Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA['War of the Roses' and 'Chivalry' wage war without all the nonsense]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/war-of-the-roses-and-chivalry-wage-war-without-all-the-nonse/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/war-of-the-roses-and-chivalry-wage-war-without-all-the-nonse/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/war-of-the-roses-and-chivalry-wage-war-without-all-the-nonse/#comments ImageOf all the games I played this year at PAX East, two unlikely contenders stood out. They weren't indie darlings or supported by the donations of Kickstarter enthusiasts. And they weren't first-person shooters, nor character action games set against historic backdrops. Both games - Fatshark's War of the Roses and Torn Banner's Chivalry: Medieval Warfare - are about as far from my usual radar as games go. That was until I played them, of course.

Both Chivalry and WotR are set in (you guessed it) medieval times, though neither employs its setting much beyond a backdrop. The games are multiplayer-focused affairs; neither has any sort of single-player campaign. Given the backdrop, you might assume multiplayer to be of the Mount & Blade variety. You'd be wrong.

Both games are vicious, fast, and, most importantly, accessible. These are not the sim medieval combat affairs of many Paradox Interactive-published games. These are arcade-style medieval combat games, presented in first- and third-person perspectives, and they're like nothing else I've played in the past few years.

Continue reading 'War of the Roses' and 'Chivalry' wage war without all the nonsense

Joystiq'War of the Roses' and 'Chivalry' wage war without all the nonsense originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chivalry-medieval-warfarefat-sharkfatsharkgordon-van-dykeparadoxparadox-interactivepax-eastpax-east-2012pctorn-bannertorn-banner-studioswar-of-the-rosesWed, 25 Apr 2012 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Irrational's Levine, BioWare's Gaider, and Obsidian's Avellone on why story matters in games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/irrationals-levine-biowares-gaiter-and-obsidians-avellone-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/irrationals-levine-biowares-gaiter-and-obsidians-avellone-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/irrationals-levine-biowares-gaiter-and-obsidians-avellone-o/#comments
I grew up reading and loving fiction. As I've aged and taken up a profession in journalism, I've erred on the side of nonfiction. And these days, most of my storytelling experiences come from film, television, and video games. But I'd be lying if I said that many of those story experiences - especially in the gaming medium - left the same impression on me as the works of Marquez or Vonnegut.

In late summer 2007, I played BioShock, and my tune began to change. Six months later, I played Mass Effect, and my stance on games as storytelling devices was altered even further. Somewhere along the line, between Jill sandwiches and lost princesses, game devs started implementing stories that I actually cared about.

Fast-forward to 2011, and the concept of games as storytelling devices is more accepted than ever. But games haven't changed - they're still mechanically driven constructs, and they still allow player agency to run all over what the game dev set out for you to experience. I found myself having conversations with Kotaku's Jason Schreier over the course of the past year about this seeming duality within games. We felt it was time for a proper discussion.

Enter: "Plot vs. Play: The Duality of Modern Game Design," the panel Schreier and I hosted at PAX East. Our idea was to gather several game developers who've tackled this duality head on, and have them discuss their individual approaches to navigating that issue. Irrational Games creative director Ken Levine, Obsidian Entertainment creative director Chris Avellone, and BioWare lead writer David Gaider were our first team of game devs to take up the challenge - something we hope to continue at future PAXes - and they did a great job.

In our rush to prepare for both the panel and that weekend's coverage plans at our respective outlets, neither Jason nor myself thought to set up a video camera to catch the event on tape. Thankfully, Mash Those Buttons captured the whole hour and put it up on YouTube, which I've dropped above.

Let us know what you think, and please suggest any devs you'd like to see play a part in future versions of "Plot vs Play." We're open to ideas!

JoystiqIrrational's Levine, BioWare's Gaider, and Obsidian's Avellone on why story matters in games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-austinchris-avellonedavid-gaiderdavid-gaiterirrationalirrational-gamesken-levineobisidianobsidian-entertainmentpax-eastpax-east-2012plot-vs-playplot-vs-play-2012plot-vs-play-the-duality-of-modern-game-designMon, 23 Apr 2012 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX East(er) largest show to date, no more PAX attendance figures]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/pax-east-er-largest-show-to-date-no-more-pax-attendance-figure/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/pax-east-er-largest-show-to-date-no-more-pax-attendance-figure/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/pax-east-er-largest-show-to-date-no-more-pax-attendance-figure/#comments Image"Did...did we ever find out what the PAX East attendance was over the Easter weekend?"

"No, did they even release those?"

Turns out, PAX East organizers didn't.

"Yeah, we no longer do the full attendance count anymore - trying to track down all the numbers with exhibitors, media, speakers etc. was just a pain," Penny Arcade business guru Robert Khoo told Joystiq. "We know it was the largest PAX ever, even with the holiday weekend, so we're super happy with how everything turned out."

Last year's PAX Prime hit 70,000 attendees. We think Khoo and company are just trying to prevent further one-upmanship between the sibling shows.

JoystiqPAX East(er) largest show to date, no more PAX attendance figures originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pax-eastpax-east-2012Thu, 19 Apr 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Show: Live at PAX East 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/the-joystiq-show-live-at-pax-east-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/the-joystiq-show-live-at-pax-east-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/the-joystiq-show-live-at-pax-east-2012/#commentsFiled under:

Image
PAX East wrapped this week and Joystiq was at the show in full force. If you weren't able to make it to the expo, fear not: we have the whole Joystiq Live panel right here for you in audio form (though the quality is what you'd expect from a live panel!).

Hear stories of joy and heartache as the Joystiq crew discusses their best and worst picks from the show, stolen personal effects, exciting new site content on the way, and the new direction for this very show.

Also, if you somehow missed it, Jeff Cannata is helming the return of With a Q in video form. Can you handle this much excitement? (Watch the videos from PAX East after the break!)

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

Host: Xav de Matos (@Xav)
Producer: Jonathan Downin (@jonathandownin - Game Thing Daily)
Music: Trash80
Photo Credit: Nick Bristow

Stream the show after the break.

