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[Mists of Pandaria tries to breathe new life into an old World of Warcraft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/mists-of-pandaria-tries-to-breath-new-life-into-an-old-world-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/mists-of-pandaria-tries-to-breath-new-life-into-an-old-world-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/mists-of-pandaria-tries-to-breath-new-life-into-an-old-world-of/#comments Video games these days have a shorter shelf life than ever before. Titles fall out of the top ten within days or weeks (if they ever get there at all), there are awesome new releases arriving every month or so, and even the biggest games are on a yearly (if that) sequel schedule at this point. And yet World of Warcraft has remained a constant. Blizzard's MMO has held millions of players in sway for over half a decade, and those players have killed countless boars, cleared out endless quests, dungeons, and raids, and have vanquished not one but three world-threatening expansion bosses, in the forms of Illidan Stormrage, Arthas the Lich King, and Deathwing and his Cataclysm.

So Blizzard is perhaps taking on its hardest task ever with the upcoming Mists of Pandaria expansion. There's no question in the halls of the (recently quieter) Blizzard campus in Irvine, California that the game is at a crossroads of sorts. Blizzard's formula for WoW expansions (define a baddie, and lead a player to gear and level up to the final fight) has worked so far, but it's almost as if the company realizes that the old tricks are getting old.

Blizzard needs, then, to take World of Warcraft, one of history's most-played, most-traversed, and most-conquered games, and make it feel new. "This is definitely different fare from any expansion we've tried so far," VP of Creative Development Chris Metzen said in a presentation to assembled press. He then talked about the game on a much longer scale than a few weeks, a few months, or even a Call of Duty-length year. "The big global threat that's coming, to define the next couple years of WoW's gameplay, is really war itself."

Gallery: World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria (3/18/12)

Continue reading Mists of Pandaria tries to breathe new life into an old World of Warcraft

JoystiqMists of Pandaria tries to breathe new life into an old World of Warcraft originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardblizzard-entertainmentchris-metzenexpansionghostcrawlergreg-streetinterviewj-allen-brackpandapandarenpcscott-mercertalentsupdatewarwarcraftworld-of-warcraftworld-of-warcraft-mists-of-pandariaMon, 19 Mar 2012 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft trademarks 'Iron Brigade' for video game use]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/microsoft-trademarks-iron-brigade-for-video-game-use/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/microsoft-trademarks-iron-brigade-for-video-game-use/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/microsoft-trademarks-iron-brigade-for-video-game-use/#comments Either Microsoft is planning on releasing a new military shooter, or it's really getting into organizing its heavy metals into tightly regimented platoons. The company recently filed a trademark with the USPTO for computer game software titled "Iron Brigade," a possible reference to a Union army unit which served during the American Civil War.

As tech news site Fusible points out, though more modern units share the name, the trademark lines up nicely with the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Then again, logic can't always be applied to the naming of games; we could just as easily be talking about a future robot dating simulator or something.

JoystiqMicrosoft trademarks 'Iron Brigade' for video game use originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american-civil-warcivil-warmicrosoftpctrademarkusptowarxboxWed, 03 Aug 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders 2 preview: Death pays a visit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/darksiders-2-preview-death-pays-a-visit/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/darksiders-2-preview-death-pays-a-visit/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/darksiders-2-preview-death-pays-a-visit/#comments So you have a pretty popular game, starring an interesting and original rendition of one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. It sells well. In fact, it sells well enough that it gives a distraught publisher a much-needed influx of revenue and then, when the time comes to make the sequel, you decide to completely replace the protagonist everyone knows, and bring in a brand new character that wasn't ever seen in the first game.

That's what comic book artist-turned Vigil Games founder Joe Madureira did, and though Darksiders 2 definitely looks like it's turning out well, even he says he had doubts. "I still wonder if it's a smart thing," he told me at Comic-Con this week, "because usually when you're building a franchise around a character, you really try and keep the same character." Well, yeah.

"But it was a momentary apprehension. As soon as we concepted him and we had him running in the game, it was a cooler character." He says that THQ didn't have a problem with the change either: "They were like, yeah, this is a cool idea."

Gallery: Darksiders 2 (7/19/11)

Continue reading Darksiders 2 preview: Death pays a visit

JoystiqDarksiders 2 preview: Death pays a visit originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Jul 2011 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comic-con-2011darksiders-2deathjoe-madureiramicrosoftplaystationps3sdcc-2011thqwarxboxFri, 22 Jul 2011 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Weekly: OK Go, The Police, War]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/rock-band-weekly-ok-go-the-police-war/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/rock-band-weekly-ok-go-the-police-war/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/rock-band-weekly-ok-go-the-police-war/#comments Next week's Rock Band DLC announcement is a day early (wonder why?), featuring four individual tracks from three different artists. Details after the break.

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: OK Go, The Police, War

JoystiqRock Band Weekly: OK Go, The Police, War originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCHarmonixmicrosoftnintendoOK-Goplaystationps3Rock-Band-3rock-band-weeklyThe-PoliceWarwiixboxThu, 10 Mar 2011 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Mythic shutting down some Warhammer Online servers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/psa-mythic-shutting-down-some-warhammer-online-servers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/psa-mythic-shutting-down-some-warhammer-online-servers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/psa-mythic-shutting-down-some-warhammer-online-servers/#comments Okay now, nobody panic, but Mythic is closing down three servers in Warhammer Online. Specifically, the North American servers Iron Rock and Volkmar and the European server Corroburg will be disabled beginning three weeks from February 9. American players will be offered free transfers to the Gorfang server, while European players will have the option to transfer to Drakenwald. Furthermore, the Gorfang and Drakenwald servers will have the multi-realm ability enabled, which "allows accounts to have both Order and Destruction characters on the server and increases the character limit to 20."

