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[Mustard: Infinity Blade success didn't stall Shadow Complex 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/mustard-infinity-blade-success-didnt-stall-shadow-complex-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/mustard-infinity-blade-success-didnt-stall-shadow-complex-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/mustard-infinity-blade-success-didnt-stall-shadow-complex-2/#comments Chair creative director Donald Mustard was nice enough to sit for a few moments with us to talk Infinity Blade 2 so, naturally, we took advantage of his generosity to grill him about the long-discussed (and apparently "largely designed") Shadow Complex 2.

We asked if the runaway success of Infinity Blade is what's kept the follow-up to the side-scrolling action-adventure off of Chair's radar.

"No, I think that's a complete misnomer," Mustard said. "When we sat down to figure out what we wanted to do after Infinity Blade, and we started to wonder 'Do we want to do Infinity Blade 2?', it wasn't about 'Do we want to make more money?' it was about 'Do we have more to say in this genre?' 'Can we push this gameplay somewhere meaningful?' Those are the questions we ask ourselves.

"Now that we've made the first Shadow Complex we kind of know what we're doing and we feel like we can really bring a lot to the Metroidvania genre and Shadow Complex franchise. We want it to be amazing, we want it to be perfect, and we want it to be delivered on the right platforms. It's really about finding the right opportunity for Shadow Complex, not that we've been diverted in any way.

"Everyone on our team at Chair will be dead long before we run out of games we want to make. So we try to be very careful about where we spend our time."

That's right, that's the answer: Mustard is choosy about projects because he's worried about his own mortality. We may not know when Shadow Complex 2 will arrive, but at least we know the source of the shadows: Donald Mustard's gloomy bummer clouds.

JoystiqMustard: Infinity Blade success didn't stall Shadow Complex 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairChair-Entertainmentdonald-mustardinfinity-bladeShadow-Complexshadow-complex-2Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[ITSP DLC sneaks onto XBLA next week, Shadow Complex also on sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/itsp-dlc-sneaks-onto-xbla-next-week-shadow-complex-also-on-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/itsp-dlc-sneaks-onto-xbla-next-week-shadow-complex-also-on-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/itsp-dlc-sneaks-onto-xbla-next-week-shadow-complex-also-on-sale/#comments The Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet DLC "Shadow Hunters" was originally set to be released in September, but that didn't happen. It's just shown up on Major Nelson's latest "coming soon" list of XBLA content, scheduled for release on October 12.

The schedule also includes some nice sales both this week and next. From today through October 10, you can get Catan, Magic the Gathering 2012, Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's, and Battleship for 50% off in the "Never Be Board Again" sale. Also half off is Bethesda "Games, Add-ons, and Avatars."

Next week, the "Saints and Shadows" sale will knock 600 points off the price of Shadow Complex, with Perfect Dark available for half-off as well. Saints Row 2 will be 25% off, with its DLC available at half price. Combined with that ITSP content, that's rather a lot of shadow.

JoystiqITSP DLC sneaks onto XBLA next week, Shadow Complex also on sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battleshipcatandlcinsanely-twisted-shadow-planetmagic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012perfect-darksaints-row-2shadow-complexshadow-huntersxblaxblmYu-Gi-Oh-5Ds-Decade-DuelsWed, 05 Oct 2011 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bleszinski: Shadow Complex 2 is 'largely designed' and 'sitting there']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/17/bleszinski-shadow-complex-2-is-largely-designed-and-sitting/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/17/bleszinski-shadow-complex-2-is-largely-designed-and-sitting/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/17/bleszinski-shadow-complex-2-is-largely-designed-and-sitting/#comments Remember when we told you that Shadow Complex 2 was probably going to come out, even though Epic focused on a new iOS title, Infinity Blade, after releasing Shadow Complex? Turns out we were right. Again. Epic's Cliff Bleszinski confirmed to Gamasutra that Shadow Complex 2 is "largely designed" and is just "sitting there."

Bleszinski said Epic and Chair Entertainment, the developer behind Infinity Blade and Shadow Complex, are looking for a partner to help finish the sequel. Even though it left Shadow Complex 2 behind, Bleszinski said developing Infinity Blade for iOS was the right move: "We needed a flagship product for iOS, plain and simple," he said. "And we could have ported Shadow Complex, but it would have been a lot of work and it might not have been the right fit. And then Donald Mustard suggested Punch Out!! with swords with RPG layers and we were like, 'Yes!'"

Update: We got a comment from Chair, which reads:
In a recent interview, Cliff reiterated the same thing ChAIR's Donald Mustard has said in the past and Epic President Mike Capps commented on a few weeks ago. Following the release of Shadow Complex, ChAIR did some really great design work on Shadow Complex 2. ChAIR then shifted gears to develop Infinity Blade upon noticing a huge opportunity with the emerging iOS market.

In regards to the "looking for partners" comment, its likely Cliff was referring to a potential publishing partner. Given the tremendous popularity of Shadow Complex, there's a ton of interest in a sequel and plenty more we'd like to do in that universe. We're confident we'll revisit when the right opportunity presents itself.

JoystiqBleszinski: Shadow Complex 2 is 'largely designed' and 'sitting there' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Sep 2011 00:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairChair-Entertainmentcliff-bleszinskiEpicEpic-Gamesinfinity-blademicrosoftmobileShadow-Complexshadow-complex-2xboxSat, 17 Sep 2011 00:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Why Epic Games hasn't made Shadow Complex 2 (but 'never say never')]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/why-epic-games-hasnt-made-shadow-complex-2-but-never-say-neve/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/why-epic-games-hasnt-made-shadow-complex-2-but-never-say-neve/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/why-epic-games-hasnt-made-shadow-complex-2-but-never-say-neve/#comments When Shadow Complex was released in 2009, it received critical praise and became a commercial hit. After Epic Games announced that Chair's next game would instead be an iOS title named Infinity Blade, many were curious as to what had happened to the obligatory, post-success sequel. "The reviews were great, it was a record seller for a single-player game on the platform, but at the same time we've got this mobile gaming push that's coming in strong," Epic Games president Mike Capps explained this morning during his GDC Europe keynote.

"And the big thing for me was that we were looking what the iPhone could do, and the games that were on iPhone, and we thought there was a huge gap, so we put our engine team on the problem, and that's where we came up with Infinity Blade," Capps said. "We were thinking about the sequel [to Shadow Complex], we were ready and 'Maybe we should start working on this,' and instead stopped everything and went and made Infinity Blade."

Capps expanded on the possibility of a Shadow Complex sequel when I followed up with him after his presentation. "Never say never," he offered. Of course, when Chair head Donald Mustard answered the same question earlier this year, he said that such a sequel is "a question of when, not if."

