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[Avoid murdering all of your test subjects with this Aperture Science gas mask]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/avoid-murdering-all-of-your-test-subjects-with-this-aperture-sci/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/avoid-murdering-all-of-your-test-subjects-with-this-aperture-sci/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/avoid-murdering-all-of-your-test-subjects-with-this-aperture-sci/#comments ImageOne of the only downsides associated with flooding your test facility with a deadly neurotoxin is that everything dies. That may sound like the obvious and desired result, but what if you, in your capacity as a malevolent and cunning artificial intelligence, want to keep a single test subject alive while the rest asphyxiate horribly?

Costume artist Two Horns United may have found a solution to this classic scientific dilemma with his custom built Aperture Science Portal Gun Gas Mask. While the inner workings of the mask's machinations are not fully explained, we assume it uses portal technology to funnel clean, breathable air into your squishy human test subject's dreadfully inefficient lungs. AIs interested in integrating post-traumatic stress disorder into their testing regiments can get on the waiting list by messaging Two Horns United on his DeviantArt page.

JoystiqAvoid murdering all of your test subjects with this Aperture Science gas mask originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aperture-sciencegas-maskportalportal-2portal-guntwo-horns-unitedTue, 29 May 2012 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[This realistic Portal turret is the reason you should stay in school]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/this-realistic-portal-turret-is-the-reason-you-should-stay-in-sc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/this-realistic-portal-turret-is-the-reason-you-should-stay-in-sc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/this-realistic-portal-turret-is-the-reason-you-should-stay-in-sc/#comments
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This shooting, talking, laser-pointing Portal turret made by a Penn State University Advanced Mechatronics student is pretty impressive, even without its final casing. The turret tracks the position of a specific pink shirt and asks innocently after potential victims if it goes without stimulation for too long, eventually locking on and shooting foam darts at the rosy intruder.

We say it's pretty impressive in the sense that we want a dozen and we're astounded at the level of detail and care put into such a project, but at first we read the title too quickly and thought this guy had created working portals, which would be way cooler. The lesson here: However awesome your final university project may be, the things we make up in our heads will forever be more awesome. Sorry, dude.

We'll still take 12 of those turrets. Thanks.

JoystiqThis realistic Portal turret is the reason you should stay in school originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcpenn-stateplaystationportalportal-2portal-turretps3schoolturretuniversityxboxThu, 10 May 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[50 more Portal gun replicas available for pre-order tonight]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/50-more-portal-gun-replicas-available-for-pre-order-tonight/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/50-more-portal-gun-replicas-available-for-pre-order-tonight/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/50-more-portal-gun-replicas-available-for-pre-order-tonight/#comments NECA's plan to sell an official replica of Aperture's handheld portal device - otherwise known as the Portal gun - has run into the double-whammy of rabid demand and puny production output. NECA is offering another 50 (!) replicas, which will be available for pre-order starting tonight at midnight ET, according to its Facebook page.

Just, uh, leave one for us, okay? Please? We'll buy you a delicious piece of - ah, nevermind.

Joystiq50 more Portal gun replicas available for pre-order tonight originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aperture-handheld-portal-devicemicrosoftNECApcplaystationportalportal-2portal-gunps3valvexboxFri, 04 May 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[ThreeA Toys unveils prototype Portal 2 and Metal Gear Solid 2 statuettes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/29/threea-toys-unveils-prototype-portal-2-and-metal-gear-solid-2-st/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/29/threea-toys-unveils-prototype-portal-2-and-metal-gear-solid-2-st/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/29/threea-toys-unveils-prototype-portal-2-and-metal-gear-solid-2-st/#comments ImageChinese design house/ridiculously detailed toy company ThreeA Toys had many different prototype products on display during its ReVenture event in Hong Kong this weekend, but the ones we're most interested in are the astonishingly accurate reproductions of Portal 2's Altus and P-Body and Metal Gear Solid 2's Metal Gear RAY.

All three statues are prototypes and as such there's no information regarding availability, pricing, how articulated they might be or what they'll even look like once they've been painted. It's also difficult to tell whether this RAY model is the manned version created by the Marines, or the unmanned mass-produced model designed by the Patriots. Either way, we desperately want these things adorning our various fireplace mantels as soon as humanly possible. Check out high-resolution shots of all three statues in the gallery below.

Gallery: ReVenture Statue Prototypes

JoystiqThreeA Toys unveils prototype Portal 2 and Metal Gear Solid 2 statuettes originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 29 Apr 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-figurecollectablesfigureKonamiMetal-GearMetal-Gear-RAYMetal-Gear-Solid-2PortalPortal-2RAYReVenturestatuesstatuetteThreeAtoysValveSun, 29 Apr 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mari0 is getting six-player online multi mode; you don't need friends anyway]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/mari0-is-getting-six-player-online-multi-mode-you-dont-need-fr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/mari0-is-getting-six-player-online-multi-mode-you-dont-need-fr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/mari0-is-getting-six-player-online-multi-mode-you-dont-need-fr/#comments
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Mari0, the Super Mario Bros./Portal platformer crossover, has been ruining friendships from a few couch cushions away since launching last month, but now its scope for poisoning even the truest of bffs is broadening. Developer Stab Yourself is working on an online multiplayer mode for Mari0, with a brief taste of the inevitable frustration, angry words, broken screens and even more irreparable relationships to come in the demo video above.

No word yet on an expected release date or details, but the video shows six whole friendships come to a grinding, chiptuned halt -- that's six players and 12 possible portals, folks. We hope you meet new people easily.

