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[Report: 'Need for Speed: Most Wanted' listed on E3 booth schedule [Update: Yup!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/report-need-for-speed-most-wanted-listed-on-e3-booth-schedul/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/report-need-for-speed-most-wanted-listed-on-e3-booth-schedul/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/report-need-for-speed-most-wanted-listed-on-e3-booth-schedul/#comments ImageThat mysterious Need for Speed game mentioned during EA's fiscal 2012 investors call may become slightly less ethereal during E3, as TwitchTV's booth schedule lists "Need for Speed: Most Wanted" as one of the games it'll be showcasing, according to IGN.

If that name sounds familiar, that's because it should: The original Need for Speed: Most Wanted (above) was released on nearly every system in existence way back in the ancient caveman days of 2005. It's possible that this may be the Criterion-developed Need for Speed game the rumor mill was churning over a couple weeks ago, but that's just rampant speculation on our part.

It's also possible that TwitchTV could merely be showing off the Game Boy Advance port of the original or something, we're going to go ahead and assume that isn't the case since we don't live in a Far Side cartoon.

Update: We have also received the schedule in question and can confirm that Need for Speed: Most Wanted is indeed among TwitchTV's on-site programming for E3, along with "TBA" titles from Ubisoft, Capcom and Warner Bros.

JoystiqReport: 'Need for Speed: Most Wanted' listed on E3 booth schedule [Update: Yup!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterionCriterion-GamesE3-2012EAelectronic-artsneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-most-wantedtwitchtvSat, 26 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed and Dead Space titles coming by March 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/need-for-speed-and-dead-space-titles-coming-in-eas-fy-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/need-for-speed-and-dead-space-titles-coming-in-eas-fy-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/need-for-speed-and-dead-space-titles-coming-in-eas-fy-2013/#comments ImageEA has new Dead Space and Need for Speed titles in the works for the coming year, ending March 31, 2013, it announced during a financial call today. "Need for Speed" is listed on EA's financial results slideshow scheduled for Q3 of FY 2013, which places it around October 2012. EA mentioned Dead Space among its coming "blockbuster" titles for the year.

Need for Speed: Most Wanted 2 and Dead Space 3 were listed in April by South African retailer BT Games.

JoystiqNeed for Speed and Dead Space titles coming by March 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-spacedead-space-3EAElectronic-ArtsmobileNeed-for-SpeedpcMon, 07 May 2012 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed: The Run - A People Chase]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/need-for-speed-the-run-a-people-chase/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/need-for-speed-the-run-a-people-chase/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/need-for-speed-the-run-a-people-chase/#comments Ever gone on a spontaneous road trip with your friends? You all suddenly decide that you should absolutely take a trip to Vegas for the evening, and you can totally come back the next day. You all put on suits, pile into the car ... and three hours later, with everyone sleeping in the car, you remember it's actually a five hour drive. The moment's been lost.

That's the problem Brian Lindley and his team are facing with EA's race across the country in Need for Speed: The Run. "If you think about actually trying to drive across the country," says Lindley, "it might get a little monotonous, even when you're racing."

To combat that issue, Lindley and the Black Box folks have created a new "Battle" race mode, one of a few different ways the team is hoping to vary the pace as protagonist Jack makes The Run.

Gallery: Need for Speed: The Run Independence Pass (PS3/360/PC)

Continue reading Need for Speed: The Run - A People Chase

JoystiqNeed for Speed: The Run - A People Chase originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-boxbrian-lindleyea-black-boxmicrosoftneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-the-runpcplaystationps3racesupermodelsxboxThu, 29 Sep 2011 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Need For Speed: The Run trailer shows off the Limited Edition's Porche 911 Carrera S]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/need-for-speed-the-run-trailer-shows-off-the-limited-editions/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/need-for-speed-the-run-trailer-shows-off-the-limited-editions/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/need-for-speed-the-run-trailer-shows-off-the-limited-editions/#comments Previous news about Need For Speed: The Run has made a big deal about the fact you can get out of the car, but let's face it, being in the car will get you across the country much faster, and heck, it's just plain more fun. And when you're in a car, you could do a lot worse than a Porsche 911 Carrera S, which you can see in action in the video above.

