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[Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault is Insomniac's next PSN game, arriving this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/ratchet-and-clank-full-frontal-assault-is-insomniacs-next-psn-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/ratchet-and-clank-full-frontal-assault-is-insomniacs-next-psn-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/ratchet-and-clank-full-frontal-assault-is-insomniacs-next-psn-ga/#comments ImageRatchet & Clank are heading once more into the space breach, this time waging a "Full Frontal Assault" against space crabs with gatling guns, it seems. Insomniac head (and general nice dude) Ted Price took to the US PlayStation Blog this afternoon to announce "Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault" for PlayStation Network, alongside plans to launch the game "this holiday season."

Aside from the artwork you see above and the logo we've dropped in the gallery below, Price offered few details on the game. He said it'll be a "fun-sized" R&C title (like Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest for Booty before it), and that the game will return to "the series' classic feel, camera, controls, and weapons, while innovating and giving you a whole new way to play." What that means is another question altogether. Price also said that the game will feature online co-op, but kept details similarly slim.

Gallery: Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault

JoystiqRatchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault is Insomniac's next PSN game, arriving this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>insomniacinsomniac-gamesplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnq3-2012q4-2012ratchet-and-clank-full-frontal-assaultrelease-dateted-priceWed, 30 May 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Snapshot training amateur photogs on PS3 and Vita this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/snapshot-training-amateur-photogs-on-ps3-and-vita-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/snapshot-training-amateur-photogs-on-ps3-and-vita-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/snapshot-training-amateur-photogs-on-ps3-and-vita-this-fall/#comments Image
Snapshot isn't a new game, though this may be the first you've heard of it. Nope, Snapshot's been kicking around indie game festivals and such for quite some time (since at least 2009, if not earlier), though we now know that Snapshot's being developed for PSN on both PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita.

In Snapshot, you follow a little robot named (appropriately enough), "Pic," as he ventures across a puzzle-filled 2D world. By snapping square photos of the environment, Pic can alter the world around him - "taking photographs of light and using it to interact with physics" and momentum-based puzzles are both given as examples of Snapshot's gameplay twist.

The game's a Sony exclusive (at least for now), with cross-platform save functionality built-in, and it's expected some time this fall. Check out the latest trailer just above - it's quite pretty!

Gallery: Snapshot (PS3/Vita)

JoystiqSnapshot training amateur photogs on PS3 and Vita this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationplaystation-networkplaystation-vitaps3psnretro-affectsnapshotvitaTue, 29 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Resident Evil: Chronicles HD Collection makes calculated moves to PSN on June 26]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/resident-evil-chronicles-hd-collection-makes-calculated-moves-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/resident-evil-chronicles-hd-collection-makes-calculated-moves-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/resident-evil-chronicles-hd-collection-makes-calculated-moves-t/#comments ImageOn June 26, Resident Evil: Chronicles HD launches on the PlayStation 3's PlayStation Network for $26.99, targeting those of us who own a PlayStation Move/PlayStation 3, are way into rail shooters, and didn't play the original versions of the Chronicles' games on Wii. That's a ridiculously specific group of people if you ask us.

Should you have played one of the two games that the collection comprises - The Umbrella Chronicles and The Darkside Chronicles - each game will be individually released for $14.99 a few weeks later on July 17.

Continue reading Resident Evil: Chronicles HD Collection makes calculated moves to PSN on June 26

JoystiqResident Evil: Chronicles HD Collection makes calculated moves to PSN on June 26 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnre-releaserelease-dateresident-evil-chronicles-hd-collectionFri, 25 May 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN scheduled maintenance tomorrow, some apps to be down]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/psn-scheduled-maintenance-tomorrow-some-apps-to-be-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/psn-scheduled-maintenance-tomorrow-some-apps-to-be-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/psn-scheduled-maintenance-tomorrow-some-apps-to-be-down/#comments ImageThe following is a PSA for all the PSN users out there, calibrated in PSI and utilizing linguistic psychology: The PlayStation Network is undergoing scheduled maintenance on Thursday, May 24, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. PDT.

The PlayStation Store and PlayStation Home may not be accessible during this time, but online play and other apps such as Netflix and Amazon Instant will run as normal, provided you've signed into the network at least five days prior to Thursday. This means do it now if you have big PSN plans tomorrow.

JoystiqPSN scheduled maintenance tomorrow, some apps to be down originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>maintenanceplaystationplaystation-homePlayStation-NetworkPlayStation-Storeps3psaPSNscheduled-maintenanceWed, 23 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Techland's Mad Riders touches down on PSN May 29, XBLA/PC on May 30]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/techlands-mad-riders-touches-down-on-psn-may-29-xbla-pc-on-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/techlands-mad-riders-touches-down-on-psn-may-29-xbla-pc-on-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/techlands-mad-riders-touches-down-on-psn-may-29-xbla-pc-on-may/#comments Image
If you've somehow managed to get your fill of Trials Evolution's dusty peaks and valleys already, Techland's latest, Mad Riders, may be perfect for you. And hey, the game is set to launch on May 30 according to the latest trailer. That's pretty soon!

Like Trials before it, Mad Riders is a digital-only title, but unlike Trials, it's not limited to a single console (Mad Riders is headed to PSN, XBLA, and PC). It'll be available one day earlier for PSN users on May 29, and May 30 on XBLA and PC, but it'll cost the same on all three: a cool $10. Techland describes that as "an awesome game for the price of a pizza," though we'd warn the studio against devaluing its games as such. What kind of pizza are you gonna get for $10? Terrible pizza, that's what!

JoystiqTechland's Mad Riders touches down on PSN May 29, XBLA/PC on May 30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hastemad-ridersmicrosoftpcplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnq2-2012release-datetechlandubisoftxblaxboxxbox-live-arcadeFri, 18 May 2012 13:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Snapshot: Datura (PS3)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/snapshot-datura-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/snapshot-datura-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/snapshot-datura-ps3/#comments There are so many games out there we couldn't possibly review them all. Welcome to Snapshot, where we highlight games that might fall outside our usual coverage but are still something we think you should know about. Today: Datura for PS3.
Standing amongst fallen leaves in an unknown forest, a face stares at me from the side of a tree. It's not a real face, of course, only a mask. Expending considerable effort, I pry the mask from the tree, revealing a hollow behind it. Housed within the hollow is a small pickaxe. Upon grasping the handle, I black out.

