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[ITSP DLC sneaks onto XBLA next week, Shadow Complex also on sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/itsp-dlc-sneaks-onto-xbla-next-week-shadow-complex-also-on-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/itsp-dlc-sneaks-onto-xbla-next-week-shadow-complex-also-on-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/itsp-dlc-sneaks-onto-xbla-next-week-shadow-complex-also-on-sale/#comments The Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet DLC "Shadow Hunters" was originally set to be released in September, but that didn't happen. It's just shown up on Major Nelson's latest "coming soon" list of XBLA content, scheduled for release on October 12.

The schedule also includes some nice sales both this week and next. From today through October 10, you can get Catan, Magic the Gathering 2012, Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's, and Battleship for 50% off in the "Never Be Board Again" sale. Also half off is Bethesda "Games, Add-ons, and Avatars."

Next week, the "Saints and Shadows" sale will knock 600 points off the price of Shadow Complex, with Perfect Dark available for half-off as well. Saints Row 2 will be 25% off, with its DLC available at half price. Combined with that ITSP content, that's rather a lot of shadow.

JoystiqITSP DLC sneaks onto XBLA next week, Shadow Complex also on sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battleshipcatandlcinsanely-twisted-shadow-planetmagic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012perfect-darksaints-row-2shadow-complexshadow-huntersxblaxblmYu-Gi-Oh-5Ds-Decade-DuelsWed, 05 Oct 2011 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rare's canceled 'Perfect Dark Core' revealed in concept art and video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/21/perfect-dark-core-canceled/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/21/perfect-dark-core-canceled/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/21/perfect-dark-core-canceled/#comments After Perfect Dark Zero, Rare had Chris Seavor and the Conker team at work on another Perfect Dark, also for Xbox, called Perfect Dark Core. Unseen64 has found concept art, 3D renders, and even video of this cancelled game -- and the other cancelled game it metamorphosed into. In this "more realistic" Perfect Dark game, players controlled a male character who accompanied a "smoking, flirting" Joanna Dark on her mission.

By late 2008, Core had been taken out of the Perfect Dark universe, and its team (cut down to three people) turned it into a mech FPS before the project was killed. It might not have been Perfect Dark, but it was probably really dark inside those mechs.

Continue reading Rare's canceled 'Perfect Dark Core' revealed in concept art and video

JoystiqRare's canceled 'Perfect Dark Core' revealed in concept art and video originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cancelledmicrosoftperfect-darkperfect-dark-corerarexboxMon, 21 Mar 2011 09:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Top Xbox Live game launches of 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/top-xbox-live-game-launches-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/top-xbox-live-game-launches-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/top-xbox-live-game-launches-of-2010/#comments It's a curious way to organize data, but Microsoft's Major Nelson has posted the top Arcade and Indie games of 2010, based on "full versions purchased" during a game's first seven days of activity.

Topping the Arcade list is Dead Rising 2: Case Zero, which definitely owns its place as Capcom's "most dynamic sales weapon" ever. Capcom's other Dead Rising 2 standalone tie-in, Case West, also did some faaaaa-ntastic numbers, taking the seventh spot. Limbo, which was one of our top games of 2010, took the second spot, while the Perfect Dark refresh can be spied in third. Super Meat Boy, prime at five on our best of 2010, hunkered down on this list at spot 17.

In the Indie section, Baby Maker Extreme popped up in first place, followed by several games that have "Avatar" in the title. A game called Try Not To Fart also made it into the list. Check out the top 20 Arcade and Indie titles after the break.

Continue reading Top Xbox Live game launches of 2010

JoystiqTop Xbox Live game launches of 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baby-maker-extremedead-rising-2-case-zeroIndieIndie-Gameslimbomicrosoftmonday-night-combatperfect-darktoy-soldiersXBLAxboxThu, 03 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live subscribers can vote for upcoming Deal of the Week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/xbox-live-subscribers-can-vote-for-upcoming-deal-of-the-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/xbox-live-subscribers-can-vote-for-upcoming-deal-of-the-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/xbox-live-subscribers-can-vote-for-upcoming-deal-of-the-week/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Microsoft has put an interesting turn on its weekly rotation of discounted items on Xbox Live -- the Spotlight tab on the console's dashboard currently includes a poll which will let users choose which of a handful of items they'd like to have marked down for an undisclosed week in October. These discounts include 33 percent off DeathSpank, half off Perfect Dark, or similar markdowns on DLC for Dragon Age: Origins, Trials HD and Battlefield: Bad Company 2.