Continue reading The Joystiq Show: Live at PAX East 2012

JoystiqThe Joystiq Show: Live at PAX East 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>joystiq-podcastjoystiq-showjoystiq-show-livepax-east-2012podcastsFri, 13 Apr 2012 12:30:00 ESTThe Joystiq Show: Live at PAX East 2012Joystiq1:03:11podcasts<![CDATA[Double Dragon Neon flickers with signs of life]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/double-dragon-neon-flickers-with-signs-of-life/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/double-dragon-neon-flickers-with-signs-of-life/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/double-dragon-neon-flickers-with-signs-of-life/#comments The first time I laid my hands on Double Dragon Neon, I was not impressed. The bright '80s colors weren't doing it for me. The character models for protagonists Jimmy and Billy looked hunched and unnatural. Their attacks were stilted and limited. The enemy designs were silly and altogether over the top.

The second time I played it, however, I slipped on a pair of headphones and something happened. The classic Double Dragon music washed over me, reworked with 80s synth and electric guitar, and I saw something I hadn't noticed before: potential.

Gallery: Double Dragon: Neon

Continue reading Double Dragon Neon flickers with signs of life

JoystiqDouble Dragon Neon flickers with signs of life originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-dragon-neonmajescomicrosoftpax-east-2012playstationps3psnwayforwardxblaxboxxbox-liveWed, 11 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic considered Bulletstorm sequel, but found project that's a 'better fit' for People Can Fly]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/epic-considered-bulletstorm-sequel-but-found-project-thats-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/epic-considered-bulletstorm-sequel-but-found-project-thats-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/epic-considered-bulletstorm-sequel-but-found-project-thats-a/#comments During a post-panel interview at PAX East, Epic Games president Mike Capps admitted he thought about letting People Can Fly loose on a Bulletstorm sequel. He even admitted that there had been some "initial development" completed on a sequel.

"We thought a lot about a sequel, and had done some initial development on it, but we found a project that we thought was a better fit for People Can Fly," Capps told Gamespot. "We haven't announced that yet, but we will be announcing it pretty soon." He may be referring to the new PC-exclusive title that Cliff Bleszinski revealed was in development.

In regards to the possibility of a sequel, Capps said he'd have no problem producing a second Bulletstorm game. "I'd love to go back [to Bulletstorm]," he said. "I think there's more to do with Bulletstorm. Heck, it kind of ended wanting more. I'd love to see another project, but right now we don't have anything to talk about."

JoystiqEpic considered Bulletstorm sequel, but found project that's a 'better fit' for People Can Fly originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bulletstormepicepic-gamesmicrosoftpax-east-2012pcpeople-can-flyplaystationps3xboxTue, 10 Apr 2012 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Joystiq vs. PAX East 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/video-joystiq-vs-pax-east-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/video-joystiq-vs-pax-east-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/video-joystiq-vs-pax-east-2012/#comments Image
With PAX East all wrapped up, it's time for the Joystiq crew to take a few moments to relax before E3 (it's only seven weeks away!). We'll be squeezing out the remainder of our PAX East coverage over the next couple of days. In the meantime, relive the adventure (or experience it vicariously for the first time) with the video above.

[Music: Trash80 - "Missing You"]

JoystiqVideo: Joystiq vs. PAX East 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>joystiq-vsjoystiq-vs-pax-east-2012pax-eastpax-east-2012Mon, 09 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Command beams in this summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/star-command-beams-in-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/star-command-beams-in-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/star-command-beams-in-this-summer/#comments ImageStar Command is estimated to launch this July or August, according to the co-founders of developer Warballoon. The game, which had its first public showing this past weekend at PAX East, will launch with the "Rise of Antorians" story, followed by the "Cortexian Campaign" in October.

Warballoon co-founders Justin and Jordan Coombs told us updates will be free for the game, as they plan to expand the Star Command universe and want to bring everyone along for the ride.

The PAX East demo for the starship simulation showed off how combat in the game works, as Antorians (a humanoid ant race) invaded the ship and started a blaster fight with the crew. The Antorian ship also got into the action and attacked, while members of the engineering crew had to handle fires and loss of cabin pressure. The Warballoon team already told us they are switching to a far more context-sensitive interface system after observing players at PAX East.

The game is also officially heading to iPad, since the team ported it to the platform after realizing they didn't want to pass around their personal phones to demo the game at the show.

Gallery: Star Command (iOS/Android)

JoystiqStar Command beams in this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphonemobilepax-east-2012star-commandWarballoonMon, 09 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Co-opinion: Slaughtering Skags in Borderlands 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/co-opinion-slaughtering-skags-in-borderlands-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/co-opinion-slaughtering-skags-in-borderlands-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/co-opinion-slaughtering-skags-in-borderlands-2/#comments Image
David Hinkle: So, Borderlands 2. How fitting I would play as the slender female and you the hulking giant mohawk guy, eh?
Jessica Conditt: To be fair, Salvador is supposed to be a tiny, muscled man, not the hulking behemoth that I felt like while playing him. Double shotguns will do that to a man.
Agreed. And even though you were carrying every single gun in the universe, we ran into a few bottlenecks. I certainly tried to play Maya as a tank, but I don't think that was a very good idea. Skags, man. Skags.
And that new, juicy element. Slag, right? We took more damage when they flung it on us, which was an annoying experience. But the phaselock health dump was a saving grace there. You kept me alive on quite a few occasions with that. Slag, man. Slag.

Gallery: Borderlands 2 (PAX East 2012)

Continue reading Co-opinion: Slaughtering Skags in Borderlands 2

JoystiqCo-opinion: Slaughtering Skags in Borderlands 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Borderlandsborderlands-2co-opGearboxGearbox-Softwaremicrosoftpax-eastpax-east-2012pcplaystationps3xboxMon, 09 Apr 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[An Irrational fear of monsters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/an-irrational-fear-of-monsters/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/an-irrational-fear-of-monsters/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/an-irrational-fear-of-monsters/#comments Image"A good monster is a monster you can imagine in repose."