I wake up in the middle of a frozen wasteland. Crawling along the hard surface, I clear away some snow with my forearm, exposing the ice underneath. It's not a wasteland at all; it's a lake. Beneath the ice is a golden chalice. A noise from behind prompts me to clear away more snow, exposing a horror underneath: A woman is trapped below the ice, and she's still alive.

The pickaxe still rests in my hand, so I immediately go to work, chipping away as the woman squirms against the surface. My heart pounds as the axe falls again and again, slowly cracking the ice. Finally, the ice gives way - directly beneath me - and I tumble into the chilly abyss, sinking down as I watch the light of sky recede into nothingness. Again, I awake in the forest, the mask in my hand, which I quickly discard.

This is a moment pulled directly from Datura. Did I do something wrong? Something right? I haven't got a clue.

Continue reading Snapshot: Datura (PS3)

JoystiqSnapshot: Datura (PS3) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daturamoveplasticplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnsnapshotThu, 17 May 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Finally, you can play Cho Aniki Zero on your Vita (finally!)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/finally-you-can-play-cho-aniki-zero-on-your-vita-finally/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/finally-you-can-play-cho-aniki-zero-on-your-vita-finally/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/finally-you-can-play-cho-aniki-zero-on-your-vita-finally/#comments ImageGrandma sure did like playing Rainbow Six: Vegas on that old PSP when you'd make your weekly homage for family dinner, didn't she? "Blap! Blap! Blap!" she'd shout. And things really haven't been the same since you traded up to a Vita, what with its lack of support for many PSP titles. We understand.

Thankfully, so does Sony. This morning, the US PlayStation blog announced today's launch of several PSP games on the Vita (including Grandma's fave), as well as a variety of PSP Minis (full list after the break). As usual, if you already own the games digitally for your PSP, all you'll have to do is re-download the files to your PSN-tied Vita. If not, well, you'll have to pony up some virtual cash.

Interestingly, Sony also mentioned "improved playability" for some titles beyond the up-res'd graphics - we're checking to see what exactly that means. The line has since been removed from Sony's blog post.

Continue reading Finally, you can play Cho Aniki Zero on your Vita (finally!)

JoystiqFinally, you can play Cho Aniki Zero on your Vita (finally!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationplaystation-networkplaystation-vitapsnpspRainbow-Six-VegassonyumdvitaTue, 15 May 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ghost Recon: Future Soldier's 'Arctic Strike' DLC due in July]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/ghost-recon-future-soldiers-arctic-strike-dlc-due-in-july/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/ghost-recon-future-soldiers-arctic-strike-dlc-due-in-july/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/ghost-recon-future-soldiers-arctic-strike-dlc-due-in-july/#comments ImageGhost Recon: Future Soldier's future soldiers had better bundle up, as Ubisoft's just-announced "Arctic Strike" DLC sounds like it'll require more than just a camouflaged windbreaker when it arrives on July 3. The DLC runs 800 MS Points or $10 on 360 and PS3 (respectively), and the PC version ... well, it seems not to exist. We've asked Ubi what's up with that.

The pack contains an unknown number of multiplayer maps, a new co-op "Guerrilla Mode" map, six new weapons, and an additional multiplayer mode. Ubi unfortunately hasn't shown anything of the content aside from the single image you see above, but presumably we'll hear more after the game's launch.

Continue reading Ghost Recon: Future Soldier's 'Arctic Strike' DLC due in July

JoystiqGhost Recon: Future Soldier's 'Arctic Strike' DLC due in July originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arctic-strikedlcdownloadable-contentGhost-Recon-Future-Soldiermicrosoftplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnubisoftxboxxbox-livexbox-live-marketplaceFri, 11 May 2012 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[I Am Alive tops April PSN downloads, just one Vita game charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/i-am-alive-tops-april-psn-downloads-just-one-vita-game-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/i-am-alive-tops-april-psn-downloads-just-one-vita-game-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/i-am-alive-tops-april-psn-downloads-just-one-vita-game-charts/#comments ImageUbisoft's post-apocalypse third-person-survivor I Am Alive apparently struck a chord with PlayStation 3 owners last month, topping the PlayStation Network's download charts for April 2012, even edging out March's big PSN release, Journey.

The Walking Dead's game adaptation from Telltale managed more than a shambling start as well, taking up two spots on the top 10 with the season pass and first episode in third and fifth place, respectively. Just one Vita title landed on the list, Escape Plan, in the number 10 spot. All of this information - and more! - can be found in the latest PlayStation "Pulse" video, which we've dropped just below the break.

Continue reading I Am Alive tops April PSN downloads, just one Vita game charts

JoystiqI Am Alive tops April PSN downloads, just one Vita game charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>escape-plani-am-alivejourneyplaystationplaystation-networkplaystation-vitaps3psnpulsetelltale-gamesthat-game-companythatgamecompanythe-walking-deadtop-10ubisoftvitaWed, 09 May 2012 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[All Starhawk map packs free in response to divisive Warhawk content]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/all-starhawk-map-packs-free-in-response-to-divisive-warhawk-cont/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/all-starhawk-map-packs-free-in-response-to-divisive-warhawk-cont/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/all-starhawk-map-packs-free-in-response-to-divisive-warhawk-cont/#comments ImageAll of Starhawk's future downloadable map packs will be free, Dylan Jobe, president of Lightbox Interactive, has announced. Writing on PlayStation Blog, Jobe noted that the paid downloadable content divided the Warhawk community with every expansion, and "after we released three expansions, our player community was pretty fractured."

Lightbox hopes to remedy that this time around by making all map packs free. Jobe added that there is still paid DLC in the works, though Lightbox is "still playing around with what that will be." The studio is already working on the first map pack, which will include the planet Cypress, pictured in the early concept art above.