JoystiqWhy Epic Games hasn't made Shadow Complex 2 (but 'never say never') originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairchair-entertainmentdonald-mustardepicepic-gamesgdcgdc-europegdc-europe-2011gdce-2011infinity-bladeiosmicrosoftmike-cappsmobileShadow-Complexshadow-complex-2xblaxboxTue, 16 Aug 2011 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Chair: More Shadow Complex is 'a question of when']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/22/chair-more-shadow-complex-is-a-question-of-when/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/22/chair-more-shadow-complex-is-a-question-of-when/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/22/chair-more-shadow-complex-is-a-question-of-when/#comments It has been nearly two years since Chair Entertainment wowed us with its action-platformer Shadow Complex, but we still frequently think about how badly we want to return to its technology-filled catacombs. Apparently, we're not the only ones -- in a recent [some of you might have noticed -- as we just did -- the original article actually went up during PAX East. Sorry we missed it the first time around!] interview with Eurogamer, Chair creative director Donald Mustard said, "More Shadow Complex isn't a question of if, it's a question of when," later adding, "Shadow Complex is our baby and we love it dearly and, y'know, we're working on some cool stuff [in general]."

Mustard wouldn't go into more detail about the project, but it doesn't sound like the studio's interested in bringing the original title to smartphones. He said, "Shadow Complex is designed for a controller. I'm not a fan of trying to shoehorn console controls onto touch screens. They don't feel right. You just lose so much precision." Sure, but do you really need much precision when you're wielding a gun that sprays entire hallways with a deluge of foam? We think not.

JoystiqChair: More Shadow Complex is 'a question of when' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 22 May 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chair-Entertainmentepic-gamesmicrosoftShadow-ComplexxblaxboxSun, 22 May 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[One-day XBLA sale: Half-price Monday Night Combat, Limbo, Trials and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/15/one-day-xbla-sale-half-price-monday-night-combat-limbo-trials/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/15/one-day-xbla-sale-half-price-monday-night-combat-limbo-trials/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/15/one-day-xbla-sale-half-price-monday-night-combat-limbo-trials/#comments Microsoft is running a one-day sale on some of its best XBLA titles. Today only, you can grab Monday Night Combat, Limbo, Trials HD, Castle Crashers or Shadow Complex for the wallet-friendly price of 600 points ($7.50) each.

Continue reading One-day XBLA sale: Half-price Monday Night Combat, Limbo, Trials and more

JoystiqOne-day XBLA sale: Half-price Monday Night Combat, Limbo, Trials and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>castle-crasherslimbomicrosoftmonday-night-combatshadow-complextrials-hdxblaxboxxbox-liveFri, 15 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[December XBLA deal: Buy two games, get 400 MS Points free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/01/december-xbla-deal-buy-two-games-get-400-ms-points-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/01/december-xbla-deal-buy-two-games-get-400-ms-points-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/01/december-xbla-deal-buy-two-games-get-400-ms-points-free/#comments In yet another Xbox Live Arcade deal, Microsoft is now offering a free batch of 400 MS Points for purchasing two qualifying XBLA games. Don't run off downloading games just yet though, because you'll need to head over to the Xbox Live Events page and download the Arcade Offer gamer picture to register for the giveaway first (the direct link to the gamer picture is currently broken, but it's the first one listed on the events page).

Once that's done, snag two of the games listed after the break (including favorites like Limbo, Lara Croft, Monday Night Combat, Super Meat Boy and more). Within four weeks, the free points will be added to registered Live accounts automatically or sent as redemption code via email. If you're planning to pick up any of the eligible games, you might as well get some free points too, right? The promotion ends December 20, so get to it.

[Thanks, Grand Kerfuffle]

Continue reading December XBLA deal: Buy two games, get 400 MS Points free

JoystiqDecember XBLA deal: Buy two games, get 400 MS Points free originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Dec 2010 17:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-1943blacklight-tango-downcastlevania-harmony-of-despairComic-JumperDeathSpankDeathSpank-Thongs-of-Virtuehydro-thunder-hurricanelara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightlimbomarvel-vs-capcom-2microsoftmonday-night-combatplants-vs-zombiesshadow-complexsuper-meat-boytoy-soldierstrials-hdxblaxboxXbox-Live-ArcadeWed, 01 Dec 2010 17:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Trials HD voted best XBLA game of 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/trials-hd-voted-best-xbla-game-of-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/trials-hd-voted-best-xbla-game-of-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/trials-hd-voted-best-xbla-game-of-2009/#comments For the third year in a row, Microsoft hosted a community poll on Xbox Live to determine the best Xbox Live Arcade games as judged by the players. And like last year, when Joystiq favorite Braid was overthrown by those persistent party castle crashers, 2009's "Best Overall Arcade Game" goes to Trials HD over Joystiq Best of 2009 winners Shadow Complex and 'Splosion Man (which both did manage to win lesser awards in the Xbox Live poll).

We've posted the complete list of awards and winners, which also include Battlefield 1943, Hasbro Family Game Night and Banjo-Tooie, after the break. What, no love for Watchmen: The End is Nigh? We demand a recount!

Continue reading Trials HD voted best XBLA game of 2009

JoystiqTrials HD voted best XBLA game of 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 20:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banjo-tooiehasbro-family-game-nightMicrosoftshadow-complexsplosion-mantrials-hdxblaxblmXbox-360xbox-livexbox-live-arcadexbox-live-arcade-awardsxbox-live-arcade-awards-2009Tue, 06 Apr 2010 20:34:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC: 'Designing Shadow Complex' (or: zig when they zag)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/gdc-designing-shadow-complex-or-zig-when-they-zag/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/gdc-designing-shadow-complex-or-zig-when-they-zag/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/gdc-designing-shadow-complex-or-zig-when-they-zag/#commentsShadow Complex slide While Metroid director Yoshio Sakamoto may not have played Shadow Complex, the XBLA darling's creators definitely played Metroid. During a panel titled "Designing Shadow Complex," Chair Entertainment Creative Director Donald Mustard encouraged the audience of prospective downloadable game makers to embrace genre limitations. "So, genre is one of your limitations because you aren't just competing against other games that are released in the downloadable space," Mustard said, pacing across the stage. "You really are competing against Gears of War, Mass Effect 2, Uncharted 2. That is the real competition and you need to find a way to differentiate yourself from those kinds of games. And that is an awesome opportunity."

For Mustard, that meant moving "orthogonally" from what the "big $60 retail games" are doing. Mustard said, "For us, what that ultimately meant is target an old and abandoned genre. Which to us was kind of this Metroidvania side scroller adventure genre that had been abandoned. No one was making games in this genre. And we said, 'What if we took that genre and fused that with some of the modern sensibilities that had come out; some of the modern ideas of AI and physics and graphics? That would be a really cool combination.'

