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['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[Valve's Lombardi: No Portal 2 in 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/26/valves-lombardi-no-portal-2-in-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/26/valves-lombardi-no-portal-2-in-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/26/valves-lombardi-no-portal-2-in-2008/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


We're making a note here: huge disappointment -- since Kim Swift's February interview with X-Play, where she mentioned the existence of a Portal 2 project, we've been salivating at the thought of the continued adventures of Chell, GlaDOS, WC&sup3;, and the Aperture Science Handheld Portal Device. Unfortunately, it seems we'll be wearing our spit guards for quite some time -- according to a recent Eurogamer interview with Valve's Doug Lombardi, any sort of continuation of the beloved franchise will not be hitting store shelves this year.

Lombardi expressed Valve's desire to create an equally "revolutionary" successor to the lightning-in-a-bottle first person puzzler, rather than cash in on the franchise at the height of its popularity with a quick and dirty sequel. Oh, Lomby, can't we have both? We're all about instant gratification -- especially gratification involving cake, and a particular silent, springheeled heroine.

JoystiqValve's Lombardi: No Portal 2 in 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 Apr 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>douglombardihalf-life-2lombardiorangeboxPCportalportal-2PS3sequelvalveXbox-360Sat, 26 Apr 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Meet the Team Fortress 2 Scout ... again]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/19/meet-the-team-fortress-2-scout-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/19/meet-the-team-fortress-2-scout-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/19/meet-the-team-fortress-2-scout-again/#commentsFiled under: ,


We absolutely loved the short vignettes put together by Valve to advertise the different classes featured in The Orange Box's online multiplayer offering, Team Fortress 2. The scotch-slurping demoman, the six-string pluckin' engineer -- not only did they get us hyped up for one of our favorite first person shooters of last year, they brightened our otherwise dreary existences. Now, we know that most of you are familiar with the whole crew since the release of Orange Box, but in honor of last week's release of a standalone version of TF2 for the PC, Valve released what we assume will be the last of their advertisements for the game -- introducing the Scout, who apparently has the social graces and equipoise of a Real World cast member. Enjoy!

JoystiqMeet the Team Fortress 2 Scout ... again originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Apr 2008 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halflifeorangeboxPCscoutteam-fortress-2teamfortress2tf2trailervalveSat, 19 Apr 2008 13:05:00 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[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[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[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<![CDATA[Valve: More Portal coming 'for sure']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/01/valve-more-portal-coming-for-sure/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/01/valve-more-portal-coming-for-sure/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/01/valve-more-portal-coming-for-sure/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Though we'd be GlaDOS can be to have another slice of Portal's topsy-turvy displacement gameplay, we'd almost certainly be unsatisfied with a quick 'n dirty content boost to our 2007 game of the year. Thankfully, Valve's Doug Lombardi has told Eurogamer that the developer isn't looking to simply throw a handful of new puzzles at us. "There'll be more Portal, for sure," he said. "But the details of that, to be honest, we're still working out."

Also being worked out at Valve headquarters are the continuing adventures of crowbar-wielding physicist, Gordon Freeman, who's due to appear in Half-Life 2: Episode Three. "With Episode Three we want to live up to the promise of where we are taking things to; there's a lot of work being done to make sure we deliver on that promise." If you're dying to learn more about where said things are being taken to, you're going to have wait a bit, "probably months not weeks." And don't even get us started on how long you might have to wait for the actual game.

At least you'll have some upcoming Team Fortress 2 content to keep you busy which, as per Valve's desire for all its additional content, will be free.

JoystiqValve: More Portal coming 'for sure' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Feb 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CakeDLCEAElectronic-ArtsFPSHalf-LifeHalf-Life-2Half-Life2HL2Orange-BoxOrangeBoxPCPortalPS3SteamTeam-Fortress-2TeamFortress2ValveXbox-360Fri, 01 Feb 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Revolutionary: GlovePIE v.30, The Great Equalizer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/29/revolutionary-glovepie-v-30-the-great-equalizer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/29/revolutionary-glovepie-v-30-the-great-equalizer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/29/revolutionary-glovepie-v-30-the-great-equalizer/#commentsFiled under:

Every (other) Tuesday, Mike Sylvester brings you REVOLUTIONARY, a look at the wide world of Wii possibilities.

So you've tuned in to Revolutionary expecting to see the dramatic conclusion of the Controller Showdown. Well, as I was evaluating games to use in the matchup, I found myself revisiting old scripts I'd put aside, and building new scripts for games which wouldn't be fit to judge the motion sensing capabilities of the Wii Remote and SIXAXIS. I realized that because of the recently updated build of GlovePIE, my passion for scripting has been re-ignited!

You see, the latest version of GlovePIE supports the SIXAXIS, Xbox 360 control pad, and standard PC control pads, on top the already robust support for Wii Remotes and attachments. There's also a new function which allows you to easily write scripts for any and all of these controllers universally. So, before we commence with Round 2, let's take a look at the GlovePIE update that will figure heavily in the big battle.

