Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Poker Night at the Inventory 2 deals in GLaDOS, Claptrap, Ash Williams]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/poker-night-at-the-inventory-2-deals-in-glados-claptrap-ash-wi/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/poker-night-at-the-inventory-2-deals-in-glados-claptrap-ash-wi/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/poker-night-at-the-inventory-2-deals-in-glados-claptrap-ash-wi/#comments
Telltale Games' Poker Night at the Inventory 2 stars a table of quick-witted, quick-to-anger players from all of our favorite media forms: Claptrap from the Borderlands franchise, Sam from the Sam and Max game and graphic novels, Brock Samson from Adult Swim cartoon series The Venture Bros., and Ash Williams from cult horror film Army of Darkness. GLaDOS, main baddie of the Portal games, will be the dealer, so rest assured each hand will be extremely scientific.

Poker Night at the Inventory 2 is "coming soon" to Steam for PC and Mac, alongside Xbox Live Marketplace and PSN, with more platforms to be announced. Check out the premiere trailer above. NeoGAF members dug into Telltale's "key party" tease last week and uncovered a lineup of screenshots, pictured below.

Gallery: Telltale Games' Poker Night 2

JoystiqPoker Night at the Inventory 2 deals in GLaDOS, Claptrap, Ash Williams originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>army-of-darknessash-williamsborderlandsbrock-samsonclaptrapGLAdOSmacmicrosoftpcplaystationpoker-night-at-the-inventory-2portalps3samsam-and-maxTellTale-Gamesthe-venture-brosxboxMon, 01 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Newell: Valve looking to make Portal or Half-Life movie with J.J. Abrams]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/newell-valve-looking-to-make-portal-or-half-life-move-with-j-j/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/newell-valve-looking-to-make-portal-or-half-life-move-with-j-j/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/newell-valve-looking-to-make-portal-or-half-life-move-with-j-j/#comments Newell Valve looking to make Portal or HalfLife move with JJ AbramsDuring today's DICE keynote conversation between movie director J.J. Abrams and Valve co-founder Gabe Newell, the latter noted a collaboration he's looking forward to making a reality if possible.

"We're going to try and figure out if we can make a Half-Life movie or a Portal movie together," said Gabe Newell.

The two sparred on storytelling methods in movies and film, and used scenes from each other's work to illustrate how player agency can augment storytelling, and how films can use "forced" foreshadowing to set up later events. According to the creative pair, they wanted to pursue this dialogue more seriously, and now hope to collaborate on a film based in some way on Half-Life or Portal.

There are no details available beyond this brief announcement, likely because the process is still in its early stages.

JoystiqNewell: Valve looking to make Portal or Half-Life movie with J.J. Abrams originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dice-2013gabe-newellhalf-lifejj-abramsportalstar-trekWed, 06 Feb 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Turret Anthem shows why Source Filmmaker is a good thing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/the-turret-anthem-shows-why-source-filmmaker-is-a-good-thing/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/the-turret-anthem-shows-why-source-filmmaker-is-a-good-thing/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/the-turret-anthem-shows-why-source-filmmaker-is-a-good-thing/#comments

Valve's Source Filmmaker allows ordinary people to create outstanding things. One of the most recent testaments to Source Filmmaker's brilliance is The Turret Anthem, a song and video put together by Zachariah Scott, composer Lars Erik Fjosne and sound designer JP Neufeld. Enjoy.

JoystiqThe Turret Anthem shows why Source Filmmaker is a good thing originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jan 2013 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macpcportalportal-2source-filmmakerthe-turret-anthemturretvalveTue, 22 Jan 2013 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Del Toro got Valve's permission to use GlaDOS' voice in Pacific Rim]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/05/del-toro-got-valves-permission-to-use-glados-voice-in-pacific/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/05/del-toro-got-valves-permission-to-use-glados-voice-in-pacific/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/05/del-toro-got-valves-permission-to-use-glados-voice-in-pacific/#comments
The presence of Ellen McLain's sultry, robotic trills in the Pacific Rim trailer above filled us with much, much joy when we first saw it last December, but we couldn't help but feel like director Guillermo del Toro wasn't being entirely original. Furthermore, we wondered how Valve would feel about such flagrant counterfeiting; we know it doesn't own Ellen McLain's voice or anything, but come on.

