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[Carmageddon: Reincarnation hits $400k goal with 10 days to go]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/carmageddon-reincarnation-hits-400k-goal-with-10-days-to-go/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/carmageddon-reincarnation-hits-400k-goal-with-10-days-to-go/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/carmageddon-reincarnation-hits-400k-goal-with-10-days-to-go/#comments
Carmageddon: Reincarnation reached its $400k funding goal on Kickstarter this morning, ten days before its deadline. The Stainless Games team posted a video (above) to their Kickstarter page celebrating the funding achievement, which was first announced on May 8.

Since the project's announcement, the team added roughly a dozen updates on tiered rewards for those pledging, including details on the game revealed in a Q&A session on Reddit. Carmageddon: Reincarnation will be in "iterative development" with the potential for DLC after release. Additionally, the team described their plans to allow for the game to be modded, saying their "suite of modding tools is going to be really comprehensive and encourage extensive messing about with the game."

[Thanks, Will!]

JoystiqCarmageddon: Reincarnation hits $400k goal with 10 days to go originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carCarmageddoncarmageddon-reincarnationkickstarterpcStainless-GamesSun, 27 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Carmageddon earns Reincarnation as a Kickstarter project]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/carmageddon-earns-reincarnation-as-a-kickstarter-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/carmageddon-earns-reincarnation-as-a-kickstarter-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/carmageddon-earns-reincarnation-as-a-kickstarter-project/#comments Image

Carmageddon: Reincarnation, initially announced as a downloadable multiplatform game last year, now depends on Kickstarter for completion.

Patrick Buckland and Neil Barnden, CEO and Executive Director of Stainless Games, tell an all-too-common horror story from creatives stuck in a bad business deal. After doing work-for-hire projects with their new company in the mid '90s, they finally released a passion project, called Carmageddon, which featured goofy and gory, over-the-top vehicular carnage, and still claims a place in the heart of older PC gamers everywhere. In order to get published, they sold rights for the title to SCI, which co-published the game with Interplay.

The title was followed up with a sequel in 1998 (it was called Carmageddon II: Carpocalypse Now, back when games could be called things like that), but when the sequel didn't do as well, the worst happened: Buckland and Barnden lost their own creation. They've spent years since then trying to get the rights back.

Gallery: Carmageddon Reincarnation (PC)

Continue reading Carmageddon earns Reincarnation as a Kickstarter project

JoystiqCarmageddon earns Reincarnation as a Kickstarter project originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carcarmageddoncarmageddon-reincarnationdestructionneil-barndenpatrick-budlandpcracingstainless-gameswreckageTue, 08 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[South Korean rating outs Magic: The Gathering: Duels of the Planeswalkers 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/south-korean-rating-outs-magic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-plan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/south-korean-rating-outs-magic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-plan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/south-korean-rating-outs-magic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-plan/#comments Game Rating Board, South Korea's premiere games rating board, has listed another entry in the Magic: The Gathering series of games, presumably for the PC, Xbox 360 and PS3 again. As things look, Stainless Games and Wizards of the Coast have no plans of stopping the annual installments.

It shouldn't come as much of a surprise: both the original Duels of the Planeswalkers and Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 performed well, the former having sold over 500,000 copies on XBLA, while the latter was one of PSN's top performers last year. Considering both previous installments launched in the summer, we're betting we'll be hearing about Duels 2013 soon.

JoystiqSouth Korean rating outs Magic: The Gathering: Duels of the Planeswalkers 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-rating-boardgrbkoreamagic-the-gatheringmagic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2013microsoftpcplaystationps3ratingsouth-koreaStainless-Gameswizards-of-the-coastxboxFri, 10 Feb 2012 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 gets 'Ascend into Darkness' expansion on Sept. 14]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012-gets-ascend-into-darkness-expa/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012-gets-ascend-into-darkness-expa/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012-gets-ascend-into-darkness-expa/#comments Done did all the dueling you could in Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012? Wizards of the Coast is looking to inject some new life into the downloadable title with a new expansion pack come September 14. Titled "Ascend into Darkness, the DLC will include fresh art, new cards for each deck, three new playable decks and several new campaign levels - six single-player levels and eleven Archenemy levels in all.

On top of that, players will also be able to take up the titular role of Archenemy - both locally and via online multiplayer match. Archenemy mode, for the unaware, pits three players against an overpowered opponent. Ral Zarek, a new Planeswalker, will also be included in the DLC.

The only thing we don't know right now is the price, but given that the expansion will be playable at PAX Prime later this month, we'll be sure to bug the guys at the booth.

Gallery: Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 (Ascend into Darkness)

JoystiqDuels of the Planeswalkers 2012 gets 'Ascend into Darkness' expansion on Sept. 14 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Aug 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ascend-into-darknessdlcduels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012expansionmicrosoftpcplaystationps3psnstainless-gamessteamwizards-of-the-coastxblaxboxWed, 17 Aug 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012's first DLC pack revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/rumor-duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012s-first-dlc-pack-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/rumor-duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012s-first-dlc-pack-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/rumor-duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012s-first-dlc-pack-revealed/#comments The source code for Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 supposedly outs the first DLC pack for the game, according to MTG Salvation forum user "luminum can". It's a triple pack of decks -- standard fare for all you mana tappers out there, including a red/blue, white/green and mono black deck. And if you fear change (hey, we get it -- just thinking about David Bowie gives us the chills), the original decks will each be bolstered by four new cards each.

If you're looking to do some recon, a majority of the cards can be looked up through Gatherer, Wizards of the Coast's search utility for Magic: The Gathering. For the full list of cards found in the files, hit up the source link below.

