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[Riddick: Dark Athena debuts at #2 in UK charts, only new game to make top 40]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/28/riddick-dark-athena-debuts-at-2-in-uk-charts-only-new-game-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/28/riddick-dark-athena-debuts-at-2-in-uk-charts-only-new-game-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/28/riddick-dark-athena-debuts-at-2-in-uk-charts-only-new-game-to/#comments Who would have thought The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena would be so successful? In the UK, the Vin Diesel-starring, sci-fi adventure came into the charts at the number two spot, being the only debut entry for the week to make it into the top 40 (obliterating other debut titles like Rock Revolution and Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 2).

So, what was the only game keeping Vin Diesel from full-out domination? It's Wii Fit, which still reigns supreme in the Isles. Sorry Vinny, you can't dethrone Wii Fit -- not even with those weird glowing eyes of yours. But hey, fans still love you; they're keeping Wheelman afloat at #22.

JoystiqRiddick: Dark Athena debuts at #2 in UK charts, only new game to make top 40 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 04:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atarichronicles-of-riddick-assault-on-dark-athenadark-athenaMicrosoftriddickshooterstarbreezeuk-chartsvin-dieselXbox-360Tue, 28 Apr 2009 04:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq interview: Ian Stevens, Tigon Studios' head of game production]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/10/joystiq-interview-ian-stevens-tigon-studios-head-of-game-prod/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/10/joystiq-interview-ian-stevens-tigon-studios-head-of-game-prod/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/10/joystiq-interview-ian-stevens-tigon-studios-head-of-game-prod/#comments
Ian Stevens has a lot on his plate. Between launching two games this month in Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena and Wheelman and working on Vin Diesel's dream game (not to mention two games still in the concept stage named Melkor and Perrone), we think this gentleman could really use a vacation.

Busy as he is, he was nice enough to take time out of his schedule last week to speak with us about a few things. Number one on the agenda: What is it exactly that Tigon Studios does? If Starbreeze developed Riddick and Midway Newcastle developed Wheelman, where does Tigon fit into this mess? His answer just might shock you!

[Disclaimer: Ian Steven's answer will likely not actually shock you, but you may find it interesting. So there's that.]

Gallery: The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena

Continue reading Joystiq interview: Ian Stevens, Tigon Studios' head of game production

JoystiqJoystiq interview: Ian Stevens, Tigon Studios' head of game production originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atarichronicles-of-riddick-assault-on-dark-athenaian-stevensinterviewriddickstarbreezetigontigon-studiosubisoftvin-dieselwheelmanFri, 10 Apr 2009 12:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumorang: Riddick dev helming new Syndicate game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/31/rumorang-riddick-dev-helming-new-syndicate-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/31/rumorang-riddick-dev-helming-new-syndicate-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/31/rumorang-riddick-dev-helming-new-syndicate-game/#comments
A new report suggests that Starbreeze Studios is working on a new Syndicate game, with Electronic Arts set to publish. Word of the Riddick and The Darkness dev's involvement with the title first made the rounds last October. Possibly related is a new casting call posted on superannuation for actors in an upcoming "futuristic" Starbreeze/EA title called "DART," which according to the post will be set in a "high tech city."

Though nothing has been formally announced, sources tell GI.biz that the Syndicate series is behind EA and Starbreeze's mysterious Project RedLime, which was originally referred to as a "classic franchise" for the Xbox 360, PS3, and PC.

While that project was said to be "already deep in development" in February 2008, don't expect to revisit the classic cyberpunk series anytime soon. According to the report, the new Syndicate title won't be released until Starbreeze finishes up its current project based on Robert Ludlum's Jason Bourne. Until then, the four gentlemen in the corner giving us the crazy eyes will just have to wait.

JoystiqRumorang: Riddick dev helming new Syndicate game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bullfrogdarknesseaElectronic-Artsriddickrumorrumorangstarbreezestarbreeze-studiosstarbreezestudiosstrategysyndicatesyndicate-warsTue, 31 Mar 2009 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Riddick dev diary drones on about drones]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/20/riddick-dev-diary-drones-on-about-drones/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/20/riddick-dev-diary-drones-on-about-drones/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/20/riddick-dev-diary-drones-on-about-drones/#commentsAtari has released a new developer diary video for Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena. The video centers around the game's story, which the developers at Starbreeze consider the next chapter in the Chronicles of Riddick saga. The video also spends a great deal of time talking about the drone enemy. The drone is essentially a cyborg with rudimentary AI that can also be controlled remotely. Kind of a crappy life, really.