None of that is actually an issue, as it turns out, since del Toro actually obtained permission from Valve to use GlaDOS' voice in the film, according to the Toronto Sun. "I wanted very much to have her, because I'm a big Portal fan," del Toro said. "But just as a wink. She's not cake-obsessed."

McLain's vocal work in the actual film will be run through fewer GlaDOS-inducing voice filters in the final film, del Toro says, but he wanted her voice to be completely recognizable in the trailer. It's also worth noting that there's no actual crossover between Valve's Portal/Half Life universe and Pacific Rim's, even though Pacific Rim is a movie about universes crossing over.

JoystiqDel Toro got Valve's permission to use GlaDOS' voice in Pacific Rim originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Jan 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ellen-mclainGlaDOSGuillermo-del-ToroPacific-RimPortalPortal-2Valvevoicevoice-actingSat, 05 Jan 2013 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Replica Portal gun signed by Valve and auctioned on Ebay for charity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/27/replica-portal-gun-signed-by-valve-and-auctioned-on-ebay-for-cha/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/27/replica-portal-gun-signed-by-valve-and-auctioned-on-ebay-for-cha/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/27/replica-portal-gun-signed-by-valve-and-auctioned-on-ebay-for-cha/#comments Replica Portal gun signed by Valve auctioned on Ebay, for charityThe only thing better than donating to a worthy charity is donating to a worthy charity and getting a full-size replica Portal gun signed by the entire Valve team out of it. Warm fuzzies and a new toy.

Valve signed a replica Portal gun for the Games Art and Music charity event in Florida, and now that the show is over, GAAM is auctioning it off on Ebay, with all of the funds benefiting Child's Play Charity. It's like helping two charities in one go.

The Ebay auction started off strong, but because of some technical issues, it was reset and now needs to make up some ground to reach its previous peak. The auction ends tomorrow, December 28, at 10:37 a.m. PST. If you have a pure heart and an empty space on your mantel, this bidding war might be for you.

JoystiqReplica Portal gun signed by Valve and auctioned on Ebay for charity originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Dec 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitychilds-playeBaygaamgames-art-and-musicmicrosoftpcplaystationPortalportal-gunps3replicavalvexboxThu, 27 Dec 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Play Portal on a TI calculator with this handy download]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/04/play-portal-on-a-ti-calculator-with-this-handy-download/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/04/play-portal-on-a-ti-calculator-with-this-handy-download/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/04/play-portal-on-a-ti-calculator-with-this-handy-download/#comments

Why would you need to figure out the cosine of a triangle when you can directly explore theoretical physics on the very same device, your TI calculator? That's right, you wouldn't. Download Portal for a TI calculator right here.

JoystiqPlay Portal on a TI calculator with this handy download originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Dec 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>calculatormobileportalTue, 04 Dec 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Inflatable Portal 2 Personality Cores now available at ThinkGeek]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/16/inflatable-portal-2-personality-cores-now-available-at-thinkgeek/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/16/inflatable-portal-2-personality-cores-now-available-at-thinkgeek/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/16/inflatable-portal-2-personality-cores-now-available-at-thinkgeek/#comments Inflatable Personality Cores now available at Think GeekThinkGeek, purveyor of fine caffeinated gummy bears and assorted nerdicological sundries, has added inflatable Personality Cores to its already bustling assortment of officially licensed Portal 2 memorabilia.

At $25 each, the spheres themselves measure about 12 inches in diameter and are made from "Non 7 phthalate PVC vinyl, CPSIA Standard," whatever that means. Test subjects can choose between "Wheatley" and "Spaaaaaaaaaace" color palettes, though neither sphere appears to be truly sentient and/or inherently evil either way. All we need now is an inflatable GlaDOS, and then maybe we won't have to be so alone at night.

JoystiqInflatable Portal 2 Personality Cores now available at ThinkGeek originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Nov 2012 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>personality-corespersonality-spheresportalportal-2space-corespace-spherethink-geekthinkgeektoysvalvewheatleyFri, 16 Nov 2012 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Tuesday: Portal 2 In Motion, Toe Jam & Earl return]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/06/psn-tuesday-portal-2-in-motion-toe-jam-and-earl-return/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/06/psn-tuesday-portal-2-in-motion-toe-jam-and-earl-return/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/06/psn-tuesday-portal-2-in-motion-toe-jam-and-earl-return/#comments
All of the Xbox owners out there are probably spending Election Night celebrating the arrival of Halo 4, but there's good news for you too, PS3 owners. The latest update to PSN brings digital versions of LittleBigPlanet Karting and Vanquish, as well as a digital version of Portal 2 with "In Motion" DLC, for use with the PlayStation Move accessory (as seen in the trailer above).