That was the advice acclaimed horror writer and director Guillermo del Toro gave Ken Levine, the creator of the BioShock franchise, during a conversation on the Irrational Games podcast. Levine takes those words to heart in his own creative direction, and before building any terrifying monsters, he makes sure Irrational develops a rich, empathetic backstory that places each of the deformed, viciously homicidal creatures in routine settings, where they perform the most base of actions: contributing to society, petting a dog, relaxing, mourning.

Four Irrational members - Levine, art director Nate Wells, lead artist Shawn Robertson, and sound man Pat Balthrop - gave the PAX audience a glimpse into the secret lives and creation of five major BioShock Infinite villains: the Motorized Patriot, Handyman, Siren, Boys of Silence and Songbird.

Continue reading An Irrational fear of monsters

JoystiqAn Irrational fear of monsters originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbioshock-infiniteguillermo-del-toroHeavy-HittersirrationalIrrational-GamesKen-Levinemicrosoftmonstersnate-wellspat-balthroppax-eastpax-east-2012pcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3rob-watersshawn-robertsontake-twotake-two-interactivevitaxboxMon, 09 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[How Arkedo learned to love downloadable games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/how-arkedo-learned-to-love-downloadable-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/how-arkedo-learned-to-love-downloadable-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/how-arkedo-learned-to-love-downloadable-games/#comments ImageHell Yeah! is the first full-scale digital release by French studio Arkedo, after two boxed DS games and a few tentative (XBLIG) digital experiments. The transition to downloadable games was not an easy decision for a company that, according to founder Camille Guermonprez, loved packaged games. But it was a necessary one.

"I started Arkedo because I wanted to make a game with boxes," he told Joystiq at PAX East. "My first company was a digital game company, in 1999, for mobile games. That was a big company. I raised the money and it was lots of fun."

Arkedo was a reaction to that previous work. "We wanted to be able to buy our game in a garage sale in 20 years, to be able to sell it for scrap, to give it as a gift," he explained. "You know, you can't give a gift with a digital title. Even if it's the same amount of money as a box, you look cheap. It's a shame."

Continue reading How Arkedo learned to love downloadable games

JoystiqHow Arkedo learned to love downloadable games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkedoarkedo-studiocamille-guermonprezhell-yeahmicrosoftnice-guyspax-eastpax-east-2012playstationproject-hell-yeahps3psnxblaxboxMon, 09 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Borderlands 2 conjures up Mechromancer class, adds character customization options]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/borderlands-2-conjures-up-mechromancer-class-adds-character-cus/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/borderlands-2-conjures-up-mechromancer-class-adds-character-cus/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/borderlands-2-conjures-up-mechromancer-class-adds-character-cus/#comments ImageOn the final day of PAX East, members of Gearbox detailed plans for Borderlands 2, which is set to drop on September 18. The biggest news nuggest is the Mechromancer, a class that will be added to the game as DLC after launch and free to those who pre-order. The Mechromancer is a female human/machine hybrid, which is totally great because we wrote all of this erotic Claptrap fan-fiction that would totally explain -- ahem, sorry. She will also have a friend: a giant robot called D374-TP (Deathtrap).

Game Informer was at the panel - all of us were too busy scurrying back to our respective journalizing holes to attend today - and says that in addition to the Mechromancer, there will be options to customize the look of your character. Costumes and custom gear will be earned when players complete missions and challenges.

Finally, there will be a special edition of Borderlands 2 that will retail for $149.99. It's packaged in a big plastic loot box replete with a Marcus Kincaid bobblehead and, obviously, a copy of Borderlands 2.

JoystiqBorderlands 2 conjures up Mechromancer class, adds character customization options originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>borderlands-2gearboxgearbox-softwaremechromancermicrosoftpax-eastpax-east-2012pcplaystationps3special-editionxboxMon, 09 Apr 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Runner2's 'Unkle Dill' preserved on video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/runner2s-unkle-dill-preserved-on-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/runner2s-unkle-dill-preserved-on-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/runner2s-unkle-dill-preserved-on-video/#comments Image
The latest build of Runner2 adds way more background detail, animation, and interactivity than I saw at GDC; there are now particles everywhere, flashy effects when you pick up a powerup item, and detailed, animated ... stuff going on behind CommanderVideo (but not too detailed for it to affect clarity.) There are fun elements like an airplane whose wings you dash across in one level, and a new cannon activity that lets you shoot CV at a target at the end of a stage if you pick anything up.

The most eyecatching new element added since my last playtest is "Unkle Dill," a man-sized, anthropomorphic pickle who hangs out at checkpoints. He runs and dives at you in futility if you decide to skip the checkpoint, basically providing incentive to skip every single checkpoint.

Gaijin Games posted some footage of the PAX East build, allowing you to see Unkle Dill for yourself.

JoystiqRunner2's 'Unkle Dill' preserved on video originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gaijin-gamesmicrosoftpax-east-2012playstationps3psnrunner-2xblaxboxMon, 09 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Antichamber and Indie Fund: A match made in M.C. Escher's basement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/antichamber-and-indie-fund-a-match-made-in-m-c-eschers-baseme/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/antichamber-and-indie-fund-a-match-made-in-m-c-eschers-baseme/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/antichamber-and-indie-fund-a-match-made-in-m-c-eschers-baseme/#comments ImageAntichamber mastermind Alexander Bruce enjoys screwing with people's perceptions of reality, on the screen and on the show floor of PAX East. As part of the Indie Megabooth, Bruce had full reign to make attendees perform a mystery challenge as part of the Megabooth's signature rally. Bruce gave every hopeful participant that approached Antichamber a simple command: "I need you to stand on your hands."