Finally, the video highlights the different ways the game can be played. According to the developers, it's possible to play the game guns blazing or in a stealthier manner. Us, we'll probably opt for the method with the heaviest use of Riddick's razor-sharp "ulak" blades.

Check out some new screens in the gallery below.

Gallery: The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena (3/20/09)

JoystiqRiddick dev diary drones on about drones originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Mar 2009 20:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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1 Platinum
3 Gold
5 Silver
45 Bronze
 Difficulty: Difficult
Online Trophies? Yes
Time to Completion: 30 hours
DLC Trophies? No
View Trophy List Read More About the Game

Gallery: The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena

Continue reading Trophies: Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena

JoystiqTrophies: Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Mar 2009 16:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assault-on-dark-athenachronicles-of-riddickriddicktrophiestrophyTue, 10 Mar 2009 16:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Riddick assaults Dark Athena April 7 in North America, Europe April 24]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/23/riddick-assaults-dark-athena-april-7-in-north-america-europe-ap/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/23/riddick-assaults-dark-athena-april-7-in-north-america-europe-ap/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/23/riddick-assaults-dark-athena-april-7-in-north-america-europe-ap/#comments
Riddick better get all those dark, monotone soliloquies out of his system before assaulting the Dark Athena crew on April 7 in North America, and April 24 in Europe. Atari sends word that The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena will be available for PC, PS3 and X360, with demos releasing in March for the console versions.

Don't forget that Dark Athena also comes with an enhanced Escape from Butcher's Bay, so there'll be plenty of Riddick packed onto the disc come April.

Update: Big Download has word that a PC demo is in the works. No word of when it'll release, though.

Gallery: The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena

JoystiqRiddick assaults Dark Athena April 7 in North America, Europe April 24 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Feb 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assault-on-dark-athenaatarichronicles-of-riddickchronicles-of-riddick-assault-on-dark-athenaMicrosoftriddickstarbreezestarbreeze-studiosXbox-360Mon, 23 Feb 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Riddick: Dark Athena trailer previews plot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/22/new-riddick-dark-athena-trailer-previews-plot/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/22/new-riddick-dark-athena-trailer-previews-plot/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/22/new-riddick-dark-athena-trailer-previews-plot/#commentsFiled under:


Vin Diesel vehicles don't really need much of a plot to be brilliant or successful (see: xXx) -- regardless of this fact, it seems the upcoming follow-up to one of the most surprisingly well put together licensed games ever, Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena, has a story we're itching to dive into. A recent trailer teases some of the plot points we'll be uncovering when the game drops April 7.

Here's what we picked up during our first pass through the trailer (embedded after the jump) -- throughout Dark Athena, Mr. Diesel will be "hunting" some "zombies" on a derelict space station, facing off against a feisty villainess, and stabbing anything that hoves into his field of vision. Yep, that sounds about right.

See: Chronicles of Riddick: AoDA HD Trailer Download

Gallery: The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault On Dark Athena

Continue reading New Riddick: Dark Athena trailer previews plot

JoystiqNew Riddick: Dark Athena trailer previews plot originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 22 Feb 2009 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chronicles-of-riddick-assault-on-dark-athenaMicrosoftpcriddicktrailervin-dieselXbox-360Sun, 22 Feb 2009 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Chronicles of Riddick multiplayer includes 'Pitch Black' mode (no word on grues)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/05/chronicles-of-riddick-multiplayer-includes-pitch-black-mode-n/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/05/chronicles-of-riddick-multiplayer-includes-pitch-black-mode-n/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/05/chronicles-of-riddick-multiplayer-includes-pitch-black-mode-n/#commentsFiled under: ,


With new publisher in tow, and new 10-hour campaign out in the open, Starbreeze's more-make-than-remake Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena is barreling towards that early 2009 release with a few more tricks up its sleeve ... well, Riddick rocks a tank-top, but you get the idea. CVG has details about the game's multiplayer modes - yup, they're adding in multiplayer, where the original 2004 release had none. Now, we're with you: not every FPS needs a multiplayer mode - more often than not, they seem like back-of-the-box bullet-point more than integral component - but let's give Dark Athena a chance, shall we?

