Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[SyFy renews Defiance for a second season]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/11/syfy-renews-defiance-for-a-second-season/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/11/syfy-renews-defiance-for-a-second-season/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/11/syfy-renews-defiance-for-a-second-season/#comments The SyFy network has picked up Defiance for a second season. Production on the 13-episode season will begin in August in Toronto, and is expected to air in 2014.

The show also has a companion MMO of the same name by Trion Worlds. It's a popular one at that, as it recently saw its millionth user sign up to play. Plus, Defiance will receive five DLC releases this year, so things are looking up for fans of both the game and the show.

Continue reading SyFy renews Defiance for a second season

JoystiqSyFy renews Defiance for a second season originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 May 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>defiancemmommorpgseasonshootersyfytrion-worldsSat, 11 May 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Score-based spinoff 'Strike Suit Infinity' coming on Apr. 30]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/score-based-spinoff-strike-suit-infinity-coming-on-apr-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/score-based-spinoff-strike-suit-infinity-coming-on-apr-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/score-based-spinoff-strike-suit-infinity-coming-on-apr-30/#comments Born Ready Games has announced a new standalone "Strike Suit" game, coming to PC via Steam on April 30. The score-driven Strike Suit Infinity jettisons most of the objectives of the original Strike Suit Zero, save for the obvious one: shoot things in space.

Strike Suit Infinity recognizes success by placing you higher in competitive leaderboards, and hopes to augment the destruction of enemy spaceships with extrinsic rewards like points, chains, multipliers and credits to purchase reinforcements.

This $7 deal nets you an infinite number of interstellar vehicles, and the eternally relevant reminder that they, as with all things in outer space, are coming to kill you.

Gallery: Strike Suit Infinity

JoystiqScore-based spinoff 'Strike Suit Infinity' coming on Apr. 30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>born-ready-gamespcrelease-dateshooterspace-simsteamstrike-suit-infinitystrike-suit-zerosurvivalTue, 23 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Payday 2 will feature a 'contract database,' coming this summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/payday-2-will-feature-a-contract-database-coming-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/payday-2-will-feature-a-contract-database-coming-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/payday-2-will-feature-a-contract-database-coming-this-summer/#comments Payday 2 will feature a 'contract database', coming this summerStarbreeze has revealed new features, game upgrades, and a release window for Payday 2, the sequel the Overkill-developed multiplayer shooter Payday: The Heist. According to a new fact sheet released today, Overkill's latest is due out this summer as a downloadable game on Xbox Live Arcade, the PlayStation Network, and the PC via Steam.

The first game only offered a few different "heists" to play, but the sequel features CRIMENET, a "contract database" offering dozens of different jobs to take, which can take place across multiple stages and change according to certain equipment purchases (like a faster escape car or an inside man). Additionally, each level has a new amount of dynamic content, including random layouts or rare events, and finishing each job rewards loot like new masks, weapons, or other accessories.

Players also get to choose a profession of Mastermind, Enforcer, Ghost or Technician, each with its own skills and equipment to use, and can work their way up from the lowest thug on the totem pole to high-end heisters as they play. That summer release is coming up quick, so we should see more of the game very soon.

JoystiqPayday 2 will feature a 'contract database,' coming this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>505-gamesdevelopersheistmicrosoftmultiplayeroverkillpayday-2pcplaystationps3publishingshooterstarbreeze-studiosxboxTue, 12 Mar 2013 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[A.R.E.S. Extinction Agenda getting an EX version for X.B.L.A.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/09/a-r-e-s-extinction-agenda-getting-an-ex-version-for-x-b-l-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/09/a-r-e-s-extinction-agenda-getting-an-ex-version-for-x-b-l-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/09/a-r-e-s-extinction-agenda-getting-an-ex-version-for-x-b-l-a/#comments ARES Extinction Agenda EX coming to XBLAThe manic side-scrolling shooter A.R.E.S. Extinction Agenda, originally developed for Windows by a Thai developer named Extend Studio, is making its way to the Xbox Live Arcade in an extended version, courtesy of Origo Games and publisher Aksys Games. The console version of the title (which placed second in Microsoft's 2010 Dream.Build.Play. competition) will feature new controls, a new UI, redesigned maps and enemies, and new high resolution textures and animated cutscenes.

The XBLA version, called A.R.E.S. Extinction Agenda EX, will also include both the original soundtrack, and a new soundtrack for the second campaign by Peruvian heavy metal guitarist Charlie Parra Del Riego. Aksys hasn't announced a date or price for the game yet.

JoystiqA.R.E.S. Extinction Agenda getting an EX version for X.B.L.A. originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Mar 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksys-gamesares-extinction-agendaares-extinction-agenda-excharlie-parra-del-riegoextend-gamesmicrosoftorigo-gamespcshooterthailandxblaxboxxbox-live-arcadeSat, 09 Mar 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MechWarrior Online gets biggest map ever, new matchmaking system in latest update]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/mechwarrior-online-gets-biggest-map-ever-new-matchmaking-system/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/mechwarrior-online-gets-biggest-map-ever-new-matchmaking-system/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/mechwarrior-online-gets-biggest-map-ever-new-matchmaking-system/#comments MechWarrior Online gets biggest map ever, new matchmaking system in latest updateFree-to-play shooter MechWarrior Online has added a new update to the game, this one containing the biggest map yet. The environment is called Alpine Peaks, and features lots of cold, open areas, separated by some very tall high ground. In addition to the new map, the update also includes five new versions of a mech called the Trebuchet, which specializes in long range combat and carries medium weight.

Finally, the newest update also adds in what Pirahna Games is calling "Phase 3" of the matchmaking system, which will allow players of the same skill to find and compete against each other in a balanced way, despite what mech they're driving. The new system also allows for cosmetic holograms in the cockpit, so you can now show off any House Faction loyalties you happen to have. Us, we're partial to Winterfell, but -- oh wait, wrong setting. At any rate, the update is now live on the servers, so go get that Mech a Warrior-in'!