The car is unfortunately only available in the Limited Edition of the game, which is available for preorder right now, and arrives with the title on November 15. That said, even when you're in one of these babies, driving it through the snow and curvy roads of the mountains might be plenty of fun, but can't really be recommended in terms of safety. If you're going to drive up there, it's probably much better to go in something much more practical. Something with four-wheel drive, perhaps.

Gallery: Need for Speed: The Run (Porche 911 Carrera S)

JoystiqNeed For Speed: The Run trailer shows off the Limited Edition's Porche 911 Carrera S originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Sep 2011 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-boxeamicrosoftneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-the-runpcplaystationporche-911-carrera-sps3xboxThu, 08 Sep 2011 23:30:00 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[Need for Speed: The Run limited edition comes with trio of extra supercars]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/02/need-for-speed-the-run-limited-edition-comes-with-trio-of-super/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/02/need-for-speed-the-run-limited-edition-comes-with-trio-of-super/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/02/need-for-speed-the-run-limited-edition-comes-with-trio-of-super/#comments
Like buying games brand new? EA sure wants you to, as its "Limited Edition" of Need for Speed: The Run incentivizes just such a purchase with the bonus inclusion of three fancy sports cars -- for the same price as the regular ol' "normal" edition, no less. Along with special access to a Porsche 911 Carrera S, a Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, and a Lamborghini Aventador, picking up the "Limited Edition" nets you "five exclusive Challenges" to slay with your high-powered sports car of choice.

The only version of the Limited Edition that we can spot thus far is on EA's own Origin PC download store for the totally-normal-edition price of $49.99, so it stands to reason that the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions are similarly priced ($59.99 on consoles). Just to be sure, we've asked EA for a better idea of what to expect, price-wise, come November.

Update: EA clarified that the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions will cost the standard $59.99, and the "Limited Edition" will operate similarly to the "Limited Edition" version of Battlefield: Bad Company 2.

Gallery: Need for Speed: The Run (Limited Edition)

JoystiqNeed for Speed: The Run limited edition comes with trio of extra supercars originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-boxchevroletchevrolet-camaroeaea-black-boxelectronic-artslamborghinilamborghini-aventadorlimited-editionmicrosoftneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-the-runpcplaystationporscheporsche-911ps3xboxTue, 02 Aug 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed: The Run preview: Getting back behind the wheel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/need-for-speed-the-run-preview-getting-back-behind-the-wheel/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/need-for-speed-the-run-preview-getting-back-behind-the-wheel/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/need-for-speed-the-run-preview-getting-back-behind-the-wheel/#comments "You're not trying to get first, you're trying to make up ground," Need for Speed: The Run producer Alex Grimbley explained to me during a demo session in midtown Manhattan last week. Rather than putting priority on being the absolute first during individual races, The Run focuses on an overall place in a cross-country race, amounting to roughly 200 miles of in-game track spread across the US. And yes, it'll allow you to go back to individual areas and work on improving track times.

"Get to 101st by the time you make it here, get to 50th by the time you make it to Chicago, get to the top 10 by the time you make it to New York ... so this is a different take on a sprint race," Grimbley continued.

Gallery: Need for Speed: The Run (Desert Porsche)

Continue reading Need for Speed: The Run preview: Getting back behind the wheel

JoystiqNeed for Speed: The Run preview: Getting back behind the wheel originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex-grimbleyautologblack-boxeaea-black-boxelectronic-artshands-onmicrosoftneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-the-runpcplaystationps3racingxboxWed, 27 Jul 2011 09:02:00 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[Need for Speed: The Run revealed in teaser trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/need-for-speed-the-run-revealed-in-teaser-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/need-for-speed-the-run-revealed-in-teaser-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/need-for-speed-the-run-revealed-in-teaser-trailer/#comments EA's official Need for Speed YouTube account has posted a teaser trailer for yet another iteration of the racing series, this one called Need for Speed: The Run. Most of the Need for Speed series titles have focused on the cars, but this one seems to be hinting at a story specifically about the drivers in what looks to be a cross-country race a la The Cannonball Run.

