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[Valve games come to Impulse]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/valve-games-come-to-impulse/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/valve-games-come-to-impulse/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/valve-games-come-to-impulse/#comments Valve, proprietor of Steam -- which is basically the Walmart of PC digital distribution -- now has its games available on Impulse. Your confusion is as great as ours, but here we are.

The Impulse store, owned by GameStop, announced last week that Valve titles would become available on the service. Apparently, the shock of this caused almost everyone in the media not to report this fact for an awkward length of time.

The Valve games available through Impulse right now are Portal 2, Left 4 Dead, Left 4 Dead 2, The Orange Box, and Half-Life Complete. Best part: the games still require Steam to play.

JoystiqValve games come to Impulse originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Gamestophalf-life-2Impulseleft-4-deadleft-4-dead-2Orange-Boxpcportal-2SteamValveTue, 31 Jan 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[These talking GlaDOS Curiosity Spheres probably want to kill you]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/these-talking-glados-curiosity-spheres-probably-want-to-kill-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/these-talking-glados-curiosity-spheres-probably-want-to-kill-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/these-talking-glados-curiosity-spheres-probably-want-to-kill-you/#comments "Well, you found me. Congratulations. Was it worth it? Because despite your violent behavior, the only thing you've managed to break so far ... is my heart. Maybe you could settle for that and we'll just call it a day? I guess we both know that isn't going to happen."

Continue reading These talking GlaDOS Curiosity Spheres probably want to kill you

JoystiqThese talking GlaDOS Curiosity Spheres probably want to kill you originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macmicrosoftorange-boxpcplaystationPortalportal-still-aliveps3the-orange-boxvalvevalve-softwarexboxThu, 29 Jul 2010 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve explains why Portal's Companion Cube had to die]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/02/valve-explains-why-portals-companion-cube-had-to-die/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/02/valve-explains-why-portals-companion-cube-had-to-die/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/02/valve-explains-why-portals-companion-cube-had-to-die/#comments When we cursed the heavens and asked tearfully why our beloved labradoodle, Cagney, had to die in a horrific snow plow accident, leaving behind her best friend (our maltipoo Lacey), the only answer we received was the stony ambivalence of a silent autumnal sky.

When we cursed Valve and asked tearfully why our beloved Companion Cube had to die by our own hands, Portal's writers calmly explained to Gamasutra that it was to develop a stronger bond with the Cube and teach the mechanics of the incinerator.

See how it's done, God? Was that so difficult?

JoystiqValve explains why Portal's Companion Cube had to die originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>companion-cubeerik-wolpaworange-boxportalvalveMon, 02 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA['It was obvious!' ... Meet Team Fortress 2's Spy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/17/it-was-obvious-meet-team-fortress-2s-spy/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/17/it-was-obvious-meet-team-fortress-2s-spy/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/17/it-was-obvious-meet-team-fortress-2s-spy/#comments We thought Valve had given up introducing us to its Team Fortress 2 cast (considering The Orange Box launched in 2007), but a new video has shown us to be a little too hasty. This time, players get a glimpse into the world of the Spy. Devious, brutal and womanizing ... the Spy is a force to be reckoned with. We've loved the short introduction vignettes Valve has developed to promote the game's classes so far, but the Spy's video is definitely our favorite of the bunch. Enjoy.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in.]

Joystiq'It was obvious!' ... Meet Team Fortress 2's Spy originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 17 May 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>meet-the-spyMicrosoftorange-boxorangeboxteam-fortress-2tf2trailervalveXbox-360Sun, 17 May 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[This is a triumph: Orange Box goes on sale for $9.99]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/24/this-is-a-triumph-orange-box-goes-on-sale-for-9-99/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/24/this-is-a-triumph-orange-box-goes-on-sale-for-9-99/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/24/this-is-a-triumph-orange-box-goes-on-sale-for-9-99/#comments
It doesn't take an MIT genius to figure out this equation:

(Half-Life 2 + Half-Life 2: Episode One + Half-Life 2: Episode Two + Portal + Team Fortress 2)
3
 =
?
The answer is: "a pretty amazing deal." For this weekend only, you can pick up all of these games with a 66% discount. Visit Steam and you'll be able to download all of these games for only $9.99. If you're one of the, oh, three Joystiq readers who haven't picked up The Orange Box yet, then you have no choice but to take advantage of this offer.

[Via Big Download]

JoystiqThis is a triumph: Orange Box goes on sale for $9.99 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dealorange-boxsalesteamthe-orange-boxvalveFri, 24 Apr 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Big changes headed to TF2, Xbox update still in the works]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/big-changes-headed-to-tf2-xbox-update-still-in-the-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/big-changes-headed-to-tf2-xbox-update-still-in-the-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/big-changes-headed-to-tf2-xbox-update-still-in-the-works/#commentsFiled under:


In a fairly exhaustive article from The Escapist, a few details regarding the future of Team Fortress 2 have been revealed. As players might expect, class updates -- akin to the previous updates to the Medic, Heavy and Pyro classes -- are foremost on the list. Specifically, the Scout is the next up for tweaking. Other updates include a new map for the Payload game type and possibly even an entirely new game type, which the article refers to as "very different."

Sadly, the article doesn't detail when (or if) these updates will ever make it to the ailing Xbox version. Perhaps tellingly, the article refers to the upcoming 360 update, which is set to include all the PC updates released so far, as one of "a number of side projects" Valve is currently working on.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqBig changes headed to TF2, Xbox update still in the works originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jan 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>orange-boxteam-fortress-2the-orange-boxvalvevalve-softwareWed, 21 Jan 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sunday Deals: $15 Orange Box and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/04/sunday-deals-15-orange-box-and-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/04/sunday-deals-15-orange-box-and-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/04/sunday-deals-15-orange-box-and-more/#commentsFiled under:


This week, you can view all of the Sunday weekly ad's best Xbox 360 deals after the break and in bulleted form thanks to the fact that there are too many games to list in a paragraph and because we just like to use bullets. Don't worry though, the same amount of care went into organizing this week's best deals, so jump towards the break to find your weekly list-o-money-savings. Pro tip: The Orange Box for $15 is a steal.