JoystiqAll Starhawk map packs free in response to divisive Warhawk content originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlclightbox-interactiveplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnstarhawkTue, 08 May 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Understanding The Legend of Dragoon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/understanding-the-legend-of-dragoon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/understanding-the-legend-of-dragoon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/understanding-the-legend-of-dragoon/#commentsThis is a column by Kat Bailey dedicated to the analysis of the once beloved Japanese RPG sub-genre. Tune in every Wednesday for thoughts on white-haired villains, giant robots, Infinity+1 swords, and everything else the wonderful world of JRPGs has to offer.
Image
The year 2000 was incredible for console RPGs developed in Japan. I'm sitting here looking at the list, and so many pantheon level games jump out at me. Final Fantasy IX, Chrono Cross, Vagrant Story, Front Mission 3, Valkyrie Profile and Super Robot Taisen Alpha (the first of the franchise's "modern" entries) all came out that year. There's also Legend of Dragoon, Sony's erstwhile attempt to piggyback on the success of SquareSoft. And as it happens, it hit the PSN this week.

The impending arrival of The Legend of Dragoon has brought with it a wave of nostalgia from some very vocal fans; and boy, they will not brook any criticism of their favorite game. Just look at what happened when 1UP asked why they should care about Legend of Dragoon: blanket proclamations that it's the PS1's most underrated RPG, and by the way, a true classic.

Was it though? Have we all somehow overlooked a true gem of a JRPG? I don't think so. I would take every one of the RPGs I listed in the introduction over Legend of Dragoon. I do, however, think that Legend of Dragoon has its place in RPG history.

Continue reading Understanding The Legend of Dragoon

JoystiqUnderstanding The Legend of Dragoon originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Legend-of-DragoonplaystationPlayStation-Networkps3PSNpsone-classicsSCEISony-Computer-EntertainmentWed, 02 May 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Unfinished Swan is 'Whitespace' with more color, swans and wonder]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/the-unfinished-swan-is-whitespace-with-more-color-swans-and-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/the-unfinished-swan-is-whitespace-with-more-color-swans-and-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/the-unfinished-swan-is-whitespace-with-more-color-swans-and-w/#comments Image
Like thatgamecompany before it, The Unfinished Swan dev team is being pseudo internalized by Sony in order to complete a PSN game exclusively. In so many words, the folks at Giant Sparrow got set up with "office space, equipment, and advice," in exchange for creating a PS3-exclusive title - the title in question being The Unfinished Swan.

But wait, haven't we seen a first-person painting game before? Why yes, yes we have ... way back in 2008 when it was still named "Whitespace." Holy moly! Giant Sparrow apparently signed a deal with Sony some time in the past few years and have been plugging away on The Unfinished Swan ever since. The team's first goal: establishing a story for their neat tech demo.

"The idea of painting a white world is pretty abstract. You could make all kinds of different games about that," creative director Ian Dallas admits on the PlayStation blog. What his team found most interesting, however, was crafting a tale around the "sense of wonder" the world gave them. "After splatting stuff for a few months we realized what we liked most about it was the sense of wonder it created. We liked not knowing what was out there." As such, The Unfinished Swan now follows the tale of "a boy named Monroe who's chasing after a swan ... the swan stepped out of a painting and has wandered off into a surreal, unfinished world."

Beyond the basic story trappings and painting mechanic, Dallas promises, "the painting a white world stuff is actually just the first 15 minutes." But then what? "After that, things get really weird." Well, OK then!

The Unfinished Swan has no release window just yet, but will eventually launch exclusively on the PlayStation 3's digital network.

JoystiqThe Unfinished Swan is 'Whitespace' with more color, swans and wonder originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gameplaygiant-sparrowian-dallasplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnthe-unfinished-swanwhitespaceWed, 02 May 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Walking Dead walks on over to PC, Mac, PS3 tomorrow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/the-walking-dead-walks-on-over-to-pc-mac-ps3-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/the-walking-dead-walks-on-over-to-pc-mac-ps3-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/the-walking-dead-walks-on-over-to-pc-mac-ps3-tomorrow/#comments Hoard up your supplies and board up your windows, walkers are coming. More specifically, the first episode of Telltale's The Walking Dead, titled "A New Day," will be shuffling its way over to PC, Mac and PlayStation Network (for PS3) tomorrow.

PC and Mac users can still pre-order the entire season for $22.49 - 10% off the usual price. As a bonus of sorts, PC and Mac users can bundle The Walking Dead with Telltale's "Almost Everything Pack" - which includes nearly every game in the Telltale catalog and normally sells for $90 - for a total of $42.99. PSN users, meanwhile, can grab the first episode for $4.99, or pre-purchase the entire season for $19.99, shaving $5 off the normal price and receiving a premium PS3 theme to boot.

Just remember, if you must point and click zombies, be sure you click them in the head.

JoystiqThe Walking Dead walks on over to PC, Mac, PS3 tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macpcplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnrelease-datetelltaletelltale-gamesthe-walking-deadMon, 23 Apr 2012 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Gravity Rush demo floats to PSN on May 29 in NA, May 30 in EU]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/gravity-rush-demo-floats-to-psn-on-may-29-in-na-may-30-in-eu/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/gravity-rush-demo-floats-to-psn-on-may-29-in-na-may-30-in-eu/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/gravity-rush-demo-floats-to-psn-on-may-29-in-na-may-30-in-eu/#comments ImageOnly five months after it landed on Japanese PlayStation Vitas, Sony's Gravity Rush will arrive on PlayStation Network in both North America and Europe. At least in demo form, that is. After a tweet from EU retailer GAME last week alleged a May 30 date for the game's EU demo, Sony confirmed to Joystiq today that the demo is set to arrive on NA and EU Vitas on May 29 and 30, respectively.

That leaves just under two weeks between the demo and the game's mid-June launch, though it's doubtful you'll need much time to decide that it's quite a game.

JoystiqGravity Rush demo floats to PSN on May 29 in NA, May 30 in EU originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demogravitygravity-dazegravity-rushjapan-studioplaystationplaystation-networkplaystation-vitasony-japan-studiovitaMon, 16 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New York State removes sex offenders from Xbox Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/new-york-state-removes-sex-offenders-from-xbox-live-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/new-york-state-removes-sex-offenders-from-xbox-live-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/new-york-state-removes-sex-offenders-from-xbox-live-more/#comments New York will be removing the state's registered sex offenders from several online gaming services, NY Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has announced. As part of "Operation: Game Over," over 3,500 of accounts have been removed from various gaming services run by "Microsoft, Apple, Blizzard, Electronic Arts, Disney, Warner Bros. and Sony."

