Joystiq

Force Unleashed, Top Spin 3 now Games on Demand

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 18 May 2010 14:10:00 EST

Let's face it, most of us will never be a Jedi nor a professional tennis player. However, thanks to Xbox Live Games on Demand, you can now pretend to be either one, since Star Wars: The Force Unleashed and Top Spin 3 are both up for grabs this week. We'll let you sort out which one is about Jedi knights. As always, availability and pricing will vary by region.

Xbox.com: Add Star Wars: The Force Unleashed to your Xbox 360 download queue ($29.99)
Xbox.com: Add Top Spin 3 to your Xbox 360 download queue ($19.99)

Force Unleashed, Top Spin 3 now Games on Demand originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 May 2010 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Krome Studios lays off 30-50 more staff [update]

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 14:00:00 EST

Aussie developer Krome Studios (Game Room, Blade Kitten, Star Wars: Republic Heroes) has allegedly just completed another round of layoffs, with the number of employees let go this time ranging from 30 to 50. Develop notes that Krome had somewhere around 400 employees before the first known round of layoffs last year. AusGamers reports a possible financial reason for letting people go: Krome allegedly did not receive the license to develop the The Force Unleashed 2 for Wii "as a result of poor review scores for other Krome titles." IGN adds perspective about the impact of the layoffs, estimating that Krome "accounts for some 25 percent of games development in Australia."

Krome CEO Robert Walsh made it very clear last year that developers' budgets "have probably doubled or tripled during the console transition," which likely doesn't make it easy to run a studio -- especially such a large one. We've contacted Krome for comment and will update if we receive a response.

Update: Krome has responded to Joystiq saying, "We regret to confirm an unspecified number of positions have been eliminated today at Krome. The industry worldwide is facing new challenges and Krome is not immune to the effects of this. Beyond that, we cannot make a comment."

Source -- Rumour: Aussie developer Krome hit with layoffs [IGN]
Source -- Krome loses more work and more employees [AusGamers]

[Via Develop]

Report: Krome Studios lays off 30-50 more staff [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Apr 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Force Unleashed Avatar gear unleashed on XBLM

Richard Mitchell — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:45:00 EST

Comm scan has detected that new Star Wars: The Force Unleashed Avatar items are now available on Xbox Live Marketplace. Yes, even more Star Wars stuff for your digital self. Normally, we would scoff at things like this, but hey ... there's a Stormtrooper outfit. Oh sure, you could get a clone trooper outfit before, but why waste money on that when the obviously superior Stormtrooper armor is available?

Check out the full collection of gear, including the Starkiller lightsaber, on Xbox Live Marketplace.

Force Unleashed Avatar gear unleashed on XBLM originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Star Wars: The Force Unleashed has sold seven million copies

Christopher Grant — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 21:00:00 EST

Well, this is nice to hear. LucasArts' big gamble - moving development of its signature properties back to its internal teams - continues to pay off with Star Wars: The Force Unleashed. The latest figure out of the House That Luke Built for what's already been billed as the "fastest-selling Star Wars game ever" is that Force Unleashed has "sold seven million units worldwide" since its September 2008 release. Seven million!

While strong sales figures are hardly rare for the Star Wars franchise, good games are. Lucky for all of us, LucasArts is busy continuing its wild experiment with a (get this!) sequel, due for release later this year, as well as "other unannounced products." Perhaps another stab at that next-gen Indiana Jones game?

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed has sold seven million copies originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Star Wars: Force Unleashed Hoth DLC out on PSN, coming to Xbox Feb. 23

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST

Looking to get a little more mileage out of your copy of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed before the sequel arrives? As we knew from yesterday's PSN update, PS3 owners can now download the Hoth mission which came bundled with the "Ultimate Sith Edition" re-release of the game -- however, 360 owners will be able to follow suit on Tuesday, February 23. The DLC is going for $9.99 on the PSN, leading us to assume it'll cost Xbox Live Marketplace browsers a cool 800.

The mission on Hoth follows the events of the Tatooine sidequest, and tasks the Secret Apprentice with shutting down the Rebellion and squaring off against Luke Skywalker. Remember, these extra missions are non-canonical -- meaning the fate of the aforementioned frostbitten Force-wielder is up in the air.

Star Wars: Force Unleashed Hoth DLC out on PSN, coming to Xbox Feb. 23 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Star Wars & Indiana Jones items hit Home

David Hinkle — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 13:29:00 EST

If you click this image, it shall become more embiggened than you could possibly imagine

LucasArts has invaded PlayStation Home today with a bunch of new virtual goods and a space to hang out in. Without all of the crime and sudden de-limbing that goes on in the Mos Eisley Cantina, the LucasArts storefront will offer patrons a safe environment to purchase virtual goods -- sorry, no power converters available.