Continue reading Sunday Deals: $15 Orange Box and more

JoystiqSunday Deals: $15 Orange Box and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 04 Jan 2009 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-buycircuit-citydealdiscountsorange-boxSun, 04 Jan 2009 16:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve "actively working on" 360 Team Fortress 2 update, still no date]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/12/valve-actively-working-on-360-team-fortress-2-update-still-no/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/12/valve-actively-working-on-360-team-fortress-2-update-still-no/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/12/valve-actively-working-on-360-team-fortress-2-update-still-no/#commentsFiled under:


Hey, remember waaaay back in August when Valve announced that an update would be headed to the Xbox 360 version of Team Fortress 2 before the year was out? It loos like we'll be waiting a little longer. Valve updated the world on the status of the update in a recent (and short) entry on the official Team Fortress website. It said, quite simply that the company is "actively working on a massive 360 update" that will include "pretty much everything" that the company has released so far for the PC version. Oh, and about that release date: "We'll provide you with a rough date when we have one."

[Via Joystiq. Thanks, krazyman]

JoystiqValve "actively working on" 360 Team Fortress 2 update, still no date originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Dec 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsorange-boxteam-fortress-2the-orange-boxvalveFri, 12 Dec 2008 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Holidaze 2008: Live in the past, it's cheaper]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/27/holidaze-2008-live-in-the-past-its-cheaper/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/27/holidaze-2008-live-in-the-past-its-cheaper/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/27/holidaze-2008-live-in-the-past-its-cheaper/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Bad news, everybody: 2008 is the new 2007. Those of us lucky enough to have survived last year's unyielding flood of exquisite games expected the new holiday to provide some respite -- perhaps an influx of blessedly mediocre games -- but alas, our wallets are once again tugged in every $60 direction.

But what's worse? The deafening din of desirable games, or that irresistible impulse to play and master every adventure the very second it becomes available? Provided you can defeat the latter reflex, we have a simple suggestion: Live in the past. It's cheaper!

We've dredged up our decisive, if ever-so-slightly controversial list of the ten best games of Oh Seven, hoping you'll find a fantastic experience you mistakenly overlooked. You'll find that the passage of time has taken a pleasing toll on the recommended price of admission. In fact, we've traveled forward in time to this very moment, hoping to pick up our 2007 nominees on the cheap. What do you think? Should we make Portal our Game of the Year?

Continue reading Holidaze 2008: Live in the past, it's cheaper

JoystiqHolidaze 2008: Live in the past, it's cheaper originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Nov 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Assassins-CreedBioshockCall-of-Duty-4God-of-War-IIGOTY-2007Halo-3Holidaze-2008JoystiqFeaturesJS-Twitterlive-in-the-past-its-cheaperMacMass-EffectOrange-BoxPCPegglePortalPS2PS3Super-Mario-GalaxyWiiXbox-360Thu, 27 Nov 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Holidaze 2008: Live in the past, it's cheaper (Page 2)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/27/holidaze-2008-live-in-the-past-its-cheaper-page-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/27/holidaze-2008-live-in-the-past-its-cheaper-page-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/27/holidaze-2008-live-in-the-past-its-cheaper-page-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare

What we said then: "Perhaps the most surprising thing about the game is how few actual revolutionary concepts are contained within. It selects existing game design tools, hones them to practical perfection and creates what is, in our opinion, the military shooter against which all others must be judged."

What we say now: "An essential 'tunnel of fun' shooter with a rewarding multiplayer component. If you find yourself disappointed by this year's Call of Duty: World at War, it's probably this game's fault."

Current retail price: $39.99 (Game of the Year edition)

Continue reading Holidaze 2008: Live in the past, it's cheaper (Page 2)

JoystiqHolidaze 2008: Live in the past, it's cheaper (Page 2) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Nov 2008 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Assassins-CreedBioshockCall-of-Duty-4God-of-War-2GOTY-2007Halo-3Holidaze-2008JoystiqFeatureslive-in-the-past-its-cheaperMass-EffectOrange-BoxPCPegglePortalPS2PS3Super-Mario-GalaxyWiiXbox-360Thu, 27 Nov 2008 14:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Eurogamer examines NXE's game installation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/11/eurogamer-examines-nxes-game-installation/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/11/eurogamer-examines-nxes-game-installation/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/11/eurogamer-examines-nxes-game-installation/#commentsFiled under:


With two different storage mediums in hand, the fine folks at Eurogamer have done what any gadget-loving geek would and should do: pit them against each other and fill numerous tables with the numerical results. The scintillating statfest concerns the loading times of Xbox 360 games, most of which seem to show a notable, albeit unimpressive, improvement when installed to the hard drive via the New Xbox Experience.

Interestingly, it's The Orange Box's Half-Life 2 component which benefits the most out of all the test subjects, with initial loading time cut down from 44.5 seconds (wow, really?) to 25.5 quiet, whoosh-less seconds. Another notable game is shoot-teh-alienz epic, Halo 3 -- it actually fares worse when installed to the hard drive. Which is just as well, really, since we'd rather have the drive noise drown out the 13-year-olds killing us. Repeatedly.
Curious about the New Xbox Experience? Check out our ridiculously informative nine-video feature, covering everything from Avatar creation, Netflix integration, and the 8-player party system to installing games to the hard drive, the new Marketplace, the Blade-like "Guide" interface, and more!

