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[Xperia Play makes itself more enticing for the holidays with four free EA games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/09/xperia-play-makes-itself-more-enticing-for-the-holidays-with-fou/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/09/xperia-play-makes-itself-more-enticing-for-the-holidays-with-fou/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/09/xperia-play-makes-itself-more-enticing-for-the-holidays-with-fou/#comments EA is offering four big mobile titles for free for all the tens of people who own Sony's Xperia Play: Dead Space, Battlefield: Bad Company 2, Need for Speed: Shift and Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit. The offer runs through Jan. 15, 2012, meaning you still have time to throw the PlayStation Phone on your holiday wish list and snag these suckers for free. If it helps, think of it as getting four games with a handy smartphone case thrown in for free.

JoystiqXperia Play makes itself more enticing for the holidays with four free EA games originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 09 Oct 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-bad-company-2Dead-SpacefreemobileNeed-for-Speed-Hot-PursuitNeed-For-Speed-ShiftSONYxperia-playSun, 09 Oct 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Slightly Mad Studios using WMD, crowd-funding for new racing game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/24/slightly-mad-studios-using-wmd-crowd-funding-for-new-racing-gam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/24/slightly-mad-studios-using-wmd-crowd-funding-for-new-racing-gam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/24/slightly-mad-studios-using-wmd-crowd-funding-for-new-racing-gam/#comments Need for Speed: Shift developer Slightly Mad Studios is breaking out the big guns with a crowdsourced funding scheme titled World of Mass Development, or WMD (see what we did there?), which will take its first run with a new racing game, C.A.R.S. Through WMD, Slightly Mad will release C.A.R.S.' crowdfunded technology to subscribers, who can then help develop the game and reap a return on their investments once it launches. Slightly Mad will take 30 percent of the profits, with the rest divided among the community investors based on the amount of shares they own.

Slightly Mad expects C.A.R.S. to take two years and $5 million to produce. With shares priced from $5-$100,000 for individuals, groups or companies, Slightly Mad expects a $10 share will return $35, $250 to return $875 and $100,000 will return $350,000 -- if the game makes $25 million in profit. Slightly Mad has a goal to sell 3 million copies of C.A.R.S., earn a profit of $52 million and receive a 90 percent on Metacritic.

"Traditional development puts developers at the mercy of publishers," Slightly Mad said. "The development process offered by WMD shifts the focus back to creating great games that your target audience wants to play, whilst still offering the chance to get proper funding for development and testing."

JoystiqSlightly Mad Studios using WMD, crowd-funding for new racing game originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Sep 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>C.A.R.S.crowdsourcingNeed-For-Speed-ShiftNFSSpcSlightly-Mad-StudiosSat, 24 Sep 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden NFL 12, Need for Speed: Shift PSP bundle announced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/madden-nfl-12-need-for-speed-shift-psp-bundle-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/madden-nfl-12-need-for-speed-shift-psp-bundle-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/madden-nfl-12-need-for-speed-shift-psp-bundle-announced/#comments We imagine anybody in the market for a PSP has already gone and tracked one down (or is simply waiting for the PlayStation Vita) but regardless EA and Sony have teamed up on a new bundle. As you may have gathered from the headline to this very post, the bundle comes with a copy of Madden NFL 12 and Need for Speed: Shift. It also throws in the requisite black PSP-3000 and a 2GB Memory Stick Pro Duo, all for $159.99.

Sony will release the bundle on August 30, the same day that Madden will be released on basically every platform in existence including the PSP.

[Thanks, Rahul]

JoystiqMadden NFL 12, Need for Speed: Shift PSP bundle announced originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundleeamadden-nfl-12need-for-speedneed-for-speed-shiftplaystationpsppsp-3000q3-2011release-datesonyWed, 10 Aug 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Weekend Sale Roundup: Origin and Direct2Drive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/06/weekend-sale-roundup-origin-and-direct2drive/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/06/weekend-sale-roundup-origin-and-direct2drive/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/06/weekend-sale-roundup-origin-and-direct2drive/#comments
For a lot of people, Friday means pay-day, which means a weekend full of extravagant spending: a little boutique shopping, perhaps a night at da club, etc. If you're like us though, and the majority of your pay checks are followed by staying in rather than going out, fear not. Huge weekend sales mean you can still feel like a big spender without having to blow an entire check, all from the comfort of your own home.

Origin's $5 PC offerings are back, along with a slew of fairly-recent console titles like Dead Space 2 and Portal 2 for 40 percent off. Both sales run until August 9, and every console game purchased comes with a complimentary PC copy of Need for Speed Shift.

Direct2Drive, not to be left out of the fun, has both Bulletstorm and Borderlands: Game of the Year Edition marked down to $11.95 a piece. No sale expiration date is listed for either title, which could mean that both are ending right this very second, the thought of which instills a primal fear directly into the shopping cortex of your brain.

JoystiqWeekend Sale Roundup: Origin and Direct2Drive originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Aug 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>borderlandsborderlands-game-of-the-yearborderlands-game-of-the-year-editionBulletstormDead-Space-2Direct2DriveEAmicrosoftNeed-for-Speed-ShiftOriginpcplaystationPortal-2ps3salexboxSat, 06 Aug 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed games discounted for Steam EA Week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/need-for-speed-games-discounted-for-steam-ea-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/need-for-speed-games-discounted-for-steam-ea-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/need-for-speed-games-discounted-for-steam-ea-week/#comments Steam's EA Week continues with brutal discounts on three Need for Speed games. If you want a game for pocket change, you can get Need for Speed: Undercover for just $2.50! If you want to lay out a bit more (but still not very much), Need for: Speed Shift and Hot Pursuit are available for $6.80 and $14.99, respectively.

These deals are only active through Wednesday at 7AM ET, when they'll be replaced by more cheap EA games. If you want these, haste is required!

JoystiqNeed for Speed games discounted for Steam EA Week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 May 2011 21:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-shiftneed-for-speed-undercoverpcsteamTue, 03 May 2011 21:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Shift 2 Unleashed review: Pedal to the medal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/shift-2-unleashed-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/shift-2-unleashed-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/shift-2-unleashed-review/#comments It was a wise move for EA to subdue the Need For Speed in the title of its sequel to last year's first racing sim in the franchise, Need For Speed: Shift. That's not to say Shift 2 Unleashed is unworthy of the brand -- far from it -- but given how well received the last arcade-style NFS title, Hot Pursuit, was, there would surely be plenty of folks who'd think this was the sequel to that game. It's so very not that.