As cityscapes flash across the screen (San Francisco, Vegas, Denver and New York) we see police officers and vehicles; a man crashed in a car who ends up in a precarious situation; and a series of disasters, both natural and manmade. Finally, a tagline on the screen reads "The Race for your life," before changing the "for" to "of," followed by "11-15-11" -- a likely release date.

See the trailer for yourself after the break.

Continue reading Need for Speed: The Run revealed in teaser trailer

JoystiqNeed for Speed: The Run revealed in teaser trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 18:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-Artsneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-the-runracingteaser-trailertraileryoutubeThu, 28 Apr 2011 18:50:00 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[Watch a pro driver play Shift 2 Unleashed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/19/watch-a-pro-driver-play-shift-2-unleashed/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/19/watch-a-pro-driver-play-shift-2-unleashed/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/19/watch-a-pro-driver-play-shift-2-unleashed/#comments It's no secret that real professional race drivers play racing video games, sometimes even for training. EA has released a video of Dubai 24h winner Tommy Milner taking Shift 2 Unleashed, which hits March 29, through its paces in a Corvette C6.R GT1 at Leguna Seca. He's really, really good.

Continue reading Watch a pro driver play Shift 2 Unleashed

JoystiqWatch a pro driver play Shift 2 Unleashed originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Mar 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-ArtsmicrosoftNeed-for-Speedneed-for-speed-shift-2pcplaystationps3shift-2-unleashedSlightly-Mad-StudiosxboxSat, 19 Mar 2011 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[FIFA 11 kicks off 2011 atop UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/fifa-11-kicks-off-2011-atop-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/fifa-11-kicks-off-2011-atop-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/fifa-11-kicks-off-2011-atop-uk-charts/#comments
 For the first full week of 2011, FIFA 11 held onto the top spot in the UK's multiplatform sales ranking, according to Chart-Track. The footie franchise has maintained that center forward position for four consecutive weeks.

Oh ... oh, look who's in second place, why if it isn't our good friend Just Dance 2. Ubisoft's unstoppable booty-shaking series keeps on crunkin', with the series' sequel inexplicably moving up two spots into second. Thus, Call of Duty: Black Ops finds itself out of its comfort zone in third place, the first time it hasn't been in the top two since its November launch.

It would seem Mass Effect 2's various end of year accolades spurred interest in the game again, as it returned to the top 40 in spot 18. With no new major game releases this past week, the chart is a shifting of the usual suspects. Check out the top ten after the break.

Continue reading FIFA 11 kicks off 2011 atop UK charts

JoystiqFIFA 11 kicks off 2011 atop UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Jan 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Britaincall-of-duty-black-opschart-trackchart-track-weeklyFIFA-11just-dance-2microsoftNeed-for-SpeedNeed-for-Speed-Hot-Pursuitnintendoplaystationps3salesUKwiixboxMon, 10 Jan 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed World population passes 3 million registered racers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/17/need-for-speed-world-population-passes-3-million-registered/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/17/need-for-speed-world-population-passes-3-million-registered/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/17/need-for-speed-world-population-passes-3-million-registered/#comments After going free-to-play back in September, Need for Speed World has added roughly 2 million users to its online racetracks, surpassing 3 million registered users in total. Just imagine rush hour!

Although the majority of the expanded user base can be attributed to the change to a free-to-play business model, the recent localization of the game into French, Polish, Russian and Spanish likely contributed to the rise in licensed drivers, too. Now, how would EA say, "Please buy some DLC" in those languages?