Community coordinator James Nichols notes that the sever closures are being made to "enable players to experience more action during all hours whether fighting in scenarios or Open RvR." Head over to the Warhammer Online site for full details, including instructions for transferring guilds.

JoystiqPSA: Mythic shutting down some Warhammer Online servers originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 00:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaMythic-EntertainmentpcWARWarhammer-OnlineWarhammer-Online-Age-of-ReckoningWed, 09 Feb 2011 00:40:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare Mythic takes over Warhammer Online in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/08/bioware-mythic-takes-over-warhammer-online-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/08/bioware-mythic-takes-over-warhammer-online-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/08/bioware-mythic-takes-over-warhammer-online-in-europe/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Previously, the operation of Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning in Europe was handled by GOA, a division of France Telecom. Today, EA has announced that BioWare Mythic, the developer behind WAR, will now take over "publishing, operating and subscription service rights" in the region.

During the transition, BioWare Mythic will shut down the European servers for 48 to 72 hours as it works to bring the new servers online. To celebrate the transition, existing and former players will all receive 14 days of free play, while new players will gain the option of installing an Endless Trial mode, which gives players the option to enjoy the trial version of the game for as long as they like. You can check it out for yourself here.

JoystiqBioWare Mythic takes over Warhammer Online in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-mythiceaendless-trialeuropemmoWARWarhammer-OnlineWarhammer-Online-Age-of-ReckoningThu, 08 Jul 2010 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alan Wake wanders into 'WAR,' a Poets of the Fall music video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/alan-wake-wanders-into-war-a-poets-of-the-fall-music-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/alan-wake-wanders-into-war-a-poets-of-the-fall-music-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/alan-wake-wanders-into-war-a-poets-of-the-fall-music-video/#comments We speculated that the live-action Alan Wake teaser that surfaced last week was promoting a new commercial or web short. It turned out to be a slick music video for "WAR," a song by Finnish rock band Poets of the Fall -- and one of the licensed tracks to feature in Remedy's atmospheric action game. The video features Alan Wake as portrayed by actor Ilkka Villi, who's basically the Milli Vanilli companion to voice actor Matthew Porretta.

Head past the break to see Wake freak out to musical accompaniment, ponder his mysterious manuscript pages ... and wonder why the world's worst cameraman is stalking him and his wife through a field.

[Seen Above: The first image from the upcoming Alan Wake DLC, "The Signal."]

Continue reading Alan Wake wanders into 'WAR,' a Poets of the Fall music video

JoystiqAlan Wake wanders into 'WAR,' a Poets of the Fall music video originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alan-WakemicrosoftMusic-VideoPoets-of-the-FallRemedyRemedy-EntertainmentThe-SignalWARxboxXbox-360Wed, 09 Jun 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Supreme Commander 2 screens and units ready for duty]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/supreme-commander-2-screens-and-units-ready-for-duty/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/supreme-commander-2-screens-and-units-ready-for-duty/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/supreme-commander-2-screens-and-units-ready-for-duty/#comments
click to see the whole battlefield Big-time RTS Supreme Commander 2 is rolling ever closer to release next month, and to whet your appetite for (unit) production, we've got some new screens and descriptions of three of the units you'll be Supreme Commanding around the battlefield. First up is the Bomb Bouncer, a shielded unit that gains power as it's fired upon and can then throw all of that stored-up damage right back in the faces of any units around it. The Pulinsmash is a unit that creates a vortex to "pull and smash" surrounding units into it, damaging and disrupting them like popcorn in a popper.

Finally, the Kraken, as you can see on the right in the picture above, is a sea creature-shaped Cybran experimental submarine that can take down other subs, aircraft and even battlebots on land. Sure, these machines are awesome to go to war with, and we get the whole "commanding the troops" thing, but don't forget that every one of these rank-and-file units has a family. What about the supreme children, Commander?

Gallery: Supreme Commander 2

JoystiqSupreme Commander 2 screens and units ready for duty originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Feb 2010 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlebotsbomb-bouncerkrakenlandMicrosoftpulinsmashrtsscreenshotssubmarinesupreme-commander-2troopswarXbox-360Sat, 06 Feb 2010 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Soldier wins Team Fortress 2 war, update goes live in time for free-to-play weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/18/soldier-wins-team-fortress-2-war-update-goes-live-in-time-for-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/18/soldier-wins-team-fortress-2-war-update-goes-live-in-time-for-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/18/soldier-wins-team-fortress-2-war-update-goes-live-in-time-for-f/#comments Well, Demomen, you put up a good fight, but the rocket-armed Soldiers proved too strong a combatant to topple. Team Fortress 2's helmet-wearing class won the "War" update challenge, netting an additional item (boots which reduce rocket-jumping damage) to go with the update's other additions. You can check up on all the new items, maps, achievements and totally out-of-place crafting mechanics on the update's hub page.

Or, you can simply log on to the game right now, and get the update yourself. If you don't possess the game, Valve will let you download and play it for free this weekend. If you really enjoy it, you can pick up Team Fortress 2 at half-price for just $9.99.

[Via Big Download]

JoystiqSoldier wins Team Fortress 2 war, update goes live in time for free-to-play weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demomanfpsmultiplayeronlinesalesoldierssteamteam-fortress-2updatevalvewarFri, 18 Dec 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Warhammer Online begins 'reenlistment campaign' with incentives]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/17/warhammer-online-begins-reenlistment-campaign-with-incentives/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/17/warhammer-online-begins-reenlistment-campaign-with-incentives/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/17/warhammer-online-begins-reenlistment-campaign-with-incentives/#comments Okay, former Warhammer Online subscriber. You've had your fun, doing things that don't involve experience grinding or inter-Realm sparring. Now it's time to come back home. Developer Mythic Entertainment has revealed that the MMO has opened its arms up to its first sons and daughters, allowing former players to come back for a free 10-day trial. During this time, trial players can access all of the game's recently added content, and can even pick up three exclusive in-game items.