Here's the list of goodies:

Yoda shirt (for male avatars)
Obi-Wan Kenobi shirt (for male and female avatars)
Jedi Order shirt (for male and female avatars)
Indiana Jones costume - torso, pants, shoes
Indiana Jones costume - hat, hair
Stormtrooper costume (for male and female avatars)
Imperial Officer costume (for male and female avatars)
Blue Lightsaber (for male and female avatars)
Jedi banner (for avatar personal space)
Sith banner (for avatar personal space)
Star Wars The Force Unleashed poster (for avatar personal space)

LucasArts promises more updates to come. In the meanwhile, feel free to peruse select avatar items in our gallery below, but there may be a slight chance these aren't the images you're looking for.

Gallery: LucasArts PlayStation Home Space (and goods)

Star Wars & Indiana Jones items hit Home originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Feb 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Star Wars: The Force Unleashed Hoth DLC coming to XBLM after all

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST

As luck would have it, that one missing piece of content for Star Wars: The Force Unleashed that was "exclusive" to the "Ultimate Sith Edition" of the game -- the obligatory Hoth level -- seems to be heading to Xbox Live Marketplace. Spotted by Joystiq reader Andy in the "Coming Soon" section of the XBLM (and seen above), the "Star Wars: The Force Unleashed Hoth Bonus Level" certainly appears to be heading to, at very least, Xbox 360 users. We've contacted LucasArts to find out how much the content will cost, when we can expect to see it arrive on Xbox Live for download, and if it will be coming to PlayStation 3 and PC users as well.

[Thanks Andy!]

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed Hoth DLC coming to XBLM after all originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LucasArts developing The Force Unleashed 2 internally, hiring for 'other unannounced products'

Randy Nelson — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 21:25:00 EST

It didn't take a Jedi Master to conclude that Star Wars: The Force Unleashed would be getting a sequel -- after all, it met with tremendous success, ranking as the fastest-selling Star Wars video game of all time and moving more than six million copies to date. Still, LucasArts laid off a majority of the team that developed it before the game even hit shelves, so many that our source at the time told Joystiq that the remaining group would be insufficient to produce a sequel should one be ordered.

So, now that The Force Unleashed 2 is officially happening, we naturally began to wonder: who's making the game? When asked for comment on the topic, LucasArts president Darrell Rodriguez told Joystiq, "Our internal team here in San Francisco will be focused on the game in addition to other development partners. The San Francisco team is made up of TFU veterans who are all bringing their hard earned muscle memory to the development process." Rodriguez didn't elaborate on who these "development partners" are, but it's clear that a core team at the company's Northern California HQ is only part of the development effort.

Rodriguez did not remark on whether any new staff is being hired to work on the title internally, but did reveal to us that LucasArts is "also currently hiring for some other unannounced products that we are internally developing as well." We're just going to assume that none of the staff who received pink slips last summer will be sending in resumes.

LucasArts developing The Force Unleashed 2 internally, hiring for 'other unannounced products' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 21:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 revealed, intense [update]

Xav de Matos — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 20:44:00 EST

The world's coolest Jedi, Samuel L. Jackson (suck it, Yoda) has just taken the stage at the 2009 Video Game Awards to reveal Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2. In the announcement trailer -- Darth Vader's once apprentice -- codenamed "Starkiller" steps into a dark arena only to be faced with a creature hellbent on his destruction. Thankfully, Starkiller -- armed with two light sabers -- pounces to attack the gargantuan foe. Sadly, it was all CG, but we'll take any new Force Unleashed we can get.

Update: Trailer's out! Check ~~past the jump~~ above to see the blue saber-wielding Starkiller's epic strategy for Rancor euthanasia.

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 revealed, intense [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Dec 2009 20:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Krome Studios lays off 'undisclosed number' of staff

David Hinkle — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:15:00 EST

It's always sad when our layoffs tag claims another victim and, today, Australia-based Krome Studios is the latest. The developer responsible for the PS2, PSP, Wii and DS ports of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, and who recently wrapped up development on Star Wars: The Clone Wars - Republic Heroes, has been forced to release an "undisclosed number" of its staff, Industry Gamers reports.

Krome CEO Robert Walsh attributes the action to declining game sales industry-wide and says the company has "worked really hard to minimize the impact" on its staff. Walsh does give some of these ex-employees hope, stating that he's currently "pursuing several business opportunities which, if secured, will enable Krome to reemploy some of the staff given notice."