JoystiqEurogamer examines NXE's game installation originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Halo-3HDDLoadingNew-Xbox-ExperienceNXEOrange-BoxXbox-360Tue, 11 Nov 2008 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve blames 'bandwidth' for lack of PS3 support]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/23/valve-blames-bandwidth-for-lack-of-ps3-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/23/valve-blames-bandwidth-for-lack-of-ps3-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/23/valve-blames-bandwidth-for-lack-of-ps3-support/#commentsFiled under: ,

bridget jones
"We don't have the bandwidth." That's the explanation Valve co-founder Gabe Newell offered up when poked by 1UP for answers regarding the company's lack of PlayStation 3 support. Put another way: "We don't have PlayStation developers," marketing director Doug Lombardi explained. While hardly a new revelation, Valve's dilemma continues to prevent the company from creating in-house PS3 content.

In the short term, this means -- for the last time -- no Left 4 Dead on PS3, and also, no Team Fortress 2 updates. But...? Uh-uh. "They're not doing ongoing development on The Orange Box for the PS3." They, of course, is EA, developer of the PS3 version of The Orange Box. To file a complaint, please contact the office of your local EA representative. Oprima el dos para continuar en español.

JoystiqValve blames 'bandwidth' for lack of PS3 support originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Sep 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandwidtheaElectronic-Artsleft-4-deadorange-boxPS3team-fortress-2tf2valveTue, 23 Sep 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Team Fortress 2 updates on 360 this year (for a price) [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/team-fortress-2-updates-on-360-this-year-for-a-price/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/team-fortress-2-updates-on-360-this-year-for-a-price/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/team-fortress-2-updates-on-360-this-year-for-a-price/#commentsFiled under:

Update: It seems GameSpot has pulled this story, though as of this update the story headline is still displayed on GameSpot's 360 page. For what it's worth, Kotaku is reporting the same thing, so we're not sure exactly why GameSpot's article has been pulled. See our original post below.

Gamers with the Xbox 360 version of Team Fortress 2 have had kind of a rough time. First we see the PC version get Medic updates and achievements, then the Pyro gets the same treatment, and now our good friend the Heavy is getting his own update (not to mention the Sandvich). We 360 gamers have sat idly by as PC gamers get to romp about with new weapons and there's a even a new map on the way. It's time to cheer up fanboys, because Valve has confirmed to GameSpot that all of the TF2 content released thus far should be hitting the Xbox 360 before the end of the year.

And now be sad again, because it looks like it's going to cost you. In an interview with VideoGaming247, Valve boss Gabe Newell spoke about the updates saying, "On the consoles, they want us to charge money for them, because that's in their model, and our model is very much more to grow the community by giving out free updates." Boy, we like the sound of Valve's model much better. From the sound of things, it's soundling like Microsoft wants Valve to charge for their content even if Valve doesn't want to (now that sounds familiar).

JoystiqTeam Fortress 2 updates on 360 this year (for a price) [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Aug 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsorange-boxteam-fortress-2tf2valveFri, 22 Aug 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve's Lombardi talks Portal XBLA, achievements and other platforms]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/18/valves-lombardi-talks-portal-xbla-achievements-and-other-platf/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/18/valves-lombardi-talks-portal-xbla-achievements-and-other-platf/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/18/valves-lombardi-talks-portal-xbla-achievements-and-other-platf/#commentsFiled under: ,


Valve's Doug Lombardi (seen muzzled by an X3F sticker at E3 2008) recently cleared up some confusion regarding the content of Portal: Still Alive for the Xbox Live Arcade in an interview with OXM. "It's just a series of new challenges," Lombardi told the magazine. "[Portal: Still Alive is] another way for people to experience Portal, without having to buy the full Orange Box."

We can't say we're surprised. With such a focus on story we didn't expect Valve to do anything exclusively for the Xbox that would factor into actual canon of the series.

Lombardi later detailed that Valve has new projects in the works for the Xbox 360 but remain firm on its disinterest for PS3 and Wii development. It was also confirmed that Team Fortess 2 that the achievements and content added to the PC version of the game will come to the Xbox 360 at some point, when Valve has worked out how it wants to package and release that content.

JoystiqValve's Lombardi talks Portal XBLA, achievements and other platforms originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>doug-lombardiE3e3-08e3-2008e308orange-boxportalportal-still-aliveteam-fortress-2the-orange-boxvalveFri, 18 Jul 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Half-Life: Episode Three may come to PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/half-life-episode-three-may-come-to-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/half-life-episode-three-may-come-to-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/half-life-episode-three-may-come-to-ps3/#commentsFiled under:


Although Valve's distaste of the PS3 is well-known, the Half-Life series has still found its way to Sony hardware courtesy of EA. It looks like the franchise will continue on PS3 as well, as this initial piece of Episode Three concept art reveals. The piece, by Valve artists Ted Backman, Jeremy Bennett and Tristian Reidford, shows an ominous advisor from Episode One and Two flying forward at Gordon Freeman in a stunning cavern. We can't grasp any real details on Valve's upcoming finale to the Half-Life 2 saga, but the platforms listed clearly include the PS3 as well.

Check out Into the Pixel for a high-res version of this piece. PS3 fans would also take note to check out the spectacular high-res WipEout HD art also available in their gallery.