In addition to standard-issue 12-player deathmatch and CTF modes, Dark Athena boasts an interesting "Butcher Bay Riot" gametype featuring three teams of four players each, ranging from guards to mercenaries to prisoners, each trying to make their way to a "central power cell." More interesting than that: a "Pitch Black" gametype featuring a (get this!) pitch black arena full of grunts armed with little more than a flashlight and a gun, each looking for he-can-totally-see-in-the-dark Riddick. Kill Riddick and you're Riddick next round. Rinse, repeat. With 20 maps "planned" for the final product, it sounds like Dark Athena's multiplayer may be more than an afterthought - but we'll let you know as soon as we see it.

Gallery: The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena

JoystiqChronicles of Riddick multiplayer includes 'Pitch Black' mode (no word on grues) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 20:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AtariChronicles-of-RiddickChronicles-of-Riddick-Assault-on-Dark-AthenaPS3RiddickStarbreezeTigonXbox-360Fri, 05 Dec 2008 20:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Riddick comes out of hiding in new Dark Athena video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/04/riddick-comes-out-of-hiding-in-new-dark-athena-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/04/riddick-comes-out-of-hiding-in-new-dark-athena-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/04/riddick-comes-out-of-hiding-in-new-dark-athena-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Starbreeze wasn't cooling its heels while it waited for word on a new publisher for The Chronicle of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena, as evidenced by this first video of the game in all its current, two-games-in-one glory. We've seen it in action and can attest to the fact that, yes, it actually looks like this on 360 and PS3 (though it will also be hitting PC).

The video features a couple of elements that we were especially impressed by. The first is a visual nuance, but one that speaks to the effort being put into the polishing of the final game. In the segment where Riddick hangs from a pipe and moves along it, hand over hand, there wasn't one iota of clipping - no "hand through wrist" glitching, nada. The look of the game is extremely solid.

The new gameplay mechanics are impressive as well. The half-man, half-weapon characters in this trailer are "drones" - cyborgs created by the Dark Athena crew from the hapless passengers of ships they've raided. Riddick can kill these enemies and use them as human shields, while using the gun grafted to their arm to shoot. As you'd expect from a real body, it's difficult to push it forward, but dragging it's a snap (which factors into overall strategy). It's also possible to control these guys from a remote terminal, hence the red-hued POV you catch at one point during the footage.

Download in HD (79MB)

JoystiqRiddick comes out of hiding in new Dark Athena video originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atarichronicles of riddickchronicles-of-riddick-assault-on-dark-athenaChroniclesOfRiddickPCPS3riddickstarbreezethe-chronicles-of-riddicktigonuniversalvideoXbox-360Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Riddick debut trailer is dark, gravelly]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/04/riddick-debut-trailer-is-dark-gravelly/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/04/riddick-debut-trailer-is-dark-gravelly/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/04/riddick-debut-trailer-is-dark-gravelly/#commentsFiled under:

"The darkness, for me, is where I shine," says Vin Diesel as Riddick, his greatest character (apart from the Iron Giant, of course). While it's clear that his daily breakfast of Gravel-Os probably ruined his chances at a singing career, it's also obvious that Riddick has a bright future in killing people with knives. Put bluntly (sharply?), The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena looks great, as is made plainly clear by the debut trailer above. Given that the game is being made by the same team that made the original (which fared very well), we're hopeful that it plays just as good as it looks. We'll find out when the game ships early next year.

JoystiqRiddick debut trailer is dark, gravelly originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Our PC loving brethren over at Big Download recently got a chance to sit down for a hands-off session of The Chronicles: Assault on Dark Athena. Dark Athena is essentially two games in one, as it is both a remake of the first Riddick title, Escape from Butcher Bay, and it also includes a brand new campaign entitled (you guessed it) Assault on Dark Athena. Fans of the original will be happy to hear that the new campaign can be started from the outset, so it won't be necessary to play the enhanced original unless you want to.

Big Download notes that the entire team that created Escape from Butcher Bay has returned to work on Dark Athena, ensuring that the game is more than just a simple remake. Dark Athena takes place directly after the first game, with Riddick tasked with escaping the Dark Athena, a ship replete with shadows and enemies that need killing. Among the new enemies are Drones, remote controlled androids that Riddick can incapacitate and use as shields. Riddick can also ustilise an incapacitated Drone's gun and, with the help of a control station, can even control Drones directly. This comes in handy should you find heavy opposition or otherwise impassable obstacles. Overall, it sounds like the game is shaping up well for its 2009 release.

Head over to Big Download for full impressions.

JoystiqNew impressions of Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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click to enlarge
It's no secret that Atari rescued Starbreeze Studios' hi-def remake of The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay after Activision-Blizzard kicked it to the curb. What you don't know - and we didn't know until we recently saw it in action - is that those added "Dark Athena" levels are quite substantial. They've been expended into an entirely new, 10-plus-hour campaign, complete with new game mechanics, full-game production values ... the works.