Krome Studios lays off 'undisclosed number' of staff originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Force Unleashed PC requirements prompt trip to Tosche station

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST

Remember when Star Wars: The Force Unleashed failed to make an appearance on the PC platform last year, and LucasArts claimed it would only be able to run on gaming rigs equipped with futuristic cybertechnology mankind had yet to invent? Somehow, Aspyr Media has found a way to bring the Sith Edition of the game to your personal computer without requiring you to install tachyon holophase relays or warpsteel heat dissipators.

However, the game's minimum requirements, which are posted after the jump, do suggest you need something called a "3D Hardware Accelerator Card." Yeah, sure. Let us just hop in our time machine and we'll pick one up at the Future Best Buy.

Continue reading The Force Unleashed PC requirements prompt trip to Tosche station

The Force Unleashed PC requirements prompt trip to Tosche station originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Left 4 Dead, GTAIV, SFIV join Xbox Platinum Hits

Richard Mitchell — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:30:00 EST

Microsoft has announced that several new titles will soon be joining the ranks of the Xbox 360's budget priced Platinum Hits line. The new additions include some seriously heavy hitters, namely Grand Theft Auto IV, Street Fighter IV, Left 4 Dead, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed and Saints Row 2. Microsoft's announcement (oh so conveniently) neglected to mention prices for any of the titles, but a quick check around the ol' internet points to a price of $29.99 for most of the new additions (though SFIV curiously seems pegged around $40 for the moment).

We should also point out that while these are some legitimately great games, both SFIV and Force Unleashed are receiving upgraded, budget versions in the near future -- Ultimate Sith Edition later this year and Super Street Fighter IV in early 2010. It's also worth noting Left 4 Dead is receiving a full-blown sequel only a month from now.

Microsoft has also announced that retailers will be offering a "Buy 2, Get 1 Free" promotion for Xbox 360 Platinum Hits through October 31, though the release makes no mention of which retailers are doing so. We've contacted Microsoft for more information on the promotion.

Left 4 Dead, GTAIV, SFIV join Xbox Platinum Hits originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Force Unleashed Tatooine level unleashed on Xbox 360, PS3

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 19:40:00 EST

The "Tatooine Mission Pack" for Star Wars: The Force Unleashed is available starting today for PS3 and Xbox 360. The mission re-imagines the Star Wars canon as if the "Secret Apprentice" had killed Vader and is on the hunt for Obi-Wan Kenobi on the sand planet. Players will also be able to check out Jabba's palace and "encounter" Boba Fett. We have absolutely no idea how long this mission pack is, so feel free to let us know in the comments. The pack is quite expensive at $10 (800).

What isn't available as DLC is an additional mission that takes place on Hoth and has the Apprentice seeking young Skywalker. That mission will only be available on the Ultimate Sith Edition of the game, which releases in early November. Instead of spending the cash now, it may be best to wait until the new game (currently listed for $40 on Amazon) comes out -- and get the aforementioned DLC packs and the Jedi Temple Mission Pack all on one disc.

Gallery: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed "Ultimate Sith Edition"

Force Unleashed Tatooine level unleashed on Xbox 360, PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: The Force Unleashed trophies now available

Xav de Matos — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 21:30:00 EST

Trophies for Star Wars: The Force Unleashed are now available for gamers looking to increase their online reputation. In case you forgot, the catch for the new awards is that gamers cannot get them retroactively, forcing Jedi (or Sith) masters to replay the 2008 release. For what we can only assume is everybody's reaction to the reminder, check out the video after the break.

Continue reading PSA: The Force Unleashed trophies now available

PSA: The Force Unleashed trophies now available originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 23 Aug 2009 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Remember The Force Unleashed? It's getting Trophies

Jem Alexander — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 21:00:00 EST

Of course Star Wars: The Force Unleashed isn't dead. Who told you that? Not only was a new version announced to be released this fall, but the LucasArts twitter feed has revealed that the original PS3 version will be receiving a Trophy patch around the same time. The only catch: You'll need to start a new game in order to begin earning Trophies; they aren't retroactive with existing saved games.

Sure, you'll still need to pony up the cash for the Ultimate Sith Edition if you intend on playing one of the new missions, but if, like us, you still have an unopened copy of the original sitting around from the Great Game Flood of Q4 2008, you'll no doubt welcome the excuse to finally crack it open. Apparently it's pretty good. For a Star Wars game.