JoystiqMari0 is getting six-player online multi mode; you don't need friends anyway originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 02:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mari0multiplayeronline-multiplayerpcportalstab-yourselfStabyourselfSuper-Mario-BrosTue, 03 Apr 2012 02:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Life-size inflatable Portal turrets: the secret to a sophisticated home]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/life-size-inflatable-portal-turrets-the-secret-to-a-sophisticat/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/life-size-inflatable-portal-turrets-the-secret-to-a-sophisticat/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/life-size-inflatable-portal-turrets-the-secret-to-a-sophisticat/#comments There are plenty of shows on HGTV that will try to convince you their opinions on decorating are the end-all, be-all definition of tactful home decor, but that just ain't true. In fact, we doubt any decorating show currently broadcast today would recommend these new life-sized inflatable Portal turrets from Think Geek, even though they're clearly the coolest.

At $24.99 a pop, these 40-inch replicas can add a touch of sophistication to literally any room in your house, provided said room isn't located in the vacuum of space -- these are inflatable, after all. Best of all, these helpful sentries aren't produced in limited quantities like some other Portal merchandise we've seen lately, which means your only decorating limitation is the depth of your wallet. Remember, nothing says class like the incredibly specific smell of inflatable plastic toys.

JoystiqLife-size inflatable Portal turrets: the secret to a sophisticated home originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>inflatablemerchportalportal-2portal-turretthink-geektoyturretvalveWed, 21 Mar 2012 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Mario Bros. and Portal collide in 'Mari0,' now available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/04/super-mario-bros-and-portal-collide-in-mari0-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/04/super-mario-bros-and-portal-collide-in-mari0-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/04/super-mario-bros-and-portal-collide-in-mari0-now-available/#comments
Everyone can pack up and go home, because the pinnacle of all human achievement has been reached. Mari0, that Super Mario Bros./Portal mashup we caught wind of last August, has been completed and is now available for free on PC, OSX and Linux.

Developed by Stabyourself, Mari0 is a complete recreation of the original Super Mario Bros., with one vital difference: This time, Mario is packing an Aperture Science Handheld Portal Device. The game features simultaneous four-player co-op, a level editor, 33 hats for Mario to wear, free DLC, a Minecraft-esque toolbar for on-the-fly block creation and a slew of other hilarious modifications.

JoystiqSuper Mario Bros. and Portal collide in 'Mari0,' now available originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 04 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aperture-Science-Handheld-Portal-DevicefreelinuxmacMari0pcportalportal-2portal-gunStabyourselfSuper-Mario-BrosSun, 04 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Replica Portal gun coming from NECA in late spring/early summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/replica-portal-gun-coming-from-neca-in-late-spring-early-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/replica-portal-gun-coming-from-neca-in-late-spring-early-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/replica-portal-gun-coming-from-neca-in-late-spring-early-summer/#comments Portal has been around for about five years at this point, and over the years we've suffered countless fits of unreasonable jealousy due to the multitudes of homemade, replica Aperture Science Handheld Portal Devices floating around the Internet. Many a night have been spent fantasizing about somehow owning our own without taking out a second mortgage, and now the dream can finally become a reality.

Well, not now now, but in a few months. NECA Toys is developing a line of licensed Valve products that include Team Fortress 2, Half Life and Left 4 Dead 2 action figures, but the crowning jewel of the series is NECA's one-to-one scale ASHPD replica. It lights up and everything. The device should be available somewhere around May or June of this year and retail for $130, according a brief video interview with NECA's Randy Falk at The Verge. We predict a mad rush on Repulsion, Propulsion and Conversion gel and Long Fall socks as soon as these things hit the shelves.

Gallery: Portal 2 (NECA Portal Gun)

JoystiqReplica Portal gun coming from NECA in late spring/early summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aperture-ScienceAperture-Science-Handheld-Portal-DevicemacmicrosoftNECANECA-ToyspcplaystationPortalportal-2portal-gunps3replicatoysValvexboxThu, 23 Feb 2012 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Quantum Conundrum's Kim Swift gives us some cold, hard fluff]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/quantum-conundrums-kim-swift-gives-us-some-cold-hard-fluff/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/quantum-conundrums-kim-swift-gives-us-some-cold-hard-fluff/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/quantum-conundrums-kim-swift-gives-us-some-cold-hard-fluff/#comments It's Saturday morning. You have a giant bowl of sugar-coated cereal, the comfiest slippers on your feet, and an entire day to spend watching talkative cartoon animals get comically mutilated in some of the most sadistic ways known to man. Quantum Conundrum is kind of like that -- sweet and fun, but with an inherent and surprising darkness, creative director Kim Swift told Joystiq in an exclusive interview.

"It has this very cartoony, dynamic feel to it with the gameplay," Swift said. "Tonality-wise, it came naturally that this game be slightly more lighthearted, slightly more on the slapstick, Looney Toons kind of a feel. But even Looney Toons has a darker element to it -- you're looking at these cartoon characters getting squished and all that stuff, so it's definitely not like we're watching PBS on a Saturday morning. More like Cartoon Network on a Saturday morning."

Swift, known for her work on Portal and its student-project predecessor, Narbacular Drop, has been developing Quantum Conundrum for Airtight Games since 2009. While the title features the same first-person physics puzzle-style of her previous work, Swift said Quantum Conundrum operates in a completely separate universe and has a starkly different feel than anything she's done.

"With Quantum Conundrum, we're a little bit more slapstick and off the wall than Portal," Swift said. "And Narbacular Drop is Narbacular Drop."