The original Shift remains one of my favorite racing games of all time -- and one of my most-played titles ever, too. So, to say that I've had some pretty high expectations of its sequel would be an understatement. Since last year, I've wondered how EA and Slightly Mad Studios were going to improve on the most realistic feeling, visceral and downright fun console racing sim to date. The short answer: They made it more realistic. The long answer is after the break.

Gallery: Shift 2 Unleashed (3/29/11)

Continue reading Shift 2 Unleashed review: Pedal to the medal

JoystiqShift 2 Unleashed review: Pedal to the medal originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-Artsmicrosoftneed-for-speedNeed-For-Speed-Shiftneed-for-speed-shift-2pcplaystationps3Racingshift-2-unleashedSlightly-Mad-StudiosxboxThu, 31 Mar 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Street Fighter 4, NFS Shift now on XBL Games on Demand]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/12/super-street-fighter-4-nfs-shift-now-on-xbl-games-on-demand/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/12/super-street-fighter-4-nfs-shift-now-on-xbl-games-on-demand/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/12/super-street-fighter-4-nfs-shift-now-on-xbl-games-on-demand/#comments Fans of downloadable convenience might like to know that Super Street Fighter 4 and Need for Speed Shift are now available via Xbox Live Games on Demand. SSF4 is available for $40, while Shift is a slightly more palatable $30. Oh, Operation Darkness -- the WWII strategy game with vampires and zombies -- is also available today for $40. You know, in case you were waiting for it.

JoystiqSuper Street Fighter 4, NFS Shift now on XBL Games on Demand originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Jan 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>games-on-demandmicrosoftNeed-For-Speed-Shiftoperation-darknessSuper-Street-Fighter-IVxblmxboxxbox-liveWed, 12 Jan 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed: Shift 2, Black Box-developed NFS both hinted for 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/01/need-for-speed-shift-2-black-box-developed-nfs-both-hinted-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/01/need-for-speed-shift-2-black-box-developed-nfs-both-hinted-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/01/need-for-speed-shift-2-black-box-developed-nfs-both-hinted-for/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A pair of LinkedIn profiles suggests that at least two Need for Speed titles will be released next year. According to the profile page of programmer Chris Mcclure, he was at NFS: Shift developer Sightly Mad Studios from August 2009 - February 2010 where he "worked on new open world technology but also worked on Need For Speed Shift too." Cleverly, Mcclure altered this statement today from "... but also worked on Need For Speed Shift 2" after his apparent reveal was spotted by superannuation (and preserved by Google's cache).

The original Shift was released in September 2009, and if Mcclure is covering his tracks, then a sequel was likely underway as work on the first game wrapped, which would allow roughly the minimum development time necessary to release Shift 2 some time during the first quarter of 2011. Recall that in February, during an earnings call, EA dated a Need for Speed game for that period. COO John Schappert described the unnamed iteration as "another big driving simulation" (Conference Call Script [PDF]). "Need For Speed: Shift 2" would be a good fit for that description and time frame.

Continue reading Need for Speed: Shift 2, Black Box-developed NFS both hinted for 2011

JoystiqNeed for Speed: Shift 2, Black Box-developed NFS both hinted for 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Jul 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Black-BoxChris-McclureEAEA-Black-BoxElectronic-ArtsmicrosoftNeed-for-SpeedNeed-for-Speed-Shiftneed-for-speed-shift-2pcplaystationps3Q1-2011Rees-SavidisSlightly-Mad-StudiosxboxThu, 01 Jul 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA discounts more than a dozen iPhone games to $1 each]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/23/ea-discounts-more-than-a-dozen-iphone-games-to-1-each/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/23/ea-discounts-more-than-a-dozen-iphone-games-to-1-each/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/23/ea-discounts-more-than-a-dozen-iphone-games-to-1-each/#comments We can't imagine what kind of event would spur EA to slash the price on several of its big-name iPhone games -- oh, right. Regardless of motive, Touch Arcade informs us of the sale, which extends through tomorrow. Here are some highlights: The good news: lots of iPhone games are only $1. The bad news: none of those games is Mirror's Edge (which is still only available for iPad).

[Thanks, Dali]

JoystiqEA discounts more than a dozen iPhone games to $1 each originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jun 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BattleshipDragons-LairEAElectronic-ArtsFIFA-10Need-For-Speed-ShiftNFSSSimCityWed, 23 Jun 2010 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[iPad Roundup: Here's the stuff that may interest you]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/02/ipad-roundup-heres-the-stuff-that-may-interest-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/02/ipad-roundup-heres-the-stuff-that-may-interest-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/02/ipad-roundup-heres-the-stuff-that-may-interest-you/#comments With the iPad set to launch April 3, we know a lot of you out there are wondering what types of games and apps there are to look forward to. Well, we reprogrammed the Joystiq bots to scour the iTunes App store for information on updates and new games, culling the data for you all. There's plenty to look forward to, so don't waste time reading this -- head past the break for the goods!