It would be unethical for us to use our considerable internet power to get you to pick the thing that we'd like to pick up at a discounted price, so we'll refrain from doing so. Instead, we'll just have to rely on the same remote mind-control tactics we've been using to puppeteer your every action for the past four years now. That's right, Brandon, we're inside your mind.

JoystiqXbox Live subscribers can vote for upcoming Deal of the Week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-bad-company-2deal-of-the-weekdeathspankmicrosoftperfect-darkpolltrials-hdxboxxbox-livexbox-live-marketplaceTue, 21 Sep 2010 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[XBLA sales stats for first half of 2010, as deduced from leaderboard data]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/21/xbla-sales-stats-for-first-half-of-2010-as-deduced-from-leaderb/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/21/xbla-sales-stats-for-first-half-of-2010-as-deduced-from-leaderb/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/21/xbla-sales-stats-for-first-half-of-2010-as-deduced-from-leaderb/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Gamerbytes has compiled a list of several Xbox Live Arcade games and their performance in the first half of 2010 based on data derived from leaderboards.

First, there are the top performers: Trials HD apparently had the biggest user base, jumping from 600,000 players to over a million during the first half of 2010 (not counting its DLC, which had almost 300,000 players over that period). But how about games that launched this year? Well, Perfect Dark enlisted 265,000, and Toy Soldiers and its DLC managed to recruit a combined 346,000 players. Risk: Factions and Snoopy Flying Ace have yet to reach 100,000.

Other games didn't fare so well, with several failing to capture the attention of even 1,000 users -- Voodoo Dice, Ben 10 and Fret Nice were near or below that mark -- and of the 24 new games that Gamerbytes catalogued, only 13 managed to reach 10,000 players.

Seeing how deals and promotions affected the growth of user bases on older titles is particularly interesting in the case of Zombie Apocalypse and TMNT: ReShelled, both of which came darn close to doubling their respective audiences when discounts were applied.

JoystiqXBLA sales stats for first half of 2010, as deduced from leaderboard data originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftperfect-darkq1q1-2010q2q2-2010risk-factionssalessnoopy-flying-aceTMNT-Turtles-in-Time-Re-Shelledtoy-soldiersTrials-HDxblaxboxxbox-live-arcadezombie-apocalypseWed, 21 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Crackdown 2 save unlocks Agent 4 in Perfect Dark multiplayer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/crackdown-2-save-unlocks-agent-4-in-perfect-dark-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/crackdown-2-save-unlocks-agent-4-in-perfect-dark-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/crackdown-2-save-unlocks-agent-4-in-perfect-dark-multiplayer/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We're now only days away from the release of Crackdown 2, and in a stroke of corporate synergy, Microsoft Game Studios has hatched a cross-game promotion between Ruffian's impending sandbox shooter and the recent HD remake of Perfect Dark for Xbox Live Arcade. With a Crackdown 2 save on your console, you can unlock a new playable character in Perfect Dark: Agent 4.

No codes, no impossible speed runs -- Agent 4 is unlocked in Perfect Dark's Combat Simulator (multiplayer mode) as soon as your Crackdown 2 save is detected. Happy hunting, agents!

Gallery: Agent 4 in Perfect Dark

JoystiqCrackdown 2 save unlocks Agent 4 in Perfect Dark multiplayer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agent-4crackdowncrackdown-2Easter-eggmicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosPerfect-DarkPerfect-Dark-XBLArareruffian-gamesxboxFri, 02 Jul 2010 11:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Perfect Dark updated with new control options]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/perfect-dark-xbla-updated-with-new-control-options/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/perfect-dark-xbla-updated-with-new-control-options/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/perfect-dark-xbla-updated-with-new-control-options/#comments Apparently, even Perfect Dark isn't perfect, as Rare and company have released an update for the XBLA port. Although the update includes a host of tweaks, the biggest change is the addition of several control options. Chief among these is the (blessed) option to lock the targeting reticle in the center of the screen.

Southpaw and legacy control options have been added as well. Beyond that, there are some Achievement fixes and a few tweaks to help match the original N64 experience. The update has also been incorporated into the trial version, so those turned off by the initial control options are able to test out the new tweaks.

Find a full list of changes after the break.