Gallery: Quantum Conundrum (2/15)

Continue reading Quantum Conundrum's Kim Swift gives us some cold, hard fluff

JoystiqQuantum Conundrum's Kim Swift gives us some cold, hard fluff originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fluffyfluffy-dimensionKim-Swiftmicrosoftnarbacular-droppcplaystationportalps3quantum-conundrumSquare-EnixxboxWed, 15 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyrim's Fall of the Space Core mod may be hiding a Portal 2 quest]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/skyrims-fall-of-the-space-core-mod-may-be-hiding-a-portal-2-que/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/skyrims-fall-of-the-space-core-mod-may-be-hiding-a-portal-2-que/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/skyrims-fall-of-the-space-core-mod-may-be-hiding-a-portal-2-que/#comments

Valve released Fall of the Space Core, Vol. 1 yesterday as a harmless, clever Skyrim mod featuring a personality sphere from the Portal franchise. As far as anyone could tell, the mod was a cute Easter Egg and the sphere itself didn't do anything -- at least, it hasn't done anything yet.

YouTuber Memborable's video -- the one right up there -- shows where to find the Space Core and runs down what is does (and doesn't do). He then accesses the console and types "help portal," which pulls up a list of all the things relating to "portal" in Skyrim. One of these things is titled "portal2quest."

Valve hasn't confirmed any Portal-themed quests in Skyrim, but as the mod is titled "Vol. 1," we wouldn't be surprised to see more content, and perhaps even, yes, an entire quest.

[Thanks, Jarrett!]

JoystiqSkyrim's Fall of the Space Core mod may be hiding a Portal 2 quest originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bethesda-Softworkselder-scrolls-5Fall-of-the-Space-Core-Vol-1modpcportalportal-2Portal-2-questskyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimvalveWed, 08 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Adorable Valentine's Day card templates from PaperRockScisorz]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/28/adorable-valentines-day-card-templates-from-paperrockscisorz/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/28/adorable-valentines-day-card-templates-from-paperrockscisorz/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/28/adorable-valentines-day-card-templates-from-paperrockscisorz/#comments Despite previous indications to the contrary, the Joystiq Qrew is actually pretty keen on Valentine's Day. We're all hopeless romantics, but you don't need to be as in love with being in love as we are to recognize how precious, touching and clever these gaming themed Valentine's Day card templates are.

Made by Etsy user PaperRockScisorz and available at her shop, these print-your-own card templates feature Pokemon, Dr. Mario, Sonic, Zelda and Portal motifs with cutesy sayings and pixel hearts at $2.75 a pop. It's an easy and inexpensive way to show your significant other that you care, assuming you're lucky enough to share your life with a person that loves games as much as you do. If you're not that lucky, well, maybe get them a gift card or something. Single people are advised to dress up like a member of their preferred gender and have a romantic candle-lit dinner with themselves in a mirror. Ain't love grand?

JoystiqAdorable Valentine's Day card templates from PaperRockScisorz originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Jan 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dr-marioduck-huntetsymariopaperrockscisorzpokemonportalsonictemplatevalentines-dayzeldaSat, 28 Jan 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Airtight Games' Kim Swift discusses Portal comparisons and the democratic origin of Quantum Conundrum]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/airtight-games-kim-swift-discusses-portal-comparisons-and-the-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/airtight-games-kim-swift-discusses-portal-comparisons-and-the-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/airtight-games-kim-swift-discusses-portal-comparisons-and-the-d/#comments "All I care about is, 'Is the game fun? Are players gonna pick it up and have a good time?' That, first and foremost, is my job," ex-Valve developer (Portal, Left 4 Dead) and current Airtight Games creative lead Kim Swift declared to me in a pre-NY Comic Con interview last week. She was referring to her current project, Quantum Conundrum, and its similarity to her past work on Portal. I was wondering if she worried that her first big game might color perceptions about her latest, similarly-sized game -- is it just more of the same?

"Making first-person puzzle games is what I like to do," Swift said. "And there aren't a whole lot of games ... there's Portal, and that's about it. So, to me, this is the kind of game that I want to play myself." She told me that the idea for QC had come about before arriving at Airtight, and when the opportunity came to head up a team as creative lead, she jumped at the chance. But she also didn't want to be a totalitarian monster.

"Once I had gotten my team together, I didn't just wanna say, 'Hey, we're making this game, dammit! It's gonna be the way I say it's gonna be!'" Swift explained. Rather, the team members created individual "one-sheets" which would then be voted on by the whole group. As it turns out, Quantum Conundrum won out. "It just happens that this one came out on top just because it was really easy to implement right away and test," she added.

The game's room-based puzzles and play on dimensional mechanics make it "modular" -- as in, individual components can be easily swapped out for others and quickly tested. This kind of development structure allows for quick iteration, a value prized among game developers. It also makes things like DLC all the more possible, which already makes sense for a game like Quantum Conundrum. Whether gamers will be demanding more after the game ships "early" next year remains to be seen, but what I saw had a lot of promise.

Gallery: Quantum Conundrum (PAX 2011)

JoystiqAirtight Games' Kim Swift discusses Portal comparisons and the democratic origin of Quantum Conundrum originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airtightairtight-gameskim-swiftmicrosoftnyccnycc-2011pcplaystationportalps3quantum-conundrumsquare-enixxboxThu, 20 Oct 2011 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Pre-order Dungeon Defenders on Steam, get a Portal gun and tiny TF2 guys]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/09/pre-order-dungeon-defenders-on-steam-get-a-portal-gun-and-tiny/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/09/pre-order-dungeon-defenders-on-steam-get-a-portal-gun-and-tiny/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/09/pre-order-dungeon-defenders-on-steam-get-a-portal-gun-and-tiny/#comments

Valve loves itself so much that it puts its own games into other studios' work on Steam -- we don't want to call it incestuous, but, well. It's kind of incestuous. Dungeon Defenders is the latest victim game to have a healthy Valve infusion, with pre-orders getting The Aperture Science Handheld Portal Device for the Huntress class and four Team Fortress 2 familiars, Heavy, Medic, Engineer and Pyro. Check out how these goodies work above and pre-order Dungeon Defenders on Steam, if you're into that sort of thing.