JoystiqRumor: Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012's first DLC pack revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Jun 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCduels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012magic-the-gatheringmicrosoftpcplaystationps3stainless-gameswizards-of-the-coastxboxWed, 29 Jun 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 review: All decked out]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012-review/#comments
Last year's Magic: the Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers was an unforeseen success for Wizards of the Coast and developer Stainless Games. Planeswalkers 2012 is an attempt to capitalize on that newfound audience and bring them into the tangible Magic: the Gathering TCG fold -- a goal it ambitiously reaches for with improvements to last year's model, such as a more robust campaign, and more cunning AI -- a much-needed fix for the previous game's pushoverable foes.

Another key feature is, of course, the addition of more modern cards that will release as part of the 2012 Magic: the Gathering core set. Yes, even in the virtual world, you can't avoid the good old fashioned (and costly!) pattern of trading card game iteration.

Gallery: Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012

Continue reading Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 review: All decked out

JoystiqDuels of the Planeswalkers 2012 review: All decked out originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Jun 2011 20:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012magic-the-gatheringmicrosoftpcplaystationps3stainless-gameswizards-of-the-coastxboxTue, 14 Jun 2011 20:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Carmageddon: Reincarnation coming next year as a downloadable game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/carmageddon-reincarnation-coming-next-year-as-a-downloadable-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/carmageddon-reincarnation-coming-next-year-as-a-downloadable-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/carmageddon-reincarnation-coming-next-year-as-a-downloadable-ga/#comments Fans of virtual vehicular violence, and of puns with the word "car" in them, will be delighted to know that the rumor of the Carmageddon series' return is absolutely true. Last week, the story surfaced that the rights to the series had been purchased from Square Enix, with the next entry planned for a pre-E3 reveal.

Stainless Games, developers of the first two Carmageddon games, are now in charge of the franchise, and are working on a new downloadable game for release next year. The title, Carmageddon: Reincarnation, shows Stainless's commitment to the word "car," if nothing else. Platforms weren't named, but the official Carmageddon site calls it "multiplatform motoring mayhem."

"All the laughs, the crazy power-ups, and extreme destruction will return," said Stainless Executive Director Neil Barnden. "We will make sure the existing fans get what they want and expect from a Carmageddon game, and a new generation discovers the delights of sliding into a Cunning Stunt."

Continue reading Carmageddon: Reincarnation coming next year as a downloadable game

JoystiqCarmageddon: Reincarnation coming next year as a downloadable game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carmageddoncarmageddon-reincarnationstainless-gamesWed, 01 Jun 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Duels of the Planeswalker 2012 preview: Scheming on the archenemy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/duels-of-the-planeswalker-2012-preview-scheming-on-the-archenem/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/duels-of-the-planeswalker-2012-preview-scheming-on-the-archenem/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/duels-of-the-planeswalker-2012-preview-scheming-on-the-archenem/#comments When it came to Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers, I was in the minority. The fact that I couldn't fully edit a deck never really bugged me -- I enjoyed the structure. So, for me (and I imagine a lot of you), the biggest question going into my Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 preview session was how customization would work in the sequel.

It's still structured, but not so much that you can't play around with those initial 60 cards in each deck. While lands are set in stone, any other card in that base deck list can be swapped out for another -- outside of the restriction that a deck must be at least 60 cards, you're free to mingle cards in and out that fit the parameters of that deck (e.g. color and creature themes).

Gallery: Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012

Continue reading Duels of the Planeswalker 2012 preview: Scheming on the archenemy

JoystiqDuels of the Planeswalker 2012 preview: Scheming on the archenemy originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 May 2011 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012magic-the-gatheringmicrosoftpcplaystationps3stainless-gameswizards-of-the-coastxboxFri, 27 May 2011 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 launches June 15 on XBLA, PSN and Steam for $10]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012-release-date/#comments Anxious planeswalkers waiting to slap on their favorite pair of Nikes and make with the strutting of their stuff will be delighted to hear that Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 is set for launch on Wednesday, June 15, across Xbox Live Arcade, Steam and PlayStation Network. Wizards of the Coast confirmed the launch date (which we assume will actually be Tuesday, June 14, on PSN) today, along with a $10 price point for the sequel to 2010's surprise hit, Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers.

Each version of Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 will also include a rare paper card bonus (while supplies last!), which can be acquired at your local card shop by producing a unique in-game code. Check out an image of all three cards just past the break.

Gallery: Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012

Continue reading Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 launches June 15 on XBLA, PSN and Steam for $10

JoystiqDuels of the Planeswalkers 2012 launches June 15 on XBLA, PSN and Steam for $10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 May 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>duels-of-the-planeswalkersduels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012magic-the-gatheringmicrosoftpcplaystationpricingps3psnrelease-datestainless-gamessteamwizards-of-the-coastxblaxboxTue, 24 May 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: New Carmageddon is an independent title]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/rumor-new-carmageddon-is-an-independent-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/rumor-new-carmageddon-is-an-independent-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/rumor-new-carmageddon-is-an-independent-title/#comments VG247 reports that a "source familiar with the matter" has shed some light on the rumored return of Carmageddon. According to the source, an unnamed company has purchased the Carmageddon rights from Square Enix, with an official reveal planned before E3, though it will not be shown at the convention. According to the recently discovered Carmageddon website countdown timer, the reveal is seemingly set for June 1. The game's developer hasn't been revealed, though Stainless Games seems a reasonable possibility given it developed the first two titles in the series.

The source adds that said website is not actually owned by Square Enix, seemingly despite Whois information to the contrary. Assuming the Carmageddon rights were only recently transfered from Square Enix, it's possible that the domain information has not yet been updated.