Continue reading GDC: 'Designing Shadow Complex' (or: zig when they zag)

JoystiqGDC: 'Designing Shadow Complex' (or: zig when they zag) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chair-EntertainmentDonald-MustardEpic-GamesGDCGDC-2010MetroidvaniaMicrosoftShadow-ComplexXBLAXbox-360Tue, 16 Mar 2010 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic president hints at new game announcement at E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/01/epic-president-hints-at-new-game-announcement-at-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/01/epic-president-hints-at-new-game-announcement-at-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/01/epic-president-hints-at-new-game-announcement-at-e3/#commentsEpic Games president Mike Capps is already teasing some kind of new announcement at E3. Speaking to VentureBeat at the Interactive Achievement Awards, Capps responded to a question about possible new games by saying that "We might have a new one coming. I think E3 is going to be really exciting for fans of Epic." You can see him make this statement on video after the break.

It might have a new one coming? Shouldn't he know? What kind of company doesn't keep its own president in the loop? Oh, we get it. He's being coy. So what's this new game? It could be the "Shooter from Epic TBA" listed in EA's schedule for early 2011. Which could be People Can Fly's "Bulletstorm." We suppose "fans of Epic" would be happiest with a sequel to one of the company's franchises, so a new Unreal, Gears of War or even Shadow Complex is always a possibility. It's probably not a new Jill of the Jungle. Which is too bad.

[Thanks, Fintan!]

Continue reading Epic president hints at new game announcement at E3

JoystiqEpic president hints at new game announcement at E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bulletstorme3-2010epic-gamesgears-of-warMicrosoftmike-cappspeople-can-flyshadow-complexunrealXbox-360Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[OnLive, PlayStation Motion Controller and others getting GDC panels]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/onlive-playstation-motion-controller-and-others-getting-gdc-pan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/onlive-playstation-motion-controller-and-others-getting-gdc-pan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/onlive-playstation-motion-controller-and-others-getting-gdc-pan/#comments The latest salvo of announcements for panels and presentations taking place at the Game Developers Conference was recently launched, revealing sessions focusing on a wide range of topics. Said topics include OnLive, Shadow Complex, the Smithsonian's admittance of video games, Blizzard's philosophy on game design, and a panel titled "Introducing the PlayStation Motion Controller." We're pretty sure we're already acquainted, thanks -- though we wouldn't mind if you'd finally tell us the damn thing's name.

Check out the full list of scheduled speeches on GDC's interactive site. Just don't look too hard for that special session which allows you to dine on the finest of breakfast cereals. That one will be at the other March gaming convention.

JoystiqOnLive, PlayStation Motion Controller and others getting GDC panels originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardgame-developers-conferencegdc-2010MicrosoftNintendoonliveplaystation-arcplaystation-motion-controllershadow-complexsmithsonianWiiXbox-360Tue, 16 Feb 2010 13:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq's Top 10 of 2009: Shadow Complex]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/01/joystiqs-top-10-of-2009-shadow-complex/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/01/joystiqs-top-10-of-2009-shadow-complex/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/01/joystiqs-top-10-of-2009-shadow-complex/#comments In many ways, Shadow Complex finds itself in similar standing as Rock Band and Guitar Hero; it's a style of game Konami has left for its competitors to refine and perfect. Taking its cues from the Metroids and Castlevanias of the world, the Xbox Live Arcade-exclusive title was able to stand out in 2009, regardless of its forgettable storyline and poorly constructed characters. As an overall experience, Shadow Complex was the best downloadable experience of 2009 -- and one of the year's overall best, for that matter.

Shadow Complex is a prime example of a developer -- in this case, Chair -- designing a game best suited for its platform and skyrocketing past expectations. It proves that 2D exploration and adventure can still have a meaningful impact if approached correctly. Sadly, Konami has decided against bringing new Castlevania experiences of this style to consoles and only now (since 2004's Metroid: Zero Mission) has Nintendo decided to return Samus closer to her roots in the upcoming Metroid: Other M (another game revealed at E3 2009).

It's no surprise that Shadow Complex resonated with us (hell, we dedicated quite a bit of time to the game), and while we weren't left mouth-agape at its originality, the entire experience left us craving more. We have yet to satisfy that craving, as no additional content has been delivered for the game since its August 19, 2009 debut.

Beyond its excellent blend of shooting and platforming, and its tremendous value (only $15!), Shadow Complex stands out as one of the best experiences we've had all year. It simultaneously resurrected our love of the 2D exploration genre and our inner speedrun freak, and is a testament to the maturity of the download space on consoles within the last few years. We hope the franchise will be with us for the long haul.

<< Back(8) | Comment | 6. Post Modern Warfare >>

JoystiqJoystiq's Top 10 of 2009: Shadow Complex originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Jan 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionchairChair-EntertainmentEpicepic-gamesjoystiq-best-of-2009MicrosoftMicrosoft-Games-Studiosshadow-complexxblaXbox-360xbox-live-arcadeFri, 01 Jan 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Reminder: Shadow Complex is $10 this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/21/reminder-shadow-complex-is-10-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/21/reminder-shadow-complex-is-10-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/21/reminder-shadow-complex-is-10-this-week/#comments If you have an Xbox Live Gold subscription and have yet to experience the joys of Shadow Complex, it's time for you to stop reading this post. You see, Shadow Complex has been marked down to 800 for one week and one week only. It was already a steal at 1200 ($15) and $10 is absolutely ludicrous. Go buy it. Now. We'll even help you out with a handy shortcut link. You should click it. Your friends will make fun of you if you don't.

Shortcut: Add Shadow Complex to your 360 download queue [Via Xbox.com]

JoystiqReminder: Shadow Complex is $10 this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deal-of-the-weekepicepic-gamesmicrosoft-game-studiosshadow-complexxbox-liveMon, 21 Dec 2009 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[VGA 2009: Cliff Bleszinski teases new projects, more to come 'when the weather's warm']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/18/vga-2009-cliff-bleszinski-teases-new-projects-more-to-come-wh/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/18/vga-2009-cliff-bleszinski-teases-new-projects-more-to-come-wh/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/18/vga-2009-cliff-bleszinski-teases-new-projects-more-to-come-wh/#comments This past Saturday brought us the Spike TV Video Game Awards and - before experiencing the litany of world exclusives that awaited us inside - we spent some time outside cruising the red carpet and talking (briefly!) to many of the game developers and talent. We squeezed them for information as fast as we could while simultaneously wishing them holiday cheer and good tidings. Yes, it was as awkward as it sounds. Here's what we learned from Epic's Cliff Bleszinski.

So you segued from Gears into Shadow Complex ... what are you working on now?

I can't tell you that! It's actually quite agonizing for me right now, because there's a bunch of awesome shit we're working on, but I can't say a damn thing about it no matter how many alcoholic beverages you might try and feed me! Well, maybe if you bribe me with hookers and blow, that might work.

Shadow Complex will be on sale during the holidays. Was that Microsoft's idea or Epic's?