The offer is live right now, and will run until December 23. If you happened to delete the game from your hard drive in a fit of rage, you can re-download the WAR client from the game's official site.

JoystiqWarhammer Online begins 'reenlistment campaign' with incentives originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-Artsfree-trialmmommorpgmythic-entertainmentWARwarhammer-onlineThu, 17 Dec 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Team Fortress 2 getting crafty in next update]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/team-fortress-2-getting-crafty-in-next-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/team-fortress-2-getting-crafty-in-next-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/team-fortress-2-getting-crafty-in-next-update/#comments The first piece of information to come out of Team Fortress 2's "War" update for the Soldier and Demoman classes is a savory one -- according to the game's official blog, players of the PC version of the game will now be able to craft their own weapons, hats and other inventory items. Formerly useless pieces of loot in a player's collection can now be combined using a specific blueprint, resulting in a brand new, much more desirable piece of equipment.

So, frequent updates, personal inventories, multiple classes and a crafting system? Seriously, this game is like, a couple dragons short of becoming the next big MMORPG.

[Via Big Download]

JoystiqTeam Fortress 2 getting crafty in next update originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>craftingdemomanfpsshootersoldierteam-fortress-2updatevalvewarMon, 14 Dec 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Protesters planning second march against Army Experience Center]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/05/protesters-planning-second-march-against-army-experience-center/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/05/protesters-planning-second-march-against-army-experience-center/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/05/protesters-planning-second-march-against-army-experience-center/#comments
During this past May, a group of Philadelphians caught our attention when they led a protest march against the local "Army Experience Center," a location in the Franklin Mills Mall which uses video games (such as America's Army) to attract potential recruits. The march went off without a hitch -- tons of folks carried signs and slogans into the mall, caused a thought-provoking stir outside of the A.E.C., and seven people got arrested. Oh, wait. We guess that qualifies as a "hitch."

It seems the group is rallying for round two against the recruitment center -- they've opened a website to garner support for another protest march, which is set to commence September 12. If you're interested, the site has a lengthy list of instructions for what you should do to get ready for the march. Sticking flowers in your hair, however, is not one of the recommended steps.

JoystiqProtesters planning second march against Army Experience Center originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aecarmyarmy-experience-centermarchphiladelphiapoliticsprotestwarWed, 05 Aug 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Warhammer Online's 'Rise of the Tomb Kings' event goes live today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/16/warhammer-onlines-rise-of-the-tomb-kings-event-goes-live-toda/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/16/warhammer-onlines-rise-of-the-tomb-kings-event-goes-live-toda/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/16/warhammer-onlines-rise-of-the-tomb-kings-event-goes-live-toda/#comments
If you're still frequenting the Order vs. Destruction battlegrounds in EA Mythic's tabletop-to-internet adaptation Warhammer Online, brace yourself -- the game's getting a sizable booster shot. The Rise of the Tomb Kings live event is going ... live at some point today, bringing with it a brand new instanced dungeon, and a new zone known as the Land of the Dead. Will John Leguizamo be there to help you destroy the undead legions? Man, we hope so.

The event will have the warring factions building "giant airships" to reach the deathly desert, racing to reach the "unimaginable wealth" within. Players can earn new aeronautical titles as well, such as "Sky Captain" and "Master of the Air." Sounds pretty neat! If only we could pull ourselves away from Habbo Hotel long enough to check it out.

JoystiqWarhammer Online's 'Rise of the Tomb Kings' event goes live today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ea-mythicexpansionland-of-the-deadmmommorpgrise-of-the-tomb-kingswarwarhammer-onilneTue, 16 Jun 2009 12:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Atomic Games still searching for 'Six Days in Fallujah' publisher]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/atomic-games-still-searching-for-six-days-in-fallujah-publishe/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/atomic-games-still-searching-for-six-days-in-fallujah-publishe/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/atomic-games-still-searching-for-six-days-in-fallujah-publishe/#comments
Despite all of the controversy surrounding Six Days in Fallujah, the latest of which has seen Konami drop the game, developer Atomic Games is still hunting down a publisher gutsy enough to get behind it. In speaking with Newsweek, Atomic Games' Peter Tamte goes into detail exactly how the project came about, how far along the team was when Konami pulled the plug, and, most importantly, that he still wants to finish the game. Madness? Perhaps ...

With the game being a $20 million project, Tamte sees the fate of Atomic Games directly tied to the fate of Six Days in Fallujah. "If for some reason it doesn't work, we'll have to think about making some very significant changes to the studio," he told Newsweek. Does Atomic Games have a realistic shot at gaining a publisher for Six Days in Fallujah? As much as we hate hearing about companies going under in this economic climate, we'd say the magic 8-ball is not offering the most reassuring glimpse into the future at this point in time.

[Via Big Download]

Gallery: Six Days in Fallujah

JoystiqAtomic Games still searching for 'Six Days in Fallujah' publisher originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atomic-gamescontroversykonamipeter-tamteshootersix-days-in-fallujahwarWed, 10 Jun 2009 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Heaven and Hell fight for Earth in Darksiders trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/20/heaven-and-hell-fight-for-earth-in-darksiders-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/20/heaven-and-hell-fight-for-earth-in-darksiders-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/20/heaven-and-hell-fight-for-earth-in-darksiders-trailer/#commentsIt's been a while since the last time we saw THQ's Darksiders: Wrath of War and we must admit, we like what we see in this latest trailer. It's certainly a novel idea to choose a protagonist that's "War" itself, taking on both the forces of Heaven and Hell. Plus, War, as in the Horseman of the Apocalypse, happens to wield a sword that's arguably as big as the horse he's riding. One word for you: badass.