JoystiqMechWarrior Online gets biggest map ever, new matchmaking system in latest update originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Feb 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alpine-peaksfree-to-playmatchmakingmechwarriormechwarrior-onlinepatchpcphase-3-matchmakingpirahna-gamesshooterupdateFri, 22 Feb 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Riccitiello: We were 'horrified' by Newtown, studies don't link video games to gun violence]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/riccitiello-we-were-horrified-by-newtown-studies-dont-link/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/riccitiello-we-were-horrified-by-newtown-studies-dont-link/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/riccitiello-we-were-horrified-by-newtown-studies-dont-link/#comments Riccitiello EA CEO John Riccitiello said EA didn't see any impact on sales of shooters following the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut, nor during the following political maelstrom. Riccitiello said he has a unique vantage point on the issue of gun violence and the media, since he chairs the ESRB and ESA alongside his day job.

During a financial call, Riccitiello fielded a question about the potential impact of real-life gun violence on shooter sales and EA's internal approach to violent games.

"I was hoping we weren't going to do this question," he began.

Continue reading Riccitiello: We were 'horrified' by Newtown, studies don't link video games to gun violence

JoystiqRiccitiello: We were 'horrified' by Newtown, studies don't link video games to gun violence originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jan 2013 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-Artsfpsgun-violencemicrosoftpcplaystationps3shooterShootersxboxWed, 30 Jan 2013 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty now Online in China, monetization not ready yet]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/15/call-of-duty-now-online-in-china-monetization-not-ready-yet/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/15/call-of-duty-now-online-in-china-monetization-not-ready-yet/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/15/call-of-duty-now-online-in-china-monetization-not-ready-yet/#comments Call of Duty Online launches in ChinaAn alpha version of Call of Duty Online - the China-exclusive, free-to-play game based on the Activision shooter - is now live, Kotaku reports. Monetization systems for the game (i.e. those sweet, sweet microtransactions) are unavailable in its current form; however, Call of Duty Online is playable in the region.

Call of Duty Online was announced by Activision last year and pairs the western publisher with China investment holdings firm Tencent, a company that offers social networks, e-commerce, multiplayer online games and more within the country.

China has a rich history with freemium video game experiences, including Tencent's own hugely successful Cross Fire. But if a brand as large as Call of Duty strikes gold in China, we may see other popular franchises form-fitted to work in the region's microtransaction-focused industry.

JoystiqCall of Duty now Online in China, monetization not ready yet originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jan 2013 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-onlinechinachinesecross-firefree-to-playmicrotransactionpcshootershooterstencentTue, 15 Jan 2013 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Unique shooter 'Rebel' comes to PlayStation Mobile]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/13/unique-shooter-rebel-comes-to-playstation-mobile/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/13/unique-shooter-rebel-comes-to-playstation-mobile/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/13/unique-shooter-rebel-comes-to-playstation-mobile/#comments Unique shooter 'Rebel' comes to PlayStation MobilePomPom Games (the folks behind Mutant Storm Reloaded, among a few other shooters) has released a brand new game on PlayStation Mobile-compatible devices called Rebel, and as the developer says, the game came from an interesting plan to try and make a shooter ... without shooting. The result has the player running around an island in between slower enemy bullets, trying to aim those bullets at other bad guys, all the while collecting gems and power-ups.

Sounds fun. There are multiple levels and game modes to unlock as you play the game, which you can open up by collecting more and more gems. Rebel is available right now on any PlayStation Mobile device (including the PS Vita) for $1.99.

JoystiqUnique shooter 'Rebel' comes to PlayStation Mobile originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Oct 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamemobilepacifistplaystationplaystation-mobileplaystation-vitapompom-gamesps-mobileps-vitarebelshootervitaSat, 13 Oct 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mann vs Machine update adds new difficulty settings and matchmaking options]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/mann-vs-machine-update-adds-new-difficulty-settings-and-matchmak/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/mann-vs-machine-update-adds-new-difficulty-settings-and-matchmak/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/mann-vs-machine-update-adds-new-difficulty-settings-and-matchmak/#comments Mann vs Machine update adds new difficulty settings and matchmaking optionsValve has released a big update to Team Fortress 2's 'Mann vs. Machine' game mode this week, which of course pits human players against an army of invading robots. The update adds two new difficulty settings called tours, one tougher and one easier than the current mode, along with some new loot found throughout the two tours.

Players will also be able to search for multiple missions or tours at a time. Matchmaking updates should make it easier to find and keep groups while playing: once you find a team and defeat a mission, teams will stay together. Good thing, too - those robot hordes aren't going to destroy themselves.

JoystiqMann vs Machine update adds new difficulty settings and matchmaking options originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Oct 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>difficultyfree-to-playlootmann-vs-machinematchmakingpcsettingsshooterTeam-Fortress-2toursupdatevalveThu, 11 Oct 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Primal Carnage roars into open beta for all pre-orders]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/08/primal-carnage-roars-into-open-beta-for-all-pre-orders/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/08/primal-carnage-roars-into-open-beta-for-all-pre-orders/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/08/primal-carnage-roars-into-open-beta-for-all-pre-orders/#comments Primal Carnage roars into open beta for all preordersThose who pre-order Lukewarm Media's man-on-dino shooter Primal Carnage will gain instant access to an open beta ahead of its launch later this year. In addition to instant access to the beta, those who pre-order will also unlock an exclusive Raptor skin for use in the final game.

Primal Carnage is a team-based shooter built on the Unreal Engine featuring ten different classes, five dinosaur and five human. No final launch date has been set for Primal Carnage yet - it'll launch some time in "Fall 2012" through Steam, GameStop, GamersGate, Rain and the game's official website.