When Vikings Attack and PID are now both available on the PSN store, as are both the original Toe Jam & Earl and the Panic on Funkotron sequel. Rygar hits as a PS2 classic, and Saint's Row 3 and Sleeping Dogs have digital bundles to download.

PS Plus members have some new sales to choose from, and there are all kinds of new downloads and add-ons to find across the rest of the network. To see everything that's new on the PlayStation Store, hit up the PlayStation blog.

JoystiqPSN Tuesday: Portal 2 In Motion, Toe Jam & Earl return originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Nov 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>littlebigplanet-kartingmobilemoveplaystationportalportal-2portal-2-in-motionps-vitaps3psnpsn-tuesaypsn-tuesdaytoe-jam-and-earlTue, 06 Nov 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Miniature Portal gun replica now available at Think Geek]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/20/miniature-portal-gun-replica-now-available-at-think-geek/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/20/miniature-portal-gun-replica-now-available-at-think-geek/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/20/miniature-portal-gun-replica-now-available-at-think-geek/#comments
Think Geek now sells a somewhat downsized version of the Aperture Science Handheld Portal Device, which is good news for people that work in super cramped cubicles, as well as tiny baby children looking to perfectly accessorize a Halloween costume that was obviously their parents' idea.

At $60, the bite-sized gun features accurately colored lighting effects, portal-specific sounds and articulating zero-point energy manipulator claws, just like the bigger, sold-out versions. It also includes a display stand, which will be helpful if you're the first type of person we mentioned above. At just 12-inches, however, its cosplay potential is limited to children, as a standard ASHPD measures 30-inches long.

But hey, you know what they say: "It ain't the length of you Aperture Science Handheld Portal Device, it's the momentum cancelling abilities of your Advanced Knee Replacements." Or something.

JoystiqMiniature Portal gun replica now available at Think Geek originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 20 Oct 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aperture-scienceAperture-Science-Handheld-Portal-Devicemicrosoftminiature-portal-gunpcplaystationportalportal-2portal-gunps3think-geektoysvalvexboxSat, 20 Oct 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Portal 2: Songs to Test By (Collectors Edition) out on Oct. 30]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/portal-2-songs-to-test-by-collectors-edition-out-on-october-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/portal-2-songs-to-test-by-collectors-edition-out-on-october-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/portal-2-songs-to-test-by-collectors-edition-out-on-october-3/#comments Portal 2 Songs to Test By Collector's Edition out October 30A four-disc set collecting your favorite ditties from Portal and Portal 2 is set to test how high your speakers go on October 30. In addition to all of the Portal 2 numbers, this physical collectors edition set (the collection is available digitally for free) will make available 13 songs from the original Portal for the first time ever. There's also a mini-comic bundled in called "Turret Lullaby" but you can read that online right now if you want.

The full list of tunes is available after the break, including such favorites as Jonathan Coulton's "Still Alive" and "Want You Gone," plus the remaining songs composed at Valve.

Continue reading Portal 2: Songs to Test By (Collectors Edition) out on Oct. 30

JoystiqPortal 2: Songs to Test By (Collectors Edition) out on Oct. 30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Sep 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macmicrosoftpcplaystationportalportal-2ps3soundtrackvalvexboxMon, 24 Sep 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Portal 2 Lego set reaches support goal, is off to review by 'Lego jury']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/16/portal-2-lego-set-reaches-support-goal-is-off-to-review-by-leg/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/16/portal-2-lego-set-reaches-support-goal-is-off-to-review-by-leg/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/16/portal-2-lego-set-reaches-support-goal-is-off-to-review-by-leg/#comments Portal 2 Lego set off to official review by 'Lego jury'Congratulations, everyone: If you read our post about the prototype Portal 2 Lego set and threw your vote on Cuusoo to have it become reality, you've succeeded. Go get yourself an ice cream sundae, champ. You deserve it.

The Portal-themed Lego set has received 10,000 votes of support on Lego's crowd-sourced idea incubator, Cuusoo, and is now off to be examined by the proper authorities. A "Lego jury" will review the idea, building concept models and testing them for playability, safety and fit with the Lego brand. Lego's Cuusoo quarterly review begins in September and will include the Portal set and any others that reach 10,000 votes. Reviews can, we should warn you, take several months.