Gallery: Darksiders

JoystiqHeaven and Hell fight for Earth in Darksiders trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 May 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actiondarksidersdarksiders-wrath-of-warMicrosoftthqwarXbox-360Wed, 20 May 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Red Orchestra: Heroes of Stalingrad announced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/06/red-orchestra-heroes-of-stalingrad-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/06/red-orchestra-heroes-of-stalingrad-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/06/red-orchestra-heroes-of-stalingrad-announced/#comments We're as tired as anyone of our seemingly never-ending tour of duty in the Great War, Part Deux. Still, given the unconventional road Red Orchestra has traveled we're just a teensy bit curious what developer Tripwire Interactive has tucked inside its pit helmet. The Georgia-based studio has officially made known Red Orchestra: Heroes of Stalingrad, the sequel to 2006's Red Orchestra: Ostfront 41-45, itself based on the company's celebrated Unreal Tournament 2004 mod, Red Orchestra: Combined Arms. And, breathe.

Heroes of Stalingrad will again find players seeking shelter in gun-pits as bullets fly between German and Soviet forces, this time during the historic and bloody Battle of Stalingrad. Setting expectations, Tripwire promises "gritty, vicious combat" and "unrivaled accuracy and attention to detail." While there will of course be multiplayer, the dev also notes players will lace up in the boots of a German soldier as part of a solo campaign told from the Axis point-of-view, something Tripwire claims as a "first" for the FPS genre. No release date has been announced, though armchair soldiers can find out more in the pages of May's PC Gamer.

JoystiqRed Orchestra: Heroes of Stalingrad announced originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 May 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>first-person-shooterfpsgermanred-orchestrared-orchestra-heroes-of-stalingradrussiansoviettripwire-interactivewarworld-war-2world-war-iiww2wwiiWed, 06 May 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Protesters to march against Army's use of video games for recruitment]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/02/protesters-to-march-against-armys-use-of-video-games-for-recrui/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/02/protesters-to-march-against-armys-use-of-video-games-for-recrui/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/02/protesters-to-march-against-armys-use-of-video-games-for-recrui/#comments
Right at this very moment, protesters are organizing in a small church in Philadelphia, preparing to march on the Franklin Mills Mall. However, these activists don't have beef with Old Navy -- their destination is an Army Recruitment Center set up in the heart of the mall, which uses PCs and 360s (equipped with first-person shooters) to try to capture the attention of prospective soldiers who may be waiting in the Cinnabon line.

The anti-war protesters are expecting several hundred bullhorn-toting Phillies to come out in opposition of the Army's use of video games to boost recruitment. GamePolitics will be covering the protest via Twitter -- we suggest checking it out, so you can voice your support/proclaim your disapproval of the event with even greater accuracy.

JoystiqProtesters to march against Army's use of video games for recruitment originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 02 May 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>americas-armyanti-wararmymilitaryphiladelphiaprotestrecruitmentwarSat, 02 May 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallout from Fallujah fiasco continues]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/02/fallout-from-fallujah-fiasco-continues/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/02/fallout-from-fallujah-fiasco-continues/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/02/fallout-from-fallujah-fiasco-continues/#comments
Atomic Games' head Peter Tamte hasn't said much since his company's game, Six Days in Fallujah, was dropped by its publisher, Konami, this past week. Other than saying his team is still interested in completing the game, Mr. Tamte has done little to stand behind Atomic Games' foray into "documentary-style" gaming. Though during his keynote at the Triangle Game Conference this week, Tamte asked the crowd, "Are we really just high-tech toymakers, or are we media companies capable of producing content that is as relevant as movies, music and television?"

Expounding on the reasons Six Days in Fallujah stands up to the relevancy of the aforementioned mediums, Tamte said, "It is the dilemmas you face, and the choices you make, that give you insight into the events that are shaping our world in a way that no passive form of media can." For instance, when we choose which limb to eviscerate on that super mutant barreling down on us, right? Okay, maybe not. He continued, "We hope that Six Days in Fallujah will have the opportunity to change expectations of what a video game can be." Though we're more than a bit wary of Mr. Tamte's lofty expectations for the game, we've yet to get our mitts on it and will reserve our judgment until that day comes.

[Via GamePolitics]

JoystiqFallout from Fallujah fiasco continues originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 02 May 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atomic-gamescontroversyfallujahgamepoliticskonamipeter-tamtesix-days-in-fallujahtriangle-game-conferencewarSat, 02 May 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Warhammer Online reaches 300,000 subscribers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/warhammer-online-reaches-300-000-subscribers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/warhammer-online-reaches-300-000-subscribers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/warhammer-online-reaches-300-000-subscribers/#comments
When that bevy of new content goes live for Warhammer Online later this month, there could be more than 300,000 fans around to enjoy it. That's the word from our sister site Massively, which reports that developer Mythic Entertainment could now boast nearly a third of a million accounts for the game.

That said, let's put the numbers in perspective: If all of WAR's subscribers were a classroom of 30 students, and all World of Warcraft's subscribers were represented by the other students at the school, then there wouldn't be a bully without wedgie arthritis or an unsold tube of acne cream for miles. (Thanks, representative math!)