Remember The Force Unleashed? It's getting Trophies originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Star Wars: The Force Unleashed receiving 'Ultimate Sith Edition,' new missions

Randy Nelson — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 22:00:00 EST

click to enlarge

LucasArts has announced that the "Ultimate Sith Edition" of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed will hit this fall on PS3, Xbox 360, PC and Mac, bringing with it two new levels in the Star Wars Infinity canon. One, set on Tatooine, will see Vader's apprentice hunting down and battling Obi-Wan Kenobi, making a stop at Jabba the Hutt's palace along the way. For the other, which takes place on Hoth, the apprentice has become the master, and -- wearing the Vader-esque armor seen above -- scraps with Luke Skywalker himself.

The Hoth mission will be exclusive to the Ultimate Sith Edition of the game; the Tatooine mission, however, will be offered as paid DLC on PS3 and 360 for owners of the less-than-ultimate original game. Additionally, the new edition will include all previously released DLC for The Force Unleashed on disc, including the Jedi Temple mission and various player skins.

It may seem strange to be launching a second edition of the title (and DLC) nearly a year after it was released, but The Force Unleashed remains the fastest-selling Star Wars game of all time (and has sold move than six million copies to date). Check out the gallery below for more first screens from the Ultimate Sith Edition.

Gallery: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed "Ultimate Sith Edition"

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed receiving 'Ultimate Sith Edition,' new missions originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xbox 'Deal of the Week' is old Force Unleashed mission

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 10:30:00 EST

After new achievements were discovered for Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, it's no surprise that the marketing machine is ramping up again for the game. Major Nelson notes that this week's "deal" on Xbox Live's marketplace is the "Jedi Temple Mission Pack" for 400 ($5). That's half off the normal price and is available only to gold members.

The pack, which was originally released last December, follows The Apprentice as he searches through the rubble of the Jedi Temple to learn more about his father. The pack also comes with three new outfits made out of ... well, we never did find out what happened to those Bothans.

Xbox 'Deal of the Week' is old Force Unleashed mission originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Force Unleashed achievements discovered

Richard Mitchell — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:15:00 EST

We bet you thought you were done with Star Wars: The Force Unleashed. Well you just hold on a minute buster, it looks like LucasArts still wants to milk a few more Microsoft Points out of you before they've had their fill. We say that because a new batch of achievements have been discovered for the game on Xbox.com (full list at X360A).

What's particularly interesting about these achievements is that most of them relate to characters made famous after the events that take place in Force Unleashed. There are achievements for defeating Boba Fett, Jabba's Rancor, and Obi-Wan Kenobi. The interesting part about the third one is that you have to defeat Obi-Wan before and after he dies. From the sound of things, there's some new DLC on the way that takes place during A New Hope. It also seems like it tasks players with taking up the role of Darth Vader, or perhaps it will introduce an alternate history involving his secret apprentice.

LucasArts will be at the San Diego Comic-Con next week -- with plenty of announcements to make -- so we probably won't have to keep guessing for long.

[Thanks, Brandon!]

New Force Unleashed achievements discovered originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Force Unleashed spread thin sells 5.7m units

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:27:00 EST

The Force Unleashed may have sold 5.7 million units worldwide, but let's take a look at the substance of that figure. Gamasutra notes that the global total is made up of all the various platforms the title was available on. The list includes all major consoles, handhelds, iPod Touch, iPhone, N-Gage (for realz?!) and other mobile devices.

Despite the varying quality of Force Unleashed on all platforms, the competent next-gen offerings were a hit right out of the space hanger. Although the gameplay may not have been stellar, the story certainly captured people's attention, as the title went on to recently win a Writers Guild award for game writing.

The Force Unleashed spread thin sells 5.7m units originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Force Unleashed grips Writers Guild video game award

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Culture

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed has been awarded the second annual video game writing award by The Writers Guild of America. The title bested Fallout 3, Tomb Raider: Underworld, Command and Conquer: Red Alert 3 and Dangerous High School Girls in Trouble! Before complaining about your favorite game not even being nominated, it's worth noting that the award is only open to WGA members.

Congratulations to Haden Blackman, Shawn Pitman, John Stafford and Cameron Suey on the award. They crafted a fine story that fit into the Star Wars universe and arguably bested any of the "prequels."

Force Unleashed grips Writers Guild video game award originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Force Unleashed producer lands at casual MMO dev

Randy Nelson — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: MMO, Business, Casual

No matter your opinion of the game, there was no doubting that some very talented and passionate people worked on Star Wars: The Force Unleashed. Unfortunately, a large number of them were let go by LucasArts before it even shipped, including producer Isa Anne Stamos.