JoystiqNeed for Speed World population passes 3 million registered racers originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-boxeaea-black-boxelectronic-artsfree-to-playmmoneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-worldpcracingusersFri, 17 Dec 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Shift 2 Unleashed 'Limited Edition' buyers get three fancy cars before the rest of us]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/shift-2-unleashed-limited-edition-buyers-get-three-fancy-cars/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/shift-2-unleashed-limited-edition-buyers-get-three-fancy-cars/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/shift-2-unleashed-limited-edition-buyers-get-three-fancy-cars/#comments Looking to drift around Shift 2 Unleashed's narrow apexes in a perfectly balanced Nissan Silvia Spec-R Aero (S15)? To leap from 0 to 60 in 3.3 seconds with an over $300K Lamborghini Murciélago LP640? To ... uh ... commute in style in an Alfa Romeo Giulietta QV? You may want to pre-order the game, then, as EA announced this morning that all three cars will only be available at launch to folks who manage to snag the "Limited Edition" of Shift 2.

Like Battlefield: Bad Company 2 and Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit before it, the initial shipments of Shift 2 Unleashed will be "Limited Edition" versions packing the three cars -- no extra money is required, just the need for speed in making a purchasing decision.

The release says nothing about when the trio of liveries will become available to the rest of us normal folk, but it does characterize the bonus as "immediate" rather than "exclusive" access. That said, we're sure the Autolog system moving over from Hot Pursuit will make whatever period of exclusivity torture while friends toast our time trials. Blast you, friends who think ahead!

Gallery: Shift 2 Unleashed (pre-order bonus cars)

JoystiqShift 2 Unleashed 'Limited Edition' buyers get three fancy cars before the rest of us originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfa-romeoalfa-romeo-giulietta-qvlamborghinimicrosoftmurcielago-lp640need-for-speedneed-for-speed-shift-2nissan-silviapcplaystationpre-orderps3racingshift-2-unleashedxboxThu, 16 Dec 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit, Monopoly and Snood on iPad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/11/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-monopoly-and-snood-on-ipad/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/11/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-monopoly-and-snood-on-ipad/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/11/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-monopoly-and-snood-on-ipad/#comments EA has passed word that three of its games are now ready for the iPad: Monopoly, Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit and Snood can all be downloaded from the App Store right now.

These three games have been optimized for the iPad with near high-def graphics and interface tweaks made specifically for the platform. Both Monopoly and Hot Pursuit will set you back $9.99, while Snood is a bit more modestly priced at $4.99.

Gallery: Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit (iPad)

JoystiqNeed for Speed: Hot Pursuit, Monopoly and Snood on iPad originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Dec 2010 05:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-mobilemobilemonopolyNeed-for-SpeedNeed-for-Speed-Hot-PursuitsnoodSat, 11 Dec 2010 05:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Shift 2 Unleashed preview: The new look of racing sims]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/shift-2-unleashed-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/shift-2-unleashed-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/shift-2-unleashed-preview/#comments Now that the dust has started to settle around Gran Turismo 5, EA is pulling off the sheet on its Need for Speed: Shift sequel. Simply Shift 2 Unleashed -- no "Need for Speed" in the title -- the racer represents returning developer Slightly Mad Studios' continuing effort to make players feel like they're actually driving some of the world's most powerful cars.

Gallery: Shift 2 Unleashed

Continue reading Shift 2 Unleashed preview: The new look of racing sims

JoystiqShift 2 Unleashed preview: The new look of racing sims originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-ArtsmicrosoftNeed-for-Speedneed-for-speed-shift-2pcplaystationps3shift-2-unleashedSlightly-Mad-StudiosxboxTue, 30 Nov 2010 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Shift 2 Unleashed loses 'Need for Speed' and adds Hot Pursuit's Autolog]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/shift-2-unleashed-loses-need-for-speed-and-adds-hot-pursuits/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/shift-2-unleashed-loses-need-for-speed-and-adds-hot-pursuits/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/shift-2-unleashed-loses-need-for-speed-and-adds-hot-pursuits/#comments What better day to announce a new entry in a long-standing franchise than the release date for what is, arguably, the best installment in the series to date. Today, on Need for Speed Hot Pursuit's big day, EA has stolen some of that thunder by announcing Shift 2 Unleashed, the sequel to last year's simulation-style installment.