[Thanks, MC Fresh Beatz! Via Shacknews]

JoystiqHalf-Life: Episode Three may come to PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>half-lifehalf-life-2orange-boxvalveFri, 11 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Deal of the Day: The Orange Box for $32]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/deal-of-the-day-the-orange-box-for-32/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/deal-of-the-day-the-orange-box-for-32/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/deal-of-the-day-the-orange-box-for-32/#commentsFiled under:


Sure, the PS3 version of The Orange Box has some issues. But when you realize that you're getting five excellent games for only $32, a few framerate hiccups seem like nothing. The Orange Box dropped down to $40 recently, but amazon.com is currently selling the game for only $32. If you haven't tried Portal yet, there really is no excuse.

[Via CAG]

JoystiqDeal of the Day: The Orange Box for $32 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dealdealofthedayorange-boxMon, 07 Jul 2008 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Team Fortress 2 Spy update details leaked]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/28/rumor-team-fortress-2-spy-update-details-leaked/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/28/rumor-team-fortress-2-spy-update-details-leaked/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/28/rumor-team-fortress-2-spy-update-details-leaked/#commentsFiled under: ,


Reader Ian G. recently submitted an image to us that he accidentally discovered using a StumbleUpon toolbar, which appears to be an early draft of an upcoming update for Team Fortress 2's most innocuous of classes, the Spy. The origins of said image are unknown -- perhaps it's a leak from Valve's vault? A convincing photoshop from a dedicated fan? Perhaps Ian is in possession of a magical StumbleUpon toolbar, capable of stumbling into the future?

While it certainly looks convincing, we're leaning towards "convincing photoshop" -- especially considering most of the text is copied and Elmer's school glued from Valve's official Pyro update. As credible as the new weapons (such as the silenced PPK and the Garrote) and achievements (Joykill: Backstab a laughing enemy) look, we doubt the legitimacy of these supposed details about our masked, nicotine-infused friend.

Update: Given the final line of the copyright information at the bottom of the page, which reads "Hoax by Ka anin :P!", we're ready to go ahead and file this one under B, for bunko.

JoystiqRumor: Team Fortress 2 Spy update details leaked originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>orange-boxPCrumorspyspy-updateteam-fortress-2tf2updatevalveSat, 28 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[No joke, it's Portal's 'Still Alive' in Japanese]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/14/no-joke-its-portals-still-alive-in-japanese/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/14/no-joke-its-portals-still-alive-in-japanese/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/14/no-joke-its-portals-still-alive-in-japanese/#commentsFiled under: ,


Nearly every fanboy knows about Portal's hit song "Still Alive". A Jonathan Coulton original song performed by Aperture Science's artificial intelligence GLaDOS that has been so popular, it made its way onto Rock Band. Well, now Japanese and not so Japanese Portal fans can experience "Still Alive" a new way, translated into Japanese and sung by Hatsune Miku, a character voice that's included as part of the Vocaloid software package. What more can we say? It's "Still Alive", it's Japanese, it's odd and it's hella' entertaining.

JoystiqNo joke, it's Portal's 'Still Alive' in Japanese originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 14 Jun 2008 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>orange-boxportalstill-alivethe-orange-boxvalveSat, 14 Jun 2008 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Weekly Webcomic Wrapup has a snake in a box]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/08/weekly-webcomic-wrapup-has-a-snake-in-a-box/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/08/weekly-webcomic-wrapup-has-a-snake-in-a-box/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/08/weekly-webcomic-wrapup-has-a-snake-in-a-box/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Interested in owning a papercraft Solid Snake, one that's guaranteed to elicit The Orange Box puns from all your nerdy friends? You can make your own here. Here are our picks for the week's best game-related webcomic. Be sure to vote for your favorite!

Q*bert Adventures (Hilarity Comics)
Fantasy vs. Reality (Tighten Up the Graphics)
Doing the Impossible (Digital Unrest)
Team Fortress Pooh (Fanboys Online)
One Possible Explanation (Penny Arcade)
Just What the Doctor Ordered (2P Start)

Continue reading Weekly Webcomic Wrapup has a snake in a box

JoystiqWeekly Webcomic Wrapup has a snake in a box originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Jun 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>metal-gear-solidorange-boxpaperpapercraftsolid-snakewebcomicSun, 08 Jun 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Points>Life: Recap Edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/points-life-recap-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/points-life-recap-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/points-life-recap-edition/#commentsFiled under:


Each week, X3F tips gamers to the tricks of the trade of Achievement hoarding in Points>Life. Every week a new achievement is unlocked to help you continue your unhealthy obsession with the Xbox 360 meta-game.

This week on Points>Life we're giving you nothing! Well, actually what we're doing is going back and recapping the tips we've given you and added a little postmortem comment. After releasing each feature the X3F Army shared best practices on other methods to obtain similar achievements.

This week we go back to the last eight weeks of tips and tricks, so if you're new to Points>Life ... today is your day!

Continue reading Points>Life: Recap Edition

JoystiqPoints>Life: Recap Edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 May 2008 22:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievement-pointsachievementscall-of-duty-4cod4crackdowngtaivhalf-life-2halo-3halo3ikarugaorange-boxpoints-greater-than-lifepoints-liferainbow-six-vegasrainbow-six-vegas-2team-fortress-2Tue, 27 May 2008 22:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve: We're not PS3 developers, but Left 4 Dead might be on PS3 ... maybe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/05/valve-were-not-ps3-developers-but-left-4-dead-might-be-on-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/05/valve-were-not-ps3-developers-but-left-4-dead-might-be-on-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/05/valve-were-not-ps3-developers-but-left-4-dead-might-be-on-ps3/#commentsFiled under:


Most Valve Software fans would know well enough that the company is primarily a developer for PC games and a bit of Xbox on the side. So, it's not too startling to hear Valve Marketing VP Doug Lombardi say something along the lines of "We're not PS3 developers" -- it's just a great headline. What is interesting, however, is the possibility of Left 4 Dead, currently set only for PC and Xbox 360 release, getting ported to the PS3.