Continue reading iPad Roundup: Here's the stuff that may interest you

JoystiqiPad Roundup: Here's the stuff that may interest you originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Apr 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10-ton-games-inc2k-gamesactivisionamazon-hidden-expeditionangry-birdsangry-birds-hdapple-ipadasphaltasphalt-5azkend-hdbig-fish-gamesbreak-hdcall-of-dutycall-of-duty-world-at-warcall-of-duty-world-at-war-zombiescastlecraftcharadiumchillingoCivilizationcivilization-revolutioncogscogs-hdCommand-and-Conquercommand-and-conquer-red-alertdoonsdoons-hddungeon-hunterdungeon-hunter-hdeaElectronic-Artsfieldrunnersfiremintfiremint-incflick-bowlingflick-fishingflight-controlflight-control-hdfreeversefroggerfrogger-padgameloftgeometry-warsgluglyder-2imahjongimahjong-hdipadipad-launcjirbokonamilaminar-researcglets-golfmarvelmarvel-comicsmarvel-comics-appmetal-gear-solidmetal-gear-solid-touchminigoreminigore-hdmirrors-edgemodern-combatmodern-combat-sandstormnamconba-hotshotneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-shiftnflnfl-2010nfl-2010-hdngmoconovapac-manpaper-footballpaper-football-hdplants-vs-zombiesplants-vs-zombies-hdpopcappopcap-gamesreal-racingreal-racing-hdreal-soccerreal-soccer-2010-hdsam-and-maxscrabblesecret-exit-ltdsegasneeziessneezies-hdsnowboardingsnowboarding-hdsparkle-hdsubatomicsubatomic-studiossuper-monkey-ballsuper-monkey-ball-2super-monkey-ball-2-sakura-editionteam-17telltale-gamestetristhe-penal-zoneunouno-hdwarpgatewe-rulex-planezen-boundzen-bound-2Fri, 02 Apr 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[European PSN releases for March 18]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/european-psn-releases-for-march-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/european-psn-releases-for-march-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/european-psn-releases-for-march-18/#comments Though there's not much on the "new game front" in this week's European PSN update, there's plenty of new stuff for the games you already know and love. There's the release of Dragon Age: Origins: Awakening, new cars for Need For Speed: Shift, some LittleBigPlanet PSP love, the arrival of Patchwork Heroes and, of course, the Gaga-ization of the Rock Band Music Store. Check out the full list of releases after the jump!

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

Continue reading European PSN releases for March 18

JoystiqEuropean PSN releases for March 18 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dantes-infernodragon-age-origins-awakeninglittlebigplanetNeed-For-Speed-Shiftpsn-thursdayThu, 18 Mar 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Need For Speed: Shift gets exotic DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/need-for-speed-shift-gets-exotic-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/need-for-speed-shift-gets-exotic-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/need-for-speed-shift-gets-exotic-dlc/#comments
Sure, Ferraris are fun and all, but they aren't exotic enough. EA's looking to increase Need For Speed: Shift's roster of wacky, expensive rides you'll probably never drive in real life through the Exotic Racing Series Pack. Available March 18 for 800 ($10) on Xbox Live and PSN, the Exotic Racing Series Pack parks seven new rides in your virtual garage:
  • Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione
  • BMW M1 Procar
  • GUMPERT apollo
  • Honda NSX
  • McLaren MP4-12C
  • Maserati GranTurismo S
  • Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss

JoystiqNeed For Speed: Shift gets exotic DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlceaelectronic-artsexotic-racing-series-packexoticsMicrosoftneed-for-speedNeed-For-Speed-ShiftXbox-360Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Need for Speed: Shift 'Ferrari Racing Series' DLC now available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/psa-need-for-speed-shift-ferrari-racing-series-dlc-now-avail/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/psa-need-for-speed-shift-ferrari-racing-series-dlc-now-avail/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/psa-need-for-speed-shift-ferrari-racing-series-dlc-now-avail/#comments Those with a taste for fine racing games and fine automobiles take note: As we reported last week, the Ferrari Racing Series DLC for Need for Speed: Shift is now available from the Xbox Live Marketplace at a cost of 800 ($10). A quick refresher: The expansion reintroduces the Italian automaker's cars to the NFS franchise after seven years without 'em -- bringing with it 10 classic rides and a new series of race, hot lap, mixed track, time attack, race series, eliminator, endurance and world tour events. Basically, any real racing game fan will lap this up.

And now, your handy-dandy Xbox Live Marketplace link.

JoystiqPSA: Need for Speed: Shift 'Ferrari Racing Series' DLC now available originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlceaea-montrealElectronic-ArtsFerrarineed-for-speedNeed-For-Speed-ShiftSlightly-Mad-StudiosxblmTue, 16 Feb 2010 16:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Ferrari Racing Pack exclusive to Need for Speed: Shift on 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/ferrari-racing-pack-exclusive-to-need-for-speed-shift-on-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/ferrari-racing-pack-exclusive-to-need-for-speed-shift-on-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/ferrari-racing-pack-exclusive-to-need-for-speed-shift-on-360/#comments After a seven year absence, the Ferrari brand is returning to Need for Speed, albeit in an anti-climatic comeback for true Ferrari fans like ourselves. First, the facts: On February 16, those who own Need for Speed: Shift on 360 will be able to get 10 cars from the venerable manufacturer for 800 points ($10) -- we've got the full list for you after the break.

It's an okay list, but there are some glaring omissions. Where, for example, is the 2006 Ferrari X734 or the X744? Where's the 2008 Ferrari Sesquiderro? Where's the 1898 Ferrari X78 Horse or the 1962 Ferrari Old-Timey Ice Cream Truck? Should the fact that these are cars we made up in attempt at humorously masking our ignorance of all things automotive just eliminate them from consideration? Without so much as a second thought? PS3 owners, it may have seemed that you were being slighted, but you can count yourself lucky that you've been spared this travesty of justice.

Gallery: Need for Speed: Shift Ferrari Racing Pack

Continue reading Ferrari Racing Pack exclusive to Need for Speed: Shift on 360

JoystiqFerrari Racing Pack exclusive to Need for Speed: Shift on 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlceaElectronic-ArtsferrariMicrosoftneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-shiftracingXbox-360Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Apple iPad playing iPhone games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/video-apple-ipad-playing-iphone-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/video-apple-ipad-playing-iphone-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/video-apple-ipad-playing-iphone-games/#comments We told you about our experience with the just-announced Apple iPad yesterday; this morning, we'll show you, by way of the above video. You'll note that both Need for Speed Shift and NOVA are the same non-iPad versions available on the App Store today - the enhanced versions shown during the keynote are works-in-progress and weren't available to demo. On the down side, the versions we played included the "2X" upscale button; on the up side, they benefited from the larger screen and increased tilt sensitivity.

While the above video isn't representative of what the iPad is capable of, it is representative of how we think many iPhone owners will use the device, since iPhone and iPad games won't be cross-compatible.

JoystiqVideo: Apple iPad playing iPhone games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleApple-iPadiPadiPodneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-shiftnovavideoThu, 28 Jan 2010 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[iPad plays all iPhone games and apps]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/ipad-plays-all-iphone-games-and-apps/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/ipad-plays-all-iphone-games-and-apps/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/ipad-plays-all-iphone-games-and-apps/#comments We couldn't care less about our email, videos and music, all we wanted to know is if the newly announced iPad could play games. The answer? If you've been spending a fortune in $0.99 chunks on iPhone games, you've already got a big iPad library. The device, as just announced by Apple, plays all your iPhone apps unmodified, out of the box. That said, to take advantage of the system's full screen, devs will have to implement some modifications to their apps.

