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[Spy Hunter races to 3DS and PS Vita this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/spy-hunter-races-to-3ds-and-ps-vita-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/spy-hunter-races-to-3ds-and-ps-vita-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/spy-hunter-races-to-3ds-and-ps-vita-this-fall/#comments
Warner Bros. has announced a new Spy Hunter game for the 3DS and PlayStation Vita. It's in development at TT Fusion, which was previously Embryonic Studios, a smattering of key staff from Gizmondo - who made the Gizmondo - and Warthog, a UK studio who has done a lot of licensed titles. TT Games snatched up the studio in 2006 before being bought by Warner Bros. a year later.

This Spy Hunter reboot will be available this fall, and ... well, it's Spy Hunter. You drive a transforming car to take down evil dudes. This latest installment adds an aerial support drone and will let users customize the Interceptor (the official ride of spies everywhere) through tech and weapon upgrades. The car is also red now, which seems like the worst color for a spy car but that's just our two cents.

Gallery: Spy Hunter (Vita/3DS)

Continue reading Spy Hunter races to 3DS and PS Vita this fall

JoystiqSpy Hunter races to 3DS and PS Vita this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsnintendoplaystationplaystation-vitaspy-huntertt-fusiontt-gamesvitawarner-brosWed, 30 May 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gotham City Impostors 'Steamy Punk' DLC adds jetpacks, general dapperness]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/gotham-city-impostors-steamy-punk-dlc-jetpacks/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/gotham-city-impostors-steamy-punk-dlc-jetpacks/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/gotham-city-impostors-steamy-punk-dlc-jetpacks/#comments Image
What's better than being able to fly in Gotham City Impostors? Looking good while you do it, of course - and you'll be able to do both with the upcoming Steamy Punk DLC pack.

JoystiqGotham City Impostors 'Steamy Punk' DLC adds jetpacks, general dapperness originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gotham-city-impostorsmicrosoftMonolithpcplaystationps3Warner-BrosxboxThu, 17 May 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lego Lord of the Rings listed on retail site, reportedly on Lego toy boxes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/lego-lord-of-the-rings-listed-on-retail-site-reportedly-on-lego/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/lego-lord-of-the-rings-listed-on-retail-site-reportedly-on-lego/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/lego-lord-of-the-rings-listed-on-retail-site-reportedly-on-lego/#comments A Lego Lord of the Rings video game is in the stars for later this year. AllGamesBeta and Gamespot both have images from UK retailer ShopTo with pre-order details, along with an October placemark launch. Meanwhile, MCV reports that packaging for the physical Lego Lord of the Rings toy sets mentions a game is in the works by Warner Bros.' Traveller's Tales.

A Warner Bros. Interactive rep told Joystiq, "We do not comment on speculation or rumors."

The Lego Lord of the Rings series first popped up on radar late last year, which ended up officially being a teaser for the physical sets... or not, as the current case may play out.

JoystiqLego Lord of the Rings listed on retail site, reportedly on Lego toy boxes originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lego-lord-of-the-ringsmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3Warner-BrosWarner-Bros-Interactive-EntertainmentwiixboxThu, 10 May 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7 conjures up iOS port]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/lego-harry-potter-years-5-7-conjures-up-ios-port/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/lego-harry-potter-years-5-7-conjures-up-ios-port/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/lego-harry-potter-years-5-7-conjures-up-ios-port/#comments
Just in time for Hogwarts summer break, Warner Bros. has released Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7 on the iTunes App store. The new universal app for iPad and iPhone/iPod Touch will set eager Expelliarmus users back $4.99.

In addition to the base game, the iOS port features a Dueling Club expansion where players can take on famous Harry Potter characters like Professor Snape, Lord Voldemort and more.