Starbreeze told us that, despite the game being absent from anyone's radar for quite some time, it never let up on development. In fact, the acquisition of the game by Atari has afforded the team upwards of nine additional months of development time, hence the (essentally) second full game and what the team was visibly ecstatic about: more time to polish every last detail.

The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena (Escape from Butcher's Bay is still there, looks amazing, and will incorporate new gameplay and tech developed for Dark Athena) is set for release in spring of 2009. Check back tomorrow for our full impressions of the new campaign.

Gallery: The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena

JoystiqRiddick: Dark Athena coming early '09, features new 10-hour campaign originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assault-on-dark-athenaatariChronicles-of-RiddickChronicles-of-Riddick-Assault-on-Dark-AthenaJS-TwitterPS3remakeriddickstarbreezetigonvin-dieselXbox-360Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari unleashes Tekken 6 and Riddick screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/atari-unleashes-tekken-6-and-riddick-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/atari-unleashes-tekken-6-and-riddick-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/atari-unleashes-tekken-6-and-riddick-screens/#commentsFiled under:


As part of today's press conference, Atari unloaded a bunch of fresh screenshots for next year's upcoming Tekken 6 and Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena. You can view the Tekken and Riddick screens below, but be warned about those Riddick screens. If you thought Gears of War was lacking color, then keep clear of Riddick's drab and dull "color" palette. Actually, it isn't so much a color palette as it is a black to white gradient.


JoystiqAtari unleashes Tekken 6 and Riddick screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assault-on-dark-athenaatarichronicles-of-riddickchronicles-of-riddick-assault-on-dark-athenariddicktekkentekken-6Tue, 02 Dec 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Chronicles of Riddick picked up by Atari, now has brand new campaign]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/chronicles-of-riddick-picked-up-by-atari-now-has-brand-new-camp/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/chronicles-of-riddick-picked-up-by-atari-now-has-brand-new-camp/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/chronicles-of-riddick-picked-up-by-atari-now-has-brand-new-camp/#commentsFiled under:


Atari today announced that it will publish The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena from Tigon Studios and The Darkness developer Starbreeze Studios. The title was previously announced as a graphically enhanced remake of the original Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay that would also feature a new chapter and multiplayer support. According to the press release, not only will the game include the remake of the original campaign, but the new chapter has now been expanded to include "a brand new full-length campaign" as well as the previously announced online multiplayer support. We're just going to guess that might be why the game missed its original winter 2007 release date.

The newly revamped Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena is expected to release in spring 2009. Check out a hi-res version of the first screenshot by clicking the image above.

JoystiqChronicles of Riddick picked up by Atari, now has brand new campaign originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Continuing its long climb back to Phil Harrison-lead relevance, Atari has picked up an Acti/Blizzard merger cast off and might have made a home for another, according to Variety. The company will publish Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena, adding not only multiplayer but a new campaign to the original Xbox release. "Originally it was just a remake, but we started thinking more and felt that wasn't super compelling," said Bill Kispert, head of interactive for Universal. Yeah, Bill. No kidding.

Variety also reports that Atari has picked up long-term licensing rights to Riddick to allow the possibility of more sequels. The trade pub says it understands that a similar deal could be in place for Ghostbusters, as was previously hinted by Dan Akroyd, though that hasn't been confirmed yet.

Well, finally, it seems all the Acti/Blizzard orphans have found good homes. ... Wait a minute, who's that sad, long-haired boy in the corner?

JoystiqRiddick remake and (maybe) Ghostbusters go to Atari originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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With so many editions of Ask X3F come and gone, one would think that we would have answered them all by now. But no, man is a curious creature, a creature whose thirst for knowledge will not be slaked. Also, it turns out, people just love asking questions about unreleased games. The most recent game-du-semaine is none other than The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena. Announced just over a year ago, it missed its projected 2007 release and sank into obscurity. What happened to it? Find our best theory (and feel free to submit your own) after the break Oh, and we answer other questions too.

Got a question for Ask X3F? Maybe you have a story or some information you'd like to share? Send it all to ask [at] xbox360fanboy [dawt] com.