We're not sure if we're happy or sad about this, as we were kind of hoping for a whole new gaming platform -- and we're not convinced a lot of games will translate well from the iPhone, even if they technically work. Oh well, Jobs is still talking, maybe he'll have something else for us.

Update: The game Apple chose to feature at the iPad debut event was Gameloft's FPS N.O.V.A. It's kind of an odd choice though, right? It's a neat trick for a phone, but does it stack up on a larger screen? Additionally, EA showed off an updated Need for Speed: Shift (again, the iPhone version; hardly akin to the console iterations). Look for the iPad versions of both these games later this year.

JoystiqiPad plays all iPhone games and apps originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storeappleappseaElectronic-ArtsgameloftipadiPodn.o.v.a.need-for-speedneed-for-speed-shiftnovaWed, 27 Jan 2010 13:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Randy's Picks of 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/02/best-of-the-rest-randys-picks-of-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/02/best-of-the-rest-randys-picks-of-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/02/best-of-the-rest-randys-picks-of-2009/#comments
Might and Magic: Clash of Heroes
 If I had my way ... well, a lot of things would be different. When it came to video games, I'd make sure that everyone -- whether they own a Nintendo DS or not -- had a chance to play Might and Magic: Clash of Heroes. Now, I know, Might and Magic? Isn't that some long-dead RPG franchise that's probably best left in the ground? Well, yes -- but Clash of Heroes is about as far from any of the other games in the series as you can get. At its core, it's a puzzle game -- a combat puzzle game -- developed by Capybara, the same team behind PSN's wonderful Critter Crunch. Take that game's core mechanic, add a load of clever new ones and build a story-driven experience around it and you have one of the finest (not to mention most addicting) DS games ever.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Randy's Picks of 2009

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Randy's Picks of 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 02 Jan 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Applebest-of-the-rest-2009CanabaltcapcomCodemastersColin-McRae-DiRTDiRTExcitebikeExcitebike-WiiExcitebike-World-Rallygod-of-war-collectioniPodMicrosoftmight-and-magic-clash-of-heroesMonster-GamesNeed-For-Speed-ShiftNintendoRacingstreet-fighterstreet-fighter-ivWiiwiiwareXbox-360Sat, 02 Jan 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed: Shift speeds into iPhone App store]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/19/need-for-speed-shift-iphone-app-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/19/need-for-speed-shift-iphone-app-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/19/need-for-speed-shift-iphone-app-store/#comments
click to shift into gallery
 Keeping in line with previous Need for Speed entries on the iPhone, EA today announced the release of Need for Speed: Shift on Apple's handheld for $9.99. The game features 20 cars to maneuver through 18 tracks with your phone's tilt functionality, and even play with your (presumably wealthy) friends via Bluetooth or over Wi-Fi.

EA included a handful of impressive screens below, though we can't imagine the graphics (which are enhanced for iPhone 3GS and third-generation iPod touch) will do much to mask the frustration of clumsily trying to control a simulation-style racing game with a mobile phone. We've been burned before, folks.

Need for Speed: Shift ($9.99) : METAL SLUG TOUCH

Gallery: Need for Speed: Shift (iPhone)

JoystiqNeed for Speed: Shift speeds into iPhone App store originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Dec 2009 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storeAppleeaElectronic-ArtsiPodneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-shiftracingscreenshotsSat, 19 Dec 2009 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Free NFS Shift 'team racing' DLC out for 360, PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/psa-free-nfs-shift-team-racing-dlc-out-for-360-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/psa-free-nfs-shift-team-racing-dlc-out-for-360-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/psa-free-nfs-shift-team-racing-dlc-out-for-360-pc/#comments
EA has opened the garage door and rolled out its Team Racing Pack for Need For Speed: Shift, adding five new cars and a cooperative online racing mode to its superb driving game. Available today for Xbox 360 and PC, the DLC is priced at ... wait, it's free? Five cars and a new mode are free? This is obviously an error and the DLC should be downloaded before EA starts asking like 1500 space bucks for it. Oh, EA did this intentionally? Kudos, giant publisher. (We're still not sure if this is some kind of trick.)

XBL Gold members can grab the expansion from the Xbox Live Marketplace at this link. PS3 owners in the UK will find the free DLC on PSN today, with the US PlayStation Store getting it next Thursday, December 10.

JoystiqPSA: Free NFS Shift 'team racing' DLC out for 360, PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlceaelectronic-artsfreeMicrosoftneed-for-speedNeed-For-Speed-ShiftSlightly-Mad-StudiosxblmXbox-360Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Futureshop slashing prices on Dragon Age, Left 4 Dead 2, NFS: Shift]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/psa-futureshop-slashing-prices-on-dragon-age-left-4-dead-2-nf/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/psa-futureshop-slashing-prices-on-dragon-age-left-4-dead-2-nf/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/psa-futureshop-slashing-prices-on-dragon-age-left-4-dead-2-nf/#comments Hey Canadians! Yeah, you guys and gals huddled together attempting to maintain sustainable body heat. Just a friendly reminder that big-box retailer Futureshop is currently slashing prices on a slew of new video game titles. Dragon Age: Origins, Left 4 Dead 2, Brutal Legend and Need for Speed: Shift are all on sale for $39.99. Wait, what's this? NHL 10? Oh, Canada. You're so adorably predictable!

The online and in-store sale ends on December 3, so make sure to defrost your car, dust off your skates and hit the store ASAP. And before you ask: Yes, Rock Band 2's special edition is priced at $99 and does include a free mullet kit. We don't know what that is, but we know we want it. More Canadian deals can be found after the break.

Update: Best Buy Canada is offering similar discounts.