Gallery: Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7 (iOS)

JoystiqLego Harry Potter: Years 5-7 conjures up iOS port originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 May 2012 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harry-potteriosipadiphonelego-Harry-Potterlego-harry-potter-years-5-7mobilett-gameswarner-brosThu, 03 May 2012 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Deja Review: The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Enhanced Edition (Xbox 360)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/deja-review-the-witcher-2-assassins-of-kings-enhanced-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/deja-review-the-witcher-2-assassins-of-kings-enhanced-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/deja-review-the-witcher-2-assassins-of-kings-enhanced-edition/#commentsWe're of the firm opinion that your time is too precious, too valuable to be spent reading a full review for a game that was already reviewed many, many years ago. What's the point of applying a score to a game that's old enough to be enrolled in the sixth grade? That's why we invented Deja Review: A quick look at the new features and relative agelessness of remade, revived and re-released games.
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings has always been a console game in disguise. The PC version remains superior, capable of more clarity and sophisticated effects, but plug in a controller and the Riveting Polish Game transforms into something you'd rather play ensconced in a couch. The "Enhanced Edition" feels authentic and comfortable on the Xbox 360.

That isn't to say it's been streamlined to a fault. The Witcher 2 is a gorgeous, thoughtful and brassy adventure with a surprising number of sharp edges. The original game had a deadly gauntlet for a tutorial, a misstep which got it lambasted while a dragon roasted players again and again. It was frustrating, yes, but it worked as a charming wake-up call of sorts, and as a crucial component of the game's mature personality. To succeed, you must think and do as Geralt of Rivia does, and that's precisely what you want in a role-playing game.

Gallery: The Witcher 2 Xbox 360 (1/26/2012)

Continue reading Deja Review: The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Enhanced Edition (Xbox 360)

JoystiqDeja Review: The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Enhanced Edition (Xbox 360) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cd-projektcd-projekt-reddeja-reviewgeraltmicrosoftthe-witcher-2the-witcher-2-assassins-of-kingsthe-witcher-2-assassins-of-kings-enhanced-editionWarner-BroswbiexboxMon, 23 Apr 2012 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[New map, game mode in next free Gotham City Impostors update]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/21/new-map-game-mode-in-next-free-gotham-city-impostors-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/21/new-map-game-mode-in-next-free-gotham-city-impostors-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/21/new-map-game-mode-in-next-free-gotham-city-impostors-update/#comments
Another free update is gracefully dropping from on high in Gotham City Impostors, adding a new map, game mode and character customization option to Monolith's downloadable shooter. The East End map is described as a grimy and dilapidated section of Gotham, all the better for two gangs of psychos to wage war.

Bounty Hunter is a new team deathmatch-based mode where, upon mowing down an enemy player, you'll see them leave behind a coin - grab enemy coins for points and your teammate's cash to deny the enemy their score. The last part of the update is customizable player character languages, which means you can finally run around as a Spanish wannabe-Batman.

JoystiqNew map, game mode in next free Gotham City Impostors update originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Apr 2012 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gotham-city-impostorsmicrosoftmonolithpcplaystationps3warner-brosxboxSat, 21 Apr 2012 03:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mortal Kombat Vita ad brings Mileena to the middle of the desert, leaves her there]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/mortal-kombat-vita-ad-brings-mileena-to-the-middle-of-the-desert/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/mortal-kombat-vita-ad-brings-mileena-to-the-middle-of-the-desert/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/mortal-kombat-vita-ad-brings-mileena-to-the-middle-of-the-desert/#comments Image
What is Mortal Kombat's Mileena doing way out in the middle of the desert? She's totally ... walking around and stuff, stepping on railroad tracks and brandishing her signature sais. Presumably she's getting ready for her upcoming appearance in MK Vita? Perhaps! We just can't be sure.