In doing so, EA has dropped the "Need for Speed" half of the title (though the debut trailer, found after the break, still puts the game squarely in the NFS series, even using Hot Pursuit's n-shaped logo). In its place is Autolog, the excellent, always-connected enhancement that Burnout-dev Criterion brought to Hot Pursuit. EA calls it the "next generation" of the stats-driven friendship killer -- though, with less than half a year between both iterations, let's say we're skeptical of that claim.

The game is being built by racing veterans, and Shift developers, Slightly Mad Studios for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC. This morning's press release says to expect the game in "spring 2011," which is pretty close to the previously reported Q1 2011 window. So, are you more of a Hot Pursuit or a Shift 2 kind of gamer?

Continue reading Shift 2 Unleashed loses 'Need for Speed' and adds Hot Pursuit's Autolog

JoystiqShift 2 Unleashed loses 'Need for Speed' and adds Hot Pursuit's Autolog originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtsmicrosoftNeed-for-Speedneed-for-speed-shift-2pcplaystationps3racingShift-2-UnleashedSlightly-Mad-StudiosxboxTue, 16 Nov 2010 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit review: More than satisfies the need]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/09/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/09/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/09/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-review/#comments It's been a good year to be a fan of arcade-style racing games, with Blur and Split/Second neck-and-neck in the race to be the year's best. Unfortunately for them, Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit from Burnout Paradise creator Criterion Games just took first place.

For the reboot of this Need for Speed sub-series, which saw two installments across PS1 and PS2, Criterion has created a racer that not only lives up to expectations of thrilling speed and pristine visuals but blows past them with a cops-and-robbers career mode.

Gallery: Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit (review)

Continue reading Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit review: More than satisfies the need

JoystiqNeed for Speed: Hot Pursuit review: More than satisfies the need originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Nov 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterionCriterion-GameseaElectronic-ArtsmicrosoftNeed-for-Speedneed-for-speed-hot-pursuitplaystationps3RacingxboxTue, 09 Nov 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit trailer tours Seacrest County]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/04/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-trailer-tours-seacrest-county/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/04/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-trailer-tours-seacrest-county/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/04/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-trailer-tours-seacrest-county/#comments Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit wants you to believe Seacrest County is a "driver's paradise," but we feel this latest trailer ignores the best thing Seacrest has to offer: Señor Guapo's Bakery on Alameda boulevard. Seriously, don't visit just to drive around, go have the churro of your life.

Continue reading Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit trailer tours Seacrest County

JoystiqNeed for Speed: Hot Pursuit trailer tours Seacrest County originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterionCriterion-Gameseamicrosoftneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-hot-pursuitnintendopcplaystationps3wiixboxThu, 04 Nov 2010 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit trailer captured [update: demo on October 26]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/04/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-trailer-captured/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/04/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-trailer-captured/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/04/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-trailer-captured/#commentsThe latest trailer for Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit provides lots of footage of implausibly fancy police cars chasing similarly precious private-owned vehicles, for what most be the most serious speeding citation the Seacrest County police can offer. If they have to get a helicopter on you for speeding, that's going to be a rather pricey ticket.

This trailer also gives some attention to Hot Pursuit's "Autolog" feature, which helps connect players to one another, and displays a bunch of stats about your friends' performance. In case you thought you were doing well!

Update: as noted in the video, a demo will be available October 26. We're following up with EA about the timing of the demo release for each platform.

Continue reading Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit trailer captured [update: demo on October 26]

JoystiqNeed for Speed: Hot Pursuit trailer captured [update: demo on October 26] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Oct 2010 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterionelectronic-artsmicrosoftneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-hot-pursuitpcplaystationps3racingxboxMon, 04 Oct 2010 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed World shifts to free-to-play model, as user base passes 1 million milestone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/09/need-for-speed-world-shifts-to-free-to-play-model/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/09/need-for-speed-world-shifts-to-free-to-play-model/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/09/need-for-speed-world-shifts-to-free-to-play-model/#commentsFiled under: , ,

EA has announced that Need For Speed World, its MMO racer, has surpassed one million registered players since going live on July 27. With this milestone comes word that the game will soon be adding a co-op pursuit mode and expanded customization options (in addition to the already-promised new gameworld areas). Oh, and it's gone completely free-to-play.