Microsoft is doing that promo. They're doing some other stuff as well to help drive the holiday sales. I mean, in this day and age look how crammed Christmas is, and it's like March is the new holiday. Everybody's moved out to March. I think it's good because the good games will rise, and the bad games will sink, right? I was getting tired of the fact that everyone had to cram everything into the holiday season. Hopefully we'll get some quality releases in March that will do well, and the gaming industry can sell more than 80% of its games outside of a three month period.

What are you playing right now?

I'm playing the hell out of Modern Warfare 2 and I hate those guys, because those guys are so awesome. Uncharted 2 I beat, which was absolutely stellar. Borderlands co-op is amazing ... that's the only way to play, really. I gush about it not just because it's our engine but because Randy and those guys are good friends, and it's the kind of game I really want to play. It's the perfect blending of the shooter and the RPG.

So when will we hear about this "awesome shit"?

Maybe sometime when the weather's warm, you'll be hearing something.

JoystiqVGA 2009: Cliff Bleszinski teases new projects, more to come 'when the weather's warm' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cliff-bleszinskicliffybEpicGears-of-WarinterviewMicrosoftred-carpetShadow-Complexspike-vga-2009vga-2009Xbox-360Fri, 18 Dec 2009 20:20:00 EST<![CDATA[XBLM December deals: Cheap Shadow Complex, Maw]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/10/xblm-december-deals-cheap-shadow-complex-maw/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/10/xblm-december-deals-cheap-shadow-complex-maw/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/10/xblm-december-deals-cheap-shadow-complex-maw/#comments Microsoft has announced the Xbox Live Marketplace content schedule for December and it's a real doozy. The Deals of the Week -- usually a haven for long-forgotten or unwanted DLC -- are actually real deals this month. In particular, Shadow Complex will be dropped from 1200 ($15) to 800 ($10) during the week of December 21. The following week, starting December 28, Twisted Pixel's The Maw will fall from 800 ($10) to a miniscule 400 ($5).

In addition to the normal Deals of the Week, Microsoft will also be offering daily deals from December 18-31. The company didn't specify what any of those deals will be, though it promises discounts on "games, movies, blockbuster game add-ons, holiday themes, you name it!" Rest assured, we'll be keeping our eye on things once the deals start rolling.

In the meantime, check out the XBLM December schedule, including Deals of the Week, Games on Demand and XBLA after the break.

Continue reading XBLM December deals: Cheap Shadow Complex, Maw

JoystiqXBLM December deals: Cheap Shadow Complex, Maw originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deal-of-the-weekgames-on-demandMicrosoftshadow-complexthe-mawxblaxblmXbox-360xbox-liveThu, 10 Dec 2009 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft lists more jobs for Project Natal, 343 Industries; hiring Shadow Complex, Gears of War franchises lead]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/microsoft-lists-more-jobs-for-project-natal-343-industries/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/microsoft-lists-more-jobs-for-project-natal-343-industries/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/microsoft-lists-more-jobs-for-project-natal-343-industries/#comments With Shadow Complex setting very specific week-one sales records on XBLA, Epic and Chair would be kind of nuts to not consider a sequel. One job listing out of a recent crop on Microsoft's employment boards seems to out that likely scenario, implying that Shadow Complex is a bona fide franchise for Microsoft Game Studios and Epic. Said listing specifically calls for a Lead Producer to "lead the publishing side of games made by Epic: Gears of War and Shadow Complex."

Additionally, Microsoft appears to be looking for more able bodies to join its growing pool of Project Natal and 343 Industries employees. Existing job listings call for everything from designers to engineers to even a few artists. Sadly, the company isn't looking for MJOLNIR armor models yet, but just in case, Microsoft, you know how to reach us.

[Via Develop]

JoystiqMicrosoft lists more jobs for Project Natal, 343 Industries; hiring Shadow Complex, Gears of War franchises lead originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industrieschairChair-Entertainmentemploymentepicepic-gamesgears-of-warhalojob-listingjobsmicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosproject-natalshadow-complexxblaXbox-360Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft's Aaron Greenberg touts holiday exclusives, 360 sales growth in down economy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/16/microsofts-aaron-greenberg-touts-holiday-exclusives-360-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/16/microsofts-aaron-greenberg-touts-holiday-exclusives-360-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/16/microsofts-aaron-greenberg-touts-holiday-exclusives-360-sales/#comments
Namedropping exclusives from Halo 3: ODST to Grand Theft Auto: Episodes From Liberty City to Shadow Complex, as well as reaffirming Microsoft's "year-to-date growth in console sales compared to last year," Microsoft's director of product management Aaron Greenberg sounds extremely confident in the Xbox 360 (that's his job, right?). Thankfully, he's not always above admitting when his competitors are going to win. "When NPD releases September sales later today, we fully expect PlayStation 3 will come in as the console with the most units sold for the month," he tells Game Informer in a recent interview.

Unsurprisingly, though, he's sanguine on the prospect of Microsoft's console beating out Sony's. "We remain confident that Xbox 360 will not only outsell PS3 for the full calendar year, but for this entire generation." His confidence wanes though when asked about beating Apple with the Zune HD, offering only, "Our strategy has always been to completely focus on delivering the best games and entertainment experience in the living room and not get distracted by anything else." Gotta know when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em, right?

[Image credit: gamerscore]

JoystiqMicrosoft's Aaron Greenberg touts holiday exclusives, 360 sales growth in down economy originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaron-greenbergbusinessconsole-salesepisodes-from-liberty-citygame-informerhalo-3-odstmicrosoftsalesshadow-complexXbox-360zune-hdFri, 16 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ogle Chair's hand-drawn Shadow Complex map]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/ogle-chairs-hand-drawn-shadow-complex-map/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/ogle-chairs-hand-drawn-shadow-complex-map/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/ogle-chairs-hand-drawn-shadow-complex-map/#comments It's a sad testament to how much we loved Shadow Complex that we were able to spend several happy minutes simply poring over Chair's hand-drawn proto-map for the game, as obtained by MTV Multiplayer. As an added bonus, we got to hear the story of Chair staffers playing the game with their imaginations, tracing a stick figure's journey through a giant-sized version of the map as they tried to perfectly balance the experience.

Golly! Imagination? Non-electronic games? What will video game developers think of next?

JoystiqOgle Chair's hand-drawn Shadow Complex map originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairepicshadow-complexxblaWed, 14 Oct 2009 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Top 10: Halo 3, Trials HD, Forza 3 demo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/06/xbox-live-top-10-halo-3-trials-hd-forza-3-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/06/xbox-live-top-10-halo-3-trials-hd-forza-3-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/06/xbox-live-top-10-halo-3-trials-hd-forza-3-demo/#comments As our more astute readers likely gathered from this very post's headline, another week has gone, so it's about time we checked in with Major Nelson to see what made his list of the most-played games on Xbox Live. Unsurprisingly, Bungie's dynamic duo of Halo 3 and Halo 3: ODST managed to do well, taking the first and third spots, respectively -- Call of Duty 4 was in the second slot, while Forza 3's demo managed to get some play time on folks' boxes, taking a tight turn into the seventh place spot.