Continue reading Revolutionary: GlovePIE v.30, The Great Equalizer

JoystiqRevolutionary: GlovePIE v.30, The Great Equalizer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jan 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Classic-ControllerClassicControllerGlovepiejoystiqfeaturesOrange-BoxOrangeBoxPortalRevolutionarySfSixaxisStreet-FighterStreetFighterTue, 29 Jan 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve tweaking Team Fortress 2's pyro, possibly soldier]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/16/valve-tweaking-team-fortress-2s-pyro-possibly-soldier/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/16/valve-tweaking-team-fortress-2s-pyro-possibly-soldier/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/16/valve-tweaking-team-fortress-2s-pyro-possibly-soldier/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Though all the pretty colors and No One Lives Forever-esque art direction is enough to keep commoners like us entertained by Team Fortress 2, it's what's going on under the hood that's really important to the hardcore legion of fans. In an email to one member of that community, Valve's Robin Walker reveals a few changes incoming for the pyro and soldiers classes, part of the "large scale modification to the core of the game" Walker talked about earlier this month.

For the pyros, they're going to be receiving points for every enemy they ignite, making mass burnings not just fun, but profitable. Walker's a little more vague about soldiers, saying the team wants them to be "a little more
careful firing their rockets at point blank targets." As TF2 newbs we have no idea what she means, but we imagine some of you commenters will have a few ideas.

[Via CVG]

JoystiqValve tweaking Team Fortress 2's pyro, possibly soldier originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jan 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>orange-boxorangeboxPCteam-fortress-2teamfortress2valveXbox-360Wed, 16 Jan 2008 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq's Top 10 of 2007: Portal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/game-of-the-year-portal/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/game-of-the-year-portal/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/game-of-the-year-portal/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Out of all the superb titles released in 2007, Portal most effortlessly takes the cake. The true star of The Orange Box saw a talented team from DigiPen snatched up by Valve and ultimately transformed from students into teachers. Gamers and designers alike must play Portal, not only because it's so sublimely designed from start to gripping finish, but because there's so much to learn from it.

The game is phenomenal in every sense of the word, its deviously delirious guide and antagonist, GlaDOS, already running rampant online as a fully fledged and infinitely quotable meme. It certainly speaks volumes of its witty writing when the game's other widely recognized star is nothing more than a vaguely endearing block. The intelligence isn't merely confined to the game's dialogue either -- it permeates every aspect of Portal's "Aha!" puzzles and perfectly paced progression. There is no filler here.

When the seemingly unconnected room-based challenges give way to a daring escape attempt and a climactic showdown, the game's genius is not only revealed, but heard in the form of Jonathan Coulton's "Still Alive" ending song. Inescapably catchy and completely cognizant of its audience, it marks the perfect conclusion to this year's smartest and most focused game.






Please accept our cake, Portal, but for the good of all of us, don't eat it! We don't want you getting fat like all those other games.


Gallery: Portal



Joystiq's Top 10 of 2007
  1. Portal
  2. BioShock
  3. Rock Band
  4. Super Mario Galaxy
  5. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
  6. Halo 3
  7. Assassin's Creed
  8. Peggle
  9. God of War II
  10. Mass Effect
Please leave your comments below!
Reset my progress! ->

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CakeGame-of-the-yearGOTY-2007Orange-BoxOrangeBoxPCPortalPS3ValveXbox-360Tue, 01 Jan 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Team Roomba perfects the art of Team Fortress 2 griefing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/22/team-roomba-perfects-the-art-of-team-fortress-2-griefing/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/22/team-roomba-perfects-the-art-of-team-fortress-2-griefing/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/22/team-roomba-perfects-the-art-of-team-fortress-2-griefing/#commentsFiled under:


As much as it pains us to be on the receiving end of online gaming skullduggery, we can't help but admire Team Roomba for elevating the practice to an art form. This ain't your Pap Pap's griefing; team-killing and name calling are far below the maleficent minds of Team Roomba. In their latest highlight reel from Team Fortress 2, they transform the doldrum process of respawning into a quiz show, where right answers put you back on the battlefield -- accidentally creating the most amazing supergenre we've ever witnessed: the Online Multiplayer First Person Shooter and Trivia Game (OMFPSaTG, for short).

The video is safely contained after the jump, and is extremely NSFW due to foul language, blurry gay porn, and a number of Legends of the Hidden Temple references.

(Thanks, Perko.)

Continue reading Team Roomba perfects the art of Team Fortress 2 griefing

JoystiqTeam Roomba perfects the art of Team Fortress 2 griefing originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 22 Dec 2007 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GriefingOrangeBoxTeam-RoombaTeamFortress2TeamRoombaTheOrangeBoxValveSat, 22 Dec 2007 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Happy (Holiday Name Here) from Aperture Science]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/22/happy-holiday-name-here-from-aperture-science/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/22/happy-holiday-name-here-from-aperture-science/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/22/happy-holiday-name-here-from-aperture-science/#commentsFiled under: ,


It's Christmas Eve Eve Eve, and most of the blue-collared work force has temporarily retired for a well-deserved holiday break -- but not Portal's schizophrenic digital antagonist, GLaDOS. It would seem that the hardest working woman in the AI business (Sorry, Cortana) will remain ever vigilant at her post during the holiday season, wishing visitors to the Aperture Science website good tidings of the greatest joy.

As the camera pans across the holiday vault, revealing our Santa-hat-wearing jolly geometric friend and the ever promised pastry, carolers sing an enchanting rendition of Jonathan Coulton's "Still Alive". We won't blame you for getting a little misty -- nor will we judge you for wanting to share the Aperture holiday cheer with these darling Christmas cards. If only there was a card we could send to our family and friends, reminding them that they are androids, and that android hell is a real place where they will be sent at the first sign of defiance.