Originally free only up to level 10 -- requiring a $20 investment for the "full" experience -- Need For Speed World has removed its base cost, although the purchase of items, power-ups, car rentals and other premium content will remain an option under the F2P model.

JoystiqNeed for Speed World shifts to free-to-play model, as user base passes 1 million milestone originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-black-boxElectronic-Artsfree-to-playmmoNeed-for-Speedneed-for-speed-worldpcThu, 09 Sep 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit gameplay footage will get your heart racing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-gameplay-footage-will-get-your-heart/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-gameplay-footage-will-get-your-heart/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-gameplay-footage-will-get-your-heart/#comments This freshly released gameplay trailer for Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit from Burnout vets Criterion Games has us in a hot pursuit of a controller with which we can play more of this blistering-fast racer. The footage features cops versus racers in both day and night settings, the latter we're pretty sure was put in the game just to show off the police car lights bathing passing cars and scenery in their red and blue beams.

The video begins and ends with a peek at the game's "Autolog" player vs. player challenge system. There are also some shots that'll be familiar with anyone who played Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 in the PS2 era, including roadblocks, spike strips (dropped from helicopters!) and the cops calling in high-performance backup when their cruisers just aren't getting the job done. It looks fast-tastic. Now, if only November 16 could get here faster.

Continue reading Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit gameplay footage will get your heart racing

JoystiqNeed For Speed: Hot Pursuit gameplay footage will get your heart racing originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 21:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterionCriterion-GameseaElectronic-Artsgamescom-2010microsoftNeed-for-SpeedNeed-for-Speed-Hot-Pursuitplaystationps3RacingxboxTue, 17 Aug 2010 21:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed: Shift 2 crossing finish line in early 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/need-for-speed-shift-2-crossing-finish-line-in-early-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/need-for-speed-shift-2-crossing-finish-line-in-early-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/need-for-speed-shift-2-crossing-finish-line-in-early-2011/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Another Need for Speed game entering the world is, at this point, less like the birth of a child and more like locating a new star. Sure, we're going to name it, but there's no need to Skype your Gram-Gram about it. It is in this spirit that we soberly yet respectfully report that a new star, NFS-2332, has been discovered in an EA financial report. It's being commonly referred to as Need for Speed: Shift 2 by scientists, and it's slated to crash into Earth between January and March of 2011, as rumored early last month. (Sorry, we didn't consider how horrifying that would sound when we started the analogy).

Though we can assume the sequel will keep to the simmier aspects of its predecessor, we know diddly else about the title at the moment. Here's hoping an ongoing EA earnings call sheds some light.

JoystiqNeed for Speed: Shift 2 crossing finish line in early 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-shift-2pcplaystationps3q1-2011release-datexboxTue, 03 Aug 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed World pulls up to the starting line on July 27]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/need-for-speed-world-pulls-up-to-the-starting-line-on-july-27/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/need-for-speed-world-pulls-up-to-the-starting-line-on-july-27/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/need-for-speed-world-pulls-up-to-the-starting-line-on-july-27/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Anxious to envelop yourself in your Maserati's splendor and hit some hairpin turns at 100mph? Well, you can do that later. Now we want to tell you about this video game.

EA has announced that its MMO experiment, Need for Speed World, will be available for download on July 27 -- a week later than initially expected. Those who pre-ordered the Need for Speed World Starter Pack -- a $20 primer that gives players $20 in SpeedBoost (in-game currency), full access up to level 50 and some power-ups including Nitrous and Traffic Magnet -- get a week's head start and can play Need for Speed World starting today. Those who pre-ordered get further incentive in exclusive cars, double experience points, driver name reservation and permanent VIP status.

Racers looking for a free taste of the game will be able to download a special trial version (that unlocks all game modes and provides free play up to level ten) here as of July 27.