JoystiqRumor: New Carmageddon is an independent title originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 May 2011 02:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carmageddonsquare-enixstainless-gamesTue, 24 May 2011 02:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Carmageddon site registered to Square Enix updated with countdown]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/21/carmageddon-site-registered-to-square-enix-updated-with-countdow/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/21/carmageddon-site-registered-to-square-enix-updated-with-countdow/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/21/carmageddon-site-registered-to-square-enix-updated-with-countdow/#comments If you're compiling a mental list of franchises which will be summoned from their respective graves at E3 2011, it might be a safe bet to tack Stainless Games' Carmageddon onto the list. The website Carmageddon.com -- a domain registered to Square Enix Europe, owner of the original game's co-publisher SCi -- was recently updated with an ever-popular countdown timer, as well as three Jolly Rogers.

The countdown is scheduled to terminate at 5 a.m. on June 1, which seems like a weird time to announce much of anything -- assuming there's something to announce. Now, if it were us, we'd wait the extra week and announce it at the gigantic, well-publicized annual trade show. Unless, of course, this is a countdown-countdown; a maneuver that's also rapidly increasing in popularity.

JoystiqCarmageddon site registered to Square Enix updated with countdown originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 May 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carmageddoncountdownscisquare-enix-europestainless-gamesSat, 21 May 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First deck, opponent revealed for Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/first-deck-opponent-revealed-for-duels-of-the-planeswalkers-201/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/first-deck-opponent-revealed-for-duels-of-the-planeswalkers-201/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/first-deck-opponent-revealed-for-duels-of-the-planeswalkers-201/#comments This summer, a sequel to Stainless Games' popular Magic: The Gathering game, Duels of the Planeswalkers, will launch on Xbox 360, PS3 and the PC. Joystiq has secured details on the first deck in Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012, Kiora Atua's combination blue and green deck.

Kiora Atua is a "female merfolk who commands the powers of the tides and depths." She sways dominion over the older creatures of the sea -- such as krakens and leviathans. Hit the jump for the full deck list.

Continue reading First deck, opponent revealed for Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012

JoystiqFirst deck, opponent revealed for Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 May 2011 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012microsoftpcplaystationps3stainless-gamesxboxWed, 18 May 2011 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Magic: The Gathering taps XBLA for 500K sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/magic-the-gathering-taps-xbla-for-500k-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/magic-the-gathering-taps-xbla-for-500k-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/magic-the-gathering-taps-xbla-for-500k-sales/#comments Stainless Games, purveyor of the magical duels sim Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers has announced that the title has sold half a million (digital) copies on Xbox Live Arcade. First released in June 2009, Duels of the Planeswalkers crossed the 500K mark at some point last week.

It's worth noting that this figure only applies to the XBLA release. Factor in the PC and PSN versions of Duels that were released last year and Stainless is probably tapping an awful lot of mana out there.

Continue reading Magic: The Gathering taps XBLA for 500K sales

JoystiqMagic: The Gathering taps XBLA for 500K sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Magic-the-Gathering-Duels-of-the-Planeswalkersmicrosoftpcplaystationps3salesstainless-gamesxblaxboxFri, 28 Jan 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Risk: Factions invading PSN today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/risk-factions-invading-psn-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/risk-factions-invading-psn-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/risk-factions-invading-psn-today/#commentsSix months after Risk: Factions brought its cartoony take on all-out war to Xbox Live, Stainless Games' board game update is seeking out more territory on PlayStation 3. Risk Factions will be included in today's North American PSN update, priced at $9.99.

For those of you who have yet to play Factions, it's a revamped version of the original, with a single-player campaign about war between "factions" like the Yeti, Zombies, and Cats. It also includes a "Classic Mode" for those who prefer not to take risk with the Risk formula.

Gallery: Risk: Factions (PSN)

JoystiqRisk: Factions invading PSN today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsplaystationps3psnq4-2010release-dateRisk-Factionsstainless-gamesTue, 21 Dec 2010 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers summons third DLC pack on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/04/magic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkers-summons-third/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/04/magic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkers-summons-third/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/04/magic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkers-summons-third/#comments While the console versions of Magic: The Gathering: Duels of the Planeswalkers are stuck waiting on that third DLC pack, PC users can now boost their virtual card collection through a Steam update today. The third content pack will set budding planeswalkers back $4.99, for which they get two new decks, a plethora of new cards to unlock, new challenges to conquer and, of course, a new single-player campaign to tackle. If you've checked out either of the previous two DLC packs, then you know this is pretty much par for the course.

There's still no timetable for when the DLC will be available on consoles, though we've contacted both Wizards of the Coast and Stainless Games for comment. In the meanwhile, feel free to tap our gallery below for some magical screens.

Gallery: Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers (Expansion Three)

JoystiqMagic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers summons third DLC pack on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcexpansionexpansion-packexpansion-pack-3expansion-pack-threemagicmagic-the-gatheringMagic-the-Gathering-Duels-of-the-Planeswalkerspcstainless-gamesstrategyWizards-of-the-CoastThu, 04 Nov 2010 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Risk: Factions media introduces us to the Yeti]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/11/risk-factions-media-introduces-us-to-the-yeti/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/11/risk-factions-media-introduces-us-to-the-yeti/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/11/risk-factions-media-introduces-us-to-the-yeti/#comments
Click image to transcend this post into gallery nirvana
Given Risk: Faction's known cast of characters -- kitty cats, gruff military general-type dudes, robots and zombies -- it only makes sense that the latest faction revealed would be a bit ... off. Enter: the Yetis, a species that makes its home in the cold-kissed mountain tops. When push comes to shove, the seemingly peaceful Yeti race apparently doesn't mind going to war.