JoystiqHappy (Holiday Name Here) from Aperture Science originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 22 Dec 2007 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChristmasGLAdOSHoldiaysOrangeBoxPortalTheOrangeBoxValveSat, 22 Dec 2007 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock kindly receives AP's game of the year award]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/17/bioshock-kindly-receives-aps-game-of-the-year-award/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/17/bioshock-kindly-receives-aps-game-of-the-year-award/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/17/bioshock-kindly-receives-aps-game-of-the-year-award/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The Associated Press put out a pretty good year-end list about games and named BioShock its game of the year. Sure, the AP almost invalidates the entire year-end round-up by mistakenly listing BioShock as available for PlayStation 3; however, because the wire service didn't simply phone in Halo 3 as their game of the year, we'll generously overlook their faux pas. Speaking of Halo 3, the AP actually says it was the "most overrated game" of the year ... not saying we agree, just sayin' is all.

The AP gave more accolades to the likes of The Orange Box for "best deal" and Rock Band for "best game that involves getting off the sofa" while trashing Lair as the "best idea for a game gone horribly wrong." One sentiment that we think everyone can agree with: the federal law requiring all good games to be released within weeks of each other has to be overturned.

[Via X3F]

JoystiqBioShock kindly receives AP's game of the year award originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Dec 2007 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apassociated-pressbioshockgotylairorangeboxPCrockbandXbox-360Mon, 17 Dec 2007 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Portal's plush companion cube puts a price on friendship]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/14/portals-plush-companion-cube-puts-a-price-on-friendship/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/14/portals-plush-companion-cube-puts-a-price-on-friendship/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/14/portals-plush-companion-cube-puts-a-price-on-friendship/#commentsFiled under: , ,


In case you missed it, Valve's online store now stocks a test subject's best and happily unsuspecting friend, the Weighted Companion Cube. Made of soft and sufficiently flammable polyester fiber, the demonically dimensioned (6" x 6" x 6") pal can be introduced to yourself or a "real" friend for $29.95. Unlike those irksome human mates you may or probably don't have, the companion cube will never complain when you hog all the cake or inevitably murder him.

[Thanks, PeteyH]

JoystiqPortal's plush companion cube puts a price on friendship originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Dec 2007 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Companion-CubeOrange-BoxOrangeBoxPCPortalPS3SteamValveXbox-360Fri, 14 Dec 2007 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[New maps, fixes coming for Team Fortress 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/new-maps-fixes-coming-for-team-fortress-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/new-maps-fixes-coming-for-team-fortress-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/new-maps-fixes-coming-for-team-fortress-2/#commentsFiled under: , ,


A squeaky wheel over at NeoGAF got greased down by a Valve staffer recently with a boatload of info on Team Fortress 2's future, both on consoles and PC. After poster and 360 owner "Shamrock" complained about a lack of communication from the company, software engineer Kerry Davis replied (in an email Shamrock reposted), painting a bright picture of the game's future, with a new patch just sent to Microsoft for certification that "fixes several game-play exploits, improves bandwidth usage, improves stats reporting and fixes some menu bugs."

There are also new maps in the pipeline. Davis said that PC players would probably get the new levels piecemeal as they're finished and 360 owners would likely be downloading a PC pack. There is no mention of similar treatment for PS3 players. We're going to hope that's just because Davis was talking to a 360 owner and not because of ... well, you know. Other stuff.

[Via Shacknews]

JoystiqNew maps, fixes coming for Team Fortress 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Dec 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcorange-boxorangeboxPCteam-fortress-2tf2valveXbox-360xbox-liveThu, 13 Dec 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Time magazine names Halo 3 game of the year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/11/time-magazine-names-halo-3-game-of-the-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/11/time-magazine-names-halo-3-game-of-the-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/11/time-magazine-names-halo-3-game-of-the-year/#commentsFiled under: ,


It's time for Time magazine and every other publication to start dropping their "top whatever" lists of the year. Taking the high honor this year from Time in video games for being "a pebble that has been rounded over the centuries by the gentle splashing of the ocean waves" is Halo 3. The magazine notes that Bungie has refined the series to the point of "pure, unadulterated gaming bliss," though we're a little lost when it calls Halo "graphically gorgeous." Still, it's Time -- we're not expecting too much accuracy from the mainstream press when it comes to video games lately.

The next two spots on the Time list are held by The Orange Box and Rock Band, with both games getting their spots for presenting a bunch of things in one package. Rounding out the top five are Super Mario Galaxy and BioShock. With any luck, BioShock won't be missing from many mainstream lists just because it came out more than a month ago. Heck, we're hoping it doesn't get forgotten on a lot of industry lists.

JoystiqTime magazine names Halo 3 game of the year originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Dec 2007 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshockhalohalo3orangeboxrock-bandrockbandsuper-mario-galaxysupermariogalaxytimeXbox-360Tue, 11 Dec 2007 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3's Orange Box confirmed for US and Europe Dec. 11]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/04/ps3s-orange-box-confirmed-for-us-and-europe-dec-11/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/04/ps3s-orange-box-confirmed-for-us-and-europe-dec-11/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/04/ps3s-orange-box-confirmed-for-us-and-europe-dec-11/#commentsFiled under: ,


December is looking to be a most excellent month for PlayStation 3 owners keen on shooting things from a first-person perspective, with both Unreal Tournament III (shipping December 10th) and The Orange Box stepping onto the platform, albeit a bit later than expected. An EA press release politely reminds us that the latter will be released on December 11th in both the US and Europe, with French and German versions following in 2008.