JoystiqWarhammer Online reaches 300,000 subscribers originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 19:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-Artsmmomythic-entertainmentpcwarwarhammer-onlinewowWed, 04 Feb 2009 19:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Mythic announces 'live expansion' for Warhammer Online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/mythic-announces-live-expansion-for-warhammer-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/mythic-announces-live-expansion-for-warhammer-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/mythic-announces-live-expansion-for-warhammer-online/#commentsFiled under: ,


Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning is getting its first major booster shot just six months after its initial launch. Titled A Call to Arms, the changes will come to the game in the form of a number of in-game events held over the course of a few months -- the devs are calling it a "live expansion." Our ninja-looting sister site Massively has all the details about the upcoming events as well as an in-depth interview with WAR executive producer Jeff Hickman, but here's a basic breakdown of the events, and the additions they'll bring:
  • Call to Arms: Bitter Rivals (Late Feb.) -- The Bitter Rivals event features quests, tasks and RvR activities which will allow players to unlock the once-canceled Orc Choppa and Dwarf Slayer classes. Players who don't participate in the events will unlock the two classes a week later.
  • Call to Arms: Beyond the Sands (April) and Rise of the Tomb Kings (May) -- Hickman didn't share many details about these two events, only explaining that they would eventually lead up to the launch of ...
  • The Land of the Dead (June) -- An internal dungeon (with accompanying external zone) which realms will compete to control. It will feature new public quests, instances, items and a pyramid which houses the Tomb King; the dungeon's focal point which Hickman promises will incite "crazy epic adventures."

JoystiqMythic announces 'live expansion' for Warhammer Online originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-call-to-armsexpansionland-of-the-deadmmomythicPCwarwarhammer-onlineThu, 29 Jan 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Warhammer Online patch 1.1a now active]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/warhammer-online-patch-1-1a-now-active/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/warhammer-online-patch-1-1a-now-active/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/warhammer-online-patch-1-1a-now-active/#commentsFiled under: ,


It may be nothing but a number to you, but to fans of Warhammer Online, patch 1.1a is the sickest, illest patch to come along since Game Update 1.0.6. Just how dope could one patch, which just went live in game, be? How about new careers? How about armor set improvements? Still nothing? Well how about one public quest in each chapter of Tier 1 being easier? How about that business?

Our friends at Massively have all the gruesome details if you're still not convinced of 1.1a's freshness.

JoystiqWarhammer Online patch 1.1a now active originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mythicpatchesPCwarwarhammer-onlineThu, 11 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Key Warhammer Online system seems to be random]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/key-warhammer-online-system-seems-to-be-random/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/key-warhammer-online-system-seems-to-be-random/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/key-warhammer-online-system-seems-to-be-random/#commentsFiled under: ,


We know that this is only going to interest a small portion of you, but if you're part of the Warhammer Online fan base, it's captivating stuff. When players in WAR finish a Public Quest, the loot they get is partially dependent on their "Contribution" rating, which supposedly credits them for the amount of damage and healing they did during the quest.

According to the tests of some players though, that number is random, applied when the player enters a zone, and remains stagnant until they leave it or log off. This has been kicking around for a couple of days and Mythic has not, as of yet, leaped to its own defense. We'll let you know when they speak up.

[Via Massively]

JoystiqKey Warhammer Online system seems to be random originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-ArtsmythicPCwarwarhammer-onlineWed, 26 Nov 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Warhammer Online getting two new tank classes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/17/warhammer-online-getting-two-new-tank-classes/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/17/warhammer-online-getting-two-new-tank-classes/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/17/warhammer-online-getting-two-new-tank-classes/#commentsFiled under: ,


Warhammer Online players will soon have to make room in their groups (and their hearts) for two new tank classes: Empire's Knights of the Blazing Sun and the Dark Elven Black Guards. If you're familiar with the game, the fact that those are similar to the Ironbreaker and Chosen respectively will mean something to you. If you're not familiar with the game ... well, why are you still reading this?

There's no firm date set for the new additions, but our friends at Massively tell us that EA and Mythic are aiming for December. Oh, and you can put your gold coins away, the additions will be free of charge.

JoystiqWarhammer Online getting two new tank classes originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtsPCwarwarhammer-onlineFri, 17 Oct 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively week in Review]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/14/massively-week-in-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/14/massively-week-in-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/14/massively-week-in-review/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Joystiq's sister site Massively.com has all the news you'll need about MMOs. Here's the best, brightest, and most interesting stuff from the last week, all in one convenient place for your MMO minute.
Warhammer Online's party hits 750,000 players
It seems like the forces of Order and Destruction have been busy recruiting, because Gamasutra is reporting that Warhammer Online is now partying hard at 750,000 subscribers strong.
Champions Online announces Closed Beta signups
Cryptic Studios has just announced that players can now sign up for a chance to participate in the first Closed Beta of their forthcoming superhero MMO, Champions Online, with the Beta beginning in mid-November 2008. Applications can be made at the official website. The Beta is for PC only.
Mines of Moria gets a November 18th release date
Mines of Moria, the first expansion for Lord of the Rings Online, has been given a release date of November 18th for both the NA and EU today. That means we're only about a month away from ten new levels, two new classes, legendary weapons, angry Balrogs and the under-mountain Dwarf kingdom of Khazad-dum.
Massively in Metropolis: DC Universe Online goes beyond questing
The folks at SOE Austin are looking to change the playing field fairly substantially with their superhero MMO title. In fact, in a number of ways they're looking to re-examine a lot of the basic elements we think of as part and parcel with the MMO package. One great example is the concept of questing.

Continue reading Massively week in Review

JoystiqMassively week in Review originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>champions-onlinedc-universe-onlinedcuofeaturedlord-of-the-rings-onlinemassivelymassively-week-in-reviewmines-of-moriaPCwarwarhammer-onlineTue, 14 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Darksiders: Wrath of War]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/joystiq-hands-on-darksiders-wrath-of-war/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/joystiq-hands-on-darksiders-wrath-of-war/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/joystiq-hands-on-darksiders-wrath-of-war/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


One of the biggest things we missed at E3 this year was the upcoming Vigil Games / THQ title, Darksiders: Wrath of War. How we managed to miss this one is still unclear -- we can only assume that it was in our blind spot the entire time. So, during our recent jaunt down to Austin for the Game Developer's Conference, we made time to stop by Vigil and take an in-depth look at the the team's debut title and two-year labor. Luckily, they weren't holding any grudges against our non-existent E3 coverage and were nice enough to give us a huge chunk of time with the game and the designers.

