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[Steam weekend sale: Velvet Assassin, X3: Terran Conflict, Men of War]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/25/steam-weekend-sale-velvet-assassin-x3-terran-conflict-men-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/25/steam-weekend-sale-velvet-assassin-x3-terran-conflict-men-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/25/steam-weekend-sale-velvet-assassin-x3-terran-conflict-men-of/#comments
If our inability to finish Velvet Assassin hasn't diminished your interest in the game, know that Steam is slashing 50% off its price this weekend. Joining the stealth title in this weekend's sale is Egosoft's X3: Terran Conflict, which has also been discounted by 50%, and Aspyr's Men of War, which has been discounted by a huge 75%. Of course, none of this probably matters to most Steam users, as they're most likely enjoying a romp through Monkey Island right about now.

JoystiqSteam weekend sale: Velvet Assassin, X3: Terran Conflict, Men of War originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 25 Jul 2009 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aspyregosoftmen-of-warreplay-studiossalessouthpeaksteamvelvet-assassinx3x3-terran-conflictSat, 25 Jul 2009 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Uwe Boll's Tunnel Rats crawls onto Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/17/uwe-bolls-tunnel-rats-crawls-onto-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/17/uwe-bolls-tunnel-rats-crawls-onto-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/17/uwe-bolls-tunnel-rats-crawls-onto-steam/#comments
Released to nearly as much fanfare as his thrilling movies, Uwe Boll's Tunnel Rats -- a game adaptation of the 2008 film of the same name -- became available for download this week. As our sister site Big Download rightly points out, the film has yet to be released Stateside (keep in mind it's based on the American war in Vietnam), though the game showed up earlier this week on Steam for $19.99.

Developed by Velvet Assassin creator Replay Studios -- recipient of the first ever JoystiQuitter game review -- you'll understand if we're a bit less than confident in Tunnel Rats. For those of you still looking to check it out, we'd like to point out Uwe Boll supposedly had a hand in making the game as well. Let us know how that goes for you!

JoystiqUwe Boll's Tunnel Rats crawls onto Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 17 May 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big-downloadreplay-studiossteamtunnel-ratsvelvet-assassinSun, 17 May 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Velvet Assassin coming April 28, Achievements revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/13/velvet-assassin-coming-april-28-achievements-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/13/velvet-assassin-coming-april-28-achievements-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/13/velvet-assassin-coming-april-28-achievements-revealed/#comments
We don't understand the types who want to dig through achievement lists before a game's even out. Though they're occasionally enlightening, they're far more often spoilery, dull or just plain confusing. This list of Velvet Assassin achievements is no exception.

So, why are we taking up your precious bytes with this article? Well, the achievement list from 360sync also includes the official release date for the game: April 28. So, you know ... plan accordingly.

Gallery: Velvet Assassin

JoystiqVelvet Assassin coming April 28, Achievements revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamecockMicrosoftreplay-studiossouthpeakvelvet-assassinXbox-360Mon, 13 Apr 2009 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[New Velvet Assassin trailer misappropriates Churchill's famous speech]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/17/new-velvet-assassin-trailer-misappropriates-churchills-famous-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/17/new-velvet-assassin-trailer-misappropriates-churchills-famous-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/17/new-velvet-assassin-trailer-misappropriates-churchills-famous-s/#comments
Velvet Assassin has been tasked with performing something rarely possible in games centered on WWII-era events: Basing the story on a real person and keeping things classy. Take, for example, the new trailer the game's publisher, SouthPeak, dropped on us today. Employing one of the most powerful and moving speeches ever given by British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, we don't exactly consider the modern rock ending on this trailer keeping anything classy.

Though our time spent with the game at the New York Comic Con last month left us feeling a bit less than ecstatic for the game's impending "April release window," we remain intrigued by Velvet Assassin -- even if the trailer misappropriates one of the most famous speeches in all of history.

JoystiqNew Velvet Assassin trailer misappropriates Churchill's famous speech originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Mar 2009 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Microsoftreplay-studiossouthpeaksouthpeak-gamessouthpeak-interactivetrailervelvet-assassinviolette-summerwinston-churchillworld-war-iiwwiiXbox-360Tue, 17 Mar 2009 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NYCC 09: Velvet Assassin hands-on]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/07/nycc-09-velvet-assassin-hands-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/07/nycc-09-velvet-assassin-hands-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/07/nycc-09-velvet-assassin-hands-on/#comments
click to embiggen
When we first got our hands on Velvet Assassin nearly eight months ago at E3 2008, we were impressed. The level of polish exhibited for a game still months from any formal release was a good sign to us that the game was on the right track to becoming one of few stealth/action titles we might really enjoy. We delighted in sneaking up behind a group of unwitting Nazi soldiers, pulling a pin from one of their grenades, and watching the resultant explosion of humanity from a comfortable distance. Not just for the obvious reasons but because little touches like that helped to make VA feel like a living world and brought you into the role of French WWII-era assassin Violette Szabo, the interesting real life person the game's based on.