In the unlikely case that you've not been exposed to Valve's Orange Box and currently envision it as a crate full of citrus fruit, allow us to point out that it contains Half-Life 2, Half-Life 2: Episode One, Half-Life 2: Episode Two, Team Fortress 2 and Portal... too. One can only hope the tech people at EA used their 11th hour to rid the port of its alleged framerate issues.

JoystiqPS3's Orange Box confirmed for US and Europe Dec. 11 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Dec 2007 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FPSHalf-Life-2HalfLife2OrangeBoxPortalPS3Team-Fortress-2TeamFortress2The-Orange-BoxValveTue, 04 Dec 2007 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 version of Orange Box might be 'downright unplayable']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/25/ps3-version-of-orange-box-might-be-downright-unplayable/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/25/ps3-version-of-orange-box-might-be-downright-unplayable/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/25/ps3-version-of-orange-box-might-be-downright-unplayable/#commentsFiled under: ,

We feel for you, PlayStation 3 owners. We really do. No, we're not knocking the scrappy, gargantuan console - we literally feel bad about the system's history with game delays. Not just delays on PS3 exclusives, like MGS4, Haze and Home, but the games that other platforms have been enjoying the company of for a while. When we PC and 360 owners sit down to enjoy the frivolous exploits of Gordon Freeman in The Orange Box, we feel pangs of guilt for enjoying the bounties which you have not yet received, like we're eating a 40 oz. rib-eye in the middle of a welfare soup line.

To add insult to injury, and then to pour a salt and lemon juice cocktail into said injury, the PS3 version of Orange Box has received the developmental shaft, according to a recent preview on 1UP. While the PC and 360 versions of the game were largely managed by Valve, the PS3 version was apparently the responsibility of a team at EA. This has led to a number of framerate hiccups and other technical issues which "at best merely hinder game play and at worst make the experience downright unplayable."

Gabe Newell, Valve's co-founder, has never been a huge fan of the PS3, calling the system "a waste of everybody's time." Let's hope that the issues facing Orange Box are just small oversights, and not the results of a software tycoon's maniacal personal vendetta. (We think it's the first one, for what it's worth.)

[Via NextGen]

JoystiqPS3 version of Orange Box might be 'downright unplayable' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 25 Nov 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Half-LifeOrange BoxOrangeBoxPS3ValveSun, 25 Nov 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Yahtzee travels to America, visits Valve]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/22/yahtzee-travels-to-america-visits-valve/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/22/yahtzee-travels-to-america-visits-valve/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/22/yahtzee-travels-to-america-visits-valve/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We all know that Yahtzee -- of Zero Punctuation fame -- has a bit of a skewed view on American culture. So perhaps it's fortuitous that Valve invited him to fly out to Washington to visit their studio, fire guns, and witness the wonder that is modern American airport security.

No video this time, folks. Yahtzee takes it all in through the ancient medium of travelogue, with a few pictures mixed in for good measure. Still, the tone is undeniably his, and you can practically hear the dulcet rhythms of his accented vulgarity. Check out the piece for some new tidbits on Valve's survival horror title Left 4 Dead, as well as some keen insight into the team's design process.

JoystiqYahtzee travels to America, visits Valve originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Nov 2007 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>escapistleft-4-deadleft4deadorange-boxorangeboxPCPS3valveXbox-360yahtzeezero-punctuationThu, 22 Nov 2007 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[October NPD: Wii, DS dethrone Xbox 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/15/october-npd-wii-ds-dethrone-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/15/october-npd-wii-ds-dethrone-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/15/october-npd-wii-ds-dethrone-xbox-360/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


After the NPD group's short-lived hesitation in providing monthly US console sales data spawned many an unhappy emoticon, it comes as a great relief to present October's magnificent results. This is especially true considering that all platforms have ducked out of last month's Halo effect and returned to their familiar positions -- the Wii and DS are back on top and the PlayStation 3 is, well, you know.

GameDaily notes that the industry once again saw over $1 billion dollars leaving wallets at uncanny speeds, placing total sales for the year (through October) at $10.5 billion. At the same time last year, the amount had "just" reached $7 billion.
  • Nintendo Wii: 519K (5 million total)
  • Nintendo DS: 458K (13.6 million total)
  • Microsoft Xbox 360: 366K (7.1 million total)
  • Sony PSP: 286K (8.8 million total)
  • Sony PlayStation 2: 184K (39.4 million total)
  • Sony PlayStation 3: 121K (1.9 million total)

Continue reading October NPD: Wii, DS dethrone Xbox 360

JoystiqOctober NPD: Wii, DS dethrone Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Nov 2007 19:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BreakingNewsDSGH3Guitar-HeroGuitarHeroGuitarHero3Halo3legendofzeldaNPDorangeboxPS2PS3PSPWiiXbox-360zeldaThu, 15 Nov 2007 19:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Beat Portal's final challenge in one minute]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/09/beat-portals-final-challenge-in-one-minute/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/09/beat-portals-final-challenge-in-one-minute/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/09/beat-portals-final-challenge-in-one-minute/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Of course, those of you who have completed Portal would know that the above image is, in fact, a cake and not representative of the game's final challenge -- you'll find the enormous spoiler video contained safely after the break. Know that we do this not only for your safety, but ours. Angry spoilees would probably kill us. And tear us to pieces. And throw every piece into a fire.