Continue reading PSA: Futureshop slashing prices on Dragon Age, Left 4 Dead 2, NFS: Shift

JoystiqPSA: Futureshop slashing prices on Dragon Age, Left 4 Dead 2, NFS: Shift originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brutal-legendcanadadragon-age-originsfight-night-round-4futureshopi-am-canadianleft-4-dead-2need-for-speed-shiftnhl-10salewolfensteinMon, 30 Nov 2009 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Need for Speed: Shift DLC adds new cars, team racing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/free-need-for-speed-shift-dlc-adds-new-cars-team-racing/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/free-need-for-speed-shift-dlc-adds-new-cars-team-racing/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/free-need-for-speed-shift-dlc-adds-new-cars-team-racing/#comments EA's preparing a new pack of cars for your virtual garage in Need for Speed: Shift. On December 1st, Xbox 360 owners worldwide will be given five classic rides to race around in, free of charge, while PS3 owners in Europe and North America gain access on December 3rd and 10th, respectively. Dubbed the Legendary Car pack, this new bit of DLC puts gamers behind the wheel of these five classic rides:
  • 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 427
  • 1967 Shelby GT-500 (Nicolas Cage not included)
  • 1969 Dodge Charger R/T
  • 1971 Dodge Challenger R/T
  • 1998 Toyota Supra Mark IV
The free update will also bring with it a new Team Racing mode, which will allow two teams of up to six racers to compete against each other online. You've got some time, so find a few friends and get ready to shake and bake.

JoystiqFree Need for Speed: Shift DLC adds new cars, team racing originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlceaElectronic-ArtsMicrosoftneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-shiftracingXbox-360Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Toys R Us Black Friday deals leaked]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/16/rumor-toys-r-us-black-friday-deals-leaked/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/16/rumor-toys-r-us-black-friday-deals-leaked/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/16/rumor-toys-r-us-black-friday-deals-leaked/#commentsDon't want to grow up or pay full price for video games? A list of purported Black Friday game deals for Toys R Us has shown up online, with a few temporary price drops that may justify a late night or early morning trip to TRU on November 27.

Most of the great deals are "5AM Doorbusters," which means that if you have yet to pick up Halo 3: ODST, Need for Speed Shift, or Forza 3, they'll all be $34.99 ... at 5AM. Good luck! Also marked down at that obscenely early hour: Dead Space Extraction, which most of you have yet to pick up. It'll be just $24.99. Whether any of that is worth getting up at ridiculous o'clock to fight each other over is your call. See the full list of deals here.

[Thanks Pete!]

Check out Joystiq's Black Friday Game Deals Hub or jump to a retailer guide below:


For more Black Friday coverage, check out Black Friday Deals, Cyber Monday Sales,
And other Black Friday 2009 stories today from Walletpop.com

JoystiqRumor: Toys R Us Black Friday deals leaked originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-fridayblack-friday-2009dead-space-extractionforza-3halo-3-odstholidazeholidaze-2009Microsoftneed-for-speed-shiftNintendotoys-r-usWiiXbox-360Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed series sells 100m copies, earns $2.7b life-to-date]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/21/need-for-speed-series-sells-100m-copies-earns-2-7b-life-to-dat/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/21/need-for-speed-series-sells-100m-copies-earns-2-7b-life-to-dat/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/21/need-for-speed-series-sells-100m-copies-earns-2-7b-life-to-dat/#comments
 Yep, EA has announced the Need for Speed series has raced past the 100 million sold mark -- thanks to recent sales of Need for Speed: Shift -- and earned $2.7 billion in life-to-date sales, cementing its status as the best-selling racing brand in gaming. Just because it's sold the most doesn't necessarily mean it's the best franchise in terms of quality, however -- so we cooked up the graph you see above!

There are a couple of things to keep in mind as you follow the red line's progress:
  • First of all, we didn't include cell phone entries and tried to focus on the main entries in the franchise
  • The general quality of the series seems to be high, yet starts to dip after the release of Underground 2 in 2004; Shift seems to have brought the series back from the brink of critical mediocrity
EA's focus now is on rebooting the franchise -- the first step was to release a new hardcore sim racer in Need for Speed: Shift. The next move is to release Need for Speed Nitro, an arcade racer for the Wii and DS market, and follow that with Need for Speed World Online, a free-to-play PC racer for the casual audience.

JoystiqNeed for Speed series sells 100m copies, earns $2.7b life-to-date originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesseaElectronic-ArtsMicrosoftneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-nitroneed-for-speed-shiftneed-for-speed-worldneed-for-speed-world-onlinesalesXbox-360Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam adds EA's Godfather 2, NFS: Shift, Battlefield 2, more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/06/steam-adds-eas-godfather-2-nfs-shift-battlefield-2-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/06/steam-adds-eas-godfather-2-nfs-shift-battlefield-2-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/06/steam-adds-eas-godfather-2-nfs-shift-battlefield-2-more/#comments Electronic Arts' continued comfort with Steam opening up its sales op-pore-tunities is clear, as the mega-publisher adds six more titles to the service. Valve's digital distribution network now provides access to:
  • Need for Speed: Shift ($50)
  • The Godfather ($10)
  • The Godfather 2 ($40)
  • Battlefield 2: Complete Collection ($30)
  • Command & Conquer Red Alert 3: Uprising ($20)
  • Medal of Honor: Airborne ($10)
Curiously, Steam still doesn't have EA's mega-hit The Sims 3, which is available on Stardock's competing Impulse system. We've asked EA about this discrepancy before, but still don't have a clear answer.

JoystiqSteam adds EA's Godfather 2, NFS: Shift, Battlefield 2, more originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-2command-and-conquer-red-alert-3-uprisingeaelectronic-artsgodfathergodfather-2medal-of-honor-airborneNeed-for-Speed-ShiftsteamvalveTue, 06 Oct 2009 23:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed: Shift demo drifts to Xbox Live, PSN on Thursday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/29/need-for-speed-shift-demo-drifts-to-xbox-live-psn-on-thursday/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/29/need-for-speed-shift-demo-drifts-to-xbox-live-psn-on-thursday/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/29/need-for-speed-shift-demo-drifts-to-xbox-live-psn-on-thursday/#comments
Attention, race fans: EA's Need for Speed: Shift will have a demo ready for a qualifying run this Thursday, October 1. The demo features two tracks (Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps and London River) as well as five different vehicles to master:
  • BMW M3 (E46)
  • 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10
  • 2006 Lotus Elise 111R
  • 2008 Nissan GT-R
  • 2006 Pagani Zonda F (unlockable)
As for that last car, you'll need to excel on the two courses and earn enough points to unlock it. And remember: The demo is not limited to Blur developers, so feel free to make with the loading down!