The purge was done with the consent of each company. Xbox Live is the only service explicitly mentioned in the press release, though each company certainly has recognized services, including PlayStation Network, Origin, Game Center, Battle.net, etc.

The press release notes that New York law requires sex offenders to provide the state with email addresses and screen names, which can then "be made available to certain websites so they can purge potential predators from their online networks." This marks the first time the law has been applied to gaming services. Vice president and deputy general counsel Rich Wallis noted that the company is "supportive of Attorney General Schneiderman's efforts to make the Internet, including online gaming environments like Xbox LIVE, safer for everyone."

This isn't the first time that A.G. Schneiderman has delved into the world of video games. He also subpoenaed Sony regarding the PlayStation Network security breach last year.

Continue reading New York State removes sex offenders from Xbox Live

JoystiqNew York State removes sex offenders from Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eric-schneidermangamecenteriosipadiphonelawlegalmacmicrosoftmobilenew-yorkpcplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnxboxxbox-liveThu, 05 Apr 2012 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock of Ages gets Steam-exclusive 'Block of Ages' update; PS3 version launching in May with 'secret bonus content']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/rock-of-ages-gets-steam-exclusive-block-of-ages-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/rock-of-ages-gets-steam-exclusive-block-of-ages-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/rock-of-ages-gets-steam-exclusive-block-of-ages-update/#comments Image
We enjoyed our time with Rock of Ages, sure, but we really could've used more outright aggravation in our attempts to wield the game's eponymous main character. Atlus' latest Steam-exclusive update to the game solves that very problem, turning the orb of rock into a solid block. As you might imagine, this makes movement just a tad more difficult than normal, meaning that the various obstacles stopping said rock from pulverizing an opponent's castle are all the more difficult to navigate.

Atlus PR man Aram Jabarri demonstrates that frustration in the video we've dropped just above, and you can grab the update for free via Steam right now.

In other Rock of Ages news, the game will finally see launch on the PlayStation 3 in May or June, Jabarri told us. "If the quartz is with us, [Rock of Ages] should be out worldwide for PSN in May/June and it will have bonus content, as well as SECRET bonus content that will launch exclusively on PS3," he said. He also clarified that the Block of Ages content "will not appear on any other platform."

JoystiqRock of Ages gets Steam-exclusive 'Block of Ages' update; PS3 version launching in May with 'secret bonus content' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ace-teamaram-jabbariatlusatlus-usablock-of-agespcplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnrock-of-agessteamupdateMon, 02 Apr 2012 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[I Am Alive on PSN April 3 in US, April 4 in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/i-am-alive-on-psn-april-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/i-am-alive-on-psn-april-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/i-am-alive-on-psn-april-4/#comments Make a note on your post-apocalyptic calendar: I Am Alive is coming to PSN in America on April 3, and to Europe on April 4. The price is $14.99. [Update: Ubisoft PR goofed and gave us the wrong date initially. We've updated our post with the correct information.]

I Am Alive focuses on a man searching for his family, following an unspecified disaster. We reviewed I Am Alive earlier this month, so check it out if you'd like to learn more about this traumatic journey.

Continue reading I Am Alive on PSN April 3 in US, April 4 in Europe

JoystiqI Am Alive on PSN April 3 in US, April 4 in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>i-am-aliveplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnrelease-dateubisoftTue, 20 Mar 2012 16:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Saints Row: The Third takes gangstas to space ... today!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/saints-row-the-third-takes-gangstas-to-space-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/saints-row-the-third-takes-gangstas-to-space-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/saints-row-the-third-takes-gangstas-to-space-today/#comments
Forget about EA sending copies of Mass Effect 3 into space -- that's child's play. THQ is taking things one step further and sending the Steelport gangstas into space with the latest Saints Row: The Third DLC pack. It's included if you have a Season Pass, otherwise it goes for 560 MS Points ($7).

Gallery: Saints Row: The Third (Gangstas in Space)

JoystiqSaints Row: The Third takes gangstas to space ... today! originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcdownloadable-contentgameplaymicrosoftpcplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnsaints-row-the-thirdsteamthqvolitionvolition-incxboxxbox-livexbox-live-marketplaceTue, 21 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 details sneak out via XBLM listing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-2-details-sneak-out-via-xblm-listi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-2-details-sneak-out-via-xblm-listi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-2-details-sneak-out-via-xblm-listi/#comments Oh you crazy, crazy marketers, what with your inability to line up announcement times and what have you. Adorable, we say! For instance, Sega's big reveal of Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 probably wasn't intended for as inauspicious a venue as the Xbox Live Marketplace, but here we are with a whole mess of new screens and several new details about the game itself. A-dorable.

Anyway, according to the Xbox Live Marketplace listing, Sonic 4 Episode 2 will feature online and offline co-op play with Tails, all set in an "all new game engine" with updated physics. The blurb further promises "four brand new Zones" and a "new special stage." From the shots that were released thus far, it's looking like Sonic and Tails should pack an extra pair of snow boots!

Gallery: Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2

JoystiqSonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 details sneak out via XBLM listing originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnsegasonic-teamsonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-2steamxblaxblmxboxxbox-live-arcadexbox-live-marketplaceWed, 15 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[US PlayStation Vita now able to access PlayStation Store (if you have one)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/us-playstation-vita-now-able-to-access-playstation-store-if-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/us-playstation-vita-now-able-to-access-playstation-store-if-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/us-playstation-vita-now-able-to-access-playstation-store-if-you/#comments Despite not being available to most consumers for another week or two, the PlayStation Vita's online store is now ... online, offering five Vita titles and a handful of other content to purchase. The available Vita games mirror those already available in meatspace from GameStop and online via PS3 (Hot Shots Golf, ModNation Racers, Super Stardust, Uncharted: Golden Abyss, Wipeout 2048), while the PSP games and video content mirror the other PS Store content.