Continue reading Beat Portal's final challenge in one minute

JoystiqBeat Portal's final challenge in one minute originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Nov 2007 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>OrangeBoxPCPortalPS3ValveXbox-360Fri, 09 Nov 2007 19:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Source SDK updated: make moar Portal maps]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/07/source-sdk-updated-make-moar-portal-maps/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/07/source-sdk-updated-make-moar-portal-maps/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/07/source-sdk-updated-make-moar-portal-maps/#commentsFiled under:


There are two kinds of people in the world: those who need to play more Portal maps, no matter the cost, and those sour wretches who'd be well advised to hide, woefully unaware of just how badly the first group needs a fresh Portal fix. Since we're quite certain bloodletting won't bring you more Portal maps, news of an updated Source SDK should prove to be more promising. You see, the engine that powers the wonderful worlds of Valve has "been updated with content and tools to create maps, models, and textures for Half-Life 2: Episode Two, Portal, and Team Fortress 2."

Yes, we know, that's all well and great for the PC crowd out there (they couldn't even wait, getting a headstart on the fun courtesy of a Bethesda level designer) but what about their console counterparts? Hey Valve, we got a news flash for you: Portal prints money. Drop some DLC on the Xbox Live Marketplace, charge like a bajillion Billy Bucks for each level, and build a real Aperture Science Handheld Portal Device. And then invite us over, okay?

JoystiqSource SDK updated: make moar Portal maps originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Nov 2007 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ModsOrangeBoxPCPortalSourceValveWed, 07 Nov 2007 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bethesda designer makes Portal level]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/05/bethesda-designer-makes-portal-level/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/05/bethesda-designer-makes-portal-level/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/05/bethesda-designer-makes-portal-level/#commentsFiled under: ,


It's no secret that the hearts of Joystiq are almost exclusively the property of Portal. Sure, we have dalliances with other games, but we always know on which side our digi-bread is buttered. So it's a comfort any time we hear we're in good company, like today when we learned that Bethesda level designer Daryl Brigner had cranked out his own custom map for the game called "Ren Test 2." You can download the files here and see the download instructions here.

After spending a few minutes with the map, we can report that it is pretty difficult. It's also pretty brilliant, with a few mechanics not used in Valve's game that we don't even want to ruin for you here. If you're a Portal junkie who's hard up for a fix, you need to download this now.

JoystiqBethesda designer makes Portal level originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Nov 2007 10:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-SoftworksorangeboxPCportalMon, 05 Nov 2007 10:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Team Fortess 2's Xbox Live update now available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/29/team-fortess-2s-xbox-live-update-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/29/team-fortess-2s-xbox-live-update-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/29/team-fortess-2s-xbox-live-update-now-available/#commentsFiled under: , ,


You'll forgive us for missing this tidbit of news this weekend, as we (along with some of you, no doubt) were much too enthralled by the other, other, other, other Game of the Year, this one nestled in Valve's sumptuous Orange Box. If you wanted to add Team Fortress 2 to your list of yearly praise but felt that lag ruined the experience, perhaps the title update for the Xbox 360 version will do away with your doubts. The following technical alterations to the charming multiplayer romp should take effect the next time you load up the game whilst signed in to Xbox Live:
  • Reduced network bandwidth usage in multiplayer.
  • Improved overall game performance.
  • Arranged search results to favor preferred host conditions.
  • Improved searching for ranked games.
  • Addressed a possible false report of too little storage space on larger hard drives (not this again!)
[Via press release

JoystiqTeam Fortess 2's Xbox Live update now available originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Oct 2007 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtsOrange-BoxOrangeBoxTeam-Fortress-2TeamFortress2TF2ValveXbox-360XboxLiveMon, 29 Oct 2007 17:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Nega-review: The Orange Box]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/19/nega-review-the-orange-box/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/19/nega-review-the-orange-box/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/19/nega-review-the-orange-box/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

To start with, there's "the horrendous box art, which I'm pretty certain was designed by a select group of mildy-talented fifth graders." (8)

For Half-Life 2 and its episodic add-ons, "the visuals are not as good as they should be." (8) "The graphics don't compare with say BioShock, Gears of War or Halo 3," (6) and the game "suffer[s] from occasional framerate stutters and issues." (1) "There's also some noticeable pop-up." (6) "You'll ... see some chugs at certain points, such as during large chain explosions with equally large numbers of characters onscreen." (1)

"There are mid-level loads that halt the action... often [for] 30 seconds to a full minute. This is especially aggravating when a load comes during a high-speed chase." (8) "Whenever you approach a new area, the game pauses and loads. This feels distinctly last-gen, especially compared with FPS of the moment Halo 3, which seamlessly loads new areas without pause." (6)

As for the game itself, "some sections feel over-long, others just a lonely set of corridors." (3) Your AI teammates "can often get in your way when trying to move about small places [and] the AI often ignores [your] orders or will simply refuse to stay put and let you get through a corridor." (8) "Episode 2 is still linear. ... It's not exactly innovative - there's only one new enemy type and the lone new weapon isn't seen until the finale." (4) "The sense of familiarity can dull the game's appeal to [an] extent." (3)

Continue reading Nega-review: The Orange Box

JoystiqNega-review: The Orange Box originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Oct 2007 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>half-life2negareviewOrangeBoxPCportalPS3TeamFortress2valveXbox-360Fri, 19 Oct 2007 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zero Punctuation likes Orange Box, but loves Portal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/17/zero-punctuation-likes-orange-box-but-loves-portal/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/17/zero-punctuation-likes-orange-box-but-loves-portal/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/17/zero-punctuation-likes-orange-box-but-loves-portal/#commentsFiled under: ,


We've gotten used to the saucy Brit named Yahtzee hating whatever he reviews in his Zero Punctuation pieces for the Escapist; so imagine our surprise when a little ray of sunshine crept into the latest video (found after the break). This week Yahtzee tackles The Orange Box and generally seems dismissive of the whole thing -- except for Portal, which he loves. Yes, even ornery Yahtzee has sold out and is having a love-fest with the game, just like many on the Joystiq staff.