JoystiqPre-order Dungeon Defenders on Steam, get a Portal gun and tiny TF2 guys originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 09 Oct 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dungeon-defendersincestpcportalpre-order-bonusSTEAMTeam-Fortress-2valveSun, 09 Oct 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Screenshot' tech demo is two-thirds Portal, one-third time travel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/25/screenshot-tech-demo-is-two-thirds-portal-one-third-time-trav/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/25/screenshot-tech-demo-is-two-thirds-portal-one-third-time-trav/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/25/screenshot-tech-demo-is-two-thirds-portal-one-third-time-trav/#comments
It's pretty rare for us to post about tech demos here on Joystiq, since they're not actually games and everything, but ThePodunkian's "screenshot" concept is so enthralling and mind-blowing that we had no choice but to share it with the class.

Joystiq'Screenshot' tech demo is two-thirds Portal, one-third time travel originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 25 Sep 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pcportalscreenshotstech-demotime-travelSun, 25 Sep 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Portal is free until Sept. 20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/16/portal-is-free-until-sept-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/16/portal-is-free-until-sept-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/16/portal-is-free-until-sept-20/#comments Good day, test subjects. Valve is currently offering its first physics-fracturing puzzler, Portal, for free until September 20. Valve was apparently inspired by the way educators are using Portal to teach mathematics, and is giving the game away to engage more students in the sciences ... and cake.

So, if for some reason you've missed out on one of the most praised games of this generation, here's your chance to pick it up on PC or Mac for free (you monsters).

[Thanks, Rahul.]

JoystiqPortal is free until Sept. 20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Sep 2011 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macpcPortalValveFri, 16 Sep 2011 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Mario Bros. Portal is totally a thing that is happening]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/super-mario-bros-portal-is-totally-a-thing-that-is-happening/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/super-mario-bros-portal-is-totally-a-thing-that-is-happening/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/super-mario-bros-portal-is-totally-a-thing-that-is-happening/#comments
You know how we've all seen Mario with a Portal gun before? Well, somebody is actually trying to make that into a game we can not only watch, but play! It's called Mari0 and is currently in development for OSX, Windows and Linux at two-man team Stab Yourself.

Mari0 will sport not only the original Super Mario Bros. levels, but also all of the Lost levels -- plus in-game downloadable map packs, a level editor and simultaneous multiplayer for co-operative portal slinging. Seriously, read that sentence again and then click this link.

Like many (if not all!) of you are, we're behind this project entirely. Let's just hope we can all snag it before Nintendo's lawyers shut it down.

JoystiqSuper Mario Bros. Portal is totally a thing that is happening originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>linuxmacmari0pcportalportal-2stab-yourselfSuper-Mario-Bros-NESTue, 30 Aug 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Quantum Conundrum preview: Inter-dimensional charm]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/quantum-conundrum-preview-inter-dimensional-charm/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/quantum-conundrum-preview-inter-dimensional-charm/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/quantum-conundrum-preview-inter-dimensional-charm/#comments Recent Airtight Games convert Kim Swift's new downloadable title, Quantum Conundrum, is just about as charming as charming can be. You probably could have guessed that based on Swift's notably Portal-infused background, not to mention the pitch-perfect, cartoonish design aesthetic that pervades the manor home in which the game is set. But you really have to see its dimension shifting in action to fully understand it.

The pitch is this: Using an "Inter-dimensional Shift Device," a young boy must traverse the sprawling mansion of his mad scientist uncle, Dr. Fitz Quadwrangle, to discover said relative's whereabouts. The device in question allows the user to shift each of the puzzle-filled rooms between four dimensions to achieve goals, changing the properties of each of the objects contained therein. It's a lot less complicated once you see it in action, until it gets a whole lot more complicated.

Gallery: Quantum Conundrum (PAX 2011)

Continue reading Quantum Conundrum preview: Inter-dimensional charm

JoystiqQuantum Conundrum preview: Inter-dimensional charm originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Aug 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airtight-gameskim-swiftmicrosoftpcplaystationportalps3puzzlequantum-conundrumsquare-enixxboxFri, 26 Aug 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[This is not a test: Portal turrets light up Bastion via Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/20/this-is-not-a-test-portal-turrets-light-up-bastion-via-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/20/this-is-not-a-test-portal-turrets-light-up-bastion-via-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/20/this-is-not-a-test-portal-turrets-light-up-bastion-via-steam/#comments

If the humble hack 'n slash game Bastion needed one thing to take it from great to awesome, it was more Portal turrets. In a quest exclusive to the Steam version of Bastion, The Kid uses a Gel Cannister marked with the Aperture Science logo that contains "a viscous substance of unknown origin" to portal friendly sentry turrets into battle. The result is pretty glorious, as you can see in the video above.

If it's any consolation, the turret at the end seems just as confused about its existence in Bastion as we were, but it's not nearly as giddy with excitement.

[Thanks for the video, Michael!]