Continue reading Primal Carnage roars into open beta for all pre-orders

JoystiqPrimal Carnage roars into open beta for all pre-orders originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Oct 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betalukewarm-mediapcprimal-carnagereverb-publishingshooterunreal-engineMon, 08 Oct 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Trippy Far Cry 3 trailer introduces Vaas, Buck, and a hungry tiger]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/27/trippy-far-cry-3-trailer-introduces-vaas-buck-and-a-hungry-tig/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/27/trippy-far-cry-3-trailer-introduces-vaas-buck-and-a-hungry-tig/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/27/trippy-far-cry-3-trailer-introduces-vaas-buck-and-a-hungry-tig/#comments
The latest freaky trailer from Far Cry 3 asks you to meet Vaas and Buck, who are really just two misunderstood guys living in Ubisoft's virtual tropical island simulator. Vaas seems to have a thing for gas, as in pouring it all over you and some poor lady, all while pontificating on the quality of the common household cigarette lighter.

And Buck... well, Buck might not be misunderstood. He might just be completely crazy. What are you doing with that knife, Buck? Don't bother coming any closer, please pal? How else are we going to stick around for the next trailer, which is going to show off a drugged-up group of native NPCs called the Tribe? How, Buck?

Gallery: Far Cry 3 (Vaas and Buck)

BuckVaas

JoystiqTrippy Far Cry 3 trailer introduces Vaas, Buck, and a hungry tiger originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Sep 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buckfar-cry-3far-cry-3-galleryimagesopen-worldshootertigertrailerubisoftvaasThu, 27 Sep 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[505 and Starbreeze teaming up for Payday 2 and P13 in 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/17/505-and-starbreeze-teaming-up-for-payday-2-and-p13-in-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/17/505-and-starbreeze-teaming-up-for-payday-2-and-p13-in-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/17/505-and-starbreeze-teaming-up-for-payday-2-and-p13-in-2013/#comments 505 and Starbreeze teaming up for Payday 2 and P13 in 2013Developer Starbreeze has revealed 505 Games will be its publishing partner for the upcoming sequel to the multiplayer-focused shooter, Payday: The Heist, along with original intellectual property P13, in development for the PSN, XBLA, and PC. Both games are planned for launch in 2013.

Starbreeze, which was behind EA's recent attempt to reboot the classic Syndicate series, acquired Payday alongside developer Overkill Studios earlier this year.

Though P13 is still masked in secrecy, we know it will be a downloadable "action-adventure game" and that Starbreeze has partnered with Swedish film director Josef Fares to help guide its "storyline, look and feel."

Continue reading 505 and Starbreeze teaming up for Payday 2 and P13 in 2013

Joystiq505 and Starbreeze teaming up for Payday 2 and P13 in 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Sep 2012 21:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>505-gamesjosef-faresmicrosoftoverkill-studiosp13payday-the-heistpcplaystationps3shooterstarbreezestarbreeze-studiosxboxMon, 17 Sep 2012 21:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Loadout lets you create the weapon you want]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/loadout-lets-you-create-the-weapon-you-want/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/loadout-lets-you-create-the-weapon-you-want/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/loadout-lets-you-create-the-weapon-you-want/#comments Loadout lets you create the weapon you wantIf there's still any question in your mind that we're in the middle of a free-to-play trend, you can put it to rest right now: Most of the PAX show floor was taken up by indie titles currently in a closed beta, and heading towards a free-to-play "open beta release" later on this year. Firefall might be the highest profile of these, but Loadout, I think, deserves a spot right along Red 5's well-known title.

The game's being developed by Edge of Reality, an Austin-based developer that has been making ports (including console versions of Dragon Age: Origins) and doing contract work for over ten years now. Loadout is the studio's first original title, which means the team is finally applying its knowledge and experience to something it directly owns.

It shows in the game's current polish, even before the full beta launch: The graphics are fun and flashy, with really excellent touches in the controls and animation. It shows in team balance and mode choices, which are generally similar to Team Fortress 2 and other team-based shooters, but with some nice original flairs. And it shows most in the core mechanic, a custom weapon-building system that offers a lot of impressive possibilities for creating a gun that's entirely your own.

Gallery: Loadout (PAX Prime 2012)

Continue reading Loadout lets you create the weapon you want

JoystiqLoadout lets you create the weapon you want originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 06:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>creationcustomcustomizationedge-of-realityloadoutpax-2012pax-prime-2012pcshooterWed, 05 Sep 2012 06:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Free-to-play Arctic Combat 'borrows' one of Counter-Strike's maps]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/25/free-to-play-arctic-combat-borrows-one-of-counter-strikes-map/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/25/free-to-play-arctic-combat-borrows-one-of-counter-strikes-map/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/25/free-to-play-arctic-combat-borrows-one-of-counter-strikes-map/#comments F2P Arctic Combat contains CounterStrike map
The new Counter-Strike: Global Offensive has a few old Counter-Strike maps included, and that's just fine, given that it's all in the same franchise. But Webzen's free-to-play shooter Arctic Combat has apparently taken some inspiration from Valve's classic as well. PC Gamer notes in the video above that the "Sand Storm" map, included with the game, bears a striking similarity to de_dust2, a map that any CS player will immediately recognize.

As PC Gamer says, a few of the dimensions are off and a few crates have been moved, but from that opening spawn ramp down to the middle chokepoint and the side hallway, there's no question this is a very familiar map. Arctic Combat is currently in closed beta, though once Valve catches word of this, you might not see "Sand Storm" playable any longer.

JoystiqFree-to-play Arctic Combat 'borrows' one of Counter-Strike's maps originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 25 Aug 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>combatcontentcounter-strikecounter-strike-global-offensivede_dust2free-to-playinfringingmappcshootervideowebzenSat, 25 Aug 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Qute Corporation returns to shooting 'em up with Ginga Force]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/25/qute-corporation-returns-to-shooting-em-up-with-ginga-force/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/25/qute-corporation-returns-to-shooting-em-up-with-ginga-force/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/25/qute-corporation-returns-to-shooting-em-up-with-ginga-force/#comments Qute Corporation's next is a Radiant Silvergunstyle game Ginga ForceQute Corporation has made a name for itself putting together popular, fan favorite shmups like Judgment Silversword and Eschatos, and the company's latest title follows that trend closely. Ginga Force is on its way to the Xbox 360, and as you can see from the trailer above, it's got lots of bullets and spaceships, and one being shot at the other many different times in many different ways.

