the game. "I'm really bad with video games," he said. "Like I honestly just have no skill. And it's sad. I would love to play, but for some reason my hand-eye coordination doesn't work well these types of games." So ... does this mean no quick-time events in Play the Industry?

JoystiqSeth Green heads up Mass Effect cast originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Oct 2007 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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