A few people removed jackets and dropped their bags in preparation for the inevitable fall they'd suffer trying to perform a handstand in the middle of a crowded Indie Megabooth; one young man guessed he would probably kill someone with his gymnastics. Before anyone attempted the actual handstand though, it hit them -- this was Alex Bruce, and he wanted them to stand on their hands. So they stepped on their fingers and Bruce signed their punch cards, grinning the entire time, every time.

Continue reading Antichamber and Indie Fund: A match made in M.C. Escher's basement

JoystiqAntichamber and Indie Fund: A match made in M.C. Escher's basement originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alexander-bruceantichamberhandstandsIndieIndie-fundpax-eastpax-east-2012pcMon, 09 Apr 2012 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Seen@PAX East: Bomberman says hello]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/seen-pax-east-bomberman-says-hello/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/seen-pax-east-bomberman-says-hello/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/seen-pax-east-bomberman-says-hello/#comments ImageSomeone tried to tell us this was a character from the BioShock universe, but we think we recognize Bomberman when we see him.

JoystiqSeen@PAX East: Bomberman says hello originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Apr 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k2k-marinBioshock-2irrationalIrrational-Gamesmicrosoftpax-eastpax-east-2012pcplaystationps3xboxSun, 08 Apr 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Check out the new Rock Band in its life 'Pre-Blitz']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/check-out-the-new-rock-band-in-its-life-pre-blitz/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/check-out-the-new-rock-band-in-its-life-pre-blitz/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/check-out-the-new-rock-band-in-its-life-pre-blitz/#comments
It's taken us a day to upload the footage of Harmonix's Rock Band Blitz prototype, shown at the company's PAX East panel, but here it is! See the sunny "Pre-Blitz," or, as design director Chris Foster called it, "Preblitz," in action here.

JoystiqCheck out the new Rock Band in its life 'Pre-Blitz' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpax-east-2012playstationps3rock-band-blitzxboxSun, 08 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Seen@PAX East: The Mass Effect crew plays Rock Band]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/seen-pax-east-the-mass-effect-crew-plays-rock-band/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/seen-pax-east-the-mass-effect-crew-plays-rock-band/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/seen-pax-east-the-mass-effect-crew-plays-rock-band/#comments Image
Who knew Dr. Chakwas was such an accomplished guitarist? Or that Mordin had such a pretty singing voice?

JoystiqSeen@PAX East: The Mass Effect crew plays Rock Band originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarechakwas-forevermass-effect-3microsoftpax-eastpax-east-2012pcplaystationps3xboxSun, 08 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Blitz is not a cover of Frequency or Amplitude]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/rock-band-blitz-is-not-a-cover-of-frequency-or-amplitude/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/rock-band-blitz-is-not-a-cover-of-frequency-or-amplitude/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/rock-band-blitz-is-not-a-cover-of-frequency-or-amplitude/#comments ImageYes, I'm surprised too. Rock Band Blitz, despite its superficial similarity to Harmonix's PS2 music games, Frequency and Amplitude, is fundamentally different from those -- and from Rock Band. Well, okay, you're still hitting buttons in time to music, represented by icons coming down the screen. It's not that far gone.

But almost everything else has been rethought. Instead of Rock Band's five "buttons" per instrument or Frequency's three, each instrument track in Blitz is limited to two tracks, with imported tracks converted algorithmically from the original Rock Band version. It is, technically, a simplification, but it's still challenging enough when you're juggling four or five instruments. And when you're playing Megadeth's "Symphony of Destruction."

Gallery: Rock Band Blitz (PS3, Xbox 360)

Continue reading Rock Band Blitz is not a cover of Frequency or Amplitude

JoystiqRock Band Blitz is not a cover of Frequency or Amplitude originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harmonixmicrosoftpax-east-2012playstationps3psnrock-band-blitzxblaxboxSun, 08 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War: Exile was once a thing, isn't a thing anymore]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/gears-of-war-exile-was-actually-once-a-thing-now-not-a-thing/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/gears-of-war-exile-was-actually-once-a-thing-now-not-a-thing/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/gears-of-war-exile-was-actually-once-a-thing-now-not-a-thing/#comments Way back in January 2011, a trademark for Gears of War: Exile surfaced on the US Patent and Trademark office website. Epic Games design director Cliff Bleszinski has revealed the studio was working on a project named that, but that it has since been canned.

"Let's just bury the hatchet now," he told Gamespot here at PAX East. "Gears of War: Exile was an unannounced game that I can't give any details about that has since been cancelled." Outside of the existence of the trademark, there really isn't any other information.

Some speculated Gears of War: Exile was to be a Kinect title and an on-rails experience, but without any further information from Epic it looks like we're left to speculate on what could've been.

JoystiqGears of War: Exile was once a thing, isn't a thing anymore originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cliff-bleszinskigears-of-war-exilemicrosoftpax-east-2012xboxSun, 08 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Making a new friend in Orcs Must Die! 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/making-a-new-friend-in-orcs-must-die-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/making-a-new-friend-in-orcs-must-die-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/making-a-new-friend-in-orcs-must-die-2/#comments When we were picking our Best of the Rest games for 2011, I commented that all I wanted in an Orcs Must Die! sequel was multiplayer. It was at the top of everyone's request list, and Orcs Must Die! 2 delivers.

Gallery: Orcs Must Die 2

Continue reading Making a new friend in Orcs Must Die! 2

JoystiqMaking a new friend in Orcs Must Die! 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>orcs-must-die-2pax-east-2012pcrobot-entertainmentSat, 07 Apr 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sonic 4: Episode 2 spin-dashes to PSN May 15, XBLA May 16]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/sonic-4-episode-2-spin-dashes-to-psn-may-15-xbla-may-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/sonic-4-episode-2-spin-dashes-to-psn-may-15-xbla-may-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/sonic-4-episode-2-spin-dashes-to-psn-may-15-xbla-may-16/#comments The second episode of Sonic the Hedgehog 4 will debut on PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade next month. Sega is showcasing the game at PAX East, where a representative confirmed to Joystiq that the PSN version will be released on May 15, with the XBLA version arriving the following day. The PC and mobile versions will follow at a later date.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 will likely be the last episode, as Sega revealed earlier this year that no more episodes are currently planned.