Other than the trailer above, there's not a lot of information on the new game. Eschatos was released only in Japan, but as a region-free title. But Qute has yet confirmed whether the same will be true with this one. Ginga Force is due out across the ocean later on this year.

JoystiqQute Corporation returns to shooting 'em up with Ginga Force originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 25 Aug 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eschatonginga-forcemicrosoftqute-corporationshmupshoot-em-upshooterxboxSat, 25 Aug 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ghost Recon Online beta opened up to the public]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/16/ghost-recon-online-beta-opened-up-to-the-public/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/16/ghost-recon-online-beta-opened-up-to-the-public/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/16/ghost-recon-online-beta-opened-up-to-the-public/#comments Ghost Recon Online open beta now, well, open

The Ghost Recon Online closed beta has finally flipped its cloaking device to the off position for good. At Gamescom in Germany, publisher Ubisoft announced that any and all aspiring soldiers can jump into the Ghost Recon Online open beta now - available on the game's website. As previously revealed, the game is a free-to-play shooter set in the Ghost Recon universe, and because it's free-to-play, this release essentially means the game is out, though obviously the dev team will continue to work on it going forward.

They'll also continue to work on the Wii U version, revealed by Nintendo and presumably due out with the new console later on this year. Meanwhile, you can play the PC version to your heart's content, and celebrate by watching the launch trailer above.

Gallery: Ghost Recon Online (8/15/12)

JoystiqGhost Recon Online beta opened up to the public originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Aug 2012 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-to-playghost-recon-onlinegronintendoopen-betapcreleaseshooterubisoftwii-uThu, 16 Aug 2012 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft drops The Expendables 2 Video Game on XBLA, PSN and PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/ubisoft-drops-the-expendables-2-video-game-on-xbla-psn-and-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/ubisoft-drops-the-expendables-2-video-game-on-xbla-psn-and-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/ubisoft-drops-the-expendables-2-video-game-on-xbla-psn-and-pc/#comments Earlier this month, we heard of a potential Expendables 2 video game tie-in from Ubisoft. Today the publisher revealed it is in fact a thing, and plans to launch The Expendables 2 Video Game - yep, that's the official title - as a download.

The Expendables 2 Video Game will debut on PSN, Xbox Live Arcade and PC this summer as a four-player co-op shooter, both local and online. The Expendables 2 Video Game is a prequel, covering events leading up to the opening of the film.

Gallery: The Expendables 2

Continue reading Ubisoft drops The Expendables 2 Video Game on XBLA, PSN and PC

JoystiqUbisoft drops The Expendables 2 Video Game on XBLA, PSN and PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jun 2012 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>expendables-2microsoftpcplaystationps3psnshooterthe-expendables-2the-expendables-2-video-gameubisoftxblaxboxThu, 28 Jun 2012 17:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Warframe, a free-to-play shooter Digital Extremes wants you to try]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/warframe-a-free-to-play-shooter-digital-extremes-wants-you-to-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/warframe-a-free-to-play-shooter-digital-extremes-wants-you-to-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/warframe-a-free-to-play-shooter-digital-extremes-wants-you-to-t/#comments
Digital Extremes making a F2P shooter, Warframe
Digital Extremes, the developer behind The Darkness 2 and the coming Star Trek title, is working on a free-to-play, co-op focused shooter called Warframe. The beta is "coming soon," Digital Extremes promises, and signing up now will get players an exclusive beta-only weapon.

The above pre-alpha trailer pitches Warframe as a futuristic, time-bending, sword-slashing sci-fi shooter. If it looks like your cup of bloody tea, add your name to the beta list right here.

JoystiqWarframe, a free-to-play shooter Digital Extremes wants you to try originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jun 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaco-opdigital-extremesf2pfree-to-playpcshooterwarframeMon, 25 Jun 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Freemium shooter No Man's Land enters PS Home today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/20/freemium-shooter-no-mans-land-enters-ps-home-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/20/freemium-shooter-no-mans-land-enters-ps-home-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/20/freemium-shooter-no-mans-land-enters-ps-home-today/#comments
Sony launched No Man's Land today, a freemium shooter for PlayStation Home ... yes, you read that last part correctly. The premise? Shoot other people in a post-apocalyptic America. Beyond that, it's a 4v4 cover-based shooter with team deathmatch and scavenger modes, the latter requiring players to collect salvage and bring it back to base (capture the flag with multiple flags).

No Man's Land makes of use your Home avatar, strapping guns and armor over your virtual likeness. The armor can also be worn outside of the game in the Home space. No Man's Land is available now through PlayStation Home, and you can learn more about it by visiting the PlayStation Blog.

JoystiqFreemium shooter No Man's Land enters PS Home today originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Jun 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>no-mans-landplaystationplaystation-homeps3shooterWed, 20 Jun 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo mastermind takes his sci-fi shooter chops to mobile gaming with Industrial Toys]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/10/halo-mastermind-takes-his-sci-fi-shooter-chops-to-mobile-gaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/10/halo-mastermind-takes-his-sci-fi-shooter-chops-to-mobile-gaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/10/halo-mastermind-takes-his-sci-fi-shooter-chops-to-mobile-gaming/#comments Industrial Toys' first title is a scifi shooter to blow away mobile controls, community featuresAlex Seropian, Bungie co-founder and creator of the Halo franchise, has a new studio focused on creating mobile, hardcore games, and his first title is going to be -- wait for it -- a sci-fi shooter.

As a hardcore game, Industrial Toys' sci-fi shooter utilizes Unreal Engine and will exist in a world similar in size to the Elder Scrolls or World of Warcraft universes, Seropian said. As a web-based title, it may have some similarities to Team Fortress 2, president Tim Harris suggested after we asked about any online multiplayer capabilities:

"It's interesting you bring up TF2," Harris said, laughing.

That's where the familiarity from Industrial Toys ends: Seropian and Harris, the latter formerly of Seven Lights, are looking to innovate the touchscreen-control space in a major way, while adding community features integrated on a level other mobile games can't, well, touch.