Don't believe us? Head past the break for a video explaining how the cousin to the Great American Sasquatch was drafted in this global war.

Gallery: Risk: Factions - The Yeti Faction

Continue reading Risk: Factions media introduces us to the Yeti

JoystiqRisk: Factions media introduces us to the Yeti originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Jun 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtsmicrosoftRisk-FactionsStainless-GamesXBLAxboxXbox-Live-ArcadeFri, 11 Jun 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Magic: The Gathering on deck for Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/28/magic-the-gathering-on-deck-for-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/28/magic-the-gathering-on-deck-for-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/28/magic-the-gathering-on-deck-for-steam/#comments Wizards of the Coast has announced that it plans to release Magic the Gathering: Duels of the Planeswalkers on Steam. Unfortunately an actual release date has not yet been confirmed by WOTC. We're guessing the date isn't too far off, as the game will be available for pre-purchase on Steam starting June 1. Those who pre-order Planeswalkers for $9.99 will receive both the original game as well as its first expansion pack, which was released last year on XBLA.

The release will also support future content. A second DLC pack is already available on XBLA, with a third pack expected this summer.

JoystiqMagic: The Gathering on deck for Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 May 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>magic-the-gatheringmagic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkersStainless-GamessteamWizards-of-the-CoastFri, 28 May 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zombies enter the Risk: Factions fray]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/zombies-enter-the-risk-factions-fray/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/zombies-enter-the-risk-factions-fray/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/zombies-enter-the-risk-factions-fray/#comments Well, naturally. This is how we assumed the make-up of the five different armies featured in Risk: Factions would evolve: first, there are humans, and then there were cats, who were bested by robots, and now somehow there are zombies. You wouldn't think them to be brilliant global strategists, but judging by their introduction cinematic which we've posted above, we think they won't have any problem holding their own.

Until, of course, they start infecting the robot faction. The resulting zombie-robots (or, if you will, "zobots") could pretty much run the board in less than three rounds.

JoystiqZombies enter the Risk: Factions fray originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 May 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>board-gameeaElectronic-ArtsMicrosoftriskrisk-factionsstainless-gamesstrategytrailervideoxblaXbox-360zombieThu, 20 May 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Users report Magic: The Gathering 'Expansion Pack 2' DLC breaks the game [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/14/users-report-magic-the-gathering-expansion-pack-2-dlc-breaks/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/14/users-report-magic-the-gathering-expansion-pack-2-dlc-breaks/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/14/users-report-magic-the-gathering-expansion-pack-2-dlc-breaks/#comments Update: We managed to get in touch with both Wizards and Microsoft PR, who acknowledged that the launch of the DLC did give users a few problems. However, the "DLC is now running smoothly," so happy downloading! You can find the original post below.

Original post: It would seem the recent injection of fresh cards into Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalker has had an unintended effect for some players, with the new DLC apparently crashing the game and displaying only a black screen. Users on both the GameFAQs and Wizards of the Coast forums have reported the same issues.

Downloading the Title Update gave us some hiccups -- specifically, we were booted back to the dashboard after downloading it and then were forced to download the entire Magic: The Gathering - Duel of the Planeswalkers game again. But the actual DLC pack itself didn't give us any problems. We even played a game online and tried restarting the title multiple times to repeat the effect to no avail.

Eric Sorensen from Wizards of the Coast's community team is aware of the issue, and WOTC is working with Microsoft to resolve it. We'll let you know when we're all in the clear.

Source - Wizards of the Coast forums
Source - GameFAQs forums

JoystiqUsers report Magic: The Gathering 'Expansion Pack 2' DLC breaks the game [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 May 2010 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>expansionexpansion-packmagic-the-gatheringmagic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkersMicrosoftstainless-gamesxblaxblmXbox-360xbox-livexbox-live-arcadexbox-live-marketplaceFri, 14 May 2010 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Second Magic: The Gathering DLC pack out tomorrow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/second-magic-the-gathering-dlc-pack-out-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/second-magic-the-gathering-dlc-pack-out-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/second-magic-the-gathering-dlc-pack-out-tomorrow/#comments Wizards of the Coast is set to shuffle things up once again, having announced that the second Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers expansion will arrive tomorrow, May 12. The DLC will include three new decks and a new single-player campaign. It will also come packing three new cards for each original deck and the three decks from the first expansion. Finally, the DLC will also offer five new challenge levels, three new Achievements, multiplayer host migration and even some Avatar attire awards.

The second expansion will set you back 400 ($5).

JoystiqSecond Magic: The Gathering DLC pack out tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 May 2010 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>magic-the-gatheringmagic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkersStainless-Gameswizards-of-the-coastxblaxblmxbox-liveTue, 11 May 2010 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Robots to join the struggle for world domination in Risk: Factions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/20/robots-to-join-the-struggle-for-world-domination-in-risk-factio/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/20/robots-to-join-the-struggle-for-world-domination-in-risk-factio/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/20/robots-to-join-the-struggle-for-world-domination-in-risk-factio/#comments We'd like to take a moment to wish all of humanity (and felinity?) the best of luck when dealing with Risk: Factions' recently announced, third group of soldiers: the unfeeling, unstoppable Robot Menace. Check out the video above to see the origins of this once-domesticated group's violent self-awareness, and the screenshots below to see the Robots in action.

EA also revealed an Avatar costume piece based on the new faction, which turns your online representation's typically dopey head into a Robot's horrifying countenance. We're sure it will strike fear into your wall of adversaries in 1 vs 100.