Talking to CVG, Lombardi reconfirmed that Valve still sees Left 4 Dead for PC and 360 only; however, he did leave some glint of hope for a PS3 port in the future. When asked if EA would bring the game over much like what the company did with The Orange Box, Lombardi replied "Left 4 Dead doesn't have that guaranteed appeal yet - it's a new IP. If you mention a new Half-Life, people want to make as many versions of it as possible. If Left 4 Dead is big, then we may see a PS3 version later, or if and when we do a sequel, people may be more interested in that."

In short, it all comes down to financial risk for whoever wants to take on the challenge of porting. As far as Valve is concerned, they're not the ones who will do it; someone else will do it if they want to, that is. Hopefully, Left 4 Dead does well on the other platforms; we could always use a zombie shooter on the PS3.

JoystiqValve: We're not PS3 developers, but Left 4 Dead might be on PS3 ... maybe originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 May 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ealeft-4-deadorange-boxthe-orange-boxvalveMon, 05 May 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve distances themselves from PS3 development]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/05/valve-distances-themselves-from-ps3-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/05/valve-distances-themselves-from-ps3-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/05/valve-distances-themselves-from-ps3-development/#commentsFiled under:

Big Xbox 360 fanboy brownie points goes to developer Valve, not only for giving the 360 a superior version of the Orange Box, but because they openly diss the PS3. Now that's the kind of developer we love.

Chatting with CVG at a recent Left 4 Dead preview event, Valve's Doug Lombardi was blatantly honest about why they aren't planning a PS3 version of the game, saying that "we're not PS3 developers - we're doing PC and 360 like with Orange Box." Zing! Lombardi explained that "EA came to us and said 'wow, Orange box was an incredible project, can we do a PS3 version?'", so that's why a (craptacular) PS3 version was created without Valve's magic touch. Though, it's still possible we'll see Left 4 Dead on the PS3 if it becomes a huge hit on the 360 and PC, just don't expect Valve to be involved ... mwahahahaha!

[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqValve distances themselves from PS3 development originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 May 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>left-4-deadorange-boxvalveMon, 05 May 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft rejected Portal from XBLA lineup]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/microsoft-rejected-portal-from-xbla-lineup/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/microsoft-rejected-portal-from-xbla-lineup/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/microsoft-rejected-portal-from-xbla-lineup/#commentsFiled under: ,

GamesIndustry.biz is reporting that Valve's Orange Box hit Portal was rejected by Microsoft after Valve made an effort to get the title on the Xbox Live Arcade.

Valve's Doug Lombardi recently told GamesIndustry.biz that he'd "love to sell Portal on Xbox live" but that "the platform holders aren't doing that right now" because of "size limit and all kinds of other things." Because, if you recall, Microsoft has strict rules on XBLA games maxing out at 150MB in size. Though, Lombardi is optimistic about Portal hitting the XBLA, saying that "it always happens once it's been proven and I think it's been proven now on Steam, so I'm sure it'll migrate back to the consoles just like everything else does." Meh ...

So, there you have it, Microsoft crushed our Portal XBLA dreams. Those evil monkeys. Maybe the N+ guys were right about MS and their iron-fisted rule over the XBLA. Maybe?

JoystiqMicrosoft rejected Portal from XBLA lineup originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>orange-boxportalvalvexblaMon, 28 Apr 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve: No Portal sequel in 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/valve-no-portal-sequel-in-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/valve-no-portal-sequel-in-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/valve-no-portal-sequel-in-2008/#commentsFiled under:

Sad news fellow Companion Cube lovers, Valve just confirmed that gamers won't be able to experience a second round of Portal fun anytime this year. The reason? They simply don't want to make it a rush job.

Speaking with Eurogamer, Valve's Doug Lombardi broke down their decision by saying that they don't want to "quickly replicate it [a Portal sequel] and stick it out there - do the opportunistic thing and cash in on it", and will instead be sticking to a formula where a Portal "successor has to be equally as revolutionary as the first." Lombardi went on to say that "you won't see a new Portal at retail this Christmas because of that. That's the trade off. People want more, but we don't want to give them more of the same right away because that would just be boring."

There you have it, no new Portal funnery this year. But we have a feeling a fully beefed out and revolutionary Aperture Science experience will be headed our way come 2009.

JoystiqValve: No Portal sequel in 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Apr 2008 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>orange-boxportalthe-orange-boxvalveFri, 25 Apr 2008 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[New games this week: Portal edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/new-games-this-week-portal-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/new-games-this-week-portal-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/new-games-this-week-portal-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Yeah, it's old. But it's also Game of the Year, so we figure it's probably worth noting when the incredible, delectable Portal finally moves out of her parents' house and into an adorable studio apartment of her own. It's a good week for PCs all around actually, with the excellent Assassin's Creed arriving in a "director's cut" form.

Oh, and this week's "Game That Sounds Like it Was Named by Us As 8-Year-Olds and Then Sent Through Time Into the Future Award" goes to Mini Copter Adventure Flight. We would have traded our Chris Sabo rookie card and a half-empty packet of Lik-M-Aid for a game with a name like that in a heartbeat. There's a full list after the break.

Continue reading New games this week: Portal edition

JoystiqNew games this week: Portal edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Apr 2008 08:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DShalf-life-2newgamesorange-boxPCportalPS2PS3PSPWiiXbox-360Mon, 07 Apr 2008 08:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band 'Still Alive' DLC will always be free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/rock-band-still-alive-dlc-will-always-be-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/rock-band-still-alive-dlc-will-always-be-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/rock-band-still-alive-dlc-will-always-be-free/#commentsFiled under: ,

Just in case you were worried about not being able to grab the new "Still Alive" Rock Band downloadable content for free before it's promotional period (you procrastinating bum), you can rest easy now. Major Nelson just confirmed that Jonathan Coulton's "Still Alive" will forever be a free DLC download off the XBLM. That means future Rock Band purchasers will be able to get their GLaDOS fix for free, whenever they get around to downloading it. Applause to Microsoft, EA, Harmonix and Valve for working together to make this happen. Teamwork FTW!