Continue reading Halo mastermind takes his sci-fi shooter chops to mobile gaming with Industrial Toys

JoystiqHalo mastermind takes his sci-fi shooter chops to mobile gaming with Industrial Toys originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 10 Jun 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alex-SeropianandroidBungiebungie-studiose3-2012Haloindustrial-toysiosipadiphonemobilesci-fishootertim-harrisSun, 10 Jun 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[David Jaffe aims to create a free-to-play shooter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/10/david-jaffe-aims-to-create-a-free-to-play-shooter/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/10/david-jaffe-aims-to-create-a-free-to-play-shooter/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/10/david-jaffe-aims-to-create-a-free-to-play-shooter/#comments David Jaffe aims to create a freetoplay shooterGod of War and Twisted Metal designer David Jaffe talked about plans to create a free-to-play, browser-based shooter in an interview with GamesIndustry.biz. The game concept is one of many that seemed to have stuck with Jaffe since he left Eat Sleep Play in February. "I hate free-to-play but I love aspects of it. I love the instant-on, I love the low to no barrier of entry to get all kinds of people to jump in and play," Jaffe said.

"You don't have to sit there and power up your fucking machine and go through legal screens and load screens and load the game," Jaffe said. "I know that sounds kind of petty but when you think of all the distractions and fragmentation of entertainment today, for me that's kind of a pain. I'll choose to do other things rather than sit down and load up a triple-A game unless it's super, super special."

Jaffe is in the process of building concept art and forming a team of like-minded individuals, all with the goal of creating a free-to-play game that is "genuinely for gamers."

"You can listen to developers all day long tell you it's not pay to win, but you know, it kind of is pay to win. I'm not saying they're evil or they're lying - but one of the things they like to say is pay with your time or pay with your money. Well both of those are really shitty."

JoystiqDavid Jaffe aims to create a free-to-play shooter originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 10 Jun 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david-jaffefree-to-playshooterSun, 10 Jun 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA Canada creating a new action franchise, job listing suggests]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/ea-canada-creating-a-new-action-franchise-job-listing-suggests/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/ea-canada-creating-a-new-action-franchise-job-listing-suggests/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/ea-canada-creating-a-new-action-franchise-job-listing-suggests/#comments Job listing suggests EA Canada is creating new shooter franchiseEA Canada, whose last shipped product was this year's SSX reboot, is looking for somebody to help out on a new franchise, according to a job listing for a lead gameplay designer. "This is a major opportunity to lead the gameplay of an exciting new intellectual property that will entertain millions of people around the world," the listing reads.

Some of the wording also suggests this new IP is either a shooter or an action game - likely both. Either way, it's a game with a heavy online component: EA is looking for somebody with a "proven track record of designing and balancing combat, player controls, and AI for AAA shooters or action games," and who has a "deep knowledge of the action/shooter game genre." This person must "drive the player progression experience to ensure a deep and addictive persistent online experience."

With E3 going on this week, it wouldn't be a bad bet to say we'll hear more during the show; however, some of the wording suggests that this project hasn't gotten too far off the ground yet and might be too early off for an announcement. EA is still looking for someone to "plan and define all components of the game, including its setting, structure, rules, story flow, characters, objects, vehicles, interface design and game modes."

JoystiqEA Canada creating a new action franchise, job listing suggests originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Jun 2012 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-canadaea-jobsjobslead-gameplay-designermultiplayeronline-multiplayershooterMon, 04 Jun 2012 05:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE announces free-to-play Bullet Run, a revamped Hedone from Acony Games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/soe-announces-free-to-play-bullet-run-a-revamped-hedone-from-ac/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/soe-announces-free-to-play-bullet-run-a-revamped-hedone-from-ac/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/soe-announces-free-to-play-bullet-run-a-revamped-hedone-from-ac/#comments Acony Games, a German developer, has been working on an online first-person shooter called Hedone, about contestants fighting to win a deadly reality show. Sony Online Entertainment today announced that it is publishing a game by Acony called Bullet Run, and as far as we can tell it's Hedone with a new title.

There's no mention of Hedone on the official website or in the press release, but the free-to-play shooter now called Bullet Run boasts the same reality show premise as Acony's project, and it certainly looks the same as the old game (not to mention that hedone.tv now redirects to Sony's official Bullet Run site).

Some of Acony's developers previously worked on MMO flops APB and BattleForge, so the track record here isn't the greatest. But SOE apparently sees something in the title and is already trying to work some rebranding magic. Beta signups for Bullet Run are going on now, and the game is set to go live later this summer.

Continue reading SOE announces free-to-play Bullet Run, a revamped Hedone from Acony Games

JoystiqSOE announces free-to-play Bullet Run, a revamped Hedone from Acony Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2012 21:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acony-gamesbullet-runfree-to-playhedoneonlinepcshootersoeSony-online-entertainmentTue, 22 May 2012 21:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Hawken to be playable via Gaikai prior to official release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/hawken-to-be-playable-via-gaikai-prior-to-official-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/hawken-to-be-playable-via-gaikai-prior-to-official-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/hawken-to-be-playable-via-gaikai-prior-to-official-release/#comments ImageHawken keeps surprising us. First, we were surprised that the really great-looking mech shooter is being made by an indie studio, then it surprised us to learn that it would be free-to-play. And here's another surprise: Dave Perry's cloud gaming system Gaikai has signed a deal to let players see Hawken running through the service in advance of the planned December 12 release date.

Gaikai allows nearly any game to be streamed directly from its servers to any browser, which means that the first impression of the graphics-intensive Hawken will be playable anywhere Gaikai will run (including on some tablets, and computers of all shapes and sizes). This deal makes a lot of sense from both sides: Hawken needs a large audience to get its free-to-play engine running, and Gaikai could use a big title to connect users to its servers. The Gaikai demo will be on playhawken.com and a few other sites, so eyes open until then.