Gallery: Risk: Factions Robot Reveal

JoystiqRobots to join the struggle for world domination in Risk: Factions originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-ArtsfactionMicrosoftriskrisk-factionsrobotscreenshotsstainless-gamesvideoxblaXbox-360Tue, 20 Apr 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wizards of the Coast signs new deal with Stainless Games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/wizards-of-the-coast-signs-new-deal-with-stainless-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/wizards-of-the-coast-signs-new-deal-with-stainless-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/wizards-of-the-coast-signs-new-deal-with-stainless-games/#comments Wizards of the Coast today announced that it has signed a new deal with the developer of Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers, Stainless Games (also responsible for the upcoming Risk: Factions). The press release states that Duels of the Planeswalkers has been a great success for Wizards of the Coast, noting that it has been among the top 10 Xbox Live Arcade games since it was first released in June 2009. No specifics are given regarding the deal, so we'll have to wait to see what projects Stainless has going, though it's probably safe to assume there is more Magic on the way.

Wizards of the Coast has already confirmed that versions of Planeswalkers are headed to both the PS3 and PC later this year. Given the collectible nature of Magic, it wouldn't be surprising to see Stainless produce more DLC for all platforms, either. Of course, Wizards of the Coast also has some other lucrative properties under its belt, notably Dungeons & Dragons and Star Wars, both of which could easily be turned into video game properties.

We know, the idea of a Star Wars video game sounds crazy, but it just might work.

JoystiqWizards of the Coast signs new deal with Stainless Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>magic-the-gatheringmagic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkersMicrosoftstainless-gameswizards-of-the-coastXbox-360Thu, 11 Feb 2010 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Risk: Factions 're-inventing' Risk on XBLA in early 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/risk-factions-re-inventing-risk-on-xbla-in-early-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/risk-factions-re-inventing-risk-on-xbla-in-early-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/risk-factions-re-inventing-risk-on-xbla-in-early-2010/#comments
[Image Credit: Patrick Haney]

EA has its mind set on "re-inventing" classic board game Risk for Xbox Live Arcade. Declared as Risk: Factions, the game is being developed by Stainless Games, best known for XBLA's Magic the Gathering: Duels of the Planeswalkers (which is on sale this week). This new version of the classic will offer objective-based and world conquest modes. We're also told that during "animated combat missions, enemies will be able to trigger 'Overkill' moments," whatever that is. The game will also include five playable factions, "each with different strengths," which will battle on "new maps" with "dynamic terrain." Sorry, hold up, are we still talking about Risk?

The announcement makes no mention of vanilla, "build up in Australia and take over the world" Risk being included with Factions. We've contacted EA for further details and will share them with you as soon as we know more.

Update: "You can absolutely play the classic board game if you like," an EA representative told Joystiq. "There's also the Risk 2008 ruleset." We'll hopefully have some assets and more details about how save games will be handled for the classic version soon. The game is also a standalone app and is not part of the Hasbro Family Game Night.

JoystiqRisk: Factions 're-inventing' Risk on XBLA in early 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsMicrosoftriskrisk-factionsstainless-gamesxblaXbox-360Tue, 12 Jan 2010 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Magic: The Gathering DLC summoned Oct. 21]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/magic-the-gathering-dlc-summoned-oct-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/magic-the-gathering-dlc-summoned-oct-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/magic-the-gathering-dlc-summoned-oct-21/#comments Wizards of the Coast -- the company, not actual wizards -- has sent word that the previously revealed Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers DLC will hit Xbox Live Marketplace on October 21 (next Wednesday, to be specific). The expansion will include three new decks, three new cards for each of the original decks, new co-op levels and three new challenge levels. The DLC also contains a new single-player campaign. Those who wish to partake of the expansion will have to summon 400 ($5).

JoystiqMagic: The Gathering DLC summoned Oct. 21 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcDuels-Of-The-Planeswalkersmagic-the-gatheringmagic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkersstainless-gameswizards-of-the-coastxblaWed, 14 Oct 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: Magic the Gathering -- Duels of the Planeswalkers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/interview-magic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/interview-magic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/interview-magic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkers/#comments
Duels of the Planeswalkers was released at the beginning of summer on Xbox Live Arcade, and it's a surprisingly competent take on the traditional Magic card game. The XBLA game is immediately familiar and also easy enough for first-timers to jump in and learn the ropes. There's a robust tutorial, all of the cards are real Magic cards, and the multiplayer features multiple modes of play, including four-on-four battles and "Two-Headed Giant," where a team of two faces off against another team of two. In short, it's addictive.

We recently spoke with Worth Wollpert, senior business manager for Magic Online, and Mark Purvis, associate brand manager, both at Wizards of the Coast. The subject at hand was all things Duels of the Planeswalkers: there's some DLC on the way, and possibly other changes to the game -- but no deck customization (boo!). For now, the team is happy to let the game bring lapsed players back into the fold, and to introduce new players to the tapping and shuffling of Magic: The Gathering. Continue reading for the full interview.

Gallery: Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers

Continue reading Interview: Magic the Gathering -- Duels of the Planeswalkers

JoystiqInterview: Magic the Gathering -- Duels of the Planeswalkers originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Duels-of-the-PlaneswalkersinterviewMagicMagic-the-GatheringStainless-GamesTCGWizards-of-the-CoastWotCXBLAWed, 29 Jul 2009 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[This Wednesday: Magic the Gathering, Sam & Max hit the XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/15/this-wednesday-magic-the-gathering-sam-and-max-hit-the-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/15/this-wednesday-magic-the-gathering-sam-and-max-hit-the-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/15/this-wednesday-magic-the-gathering-sam-and-max-hit-the-xbla/#comments
This week, Xbox Live Arcade gets not one, but two genres that rarely see the light of day on consoles. First, we've got the collectible card game, Magic the Gather: Duels of the Planeswalkers. Unlike the weird Magic title on the original Xbox -- which played something like a weird monster summoning / volleyball hybrid -- Planeswalkers sticks to the traditional card game, which should make fans mighty happy. The game will deal 800 ($10) damage to your wallet.