Continue reading Perfect Dark updated with new control options

JoystiqPerfect Dark updated with new control options originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 May 2010 13:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4j-studiosmgsmicrosoft-game-studiospatchperfect-darkrareupdatexblaThu, 06 May 2010 13:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Toy Soldiers does big business in March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/15/toy-soldiers-does-big-business-in-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/15/toy-soldiers-does-big-business-in-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/15/toy-soldiers-does-big-business-in-march/#comments
 Gamasutra has the analysis of the March Xbox Live Arcade sales and (as you probably could have predicted even without a Farsight XR-20) the revamped FPS Perfect Dark did well with around 195,000 units sold. But the big surprise of the month has to be the tower-defense/action hybrid Toy Soldiers that, with little in the way of marketing, reached nearly 240,000 units by the end of the month-long Block Party.

Sure, Toy Soldiers had two more weeks (its March 1 launch versus Perfect Dark's arrival on the 15th), but it's still a convincing testament to the power of word of mouth (word of Tweet?) advertising, especially in the download space.

JoystiqToy Soldiers does big business in March originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>perfect-darktoy-soldiersxblaxbla-block-partyThu, 15 Apr 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rare: There 'isn't a need' to go back to classic series]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/29/rare-there-isnt-a-need-to-go-back-to-classic-series/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/29/rare-there-isnt-a-need-to-go-back-to-classic-series/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/29/rare-there-isnt-a-need-to-go-back-to-classic-series/#comments
[Error Macro]
If you're waiting for sequels to your favorite Rare games, like Battletoads, Killer Instinct, or Taboo: The Sixth Sense, you should probably shut down your vigil now. Studio head Mark Betteridge told Develop that the company isn't especially keen on returning to old franchises.

Rare "would only go back to older franchises if we saw an opportunity to make the product in a different way that would do justice to [them]," said the head of the studio behind this month's Perfect Dark remake, adding that there "isn't a need" to return to Rare's classics.

Betteridge goes on to classify the role of Rare and other first-parties as "to define the Xbox 360 platform," something he says Rare is also working to do for Project Natal. As for the camera-based control system, it's "the biggest change in how you interact with software... ever, really," he said, "because we've moved to a clean sheet of paper on the user input - it's a huge change creatively in how you build a game."

JoystiqRare: There 'isn't a need' to go back to classic series originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battletoadsfirst-partymark-betteridgeMicrosoftperfect-darkperfect-dark-zeroproject-natalrareXbox-360Mon, 29 Mar 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Perfect Dark, Alan Wake items now in Avatar Marketplace]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/perfect-dark-alan-wake-items-now-in-avatar-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/perfect-dark-alan-wake-items-now-in-avatar-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/perfect-dark-alan-wake-items-now-in-avatar-marketplace/#comments Your virtual closet of Avatar wear just got some new styles, as Perfect Dark and Alan Wake gear is now available in the Avatar Marketplace. You can peruse the usual -- shirts, pants, helmets and outfits -- or if props is more your thing, there's a variety to choose from.

"Elvis" you can see above, but there's also a flare, some pages of a manuscript or even an Alan Wake book. Like, a book that says Alan Wake on it that your Avatar looks at. Head into the Avatar Marketplace to see all of the new stuff.

Source -- Perfect Dark Avatar gear on Xbox Live [Xbox.com]
Source -- Alan Wake Avatar gear on Xbox Live [Xbox.com]

[Via Destructoid]

JoystiqPerfect Dark, Alan Wake items now in Avatar Marketplace originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4j-studiosalan-wakeavatar-marketplaceavatarsperfect-darkperfect-dark-xblarareRemedyremedy-entertainmentThu, 18 Mar 2010 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Perfect Dark]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/17/x3f-tv-xbla-in-brief-perfect-dark/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/17/x3f-tv-xbla-in-brief-perfect-dark/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/17/x3f-tv-xbla-in-brief-perfect-dark/#commentsFiled under:


It's been a long time coming, and today Perfect Dark is finally available for download on XBLA. Sporting some new Xbox Live functionality and a sparkly new coat of paint, we'd be hard-pressed to come up with a better way to drop 800 ($10) on the Xbox Live Marketplace. The game is a classic and the closest you'll get to having GoldenEye on Xbox Live. Check it out in the latest episode of XBLA in Brief above!

Shortcut: Download the trial version of Perfect Dark [via Xbox.com]

[iTunes] Subscribe to X3F TV directly in iTunes.
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[RSS] Add the X3F TV feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.
[MP4] Download the MP4 directly.