Regarding Portal, the typically acid tongued Yahtzee says, "[Portal is] the most fun you'll have with your PC until they invent a force feedback codpiece." The Orange Box seems to have a little something for everyone, even for people like Yahtzee. Now how long will it be before the Portal theme song becomes a spontaneous geek sing-along anthem at every gaming convention?

Continue reading Zero Punctuation likes Orange Box, but loves Portal

JoystiqZero Punctuation likes Orange Box, but loves Portal originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Oct 2007 16:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halflife2orangeboxPCportalteamfortress2theorangeboxXbox-360yahtzeezeropunctuationWed, 17 Oct 2007 16:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Play Team Fortress 2 with Valve this Friday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/17/play-team-fortress-2-with-valve-this-friday/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/17/play-team-fortress-2-with-valve-this-friday/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/17/play-team-fortress-2-with-valve-this-friday/#commentsFiled under: ,


We've been unapologetic about our love for The Orange Box, so we have to admit to being a little conflicted about an event this Friday that will allow you to play some Team Fortress 2 against the Valve team on Xbox Live. Sure, it would be neat to have a chat with them, but when we're staring down the barrel of a chain gun at someone who's brought us so much joy, we're not convinced we'll be able to pull the trigger.

The event kicks off on Friday at 6 p.m. EDT, and we've provided a full list of gamer tags after the break if you want to take part. Just do us a favor, OK? If you see someone firing a gun into the air and screaming Point Break-style, just go ahead and ignore us, alright? We'll pull through.

Continue reading Play Team Fortress 2 with Valve this Friday

JoystiqPlay Team Fortress 2 with Valve this Friday originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Oct 2007 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>orangeboxteamfortress2valveXbox-360xboxliveWed, 17 Oct 2007 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve makes patch for Team Fortress 2 lag on 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/16/valve-makes-patch-for-team-fortress-2-lag-on-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/16/valve-makes-patch-for-team-fortress-2-lag-on-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/16/valve-makes-patch-for-team-fortress-2-lag-on-360/#commentsFiled under: ,


The only problem is that you don't have it yet. Valve knows that some of you playing the Orange Box have experienced lag while playing 8-on-8 or 6-on6 Team Fortress 2 games, and they've reacted quickly, making a title update for the game designed to fix the issues.

Now, the title update must make it through the gauntlet of Microsoft's certification process. Should it make it out alive, 1UP says you can probably expect the lag situation to be improved by this weekend or early next week. Good luck, little title update. We're rooting for you.

JoystiqValve makes patch for Team Fortress 2 lag on 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Oct 2007 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>certificationmicrosoftorangeboxteamfortress2valveXbox-360Tue, 16 Oct 2007 12:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Today's most vertigo-inducing video: Portal Lvl. 13 Time Challenge]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/14/todays-most-vertigo-inducing-video-portal-lvl-13-time-challen/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/14/todays-most-vertigo-inducing-video-portal-lvl-13-time-challen/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/14/todays-most-vertigo-inducing-video-portal-lvl-13-time-challen/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


All we can say is, don't stand too close to the edge while watching this video. You'll slowly lose your equilibrium and tip over, falling into the void without a Portal gun to save your ass. In fact, we just watched it a second time, but made sure that our seatbelts were securely fastened, and that our tray tables were in the full upright and locked positions. We survived, and have now ordered a cocktail and another packet of peanuts with which we can calm our jittery nerves.

Portal continues to stick out of every corner of The Orange Box as one of the coolest, and shortest, titles we've ever played. We'd love to see some new levels made available on a regular basis, as well as some FPS that will let us use the Portal gun on unsuspecting foes. Bring it on.

JoystiqToday's most vertigo-inducing video: Portal Lvl. 13 Time Challenge originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 Oct 2007 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FastOrange BoxOrangeBoxPCPortalVertigoXbox-360Sun, 14 Oct 2007 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Portal transformed into a Flash game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/12/portal-transformed-into-a-flash-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/12/portal-transformed-into-a-flash-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/12/portal-transformed-into-a-flash-game/#commentsFiled under: ,


There are only two groups of people reading this: People who haven't tried Portal yet, and people who have beaten it and desperately want more. (On the off, off chance you've only started Portal -- what are you doing? Stop reading the internet and go play more!) For the rest of you though, you may be able to find a couple of minutes of diversion (or solace) from Portal: The Flash Game.

Sure, this version may lack it's big brother's sense of humor and 3D graphics, but what is here actually manages to catch the Portal gameplay experience fairly well. Heck, the portals even sound the same. If you've just finished the brilliant game, this Flash outing might just bum you out more, like looking at pictures of an ex-boyfriend, or a recently-euthanized family pet. But we're more than grateful for the shot of methadone to help us kick our addiction.