Continue reading Ask X3F: Riddick-ulous edition

JoystiqAsk X3F: Riddick-ulous edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 May 2008 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ask-x3fassault-on-dark-athenachronicles-of-riddickchronicles-of-riddick-assault-on-dark-athenariddickTue, 27 May 2008 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Riddick's next-gen remake delayed until 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/11/riddicks-next-gen-remake-delayed-until-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/11/riddicks-next-gen-remake-delayed-until-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/11/riddicks-next-gen-remake-delayed-until-2008/#commentsFiled under: ,

Legend has it, there were people - humans - that actually enjoyed the Chronicles of Riddick film, starring The Pacifier himself, Vin Diesel. Those "people" are now in the dark on the real status of a sequel - or sequels, as it was envisioned - but fans of the wow-it's-really-pretty-good Chronicles of Riddick video game were looking forward to a next-gen remake, dubbed Chronicles Of Riddick: Assault On Dark Athena touching down in 2007.

Unfortunately, Sierra has confirmed that Riddick will join the rest of the delayed games this year, and be pushed back until 2008. The game's original developer, Starbreeze Studios, are back to "reinvent" their effort with an additional chapter, some online multiplayer, and of course high-definition muscles for our Riddick character (those have to be just right).

JoystiqRiddick's next-gen remake delayed until 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Aug 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChroniclesofRiddickPS3RiddickSierraStarbreezeXbox-360Sat, 11 Aug 2007 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 Fanboy review: The Darkness]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/03/ps3-fanboy-review-the-darkness/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/03/ps3-fanboy-review-the-darkness/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/03/ps3-fanboy-review-the-darkness/#commentsFiled under:


Starbreeze's Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay was one of those titles that you really, really should have played. The critically acclaimed game was known for its incredible graphics, atmospheric story and brutal, violent gameplay but was largely ignored by gamers who wrote it off as another cheap movie tie-in or were distracted by Half-Life 2 and Doom 3, both of which had just been released. It's a shame though, because Riddick easily held its own against both of those titles and is considered by many people to be the best FPS of 2004. And now, three years later, Starbreeze has done it again with their latest effort, The Darkness. Though only a little more than half-way through the year, The Darkness is an early runner for best FPS of 2007. A fantastic amalgamation of tight gameplay, mature storytelling and excellent graphics, the title is an absolute must-buy and is an instant classic.

Based on Top Cow's long running comic series of the same name, the story revolves around an anti-hero by the name of Jackie Estacado. Adopted by a mafia Don when a child, Jackie was raised to be the perfect hitman and enforcer for the mob. Things were going swimmingly until his 21st birthday when a strange and evil power within him called the Darkness is awoken. Older than time, this menavolent entity gives its host incredible powers and protection -- but nothing in this world is free and Jackie is about to find out what the cost of ultimate power is ...

Continue reading PS3 Fanboy review: The Darkness

JoystiqPS3 Fanboy review: The Darkness originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jul 2007 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>riddickstarbreezethe darknessTheDarknessTue, 03 Jul 2007 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Confirmed: Riddick remake is really real]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/22/confirmed-riddick-remake-is-really-real/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/22/confirmed-riddick-remake-is-really-real/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/22/confirmed-riddick-remake-is-really-real/#commentsFiled under:

Uncovered last week, the remake of Chronicles of Riddick for new-gen consoles has been confirmed for Xbox 360 and Playstation 3. As previously revealed, the game will be titled Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena. The game will receive a graphical face-lift and will feature a new single-player episode that takes place after the eponymous escape from Butcher Bay. Not only that, but the game will also feature online multiplayer. We must note, as does Joystiq, that the developer's commentary mode that was hinted at last week is not mentioned in the Sierra press release. Here's hoping it makes it into the final game.

Assault on Dark Athena is expected to arrive by the end of the year.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqConfirmed: Riddick remake is really real originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2007 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assault on dark athenaAssaultOnDarkAthenachronicles of riddick assault on dark athenachronicles of riddick escape from butcher bayChroniclesOfRiddickAssaultOnDarkAthenaChroniclesOfRiddickEscapeFromButcherBayescape from butcher bayEscapeFromButcherBayriddicksierrasierra entertainmentSierraEntertainmentstarbreezestarbreeze studiosStarbreezeStudiostigontigon studiosTigonStudiosTue, 22 May 2007 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Riddick remake confirmed for PS3, Xbox 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/22/riddick-remake-confirmed-for-ps3-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/22/riddick-remake-confirmed-for-ps3-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/22/riddick-remake-confirmed-for-ps3-xbox-360/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It seems like only last week that we were given the first details on a Chronicles of Riddick remake, and now we have official confirmation from Sierra that the "reinvention," now subtitled Assault on Dark Athena, will be released later this year for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

Besides the mandatory visual enhancement, the game will also feature a new chapter (entitled Dark Athena, natch) and online multiplayer. Not mentioned in Sierra's press release is the previously-discussed developer's commentary mode.