While we don't know where everyone landed (and we hope they did safely), Stamos has been found at MMO dev Mindfuse. There she will oversee design and production of the studio's "advanced-casual" MMO, Gathryn, along with "all future MindFuse titles." Good luck, Isa ... and may the (ahem) ... Force^TM be with you.

Force Unleashed producer lands at casual MMO dev originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cue the groaning: Writers Guild announces video game nominations

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 14:24:00 EST

Filed under: Culture

The Writers Guild of America has announced five nominees for best video game writing in 2008. This will be the Guild's second year giving out the award, with last year's nod going to Dead Head Fred. Hmm, well, this year's nominees are certainly an interesting group and are sure to generate some conversation about what constitutes good writing in a game ... provided said game was written by an eligible WGA member, that is.

Although most of those titles are instantly recognizable, Dangerous High School Girls is an indie title that's (clearly) gaining some recognition. Are you betting on the dark horse? The winner will be announced Feb. 7.

[Via Big Download]

Cue the groaning: Writers Guild announces video game nominations originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Jan 2009 14:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GTA IV, LBP and Home amongst TIME's top picks of the year

Alan Tsang — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 16:50:00 EST

Filed under: News

Time, the renowned weekly newsmagazine, has named its picks for top 10 games of year. Grand Theft Auto IV takes the top spot, while the only PS3 exclusive to make the list is LittleBigPlanet, which sits at third place. Other PS3 multiplatform titles on the list include Rock Band 2, Dead Space and Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (really?). Want to know where those games are ranked and what else made the list? Check them out after the jump.

On a related note, the PS3's community-based service Home is number 10 on Time's list of top 10 gadgets of the year. That's this year, 2008. Do the guys at Time know something we don't? Is this an indication that Home will definitely be released this year?

Source -- Time's top 10 games of the year
Source -- Time's top 10 gadgets of the year

Continue reading GTA IV, LBP and Home amongst TIME's top picks of the year

GTA IV, LBP and Home amongst TIME's top picks of the year originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Dec 2008 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gold Box deals plus lots more Wii discounts at Amazon [update 7]

JC Fletcher — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:55:00 EST

Filed under: News, Sales

As promised, Amazon kicked off their all-Wii Gold Box deals last night, with $25.98 copies of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed. The Gold Box deals so far include:

$10 Namco Museum Remix (gone, but that's probably okay!)
$40 Disney Sing It bundle with mic (expired, but that's probably okay!)
$10 Trauma Center: New Blood (out of stock!)
$20 We Ski (gone!)
$35 Wario Land Shake It! (already claimed!)
$50 DDR Hottest Party 2 bundle (expired)
$30 High School Musical 3: Senior Year Dance

The announced Gold Box deals aren't the only discounted Wii offerings at Amazon today. As part of their "15 Days, 15 Deals" promotion, they've marked down all kinds of Wii games and accessories to ridiculous prices. We've wanted to buy a Balance Board cover for a while, but held off out of an interest in not feeling stupid for paying twenty dollars for one. $2.98 sounds about right! The promotion also includes $40 Active Life: Outdoor Challenge, $20 We Love Golf, and discounts on the Wii Fit Energy Pack (see our impressions!), replacement Wii AC adapters, and maraca shells.

And hey, while you're at Amazon, why not pick up today's MP3 Daily Deal, The Muppets' Green and Red Christmas, for 99 cents?

Gold Box deals plus lots more Wii discounts at Amazon [update 7] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New DLC Roundup: Force Unleashed, V8 and GRID

Dustin Burg — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 09:45:00 EST

Filed under: News, Xbox Live Marketplace

Brand spanking new downloadable content for Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, GRID and Vigilante 8: Arcade is now available via the Xbox Live Marketplace and is patiently awaiting your purchasing download. That is, if DLC was actually capable of patiently waiting ...

The new DLC includes seven additional characters for The Force Unleashed as well as a new single player mission, eight additional cars for GRID and a few extra rides / maps for Vigilante 8. Click the links below to get today's DLC deets.

The Force Unleashed Character Pack 2 - 400
The Force Unleashed Jedi Temple Mission Pack - 800
GRID 8-Ball Pack - 800
Vigilante 8: Arcade High Octane Pack - 320

New DLC Roundup: Force Unleashed, V8 and GRID originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Madden tramples Wii Fit in Q3 global sales

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sports, Exergaming, Business

The Top Global Markets sales data from NPD, Chart-Track and Enterbrain (via GameDaily) reveals that Madden NFL 09 blitzed the global charts to become the best selling game in the third quarter of '08 (that's July to September). Trailing Madden were Wii Fit and Star Wars: The Force Unleashed. Also, showing that the franchise still has some Pikachu-charged power behind it, Pokémon Platinum battled in fourth place with 1.4 million units sold, despite being only available in Japan. Mario Kart Wii rounded out the top five.