Gallery: Perfect Dark (XBLA)

JoystiqX3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Perfect Dark originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoft-game-studiosperfect-darkrarex3f-tvxblaxbla-in-briefxbox-livexbox-live-arcadeWed, 17 Mar 2010 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: Perfect Dark (XBLA)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/17/perfect-dark-xbla-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/17/perfect-dark-xbla-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/17/perfect-dark-xbla-review/#comments "Remastered" is the appropriate term for 4J Studios' Perfect Dark port, which takes Rare's classic console FPS and remodels it with high-resolution assets and tactful tweaks to better suit its new Xbox Live Arcade format. Perfect Dark is the third N64-generation Rare title that 4J Studios has remastered, following XBLA ports of Banjo-Kazooie and Banjo-Tooie, and it's likely the most anticipated. Perfect Dark is a historical landmark, after all, and it's one that should be visited from time to time by anyone interested in games.

Originally released in mid-2000, Perfect Dark arrived as I was staggering forth from my freshman year of college. I picked it up because, back in high school, we played GoldenEye until the sun came up. I never grew to worship Perfect Dark as I had Rare's acclaimed Bond shooter, but my memory recalls it as a "slightly superior" game (if not as personally beloved). As one of the more prominent entries on my "I woulda, coulda, shoulda played it more" list, I've been looking forward to this reunion -- a chance to get to know Perfect Dark better.

Gallery: Perfect Dark (XBLA)

Continue reading Review: Perfect Dark (XBLA)

JoystiqReview: Perfect Dark (XBLA) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4j-studiosMicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosperfect-darkperfect-dark-xblaportrarexblaXbox-360xbox-live-arcadeWed, 17 Mar 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[This Wednesday: Perfect Dark KLOBBers XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/17/this-wednesday-perfect-dark-klobbers-xbox-live-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/17/this-wednesday-perfect-dark-klobbers-xbox-live-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/17/this-wednesday-perfect-dark-klobbers-xbox-live-arcade/#comments That's "This Wednesday," like, this Wednesday -- today. Sorry we waited so long to bring you this regular installment of "This Wednesday," it's just that we kind of figured this particular release would be a little hard to forget. But for those of you not paying attention, here it is: FPS classic Perfect Dark arrives on Xbox Live today for 800 ($10). If you're on the fence, check out our full review of the game.

Now, if you'll excuse us, we're going to go buy some Surge and Tato Skins off eBay and hit Felicity for some King of the Bathroom.

Gallery: Perfect Dark (XBLA)

JoystiqThis Wednesday: Perfect Dark KLOBBers XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4j-studiosblock-partymicrosoft-game-studiosperfect-darkrarexblaXblaWednesdayxblmWed, 17 Mar 2010 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Marketplace release schedule for March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/xbox-live-marketplace-release-schedule-for-march-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/xbox-live-marketplace-release-schedule-for-march-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/xbox-live-marketplace-release-schedule-for-march-revealed/#comments Though we already know the bulk of the March release schedule for new content on the Xbox Live Marketplace, Major Nelson's blog recently laid out how the rest of the month will play out. Tomorrow, we'll get our hands on Scrap Metal for 1200 ($15), next Wednesday will see the release of Perfect Dark for 800 ($10), and on March 24, we'll get our hands on the (somewhat) free Game Room hub. Oh, and the Games on Demand service got a bit crazier today with the release of Condemned: Criminal Origins for $19.99.

If you're an insatiable value-hound, you should turn your attention to the upcoming Deals of the Weeks: The original Fable will have its price reduced to 800 ($10) from 1200 ($15) during the week of March 15. All of Fallout 3's add-on packs, including Operation: Anchorage, The Pitt, Broken Steel, Point Lookout and Mothership Zeta, will be offered at half price (400, or $5) during the week of March 22. For the rest of the schedule, including Avatar outfits and add-on packs, check out the list after the jump.

Continue reading Xbox Live Marketplace release schedule for March

JoystiqXbox Live Marketplace release schedule for March originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BethesdaBethesda-Game-StudiosBethesda-Softworksdeal-of-the-weekfablefallout-3game-roommajor-nelsonmarchmicrosoftperfect-darkRPGschedulescrap-metalxblaxblmXbox-360Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Stay for the entire XBLA Block Party and receive parting gifts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/22/stay-for-the-entire-xbla-block-party-and-receive-parting-gifts/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/22/stay-for-the-entire-xbla-block-party-and-receive-parting-gifts/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/22/stay-for-the-entire-xbla-block-party-and-receive-parting-gifts/#comments Microsoft has announced more details about its Xbox Live Arcade "Block Party," which is ... right around the corner. Next month's lead-up to the launch of the Xbox Game Room will see a promotion similar to the one offered during last year's Summer of Arcade, and then some.