JoystiqNeed for Speed: Shift demo drifts to Xbox Live, PSN on Thursday originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsMicrosoftneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-shiftslightly-mad-studiosXbox-360Tue, 29 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[250GB PS3 Slim bundles also coming to Europe [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/250gb-ps3-slim-bundles-also-coming-to-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/250gb-ps3-slim-bundles-also-coming-to-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/250gb-ps3-slim-bundles-also-coming-to-europe/#comments Earlier this week, we got our hands on a few European GameStop listings for 250GB PS3 bundles. Earlier today, SCEE and SCE UK confirmed the hardware packages and included games. Earlier this hour, we went to Whole Foods and purchased some really crisp bok choy. (Sorry. We got into a rhythm there.)

Europeans will have their choice of two bundles, both of which will be made available throughout October. One of the collections includes Need for Speed: Shift, while the other includes FIFA 10. Needless to say, both bundles come with the recently GB-boosted console. A price point for these two bundles has not been specified, but we've contacted Sony for clarification.

Bizarrely enough, the UK's getting a different set of bundles than the rest of the continent. On October 1, United Kingdomites will have their choice of a 250GB PS3 bundled with Infamous or two unnamed Platinum Hits. Their options will be further expanded on October 16 with the release of an Uncharted 2 bundle, and once more on October 19 with a bundle that includes the X-Men Origins: Wolverine and The Dark Knight films on Blu-ray and a film-friendly remote control.

SCE UK has graciously provided a price for its bundles -- £284.99 ($450) -- making it our certified favourite European Sony chapter of the day. That's as legit as being knighted by the Queen, you know.

Update: After the break, we've posted a snapshot of the FIFA bundle provided by a GameStop employee in Norway.

Continue reading 250GB PS3 Slim bundles also coming to Europe [update]

Joystiq250GB PS3 Slim bundles also coming to Europe [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>250gbbundlebundleseuropefifa-10hardwareinfamousneed-for-speed-shiftps3ps3-slimsceesonySony-Computer-Entertainment-Europeukuncharted-2Uncharted-2-Among-ThievesFri, 25 Sep 2009 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed shifts to the top spot on UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/need-for-speed-shifts-to-the-top-spot-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/need-for-speed-shifts-to-the-top-spot-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/need-for-speed-shifts-to-the-top-spot-on-uk-charts/#comments It looks like the UK's need for rock was outpaced by its need for speed [Hnngghh - Ed.], as Need for Speed Shift debuted in the top sales position this week. Need for Speed's arrival shifted [STOP IT - Ed.] Guitar Hero 5, DiRT 2 and Arkham Asylum to the second, third and fourth places, respectively. It seems the Fab Four couldn't hold on to their own homeland, with The Beatles: Rock Band slipping from fourth to seventh.

Meanwhile, Wii Sports Resort moved up one notch to fifth, while Bethesda's Wet debuted at number six. Rounding out the list were Call of Duty 4, Wii Fit and Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10. Now, if you'll excuse us, Joystiq Publishing needs to get back to planning its future UK blockbuster: Colin McRae's Shifty Arkham Hero.

Source -- EA's Need For Speed Shift's Into First (Chart Track)
Source -- All formats chart (Chart Track)

JoystiqNeed for Speed shifts to the top spot on UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsMicrosoftneed-for-speed-shiftukXbox-360Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[NFS: Shift demo on PC now, 360 and PS3 in October]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/18/nfs-shift-demo-on-pc-now-360-and-ps3-in-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/18/nfs-shift-demo-on-pc-now-360-and-ps3-in-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/18/nfs-shift-demo-on-pc-now-360-and-ps3-in-october/#comments Electronic Arts has announced that a demo for Need for Speed: Shift is now available for PC. You can grab the demo from Big Download right here. The demo offers five different cars, including the BMW M3 (E46), the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10, the 2006 Lotus Elise 111R, the 2008 Nissan GT-R. The fifth car, the 2006 Pagani Zonda F is included in the demo as an unlockable.

While the demo is currently confined to the PC, take heart, console owners. A demo is scheduled to hit the Xbox 360 and PS3 in early October.

Gallery: Need for Speed SHIFT



JoystiqNFS: Shift demo on PC now, 360 and PS3 in October originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demoeaElectronic-ArtsMicrosoftneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-shiftXbox-360Fri, 18 Sep 2009 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Best Buy offers $20 racing wheel with purchase of Shift, DiRT 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/15/best-buy-offers-20-racing-wheel-with-purchase-of-shift-dirt-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/15/best-buy-offers-20-racing-wheel-with-purchase-of-shift-dirt-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/15/best-buy-offers-20-racing-wheel-with-purchase-of-shift-dirt-2/#comments
 If you're looking to acquire a PS3 steering wheel peripheral before the release of that one racing game, Best Buy's got a pretty sweet offer for you. If you purchase Need for Speed: Shift or DiRT 2 through the retailer's online storefront, you can knock $60 off the price of the Logitech Driving Force Wireless Wheel, bringing its cost down to a mere $20.

There's no telling how long this deal will be available, so if you're in the market for discounted circular gaming peripherals, you should probably put the pedal to the metal.

JoystiqBest Buy offers $20 racing wheel with purchase of Shift, DiRT 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-buycontrollerdealdirt-2drivingneed-for-speed-shiftperipheralracingracing-wheelwheelTue, 15 Sep 2009 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed: Shift video highlights Car Battle mode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/09/need-for-speed-shift-video-highlights-car-battle-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/09/need-for-speed-shift-video-highlights-car-battle-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/09/need-for-speed-shift-video-highlights-car-battle-mode/#commentsWe've been following the last quarter-mile of Need for Speed: Shift's race to release and this latest video should delight those of you with 40 weight oil in your veins. The video focuses on the Car Battle mode, which pits two racers against each other to settle the dispute of who has the better auto. Of course this doesn't apply if your car has a Mr. Fusion. In that case, you automatically win.