JoystiqThis is not a test: Portal turrets light up Bastion via Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 20 Aug 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bastiongel-cannisterpcportalportal-2sentry-turretSTEAMturretSat, 20 Aug 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve announces winners of Portal 2 music video contest]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/valve-announces-winners-of-portal-2-music-video-contest/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/valve-announces-winners-of-portal-2-music-video-contest/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/valve-announces-winners-of-portal-2-music-video-contest/#comments
In a somber counterpoint to all those cheery Portal tributes out there, Valve asked fans to create music videos for The National's "Exile, Vilify", a spooky little number that you'll find hidden near Portal 2's third test chamber.

We've embedded the winner for you above, but we have to admit we're partial to a late entry that was sent to us. As you'll see below the jump, Hae-Joon Lee's attempt may be bleak, but the way it intertwines with Chell's journey is the sort of thing that sticks with you. Don't miss it.

Continue reading Valve announces winners of Portal 2 music video contest

JoystiqValve announces winners of Portal 2 music video contest originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hae-joon-leeportalportal-2valveTue, 09 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mega Man with a Portal Gun proves that there are better realities than this one]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/mega-man-with-a-portal-gun-proves-that-there-are-better-realitie/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/mega-man-with-a-portal-gun-proves-that-there-are-better-realitie/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/mega-man-with-a-portal-gun-proves-that-there-are-better-realitie/#comments
As if we needed any more daily reminders that this dimension isn't the best of all possible dimensions, Dorkly has decided to drive that fact home by granting us a window into a world where Mega Man and Aperture Science coexist. Come, pine with us for what can never be.

JoystiqMega Man with a Portal Gun proves that there are better realities than this one originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mega-manMega-Man-9portalportal-2portal-gunTue, 09 Aug 2011 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Portal 2 map contest winners chosen, available to play now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/portal-2-map-contest-winners-chosen-available-to-play-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/portal-2-map-contest-winners-chosen-available-to-play-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/portal-2-map-contest-winners-chosen-available-to-play-now/#comments The contest is over, the winners have been chosen, and you can now pick up the winning maps from the "Summer Mapping Initiative" contest being held by Valve for Portal 2. A map called "Patent Pending" took the top prize by offering a wide mix of mechanics, another called "Infinifling" that's focused on "mid-air portaling techniques" ended up in second place. "Edifice," based in some of the destroyed Aperture chambers, picked up an honorable mention. All of the maps are free to download; just get the file, put it in your maps folder by following the instructions on the official blog and use the dev console to load it up and play.

Congrats to the winners. Valve's also hosting a Portal 2 music video contest for the song by The National included in the game. The deadline on that one is coming up in the middle of July, so you've still got time to film and upload it to YouTube. Good luck!

JoystiqPortal 2 map contest winners chosen, available to play now originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mapsmusic-videopcportalportal-2the-nationaluser-contentvalveTue, 28 Jun 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Newell: Portal 2 has sold 3 million copies since launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/newell-portal-2-has-sold-3-million-copies-since-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/newell-portal-2-has-sold-3-million-copies-since-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/newell-portal-2-has-sold-3-million-copies-since-launch/#comments Speaking at Games For Change in New York City (right now), Valve's Gabe Newell casually noted that Portal 2 has sold 3 million copies since its release on April 18. He didn't specify platforms, as it was an incidental reference and not a press release -- but he's probably referring to all platforms (PC, Mac, Xbox 360, and PS3).

Since Newell is one of the only people on Earth with access to Steam sales data, that 3 million number is likely to be one of the most accurate estimates of Portal 2's sales we'll ever see. For comparison, the first Portal had sold four million copies as of Portal 2's launch -- though that number doesn't take Steam into account.

JoystiqNewell: Portal 2 has sold 3 million copies since launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Jun 2011 12:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gabe-newellgames-for-change-2011macmicrosoftpcplaystationportalportal-2ps3salesvalvexboxWed, 22 Jun 2011 12:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Portal short film imagines Chell's life on the outside]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/portal-short-film-imagines-chells-life-on-the-outside/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/portal-short-film-imagines-chells-life-on-the-outside/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/portal-short-film-imagines-chells-life-on-the-outside/#comments Portal has become so culturally ingrained that it can be hard to look past the memes and what made it special. Dare we say that the short film "Outside Aperture" has that magic in spades, taking the original ending of Portal and imagining Chell's new life outside of Aperture science.

To most, "the cake is a lie" is little more than (an overtired) joke. To Chell, at least the version of her portrayed in this film, it's deadly serious.

[Thanks, Dan]

Continue reading Portal short film imagines Chell's life on the outside

JoystiqPortal short film imagines Chell's life on the outside originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eisen-feuermacmicrosoftoutside-aperturepcplaystationPortalps3valvexboxThu, 02 Jun 2011 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Homemade Portal turret is very, very intimidating]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/homemade-portal-turret-is-very-very-intimidating/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/homemade-portal-turret-is-very-very-intimidating/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/homemade-portal-turret-is-very-very-intimidating/#comments You know, we thought we were pretty talented when we built a papercraft Weighted Companion Cube. Sure, we never actually finished it, but that one corner looked great. Imagine our dismay, nay, our horror at glimpsing the homemade Portal turret seen above. Created by one Ryan Palser, the turret is a marvel of ingenuity, standing over three feet tall and observing all through its laser-infused eye. The damned thing even packs a motion sensor and spouts its iconic catchphrases when someone approaches.

In short, Mr. Palser, you have crushed our creative impulses as easily as we crushed our poorly constructed paper Companion Cube. Congratulations. Those whose creative dreams are not easily squelched can view exhaustively detailed build photos on Mr. Palser's flickr page.