Next, we have the XBLA debut of the Sam & Max adventure series, Sam & Max Save the World. Save the World is actually the first season of the Sam & Max episodic series that has been available on PC and Wii for some time now. That's six episodes of comedy gold for 1600 ($20). For those keeping score, that's the same price as the PC version and $10 cheaper than the Wii version.

JoystiqThis Wednesday: Magic the Gathering, Sam & Max hit the XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>duels-of-the-planeswalkersmagic-the-gatheringMicrosoftsam-and-maxstainless-gamestelltaletelltale-gameswizards-of-the-coastxblaxbla-wendesdayXbox-360Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:43:00 EST<![CDATA[XBLA deals out Magic: The Gathering on June 17 [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/03/xbla-deals-out-magic-the-gathering-on-june-17/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/03/xbla-deals-out-magic-the-gathering-on-june-17/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/03/xbla-deals-out-magic-the-gathering-on-june-17/#comments
Wizards of the Coast has announced that Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers will finally release on Xbox Live Arcade this month. Specifically, the game will launch on June 17. Have no fear, Magic fans, unlike the Xbox version of Magic: The Gathering, Duels of the Planeswalkers is a straight-up card game. And, based on our time with it at PAX last year, it's a pretty good one.

Unfortunately, we still don't know how much green damage the game will deal to your wallet.

Update: We now have the price. Duels of the Planeswalkers will cost 800 ($10).

JoystiqXBLA deals out Magic: The Gathering on June 17 [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>duels-of-the-planeswalkersmagic-the-gatheringmagic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkersstainless-gamesxblaxbox-live-arcadeWed, 03 Jun 2009 17:05:00 EST<![CDATA[X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Happy Tree Friends and Ticket to Ride]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/25/x3f-tv-xbla-in-brief-happy-tree-friends-and-ticket-to-ride/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/25/x3f-tv-xbla-in-brief-happy-tree-friends-and-ticket-to-ride/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/25/x3f-tv-xbla-in-brief-happy-tree-friends-and-ticket-to-ride/#commentsFiled under: ,

This week, XBLA in Brief takes on Happy Tree Friends and Ticket to Ride. One of them is a pretty good board game about building railroads. The other one is a weird game that doesn't really seem to take advantage of the cartoon upon which it's based. We'll let you figure out which one is which.

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JoystiqX3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Happy Tree Friends and Ticket to Ride originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>days-of-wonderhappy-tree-friendsnext-level-gamesplayfulplayful-entertainmentsegastainlessstainless-gamesticket-to-ridex3f-tvxblaxbla-in-briefxbox-live-arcadeWed, 25 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Happy Tree Friends and Ticket to Ride hit the XBLA rails]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/25/happy-tree-friends-and-ticket-to-ride-hit-the-xbla-rails/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/25/happy-tree-friends-and-ticket-to-ride-hit-the-xbla-rails/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/25/happy-tree-friends-and-ticket-to-ride-hit-the-xbla-rails/#commentsFiled under: ,


Hey kids! It's Xbox Live Arcade Wednesday and that can only mean one thing. That's right, it's time for some new XBLA games. Huzzah! This week's releases are Happy Tree Friends False Alarm and Ticket to Ride. False Alarm has you guiding your favorite furry friends through various hazards, doing your best to keep them from being sliced, diced, burned, or otherwise mutilated. Ticket to Ride, on the other hand, is a board game in which you relive the spirit of expansion brought on by the advent of railroads. In other words, you build trains. It's more fun than it sounds. Both are available now for 800 MS Points each. Stay tuned for the next XBLA in Brief and we'll tell you whether or not they're worth the scratch.

Source - Happy Tree Friends False Alarm on Xbox.com
Source - Ticket to Ride on Xbox.com

JoystiqHappy Tree Friends and Ticket to Ride hit the XBLA rails originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jun 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadehappy-tree-friendslive-arcadenext-levelnext-level-gamesplayful-entertainmentsegastainless-gamesticket-to-ridexblaxbox-live-arcadeWed, 25 Jun 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Happy Tree Friends and Ticket to Ride storm the XBLA this Wednesday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/happy-tree-friends-and-ticket-to-ride-storm-the-xbla-this-wednes/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/happy-tree-friends-and-ticket-to-ride-storm-the-xbla-this-wednes/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/happy-tree-friends-and-ticket-to-ride-storm-the-xbla-this-wednes/#commentsFiled under: ,

This week's Xbox Live Arcade releases (yup, plural) will both make your inner violent self cheer with bloody enthusiasm and your inner train conductor toot with excitement, because both Happy Tree Friends False Alarm and Ticket to Ride are releasing this Wednesday, June 25th to an XBLA near you.

This XBLA twofer will be a nice mix of variety seeing that False Alarm is more along the lines of "cartoon violence adventure game of blood, guts and survival" whereas Ticket to Ride is more "card game of choo-choo traveling fun". Though, there is one similarity, both will available for purchase this Wednesday for 800 Microsoft points. Now go and practice the elite art of video game screenshot viewing using the elite screenshot galleries below.