JoystiqNeed for Speed: Shift video highlights Car Battle mode originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsMicrosoftneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-shiftslightly-mad-studiosXbox-360Wed, 09 Sep 2009 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[NFS: Shift 'Driver's Experience' video profiles begin this Friday night]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/30/nfs-shift-drivers-experience-video-profiles-begin-this-frida/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/30/nfs-shift-drivers-experience-video-profiles-begin-this-frida/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/30/nfs-shift-drivers-experience-video-profiles-begin-this-frida/#commentsThe folks at EA dropped a teaser video on us today (seen above) for Need for Speed: Shift's tie-in video series, "The Driver's Experience." Premiering this Friday evening/Saturday morning on YouTube -- and likely here, dearest readers -- the show is said to profile various race car drivers associated with the game.

More specifically, it will focus on the experience of speeding around places like the Nürburgring. A personal look into the human face behind those who drive multi-million dollar sponsored race cars sounds like a hoot, but we're not sure how much it'll effect our need to play the final product over those other perfectly competent (and proven) racing sims. We'll just have to tune in on Friday at midnight (EST) to find out.

Gallery: Need for Speed SHIFT

JoystiqNFS: Shift 'Driver's Experience' video profiles begin this Friday night originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsMicrosoftneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-shiftpcracingthe-drivers-experienceXbox-360youtubeThu, 30 Jul 2009 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Shift your gaze toward this new Need for Speed trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/17/shift-your-gaze-toward-this-new-need-for-speed-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/17/shift-your-gaze-toward-this-new-need-for-speed-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/17/shift-your-gaze-toward-this-new-need-for-speed-trailer/#commentsThe latest trailer for Need for Speed: Shift not only provides us with footage of beautiful cars in motion (including the game's cover star, the BMW M3 GT2), but also gives a bit more insight into the Driver Profile feature. The Driver Profile is something EA hopes will help the game stand out, with the goal being to shape how other drivers perceive you, according to your style of driving. Considering our basic driving abilities, we expect competitors to be in a constant state of mirth.

JoystiqShift your gaze toward this new Need for Speed trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driver-profileeaElectronic-ArtsMicrosoftneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-shiftracingXbox-360Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2009 highlights: The Xbox roundup]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/e3-2009-highlights-the-xbox-roundup/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/e3-2009-highlights-the-xbox-roundup/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/e3-2009-highlights-the-xbox-roundup/#comments E3 was brütal! If you blinked, for a split/second, you missed something. Even if you were trine to keep up, it was a blur -- staying a.wake like that, you only pushed yourself to the brink of your own dark void. That's where Joystiq comes in; to crackdown on the madness; to reach out ... with conviction -- phew! Crysis averted.

We've scoured the dark corners and survived the inferno to piece together this roundup of all things Xbox at E3. Why? Just 'cause we love you. So, draw nier and shift your eyes past the break.

Continue reading E3 2009 highlights: The Xbox roundup

JoystiqE3 2009 highlights: The Xbox roundup originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan-wakearmy-of-two-the-40th-dayassassins-creed-2avataravatarsbatman-arkham-asylumbayonettaBethesdaBethesda-Game-StudiosBethesda-Softworksbioshock-2blurbooth-tourbrinkbrutal-legendcastlevania-lords-of-shadowcrackdown-2crysis-2dancedancerevolutiondantes-infernodark-cornersdark-voiddarksidersddrdef-jam-rapstardirt-2dj-herodragon-age-originse3-2009eaEA-CanadaEA-Sportsea-sports-mmaElectronic-Artsfacebookfairytale-fightsfallout-3fight-night-round-4Fightingfinal-fantasy-xiiiforza-3front-missiongames-on-demandgametrak-freedomgears-of-war-2guitar-hero-5halo-3-odsthalo-reachhuxleyjoy-ridejust-cause-2konamilast-fmleft-4-dead-2lego-rock-bandlost-planet-2mafia-2marvel-vs-capcom-2mass-effect-2metal-gear-solid-risingmicrosoftmilommamodern-warfare-2need-for-speed-shiftnetflixniernxeoperation-flashpoint-dragon-risingoverlord-2point-lookoutproject-natalraven-squadroundupRPGrusesamurai-showdown-edge-of-destinysection-8shadow-complexsingularitysplinter-cell-convictionsplosion-manSportssqueeballssummer-of-arcadesupreme-commander-2tekken-6the-beatles-rock-bandthe-saboteurTMNT-Turtles-in-Time-Re-Shelledtony-hawk-ridetrials-hdtrinetwitterubisoftwarriors-legends-of-troywolfensteinxblaXboxXbox-360xbox-avatarsxbox-livexbox-live-partyxbox-video-marketplacezephyr-rise-of-the-elementalszune-videoFri, 12 Jun 2009 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Need for Speed Shift]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/hands-on-need-for-speed-shift/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/hands-on-need-for-speed-shift/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/hands-on-need-for-speed-shift/#comments
Racing games have become increasingly dense over the past few years, with users able to modify the smallest details on their cars in an effort to shave seconds off their lap times. The whole genre has become increasingly immersive as well, to a point that has seen developers rebel against realism and create arcade-style games like Split/Second and Blur.

That's even carried over to the hyperrealistic racing games like Need for Speed: Shift, which lead designer Andy Tutor calls "A return to basics. You know how movies are rebooting with things like Batman Begins? That's what we're doing with Shift." While those are exciting words to hear, once you slip behind the controls of Shift, you'll see that it really is a definite shift (see what we did there?) for the title. Thankfully, Maggie Q is nowhere in sight.

Gallery: Need for Speed SHIFT

Continue reading Hands-on: Need for Speed Shift

JoystiqHands-on: Need for Speed Shift originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtsMicrosoftNeed-For-SpeedNeed-For-Speed-ShiftSlightly-Mad-StudiosXbox-360Thu, 11 Jun 2009 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Head-to-head racing with Blur, Need for Speed: Shift, Split/Second, and Forza 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/head-to-head-racing-with-blur-need-for-speed-shift-split-seco/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/head-to-head-racing-with-blur-need-for-speed-shift-split-seco/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/head-to-head-racing-with-blur-need-for-speed-shift-split-seco/#comments
Are racing games the new first-person shooter? Revving up for release and shown off at E3 with tires smoking were Disney's Split/Second, Blur from Activision, Microsoft's Forza Motorsport 3, and EA's Need for Speed: Shift. They range from hyper-realistic to arcadey, so chances are you'll find something that's right up your alley among these four. But which one will you choose? We spoke to all four developers and asked them the same questions to see how they'd stack up, and you can check out the results after the break.