JoystiqSonic 4: Episode 2 spin-dashes to PSN May 15, XBLA May 16 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpax-eastpax-east-2012playstationps3psnrelease-datesonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-2xblaxboxSat, 07 Apr 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Seen@PAX East: Journey between halls]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/seen-pax-east-journey-between-halls/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/seen-pax-east-journey-between-halls/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/seen-pax-east-journey-between-halls/#comments Image
Joystiq: Oh, hello! We love your costume. What's the secret to effective, truly evocative cosplay?

Continue reading Seen@PAX East: Journey between halls

JoystiqSeen@PAX East: Journey between halls originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>journeypax-eastpax-east-2012playstationps3Sat, 07 Apr 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Each Borderlands DLC pack was made in eight weeks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/each-borderlands-dlc-pack-was-made-in-eight-weeks/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/each-borderlands-dlc-pack-was-made-in-eight-weeks/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/each-borderlands-dlc-pack-was-made-in-eight-weeks/#comments ImageBorderlands 2 art director Jeramy Cooke and concept designer Scott Kester both worked on the first Borderlands, and they shrug off accomplishments such as "made Borderlands" with considerable humility. When Cooke mentioned casually that every piece of DLC for the first title was created in just eight weeks each, we stopped him for clarification.

"You don't understand, those first DLCs, we were literally counting K to try and fit features in there because at the time we hadn't expected it to be such a huge success, so we didn't know that 'oh, we'll have to put all this DLC in,'" Cooke said during a meeting at PAX East 2012.

This development time is impressive considering the heft of each pack, but also because Gearbox hadn't prepared the full game to handle add-on content.

"It was the first time the company had ever done DLC, but we were like, damn it, if we're going to do it, let's do it," Kester said. And so they did.

Borderlands 2 is the second time Gearbox can attempt DLC and it has implemented a robust backend system to support whatever additional content it needs, including patches and support updates. With this improved system maybe Gearbox can beat its previous record and build one piece of 20-hour DLC in just 2 hours.

Maybe.

JoystiqEach Borderlands DLC pack was made in eight weeks originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>borderlands-2dlcgearboxjeramy-cookemicrosoftpax-east-2012pcplaystationps3scott-kesterxboxSat, 07 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mike Capps: Epic Games has a PC-exclusive game in the works]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/epic-games-has-a-pc-exclusive-in-the-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/epic-games-has-a-pc-exclusive-in-the-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/epic-games-has-a-pc-exclusive-in-the-works/#comments ImageGears of War and Fortnite dev Epic Games is getting back to its roots with a PC-exclusive project, creative lead Cliff Bleszinski and president Mike Capps announced today during a PAX East panel. "We might be working on a PC-only title," Capps teased, before Bleszinski picked up where he left off: "Let me say that again: we are working on a PC game."

The panel is still going on, but we'll be sure to chat to the Epic folks as soon as it's over.

Update: Epic Games prez Mike Capps told us after the panel that the unannounced PC project is currently underway, and that the current plans are to keep the game exclusive to the PC platform. Unsurprisingly, he wouldn't tell us anything else.

JoystiqMike Capps: Epic Games has a PC-exclusive game in the works originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cliff-bleszinskiclifford-bleszinskiepicepic-gamesmike-cappspax-eastpax-east-2012pcSat, 07 Apr 2012 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Child's Play expands to assist domestic abuse victims]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/childs-play-expands-to-assist-domestic-abuse-victims/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/childs-play-expands-to-assist-domestic-abuse-victims/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/childs-play-expands-to-assist-domestic-abuse-victims/#comments Penny Arcade's Child's Play charity is expanding its scope to assist children living with a parent in domestic violence shelters nationwide. The charity, known for donating toys, games and cash to hospitalized children, feels this a natural extension of its efforts.

"The mission is the same as far as we're concerned," Penny Arcade's Mike Krahulik told us at PAX East.

"Children make up a significant percentage of the population that move through domestic violence shelters on an annual basis: providing them with a way to escape some of the stress and struggle is directly in line with what the charity set out to do," Child's Play Charity's Jamie Dillion told Joystiq. "Our mission is to improve the lives of children through the kindness and generosity of the video game industry and the power of play. Games can and do have a hugely positive impact for kids who are enduring stress, whether it is from illness or an unsafe home."

Child's Play raised $3.5 million in 2011.

JoystiqChild's Play expands to assist domestic abuse victims originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>childs-playpax-east-2012Sat, 07 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pre-Blitz: Harmonix on building a new Rock Band from scratch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/pre-blitz-harmonix-on-building-a-new-rock-band-from-scratch/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/pre-blitz-harmonix-on-building-a-new-rock-band-from-scratch/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/pre-blitz-harmonix-on-building-a-new-rock-band-from-scratch/#comments ImageHarmonix team members Matthew Nordhaus, Chris Foster, Brian Chan, and Jyllian Thibodeau explained the development process that led to Rock Band Blitz, by way of showing us previous versions and iterations of the game. Collectively, these prototypes were referred to as "Pre-Blitz," and epitomized by a brief video of a version that keeps the social basis of Blitz, but with a very different aesthetic.

While the final game ended up featuring a sort of rainbow note highway in a musically reactive city, this version is a much sunnier, somewhat more literal "highway" style environment. Somewhere between these two, the team thought of having the music make the city spring up building by building, but that didn't make it.

At one point it wasn't even decided where the music would come from. A DLC strategy was important to the team, but it wasn't certain that the game would be a Rock Band game. When it was decided that it would be, the source of music became obvious. And then the team had to convert all the songs from five lanes per instrument to two -- which, Nordhaus explained, made the game way too easy in lower difficulties. Finally, against his better judgment, the team playtested a game with only one difficulty, and it worked.