And though we were assured the grenade trick has been left in the game (even if it wasn't in the most recent build we checked out just before the 2009 New York Comic Con), enough has changed since we first met protagonist Violette Summer to be concerned. The polish once exuded by German developer Replay Studios' first game for the Xbox 360 has all but vanished, leaving behind kludgey player animation, poor enemy AI and glitch-prone graphics. With two months to go until the "April launch window" of VA, we're hoping (but not exactly confident) they can bring back the experience we had so many moons ago.

Gallery: Velvet Assassin

Continue reading NYCC 09: Velvet Assassin hands-on

JoystiqNYCC 09: Velvet Assassin hands-on originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Feb 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hands-onMicrosoftnycc-2009pcreplay-studiosreplaystudiossouthpeaksouthpeak gamessouthpeak-gamessouthpeakgamessouthpeakinteractivevelvet-assassinXbox-360Sat, 07 Feb 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Velvet Assassin box art is explosive, leathery]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/07/velvet-assassin-box-art-is-explosive-leathery/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/07/velvet-assassin-box-art-is-explosive-leathery/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/07/velvet-assassin-box-art-is-explosive-leathery/#comments
click to experience enlargementSouthpeak Games and Replay Studios' Velvet Assassin has been taking the whole stealth concept a bit too literal, remaining quiet about game specifics and release date details. But that doesn't mean the box art has to stay hidden. Viewable here, the packaging artwork is one part BOOM!, equal part black leather and a dash of average.

We're also informed that our good friend Peter Chung (who really isn't our pal, but we fantasize to be our drinking buddy) partnered with SouthPeak by putting together a 15+ page graphic novel that will be gifted to those who pre-order Velvet Assassin at GameStop. Chung will also contribute to the game's sure to be sexually charged storyline.

Did we mention this game remains too stealth for our liking?

JoystiqVelvet Assassin box art is explosive, leathery originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamecockreplay-studiossabotagesouthpeaksouthpeak-gamesvelvet-assassinSat, 07 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The provocative outfits of Velvet Assassin]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/23/the-provocative-outfits-of-velvet-assassin/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/23/the-provocative-outfits-of-velvet-assassin/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/23/the-provocative-outfits-of-velvet-assassin/#commentsFiled under:


Replay Studios' Velvet Assassin will be making its way to retail sometime in 2009 and to tide us over the holidays, were were just sent a rather revealing set of pictures. Umm, very revealing.

Viewable in the gallery below are pictures and descriptions of four different outfits Violet will strategically wear during her Nazi busting adventures in Velvet Assassin. And before you question the need for having four different outfits, ask yourself a few simple questions: When isn't leather a good thing? How much do you enjoy night dresses?

JoystiqThe provocative outfits of Velvet Assassin originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamecockreplayreplay-studiosvelvet-assassinx3f-twitterTue, 23 Dec 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Velvet Assassin delayed until early 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/10/velvet-assassin-delayed-until-early-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/10/velvet-assassin-delayed-until-early-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/10/velvet-assassin-delayed-until-early-2009/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Gamecock's Velvet Assassin needs to polish its blades a bit longer before it's ready. Previously announced as a fall release, the silky stealth-action title stumbled on something in the shadows, falling back until sometime early next year.

According to Eurogamer, the move was made to make both the European and US launches more in line, while giving German dev Replay Studios more time to iron out any wrinkles in the fabric instead of rushing to add to the glut of an already crowded holiday shopping season.

JoystiqVelvet Assassin delayed until early 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Sep 2008 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamecockPCreplay-studiosreplaystudiosstealthvelvet-assassinXbox-360Wed, 10 Sep 2008 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Velvet Assassin eyes a 2009 release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/velvet-assassin-eyes-a-2009-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/velvet-assassin-eyes-a-2009-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/velvet-assassin-eyes-a-2009-release/#commentsFiled under:


In an effort to stay clear of the jam packed holiday releases and give themselves more development time, Replay Studios has just revealed that Sabotage Velvet Assassin has been pushed back into early 2009. Previously, Velvet Assassin and her stealthy moves were supposed to release to retail sometime this Fall. Maybe 2009 will be the year of the Velvet Assassin? Maybe? Possibly? No? Eh?

JoystiqVelvet Assassin eyes a 2009 release originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamecockreplay-studiosvelvet-assassinTue, 09 Sep 2008 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Velvet Assassin and the art of the crouch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/09/video-velvet-assassin-and-the-art-of-the-crouch/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/09/video-velvet-assassin-and-the-art-of-the-crouch/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/09/video-velvet-assassin-and-the-art-of-the-crouch/#commentsFiled under: ,


Coming straight from Gamecock's chest-o-marketing-media, we're treated to a new trailer for their upcoming stealthy game Velvet Assassin. Have a watch. But before you start to make comparisons between it an a certain Sam Fisher, know that there are a few distinct differences. First, Velvet Assassin comes pre-populated with hundreds of Nazis. And second, Velvet Assassin's main hero is of female origin. See, two totally different games.