Continue reading Head-to-head racing with Blur, Need for Speed: Shift, Split/Second, and Forza 3

JoystiqHead-to-head racing with Blur, Need for Speed: Shift, Split/Second, and Forza 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlurDrivingForza-3Forza-Motorsport-3interviewNeed-For-Speed-ShiftRacingSplit-SecondThu, 11 Jun 2009 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Seen@E3: Blur devs playing Need for Speed: Shift]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/05/seen-e3-blur-devs-playing-need-for-speed-shift/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/05/seen-e3-blur-devs-playing-need-for-speed-shift/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/05/seen-e3-blur-devs-playing-need-for-speed-shift/#comments
While wandering through the EA booth on the last day of E3, we noticed the grinning symbol of Blur developer Bizarre Creations on the back of a man playing ... Need for Speed: Shift. We stuck around for a few minutes to make sure the gentleman in question was for certain a developer on the upcoming Mario Kart-inspired racer, then ran off to giggle with all our friends.

JoystiqSeen@E3: Blur devs playing Need for Speed: Shift originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bizarre-creationsblure3-2009eaElectronic-Artsneed-for-speed-shiftracingFri, 05 Jun 2009 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Roundup: GTTV's E3 trailers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/roundup-gttvs-e3-trailers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/roundup-gttvs-e3-trailers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/roundup-gttvs-e3-trailers/#comments Did your late night Canasta tournament keep you away from your television last night, preventing you from catching all of GameTrailers' exclusive ... trailers for a number of highly anticipated titles that will be appearing at E3? Fear not -- we've got them posted conveniently after the break.

What games are present and accounted for, you ask? Well, let's see (deep breath): Mass Effect 2, Brutal Legend, Lost Planet 2, Split/Second, Brink, DJ Hero, Batman: Arkham Asylum, Just Cause 2, Dragon Age: Origins, Supreme Commander 2, Dante's Inferno, Madden 10, NHL 10, Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2, Need for Speed Shift, Alpha Protocol and Heroes of Telara. Check 'em out!

Continue reading Roundup: GTTV's E3 trailers

JoystiqRoundup: GTTV's E3 trailers originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 May 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alpha-protocolbatman-arkham-asylumbrinkbrutal-legenddantes-infernodj-herodragon-age-originse3-2009gametrailersheroes-of-telarajust-cause-2lost-planet-2madden-10marvel-ultimate-alliance-2mass-effect-2need-for-speed-shiftsplit-secondsupreme-commander-2trailerFri, 29 May 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed: Shift doesn't skimp on the licensed cars]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/need-for-speed-shift-doesnt-skimp-on-the-licensed-cars/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/need-for-speed-shift-doesnt-skimp-on-the-licensed-cars/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/need-for-speed-shift-doesnt-skimp-on-the-licensed-cars/#comments
You'll have plenty of the proverbial whips to cruise around with in EA's upcoming attempt at a serious racer, Need for Speed: Shift. The game is geared to present 18 authentic race tracks for players to navigate their way through, and an impressive 65+ cars for them to drive around in, including the very sexy BMW M3 GT2 (which will also be gracing the game's cover). In fact, almost all of the major brands make an appearance in the game, including Aston Martin, Dodge, Lotus, Honda, Audi, and Nissan, just to name a few. Even the 2008 SCION tC will be available, if you're more into style than substance.

For the full list of cars appearing in the game, hit up EA's press release here.

JoystiqNeed for Speed: Shift doesn't skimp on the licensed cars originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 May 2009 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsMicrosoftneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-shiftslightly-mad-studiosXbox-360Fri, 29 May 2009 12:28:00 EST<![CDATA[New Need for Speed: Shift screens and video [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/08/need-for-speed-shift-changes-gears-shows-new-screens-and-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/08/need-for-speed-shift-changes-gears-shows-new-screens-and-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/08/need-for-speed-shift-changes-gears-shows-new-screens-and-video/#commentsNeed for Speed: Shift was announced back in January, and Randy spent some hands-on time with the title in March. At yesterday's EA event we got some new screens and a video, and it shows off the world you'll see while locked in the cockpit. The game still doesn't feature an external view of your car while racing, but the demo we saw upped the ante on your view from the cockpit.

You'll now be battling G-forces and perspective shifts that are meant to mimic the way a driver's head actually moves in a high-speed race, and they've ratcheted the physics up several notches to make those first-person crashes seem a lot more realistic. EA also claims to have tweaked the AI, so the other racers won't be piling willy-nilly into turns ... which is real bummer, since we like to use them as "padding."

Need for Speed: Shift will feature over 60 licensed cars and maintain the minute details of car-tuning that some people can't live without. The game races onto shelves in September -- check out the new screens below!

UPDATE: While only caught the in-car view at the EA event, it does offer more viewing modes. We'd lost that in how much they were putting an emphasis on the cockpit cam. The game will also feature a chase cam, hood cam, and bumper cam.

Gallery: Need for Speed SHIFT

JoystiqNew Need for Speed: Shift screens and video [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 May 2009 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Electronic-ArtsMicrosoftNeed-For-SpeedNeed-For-Speed-ShiftracingvideoXbox-360Fri, 08 May 2009 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Need For Speed SHIFT careening to release in September]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/23/need-for-speed-shift-careening-to-release-in-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/23/need-for-speed-shift-careening-to-release-in-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/23/need-for-speed-shift-careening-to-release-in-september/#comments
Development on Need For Speed SHIFT must be really speeding along if EA is willing to cement a September release date already. The first game in the new Need For Speed lineup will be available in Europe on September 17 and North America on September 22 -- close enough to Christmas to be giftworthy, but outside of the usual Q4 gamesplosion. Very sneaky.

We tried SHIFT out for ourselves recently and came away impressed, so this is definitely one to mark on your "worthwhile games of 2009" list.

Gallery: Need for Speed SHIFT

JoystiqNeed For Speed SHIFT careening to release in September originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Mar 2009 12:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtsMicrosoftneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-shiftpcracingXbox-360Mon, 23 Mar 2009 12:54:00 EST