JoystiqHomemade Portal turret is very, very intimidating originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 May 2011 22:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>craftsculturemacmicrosoftpcplaystationPortalps3turretxboxMon, 09 May 2011 22:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Portal 2 review: Alternate dimensions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/20/portal-2-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/20/portal-2-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/20/portal-2-review/#comments It was a crush.

That was the feeling I and others were trying to relate when we'd hurriedly tell others that they had to drop everything and play Portal. It lingered like the memory of a summer camp romance, cut short and all the sweeter for it.

So, if you're returning to Portal 2 worried that the reality won't live up to the memories, allow me to dispel that fear right now: Your crush is smarter, funnier, prettier and just plain better than you remember.

Gallery: Portal 2 (E3 2010)

Continue reading Portal 2 review: Alternate dimensions

JoystiqPortal 2 review: Alternate dimensions originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gladosmacmicrosoftpcplaystationportalportal-2ps3valvexboxWed, 20 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Portal 1 has sold four million, excluding Steam sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/20/portal-1-has-sold-four-million-excluding-steam-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/20/portal-1-has-sold-four-million-excluding-steam-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/20/portal-1-has-sold-four-million-excluding-steam-sales/#comments With an auspicious beginning at the Independent Games Festival Student Showcase in 2006, a small game -- named Narbacular Drop -- from a group of DigiPen students went on to inspire an industry darling. Several oft-quoted lines of dialog and millions of "The cake is a lie" jokes later, Portal was a resounding critical success when it launched inside The Orange Box, also home to Half-Life 2, its two follow-ups, and Team Fortress 2.

You knew about the acclaim, but you may not have known that it has moved approximately four million copies in the past four years. What's really surprising, however, is that Valve reached that sales mark without including the numbers for Steam -- numbers that would muddle the accuracy of that four million in terms of actual sales, given that Valve has offered the game free through Steam at various times.

It's also unclear whether that number includes individual copies of Portal sold at retail, the Xbox Live Arcade release (Portal: Still Alive), or any other sales channels. We've reached out to Valve for clarity on the total sales of Portal, but for now, four million is nothing to sneeze at -- especially considering the game's humble origins.

JoystiqPortal 1 has sold four million, excluding Steam sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digipenmacmicrosoftnarbacular-droppcplaystationPortalps3salessteamthe-orange-boxvalvevalve-softwarexboxWed, 20 Apr 2011 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Portal 2 Easter egg: Valve never meta-ARG it didn't like]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/portal-2-easter-egg-valve-never-meta-arg-it-didnt-like/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/portal-2-easter-egg-valve-never-meta-arg-it-didnt-like/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/portal-2-easter-egg-valve-never-meta-arg-it-didnt-like/#comments 164165162156040171157165162040163160145141153145162163040144157167156041040151164047163040162145141154154171040141156156157171151156147041 A hidden room somewhere within Portal 2 (see the video after the break for more information about its location, if you want) contains a mysterious message from "Adam Foster," which plays a really annoying sound file that turns out to hold three encoded images.

What do you find upon deciphering this hidden message? A brief history of hidden Portal-related messages. The three image files encoded in the sound turn out to be slides detailing the ARG that led to the reveal of some Portal 2 info -- also using SSTV-coded images.

It turns out that said ARG had a budget of just $100, and used a BBS that was running on a vintage computer with a genuine 2400 BPS modem. You can see all three images in full here, and see (and hear) the coded message in Portal 2 after the break.

Continue reading Portal 2 Easter egg: Valve never meta-ARG it didn't like

JoystiqPortal 2 Easter egg: Valve never meta-ARG it didn't like originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>argbbseaster-eggmacmicrosoftpcplaystationportalportal-2ps3valvexboxTue, 19 Apr 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Portal 2 has in-game DLC store, like Team Fortress 2's]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/portal-2-has-in-game-dlc-store-ala-team-fortress-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/portal-2-has-in-game-dlc-store-ala-team-fortress-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/portal-2-has-in-game-dlc-store-ala-team-fortress-2/#comments If you haven't quite filled your quota of hat acquisitions from Team Fortress 2's in-game haberdashery, you might fill the void by perusing the store for Valve's recent bundle of joy, Portal 2. Much like the cartoonish, class-based shooter, Portal 2 plays host to an in-game store through which hats, skins, gestures and other miscellaneous upgrades for the game's co-op robots, Atlas and P-Body, can be purchased. Check out a gallery of some of the available items below!

Though the upgrades are fairly whimsical and entirely aesthetic in nature, it seems the availability of day-one DLC has drawn the ire of the PC gaming community. Piled atop other various and sundry complaints (relating mostly to the game's apparent brevity, or that it wasn't developed with the PC as the "lead" platform), a number of Metacritic user reviews have slammed the game for its store, dropping its average user rating down to a measly 5.2. Wow, that's a whole lot of spite for something as innocuous and charming as robot hats.

Gallery: Portal 2 (Robot Enrichment)

JoystiqPortal 2 has in-game DLC store, like Team Fortress 2's originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcmacpcportalportal-2steamvalveTue, 19 Apr 2011 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Portal 2 stuff ready for transport to you (not by portal, unfortunately)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/portal-2-stuff-ready-for-transport-to-you-not-by-portal-unfort/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/portal-2-stuff-ready-for-transport-to-you-not-by-portal-unfort/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/portal-2-stuff-ready-for-transport-to-you-not-by-portal-unfort/#comments You pre-ordered a copy of Portal 2 from Amazon, then bought another one from Steam, and you paid $40 for the Potato Sack just to ensure you'd get the game ASAP. Maybe you also stood in line for a copy last night. Now that you have the game, it's becoming more difficult to find ways to give Valve your money.