For Xbox Live Silver members that purchase all three Block Party titles released next month -- Toy Soldiers, Perfect Dark and Scrap Metal -- and then download the free Game Room "client," Microsoft will credit your account 400 ($5). So, 3200 ($40) spent on the participating XBLA titles will get you back five bucks. If you're a Gold member, though, the deal gets a little sweeter: Purchase the three titles, download Game Room, and you'll get the 400 refund and a free month of Xbox Live Gold service (worth $4 and change if you're an annual subscriber) credited to your account.

A free "everyone's a Gold member" (no, not that Goldmember) weekend is also scheduled, permitting Silver members to play the three Block Party releases online (but only the Block Party releases) from 12pm ET on Friday, March 26 through 12pm ET on Monday, March 29.

JoystiqStay for the entire XBLA Block Party and receive parting gifts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Feb 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftperfect-darkpromorarescrap-metalsignal-studiosslick-entertainmenttoy-soldiersxblaxbla-block-partyxblmXbox-360Xbox-Game-RoomMon, 22 Feb 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Perfect Dark XBLA will keep GoldenEye maps]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/perfect-dark-xbla-will-keep-goldeneye-maps/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/perfect-dark-xbla-will-keep-goldeneye-maps/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/perfect-dark-xbla-will-keep-goldeneye-maps/#comments While you probably won't be experiencing any classic GoldenEye action on Xbox Live Arcade anytime soon, it looks like Perfect Dark will let you do the next best thing! Yes, the real GoldenEye will likely never see the light of day on XBLA, but that doesn't mean its maps and weapons can't appear in Perfect Dark. According to Kotaku, Microsoft's Ken Lobb has confirmed at DICE that the unlockable GoldenEye weapons and maps featured in the N64 version of Perfect Dark will be included in the upcoming XBLA version as well.

Of course, there really wasn't any reason to think they wouldn't be, but it's nice to hear all the same. So, if you've got the unlocking talent, you'll be mowing down your friends with a Klobb* in the Felicity, Temple and Complex maps in no time.

*Yes, GoldenEye fanboys, or the RCP-90.

JoystiqPerfect Dark XBLA will keep GoldenEye maps originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>goldeneyeken-lobbmicrosoft-game-studiosperfect-darkrarexblaFri, 19 Feb 2010 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Arcade Block Party games, Game Room dated]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/xbox-live-arcade-block-party-games-game-room-dated/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/xbox-live-arcade-block-party-games-game-room-dated/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/xbox-live-arcade-block-party-games-game-room-dated/#comments March is going to be a pretty intense month for XBLA releases. So intense, in fact, that it's all being bundled under one promotional moniker: Block Party. Microsoft recently announced specific dates and prices for each of the games therein, and boy oh boy, has its saved the best for ... um, next-to-last.

We already knew March 3 would see the release of Toy Soldiers for 1200 ($15). On March 10, we'll get our hands on Slick Entertainment's brutal racer, Scrap Metal, for 1200 ($15). On March 17, we'll be stocking up on supplies, boarding up the doors and windows, and enjoying Perfect Dark, available for 800 ($10). Things will come to a crescendo on March 24, when the Game Room hub will be released at no charge. The platform's games will run you 400 ($5) for a PC and 360-friendly version, 240 ($3) for just the 360 version, or 40 ($.50) for a single play.

JoystiqXbox Live Arcade Block Party games, Game Room dated originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>block-partygame-roommicrosoftperfect-darkrelease-datescrap-metaltoy-soldiersxblaxblmXbox-360Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[X10: A perfect storm of Perfect Dark media]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/12/x10-a-perfect-storm-of-perfect-dark-media/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/12/x10-a-perfect-storm-of-perfect-dark-media/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/12/x10-a-perfect-storm-of-perfect-dark-media/#comments
It's been a crazy 48 hours, thanks to all of the news coming out of X10. Attendees were greeted with various playable demos, a box full of mullets and, in the case of this post, the above trailer and gallery full of screenshots for Rare's upcoming XBLA port of Perfect Dark. Featuring graphics of up to 1080p and small grey alien sidekicks named Elvis, it's one of the more high-profile games coming to Xbox Live Arcade as part of the Block Party promotion.