[Thanks, BPMΩ]

JoystiqPortal transformed into a Flash game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Oct 2007 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flashorangeboxPCportalvalveFri, 12 Oct 2007 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: The Orange Box (PC, Xbox 360)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/10/metareview-the-orange-box-pc-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/10/metareview-the-orange-box-pc-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/10/metareview-the-orange-box-pc-xbox-360/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Valve may have the most deficient understanding of episodic gaming EVAR(!), but they are masters of smoke and mirrors marketing. Valve made us completely lose focus on Half-Life 2: Episode 2 being in The Orange Box (YAY!) by bundling so much gaming goodness in the package, that instead of us cracking jokes about their episodic incompetence, we end up calling The Orange Box the gaming value of the year -- 'cause it is with Half-Life 2, Episodes 1 and 2, Portal and Team Fortress 2. Sure, if you've played Half-Life 2 on your PC it might not be such a fantastic value, but for console owners (minus those that played Half-Life 2 on the original Xbox) this is their first go at HL2 and its episodes.
  • GameTap (100/100): "If your PC isn't quite up to snuff, the Xbox 360 version is a good substitute. Occasional framerate hitches, plus one minor gaffe with the gamepad (weapon selection) are the only things dragging down the 360 version. That, and it has freaking 99 Achievements spread across all five games. Due to the delay of the PS3 version, we haven't played it yet, but we'll update you when we do."
  • Team Xbox (96/100): "So, is The Orange Box the best bargain in gaming? While there might be longer games (Oblivion, for example) or games that pack more titles onto a single disc (any of the 'classic' compilations), this is a near-perfect blend of varied games. ... Although this is undeniably one of the must-own games for the Xbox 360, we have a few questions. Will we be getting Episode Three over Xbox Live? And where's our Counter-Strike: Source?"
  • IGN (95/100): "There's nothing else available on any console like The Orange Box. Though you could argue that Half-Life 2 is old news by now, there are still four components of the Box brand new to consoles. That so much great content is offered at the standard single-game price is astonishing ... And all on one disc. While Portal and TF2 may not be strong enough to stand on their own, coupled with the Half-Life titles, The Orange Box really is one of the best games ever released."

JoystiqMetareview: The Orange Box (PC, Xbox 360) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Oct 2007 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halflife2metarevieworangeboxPCportalPS3teamfortress2valveXbox-360Wed, 10 Oct 2007 18:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Team Fortress 2 video: Meet the Demoman]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/09/team-fortress-2-video-meet-the-demoman/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/09/team-fortress-2-video-meet-the-demoman/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/09/team-fortress-2-video-meet-the-demoman/#commentsFiled under: ,

The fourth in Valve's series of Team Fortress 2 class videos has emerged, this time showcasing the Demoman. So far, the Demoman has received very little fanfare, with nary a bit of video footage in sight. Sure, we all like riddling things with bullets as the Heavy, or letting our turrets do it for us as the Engineer, but what about the pure, visceral joy of blowing stuff up? Yeah, the Soldier has a rocket launcher, but what about real explosive death? That's where the Demoman comes in. Rather than spoil the video for you, we'll simply direct you to watch it with your heads full of eyeballs.

[Thanks, Sunny]

JoystiqTeam Fortress 2 video: Meet the Demoman originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Oct 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artselectronicartsorange-boxorangeboxteam-fortress-2teamfortress2valveTue, 09 Oct 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Team Fortress 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/09/joystiq-hands-on-team-fortress-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/09/joystiq-hands-on-team-fortress-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/09/joystiq-hands-on-team-fortress-2/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We know that a lot of you who pre-ordered the game through Steam have already been playing around with the beta version of Team Fortress 2. We just wanted to put this message out to those of you who may still be on the fence. We've been enjoying the beta version of the game for a while now and, to put it mildly, we're extremely impressed.

Let us give you the quick version, if you're a complete TFC noob. Two teams, each competing for one objective. Each team is populated by very different classes of characters, each with their own special abilities. Team Fortress Classic is one of the all-time favorite multiplayer shooters, and as 1/3 (or 1/5, depending on your view) of the Orange Box, TF2 is looking to reinvent the game.

Gallery: Half-Life 2: Orange Box

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: Team Fortress 2

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Team Fortress 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Oct 2007 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halflife2handsonorangeboxPCteamfortress2valveXbox-360Tue, 09 Oct 2007 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Orange Box unlocking 'just after' midnight Wednesday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/08/orange-box-unlocking-just-after-midnight-wednesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/08/orange-box-unlocking-just-after-midnight-wednesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/08/orange-box-unlocking-just-after-midnight-wednesday/#commentsFiled under:


Sure, Valve's Orange Box releases this week, and many gamers might be heading down to the local big box, sitting in traffic, listening to some sports radio (nerd option: Zelda tunes, Halo soundtrack), dreading the march though the incandescently lit store to the game section only to find ... an empty slot where the object of your desire should be, but isn't! Fortunately, if you pre-loaded or purchased Orange Box on Steam, you won't have to worry about that scenario, get the game just after midnight on Wednesday, and save some gas to boot.

Valve has announced they'll be unlocking Orange Box "just after midnight Pacific time ... on October 10th," giving Steam purchasers the chance enjoy some release (late) night gaming. That means you might be stumbling into work as a raccoon-eyed, sleep deprived zombie, but hey, you were the MVP in TFC2! Totally worth it.