Senior designer Brian Chan explained that the game lost the "track-locking" mechanic from Amplitude and other handheld Rock Bands, in favor of a system that allows players to build "levels" in individual tracks. This allowed people to play in a much more freeform manner instead of following a prescribed, single best scoring pattern.

Even the specifics of the controls were in question, with considerations like gestural controls for each instrument. Above is an idea for keyboard controls that used left, right, and a button press to simulate keys.

JoystiqPre-Blitz: Harmonix on building a new Rock Band from scratch originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harmonixharmonix-music-systemsmicrosoftpax-eastpax-east-2012playstationprototypeps3rock-band-blitzxboxSat, 07 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Laugh, cry, and win prizes at Joystiq Live from PAX East (today at 3pm!)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/laugh-cry-and-win-prizes-at-joystiq-live-from-pax-east-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/laugh-cry-and-win-prizes-at-joystiq-live-from-pax-east-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/laugh-cry-and-win-prizes-at-joystiq-live-from-pax-east-today/#comments ImageToday's the day! At 3:00PM EST in the Manticore Theater, Joystiq will bring you a live version of its new podcast-in-progress. Come to the panel to hear how the show is morphing into a different format that Joystiq Podcast fans remember. It's SUPER, and the entire Joystiq staff is involved this time.

You'll learn more (like the show's name) beyond that, and see another exciting announcement that we think is totally rad. Make sure to bring questions for the Q&A section of the Live Show, because you could win some amazing prizes like the Special Edition Star Wars Xbox 360 console bundle, a ton of games, and Journey swag.

JoystiqLaugh, cry, and win prizes at Joystiq Live from PAX East (today at 3pm!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pax-east-2012Sat, 07 Apr 2012 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo's Kid Icarus: Uprising cosplayer is Pit (and not the pits)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/nintendos-kid-icarus-uprising-cosplayer-is-pit-and-not-the-pi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/nintendos-kid-icarus-uprising-cosplayer-is-pit-and-not-the-pi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/nintendos-kid-icarus-uprising-cosplayer-is-pit-and-not-the-pi/#comments ImageNormally we wouldn't post about a single cosplayer found at PAX East, much less one there at a publisher's request; however, this Kid Icarus: Uprising Pit costume, designed and worn by PikminLink, is too amazingly accurate to ignore. The wings! The weapons! The character-accurate bike shorts! The reflective tape to create a glowing effect when a camera flashes! (See after the break). Anyway, if we can't post impressive cosplay once in a while, what's the point of coming to PAX?

Even though PikminLink is an "official" costumed character present at Nintendo's booth, Nintendo reps told us that she designed and created the costume herself. Nintendo helped her by providing design reference.

Continue reading Nintendo's Kid Icarus: Uprising cosplayer is Pit (and not the pits)

JoystiqNintendo's Kid Icarus: Uprising cosplayer is Pit (and not the pits) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 01:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscosplaykid-icarus-uprisingnintendopax-east-2012Sat, 07 Apr 2012 01:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The ghostly image of my death in Far Cry 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/the-ghostly-image-of-my-death-in-far-cry-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/the-ghostly-image-of-my-death-in-far-cry-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/the-ghostly-image-of-my-death-in-far-cry-3/#comments ImageThe stories crafted during multiplayer sessions of Far Cry 3 will sound similar to the tales told from other competitive shooters:

The blast from a nearby grenade hits me like a shockwave. From behind the smoke a group of four rebels emerge and open fire on an ammo depot I'm set on defending. Two of the invaders are felled in a hail of shots from my submachine gun. Two other foes scatter and leave me standing alone. The area is mine, and mine alone.

I hole up, waiting for a flanking attack -- but nothing happens. Seconds later I hear a crack in the air. A blip registers on my radar. Then another crack and I fall to my feet, dead.

What seems fairly standard turns into something new and interesting. Like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare before it, Far Cry 3 reveals lethal enemy positions via a kill cam. But unlike other titles, Far Cry 3's system may be the best that I've ever seen at detailing critical strategic information to downed players.

Gallery: Far Cry 3 (Gamescom 2011)

Continue reading The ghostly image of my death in Far Cry 3

JoystiqThe ghostly image of my death in Far Cry 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>far-cry-3microsoftpax-east-2012pcplaystationps3ubisoft-massiveUbisoft-MontrealUbisoft-ShanghaixboxFri, 06 Apr 2012 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Sliding and 'sploding with Ms. 'Splosion Man on iPad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/sliding-and-sploding-with-ms-splosion-man-on-ipad/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/sliding-and-sploding-with-ms-splosion-man-on-ipad/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/sliding-and-sploding-with-ms-splosion-man-on-ipad/#comments Rather than create an all new experience tailored to touch screens, the iOS version of Twisted Pixel's excellent Ms. 'Splosion Man attempts to replicate the console experience -- and, yes, that means virtual buttons. So, many people have already stopped reading.

If you're still here, stick around to read about Ms. 'Splosion Man's portable outing and the future of Twisted Pixel on Mobile devices.

Continue reading Sliding and 'sploding with Ms. 'Splosion Man on iPad

JoystiqSliding and 'sploding with Ms. 'Splosion Man on iPad originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphonemobilems-splosion-manpax-eastpax-east-2012pcwindows-phoneFri, 06 Apr 2012 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Your Japanese SNES Warlock game supply is secure at PAX East]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/your-japanese-snes-warlock-game-supply-is-secure-at-pax-east/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/your-japanese-snes-warlock-game-supply-is-secure-at-pax-east/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/your-japanese-snes-warlock-game-supply-is-secure-at-pax-east/#comments ImageIf you're at PAX East this weekend, and in desperate need of a brand new, packaged Japanese copy of the SNES game based on the movie Warlock, Sudden Impact Games has you covered.

Head over to booth 148 in the expo floor, and you can find your very own copy of that one game from 1994, in the freshest and most imported of conditions.