Certainly the most interesting question about the sales figures is: Where would Wii Fit be if it was actually meeting demand? Madden's sales were (obviously) US heavy, while Wii Fit had a regional sales spread based on Wii's install base. Find the full sales figures after the break.

Continue reading Madden tramples Wii Fit in Q3 global sales

Madden tramples Wii Fit in Q3 global sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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10 things parents should know about The Force Unleashed

Xav de Matos — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 22:00:00 EST

Recently Star Wars fans were treated to The Force Unleashed and while the game has faced mudslinging for certain technical issues, fans of the franchise have been touting it as a better story experience than the prequel films. In a nutshell, The Force Unleashed puts players in control of a "bad guy," at least in the beginning, and because of this distinction the line it straddles as a T-rated title can become blurry. The team at What They Play have compiled a list of 10 points gamer parents - which some of you are - should know about the title before allowing your children to play or at least be in the same room as it is played.

Not surprisingly most of the list is compiled of points that reference the story specifically. For instance, players take on the role of a Sith and are often tasked with killing innocent characters. A point that is now widely known is that Star Wars: The Force Unleashed has two endings: one for those who end the game as a good guy and one for those who continue through the path of the Dark Side. However, another point in the list is that players are unable to make their allegiance selection from the beginning of the game and must progress through the story as a villain before the choice is presented.

Looking for a helpful guide to aide in your Force related parenting? Check out What They Play today.

10 things parents should know about The Force Unleashed originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Sep 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Force Unleashed getting Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan skins, new missions

Xav de Matos — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: News

Star Wars is popular for the multitude of memorable characters yet every decent Star Wars game is based on completely different people within the universe. Sure, The Force Unleashed main character Starkiller is cool but wouldn't it be fun to go all "Force crazy" as Luke Skywalker or Obi-Wan? LucasArts agrees and has announced plans via news release to add new character skins for the main character which will allow gamers to play as Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan, Ki-Adi-Mundi and Kit Fisto.

LucasArts also announced plans to release a new mission in the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, where the Apprentice will learn more about his father and battle his inner demons while navigating through the rubble of a destroyed building.

No amount of Jedi Mind Tricks were able to extract the pricing or release details from our contacts at LucasArts. The Force is strong with them. For another image of the re-skinned Apprentice do as the Xbox ads say, jump in.

Continue reading Force Unleashed getting Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan skins, new missions

Force Unleashed getting Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan skins, new missions originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shipping this week: Rock Band 2 Unleashed edition

Richard Mitchell — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: News, Shipping this week, Rock Band 2

The big releases are starting to drip out as the industry steadily ramps up for yet another packed holiday season. This week, the Xbox 360 plays host to some decent titles including the likes of Rock Band 2, Pure, and Star Wars: The Force Unleashed. On top of those, we've also got Armored Core: For Answer and ... um ... Battle Fantasia. To our disappointment, we have learned that Battle Fantasia is not a fighting game about the Disney movie Fantasia. It's a shame, really, because we were ready to throw down with some tutu-wearing hippos.

[Via Joystiq]

Shipping this week: Rock Band 2 Unleashed edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Sep 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Worldwide PS3 releases for the week of September 14th

Jem Alexander — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: New Releases

This week the Force unleashes worldwide whilst Americans get their hands on off-road racer, Pure. Europeans can enjoy recording TV onto their PS3 hard discs (while playing games, no less) and the Japanese finally get their hands on Eternal Sonata (though they choose to call if Trusty Bell, and why not?) Here's the full release list:

US Games

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
[Get a free $20 gift card at Toys R Us stores; Get a free $5 gift card at Circuit City]
Armored Core: For Answer
Pure

EU Games

Asian Games

Don't forget, release dates are constantly subject to change, so check with your local retailer if you need any of the above information confirmed. We're now only a month away from one of our most anticipated titles of the year -- Dead Space starts the holiday season off on October 14th and after that it's a terrifyingly expensive avalanche of titles until years end.