Gallery: Perfect Dark XBLA (X10)

JoystiqX10: A perfect storm of Perfect Dark media originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Feb 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>block-partyMicrosoftperfect-darkperfect-dark-xblararex10xblaxbla-block-partyXbox-360xbox-live-arcade-block-partyxbox-live-block-partyxbox-livearcadeFri, 12 Feb 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[X10: Perfect Dark, Game Room, Scrap Metal, Toy Soldiers part of XBLA Block Party this March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/perfect-dark-game-room-scrap-metal-toy-soldiers-part-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/perfect-dark-game-room-scrap-metal-toy-soldiers-part-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/perfect-dark-game-room-scrap-metal-toy-soldiers-part-of/#comments Thanks to the Summer of Arcade, we've been conditioned to compulsively check Xbox Live Arcade during the hottest months of the year. But it would seem that March is the new summer, since that month now plays host to the XBLA Block Party announced during Microsoft's X10 event today.

So, what do you have to look forward to? Well, Toy Soldiers kicks things off on March 3. If that doesn't grab you, don't worry, it'll be followed throughout the month by Scrap Metal, Perfect Dark and classics hub Game Room. Also, if it's anything like every block party we've ever been to, cocktail weenies will also be served. So that's something.

JoystiqX10: Perfect Dark, Game Room, Scrap Metal, Toy Soldiers part of XBLA Block Party this March originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 17:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-roomMicrosoftperfect-darkrarescrap-metaltoy-soldiersx10xblaxbla-block-partyXbox-360Thu, 11 Feb 2010 17:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Perfect Dark XBLA playable at X10, new screen]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/perfect-dark-xbla-playable-at-x10-new-screen/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/perfect-dark-xbla-playable-at-x10-new-screen/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/perfect-dark-xbla-playable-at-x10-new-screen/#comments
click to Perfect-size Rare has announced that its upcoming XBLA remake of Perfect Dark will be playable at the upcoming X10 event next week in San Francisco. In celebration of the announcement, Rare also released a single new screen from the game, featuring one Mr. Daniel Carrington. Click the image above for a nice, high resolution version.

With appearances expected from Fable III, Alan Wake, Halo: Reach, Final Fantasy XII, Splinter Cell Conviction, Crackdown 2 and the Microsoft Game Room, X10 is certainly shaping up to be quite an event. Rest assured, we'll be covering it from the get-go next week.

JoystiqPerfect Dark XBLA playable at X10, new screen originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoft-game-studiosperfect-darkrarex10xblaFri, 05 Feb 2010 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[See screens and video from Perfect Dark on XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/28/see-screens-and-video-from-perfect-dark-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/28/see-screens-and-video-from-perfect-dark-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/28/see-screens-and-video-from-perfect-dark-on-xbla/#comments We've all seen screens here and there from Rare's upcoming high def-ified Perfect Dark port for XBLA. Today, we're happy to report there's a whole bunch of new media out there to sift through, courtesy of Gamertag Radio.

Head past the break for video of Perfect Dark's Carrington Institute level or, if you're one who worries about a sudden outbreak of motion sickness, check out some stills from the game over on GTR's flickr page. Perfect Dark is currently scheduled for a "Winter 2010" release.

Source - Screens from Perfect Dark
Source - Carrington Institute level video

Continue reading See screens and video from Perfect Dark on XBLA

JoystiqSee screens and video from Perfect Dark on XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Dec 2009 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fpshdperfect-darkrarescreensvideoxblaxbox-live-arcadeMon, 28 Dec 2009 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[OFLC posts rating for Perfect Dark on XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/oflc-posts-rating-for-perfect-dark-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/oflc-posts-rating-for-perfect-dark-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/oflc-posts-rating-for-perfect-dark-on-xbla/#commentsFiled under:

The Australian Office of Film and Literature Classification has posted a rating on its website for the long-awaited XBLA port of Rare's Perfect Dark, which would hint that a release is just around the corner. (Major Nelson did say that it would drop "this winter.") The OFLC gave the shooter an MA 15+ for "strong violence," the toughest rating they hand out for video games.

If a release is imminent, now might be the perfect time to play through the 360 prequel, Perfect Dark Zero, and get further acquainted with Joanna Dark before you can revisit her debut adventure in high resolution.

JoystiqOFLC posts rating for Perfect Dark on XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiama15microsoftoflcperfect-darkperfect-dark-xblaperfect-dark-zerorareratingxblaTue, 22 Dec 2009 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Perfect Dark coming early 2010, still 'winter']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/09/perfect-dark-coming-early-2010-still-winter/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/09/perfect-dark-coming-early-2010-still-winter/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/09/perfect-dark-coming-early-2010-still-winter/#comments Say what you will about Rare, it certainly knows us. The company announced via its Twitter account that the XBLA version of Perfect Dark was officially slated for early 2010 and not winter like it promised, and before we could even work ourselves into the hint of a lather, Rare chided that the window "is still 'winter', stop moaning."