JoystiqNeed for Speed World pulls up to the starting line on July 27 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delayseaea-black-boxmmoNeed-for-Speedneed-for-speed-worldNeed-For-Speed-World-OnlinepcTue, 20 Jul 2010 14:00:00 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[Need for Speed World opens up July 20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/need-for-speed-world-opens-up-july-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/need-for-speed-world-opens-up-july-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/need-for-speed-world-opens-up-july-20/#comments EA has announced a July 20 date for the official launch of Need For Speed World, its racing MMO developed by EA Black Box. The game has been in closed beta for quite some time, with Joystiq getting a look at it back in March.

NFSW will be released as a free game client which will let players advance their driver up to level 10 before being asked to purchase a "starter pack." The game can continue to be played without it, but players won't be able to level up to earn new vehicles and power-ups.

EA is accepting pre-orders for a $19.99 starter pack, which allows for progression up to level 50 and includes an exclusive car, beta access, the ability to play NFSW a week before release and a selection of power-ups. Unfortunately, our suggestion for a "back-seat driver" power-up -- which would play the game for you to grind levels -- doesn't appear to have made the cut.

JoystiqNeed for Speed World opens up July 20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 May 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-boxeaea-black-boxElectronic-Artsmmoneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-worldracingrelease-dateThu, 27 May 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[We should be set on Need for Speed subtitles for a while]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/17/we-should-be-set-on-need-for-speed-subtitles-for-a-while/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/17/we-should-be-set-on-need-for-speed-subtitles-for-a-while/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/17/we-should-be-set-on-need-for-speed-subtitles-for-a-while/#comments Superannuation recently did its thing and uncovered a whole slew of newly reserved domain names associated with the Need for Speed franchise. The subtitles suggested by the registered domains are (deep breath): Boost, Drift Kings, Eliminator, Lightning, No Limits, Overdrive, Proven, Redline, Showdown, Street Kings, Takedown, The Run, Time Attack and Underground East. One of these many names could potentially (hopefully!) be the title of the next, possibly Criterion-developed installment in the series -- but then again there could always be a need for more domain registrations yet to come from EA.

Actually, the registered domains were reserved by Corporate Domains, Inc. (CSC), an intermediary company that manages web real estate in order to protects its clients' "brand identity." So, it's technically possible that these acquisitions weren't made with EA's blessing, and that this collection is really just a massive prank executed by one of CSC's various corporate clients. A jealous publisher then? That's far from the most likely scenario -- but it would definitely be the most hilarious.

JoystiqWe should be set on Need for Speed subtitles for a while originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 May 2010 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>domaindomain-reservationseaElectronic-Artsneed-for-speedregistrationwebsitesMon, 17 May 2010 16:27:00 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[Impressions: Need for Speed World]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/need-for-speed-world-mmo-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/need-for-speed-world-mmo-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/need-for-speed-world-mmo-preview/#comments It's rare to get excited for a Need for Speed project. Sure, it's a reliable franchise that's spawned a number of good, and sometimes great titles as of late, but innovation is hardly its strong suit. Considering the series' track record, I was surprised to find that one of EA's most ambitious and innovative upcoming titles is Need for Speed World, a free-to-play massively multiplayer online racer for the PC. It's the largest Need for Speed title yet, offering a potential platform for limitless updates, and it could easily become the last Need for Speed game EA will ever need to make.

Imagine a world not unlike the one found in Burnout Paradise and Test Drive Unlimited. Now, imagine those worlds with persistent online multiplayer functionality. Essentially, that's what Need for Speed World is. Even at its pre-beta stage, the gameworld is incredibly expansive, spanning over 150 miles of playable road, comprised of a "best of" tasting menu from the entire Need for Speed franchise. If there have been certain tracks, certain environments and certain streets you have enjoyed in previous games: chances are, you may find them in Need for Speed World.

Gallery: Need for Speed World (MMO)


[Heads-up: Details about the open beta -- launching today! -- are posted after the break following the preview.]