Concept artist and Vigil founder Joe Madureira and lead designer Hadyn Dalton sat down with us for two hours, taking us through the game and showing us levels that haven't been released to the public just yet. We got to take control of protagonist War and do battle with enemies, solve puzzles, and even take his massive warhorse Ruin for a spin. Check out the full writeup after the break, and be sure to check out the gallery, full of exclusive images from the game, just below. If you've been itching for a Joe Madureira Battle Chasers fix, this might be about as close as you can get.

Gallery: Darksiders: Wrath of War (9/30/08)

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: Darksiders: Wrath of War

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Darksiders: Wrath of War originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DarksidersDarksiders-Wrath-of-WarGod-of-WarJoe-MadureirajoystiqfeaturesPS3RuinTHQVigilWarWrath-Of-WarXbox-360Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Just how violent is Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/just-how-violent-is-brothers-in-arms-hells-highway/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/just-how-violent-is-brothers-in-arms-hells-highway/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/just-how-violent-is-brothers-in-arms-hells-highway/#commentsFiled under:


Want to know a secret? Videogame adaptations of war can be pretty violent. Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway is the recently released first-person shooter from UbiSoft that proves our point. Setting itself apart in gameplay style, Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway features a light tactical overlay within its squad based system that allows players to control nearly all aspect of the soldiers under their command. According to Metacritic, if that's your thing, Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway has been given generally favorable reviews; currently sitting with a score of 76. The trailer, found after the jump, showcases some of the more violent action in the game. Looking to see how insane war can be or just want to watch sheep react to physics through a grenade blast? Jump in.

Continue reading Just how violent is Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway?

JoystiqJust how violent is Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Sep 2008 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brothers-in-arms-hells-highwaytrailerubisoftunreal-engine-3violencewarworld-war-iiTue, 30 Sep 2008 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[What's the difference between WAR and WoW?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/11/whats-the-difference-between-war-and-wow/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/11/whats-the-difference-between-war-and-wow/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/11/whats-the-difference-between-war-and-wow/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Despite appearances of similarities, Warhammer Online and World of Warcraft are very different games. Looking at screenshots and videos will only tell you so much, because it's under the hood where you'll find the differences. That's where this handy guide comes into play. It's here to explain why certain quests in WAR are considered "public" and what "instances" are really all about. Unlike our previous guide, this is for the total MMO newb.

The MMO genre has been slow to evolve. A primary reason being that games take a long time to come to market. So what's so special about these two games that you'd actually want to know the differences between them? Click on through to find out.

Gallery: What's the difference between WAR and WoW?

Warhammer Online PvEWarhammer Online PvE, cont.World of Warcraft PvEWorld of Warcraft PvE, cont.Warhammer Online PvP

JoystiqWhat's the difference between WAR and WoW? originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Sep 2008 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardeaelectronic-artsjoystiqfeaturesmassivelymythicwarwarcraftwarhammerwarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 11 Sep 2008 09:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Warhammer Online, through the eyes of a WoW player]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/warhammer-online-through-the-eyes-of-a-wow-player/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/warhammer-online-through-the-eyes-of-a-wow-player/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/warhammer-online-through-the-eyes-of-a-wow-player/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Sure, it may not be poised to rival World of Warcraft, but Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning is attracting the same audience. Given WoW's install base rivals that of medium-sized nation-states, it serves as a rather handy metric for comparing all other MMOs.

Our friends at Massively have done just that (as they have previously with Age of Conan and Guild Wars), presenting a WoW-based primer for the world of Warhammer Online. World, characters, questing, crafting, user-interface, PvP and more are covered, so if you're interested in WAR and have at least passable knowledge of WoW, check out the guide.

JoystiqWarhammer Online, through the eyes of a WoW player originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-mythicelectronic-artsmythicPCwarwarhammerwarhammer-onlineTue, 09 Sep 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX 2008: Appealing to an MMO Newbie]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/pax-2008-appealing-to-an-mmo-newbie/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/pax-2008-appealing-to-an-mmo-newbie/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/pax-2008-appealing-to-an-mmo-newbie/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Worth it or not, to me personally, pay-to-play MMOs always felt like a ridiculous proposition. Paying to play a game I already paid for is like paying $5 to bite into a delicious burger I just got at the drive-through. Still, the genre continues to spawn new titles as proven at the 2008 Penny Arcade Expo.

While many MMO titles were on display, two were the most talked-about massively multiplayer role-playing games of the show: Warhammer Online and Aion: The Tower of Eternity. Realizing my limited experience with MMOs in the past, the team at Joystiq tasked me with learning as much as I could about each title and see if they could appeal to a genre newbie willing to jump into the online fray.

Continue reading PAX 2008: Appealing to an MMO Newbie

JoystiqPAX 2008: Appealing to an MMO Newbie originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionaion-the-tower-of-eternityea-mythicjoystiqfeaturesmythic-entertainmentncsoftpax-08pax-2008pax2008PCwarwarhammer-onlineThu, 04 Sep 2008 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Answer your Call of Duty this November]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/answer-your-call-of-duty-this-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/answer-your-call-of-duty-this-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/answer-your-call-of-duty-this-november/#commentsFiled under:


Veterans Day this year will be marked by silences, parades, and a bunch of people buying the latest Call of Duty game. Previous speculation that Call of Duty: World at War would launch in November has now been confirmed -- World at War will appear on November 11th, hopefully giving Wii owners an accomplished shooter to play before The Conduit arrives on the scene.

For some time, Activision has promised us that the (Zapper-compatible) Wii title will be "comparable" to versions on other consoles, based as it is on the Call of Duty 4 engine. We'll see how robustly such claims hold up a couple of months from now.