We also managed to get an online game going with Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3, so it looks like at least some of the online infrastructure is now live (the game was directly between two Vitas over the internet, but we had issues searching for public lobbies). If you're one of the lucky few within the US who already has a Vita, now would be a good time to claim an extremely limited opportunity at topping the leaderboards, not to mention beating us handily at UMvC3.

[Image above features Japanese PS Vita Store]

JoystiqUS PlayStation Vita now able to access PlayStation Store (if you have one) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>onlineplaystationplaystation-networkplaystation-storeplaystation-vitapsnsensony-entertainment-networkvitaThu, 09 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[House of the Dead 3 on PSN next week, demo out now for PS Plus]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/house-of-the-dead-3-on-psn-next-week-demo-out-now-for-ps-plus/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/house-of-the-dead-3-on-psn-next-week-demo-out-now-for-ps-plus/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/house-of-the-dead-3-on-psn-next-week-demo-out-now-for-ps-plus/#comments On-rails arcade shooter House of the Dead 3 is coming to the PlayStation Network on Valentine's Day, according to the official Sega blog. Just in time for you and your sweetheart to blow apart a few zombie heads, the game will be available for $6.99. For the next two weeks following its release, a free avatar will be included with purchase, making it a little like getting a Kit Kat bar with your very own Whitman's Sampler.

PlayStation Plus members have an even better deal: They'll be able to get House of the Dead 3 for 30% off until February 28, and will also get an exclusive theme and a few more avatars with the title. And starting today, PS Plus members can download the demo of the game, an exclusive that lasts until February 21.

JoystiqHouse of the Dead 3 on PSN next week, demo out now for PS Plus originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>discounthouse-of-the-deadhouse-of-the-dead-3playstationplaystation-networkps3psnpsn-plusTue, 07 Feb 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sanctum 2 defends PC, consoles in 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/sanctum-2-defends-pc-consoles-in-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/sanctum-2-defends-pc-consoles-in-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/sanctum-2-defends-pc-consoles-in-2012/#comments Sanctum 2, the sequel to Coffee Stain Studios' hybrid tower defense and first-person co-op shooter, is expected to launch sometime next year Joystiq can exclusively reveal. The first Sanctum, which has sold over 300,000 units on Steam, was a PC-exclusive title. The sequel is planned for PC and "digital console platforms," with Xbox Live and PSN specifically mentioned.

"Sanctum has been a huge success on Steam for Coffee Stain Studios, and bringing the next version to console players as well as the PC market is a great next step to share this unique experience," said Ted Lange, executive producer for Reverb Publishing. "We all have logged quite a few hours with Sanctum and can definitively say that what Coffee Stain has in store for Sanctum 2 will blow the minds of Sanctum fans and new gamers alike."

Beyond revealing the title to us, along with a release year, details are still tight on Sanctum 2. Doug Kennedy, CEO of Reverb Publishing, told us, "The team is diligently working to get the title ready."

Update: After receiving updated information, altered 2012 launch window to 2013.

Update 2: Sanctum is $3.39 on Steam today.

JoystiqSanctum 2 defends PC, consoles in 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coffee-stain-studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnrelease-datereverbreverb-publishingSanctum-2xblaxboxxbox-live-arcadeMon, 06 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: PSN accounts changing to Sony Entertainment Network accounts Feb. 8]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/04/psa-psn-accounts-changing-to-sony-entertainment-network-account/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/04/psa-psn-accounts-changing-to-sony-entertainment-network-account/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/04/psa-psn-accounts-changing-to-sony-entertainment-network-account/#comments As part of Sony's efforts to phase out the Qriocity brand and replace it with the all-encompassing Sony Entertainment Network, Sony will be phasing out the term "PlayStation Network account" and will instead be using "Sony Entertainment Network account," beginning next Wednesday, February 8.

The change, however, is purely cosmetic. Your account will still function in an identical fashion and it will not be necessary to change your username or password; the PSN itself remains unaltered.

"The goal is for there to be one networked log-in for all Sony services," a Sony spokesperson told us after news of the switch made its way to neoGAF. "Changing the name 'PlayStation Network account' to 'Sony Entertainment Network account' helps clarify the unity between PSN and other Sony Entertainment Network services." The change does not apply to the PSP, so users will still see "PlayStation Network account" when logging on with that device.

JoystiqPSA: PSN accounts changing to Sony Entertainment Network accounts Feb. 8 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accountplaystationPlayStation-Networkps3PSAPSNsonySony-Entertainment-NetworkusernameSat, 04 Feb 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gotham City Impostors plays dress-up starting Feb. 7]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/gotham-city-impostors-plays-dress-up-starting-feb-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/gotham-city-impostors-plays-dress-up-starting-feb-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/gotham-city-impostors-plays-dress-up-starting-feb-7/#comments Gotham City Impostors is launching February 7 on North American PSN and PCs everywhere, and on February 8 for Xbox Live and PSNs across the globe. If you can't play it on the first release day, don't feel too bad -- it just means those systems and regions are better at lying, cheating and ensnaring the Batman.

JoystiqGotham City Impostors plays dress-up starting Feb. 7 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gotham-city-impostorsmicrosoftMonolithpcplaystationPlayStation-Networkps3PSNrelease-dateWarner-BrosWarner-Bros-InteractiveXBLAxboxXbox-Live-ArcadeWed, 01 Feb 2012 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN North American Senior Director Susan Panico leaves Sony]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/psn-north-american-senior-director-susan-panico-leaves-sony/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/psn-north-american-senior-director-susan-panico-leaves-sony/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/psn-north-american-senior-director-susan-panico-leaves-sony/#commentsSusan Panico is no longer Sony's North American PlayStation Network Senior Director, a title she's held for the past five years -- basically since the launch of PSN in November 2006. Since then, PSN has garnered more than 77 million users worldwide, introduced PlayStation Plus, and now offers original content, TV shows, movies and even games.

Panico oversaw the implementation of all these features, consistently emphasizing the larger entertainment scope of PSN and attempting to expand its audience base with original programming such as PULSE and The Tester.

Panico also ran damage control during 2011's PSN hack, after which Sony gave away free games and a massive amount of apologies.

Sony Computer Entertainment America's Patrick Seybold confirmed Panico's departure, but there is no word yet on a replacement or Panico's own future plans.