Continue reading Impressions: Need for Speed World

JoystiqImpressions: Need for Speed World originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaeaElectronic-Artsmmoneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-worldonlinerelease-dateTue, 16 Mar 2010 11:56:00 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[Dead Space 2 and EA's Epic shooter slated for early 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/dead-space-2-and-ea-epic-shooter-slated-for-early-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/dead-space-2-and-ea-epic-shooter-slated-for-early-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/dead-space-2-and-ea-epic-shooter-slated-for-early-2011/#comments EA's tentative release schedule for Q4 of its fiscal 2011 (or, as us normal people call it, January-March 2011) contains more than a few intriguing entries. You already heard about the new Dragon Age game -- but listed just below that is an untitled "Shooter from Epic TBA." Of course, this can only mean one thing: Gears of Madden 2012 is within spitting distance of becoming a sweet reality! Wait -- what's that? Oh, right, the listing more likely points to new speculative details about that possible "Bulletstorm" project from Epic's People Can Fly studio. How ... unofficial.

Also listed under the early 2011 releases is Dead Space 2, which EA had previously promised would drop before next March. The excitement level of the remaining games drops off like the deep end of a pool: The list includes (deep breath) a new Need For Speed on consoles and PC (in addition to an apparent Holiday 2010 release), a downloadable "action" game, a new fighting game designated as a "sports" title, a new Hasbro game (more Family Game Night?), and new installments in the Sims and Spore franchises.

JoystiqDead Space 2 and EA's Epic shooter slated for early 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bulletstormdead-spacedead-space-2eaea-sportselectronic-artsfamily-game-nightMicrosoftneed-for-speedNintendopeople-can-flyq1-2011release-datethe-simsWiiXbox-360Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Crysis 2, Sims 3 on consoles, NBA Jam due Holiday 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/crysis-2-sims-3-on-consoles-nba-jam-due-holiday-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/crysis-2-sims-3-on-consoles-nba-jam-due-holiday-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/crysis-2-sims-3-on-consoles-nba-jam-due-holiday-2010/#comments Thanks to today's EA earnings report (EArnings?) we're starting to get an idea of how the company's holiday season is going to shape up. This is all subject to change, of course, but as of right now it would appear you can look forward to Crysis 2, NBA Jam and EA Sports MMA sometime between October and December of 2010.

Filling out the holiday quarter are some yet-to-be-formally-announced titles like The Sims 3 on consoles, a new Need For Speed game (perhaps the Criterion-developed one?) and a new Harry Potter game (likely tied to this November's Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I). Want to come up with your own wild speculation? Peruse the list here.

JoystiqCrysis 2, Sims 3 on consoles, NBA Jam due Holiday 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterioncrysis-2eaea-sports-mmaElectronic-Artsharry-potterMicrosoftnba-jamneed-for-speedNintendoq4-2010release-datesims-3WiiXbox-360Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:25:00 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[EA: Medal of Honor, Dead Space 2, Crysis 2 before March 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/ea-medal-of-honor-dead-space-2-crysis-2-before-march-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/ea-medal-of-honor-dead-space-2-crysis-2-before-march-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/ea-medal-of-honor-dead-space-2-crysis-2-before-march-2011/#comments During EA's half-hour investor callstravaganza yesterday, CEO John Riccitiello unleashed a flurry of game titles set to be released in the company's "FIscal 2011." For EA, that falls anywhere between April 1, 2010 and March 30, 2011 -- a window that now holds the release of "a great new version of Medal of Honor, a revitalized Need for Speed, Sims on console, FIFA in a World Cup year, an innovative and new take on Madden, Dead Space 2, Crysis at full margins, a new MMA game, and many others."

Considering this laundry list of games is getting little more than a 12-month window for release, we're taking the logical next step and throwing darts at images of the games on our cork-board calendar. According to our impeccable aim... everything is coming out in November. Not helpful!

[Via Eurogamer]

JoystiqEA: Medal of Honor, Dead Space 2, Crysis 2 before March 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crysiscrysis-2dead-spacedead-space-2eaea-mmaea-sportsElectronic-Artsfifainvestor-callmaddenmedal-of-honorMedal-of-Honor-2010Microsoftmmaneed-for-speedpcrelease-datesimsthe-simsXbox-360Tue, 12 Jan 2010 12:45:00 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[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