Continue reading Hawken to be playable via Gaikai prior to official release

JoystiqHawken to be playable via Gaikai prior to official release originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adhesive-gamesclouddave-perryfree-to-playgaikaihawkenmechpcservershooterstreamingSun, 20 May 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bringing a Chinese shooter to the west with Mercenary Ops]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/bringing-a-chinese-shooter-to-the-west-with-mercenary-ops/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/bringing-a-chinese-shooter-to-the-west-with-mercenary-ops/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/bringing-a-chinese-shooter-to-the-west-with-mercenary-ops/#comments ImageMercenary Ops is something of a rarity. While there are quite a few Western-developed games being published in Asia by Chinese and Korean companies, there aren't a lot of Chinese-developed online titles being published by Western companies.

Developed in China by Yingpei Games, which used to be called Epic Games China, the shooter is being distributed by the San Francisco-based outfit Kalends, a group of developers who've decided to try their hand at publishing on their own.

As for the game itself, Kalends has announced that Mercenary Ops will be released as a free-to-play, microtransaction-based title - a business plan that has deep roots in China, but is only just breaking ground stateside.

Gallery: Mercenary Ops

Continue reading Bringing a Chinese shooter to the west with Mercenary Ops

JoystiqBringing a Chinese shooter to the west with Mercenary Ops originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiabetaeasternfree-to-playjason-sharpkalendsmarketsmercenary-opspcshooterthird-personuswesternying-peiTue, 15 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guncraft is Minecraft with guns or Call of Duty with blocks, pick one]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/26/guncraft-is-minecraft-with-guns-or-call-of-duty-with-blocks-pic/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/26/guncraft-is-minecraft-with-guns-or-call-of-duty-with-blocks-pic/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/26/guncraft-is-minecraft-with-guns-or-call-of-duty-with-blocks-pic/#comments

Insert a joke about us hearing you liked things and then putting those things inside of each other, dawg. Guncraft combines two massively popular gaming tropes, shooters and cube-inspired sandboxes (OK, one of those is more popular than the other), into a first-person shooter that looks as if it were made in Minecraft.

As described by developer Exato Games, Guncraft has players construct their own levels and then share them in an online multiplayer battle, where every aspect of the environment can be destroyed. Levels are reset after each round, of course. "Voxel engines allow us complete and total environmental destruction," Exato writes on its Kickstarter page. "But wait, that's not all! We also have complete and total environmental CONSTRUCTION."

Guncraft is looking to release a PC beta in March, with a full launch in June. Exato is also set on releasing Guncraft on XBLIG eventually. To finish its project, the Guncraft team is asking for $16,000 via Kickstarter -- they're on their way, but could use some love. If you're intrigued, head on over and support Guncraft here.

JoystiqGuncraft is Minecraft with guns or Call of Duty with blocks, pick one originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 26 Feb 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blocksCall-of-Dutyexato-game-studiosfpsGuncraftkickstartermicrosoftminecraftpcshootervoxelxboxSun, 26 Feb 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mommy's Best responds to new Dash gripes with new shmup Game Type]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/mommys-best-responds-to-new-dash-gripes-with-new-shmup-game-typ/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/mommys-best-responds-to-new-dash-gripes-with-new-shmup-game-typ/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/mommys-best-responds-to-new-dash-gripes-with-new-shmup-game-typ/#comments
When Serious Sam: Double D and Weapon of Choice developer Mommy's Best Games saw the latest Xbox 360 Dashboard, a few concerns came to mind. Rather than posting an analytical blog post, MBG spent seven days creating a playable commentary -- with parkour kick laser-beam attacks.

Continue reading Mommy's Best responds to new Dash gripes with new shmup Game Type

JoystiqMommy's Best responds to new Dash gripes with new shmup Game Type originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-typemicrosoftmommys-best-gamesshooterxbligxboxFri, 23 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[XBLA in Brief: Xotic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/xbla-in-brief-xotic/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/xbla-in-brief-xotic/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/xbla-in-brief-xotic/#comments
This week's release on Xbox Live Arcade is the peculiar first-person shooter, Xotic. Rather than killing enemies, the focus of Xotic is purely on points.

There are new Xbox Live Arcade games released every week. We realize that our readers are busy, attractive people, and may not have time to download and examine each and every new XBLA game. You've got busy, attractive person stuff to do, after all. Not to worry though, because we've done the work for you, downloading every single trial game and giving you a taste of what to expect. Watch XBLA in Brief every week to see which games deserve a closer look. When you have the time, of course.

JoystiqXBLA in Brief: Xotic originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftshootertikgamesvalcon-gameswxp-gamesxbla-in-briefxboxxoticWed, 16 Nov 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Monday Night Combat introduces 'Karl,' a new Pro]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/13/super-monday-night-combat-introduces-karl-a-new-pro/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/13/super-monday-night-combat-introduces-karl-a-new-pro/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/13/super-monday-night-combat-introduces-karl-a-new-pro/#comments Uber Entertainment recently showed Shacknews one of the new Pros that will be thrown into the mix in its upcoming free-to-play shooter, Super Monday Night Combat: The dreaded Karl. He's a monocle-toting mechanical man who resembles the Assault archetype from the first game -- a jack-of-all-trades; especially when those trades require him to see really, really well out of one of his eyes.

He's also a decommissioned reconiassance cyborg created by oblivious upper-class engineers, as well as a downtrodden divorcee, having recently split from fictional supermodel Jazelle Pivovarova. We now know and care more about Karl than most of our immediate family members. Sorry, guys, maybe if you all had endearing back stories and even-more-endearing eyepieces.

JoystiqSuper Monday Night Combat introduces 'Karl,' a new Pro originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dotakarlpcshootersuper-monday-night-combatuber-entertainmentTue, 13 Sep 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Firefall preview: Something for everyone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/firefall-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/firefall-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/firefall-preview/#comments There's a good chance that Firefall is going to be your absolute, undeniable jam. It's just one of those combinations of features and ideas that should apply to at least (but probably more than) one of your sensibilities: It has class-based shooting, customizable loadouts, loot, strategy, a persistent world, character creation and a focus on cooperative, Player vs. Environment gameplay.