JoystiqHappy Tree Friends and Ticket to Ride storm the XBLA this Wednesday originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>happy-tree-friendshappy-tree-friends-false-alarmnext-level-gamessegastainless-gamesticket-to-ridexblaMon, 23 Jun 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[ Xbox.com: Ticket to Ride and Happy Tree Friends]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/21/xbox-com-ticket-to-ride-and-happy-tree-friends/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/21/xbox-com-ticket-to-ride-and-happy-tree-friends/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/21/xbox-com-ticket-to-ride-and-happy-tree-friends/#commentsFiled under: ,



Y'know, this seems familiar. Hmm ... yes it does. While we already knew the solid release date of Happy Tree Friends: False Alarm (June 25), Ticket to Ride has been something of an unknown quantity, with not much information about the game having ever been relased to the press. However, the last time xbox.com pages appeared for unreleased XBLA games, they released exactly one week later. And with HTF:FA definitely hitting next week, we think we can say with some certainty that the electronic adaptation of the classic board game about building railroads will be hitting next week too. To tide you over until then, marvel at the screenshots below.



[Source, Happy Tree Friends: False Alarm]
[Source, Ticket to Ride]

[Thanks Jonah]

Joystiq Xbox.com: Ticket to Ride and Happy Tree Friends originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Jun 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>happy-tree-friendshappy-tree-friends-false-alarmnext-levelplayful-entertainmentsegastainless-gamesticket-to-ridexblaxbox.comSat, 21 Jun 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Happy Tree Friends has solid release date]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/11/happy-tree-friends-has-solid-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/11/happy-tree-friends-has-solid-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/11/happy-tree-friends-has-solid-release-date/#commentsFiled under: ,

We've been down this road before haven't we? Indeed, we have. This time should a bit more reliable though, as the date came from Sega themselves. The new release date for Happy Tree Friends: False Alarm is June 25, the week after next. The game itself is a menagerie of differing gameplay types and focuses, strangely enough, on trying "to save the characters from gruesome demise." After being jerked around a bit with this title it's good to know that it'll be seeing the light of day sooner rather than later. Though we wish we could say the same about some other XBLA games that have yet to see release.

JoystiqHappy Tree Friends has solid release date originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>happy-tree-friendshappy-tree-friends-false-alarmsegastainless-gamesWed, 11 Jun 2008 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Warlords and Buku Sudoku]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/xbla-in-brief-warlords-and-buku-sudoku/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/xbla-in-brief-warlords-and-buku-sudoku/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/xbla-in-brief-warlords-and-buku-sudoku/#commentsFiled under:

XBLA in Brief takes a look at Warlords and Buku Sudoku this week. On the one hand we've got yet another Atari "classic" and on the other we have ... Sudoku. It turns out that Warlords is actually surprisingly fun, though we're not sure we'd be willing to plop down our 500 MS Points for it. Buku Sudoku is ... Sudoku. It does its job well enough, and if you really need some Sudoku that doesn't fit on your lap, then Buku Sudoku might be just the ticket.

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JoystiqX3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Warlords and Buku Sudoku originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 May 2008 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribuku-sudokumerscomstainless-gameswarlordsx3f-tvxblaxbla-in-briefFri, 30 May 2008 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[This Wednesday: Warlords and Buku Sudoku on XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/this-wednesday-warlords-and-buku-sudoku-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/this-wednesday-warlords-and-buku-sudoku-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/this-wednesday-warlords-and-buku-sudoku-on-xbla/#commentsFiled under: , ,

warlords
It doesn't take a crystal ball to see that six months from now Warlords will be plenty eligible for delisting. Let's just say that deathmatches have come along way since 1980. But if you choose to respectfully disagree, you can pledge your feeble support to give this Atari classic a permanent home in the XBLA catalog by plunking down a five-spot (400 Microsoft Points). Just remember, some games are better left to memory -- and paddle controllers!

As for Buku Sudoku? Well, there's a reason this is the "first and only" Sudoku game on XBLA. Leave the number crunching to the pencil and paper, and go shoot some more hookers.

Gallery: Warlords


Gallery: Buku Sudoku

JoystiqThis Wednesday: Warlords and Buku Sudoku on XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 May 2008 16:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribuku-sudokumerscomstainless-gameswarlordsxblaxblawednesdayXbox-360Tue, 27 May 2008 16:26:00 EST<![CDATA[XBLA Wednesday: Buku Sudoku and Warlords]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/xbla-wednesday-buku-sudoku-and-warlords/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/xbla-wednesday-buku-sudoku-and-warlords/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/xbla-wednesday-buku-sudoku-and-warlords/#commentsFiled under: ,

Microsoft just announced tomorrow's Xbox Live Arcade releases and finally, after a mild drought, we are getting an XBLA twofer with both Buku Sudoku and Warlords seeing a release on Wednesday.

Available for purchase off the XBLA for 800 Microsoft points is Merscom's Buku Sudoku, a puzzle word game featuring over 1,200 puzzles, online multiplayer, co-op and well ... lots of Sudoku puzzles. Over fifteen Sudoku books of puzzles ... or so we're told. The other half of this week's XBLA twofer is Stainless Games' 400 MS point Warlords, a remake of the classic Warlords but in prettified HD and four player Xbox Live support. Though, if you want to be all old-school, they've generously added a pixel-perfect remake of the classic. Browse the screenshots below and ponder an XBLA purchase.