To help smooth things over a little more the company dropped the fresh screenshot you can see above. OK, Rare, you're forgiven ... this time.

JoystiqPerfect Dark coming early 2010, still 'winter' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftperfect-darkperfect-dark-xblararexblaWed, 09 Dec 2009 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[N64 makeover: New Perfect Dark XBLA shots]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/07/n64-makeover-new-perfect-dark-xbla-shots/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/07/n64-makeover-new-perfect-dark-xbla-shots/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/07/n64-makeover-new-perfect-dark-xbla-shots/#comments Rare has posted some new screenshots of the upcoming Xbox Live Arcade remake of Perfect Dark. If you're looking at the above screen and thinking it doesn't look too hot, you aren't alone. Fret not, however, as this is a shot from the original game. After the break, you can see what the wizards at Rare have done to beautify the original.

Once you finish marveling at its majesty, check out another screenshot and some new art in the gallery below.

Gallery: Perfect Dark XBLA (12/7/09)

Continue reading N64 makeover: New Perfect Dark XBLA shots

JoystiqN64 makeover: New Perfect Dark XBLA shots originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoft-game-studiosperfect-darkrarexblaMon, 07 Dec 2009 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[XBLA Perfect Dark makes original look like an N64 game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/21/xbla-perfect-dark-makes-original-look-like-an-n64-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/21/xbla-perfect-dark-makes-original-look-like-an-n64-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/21/xbla-perfect-dark-makes-original-look-like-an-n64-game/#comments
click to enlarge
Ever since it was announced that Rare's spiritual successor to GoldenEye 007 for N64, Perfect Dark, was coming to Xbox Live Arcade, we've been wondering if it would simply see a bump in resolution (which it is). Now we also know that it's going to feature brand-new, high-detail textures and something the original release definitely didn't have: a fast, stable framerate.

Click on the above image to get an even better look at the improvements (and check the accompanying gallery for another impressive comparison shot). It's no Perfect Dark Zero, but it's still great to see the extra effort being put in for our precious Microsoft Points.

[Via Gamersyde]

Gallery: Perfect Dark (XBLA)

JoystiqXBLA Perfect Dark makes original look like an N64 game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comparisonmicrosoft-game-studiosperfect-darkperfect-dark-xblarareFri, 21 Aug 2009 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[See screens, new info from XBLA Perfect Dark]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/08/see-screens-new-info-from-xbla-perfect-dark/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/08/see-screens-new-info-from-xbla-perfect-dark/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/08/see-screens-new-info-from-xbla-perfect-dark/#comments
We made plenty of new video game friends during E3, but, we still care about our old friends for, as the Girl Scouts remind us, one is silver and the other is gold. Why, just today we checked in on the upcoming XBLA version of Perfect Dark and walked away with a ton of new info.

Perhaps most excitingly, the game will include online multiplayer, according to the Xbox.com listing for it. Also, it's being developed by 4J Studios, which you may know from its PS3 ports of Oblivion and Overlord. Finally, we've got a few screens, which appear to indicate the game hasn't gotten too much sprucing up. What do you think?

[Thanks, Lee]

JoystiqSee screens, new info from XBLA Perfect Dark originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4j-studiosfpsMicrosoftn64perfect-darkrarexblaXbox-360Mon, 08 Jun 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Confirmed: Perfect Dark bound for XBLA this winter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/confirmed-perfect-dark-bound-for-xbla-this-winter/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/confirmed-perfect-dark-bound-for-xbla-this-winter/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/confirmed-perfect-dark-bound-for-xbla-this-winter/#comments
Major Nelson just confirmed via his Twitter that Xbox Live will be receiving a care package this winter in the form of Rare's Perfect Dark. Major made no reference to price or improvements to game content, aside from mentioning that the title will run in 1080p and that fans will be able to nab it this winter. And if you are a fan of Perfect Dark, keep an eye out for a free theme releasing tomorrow on Xbox Live.

[Thanks to all who sent this in!]