On the XBLA side, Trials HD did backflips to the top of the list, beating out recent releases Zombie Apocalypse and Bust-A-Move Live!. The remainder of the XBLA list saw favorites Battlefield 1943 and Shadow Complex rounding out the bottom end of the top five.

JoystiqXbox Live Top 10: Halo 3, Trials HD, Forza 3 demo originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-1943bungiebust-a-move-livecall-of-duty-4forza-3halohalo-3halo-3-odstKonamiNihilistic-Softwareshadow-complextrials-hdxblaxbox-live-top-tenzombie-apocalypseTue, 06 Oct 2009 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[XBLA Summer of Arcade sales grow 200%]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/22/xbla-summer-of-arcade-sales-grow-200/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/22/xbla-summer-of-arcade-sales-grow-200/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/22/xbla-summer-of-arcade-sales-grow-200/#comments
Microsoft had a good summer, according to the company's summary of Xbox Live events. 1 vs. 100 reached nearly 3 million gamers during its beta season by Microsoft's estimates, and the Summer of Arcade Xbox Live Arcade promotion enjoyed a reported 200 percent growth in revenue over last year's sales.

While Microsoft has already relished in Metroidvania success, a press release claims that Trials HD and Marvel vs. Capcom 2 also performed well in first-week sales; and both titles join Shadow Complex in the top five bestselling week-one XBLA games of all time. Sales were no doubt boosted by a cloudy economy that kept folks indoors and looking for inexpensive entertainment. Microsoft capitalized, too, by raising the average price of its Summer of Arcade titles.

During last year's promotion, three of the five Summer of Arcade games were priced at $10, but this year, only two of the five were $10 -- the other three costing $15 apiece. (It's unclear if Microsoft counts Battlefield 1943's sales toward revenue growth; the $15 title was not technically part of Summer of Arcade this year.)

Microsoft also saw success in its bold, new free entertainment department. 1 vs. 100 averaged more than half a million users during each of the game show's live sessions. According to Microsoft, the game's near "three-million" downloads within its 13-week availability places 1 vs. 100 within the top ten downloads in Xbox Live history. If we've learned anything on this gloomy fall morning, it's that people like summer gaming and Microsoft has way too many "top" lists cluttering up its offices.

JoystiqXBLA Summer of Arcade sales grow 200% originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1-vs-100capcomchair-entertainmentdataepic-gamesmarvel-vs-capcom-2Microsoftredlynxsalesshadow-complexsummer-of-arcadetrials-hdxblaXbox-360Tue, 22 Sep 2009 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Shadow Complex cheaters will have scores deleted, Gamerscore reset]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/16/shadow-complex-cheaters-will-have-scores-deleted-gamerscore-res/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/16/shadow-complex-cheaters-will-have-scores-deleted-gamerscore-res/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/16/shadow-complex-cheaters-will-have-scores-deleted-gamerscore-res/#comments
Chair Entertainment is ready to lay the smack down on Shadow Complex cheaters. Major Nelson sends word that Microsoft will take action this week against those "verified as cheaters," deleting their records from the Shadow Complex leaderboards, as well as resetting their associated accounts' Gamerscore. Worse still, said accounts will be branded on Xbox.com (and dashboard) as belonging to cheaters.

For those looking to brush up on what constitutes cheating on Xbox Live, feel free to review Microsoft's policy on "Gamerscore corrections." Of course, if you're a cheater, then you probably already know.

JoystiqShadow Complex cheaters will have scores deleted, Gamerscore reset originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairchair-entertainmentcheaterscheatinggamerscore-correctionmicrosoftshadow-complexxblaWed, 16 Sep 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Shadow Complex sets week-one sales record]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/shadow-complex-sets-week-one-sales-record/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/shadow-complex-sets-week-one-sales-record/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/shadow-complex-sets-week-one-sales-record/#comments That's, um, sales of single-player games (multiplayer ones don't count!). And, uh, you know, we're just talking about Xbox Live Arcade titles -- not that clarifying this awfully specific sales record is an attempt to take away from the much-deserved success of Chair's excellent Shadow Complex or the 200,000-plus downloaders (much of the Joystiq staff included) who didn't wait long to cash in 1200.

Still, we're not going to label Shadow Complex's sales Achievement(R) (as Microsoft does) the "New Era of Downloadable Games." It takes far too much effort to produce a decent Metroidvania experience than it does a mediocre dual-stick shooter, after all.

We will, however, join in on the not-so-subtle peer pressuring. Seriously, you still haven't purchased Shadow Complex? Shame on you. (So ... just direct deposit that check, cool? Thanks Microsoft!)

Gallery: Shadow Complex

JoystiqShadow Complex sets week-one sales record originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionchairchair-entertainmentepicepic-gamesmicrosoftMicrosoft-Games-Studiossalesshadow-complexxblaXbox-360Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Top 10 dominated by Shadow Complex, CoD: World at War]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/25/xbox-live-top-10-dominated-by-shadow-complex-cod/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/25/xbox-live-top-10-dominated-by-shadow-complex-cod/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/25/xbox-live-top-10-dominated-by-shadow-complex-cod/#comments
Major Nelson has revealed the latest figures for Xbox Live activity, which once again sees Call of Duty: World at War being the most played Xbox 360 Live title. That's not to say it's all business as usual, as the Lost Planet 2 co-op demo managed to claw its way onto the list, along with a new Xbox Live Arcade pair, Shadow Complex and Trials HD.

Both titles made it onto the top two spots on XBLA's most played list, with Chair's Metroid-inspired adventure making its debut in first place. The remainder is comprised of usual suspects Battlefield 1943, Marvel vs Capcom 2 and 'Splosion Man.

JoystiqXbox Live Top 10 dominated by Shadow Complex, CoD: World at War originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-1943call-of-dutycall-of-duty-4call-of-duty-world-at-warchairchair-entertainmentdemoepicepic-gameshalohalo-3lost-planet-2marvel-vs-capcom-2mementooutpost-kaloki-xshadow-complexsplosion-mantrials-hdxblaxbox-live-top-10xbox-live-top-tenTue, 25 Aug 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Community teamwork solves Shadow Complex speed run mystery]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/22/community-teamwork-solves-shadow-complex-speed-run-mystery/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/22/community-teamwork-solves-shadow-complex-speed-run-mystery/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/22/community-teamwork-solves-shadow-complex-speed-run-mystery/#comments
For fans of speed runs, Shadow Complex housed a clever secret that allows gamers to skip most of the game and complete it in record time. Surrounding the mystery was knowledge that players are able to obtain the Foam ability within the first 15 minutes of gameplay. Over the last few days (since its August 19 release), gamers across multiple message boards compiled data and quotes, and tried brilliant ideas to crack the code.