Don't worry, though, you aren't being forced into financial responsibility just yet. Valve has added a dangerous amount of new Portal 2 merchandise to its online store, including: ten new t-shirts, a track jacket, a tank top, a hoodie, thirteen prints, and a pint glass for good measure (of one pint).

You're going to be so deep into debt with Valve that you'll have to seek extra work as a test subject.

JoystiqPortal 2 stuff ready for transport to you (not by portal, unfortunately) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcplaystationportalportal-2printps3shirtst-shirtvalvexboxTue, 19 Apr 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Portal 2 launching slightly earlier on PC as a result of 'GLaDOS@Home']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/18/portal-2-launching-slightly-earlier-on-pc-as-a-result-of-glados/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/18/portal-2-launching-slightly-earlier-on-pc-as-a-result-of-glados/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/18/portal-2-launching-slightly-earlier-on-pc-as-a-result-of-glados/#comments We expected the combined time-wasting might of Portal fans to unlock Portal 2 within hours of the opening of the "GLaDOS@Home" initiative. However, at this point, it seems all the fanbase has been able to accomplish is an advance of a few hours over the normal release date of Tuesday at 10AM EST -- and, of course, a bunch of sales of some worthy indie games (the Potato Sack is sitting right under Portal 2 on the Weekly Top Sellers list). It's been really effective marketing for those games, basically!

As it stands, the collective Potato Sack-playing efforts of everyone participating will unlock the game at approximately 4:30AM EST on Tuesday. However, there might be a curveball. The "Auxiliary Power" counter, which adds up new "potato" achievements found in each game, is now counting down rapidly, toward ... something! If it's a timer, it will elapse around 10PM EST this evening. Meanwhile, some fans are taking matters, and potatoes, into their own hands, organizing the mailing of actual potatoes to Valve HQ.

Most of the games in the Potato Sack have hit their maximum playtime for the event, so if you want to help out by playing games, first check the GLaDOS@Home page to make sure you're playing for a purpose.

JoystiqPortal 2 launching slightly earlier on PC as a result of 'GLaDOS@Home' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Apr 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>glados-at-homepcportalportal-2potato-sacksteamvalveMon, 18 Apr 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[We wish these Team Fortress 2 (and Portal) concept shirts were real]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/we-wish-these-team-fortress-2-and-portal-concept-shirts-were-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/we-wish-these-team-fortress-2-and-portal-concept-shirts-were-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/we-wish-these-team-fortress-2-and-portal-concept-shirts-were-r/#comments As the self-appointed arbiters of video game fashion, we can confidently say that Jay Ford's series of Team Fortress 2 shirts (with a bonus Portal tee!) are both clever and fresh. Now, if only they were a real thing we could purchase and drape across our bodies. Check out all the designs below!

Continue reading We wish these Team Fortress 2 (and Portal) concept shirts were real

JoystiqWe wish these Team Fortress 2 (and Portal) concept shirts were real originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apparelclothingJay-Fordmicrosoftpcplaystationportalps3shirtsTeam-Fortress-2valvexboxFri, 25 Mar 2011 19:40:00 EST<![CDATA[GLaDOS puts robots to the test in first Portal 2 commercial]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/portal-2-commercial/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/portal-2-commercial/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/portal-2-commercial/#comments It was just this morning that we were reporting on Valve's plans to handle all of Portal 2's advertising in-house, and now here we are, watching the first TV commercial for the game. It stars Atlas and P-body, the robotic co-op characters, who quickly learn how seriously GLaDOS wants to play.

Continue reading GLaDOS puts robots to the test in first Portal 2 commercial

JoystiqGLaDOS puts robots to the test in first Portal 2 commercial originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 18:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actioncommercialmacmicrosoftpcplaystationportalportal-2ps3valvexboxThu, 17 Mar 2011 18:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Custom made Portal portals are an interior decorating triumph]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/14/custom-made-portal-portals-are-an-interior-decorating-triumph/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/14/custom-made-portal-portals-are-an-interior-decorating-triumph/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/14/custom-made-portal-portals-are-an-interior-decorating-triumph/#comments One husband and wife DIY team recently announced on Reddit that they'd unlocked the secret of portal technology* using everyday, off-the-shelf parts. By attaching LED rope light to the backs of two oval mirrors, they succeeded in creating one of the most effective (and easily replicated) displays of video game related wall art we've ever had the pleasure to lay eyes on: Portal portals that look strikingly authentic.

The Redditors in question, corttana and dahburbb, say that the "spiraling" effect of the lights is actually the unexpected result of curving the light rope they used into an oval shape. When asked by other users, the duo said they plan to building a Companion Cube storage chest to round out their personal Enrichment Center. You can see more photos of it at the source link.

*Portal Technology is a registered trademark of Aperture Science

JoystiqCustom made Portal portals are an interior decorating triumph originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artcustommacmicrosoftpcplaystationportalportal-2ps3valvexboxMon, 14 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The National contributing new song to Portal 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/the-national-contributing-new-song-to-portal-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/the-national-contributing-new-song-to-portal-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/the-national-contributing-new-song-to-portal-2/#comments Ohio-born indie rock group The National has officially become video game famous. The band, responsible for such tunes as "Bloodbuzz Ohio" and "Conversation 16" (video after the break), will be lending its sound to Portal 2 with a new song written expressly for the game.