JoystiqPSN North American Senior Director Susan Panico leaves Sony originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationPlayStation-Networkps3PSNSCEASony-Computer-Entertainment-Americasusan-panicoMon, 30 Jan 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PEGI: Silent Hill 2 and 3 separated from HD Collection on XBLA and PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/pegi-silent-hill-2-and-3-separated-from-hd-collection-on-xbla-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/pegi-silent-hill-2-and-3-separated-from-hd-collection-on-xbla-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/pegi-silent-hill-2-and-3-separated-from-hd-collection-on-xbla-a/#comments The Silent Hill HD Collection is set to launch for retailers on March 6, containing remastered versions of Silent Hill 2 and 3 on a single disc, in the same distribution pattern as the Metal Gear Solid and Zone of the Enders collections -- that much we knew. But new PEGI ratings suggest Konami also plans to release Silent Hill 2 HD and Silent Hill 3 HD separately, most likely through XBLA and PSN, just as it did with the previous collections.

March is Silent Hill madness month, with the HD Collection hitting March 6, Silent Hill: Downpour on March 13, and the Vita's Book of Memories on March 27.

JoystiqPEGI: Silent Hill 2 and 3 separated from HD Collection on XBLA and PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>KonamimicrosoftpegiplaystationPlayStation-Networkplaystation-vitaps3PSNsilent-hill-2silent-hill-3silent-hill-book-of-memoriessilent-hill-downpoursilent-hill-hd-collectionvitaXBLAxboxXbox-Live-ArcadeThu, 26 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Island 'Ryder White' DLC drops a video bomb on your loved ones]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/dead-island-ryder-white-dlc-drops-a-video-bomb-on-your-loved-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/dead-island-ryder-white-dlc-drops-a-video-bomb-on-your-loved-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/dead-island-ryder-white-dlc-drops-a-video-bomb-on-your-loved-o/#comments

One thing we know Dead Island is extraordinarily good at is its trailers. The latest undead reel, seen above, explains the coming military-based, accented Ryder White DLC, hitting North America's XBLA and PSN January 31 for $9.99 (800 MS Points), and Europe on February 1 for £7.99.

JoystiqDead Island 'Ryder White' DLC drops a video bomb on your loved ones originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-islanddeep-silverDLCdownloadable-contentmicrosoftplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnryder-whitetechlandxblaxboxxbox-live-arcadezombiesThu, 26 Jan 2012 13:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Grand Theft Auto 3 and GTA: Vice City rated by ESRB for PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/grand-theft-auto-3-and-gta-vice-city-rated-by-esrb-for-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/grand-theft-auto-3-and-gta-vice-city-rated-by-esrb-for-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/grand-theft-auto-3-and-gta-vice-city-rated-by-esrb-for-ps3/#comments The ESRB has rated crime epics Grand Theft Auto 3 and Vice City for the PlayStation 3. Considering the blockbuster third entry in the series is available on iOS and Android, word of it coming to the PS3 isn't the craziest news we've heard about the classic title in recent memory.

The third entry in the GTA3 series, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, still doesn't have a PS3 listing from the ESRB, so we aren't sure if it's just cruisin' in later for a drive-by or part of what's likely Rockstar adding the two other games to PSN for digital distribution. Of course, if you own a first-gen PS3, your system is backwards-compatible and should have no issue playing the original PlayStation 2 discs (chances are you already own them).

JoystiqGrand Theft Auto 3 and GTA: Vice City rated by ESRB for PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>entertainment-software-ratings-boardESRBgrand-theft-auto-3grand-theft-auto-san-andreasgrand-theft-auto-vice-cityplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnRockstarRockstar-GamesTake-Two-InteractiveMon, 23 Jan 2012 08:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Syndicate co-op demo lands Jan. 31, Feb. 1 on XBL and PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/syndicate-co-op-demo-lands-jan-31-feb-1-on-xbla-and-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/syndicate-co-op-demo-lands-jan-31-feb-1-on-xbla-and-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/syndicate-co-op-demo-lands-jan-31-feb-1-on-xbla-and-psn/#comments The co-op demo for Syndicate launches on Xbox Live in North America and Europe on January 31, while the PlayStation Network version drops the same day in North America, and on February 1 for Europe. The demo covers the "Western Europe" co-op mission, in which you steal blueprints from Cayman Global and assassinate Colonel Enrico Gabron, one of nine co-op challenges in the full game.

Liking the Syndicate page on Facebook begets access to remixed tracks of the original Syndicate soundtrack by Digitalism, Flux Pavillion and Skrillex, which is newsworthy because until just now we thought Skrillex was the singer in some trendy rap-metal band. And possibly a girl. Huh.

Continue reading Syndicate co-op demo lands Jan. 31, Feb. 1 on XBL and PSN

JoystiqSyndicate co-op demo lands Jan. 31, Feb. 1 on XBL and PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Jan 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co-opDemomicrosoftpcplaystationplaystation-networkproject-redlimeps3PSNsyndicatexboxxbox-livexbox-live-marketplaceSat, 21 Jan 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Network down for 13 hours of maintenance today, starts at 8AM Pacific]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/playstation-network-down-for-13-hours-of-maintenance-today-star/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/playstation-network-down-for-13-hours-of-maintenance-today-star/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/playstation-network-down-for-13-hours-of-maintenance-today-star/#commentsThe PlayStation Network will undergo "routine scheduled maintenance" today from 8AM until 9PM Pacific (that's 11AM to Midnight for those on the Atlantic).

Continue reading PlayStation Network down for 13 hours of maintenance today, starts at 8AM Pacific

JoystiqPlayStation Network down for 13 hours of maintenance today, starts at 8AM Pacific originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>maintenanceplaystationplaystation-networkps3psapsnPSN-maintenancepsppublic-service-announcementsonyThu, 19 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[12 for '12 sale offers 30-50% off great PSN titles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/12-for-12-sale-offers-30-50-off-great-psn-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/12-for-12-sale-offers-30-50-off-great-psn-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/12-for-12-sale-offers-30-50-off-great-psn-titles/#comments Junky After the 2011 holiday spending frenzy, many folks may find themselves in a period of early 2012 belt-tightening. If you'd like to make those gaming dollars stretch a bit further, you might want to check out the PSN 12 for '12 sale, as in "12 games for 2012" (hence the apostrophe). The list includes plenty of favorites like PixelJunk SideScroller, Dungeon Defenders, Bloodrayne: Betrayal, Rochard, Street Fighter III: Third Strike Online Edition and many more.