JoystiqPortal 2 Lego set reaches support goal, is off to review by 'Lego jury' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crowd-sourcedcuusooLEGOmicrosoftpcplaystationportalportal-2ps3xboxMon, 16 Jul 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LEGO Portal gun doesn't have enough features]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/08/lego-portal-gun-doesnt-have-enough-features/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/08/lego-portal-gun-doesnt-have-enough-features/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/08/lego-portal-gun-doesnt-have-enough-features/#comments LEGO Portal gun doesn't have enough features
This Portal gun model created out of LEGO bricks features movable prongs and a few lights. The creator of this slick model, a Minneapolis LEGO Store employee seen in the video above, says it took a few weeks to build the gun after designing it for over a year. Sadly, the gun doesn't shoot adorable brick portals for minifigures to pass through.

Knowing that nearly 8,000 people want a Portal-themed LEGO set, Valve should definitely understand that a LEGO Portal game needs to be a reality.

JoystiqLEGO Portal gun doesn't have enough features originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Jul 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>LEGOlego-portalportalportal-2portal-gunSun, 08 Jul 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[This Portal Lego set is in testing phase, your vote can help it pass]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/30/this-portal-lego-set-is-in-testing-phase-your-vote-can-help-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/30/this-portal-lego-set-is-in-testing-phase-your-vote-can-help-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/30/this-portal-lego-set-is-in-testing-phase-your-vote-can-help-it/#comments This Portal Lego set is in testing phase, your vote can help it passYou've played Portal and Portal 2, you've used the editor to build your own test chambers and you bought the replica portal gun. Your life is almost complete -- almost.

All you need now is this Portal Lego set that's starting to gain traction on Cuusoo, Lego's crowd-sourcing platform that got the Minecraft set made. The Portal pitch includes GLaDOS' Chamber (complete with 12-inch-tall GLaDOS) and a Modular Testing Chamber complete with turrets, cubes, a portal gun and more accessories. Check out the specs and add your vote to the Portal Lego set right here, or check out this other, equally compelling idea.

JoystiqThis Portal Lego set is in testing phase, your vote can help it pass originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 30 Jun 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cuusooLEGOmacmicrosoftpcplaystationportalportal-2ps3valvexboxSat, 30 Jun 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Quantum Conundrum review: First rule of physics, don't talk about physics]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/21/quantum-conundrum-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/21/quantum-conundrum-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/21/quantum-conundrum-review/#comments Quantum Conundrum review First rule of physics, don't talk about itBack in February, Airtight Games creative director Kim Swift told us that she wanted Quantum Conundrum to play like a Saturday-morning cartoon - lighthearted with a slapstick edge, similar to Looney Tunes or Cartoon Network programming. This may be why I found it so unnerving that Quantum Conundrum reminded me more of Fight Club than any kid-friendly cartoons.

The standard-edition DVD of 2002's Fight Club has a looping menu that plays a round of light, elevator-style percussion music while the screen flickers invitingly on the Play button; this lasts just long enough to lull the passive listener into a false sense of tranquility, before it smashes into a measure of jarring electrical guitar and pulsating images for a few terrible seconds. Then the screen clears, and the torture repeats.

One night in my wayward youth, I fell asleep watching this Fight Club DVD. For hours after the movie had finished and returned to the menu, I would be jolted awake just enough to know nothing about what was going on, only to immediately fall back asleep once the soothing interlude picked up again. For hours. It was disorienting, sinister and, looking back on it, kind of hilarious.

Quantum Conundrum's soundtrack may be similar to Fight Club's menu screen's, but the game itself rides those same waves of frustration, persistence and disjointed comedy - the game is lovely, but the story is jarring. Some of its story elements are almost funny, some of the narrative almost make sense, all of it almost reaches a realm of lucid clarity. And yes, it does this for hours.

Gallery: Quantum Conundrum (6/21/12)

Continue reading Quantum Conundrum review: First rule of physics, don't talk about physics

JoystiqQuantum Conundrum review: First rule of physics, don't talk about physics originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airtight-gamesKim-Swiftmicrosoftpcphysicsplaystationportalps3puzzlerquantum-conundrumSquare-EnixxboxThu, 21 Jun 2012 17:15:00 EST<![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