JoystiqRock Band 'Still Alive' DLC will always be free originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaharmonixmtv-gamesorange-boxportalrock-bandstill-alivexblmTue, 01 Apr 2008 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band: 'Still Alive' DLC tomorrow ... for FREE!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/rock-band-to-get-still-alive-dlc-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/rock-band-to-get-still-alive-dlc-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/rock-band-to-get-still-alive-dlc-for-free/#commentsFiled under: ,


We have super, fantastic, amazing, glorious, superb and geeky Rock Band news for you today. Hmxsean just announced tomorrow's Rock Band downloadable content (seeing that it wasn't announced last Friday) and folks, it's finally here. Revealed back during GDC, Portal's hit song "Still Alive" by Jonathan Coulton will be available for download tomorrow off the XBLM for (get this) 0 Microsoft points. Yes sir, they're offering the "Still Alive" Rock Band DLC for FREE! And even though it's April Fool's day tomorrow, we don't expect this announcement to be a fool. Because, if it were, Harmonix employees would have to fear for their lives. We just have to say it again, but this time in caps ... "STILL ALIVE" WILL BE A FREE ROCK BAND DOWNLOAD TOMORROW! W00T!

Also, just to fuel the fanboy fires, the rockers over on the Playstation 3 will have to wait a few weeks to get their "Still Alive" DLC fix. Mwahahaha, enjoy!

[Thanks, to everyone who sent this in]

JoystiqRock Band: 'Still Alive' DLC tomorrow ... for FREE! originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Mar 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaharmonixmtv-gamesorange-boxportalrock-bandstill-alivevalvexblmMon, 31 Mar 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Team Fortress 2 PC content due mid-April]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/new-team-fortress-2-pc-content-due-mid-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/new-team-fortress-2-pc-content-due-mid-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/new-team-fortress-2-pc-content-due-mid-april/#commentsFiled under: ,


A fresh batch of content for the PC version of Team Fortress 2 is set to arrive during the week of April 20th, according to Shacknews. The update will add a new map,"Goldrush," to Valve's multiplayer shooter, along with unlockable weapons and a strong desire to succumb to the cartoonish mayhem all over again just when you thought you shook the addiction and got your life back on track which was becoming increasingly dominated by thoughts of playing the game which in fact you are considering right now at the expense of your ability to avoid run-on sentences somebody please please help us.

Ahem.

Goldrush will be the first map to support "Payload," a new game which tasks teams with pushing a mine cart (loaded with explosives, natch) into the opposition's base. In a stunning nod to real life, the cart will go faster when it has more players pushing it through the inevitable barrage of gunfire. Just so you know, most of that will likely be aimed at the Medic, the first class expected to benefit from the addition of unlockable weapons.

JoystiqNew Team Fortress 2 PC content due mid-April originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Mar 2008 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCOrange-BoxOrangeBoxPCSteamTeam-Fortress-2ValveThu, 27 Mar 2008 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Orange Box gets mysterious 128MB patch [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/22/the-orange-box-gets-mysterious-128mb-patch/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/22/the-orange-box-gets-mysterious-128mb-patch/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/22/the-orange-box-gets-mysterious-128mb-patch/#commentsFiled under:

Fans of Team Fortress 2 have discovered a mysterious undocumented 128MB patch for the PS3 version of The Orange Box. Valve's compilation of Half-Life games was bashed by the gaming community for its lackluster transition onto the PS3: the port not only came weeks after the Xbox 360 and PC counterparts, but featured framerate issues that plagued an otherwise stellar experience.

[Update: Fixes listed, after the cut.]

[Thanks, Jeff M.!]

Continue reading The Orange Box gets mysterious 128MB patch [Update]

JoystiqThe Orange Box gets mysterious 128MB patch [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 22 Mar 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>orange-boxSat, 22 Mar 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3's Orange box gets 128MB mystery patch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/20/ps3s-orange-box-gets-128mb-mystery-patch/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/20/ps3s-orange-box-gets-128mb-mystery-patch/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/20/ps3s-orange-box-gets-128mb-mystery-patch/#commentsFiled under:


As if five great games in one little box wasn't enough bang for your gaming buck, EA has just released a mysterious 128MB patch for the PS3 release of The Orange Box. That's like a whole PSN game in patches! We say "mysterious" because, well, it seems like nobody has any idea just what's included in that patch.

If you'll recall, EA took care of porting The Orange Box to the PlayStation 3 while Valve concentrated on the PC and Xbox 360 platforms; unfortunately, the PS3 release was not only delayed but it also suffered from some (perhaps exaggerated but nevertheless serious) framerate issues. While everyone is waiting for some sort of official changelog from EA, we figured we'd ask if any of you have noticed an appreciable difference following the update. Well, have you?

[Update: Official changelog from EA posted after the break, for your edification.]

Continue reading PS3's Orange box gets 128MB mystery patch

JoystiqPS3's Orange box gets 128MB mystery patch originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Mar 2008 13:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Orange-BoxPatchPS3ValveThu, 20 Mar 2008 13:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Individual Orange Box games hit retail April 9]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/individual-orange-box-games-hit-retail-april-9/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/individual-orange-box-games-hit-retail-april-9/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/individual-orange-box-games-hit-retail-april-9/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Perhaps you've been burnt by digital distribution in the past, and now refuse to even touch the likes of Steam. Perhaps you found one or more of the games in Valve's critically acclaimed Orange Box to be lacking in a peel. Perhaps you'd like us to stop with the excruciating puns you jerks and report the news already geez.