Worldwide PS3 releases for the week of September 14th originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 Sep 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Force Unleashed demo breaks Marketplace record

Dustin Burg — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:15:00 EST

Filed under: News, Xbox Live Marketplace

Harnessing its force-like powers, Lucas Arts is gloating that the Star Wars: The Force Unleashed demo that released to the XBLM last month, broke a prestigious Marketplace record. Specifically, Lucas Arts claims that the Force Unleashed demo was downloaded 1 million times off the Marketplace in an eight day period, which would be a day quicker than the previous demo record holder Too Human. With demo downloads like that, The Force Unleashed should easily eclipse 5 million copies at retail ... HA!

Force Unleashed demo breaks Marketplace record originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Force Unleashed tops the charts ... in hardcover fiction

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Culture, Nintendo DS, Sony PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox 360, Action

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed is already a hit in the world of rectangular objects filled with paper and words. The New York Times' bestseller list shows that The Force Unleashed novel by Sean Williams has Jedi mind-tricked its way atop the hardcover fiction pile.

A demo for The Force Unleashed is currently available on both XBLM and PSN. The full game releases globally in two weeks.

[Via Game Daily]

Gallery: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed

The Force Unleashed tops the charts ... in hardcover fiction originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Joyswag: The Art and Making of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed book

Ross Miller — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Culture, Joyswag

click to unleash excerpts from the book

To celebrate the release of The Art and Making of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, LucasArts has sent over two copies of the book, which are currently getting midichlorians all over our lovely coffee table. So, to prevent our furniture from having the ability to Force Choke every person who spills a drink, we're giving them away to decorate your living rooms and grant your furniture the midichlorian count to Force Choke you.

To enter this giveaway:

Leave a comment telling us what force power, or combination of force powers, you'd use in your everyday life! Would you fly to work, strangle a boss, or simply heat your coffee?
You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec and fully operational battle stations).
Limit 1 entry per person per calendar day (comment more than once and you'll be encased in Carbonite).
This entry period ends at 7:00pm ET on Saturday, August 30th. We'll randomly select two winners at that time, who will each receive an art book valued at $30. Please check your e-mail!
For a list of complete rules that you can peruse or crush with your mind, click here.

Gallery: Excerpt: The Art and Making of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed

Joyswag: The Art and Making of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed book originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hands-on: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed

Andrew Yoon — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hands-on

Click for high-resolution image.

You'll be able to get your hands on a demo of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed this Thursday on PSN. However, we had a chance to get an early look at the upcoming release. As with most every Star Wars game, there's a lot of excitement and anticipation over this upcoming LucasArts project -- in spite of the franchise's notorious legacy of mediocrity. However, fans have rallied for The Force Unleashed, due to its unique interpretation of Force powers, and the dark character that stars in it. Darth Vader's apprentice is, essentially, the Kratos of the Star Wars universe. Dark, brooding, conflicted ... and yet oh-so-powerful. Certainly, the premise has a lot going for it.

However, it becomes immediately apparent that The Force Unleashed isn't going to be the definitive Star Wars game that some are hoping it would be. The visuals are rather lackluster, with none of the environments, character models, or special effects looking beyond "par." Of course, it may be because of the demo: restricted to a rather clean, barren Imperial spaceship, there isn't much to see. Perhaps the game's later planetary levels will offer a bit more eye candy. Even the framerate didn't feel smooth -- and the camera seemed annoying, requiring manual adjustment throughout.

Continue reading Hands-on: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed

Hands-on: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Aug 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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See excerpts from The Art and Making of The Force Unleashed

Ross Miller — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Nintendo DS, Features, Sony PlayStation 2, Sony PlayStation 3, Sony PSP, Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox 360, Galleries

click to Unleash the gallery

LucasArts has sent us a rather hefty excerpt from The Art and Making of The Force Unleashed book (itself a whopping 224 pages) that came out this week. We're guessing it doesn't end with a note on the dev team being cut.

Click above to peruse the gallery (Protip: Click on the Hi-res button on each gallery page to view a high-resolution version of the image). A demo for Star Wars: The Force Unleashed drops this Thursday, with the full game arriving mid-September.

Gallery: Excerpt: The Art and Making of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed

See excerpts from The Art and Making of The Force Unleashed originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Force Unleashed demo attacks the XBLM this week

Dustin Burg — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 10:15:00 EST

Filed under: News, Xbox Live Marketplace

Just as Lucas Arts promised us back in July, a new Star Wars: The Force Unleashed demo will be released to the Xbox Live Marketplace this week. More specifically, on the morning of Thursday, August 21st. Also as promised, the Force Unleashed demo will include a tutorial mode to master the Force Grip power and a complete level of gameplay set in a TIE Fighter Construction Facility where we're guessing a bunch of objects explode real good. May the force be with you (and also with you).