From January 17 through 23, each game will be available for 30 percent off its usual price. Meanwhile, PlayStation Plus subscribers can nab any game on the list for a full 50 percent off. Check out the full list of available titles after the break.

Continue reading 12 for '12 sale offers 30-50% off great PSN titles

Joystiq12 for '12 sale offers 30-50% off great PSN titles originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12-for-12playstationplaystation-networkps3psnMon, 16 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Original Killzone shoots up PSN on January 24]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/original-killzone-shoots-up-psn-on-january-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/original-killzone-shoots-up-psn-on-january-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/original-killzone-shoots-up-psn-on-january-24/#comments GlowyIf the PlayStation 3 marked your introduction to the Killzone series, it looks like you'll finally get a shot at trying the original. After spotting a listing for the first Killzone on the ESRB, Game Informer has confirmed with Sony that the 2004 Helghast extermination simulator is indeed headed to PSN. The title will be a port of the original PlayStation 2 Killzone, so we wouldn't expect any extra bells or whistles.
Killzone will hit PSN on January 24 for $10.

JoystiqOriginal Killzone shoots up PSN on January 24 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>guerilla-gamesKillzoneplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnsonyWed, 11 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Final Fantasy XIII-2 demo strikes Xbox Live and PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/psa-final-fantasy-xiii-2-demo-strikes-xbox-live-and-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/psa-final-fantasy-xiii-2-demo-strikes-xbox-live-and-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/psa-final-fantasy-xiii-2-demo-strikes-xbox-live-and-psn/#comments
Just in case you forgot to check your calendar, we thought we'd let you know that a Final Fantasy XIII-2 demo is now available on both Xbox Live and PSN. The demo sounds like the same one we played at TGS, allowing players to explore the Bresha Ruins and face off against the mighty Atlas.

Continue reading PSA: Final Fantasy XIII-2 demo strikes Xbox Live and PSN

JoystiqPSA: Final Fantasy XIII-2 demo strikes Xbox Live and PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demofinal-fantasy-xiii-2microsoftplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnsquare-enixxboxxbox-liveWed, 11 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NFL Blitz review: All-star team]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/nfl-blitz-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/nfl-blitz-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/nfl-blitz-review/#comments Nostalgia is, to use the vernacular of Rick James, a helluva drug. We're all addicted to it -- whether it's an old movie, your old stomping grounds or any number of things from your past, we all don the rose-colored glasses from time to time and, on occasion, suffer disappointment.

Video games are no stranger to nostalgia, and the disappointment of discovering that something isn't as good as you remember is most bountiful when revisiting classic titles. Often times when we revisit an older game we've always cherished, we find it just doesn't hold up. NFL Blitz is EA's successful attempt to prove that the classic arcade football experience originally created by Midway is as fun today as it was back in 1997.

Gallery: NFL Blitz

Continue reading NFL Blitz review: All-star team

JoystiqNFL Blitz review: All-star team originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eamicrosoftnfl-blitzplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnxblaxboxxbox-livexbox-live-arcadeFri, 06 Jan 2012 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Anonymous is apparently gearing up to shut Sony down again]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/30/anonymous-is-apparently-gearing-up-to-shut-down-sony-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/30/anonymous-is-apparently-gearing-up-to-shut-down-sony-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/30/anonymous-is-apparently-gearing-up-to-shut-down-sony-again/#comments
The amorphous hacker collective known as "Anonymous" (or entities claiming to be, as it were) has once more announced its intentions to attack electronics manufacturer "Sony Company and Associates." Unlike the previous attack, which crippled Sony's PlayStation Network service during several months in the first half of 2011 and for which the group is suspected of involvement, this time the group pins its reasoning to Sony's support of the Stop Online Piracy Act ("SOPA").

In a video missive uploaded to YouTube, the group declares its intentions to "destroy your network," presumably referencing the aforementioned PlayStation Network employed by Sony's game consoles. It also names several famous targets it plans on going after, from Justin Bieber to Taylor Swift. Hasn't Taylor Swift been through enough, folks?

No timing is given for the purported attack, but we're putting our money on "pretty soon," if at all. Curiously, Anonymous only picks Sony for its scorn, though a variety of other companies across the game industry (including Sony's domestic competitor, Nintendo) have signed on in support of SOPA. Joystiq, as you might imagine, has not, and neither has our parent company.

Update: This post originally listed Microsoft as a SOPA supporter, which is no longer the case.

[Thanks, Doc]

JoystiqAnonymous is apparently gearing up to shut Sony down again originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Dec 2011 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anonymoushackersplaystationplaystation-networkplaystation-vitaps3psnpspsonysopavitaFri, 30 Dec 2011 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony: Vita will support multiple PSN accounts, each tied to individual memory cards]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/sony-vita-will-support-multiple-psn-accounts-each-tied-to-indi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/sony-vita-will-support-multiple-psn-accounts-each-tied-to-indi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/sony-vita-will-support-multiple-psn-accounts-each-tied-to-indi/#comments "Your PSN ID is bonded to your memory card and your memory card is bonded to your Vita." That's the official line from Sony America reps regarding the PlayStation Vita's claimed one console, one PSN account situation. SCEA associate brand marketing manager Crystal MacKenzie clarified to Wired's Game|Life blog that, yes, you can have multiple PSN accounts, each tied to a memory card. Should you choose to move any of those accounts from one card to another, however, things get a bit more laborious.

"If you wanted to change different PSN users but use the same memory card, you would need to go factory reset," MacKenzie said, which sounds to us like a memory card reformat would be required before swapping accounts from one card to another. As far as having multiple PSN accounts on one console, though, Vita users are apparently limited by their ability to purchase more memory cards. And if one memory card isn't enough for your PSN account, it can be spread across multiple cards.