Any of those tickle your fancy? They tickle mine. They tickle all of my fancies simultaneously.

Continue reading Firefall preview: Something for everyone

JoystiqFirefall preview: Something for everyone originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>firefallfpsmmoonlinepax-prime-2011pcred-5-studiosshooterwebzenMon, 29 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cave developing shooter for Windows Phone 7]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/cave-developing-shooter-for-windows-phone-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/cave-developing-shooter-for-windows-phone-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/cave-developing-shooter-for-windows-phone-7/#comments As far as Deathsmiles developer Cave is concerned, Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 platform can go to hell. Bullet-hell, that is! Makoto Asada, head of Cave's Game Development Department, has announced via dev-blog that the company is currently developing a shooter for Microsoft's burgeoning smartphone OS.

Beyond the fact that development is somewhere between 20 and 30 percent complete, details are scarce. No screenshots or other information have been given, though the announcement refers to the game as an original title, which more than likely means it won't be a port of Cave's recent Deathsmiles release for iOS (above). It's also safe to assume that the game will be bewilderingly difficult.

JoystiqCave developing shooter for Windows Phone 7 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Jul 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bullet-hellCaveDeathsmilesiOSmobileshooterWindows-Phone-7WP7Fri, 29 Jul 2011 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Polish dev Flying Wild Hog working on unnamed PC shooter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/30/polish-dev-flying-wild-hog-working-on-unnamed-pc-shooter/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/30/polish-dev-flying-wild-hog-working-on-unnamed-pc-shooter/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/30/polish-dev-flying-wild-hog-working-on-unnamed-pc-shooter/#comments In a press release from developer Flying Wild Hog this morning, a still-untitled PC shooter from was revealed as the studio's first game (seen above). A couple of character drawings on the developer's main site also show a pair of haggard-looking cyborgs, though it's unclear what role they'll play in the game.

The announcement says the game will be detailed (and named) formally "in the next couple of weeks," but for now we know it features cyborg characters, a futuristic setting with lots of advertising, and that it's a shooter. Considering that Flying Wild Hog was founded back in April of 2009, it stands to reason that the shooter is already well into development, though we'll have to wait for confirmation of more details in the aforementioned "coming weeks."

JoystiqPolish dev Flying Wild Hog working on unnamed PC shooter originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flying-wild-hogpcpolandshooterThu, 30 Jun 2011 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Ghost Recon: Future Soldier beta deploys January 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/20/ghost-recon-future-soldier-beta-deploys-january-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/20/ghost-recon-future-soldier-beta-deploys-january-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/20/ghost-recon-future-soldier-beta-deploys-january-2012/#comments Aspiring future soldiers will get their first taste of playing as "F-16s on legs" in Ubisoft's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier when the game's beta rolls out in January. " We know you have been asking about the beta," the publisher wrote in a tweet Monday, before saying, " We're excited to announce that the MP beta will be launching in January 2012."

Ubisoft had previously said a beta would launch this summer, but any hope of that happening was pretty much dashed when the game itself was delayed into 2012 aka the future.

JoystiqGhost Recon: Future Soldier beta deploys January 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Jun 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaGhost-Recon-Future-Soldiermicrosoftpcplaystationps3shootertom-clancyubisoftUbisoft-Parisubisoft-red-stormxboxMon, 20 Jun 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Planck trailer is music to our eyes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/19/planck-trailer-is-music-to-our-eyes/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/19/planck-trailer-is-music-to-our-eyes/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/19/planck-trailer-is-music-to-our-eyes/#comments We haven't heard too much yet about Planck, Shadegrown Games' music-based shooter, but this video should go a long way towards explaining exactly how it works. As you see after the break, the idea is that you're traveling along shooting items that release "trapped" sounds, building a music track as you move along. There's also a sort of boss battle at the end, though this interview with Shadegrown's Matthew Burns hints that it's a "special encounter," designed to play with the tone of the music rather than the notes themselves.

Sounds interesting. Shadegrown hasn't mentioned a release date target or even platforms for the title yet, but we'll keep our ears open and let you know when we hear something about it. Because it's a music game. Which you listen to. Get it?

Update: Shadegrown has given us both a platform and a date for release: The game will be out for PC (with other platforms to come) and probably in 2012.

Continue reading Planck trailer is music to our eyes

JoystiqPlanck trailer is music to our eyes originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 19 Jun 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boss-battlegameplaymusicplanckshadegrown-gamesshooterSun, 19 Jun 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Child of Eden review: A momentary masterpiece]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/child-of-eden-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/child-of-eden-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/child-of-eden-review/#comments So, here's the thing about Child of Eden: It is quite short. That's a somewhat pedestrian complaint to leverage against a game -- and an extraordinarily pedestrian complaint to leverage in the very first sentence of a review -- but it needs to be said right up front to temper your expectations. You can beat it in a single sitting (or, as the case may be, standing), with the game's five chapters clocking in at a scant 90 minutes. It ends with a swell, and leaves you with a despondent, unanswered wish for more.

It is also one of the most remarkable video games I've ever played. Not only does it represent the most complete realization of what the Kinect has to offer, it possesses the (perhaps childish) distinction of being, for lack of a better term, a "crying game." It will almost certainly conjure tears from its hardest players -- not because it is particularly sad or melancholic, but because it is stirring.

Gallery: Child of Eden (9/27/2010)

Continue reading Child of Eden review: A momentary masterpiece

JoystiqChild of Eden review: A momentary masterpiece originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Jun 2011 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>child-of-edenkinectmicrosofton-railsq-entertainmentrezrhythmshooterubisoftxboxTue, 14 Jun 2011 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP shares big plans for Dust 514 and EVE Online at E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/13/ccp-shares-big-plans-for-dust-514-and-eve-online-at-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/13/ccp-shares-big-plans-for-dust-514-and-eve-online-at-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/13/ccp-shares-big-plans-for-dust-514-and-eve-online-at-e3/#comments The MMO market may be dominated by World of Warcraft, but while other games have come and gone, there's always been one other constant in massively multiplayer games: Icelandic company CCP's EVE Online. Since 2003, CCP has kept EVE's gigantic galactic server Tranquility going, allowing the game's over 350,000 users to fly around, blow up ships, trade and earn ISK, and make this virtual world that has held over 60,000 players together at one time surprisingly real.