And they blew it wide open. If a certain number of tasks are completed within a short time frame, gamers are able to bypass an entire section of the game, landing them within a few rooms of the Foam ability.

Spoiler Warning! YouTube user Nogarda1 showcases the steps needed to cleverly infiltrate the enemy base after the break.

Continue reading Community teamwork solves Shadow Complex speed run mystery

JoystiqCommunity teamwork solves Shadow Complex speed run mystery originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 22 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairchair-entertainmentepic-gamessecretsshadow-complexspoilersSat, 22 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[These Metroidvania games are neither Metroid nor Vania]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/20/these-metroidvania-games-are-neither-metroid-nor-vania/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/20/these-metroidvania-games-are-neither-metroid-nor-vania/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/20/these-metroidvania-games-are-neither-metroid-nor-vania/#comments"Metroidvania" is a term used to describe side-scrolling games with large, open worlds, new areas of which are accessible only with certain items or powerups. Take away the side-scrolling element, and you've got Zelda; take away the powerups, and you've got Pitfall. It's named after the two most famous series to make use of the format, Metroid and (later) Castlevania.

Shadow Complex has suddenly thrown the Metroidvania genre back into mainstream gamers' attention, thanks to its fancy graphics and being an Xbox 360 game. It isn't the first game that isn't a Metroid or Castlevania to apply this formula -- in fact, many developers stumbled upon the Metroidvania formula or a close variant even before Symphony of the Night.

Join us on a brisk tour of some notable free-roaming games. If you are overcome by Metroidvania fever, you can read more detailed writeups of many of the games in GameSpite's ToastyWiki.

Click here to start your adventure!

JoystiqThese Metroidvania games are neither Metroid nor Vania originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-island-ivblaster-mastercastlevanialegacy-of-the-wizardmetroidmetroidvaniashadow-complextombawonderboyThu, 20 Aug 2009 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Why Shadow Complex credits a multiplayer tester]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/why-shadow-complex-credits-a-multiplayer-tester/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/why-shadow-complex-credits-a-multiplayer-tester/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/why-shadow-complex-credits-a-multiplayer-tester/#comments Those of you who've blown through Shadow Complex already (shame on you, it should be savored) may have noticed a strange anomaly during the credits. The game (which is single-player only) credits T.J. Duez as the sole member of the game's multiplayer test team. We emailed developer Chair and parent company Epic to get the skinny.

"The only explanation I can offer is that we used a lot Epic's internal testers for the game and since they have a number of multiplayer games, that might just be his title at Epic," said Chair's Laura Mustard. "Otherwise, he's got a pretty good gig as there's not much multiplayer testing that can be done on a game that is single-player only, right?" Epic's Mark Rein concurred, adding "We have testers at Epic who specialize in multi-player testing and probably one of them helped out on Shadow Complex in their spare time."

Sorry, gang. Sounds like if you were hoping for co-op complex crawling, you're going to be waiting a while.

JoystiqWhy Shadow Complex credits a multiplayer tester originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairepic-gamesMicrosoftshadow-complexsummer-of-arcadeXbox-360xbox-liveWed, 19 Aug 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spoiler Warning: Shadow Complex secrets and strategies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/spoiler-warning-shadow-complex-secrets-and-strategies/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/spoiler-warning-shadow-complex-secrets-and-strategies/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/spoiler-warning-shadow-complex-secrets-and-strategies/#comments With Shadow Complex closing out the second Summer of Arcade today, the Joystiq crew has been hard at work compiling a series of videos and images to help would-be explorers unlock the secrets of Chair Entertainment's latest adventure.

Of course (as the headline would indicate) this feature is filled to the brim with spoilers and strategies necessary to unlock some of Shadow Complex's many secrets. If you're looking for a Shadow Complex news fix, this isn't the feature for you ... but if you want to know where (and how) to find most of the game's hidden gems, jump in.

Gallery: Shadow Complex

Continue reading Spoiler Warning: Shadow Complex secrets and strategies

JoystiqSpoiler Warning: Shadow Complex secrets and strategies originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionChairchair-entertainmentEpicepic-gamesMicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosMicrosoft-Games-Studiosshadow-complexshadow-complex-mapspoiler-warningtips-and-tricksvideowalkthroughxblaXbox-360xbox-live-arcadeWed, 19 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Shadow Complex]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/x3f-tv-xbla-in-brief-shadow-complex/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/x3f-tv-xbla-in-brief-shadow-complex/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/x3f-tv-xbla-in-brief-shadow-complex/#commentsFiled under:

This week's XBLA in Brief is a little different. Normally we only take the trial version for a spin, but we were lucky enough to get our hands on the full version of Shadow Complex last week, so we've spent quite a bit of time with it. We've already handed the game a great review, now you can see what all the fuss is about.

The full version is 1200 ($15).

Download the trial version of Shadow Complex

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JoystiqX3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Shadow Complex originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairepicshadow-complexx3f-tvxblaxbla-in-briefWed, 19 Aug 2009 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Shadow Complex launch trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/17/shadow-complex-launch-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/17/shadow-complex-launch-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/17/shadow-complex-launch-trailer/#comments You know that Shadow Complex is good, right? Yeah, well, it is, and this trailer aims to make sure you know it. Apart from a liberal sprinkling of impressive-sounding critical quotes, there's also some gameplay in there, too. If you hold an Xbox 360 controller as you watch it, you can pretend that you're playing it right now. If you take a controller to work, you can pretend to play at work, too!

Until you can actually play the real thing, It's really the only sensible thing to do.

JoystiqShadow Complex launch trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairepicshadow-complexxblaMon, 17 Aug 2009 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: Shadow Complex (XBLA)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/17/review-shadow-complex-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/17/review-shadow-complex-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/17/review-shadow-complex-xbla/#comments Let's get this out of the way: You'll need to forgive Shadow Complex its generic trappings. For one of the most hyped elements of the production, author Orson Scott Card's contributions are underwhelming. The hero (everyman Jason Fleming but let's call him ... Nathan Bourne) and the story are both entirely forgettable; however, the real star of the game comes from the other half of this collaboration: the gameplay. Put simply, Shadow Complex is the easiest Xbox Live Arcade recommendation I can make and one of the best games of the year.