To recap, you can employ multiple PSN accounts on a single Vita using multiple memory cards, but will have to reformat the memory card should you choose to migrate a PSN account from one to another. Still bizarre? Yes, for sure, but it sure beats only being able to use a single PSN account.

JoystiqSony: Vita will support multiple PSN accounts, each tied to individual memory cards originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crystal-mackenzieplaystationplaystation-networkplaystation-vitapsnvitaThu, 08 Dec 2011 14:25:00 EST<![CDATA['Pid' is a pretty platformer from Grin vets Might & Delight, planned for XBLA/PSN/PC in 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/pid-is-a-very-pretty-platformer-from-grin-vets-might-and-delight/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/pid-is-a-very-pretty-platformer-from-grin-vets-might-and-delight/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/pid-is-a-very-pretty-platformer-from-grin-vets-might-and-delight/#comments We're suckers for artsy platformers, so when Beefy Media's Adam Boyes took to Giant Bomb's livestream this evening with a debut trailer for Might & Delight's latest offering, "Pid," and the game was a gorgeous hand-drawn platformer, we were pretty excited to tell you all about it. In Pid, you'll control what appears to be a little boy in a colorful and mysterious world of platforms and robots -- like Limbo and Machinarium had a digital baby, if you will.

The trailer showed off a bit of co-op play, as well as a variety of different environments through which to romp. Pid is being built using the Unity engine (like that mystery Square Enix game, among many others), thus making its ubiquity across platforms all the easier.

While Boyes admitted the M&D folks don't have a publisher for the game yet, he said they've been actively speaking with publishers and are looking at an Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network, and PC release in "the back half of 2012." Expect more details and the trailer tomorrow, on Joystiq, when the game gets announced "officially." Head past the break for a quick snap of the game in action.

Continue reading 'Pid' is a pretty platformer from Grin vets Might & Delight, planned for XBLA/PSN/PC in 2012

Joystiq'Pid' is a pretty platformer from Grin vets Might & Delight, planned for XBLA/PSN/PC in 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-boyesbeefy-mediagrinmicrosoftmight-and-delightpcpidplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnq3-2012q4-2012release-dateunityunity-enginexblaxboxxbox-live-arcadeMon, 05 Dec 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: US Vita games will cost less digitally than at retail]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/report-us-vita-games-will-cost-less-digitally-than-at-retail/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/report-us-vita-games-will-cost-less-digitally-than-at-retail/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/report-us-vita-games-will-cost-less-digitally-than-at-retail/#comments It's a story we saw emerge just a few months ago in Japan, and now it seems North America is in for the same pleasant surprise -- Sony's upcoming PSP successor, the Vita, will offers discounted pricing on games sold digitally versus those bought at retail. The news this time comes from Thrifty Nerd, by way of the Potomac Mills Mall in Woodbridge, VA, where Sony is offering shoppers an early hands-on with the device.

A third-party Sony rep (read: not internal to Sony) confirmed to the site that Vita's digital game offerings would cost less than those sold at retail outlets, even ballparking the discrepancy at around 40 percent. We've reached out to Sony to confirm that price difference, as Japanese Vita games are showing a much more realistic price difference (around 20 percent). As Sony depends on retail to sell its hardware, it seems unlikely that the company would offer such a competitive discount as 40 percent -- without hardware sales at retail, that competitive difference in game pricing may not matter.

Folks interested in getting their hands on the Vita a bit early still have until December 30 to head to their local mall and check it out. If "your mall" is one of these five, of course.

Update: A Sony rep tells us, "We haven't announced pricing for PS Vita software, but we will do so in the near future."

JoystiqReport: US Vita games will cost less digitally than at retail originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationplaystation-networkplaystation-vitapricingpsnreportvitaMon, 05 Dec 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3's 'Back to Karkand' expansion arrives on PS3 Dec. 6, 360 and PC on Dec. 13]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/battlefield-3s-back-to-karkand-expansion-arrives-on-ps3-dec/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/battlefield-3s-back-to-karkand-expansion-arrives-on-ps3-dec/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/battlefield-3s-back-to-karkand-expansion-arrives-on-ps3-dec/#comments As promised, EA and DICE are delivering Battlefield 3's first expansion, "Back to Karkand," in December, though today we learned from the Battlefield blog that there's a specific date: December 6. Given that all of Battlefield 3's expansions will arrive one week early on PlayStation 3, the Xbox 360 and PC versions of said DLC won't arrive until December 13.

If you've missed the variety of videos showcasing Back to Karkand, the pack is composed of four maps from previous Battlefield games, all remade in Battlefield 3's "Frostbite 2.0" game engine. Put more simply: there will be a few more places to murder folks online, as well as a variety of new vehicles with which to do so.

The pack will be free for folks who picked up the "Limited Edition" version of BF3 at launch, and will cost $15 for the have-nots.

JoystiqBattlefield 3's 'Back to Karkand' expansion arrives on PS3 Dec. 6, 360 and PC on Dec. 13 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>back-to-karkandbattlefield-3dicedlcdownloadable-contenteaea-diceelectronic-artsmicrosoftpcplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnq4-2011release-datexblxboxxbox-liveThu, 01 Dec 2011 15:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Rage demo available now on Xbox Live, coming to PSN December 6]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/rage-demo-available-now-on-xbox-live-coming-to-psn-december-6/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/rage-demo-available-now-on-xbox-live-coming-to-psn-december-6/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/rage-demo-available-now-on-xbox-live-coming-to-psn-december-6/#comments Just in case you didn't get a chance to wander around the Earth, post asteroid-smash, in id's Rage earlier this year, you can give the game a taster without investing any of your hard-earned cash (well, beyond an XBL Gold membership). The game's demo is now available on Xbox Live, and is expected out on PSN on December 6.

If you like what you see, don't forget that the title can be found in most Black Friday sales this weekend -- most retailers have it offered up for about $30 or so. And if you agree a little more with our review (that there are probably better games of this ilk out there right now), well hey, at least there are better games of this ilk out there right now, right?

JoystiqRage demo available now on Xbox Live, coming to PSN December 6 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdademoid-gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationplaystation-networkps3ragexboxxbox-liveWed, 23 Nov 2011 08:30:00 EST