[Thanks, to everyone who sent this in]

Force Unleashed demo attacks the XBLM this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 17 Aug 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Force Unleashed video dump may 'blow your mind'

Griffin McElroy — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 20:30:00 EST

Filed under: Nintendo DS, Sony PlayStation 2, Sony PlayStation 3, Sony PSP, Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox 360

We can only imagine how dejected you must feel right now, sitting at home with a tummy full of popcorn and a heart brimming with disappointment. Your friends and family inquire about the reason for your sorrows, until they notice the tear-soaked ticket stub for Star Wars: The Clone Wars lying on your dresser. No amount of playing with your highly collectible Mego Han Solo seems to help -- your infatuation with George Lucas' epic space opera is dwindling, flickering like a candle in the unforgiving wind.

Allow us to offer you this minor consolation -- a sextuplet of videos from Lucasarts' upcoming dark side frolic, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, via GameTrailers. The trailer above is one of the best pieces of media we've seen from the title, showing some familiar faces from the series and ... what's this? A romantic sub-plot? After the break, we've got five videos which apparently highlight one of the first levels from the game. Before pawning your collection of X-wings in protest, we highly suggest checking them out -- they might just rekindle your once unflappable Lucas-love.

Continue reading The Force Unleashed video dump may 'blow your mind'

The Force Unleashed video dump may 'blow your mind' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 16 Aug 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Joystiq hands-on: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (PS2/PSP)

Zack Stern — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Features, Sony PlayStation 2, Sony PSP, Action, Adventure, Galleries

The PS2 and PSP versions of The Force Unleashed are close siblings, and I recently enjoyed playing nearly-finished editions of both. Each follows the same bounty-hunting apprentice story and settings as the 360/PS3 game, although specific level design occasionally differs. Unlike 360/PS3 game, the PSP version gets two-player duel-mode fights against a local gamer, and it also includes five "historical missions" pulled from the movies. The PS2 version includes the full camera control of the 360/PS3, but not those extras.

The PS2 and PSP games felt slightly scaled back from the 360/PS3, with fewer destructible objects or enemies in any one moment. But both maintained a fluid sense of battle, maintaining the visceral thrill of the Force powers. With the game's September 16 release, PS2 and PSP gamers will find a kinetic action title suited to their systems.

Gallery: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (PS2)

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (PS2/PSP)

Joystiq hands-on: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (PS2/PSP) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Joystiq hands-on: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (DS)

Zack Stern — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Nintendo DS, Features, Action, Adventure, Galleries

The DS version of The Force Unleashed tries to cram all of the light-saber-rage from the consoles into a handheld package. You'll be disappointed if you directly compare the two. I recently tried a late version of the DS game, and I didn't think enough of the system's strengths and weaknesses affected the design. The DS game gives a 3D perspective of the action on the top screen with adequate visuals, but the chunky graphics steal some of the excitement. And since the camera can't be repositioned, you'll be regularly attacked by people just off-screen. Worse, player attacks are issued by tapping on icons, causing hunting-and-pecking through battles.

Since The Force Unleashed is about going nuts with explosive superpowers, that sense of excitement got lost by scaling everything down to fit the DS. A wireless, four-player, local battle mode might make it a fun game to play with friends, but I wasn't able to test that feature. I hope the final game will grow on me after its September 16 release. But the time I had with this portable edition left me cautious.

Gallery: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (DS)

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (DS)

Joystiq hands-on: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (DS) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Joystiq hands-on: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (Wii)

Zack Stern — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Features, Nintendo Wii, Action, Adventure, Galleries

For good and bad -- or should I say light and dark -- Star Wars: The Force Unleashed for Wii is clearly a Wii game. Side-by-side with the PS3 and 360 versions, the Wii graphics disappoint, and the complexity and frequency of enemies feels scaled back. But the Wii motion controls are regularly interesting, mapping many of the game's controls into gestures. The simplest ones feel great, like punching the Nunchuk forward to do the Force-push.

After recently playing late-development versions of all four game editions--360/PS3, Wii, DS, and PS2/PSP--I think the Wii game holds up as well as any of them. I had fun throwing enemies, shooting them with lightning, and hitting them with the lightsaber. And while the Wii holds its own, I'm mildly concerned that the final game could be repetitious, just cutting down waves of attackers. Hopefully the many different attacks, and Wii-specific two-player duel mode, will keep the game interesting.

Gallery: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (Wii)

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (Wii)

Joystiq hands-on: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (Wii) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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