The original Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay for Xbox One and PC stands as one of the few games that not only puts a film license to good use, but actually might surpass the movie in terms of critical reception.

[Thanks, sheppy]

JoystiqRiddick remake confirmed for PS3, Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2007 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assault on dark athenaAssaultOnDarkAthenachronicles of riddickChroniclesOfRiddickescape from butcher bayEscapeFromButcherBayPS3riddicksierrastar breezeStarBreezetigonXbox-360Tue, 22 May 2007 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Chronicles of Riddick remake heading to the PS3 and 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/18/chronicles-of-riddick-remake-heading-to-the-ps3-and-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/18/chronicles-of-riddick-remake-heading-to-the-ps3-and-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/18/chronicles-of-riddick-remake-heading-to-the-ps3-and-360/#comments
It appears that the PlayStation 3 is getting a remake of the best movie videogame of all time, Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay. Rumors have been popping up on the net that an 'enhanced' version of the fantastic PC/Xbox game will be coming to both the PS3 and the 360 and will include improved graphics, online modes, developer commentary and a new level. The new version is titled Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena and it was confirmed that original developer Starbreeze is working on the remake. Unfortunately, no release date was mentioned.

The original title was easily one of my favorite first-person shooters from the previous generation. It was a bit of a sleeper hit with many people writing it off as just another movie cash-in title, but Starbreeze really delivered in spades. The game was incredibly atmospheric, had fantastic graphics, visceral and violent gameplay, and a surprisingly good story. Still, it seems a little odd that they're remaking a game that's only a few years old. Hopefully the new extras will make it worth taking another trip to Butcher Bay.

JoystiqChronicles of Riddick remake heading to the PS3 and 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2007 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assault on dark athenaAssaultOnDarkAthenabutcher bayButcherBaychroniclesremakeriddickstarbreezeFri, 18 May 2007 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Riddick Remake coming from Starbreeze]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/18/riddick-remake-coming-from-starbreeze/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/18/riddick-remake-coming-from-starbreeze/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/18/riddick-remake-coming-from-starbreeze/#commentsFiled under:


According to UK magazine MCV, Starbreeze will be revisiting The Chronicles of Riddick after finishing The Darkness. Pro-G reports that the game, reportedly a remake, will be called The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena and that the game will feature a longer single-player campaign, online multiplayer support, and a developer's commentary mode. Frankly, we really dig the idea of hearing developer commentary as we play. Perhaps this is a feature we might see in more new-gen titles. When Pro-G contacted Vivendi Games for comment, a representative wouldn't provide any details but noted that an announcement is expected soon.

Anyone out there excited to fight their way through a retooled Riddick?

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqRiddick Remake coming from Starbreeze originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2007 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Update: Sierra has confirmed the "reinvention" of Riddick.

With The Darkness now a month away from being in their rearview, developer Starbreeze will be returning to its old punching grounds with a remake of the surprisingly good Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay, according to UK industry mag MCV. The story has also popped up in Game Informer.

Pro-G reports that the game is currently titled The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena and is headed to Xbox 360 and PS3. It's also apparently got online multiplayer and a "developer's commentary mode" which has us praying that Vin Diesel has time to make a special guest appearance. (Spoiler alert: He does.) Vivendi apparently wouldn't confirm the story to Pro-G, but said that an announcement would be coming soon: We're already turning off all the lights and drinking protein shakes in anticipation.

JoystiqMCV: Riddick remake coming to 360, PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2007 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ps3riddickstarbreezethedarknessXbox-360xbox360Fri, 18 May 2007 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Video of The Darkness]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/31/video-of-the-darkness/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/31/video-of-the-darkness/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/31/video-of-the-darkness/#commentsFiled under:

Coming in at a whopping 47.1mb, this 720p video for The Darkness is worth the trouble to download. Developed by Starbreeze Studios, who are responsible for the excellent Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher's Bay, and being published by 2K Games, The Darkness was one of the best three games I was privileged enough to see at E3, although it should be noted that it was demoed on a Xbox 360 when I saw it.

[Via QJ]

JoystiqVideo of The Darkness originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 May 2006 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baybutchersdarknessescapeplaystationps3riddicksonystarbreezeWed, 31 May 2006 09:20:00 EST