Gallery: Shadow Complex

Continue reading Review: Shadow Complex (XBLA)

JoystiqReview: Shadow Complex (XBLA) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionChairChair-EntertainmentEpicEpic-GamesMicrosoftMicrosoft-Games-StudiosShadow-ComplexXBLAXbox-360Mon, 17 Aug 2009 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Orson Scott Card talks 'Shadow Complex' and the future of 'Empire']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/orson-scott-card-talks-shadow-complex-and-the-future-of-empir/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/orson-scott-card-talks-shadow-complex-and-the-future-of-empir/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/orson-scott-card-talks-shadow-complex-and-the-future-of-empir/#comments
Beyond being an award-winning author, Orson Scott Card has some gaming cred on his resume. An avid old school gamer himself, Card has worked on a few notable game projects, including The Secret of Monkey Island, for which he penned the swordfighting insults. On August 19, Card returns to gaming by creating the world that surrounds Shadow Complex, which runs parallel to the events in Card's best-selling novel, Empire.

However, unlike his experience working on the poorly-received game Advent Rising -- which Card was brought into late to develop the game's story -- the author and Chair Entertainment collaborated from the beginning to bring the Empire book trilogy and Shadow Complex to life. "They do their thing and I do mine. Two very different arts end up working together to tell the same story," Card told Variety. Card says, he enjoys Shadow Complex's main character so much, he suspects readers will see Jason Flemming (voiced by Nolan North) appear in a future novel within the universe. Shadow Complex's story was written by Star Trek novelist Peter David.

Card also notes that he is confident he has "come up with something" to allow future games in the series to be different. "Nothing would be worse than if they play the second game is the same as the first," Card said. Apparently in Card's world, gamers love change.

Gallery: Shadow Complex

JoystiqOrson Scott Card talks 'Shadow Complex' and the future of 'Empire' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairempireepicorson-scott-cardshadow-complexxblaxbox-live-arcadeTue, 11 Aug 2009 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft will give you $10! (For spending $70 on Xbox Live)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/microsoft-will-give-you-10-for-spending-70-on-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/microsoft-will-give-you-10-for-spending-70-on-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/microsoft-will-give-you-10-for-spending-70-on-xbox-live/#comments So, here's an interesting promotion. A press release just hit the ol' Joystiq inbox, claiming that those who buy all of the Xbox Live Summer of Arcade titles will be treated to 800, also known as $10 in Microsoft's funny money. This calls for copy and paste!
Just adding those up -- carry the one --- that's a free $10 for spending $70 on Xbox Live. Keep in mind it's $10 you can only spend on Xbox Live (or Zune Marketplace). While the deal might seem silly at first glance, it does essentially boil down to five XBLA games for $60, the price of one retail game. And, as another Joystiq editor pointed out, that retail game could never be 'Splosion Man.

It's a nice bonus if you already plan to pick up all the games. If you don't, you'll be saving money anyway. Everybody wins!

JoystiqMicrosoft will give you $10! (For spending $70 on Xbox Live) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>marvel-vs-capcom-2Microsoftshadow-complexsplosion-mansummer-of-arcadeTMNT-Turtles-in-Time-Re-Shelledtrials-hdxblaXbox-360Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Shadow Complex Achievements arrive with a handful of screens, new trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/21/shadow-complex-achievements-arrive-with-a-handful-of-screens-ne/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/21/shadow-complex-achievements-arrive-with-a-handful-of-screens-ne/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/21/shadow-complex-achievements-arrive-with-a-handful-of-screens-ne/#commentsWill Shadow Complex be this year's Bionic Commando: Rearmed -- ya know, minus all that direct nostalgia? Between the 2D platforming, arsenal of weapons, huge bosses, and frosted camera lens, it's getting harder and harder for us not to draw the comparison. One thing the new gameplay you see above features that BC:R lacked? Jumping! (Thankfully!)

An Achievement for melee kills (find the whole list after the break) helps to assuage our concerns of, well, not having a robot arm -- though anyone with half a brain knows that third-party human being parts beat out melee weapons every time. Hopefully the extra $5 for Shadow Complex over BC:R means those weapons are really sharp when you check them out on August 19.

Gallery: Shadow Complex (7/21/09)

Continue reading Shadow Complex Achievements arrive with a handful of screens, new trailer

JoystiqShadow Complex Achievements arrive with a handful of screens, new trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementsActioncastlevaniachairchair-entertainmentepicepic-gamesgameplaymetroidmetroidvaniaMicrosoftMicrosoft-Games-Studiosshadow-complextrailerxblaXbox-360Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Shadow Complex script penned by comic book scribe Peter David]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/16/shadow-complex-script-penned-by-comic-book-scribe-peter-david/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/16/shadow-complex-script-penned-by-comic-book-scribe-peter-david/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/16/shadow-complex-script-penned-by-comic-book-scribe-peter-david/#commentsEpic Games and Microsoft Game Studios are ramping up for the impending release of Chair Entertainment's Shadow Complex on XBLA, today revealing that the game's script was written by Eisner Award winning author Peter David. David has worked on various comic book titles for numerous imprints, but is probably best known for his run on The Incredible Hulk. He currently writes She-Hulk and X-Factor for Marvel.

The script for Shadow Complex is adapted from work by sci-fi author and visionary Orson Scott Card, whose 2006 novel, Empire, is based on the game's universe and an original concept by game designer Donald Mustard. David has written a story that parallels the events of the novel, which itself focuses on a future American civil war. We recently saw the game in action and wrote up our impressions.

David, Mustard and Epic's Cliff Bleszinski will be on-hand at next week's San Diego Comic-Con to promote the game, which hits the Xbox Live Marketplace on August 19.

JoystiqShadow Complex script penned by comic book scribe Peter David originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionChairchair-entertainmentcomicsepicepic-gamesMicrosoftMicrosoft-Games-Studiospeter-davidshadow-complexxblaXbox-360Thu, 16 Jul 2009 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Impressions: Shadow Complex]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/14/impressions-shadow-complex/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/14/impressions-shadow-complex/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/14/impressions-shadow-complex/#comments With just a little more than a month to go before the game hits the Xbox Live Marketplace, today we got a look at more of Chair Entertainment and Epic Games' love letter to Super Metroid, a.k.a Shadow Complex. We'd journeyed through some of the same in-game territory during E3, but this latest glimpse was geared more towards getting into gameplay we didn't really get a good look at then.

For starters, we witnessed several nods to the stealth-oriented gameplay of Metal Gear Solid (the game also draws on Kojima's classic series for artistic inspiration). In one area, designer Donald Mustard -- an avid fan of the 2D action-adventure who hopes his game kick-starts a new trend among his fellow developers -- guided his hero past moving floodlights and security cameras which, if not avoided, would have locked down the area requiring players to find an alternate path through. Stealth kills have also made their way into the game and even work on smaller robots, who, like human enemies, are fair game as long as players aren't in their line of sight.