JoystiqConfirmed: Perfect Dark bound for XBLA this winter originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fpsMicrosoftperfect-darkperfect-dark-xblararexblaXbox-360xbox-livexbox-live-arcadeTue, 02 Jun 2009 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: More evidence of Perfect Dark XBLA surfaces]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/01/rumor-more-evidence-of-perfect-dark-xbla-surfaces/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/01/rumor-more-evidence-of-perfect-dark-xbla-surfaces/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/01/rumor-more-evidence-of-perfect-dark-xbla-surfaces/#comments
Remember that rumor from yesterday involving Forza 3? Well, at that same get-together in Brazil, someone apparently snapped an image of a game listing for Perfect Dark on XBLA and sent it to Destructoid. The image itself looks legit, and features the same thumbnail Rare had leaked back in early April.

That's where the story ends. This one lone image is all we have to go on right now, but based on Rare bringing its other N64 titles -- Banjo-Kazooie and Banjo-Tooie -- to XBLA, we're confident that this won't be the last time we hear about the game.

[Via Gamerbytes]

JoystiqRumor: More evidence of Perfect Dark XBLA surfaces originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 May 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Microsoftperfect-darkrarexblaXbox-360Fri, 01 May 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Rare 'accidentally' reveals Perfect Dark XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/09/rumor-rare-accidentally-reveals-perfect-dark-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/09/rumor-rare-accidentally-reveals-perfect-dark-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/09/rumor-rare-accidentally-reveals-perfect-dark-xbla/#comments
Click to perfect-size
The above image (used to promote the Banjo-Tooie premium theme for Xbox 360) was revealed via the Banjo-Kazooie forums. Notice anything? No, not the huge, red arrow. Look at what it's pointing at. What could that be?

Forum users are saying it's an icon for Perfect Dark on XBLA, though it could be anything, really. We should also mention that Rare does like messing with fans. Remember that Christmas card debacle? This could be another tease that goes ... nowhere. Also, how do we know that Rare isn't developing a game called "Person Stuck in White Room"? Hey, it could happen!

Regardless, we contacted Microsoft about the possibility of Perfect Dark on XBLA. The company's response: "We have nothing to announce at this time."

[Via Xbox360Achievements]

JoystiqRumor: Rare 'accidentally' reveals Perfect Dark XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banjo-kazooiebanjo-tooieMicrosoftnxeperfect-darkpremium-themesrarerumorrumorsxblaXbox-360Thu, 09 Apr 2009 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[1UP talks turkey games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/22/1up-talks-turkey-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/22/1up-talks-turkey-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/22/1up-talks-turkey-games/#comments
What better way to spend Thanksgiving than talking about turkeys? And by turkeys, of course, 1UP's referring to those massively-hyped titles that ultimately fizzled.

We can't say we agree with all of the choices presented, though 1UP's criteria suggests that the games featured aren't necessarily "bad," but that all of them "fell short of expectations."

Still, given the sheer number of games out there, there are bound to be bigger, badder turkeys hiding in the bushes. Any more main-course nominees?

Joystiq1UP talks turkey games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Nov 2007 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upassassins-creedenterthematrixfablefinal-fantasyfinalfantasylairmariometal-gear-solidmetalgearsolidperfect-darkperfectdarkred-steelredsteelshenmueThu, 22 Nov 2007 16:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Ken Lobb thinks Crackdown is the best game EVAR]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/14/ken-lobb-thinks-crackdown-is-the-best-game-evar/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/14/ken-lobb-thinks-crackdown-is-the-best-game-evar/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/14/ken-lobb-thinks-crackdown-is-the-best-game-evar/#commentsFiled under: ,

Of course, being involved with the game's development may have swayed his opinion just a tad. Speaking to Newsweek's N'Gai Croal, Microsoft design director, Ken Lobb, drunkenly divulged that his very own GoldenEye 007 had been surpassed by the fun presented in Crackdown. Since Ken previously considered James Bond's N64 outing to be among the best games ever, it follows that Crackdown is among the bester games ever. It's not an unreasonable opinion to have; certainly not with all those supercops leaping over buildings and kicking crooks in the head.

Then again, Mr. Lobb once described Perfect Dark, which he also worked on, as "the best FPS ever, for any system, period." It's all very confusing, but if you want to extract a key piece of information here, it's that Ken Lobb is constantly working on the best game ever. Though we say that with tongue planted firmly in cheek, a positive mindset like that would probably be quite motivating in our rough games industry.

JoystiqKen Lobb thinks Crackdown is the best game EVAR originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Feb 2007 14:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionCrackdownGoldeneyeKen-LobbMGSMicrosoftPerfect DarkPerfect-DarkRealtime-WorldsRiot-ActSandboxXbox-360Wed, 14 Feb 2007 14:38:00 EST