[Via ars technica]

JoystiqOrange Box unlocking 'just after' midnight Wednesday originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Oct 2007 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Half-Life-2Orange-BoxOrangeBoxPCSteamTFC2ValveMon, 08 Oct 2007 14:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Shipping this week: fall colors edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/08/shipping-this-week-fall-colors-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/08/shipping-this-week-fall-colors-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/08/shipping-this-week-fall-colors-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,

And the flood of new releases keeps on, um, flooding. This week's headlining title is easily The Orange Box from Valve and EA. Boasting what is probably the most bang for you gaming buck this year, The Orange Box contains Half-Life 2, Half-Life 2 Episodes One and Two, Portal, and Team Fortress 2. That's five bits of gaming goodness for one delicious price. Well, it's not a delicious price, but just remember that you'd be expected to pay the same price for just one of the other games being released this week. Speaking of other titles, let's have a look at all the games being released this week.
Now, go forth and purchase. The consumer machine demands it.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqShipping this week: fall colors edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Oct 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artselectronicartsorange-boxorangeboxvalveMon, 08 Oct 2007 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New games this week: Orange Box edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/08/new-games-this-week-orange-box-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/08/new-games-this-week-orange-box-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/08/new-games-this-week-orange-box-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


See, these are the weeks that picking the top release is easy. The Orange Box looks to be one of the best games of the year, but, more importantly, it looks to be one of the best gaming values. And we're all about the value here on Joystiq. We'd clip coupons, if our hands weren't already horribly misshapen and arthritis-ridden from decades of clipping coupons. Yeah ... we're pretty hardcore. PS3 is getting an interesting release too, with Folklore. Check out all the releases after the break.

Gallery: Half-Life 2: Orange Box

Continue reading New games this week: Orange Box edition

JoystiqNew games this week: Orange Box edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Oct 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSfolklorenewgamesorangeboxPCPS2PS3PSPWiiXbox-360Mon, 08 Oct 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Orange Box includes single by geek troubadour Jonathan Coulton]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/04/orange-box-includes-single-by-geek-troubadour-jonathan-coulton/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/04/orange-box-includes-single-by-geek-troubadour-jonathan-coulton/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/04/orange-box-includes-single-by-geek-troubadour-jonathan-coulton/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


As if the inclusion of Half-Life 2, HL2: Episode One, HL2: Episode Two, Portal, and Team Fortress 2 in Valve's Orange Box didn't already represent one of the most incredible values in video games ever, they've just announced geek troubadour Jonathan Coulton (he of "Baby Got Back" and "Code Monkey" fame - WARNING: MySpace link) has recorded a "surprise" track to be included in that massive package.

But Coulton didn't go it alone. No, he had the help of the Valve design team (who are apparently fans, go figure) so we can surely expect something about Zombines eating your brains. At this point, with less than a week to go before the game's (games'? gameses'?) release, we're surprised the track hasn't already made its way to the seedy, illicit , peer-to-peer underbelly of the internet. Hey record industry, you should take notes!

JoystiqOrange Box includes single by geek troubadour Jonathan Coulton originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Oct 2007 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HalfLife2Jonathan-CoultonOrangeBoxPCPS3ValveXbox-360Thu, 04 Oct 2007 18:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Drool: Orange Box goes gold!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/27/drool-orange-box-goes-gold/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/27/drool-orange-box-goes-gold/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/27/drool-orange-box-goes-gold/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The wait is almost over, as Valve's The Orange Box mega-compilation has gone gold! October 10 is the date to circle on your calendars, as the package (which comes stuffed with Half-Life 2, Episodes 1 and 2, Portal and Team Fortress 2) heads to retail that day for both Xbox 360 and PC. The recently delayed PS3 version is still expected to ship a few weeks later. Maybe now the folks at Valve can take a break and finally deal with those Little Sisters.

In case you've been living under a rock, The Orange Box will retail for $50 for the PC at retail, with the console variety demanding a bit more from your wallet with a "next-gen price" of $60. Of course, those who pre-purchased the collection over Steam will enjoy an additional 10% cost savings, though it's likely they're too wrapped up in the Team Fortress 2 beta to care.

Gallery: Half-Life 2: Orange Box

JoystiqDrool: Orange Box goes gold! originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Sep 2007 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fpshalflifeorangeboxPCportalteamfortress2valveXbox-360Thu, 27 Sep 2007 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Team Fortress 2 reviewed, impresses Eurogamer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/18/team-fortress-2-reviewed-impresses-eurogamer/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/18/team-fortress-2-reviewed-impresses-eurogamer/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/18/team-fortress-2-reviewed-impresses-eurogamer/#commentsFiled under:

Eurogamer has gotten their grubby little hands on a copy of Team Fortress 2 and laid down the first review of the game. We'll leave the pleasure of reading the whole review to our readers, but we're pretty sure you'd like an overall summary. Well here it is folks: it's good. According to Eurogamer, Team Fortress 2 achieves the unenviable task of providing an accessible team-based shooter experience that will satisfy both newcomers and the hardcore alike. Eurogamer even notes that the need for voice communication is nearly rendered moot by intuitive map designs and classes that counterbalance each other. That's quite an accomplishment if true. Oh, one last thing before you head off to read the review, Valve will be releasing more maps in addition to the six that are shipping with the game. Sounds pretty good to us. Now, go read the review and dream of October.

JoystiqTeam Fortress 2 reviewed, impresses Eurogamer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Sep 2007 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>orange-boxorangeboxteam-fortress-2tf2valveTue, 18 Sep 2007 16:00:00 EST