JoystiqXBLA Wednesday: Buku Sudoku and Warlords originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 May 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buku-sudokumerscomstainless-gameswarlordsxblaTue, 27 May 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Battlezone and Rocky and Bullwinkle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/19/x3f-tv-xbla-in-brief-battlezone-and-rocky-and-bullwinkle/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/19/x3f-tv-xbla-in-brief-battlezone-and-rocky-and-bullwinkle/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/19/x3f-tv-xbla-in-brief-battlezone-and-rocky-and-bullwinkle/#commentsFiled under:

It might not occur to all of our readers when they see the average episode of XBLA in Brief but, let us assure you, it is a public service. We play awful, awful games so that you don't have to. Rocky and Bullwinkle is just such a game. It is -- if there can be such a thing -- the perfect storm of bad game design. The license is used horribly, the graphics aren't good, and the game employs awkward (and unresponsive) vision camera controls. The misuse of the Rocky and Bullwinkle license is perhaps the worst offense. We hate to see a classic cartoon turned into something this awful.

Check out our video of us checking out Rocky and Bullwinkle (along with Battlezone) and be glad it wasn't you.

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JoystiqX3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Battlezone and Rocky and Bullwinkle originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Apr 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribattlezonerocky-and-bullwinklestainless-gamesxblaxbla-in-briefxbox-live-arcadezen-studiosSat, 19 Apr 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Happy Tree Friends: False Alarm Teaser Trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/happy-tree-friends-false-alarm-teaser-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/happy-tree-friends-false-alarm-teaser-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/happy-tree-friends-false-alarm-teaser-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Thanks to a recently distributed press release from Sega we now have the first teaser trailer of the XBLA version of that violent flash cartoon, Happy Tree Friends: False Alarm. Considering the fact that this is a teaser, its understandable that there is no gameplay. And besides, with an art style like this one, the only way we might even differentiate gameplay shots would be some sort of HUD or something. Other than that, the video reaffirms the fact that the game will not be cleaning itself up in comparison with the rest of the series, and that the game will be seeing release sometime this Spring. No word on the supposed "week of the 21st" release date though.

JoystiqHappy Tree Friends: False Alarm Teaser Trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>happy-tree-friendssegastainless-gamesxblaThu, 03 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Happy Tree Friends: False Alarm to release in April]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/happy-tree-friends-false-alarm-to-release-in-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/happy-tree-friends-false-alarm-to-release-in-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/happy-tree-friends-false-alarm-to-release-in-april/#commentsFiled under: ,


The flash-animated, internet-cult phenomenon, known as Happy Tree Friends is getting it's XBLA release (with a subtitle of False Alarm) next month. As an extremely violent flash cartoon that it is, every entry features blood, gore and violent deaths, and as such should fit right in with the 360 crowd. On the HTF website, there is a confirmation from the staff that the game is set to go live on April 21, strange part is, (as you likely already know) XBLA games only release on Wednesdays. Now assuming that they are simply unfamiliar with that pattern, then it's likely that the game will see release the week of April 21 (its a Monday). Either way, the devs have gotten word that Happy Tree Friends: False Alarm is releasing soon, and from the looks of the rumors swirling, April should end up being a great month for XBLA.

JoystiqHappy Tree Friends: False Alarm to release in April originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Mar 2008 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>happy-tree-friendssegastainless-gamesxblaFri, 28 Mar 2008 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Poker Smash smashes the XBLA this Wednesday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/04/poker-smash-smashes-the-xbla-this-wednesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/04/poker-smash-smashes-the-xbla-this-wednesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/04/poker-smash-smashes-the-xbla-this-wednesday/#commentsFiled under: ,

We're getting good at finding out which upcoming XBLA game will be releasing before the official announcement from Microsoft comes along and this week played out just as expected. Void Star Creations' Poker Smash will release to the Xbox Live Arcade this Wednesday and for 800 Microsoft points you can expect a smashing good time. Or, at least, that's what Void Star promises. Poker Smash's release will also be accompanied by a Poker Smash Play & Win where gamers can win an Xbox 360 Elite and Microsoft points galore.

And if the release of Poker Smash doesn't bring happiness to your life, Stainless Games just announced that they'll be releasing a free update to Crystal Quest that'll add a new multiplier element to the game allowing for higher scores and more crazy craziness. As a result of the update, the old leaderboards will be retired, so if you reign supreme high atop the Crystal Quest boards we advise taking some sort of screenshot. Then, in the future, when you talk of your Crystal Quest mastery, everyone will be forced to believe your mad skills from "back in the day".

JoystiqPoker Smash smashes the XBLA this Wednesday originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Feb 2008 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crystal-questpoker-smashstainless-gamesvoid-star-creationsxblaMon, 04 Feb 2008 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Wizards partners with Carmageddon devs for downloadable game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/06/wizards-partners-with-carmageddon-devs-for-downloadable-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/06/wizards-partners-with-carmageddon-devs-for-downloadable-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/06/wizards-partners-with-carmageddon-devs-for-downloadable-game/#commentsFiled under:


Crazy rich card game, role-playing, and now social networking company Wizards of the Coast has announced that it is venturing into the downloadable games space with a partnership with UK developer Stainless Games. Both parties remain tight lipped as to the nature of the project, though Stainless CEO Patrick Buckland teases us by calling the game "one of the most treasured IP's in the games field."

While we wait for more information to come in early 2008, it's anyone's guess what will come of this digital love in, especially given Stainless Games' eclectic development history. The studio's recent efforts have been focused on recreating Atari classics for XBLA, though its roots are much less tame, having been responsible for the "racing game for the chemically imbalanced," Carmageddon, as well as its road stained sequel.

JoystiqWizards partners with Carmageddon devs for downloadable game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Dec 2007 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CarmageddondownloadableStainless GamesStainless SoftwareStainless-GamesStainless-SoftwareStainlessGamesStainlessSoftwareWIzards of the CoastWIzards-of-the-CoastWizardsOfTheCoastThu, 06 Dec 2007 09:45:00 EST