After watching all that stealthy crouching, one has to believe that irreversible damage is being done to the lower lumbar. Hope she has good medical insurance or lives in Canada, because in ten years, she'll need it.

JoystiqVideo: Velvet Assassin and the art of the crouch originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamecockreplay-studiosvelvet-assassinWed, 09 Jul 2008 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Velvet Assassin to cut throats on Xbox 360, PC this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/velvet-assassin-to-cut-throats-on-xbox-360-pc-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/velvet-assassin-to-cut-throats-on-xbox-360-pc-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/velvet-assassin-to-cut-throats-on-xbox-360-pc-this-fall/#commentsFiled under: , ,


German developer Replay Studios and indie publisher Gamecock dropped a friendly reminder that both studios plan to drape us in tufted fabric and slit our throats this fall, when Velvet Assassin ships for both the Xbox 360 and PC. As a stealth-action game, the title will drop players into the boots of real-life World War II allied secret agent Violette Szab as she goes toe to toe with the German war machine.

Beyond the biographical backdrop and historically-inspired setting, there isn't much known about the game. However, the publisher notes that Velvet Assassin will include "lush, surreal visuals" and "a ground-breaking stealth combat system," both interesting qualities ... though we hope the devs know how difficult blood is to get out of velvet without sending it to dry cleaning.

JoystiqVelvet Assassin to cut throats on Xbox 360, PC this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 May 2008 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamecockPCreplay-studiosreplaystudiosstealthvelvet-assassinvelvetassassinXbox-360Wed, 14 May 2008 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Velvet Assassin sneaks onto Xbox 360 this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/velvet-assassin-hits-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/velvet-assassin-hits-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/velvet-assassin-hits-this-fall/#commentsFiled under:

Coming this fall from Replay Studios and the wacky folks at Gamecock is Velvet Assassin. Taking place behind enemy lines in World War II, Velvet Assassin tells the story of Violette Summer who is tasked with facing off against the vicious German war machine.

Inspired by real life British secret agent Violette Szabo, the stealth-action game promises a unique combat experience when it hits the Xbox 360 and PC.

Clearly stealth games require a unique combat experience. Right?

[via Press Release]

JoystiqVelvet Assassin sneaks onto Xbox 360 this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 May 2008 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamecockreplay-studiosvelvet-assassinTue, 13 May 2008 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[EIEIO 08: Velvet Assassin actually dressed in leather]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/12/eieio-08-velvet-assassin-actually-dressed-in-leather/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/12/eieio-08-velvet-assassin-actually-dressed-in-leather/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/12/eieio-08-velvet-assassin-actually-dressed-in-leather/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click to embiggen

It's true. The game's title character may be velvet in some way, but the luxurious fabric does not figure into Violette Summers' ensemble. Instead, she alternates between skin-tight leather and a diaphanous, lingerie-like hospital gown. It's definitely more of a video game in that respect than a solemn tribute to Violette Szabo.

Why the hospital gown? The events of Velvet Assassin are framed as flashbacks remembered by a dying Summers, who is lying in a hospital bed as the game starts. She recounts her former missions behind enemy lines. This method of storytelling actually ties into the gameplay in a rather bizarre way.

Gallery: Velvet Assassin

Continue reading EIEIO 08: Velvet Assassin actually dressed in leather

JoystiqEIEIO 08: Velvet Assassin actually dressed in leather originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Mar 2008 23:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eieiogamecockPCreplay-studiossabotagestealthvelvet-assassinXbox-360Wed, 12 Mar 2008 23:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamecock's WWII stealth shooter 'Sabotage' becomes 'Velvet Assassin']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/01/gamecocks-wwii-stealth-shooter-sabotage-becomes-velvet-assas/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/01/gamecocks-wwii-stealth-shooter-sabotage-becomes-velvet-assas/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/01/gamecocks-wwii-stealth-shooter-sabotage-becomes-velvet-assas/#commentsFiled under: ,


We doubt that many of you had even heard of Sabotage, an up-and-coming Gamecock joint based on the incredible true story of World War II hero (for the Allies, at least) and secret agent extraordinaire Violette Szabo, but we think it's worth mentioning when a game upgrades from a title as generic as "Sabotage" to something unique; something that sounds purchase-worthy. That's why we're totally behind developer Replay Studios' decision to remoniker the stealth action shooter Velvet Assassin.

Lucky Austintonians will get a chance to check out the newly eponymed game at Gamecock's E.I.E.I.O expo this coming Thursday -- the rest of us will have to wait for Velvet Assassin's Fall 2008 release to digitally fill Violette Summers' sneaky leather shoes.

JoystiqGamecock's WWII stealth shooter 'Sabotage' becomes 'Velvet Assassin' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 Mar 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GamecockGamecockMediaGroupPCReplay-StudiosReplayStudiosSabotagespystealthVelvet-AssassinviolettevioletteszaboWWIIXbox-360Sat, 01 Mar 2008 18:30:00 EST