But that's not enough for CCP. EVE has always been singled out for its precipitous difficulty curve -- because the game faithfully models everything from power management and targeting systems to realtime stocks and industrial economics, it's a tough climb for new players not necessarily interested in the ins and outs of advanced capacitor control schemes.

Enter Dust 514, then, a brand new game being developed by CCP that's designed to scoop up all of those players who've been scared away by the learning curve in EVE Online. What's the opposite of a hardcore, complicated, PC MMO? Apparently it's a massively multiplayer first-person shooter, available only on Sony's PlayStation 3. (Extensions of the game are set to be released as well, including one on the new PS Vita.)

Gallery: Dust 514/EVE Online (E3 2011)

Continue reading CCP shares big plans for Dust 514 and EVE Online at E3

JoystiqCCP shares big plans for Dust 514 and EVE Online at E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Jun 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpdust-514e3e3-2011eve-onlineicelandplaystationplaystation-vitaps-vitaps3pspshootersonyvitaMon, 13 Jun 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bodycount preview: The journey]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/12/bodycount-preview-the-journey/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/12/bodycount-preview-the-journey/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/12/bodycount-preview-the-journey/#comments I'm going to take the mic here for a moment, readers, and tell you something personally: It has been fascinating to watch the development of Codemasters' FPS Bodycount. I originally posted the game's unofficial announcement early last year, saw a preview and talked to creator Stuart Black at last year's E3, saw the game in action after Black left the project and, finally, got to see and play it last week at this year's E3 conference.

Long story short, I've basically had a front row seat on the development of this one, and it's been very interesting to watch it develop over the past 16 months. Black's original vision was not much more than just a demo level, a slick future shooter with a snappy female voice feeding orders in your ear. And from preview to preview, that vision has been prodded and poked by other developers, growing up into the game Bodycount has become.

Unfortunately, much of what appealed in the initial vision has gotten a little muddied along the way. Some elements of that early demo are still in there (and there's a whole lot more besides), but Bodycount's gone from a lot of unique potential to a much more mundane reality.

Gallery: Bodycount (E3 2011)

Continue reading Bodycount preview: The journey

JoystiqBodycount preview: The journey originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 12 Jun 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andy-wilsonbodycountcodemasterse3-2011fpsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3shooterstuart-blackxboxSun, 12 Jun 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Brink review: Jumping high and falling flat]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/brink-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/brink-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/brink-review/#comments In decades past, when the first-person shooter genre -- hell, when the whole of three-dimensional gaming -- was still very much in its infancy, shooters could scrape by on nothing more than their inclusion of amusing, oftentimes absurd innovations. Combat didn't have to be perfectly tight, weapons didn't have to be balanced to a T, and developers didn't need to worry about character progression to retain their audience. Some might argue that the genre's formative years produced some of the greatest shooters of all time. What they cannot argue with, however, is this: Those days are over.

Brink is built on the back of some very unique ideas, the most notable of which being its fluid, parkour-inspired movement and its procedurally generated player objectives. They have promise, to be sure, and even manage to realize some of their potential -- but unfortunately, any innovation Brink brings to the table is mired in its habitually imbalanced nature, as well as its sometimes stupefyingly flawed gameplay design.

Gallery: Brink (2/15/10)

Continue reading Brink review: Jumping high and falling flat

JoystiqBrink review: Jumping high and falling flat originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 May 2011 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bethesda-SoftworksBrinkfpsid-techmicrosoftpcplaystationps3shooterSplash-DamagexboxTue, 10 May 2011 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Santa Monica hiring devs with open world and shooter experience]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/sony-santa-monica-hiring-devs-with-open-world-and-shooter-experi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/sony-santa-monica-hiring-devs-with-open-world-and-shooter-experi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/sony-santa-monica-hiring-devs-with-open-world-and-shooter-experi/#comments God of War developer Sony Santa Monica has posted two new job listings, one for a Level Designer that specifically asks for experience with "'open world' games," and another for a Senior Combat Designer that mentions both first- and third-person shooters, as well as "experience working with, developing or designing vehicle combat."

That's all in addition to the job listing posted at the studio last month, which had the team looking for a Senior Online Programmer with lots of experience developing social tools. So we're not sure just what they're working on over in Santa Monica -- we drove by there the other day to try and sneak a peek, but all we heard coming out of the doors was a few band saws and loud hammering. It could be anything!

JoystiqSony Santa Monica hiring devs with open world and shooter experience originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>first-person-shooterjob-listingsjobsopen-worldplaystationps3shootersony-santa-monicathird-person-shooterThu, 28 Apr 2011 19:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Exceptionally colorful FPS Xotic announced for XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/14/exceptionally-colorful-fps-xotic-announced-for-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/14/exceptionally-colorful-fps-xotic-announced-for-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/14/exceptionally-colorful-fps-xotic-announced-for-xbla/#comments No one can accuse Xotic of having that generic brown-and-grey FPS "look." Developer WXP Games has some experience in the genre, having developed last generation's Greg Hastings Tournament Paintball, but is going decidedly sci-fi with this XBLA-exclusive title.

Like another colorful FPS -- Bulletstorm -- the game features a bright organic environment and even seems to share a focus on racking up combos. Single-player elements such as leveling up skills and weapons using experience points are listed in the feature set, but multiplayer isn't mentioned.

Currently without a pricetag, Xotic will be available this summer.

Gallery: Xotic

Continue reading Exceptionally colorful FPS Xotic announced for XBLA

JoystiqExceptionally colorful FPS Xotic announced for XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Apr 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fpsmicrosoftshootertikgamesvalcon-gameswxp-gamesxblaxboxxoticThu, 14 Apr 2011 23:00:00 EST