JoystiqYour Japanese SNES Warlock game supply is secure at PAX East originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pax-east-2012seen-at-paxsnesFri, 06 Apr 2012 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Seen@PAX East: Get your Far Cry 3 themed tattoo right here, right now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/seen-pax-east-get-your-far-cry-3-themed-tattoo-right-here-righ/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/seen-pax-east-get-your-far-cry-3-themed-tattoo-right-here-righ/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/seen-pax-east-get-your-far-cry-3-themed-tattoo-right-here-righ/#comments ImageBeing veterans of the game industry's convention season, we're harder to shock when it comes to bizarre stuff seen on show floors. We've seen food trucks, and crazy shoes, and full-on jets, but we've yet to see a live tattoo application, not to mention one based on a video game.

Enter: Far Cry 3.

Ubisoft hired a local tattoo artist to pre-screen attendees for the tattoo you see being applied just above. Rather than a Far Cry 3 logo, tattooees (not tattooines) are getting a tribal tattoo ripped from the game. Maybe a game logo should have been the way to go -- to help you remember when you explain this art's origin by the time you're 80.

Gallery: Far Cry 3 tattoo booth (PAX East 2012)

JoystiqSeen@PAX East: Get your Far Cry 3 themed tattoo right here, right now originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>far-cry-3madnessmarketingmicrosoftpax-eastpax-east-2012pcplaystationps3tattootattoosubisoftxboxFri, 06 Apr 2012 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[AirMech is a hardcore browser game for Chrome (with more platforms to come)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/airmech-is-a-hardcore-browser-game-for-chrome-until-it-hits-oth/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/airmech-is-a-hardcore-browser-game-for-chrome-until-it-hits-oth/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/airmech-is-a-hardcore-browser-game-for-chrome-until-it-hits-oth/#comments ImageThe team at Carbon Games is basking in its newfound freedom as an indie studio after its first development endeavor, Fat Princess creator Titan Games, dissolved under Epic Games China. Carbon Games' first project is AirMech, a free-to-play RTS-action hybrid debuting as a browser and PC title, most notably via Chrome.

AirMech is currently in alpha, but it's existed metaphysically since 2009 at least, before Fat Princess was even pitched to Sony.

"AirMech is my baby," game director James Green told Joystiq on the PAX East show floor, where Carbon Games is one-sixteenth of the Indie Megabooth. "We pitched it to Sony before Fat Princess, but they didn't get it."

The world may not have been ready for AirMech in 2009, but now, after the success of League of Legends and other accessible, hardcore hybrid titles, publishers are interested in a solid RTS-action blend that translates to multiple platforms and gameplay styles, Green said.

There are more than 60,000 players in the Chrome alpha for AirMech, and at least 5,000 playing the PC version -- but Carbon isn't stopping there. Green pulled out an Android tablet running an early, mobile version (without virtual joysticks as a default, he was sure to note) and Carbon plans to announce a beta version for Steam this summer. Carbon would love to see a version on consoles as well, maybe even with a single-player mode, production coordinator Chris Merritt said.

Continue reading AirMech is a hardcore browser game for Chrome (with more platforms to come)

JoystiqAirMech is a hardcore browser game for Chrome (with more platforms to come) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airmechandroidCarbon-Gameschromeiosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmobilepax-east-2012pcplaystationps3xboxFri, 06 Apr 2012 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Arkedo's next games are about pee and poo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/arkedos-next-games-are-about-pee-and-poo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/arkedos-next-games-are-about-pee-and-poo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/arkedos-next-games-are-about-pee-and-poo/#comments ImageHaving completed development of Hell Yeah! for Sega, Arkedo Studio's first priority is to rest -- the studio is taking a month off after the production of what studio head Camille Guermonprez called Arkedo's biggest game ever.

Following that, the company has its number one and number two next projects in the pipeline. "We're going to make two games, one game on 'pee' and one game on 'poo,'" Guermonprez told me at Sega's PAX East booth. "One game about pee and one game about poo," he clarified. "It's gonna be a Steam game, I think."

You can fill in the joke yourselves.

JoystiqArkedo's next games are about pee and poo originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkedoarkedo-studiocamille-guermonprezhell-yeahpax-eastpax-east-2012pcpeepooproject-hell-yeahsteamFri, 06 Apr 2012 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Robot Entertainment has one unannounced title in development]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/robot-entertainment-has-one-unannounced-title-in-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/robot-entertainment-has-one-unannounced-title-in-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/robot-entertainment-has-one-unannounced-title-in-development/#comments ImageRobot Entertainment is not a large studio. With only 50 people to toil away on Hero Academy updates and to help get Orcs Must Die! 2 out the door this summer, there's not much manpower to spare.

Still, the studio has something else up its sleeve, design director Ian Fischer revealed to Joystiq here at PAX East. Fischer wouldn't give us much beyond the existence of an unannounced title, though he did say it will be "unlike anything we've ever done before."

JoystiqRobot Entertainment has one unannounced title in development originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>orcs-must-die-2pax-east-2012robot-entertainmentFri, 06 Apr 2012 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Torchlight 2 will 'ideally' launch shortly after Diablo 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/torchlight-2-will-ideally-launch-shortly-after-diablo-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/torchlight-2-will-ideally-launch-shortly-after-diablo-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/torchlight-2-will-ideally-launch-shortly-after-diablo-3/#comments Here's the one big question everyone is directing at Runic Games CEO Max Schaefer about Torchlight 2: When is it launching?

"Well, I'm sure you've noticed Diablo has announced a date. So, we don't want to fall right on that," Schaefer said when we met at PAX East today. "The real answer is when [Torchlight 2] is finished, is Diablo 3 right now [owning the conversation]? Then we'll wait."

Schaefer said the launch date will "ideally" be shortly after the one occupied by Diablo -- and optimistically it'll be a month later. He noted that Runic isn't going to rush to beat Blizzard, however. With the two products selling alongside one another, he feels it's best to polish the game as much as possible. He doesn't want to be the "cheap" alternative, simply the less expensive one at a $20 price. He also noted the game would have an offline mode, modding, LAN support, and that its pacing would separate it from the competition.