Continue reading The National contributing new song to Portal 2

JoystiqThe National contributing new song to Portal 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionmicrosoftpcplaystationportalportal-2ps3songthe-nationalvalvexboxFri, 11 Mar 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Portal 2 preview: the first five minutes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/portal-2-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/portal-2-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/portal-2-preview/#comments Spoiler Alert! The headline should make it pretty clear: the following is a detailed recap of the introductory moments of the game. Only click past the break if you want to know how the story begins.

Continue reading Portal 2 preview: the first five minutes

JoystiqPortal 2 preview: the first five minutes originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>half-lifehalf-life-3macmicrosoftpcplaystationportalportal-2ps3valvexboxThu, 17 Feb 2011 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Unauthorized Sierra adventure games portal Sarien.net ceases upon Activision order]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/27/unauthorized-sierra-adventure-games-portal-sarien-net-ceases-upo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/27/unauthorized-sierra-adventure-games-portal-sarien-net-ceases-upo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/27/unauthorized-sierra-adventure-games-portal-sarien-net-ceases-upo/#comments Sarien.net, "the portal that once stood for reliving classic Sierra On-Line adventure games" (for free), has been shut down following a cease-and-desist order issued by IP owner Activision. The site's creator, Mr. Kool (real name!), has posted the letter from Activision's legal counsel on the Sarien homepage.

"While we appreciate your dedication to the Sierra classic library and understand that you are a fan of these games, Activision has not authorized the development or distribution of these games via your Website," the order reads. "Accordingly, we must demand that you immediately cease any further distribution or exploitation of the Sierra Games on your Website."

Kool launched Sarien way back in April 2009, but it seemingly took this month's implementation of iPhone and iPad browser support (for all of the site's AGI-powered games) for Activision to take notice. "Wait till you see my new World of Warcraft in javascript," Kool quipped in a tweet. "Oh wait, that's Activision too..."

[Thanks, Ryan; image source: MobyGames]

JoystiqUnauthorized Sierra adventure games portal Sarien.net ceases upon Activision order originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionadventure-gamesagibrowser-basedcease-and-desistlegalmacmartin-koolpcportalr.i.p.sarienshutdownsierrasierra-entertainmentsierra-onlineThu, 27 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Block mesa plays Portal's 'Still Alive' in Minecraft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/17/block-mesa-plays-portals-still-alive-in-minecraft/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/17/block-mesa-plays-portals-still-alive-in-minecraft/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/17/block-mesa-plays-portals-still-alive-in-minecraft/#comments This is a triumph: Using the musical blocks introduced in the latest version of indie world-builder Minecraft, YouTube user Tritex989 has managed to re-create Portal's theme song, "Still Alive," in its entirety -- minus some notes and with some transposing, due to the blocks' two-octave limitation.

Continue reading Block mesa plays Portal's 'Still Alive' in Minecraft

JoystiqBlock mesa plays Portal's 'Still Alive' in Minecraft originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Jan 2011 20:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>indieJonathan-CoultonmacMarkus-PerssonMinecraftMojang-Specificationsmusicpcportalstill-alivevalveMon, 17 Jan 2011 20:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Portal finished in under 10 minutes sets a world record]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/10/portal-finished-in-under-10-minutes-sets-a-world-record/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/10/portal-finished-in-under-10-minutes-sets-a-world-record/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/10/portal-finished-in-under-10-minutes-sets-a-world-record/#comments You may not agree with YouTube user DemonStrate's methods, but you certainly can't argue with the results: the world record for fastest Portal playthrough. What took you hours only took him minutes -- specifically, less than ten of them. It's kinda the thing of note here.

Continue reading Portal finished in under 10 minutes sets a world record

JoystiqPortal finished in under 10 minutes sets a world record originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Dec 2010 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pcPortalrecordspeed-runvalveworld-recordFri, 10 Dec 2010 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Portal gun to be auctioned off for Child's Play]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/24/portal-gun-to-be-auctioned-off-for-childs-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/24/portal-gun-to-be-auctioned-off-for-childs-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/24/portal-gun-to-be-auctioned-off-for-childs-play/#comments Not only could you own one of the best gaming props ever made (and an even better version of the prop, at that), but you could also help children have better lives. Can you think of a better win-win situation than that? Outside of owning a real, working Portal gun, that is.

Continue reading Portal gun to be auctioned off for Child's Play

JoystiqPortal gun to be auctioned off for Child's Play originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>childs-playmicrosoftpcplaystationPortalps3valvevalve-softwarexboxWed, 24 Nov 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hey, you got Portal in my LittleBigPlanet 2!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/hey-you-got-portal-in-my-littlebigplanet-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/hey-you-got-portal-in-my-littlebigplanet-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/hey-you-got-portal-in-my-littlebigplanet-2/#comments Like the passing of a particularly nerdy kind of torch - maybe one built out of Lego Technics? - the era of "But can it run Doom?" is being replaced by the era of "But can someone on the internet make Portal with it?"

While we're not certain if it can run Doom yet - even money says it probably can - someone on the internet has used the now-in-beta LittleBigPlanet 2 to make a variation of Portal, replete with an Aperture Science Handheld Portal Device (aka: portal gun), a meme-required Weighted Companion Cube, and a meme-exhausted cake. Yup, it's all here folks, all you've got to bring is your weariness of Portal gags. Get your gape on with the video after the break.

Continue reading Hey, you got Portal in my LittleBigPlanet 2!

JoystiqHey, you got Portal in my LittleBigPlanet 2! originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>LittleBigPlanet-2Media-MoleculeplaystationPortalPortal-2ps3SCEAValveWed, 20 Oct 2010 22:00:00 EST