So, have at it: Valve has confirmed to Joystiq that the individually boxed Orange Box PC games are due to hit physical shelves on April 9th. The separate SKUs, which will be available worldwide, consist of first-person puzzler Portal, caricatured multiplayer romp Team Fortress 2, and a crowbar double-whammy in the form of Half-Life 2: Episode One and Two. Valve has yet to officially announce pricing details, but retailers currently list Portal at $19.99 and the other two packages at $29.99 each. Expect more details soon.

JoystiqIndividual Orange Box games hit retail April 9 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BreakingNewsHalf-LifeHalf-Life-2Half-Life2HL2Orange-BoxOrangeBoxPCPortalSteamTeam-Fortress-2TeamFortress2ValveWed, 05 Mar 2008 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve hopes to release upcoming TF2 DLC for free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/04/valve-hopes-to-release-upcoming-tf2-dlc-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/04/valve-hopes-to-release-upcoming-tf2-dlc-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/04/valve-hopes-to-release-upcoming-tf2-dlc-for-free/#commentsFiled under:

More news on the Team Fortress 2 front as Valve busily plans the release of a new set of DLC and how they are planning on offering the content for free

Speaking with Eurogamer, Valve's VP of marketing Doug Lombardi mentioned that their development team is hard at work on new TF2 multiplayer maps for the 360 version and that their plan is to offer the content for free. Lombardi tells Eurogamer that "free is the way to go. The gamers play the game, they want to keep playing the game, so we've collected their fifty bucks at the start, and once they're in the park, they can ride any ride they want in the park. So, for us that's been the philosophy." And a DLC philosophy we whole-heartily agree with. But nothing is set in stone just yet as Microsoft has certain rules pertaining to free content and we all know how much Orange Box publisher EA loves to make a quick buck off of DLC. In a perfect world we would see TF2 DLC for free, but we have a feeling we're in for another Hidden Fronts disagreement either between Valve and Microsoft or between Valve and EA.

JoystiqValve hopes to release upcoming TF2 DLC for free originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Mar 2008 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaorange-boxteam-fortress-2tf2valveTue, 04 Mar 2008 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve gives us Team Fortress 2 update specifics]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/03/valve-gives-us-team-fortress-2-update-specifics/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/03/valve-gives-us-team-fortress-2-update-specifics/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/03/valve-gives-us-team-fortress-2-update-specifics/#commentsFiled under:

Yesterday, we mentioned that a new Team Fortress 2 title update was released via Xbox Live but that we were in the dark pertaining to any of the specifics. We went as far as to call out Valve on their lack of information support surrounding the Orange Box for consoles. But today, we eat our words. Valve developer Kerry hopped onto the Xbox.com forums to inform the masses about the TF2 update and tell us exactly what it fixes. We've posted Kerry's complete list of changes after the break as we're sure our fellow TF2 exploiters are ever so curious to know which exploits in their vast exploit arsenal are no longer effective. Anyway, check out the update list as we go on to officially retract out "evil Valve" comment that we made yesterday. We acknowledge that our name calling was a bit much, but we still stand behind our request at having some sort of Valve supported news hub for getting Orange Box updates. We still cool?

[Thanks, Will]

Continue reading Valve gives us Team Fortress 2 update specifics

JoystiqValve gives us Team Fortress 2 update specifics originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>orange-boxteam-fortress-2tf2valveMon, 03 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest Team Fortress 2 update is now live [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/02/latest-team-fortress-2-update-is-now-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/02/latest-team-fortress-2-update-is-now-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/02/latest-team-fortress-2-update-is-now-live/#commentsFiled under:

Update: We're now more informed about the changes that went into effect with this latest update. Check out all the details here.

Recently, Valve's magical Orange Box received a title update with its sole purpose being fixification of Team Fortress 2. Though, sadly, we don't know exactly what changes the update made seeing that Valve has no central news hub for Xbox 360 Orange Box owners. All we get are PC centric updates like this. Evil Valve. But we're guessing the update has something to do with changes that were mentioned a few months back. We're also hearing from our oh so reliable X3F tipsters that the TF2 update adds the option for 14 player games, auto-balance management and other general class enhancements. Again, we can't be exactly sure what modifications were made seeing that Valve doesn't have a central news hub. Did we get that point across yet? Ahem, Valve, we need you to update us on things like this. Mmkay? And until they do, if while surfing the internets you spot a list or breakdown of what changes were put in place with the latest auto-update, please drop us a line. Thanks much.

[Thanks, to everyone who sent this in]

JoystiqLatest Team Fortress 2 update is now live [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 02 Mar 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>orange-boxteam-fortress-2tf2the-orange-boxvalveSun, 02 Mar 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Coulton performs Rock Band DLC 'Still Alive']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/24/video-coulton-performs-rock-band-dlc-still-alive/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/24/video-coulton-performs-rock-band-dlc-still-alive/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/24/video-coulton-performs-rock-band-dlc-still-alive/#commentsFiled under: ,


Our Joystiq pals just posted a video of Jonathan Coulton's Friday night performance of (recently announced as Rock Band DLC) "Still Alive" at San Francisco's Great American Music Hall. Coulton brought a few folks on stage including tech guy Leo Laporte and Mahalo's Veronica Belmont to participate in the "Still Alive" performance. Their Rock Band skills are lukewarm at best, but we get the general idea and can't wait to sing to "Still Alive" from the comforts of our Rock Band setup at home. And in even more exciting news, Joystiq got a chance to chat with a few Harmonix employees who attended the concert and learned that currently (though subject to change) the "Still Alive" DLC single will be downloadable for $.99. For that price, no true Rock Band'er or Portal'er should be without GLaDOS' mega-hit.