Does he have something to communicate directly to fans waiting for Torchlight 2?

"Be patient. Our total development time on this game is going to be about two years, which is not unreasonably long for this type of game. We're going as fast as we can. It'll be worth the wait, it'll totally be worth the wait. In the long run, people will be happy we took this extra time."

JoystiqTorchlight 2 will 'ideally' launch shortly after Diablo 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pax-east-2012pcrunic-gamestorchlight-2Fri, 06 Apr 2012 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA[The benefit of making mistakes in Super T.I.M.E. Force]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/the-benefit-of-making-mistakes-in-super-time-force/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/the-benefit-of-making-mistakes-in-super-time-force/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/the-benefit-of-making-mistakes-in-super-time-force/#comments ImageSuper T.I.M.E. Force puts a fresh emphasis on the process of encountering an obstacle, dying and then returning with the knowledge to overcome that hazard. The game's central mechanic lets you rewind the scene and start again, playing alongside the ghost of your past self.

Continue reading The benefit of making mistakes in Super T.I.M.E. Force

JoystiqThe benefit of making mistakes in Super T.I.M.E. Force originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capybara-gamesmicrosoftpax-east-2012super-time-forcexblaxboxFri, 06 Apr 2012 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega: Rhythm Thief 'still happening']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/sega-rhythm-thief-still-happening/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/sega-rhythm-thief-still-happening/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/sega-rhythm-thief-still-happening/#comments ImageWe still have no official word on the aftermath of Sega's restructuring -- how many employees were laid off, or which games have been canceled. However, we obtained confirmation from a Sega rep on the PAX East show floor of one upcoming packaged game that has not been canceled: Rhythm Thief and the Emperor's Treasure.

The representative told us explicitly that the 3DS rhythm action game is "still happening." Good news, because we've enjoyed our brief time with it so far. It seemed like a relative lock, given that it's done, and out in Europe, but given Sega's recent issues no packaged game seemed safe. We're glad to have confirmation of that one.

We were also assured that Aliens: Colonial Marines was still going to make it to retail, but the recent media blitz, explicit mention as a profitable franchise in Sega's restructuring plan, and giant, separate booth were already clues to that.

JoystiqSega: Rhythm Thief 'still happening' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsnintendopax-east-2012rhythm-thief-and-the-emperors-treasuresegaFri, 06 Apr 2012 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Ms. Splosion Man platform 'splosion: coming to PC, iOS, Windows Phone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/ms-splosion-man-platform-splosion-coming-to-pc-ios-windows/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/ms-splosion-man-platform-splosion-coming-to-pc-ios-windows/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/ms-splosion-man-platform-splosion-coming-to-pc-ios-windows/#comments
Like playing Ms. Splosion Man, but have an intractable grudge against your Xbox 360? Twisted Pixel is bringing its concussive platformer to several new platforms, including PC (on both Steam and Games for Windows Live), iPhone, iPad, and Windows Phone 7. The porting process is a multi-studio endeavor, requiring the talents of not only Twisted Pixel, but Iron Galaxy, Fire Hose Games, and Panic Button Games as well.

The PC version appears identical to the XBLA release, but the mobile game is a "unique experience" designed specifically for touchscreens -- using a virtual d-pad. You'll be able to find out how well these new containers withstand explosive force this summer.

Continue reading Ms. Splosion Man platform 'splosion: coming to PC, iOS, Windows Phone

JoystiqMs. Splosion Man platform 'splosion: coming to PC, iOS, Windows Phone originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>games-for-windows-liveiosipadiphonemobilems-splosion-manpax-east-2012pcrelease-datesteamsummer-2012twisted-pixelFri, 06 Apr 2012 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Assassin's Creed 3 creative director doesn't dislike your ideas that much, Internet]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/assassins-creed-3-creative-director-doesnt-dislike-your-ideas/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/assassins-creed-3-creative-director-doesnt-dislike-your-ideas/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/assassins-creed-3-creative-director-doesnt-dislike-your-ideas/#comments ImageDespite Assassin's Creed 3 creative lead Alex Hutchinson's recent fighting words with the internet over its "boring" ideas for potential AC settings, he told us this morning that he still loves you. Or something like that. "It's part of a bigger discussion. Obviously any setting is potentially awesome," he said in a brief PAX East show floor followup. "The point we were making was that some settings are more familiar in video games than other settings. And the two particular ones that were mentioned are very familiar video game settings."

Hutchinson is referring to both the World War II and Feudal Japan ideas brought up during an interview with OXM recently. "The exciting thing is that the game can go anywhere," Hutchinson said. "We've had versions of the assassin ... people have thrown ideas around for probably literally any setting that people would think of. But when you get right down to it - when we're doing the actual nitty gritty of spending the time on it, spending a couple years making something - we wanna go to a setting that other games haven't gone to." As for the aforementioned pair of settings? "We're trying to find places that will surprise people."

And Hutchinson doesn't want you to hate him, internet. He also spoke to his statements regarding net denizens coming up with "the most boring settings" for future AC games. "If people think they have the worst ideas, I apologize for that," he told us. "But really, they're very predictable. The internet is not the place for insight, unfortunately," Hutchinson added with a laugh.

As for recent news that AC3 will be Desmond's biggest outing yet, Hutchinson said, "There's a big opportunity when the real timeline crosses the fictional timeline. Like, this is a fun idea. So there's stuff that we have to deal with. We feel like it's about time to pay off the people who've been sticking with the franchise for a long time." When asked if this would be Desmond's last appearance in the series, Ubisoft PR assassins jumped in and said, "I think people are gonna be entertained by it." We're not sure what that means either, but we'll be sure to keep asking.

JoystiqAssassin's Creed 3 creative director doesn't dislike your ideas that much, Internet originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex-hutchinsonassassins-creed-3microsoftnintendopax-eastpax-east-2012pcplaystationps3ubisoftubisoft-montrealwii-uxboxFri, 06 Apr 2012 10:15:00 EST