Gallery: Shadow Complex

Continue reading Impressions: Shadow Complex

JoystiqImpressions: Shadow Complex originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionChairchair-entertainmentEpicepic-gamesMicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosMicrosoft-Games-Studiosshadow-complexxblaXbox-360Tue, 14 Jul 2009 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[XBLA's 'Summer of Arcade' lineup reshuffled]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/10/xblas-summer-of-arcade-lineup-reshuffled/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/10/xblas-summer-of-arcade-lineup-reshuffled/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/10/xblas-summer-of-arcade-lineup-reshuffled/#comments As if this Friday wasn't freaky enough, Xbox Live's Major Nelson has alerted us to a schedule swap occurring within the "Summer of Arcade" lineup. 'Splosion Man has taken the July 22nd spot previously held by TMNT: Turtles in Time Re-shelled, which will now release on August 5th. The full Xbox Live Arcade release list -- excluding next week's Monkey Island revamp -- is as follows:
We're happy to experience Twisted Pixel's self-destructive efforts sooner, if only to ease us gently into a rather extravagant spending spree.

JoystiqXBLA's 'Summer of Arcade' lineup reshuffled originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>marvel-vs-capcom-2Microsoftshadow-complexsplosion-mansummer-of-arcadetmntTMNT-Turtles-in-Time-Re-Shelledtrials-hdxblaXbox-360Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[XBLA 'Summer of Arcade' 2009 release schedule announced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/xbla-summer-of-arcade-2009-release-schedule/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/xbla-summer-of-arcade-2009-release-schedule/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/xbla-summer-of-arcade-2009-release-schedule/#comments Microsoft's Major Nelson has revealed the full details of this year's "Summer of Arcade" ... and it's going to be mighty expensive if you're interested in the whole kaboodle.
The only difference from this list and the previously announced lineup is the absence of Monkey Island Special Edition, which is scheduled for release next week on July 15.

[Update: Release schedule revised!]

JoystiqXBLA 'Summer of Arcade' 2009 release schedule announced originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>marvel-vs-capcom-2Microsoftshadow-complexsplosion-mansummer-of-arcadetmntTMNT-Turtles-in-Time-Re-Shelledtrials-hdxblaXbox-360Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Cliff Bleszinski explains why there are so many bald space marines]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/cliff-bleszinski-explains-why-there-are-so-many-bald-space-marin/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/cliff-bleszinski-explains-why-there-are-so-many-bald-space-marin/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/cliff-bleszinski-explains-why-there-are-so-many-bald-space-marin/#comments
If you think Unreal Engine 3 games feature too much gray and brown, laden with "pillars and girders," all being stomped around on by bald space marines, Cliff "Young Clifford" Bleszinski wants you to blame the tech. Speaking with Develop recently, the man that birthed Marcus Fenix said, "The technology of this generation just happens to be very good at rendering metals and stones and dramatic lighting." He argues that "translucent effects" are much harder to pull of with the technology given and as such, "the tech is good at showing off armor and it's not that good at doing hair ... that's why we have bald space marines."

Though we'd argue that there are lots of bald men in our lives who happen to not be space marines -- CheapyD and Dr. Manhattan prime among them -- we can appreciate how Marcus Fenix may be more equipped to take down the Locust than an omnipotent blue man. Wait a minute! Interestingly, Bleszinski also notes during the interview that he's got "like five projects going on right now" -- we're counting Shadow Complex and another (still unannounced) Gears of War, which leaves three unannounced projects? Something is afoot at Epic Games. And it almost certainly involves bald space marines.

JoystiqCliff Bleszinski explains why there are so many bald space marines originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheapydcliff-bleszinskicliffybdevelopdr-manhattanepic-gamesgears-of-wargears-of-war-2marcus-fenixMicrosoftshadow-complexunreal-engine-3Xbox-360Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2009 highlights: The Xbox roundup]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/e3-2009-highlights-the-xbox-roundup/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/e3-2009-highlights-the-xbox-roundup/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/e3-2009-highlights-the-xbox-roundup/#comments E3 was brütal! If you blinked, for a split/second, you missed something. Even if you were trine to keep up, it was a blur -- staying a.wake like that, you only pushed yourself to the brink of your own dark void. That's where Joystiq comes in; to crackdown on the madness; to reach out ... with conviction -- phew! Crysis averted.

We've scoured the dark corners and survived the inferno to piece together this roundup of all things Xbox at E3. Why? Just 'cause we love you. So, draw nier and shift your eyes past the break.

Continue reading E3 2009 highlights: The Xbox roundup

JoystiqE3 2009 highlights: The Xbox roundup originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan-wakearmy-of-two-the-40th-dayassassins-creed-2avataravatarsbatman-arkham-asylumbayonettaBethesdaBethesda-Game-StudiosBethesda-Softworksbioshock-2blurbooth-tourbrinkbrutal-legendcastlevania-lords-of-shadowcrackdown-2crysis-2dancedancerevolutiondantes-infernodark-cornersdark-voiddarksidersddrdef-jam-rapstardirt-2dj-herodragon-age-originse3-2009eaEA-CanadaEA-Sportsea-sports-mmaElectronic-Artsfacebookfairytale-fightsfallout-3fight-night-round-4Fightingfinal-fantasy-xiiiforza-3front-missiongames-on-demandgametrak-freedomgears-of-war-2guitar-hero-5halo-3-odsthalo-reachhuxleyjoy-ridejust-cause-2konamilast-fmleft-4-dead-2lego-rock-bandlost-planet-2mafia-2marvel-vs-capcom-2mass-effect-2metal-gear-solid-risingmicrosoftmilommamodern-warfare-2need-for-speed-shiftnetflixniernxeoperation-flashpoint-dragon-risingoverlord-2point-lookoutproject-natalraven-squadroundupRPGrusesamurai-showdown-edge-of-destinysection-8shadow-complexsingularitysplinter-cell-convictionsplosion-manSportssqueeballssummer-of-arcadesupreme-commander-2tekken-6the-beatles-rock-bandthe-saboteurTMNT-Turtles-in-Time-Re-Shelledtony-hawk-ridetrials-hdtrinetwitterubisoftwarriors-legends-of-troywolfensteinxblaXboxXbox-360xbox-avatarsxbox-livexbox-live-partyxbox-video-marketplacezephyr-rise-of-the-elementalszune-videoFri, 12 Jun 2009 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Shadow Complex likely won't be less than $20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/04/shadow-complex-likely-wont-be-less-than-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/04/shadow-complex-likely-wont-be-less-than-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/04/shadow-complex-likely-wont-be-less-than-20/#comments While checking in with Epic's upcoming Xbox Live Arcade title Shadow Complex again today, we were given a nice little tidbit of info from Epic programmer Rob McLaughlin. While playing through the game's introductory level, we casually asked about a price for Unreal Engine 3-fueled shmup, to which Rob replied that the title would likely not see price point below $20. We grilled hm for more info, but, sadly, he couldn't accommodate us.

JoystiqShadow Complex likely won't be less than $20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionChairChair-Entertainmentepicepic-gamesMicrosoftMicrosoft-Games-Studiosshadow-complexxblaXbox-360xbox-live-arcadeThu, 04 Jun 2009 17:15:00 EST