JoystiqAnswer your Call of Duty this November originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardcall-of-dutycod5fpsshootertreyarchwarworld-at-warwwiiThu, 04 Sep 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Don't be bear naked in Warhammer Online; preorder Red Alert 3!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/03/dont-be-bear-naked-in-warhammer-online-preorder-red-alert-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/03/dont-be-bear-naked-in-warhammer-online-preorder-red-alert-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/03/dont-be-bear-naked-in-warhammer-online-preorder-red-alert-3/#commentsFiled under: ,


You can put down that syringe full of bear hormones - EA's got a much easier (and more affordable!) way of transforming yourself into that most noble of Mother Nature's creatures: simply don Korssar's Helm. You see, the "magical Kislevite helm is imbued with the spirit of the wild North and will magically transform the wearer into a ferocious bear."

There are some caveats however: your ability to live your life as a bear will be limited to the virtual confines of EA Mythic's Warhammer Online MMO (a deal breaker for some, to be sure) and those willing to confine their bearness to WAR will still need to preorder Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 on PC to access the magical helm. Preorder cross-promotion? Clever move, EA. Great to see publishers further incentivizing preorders ... but we're sure there's at least a handful of WAR-heads eager to play as a bear (a bear!) but uninterested in picking up Red Alert 3. In other words: don't throw away those bear hormones just yet.

JoystiqDon't be bear naked in Warhammer Online; preorder Red Alert 3! originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Command-and-Conquer-Red-Alert-3EAEA-MythicElectronic-ArtsPCpreorderRed-Alert-3WARWarhammer-OnlineWarhammer-Online-Age-of-ReckoningWed, 03 Sep 2008 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Warhammer Online cinematic trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/warhammer-online-cinematic-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/warhammer-online-cinematic-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/warhammer-online-cinematic-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , ,


There's a war going on. No, we're not talking about the one between the Armies of Order and the Armies of Destruction depicted in the recently released cinematic trailer for EA's upcoming MMO Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning. Nope, we're talking about the war being waged on blogs and in forums over which fantasy MMO-themed video is better: this one or the Wrath of the Lich King opening. Since it's a war, you all have to watch both and pick a side. Apathy is not a choice!
[Download it in high-def from BigDownload]

JoystiqWarhammer Online cinematic trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAEA-MythicElectronic-ArtsPCWARWarhammer-OnlineThu, 21 Aug 2008 17:57:00 EST<![CDATA[WAR to be waged on Sept. 18]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/06/war-to-be-waged-on-sept-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/06/war-to-be-waged-on-sept-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/06/war-to-be-waged-on-sept-18/#commentsFiled under:


We were a bit concerned when Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning (or WAR, on the streets) had its release date changed from the comfortingly specific "Sept. 23" to the vague and unsettling "Sept. 08." Little did we know, that change was just a chrysalis from which a new, just as specific but even earlier date could emerge: Sept. 18.

EA would also like you to start referring to Sept. 18 as the "Day of Reckoning," and that's fine, if you want to help drum up some extra interest among friends or family. Just do us a favor and put the kibosh on that when you go out into public, OK?

JoystiqWAR to be waged on Sept. 18 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Aug 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BreakingNewseaElectronic-Artsmythicrelease-dateswarwarhammerwarhammer-onlineWed, 06 Aug 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blackwater mercs say 'make music, not war']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/blackwater-mercs-say-make-music-not-war/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/blackwater-mercs-say-make-music-not-war/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/blackwater-mercs-say-make-music-not-war/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Okay, maybe what controversial private military company (PMC) Praying Mantis Blackwater Worldwide is actually trying to say by airdropping complete Guitar Hero setups to US troops in Afghanistan is "Make music, not war ... well, actually, make war too - after you've FC'd a few songs."

The Associated Press reports that James Overton, a Blackwater recruiter, wants to bundle an Xbox 360, projector, and an undisclosed Guitar Hero iteration together in a package that can be deployed as a battlefield moral booster. "Every [military] place I've ever been to overseas, they've got like backgammon and Parcheesi and chess, and they're all gathering dust," Overton told the AP, adding, "But this is the stuff they play at home. And any semblance of home we can give them is best."

Overton did not disclose who the troops call if their 360 displays a Red Ring of Death as a result of being dropped from the transport plane.

[Via Gamasutra]

JoystiqBlackwater mercs say 'make music, not war' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jul 2008 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackwaterguitar-heropmcwarXbox-360Tue, 29 Jul 2008 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Warhammer Online launches Sept 23, says EA website]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/26/warhammer-online-launches-sept-23-says-ea-website/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/26/warhammer-online-launches-sept-23-says-ea-website/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/26/warhammer-online-launches-sept-23-says-ea-website/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We already knew Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning was pretty much done, but now the Electronic Arts website has updated with a release date. The day of reckoning? September 23. There's been no official press release from EA or developer Mythic, so someone has either jumped the gun on updating the site or this won't be the official launch. In the meantime, check out Massively's extensive WAR coverage.

[Via Massively]

JoystiqWarhammer Online launches Sept 23, says EA website originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 Jul 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-reckoningeaelectronic-artsmythicPCwarwarhammerwarhammer-onlineSat, 26 Jul 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Major features cut from Warhammer Online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/major-features-cut-from-warhammer-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/major-features-cut-from-warhammer-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/major-features-cut-from-warhammer-online/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The world of Warhammer just got a bit smaller. In an interview with with MMORPG.com, Mythic Entertainment VP and General Manager Mark Jacobs (not to be confused with fashion designer Marc Jacobs) has revealed some big cuts for the Warhammer Online's launch. Namely, the capital cities for the Dark Elf, High Elf, Orc, and Dwarf factions are gone. That leaves two capital cities, Altdorf and the Chaos Inevitable City.