JoystiqVideo: Coulton performs Rock Band DLC 'Still Alive' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaharmonixjonathan-coultonmtv-gamesorange-boxportalrock-bandstill-aliveSun, 24 Feb 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sunday Deals: H3, BioShock, Lost Planet and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/24/sunday-deals-h3-bioshock-lost-planet-and-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/24/sunday-deals-h3-bioshock-lost-planet-and-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/24/sunday-deals-h3-bioshock-lost-planet-and-more/#commentsFiled under:

Hey, it's Sunday and that means its time to surf the internets, open those newspapers and look for the best gaming deals this week. But we've already done the work for you, so please, allow us to share ...

This week, Best Buy has two decent offers, one being that you can get a free $10 gift card with the purchase of Turning Point: Fall of Liberty and the other being $10 off Call of Duty 4. Heading North to our Canadian Best Buy friends, not only can you grab Kameo for $15, but they're also offering BioShock for free with the purchase of an Xbox 360. And remember, Xbox 360 prices in Canada recently dropped (Pro: $349, Elite: $449 and Arcade: $279), so that's a very juicy offer. Next up, Circuit City. They've heavily discounted Lost Planet to $20, cut the price of Conflict: DO to $40 and have taken 20% off the price of BlackSite, Kane & Lynch, Turok, Halo 3 and BioShock dropping their price to $48 each. Finally, this week at Target stores, they're selling PGR4 for $30, Scene It? for $50 and The Orange Box or NFS: ProStreet for a cool $40.

That's all the deals we could spot this week, but feel free to share with your fellow fanboys any other offers you spot while out and about this week. Happy shopping and stay safe.

JoystiqSunday Deals: H3, BioShock, Lost Planet and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-buybioshockblacksidecall-of-duty-4circuit-citycod4dealshalo-3kameoKameo-Elements-of-PowerMicrosoft-Game-Studiosorange-boxRaretargetSun, 24 Feb 2008 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC08: The cake is a line]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/gdc08-the-cake-is-a-line/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/gdc08-the-cake-is-a-line/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/gdc08-the-cake-is-a-line/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Oh, did you want to see Valve's Kim Swift and Erik Wolpaw deliver a Portal postmortem? We hope you like making your way through the digestive system of this rather large attendee snake. We'll keep you up to date -- just as soon as we figure out how to get down from this ladder.

JoystiqGDC08: The cake is a line originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Feb 2008 18:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GDCGDC08Kim-SwiftOrange-BoxOrangeBoxPCPortalValveXbox-360Fri, 22 Feb 2008 18:50:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC08: Portal's "Still Alive" to be Rock Band DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/21/gdc08-portals-still-alive-to-be-rock-band-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/21/gdc08-portals-still-alive-to-be-rock-band-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/21/gdc08-portals-still-alive-to-be-rock-band-dlc/#commentsFiled under:


Filed under news that'll make Portal fans squeal with joy, Rock Band's hmxsean just confirmed that the Portal hit "Still Alive" by GLaDOS will be releasing as Rock Band DLC in the near future. And that deserves a w00tacular! The news was revealed last night at Harmonix's GDC party where the man behind "Still Alive", Jonathan Coulton took the stage to make the announcement and play through the song with a few Harmonix developers. We guess this time the cake ended up not being a lie. Sweet.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqGDC08: Portal's "Still Alive" to be Rock Band DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Feb 2008 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eagdc08harmonixmtv-gamesorange-boxportalrock-bandstill-alivevalveThu, 21 Feb 2008 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Bethesda designer creates new Portal map, Ren_Test3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/12/bethesda-designer-creates-new-portal-map-ren_test3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/12/bethesda-designer-creates-new-portal-map-ren_test3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/12/bethesda-designer-creates-new-portal-map-ren_test3/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Having already upped the ante in Portal challenges with Ren_Test2 in November, Bethesda's Daryl Brigner has returned with a new custom-made map aptly titled Ren_Test3. The download, available at TWHL, also includes Ren_Test 1 and 2 as well as Step, Time and Portal challenges for the maps.
We haven't had a chance to play it yet (such is the crazy, fast-paced life of a blogger), so tell us what you think in the comments below. Let's hope Valve finds a way to pool some of the best custom maps for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 owners, too.

JoystiqBethesda designer creates new Portal map, Ren_Test3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Feb 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-Softworkshalf-life-2halflifeorange-boxPCportalren_testthe-orange-boxvalveTue, 12 Feb 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[IGF finalist Audiosurf available for pre-purchase on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/igf-finalist-audiosurf-available-for-pre-purchase-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/igf-finalist-audiosurf-available-for-pre-purchase-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/igf-finalist-audiosurf-available-for-pre-purchase-on-steam/#commentsFiled under: ,


Independent Games Festival award finalist, Audiosurf, is now available for pre-purchase on Valve's Steam service. Constantly trying to shake off the "rhythm", "racing" and "puzzle" genre labels we attempt to stick on it, Audiosurf generates three-dimensional tracks out of your music collection, enabling you to "surf" through your favorite tunes while collecting colored blocks.

Audiosurf will launch on February 15th at the price of $9.95 (pre-purchasing saves you 10%), and will include the soundtrack to Valve's The Orange Box. You haven't experienced "Still Alive" quite like this yet, have you?

JoystiqIGF finalist Audiosurf available for pre-purchase on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Feb 2008 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AudiosurfDylan-FittererOrange-BoxOrangeBoxPCSteamSteamWorksMon, 11 Feb 2008 19:25:00 EST