Additionally, four classes have been cut: Choppa (Greenskin), Hammerer (Dwarf), Blackguard (Dark Elf) and Knight of the Blazing Sun (Empire). Jacobs explained the cuts were made for quality reasons and expressed dismay over having to nix the classes. Also, to seemingly curtail any conspiracy theories, he said, "This has nothing to do with EA ... they had zero input in this ... They don't even know about it. It's not a discussion we would have with them."

The MMO-obsessed at Massively have provided explanations for the ramifications of these cuts. No indication on if any of these features will return in an update or expansion pack.

[Via Massively]

JoystiqMajor features cut from Warhammer Online originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mythicPCwarwarhammerwarhammer-onlineFri, 11 Jul 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fall in to the World at War website]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/fall-in-to-the-world-at-war-website/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/fall-in-to-the-world-at-war-website/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/fall-in-to-the-world-at-war-website/#commentsFiled under:


Call of Duty: World at War has hit the intertrons! The official COD domain has always been a general-purpose website, but the latest information for the upcoming shooter has been granted its own dedicated section with a whole range of groin-grabbing goodies.

The whole point of the site is the get involved with everything Call of Duty. You'll sign up and create your profile, and from there you can complete a variety of "missions" to earn points and level up. This include posting in the forums and taking part in polls, but you'll unlock more missions the further you progress within the site.

Why does this sound like a video game? It's a website -- but a pretty good one at that. The Intel and Reconnaissance (that is, news and media) sections should be updated regularly, and a developer blog is up and running. Off you go, then!

[Via press release]

JoystiqFall in to the World at War website originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardcall-of-dutycod5fpsshootertreyarchwarworld-at-warwwiiThu, 26 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty: World at War trailer really speaks to co-op gamers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/call-of-duty-world-at-war-trailer-really-speaks-to-co-op-gamers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/call-of-duty-world-at-war-trailer-really-speaks-to-co-op-gamers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/call-of-duty-world-at-war-trailer-really-speaks-to-co-op-gamers/#commentsFiled under: ,

Even though it was revealed earlier, a recent press release has confirmed co-op gameplay in the upcoming Call of Duty: World at War. While the other versions boast four-player online killfests, the Wii will have its own gimped "unique co-op mode for two players."

It's not all downgrades for the Wii's World at War. Senior producer Noah Heller is confident in its capabilities, claiming "It's going to look better than any Wii game I've ever seen on the market." Also, despite the online and co-op changes, developer Treyarch says "For all intents and purposes it's the same game." Top stuff, because Call of Duty 3 wasn't entirely up to scratch.

Hit that big play button up there to check out the debut trailer for World at War. Officially it's footage from the 360 and PS3 version, but since it's "the same game," the Wii shouldn't miss out on too many of the heart-beating battles in the above video.

[Via press release]

JoystiqCall of Duty: World at War trailer really speaks to co-op gamers originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardcall-of-dutyco-opcod5multiplayertreyarchwarworld-at-warwwiiMon, 23 Jun 2008 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty 5: World at War starts to surface]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/call-of-duty-5-world-at-war-starts-to-surface/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/call-of-duty-5-world-at-war-starts-to-surface/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/call-of-duty-5-world-at-war-starts-to-surface/#commentsFiled under:


Call of Duty is one of the biggest names in gaming today, and the hard-fightin' adventures of World War II soldiers just keep coming, ready for twitchy trigger-fingers to blast some baddies. The Wii had a taste of the action with Call of Duty 3, even though it couldn't match the super-fine graphics featured on the other consoles.

In development at Treyarch, Call of Duty 5: World at War is coming to all three consoles -- but this time, the Wii gets a bit more TLC. It's being developed by a separate team, although the graphics will be much more comparable between the different versions -- apparently running the COD4 engine on the Wii. That's no slouch, folks, as the COD4 engine was stunning.

We can expect vehicle and squad-based additions to the multiplayer, along with ZOMG! a full co-op mode. That's pretty hardcore, because this isn't your church-picnic Call of Duty. Apparently, the setting will be far "grittier" than anything we've seen in the series thus far, which means plenty of grizzled soldiers standing around looking badass with cigarettes, simultaneously getting their violent on. This all goes down in the Pacific theatre of WWII, where hectic battles were commonplace.

We want great games to be commonplace on the Wii, and COD5 is shaping up nicely. Stay tuned for more details as they arrive!

JoystiqCall of Duty 5: World at War starts to surface originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 11:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardcall-of-dutycall-of-duty-3call-of-duty-4call-of-duty-5call-of-duty-5-world-at-warco-opcod5multiplayerpacific-theatretreyarchwarwwiiTue, 10 Jun 2008 11:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively.com's exhaustive coverage of Warhammer Online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/07/massively-coms-exhaustive-coverage-of-warhammer-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/07/massively-coms-exhaustive-coverage-of-warhammer-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/07/massively-coms-exhaustive-coverage-of-warhammer-online/#commentsFiled under: , ,

All week long, Massively.com has been offering up feature after feature on EA Mythic's in-development MMO, Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning. The Massively goes to WAR feature series takes you front to back through almost every moment of our time at Mythic's Virginia headquarters. To wrap it all up, we've got a handy-dandy clickable guide to the series. Whether you're into hardcore PvP, dungeon delving, crafting, or are a total MMO newb, we've got you covered. Click on through, and explore the world of Warhammer.


Gallery: Warhammer Online Screenshot Gallery


Continue reading Massively.com's exhaustive coverage of Warhammer Online

JoystiqMassively.com's exhaustive coverage of Warhammer Online originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Jun 2008 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ea-mythicfeaturedmassivelymassively-goes-to-warwarwarhammerwarhammer-onlineSat, 07 Jun 2008 01:00:00 EST