JoystiqMortal Kombat Vita ad brings Mileena to the middle of the desert, leaves her there originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>live-actionmileenamortal-kombat-2011netherrealmnetherrealm-studiosplaystationplaystation-vitateaservitawarner-broswarner-bros-interactivewbieThu, 19 Apr 2012 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Trophies suggest Batman: Arkham City getting Harley Quinn DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/trophies-suggest-batman-arkham-city-getting-harley-quinn-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/trophies-suggest-batman-arkham-city-getting-harley-quinn-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/trophies-suggest-batman-arkham-city-getting-harley-quinn-dlc/#comments ImagePerhaps the extremely curvy chunk of Batman: Arkham City featuring Harley Quinn simply wasn't enough for you, or maybe you just like your DLC with an extra splash of Fran Drescher-esque voice acting? We can't be sure, but you specifically will be happy to hear that 10 PlayStation 3 Trophies were dug up by PS3Trophies.org which reveal a yet-to-be announced DLC pack featuring Ms. Quinn.

No other description is given for the content other than "Harley Quinn DLC," nor is release date or pricing info, though Robin is noted in one Trophy as a playable character. Moreover, that Trophy addresses an event known as, "Harley Quinn's Revenge," which sounds to us an awful lot like the potential name for the content. We've reached out to WB for more info, and will keep an eye on the sky for any Bat clues.

[Thanks, Josh.]

JoystiqTrophies suggest Batman: Arkham City getting Harley Quinn DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citydlcdownloadable-contentharley-quinnplaystationps3rocksteady-studiostrophiestrophywarner-broswarner-bros-interactivewarner-bros-interactive-entertainmentwb-interactivewbieTue, 03 Apr 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: The Hobbit movie tie-in games coming from Monolith]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/rumor-the-hobbit-movie-tie-in-games-coming-from-monolith/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/rumor-the-hobbit-movie-tie-in-games-coming-from-monolith/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/rumor-the-hobbit-movie-tie-in-games-coming-from-monolith/#comments ImageThis rumor fulfills too many literary and ironic fantasies for us to completely ignore it, but for now it is very much and definitely a rumor: Monolith Productions, under WB Games Seattle, is working on The Hobbit: Part One, the video game tie-in for Peter Jackson's film The Hobbit, rumor hunter Superannuation reports. WB was previously slated to handle the tie-in title with an expected launch this year, making this leap, well, hobbit-sized. We have reached out to WB for comment.

Superannuation pegs WB Seattle as handling the second Hobbit game as well, noting that WB Games Seattle consists of Monolith Productions almost entirely, after WB fired 60 employees from Snowblind Studios, Surreal Software and Monolith itself in November.

We're just in love with the idea of a studio called "Monolith" -- defined as a large thing -- working on The Hobbit.

JoystiqRumor: The Hobbit movie tie-in games coming from Monolith originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftMonolithMonolith-Productionspcplaystationps3the-hobbitThe-Hobbit-Part-OneWarner-BrosWBwb-gamesWB-Games-SeattlexboxMon, 02 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lego Batman 2 welcomes some friendly faces, unfriendly voices]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/lego-batman-2-welcomes-some-friendly-faces-unfriendly-voices/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/lego-batman-2-welcomes-some-friendly-faces-unfriendly-voices/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/lego-batman-2-welcomes-some-friendly-faces-unfriendly-voices/#comments
Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes has more heroes than usual -- going beyond the Bat-family into the wider DC Universe. You can see Superman looking totally oblivious alongside the appropriately gruff Dynamic Duo in the gallery below.

Lego Batman 2 also has real human voices speaking the English language, something you don't expect from a Lego game! In fact, the first human voice we hear is that of Clancy Brown, who provides the menacingly deep voice of Lex Luthor for Superman: The Animated Series and other DC Comics animation.

Gallery: Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes (3/15/12)

JoystiqLego Batman 2 welcomes some friendly faces, unfriendly voices originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdslego-batman-2-dc-super-heroesmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3tt-gamesvitavoice-actingwarner-broswiixboxThu, 15 Mar 2012 16:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Gotham City Impostors' free DLC out on PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/gotham-city-impostors-free-dlc-out-on-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/gotham-city-impostors-free-dlc-out-on-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/gotham-city-impostors-free-dlc-out-on-pc/#comments

The first batch of free Gotham City Impostors DLC hit Xbox 360 in February, and it's now available on PC; it includes katanas, pistols, drop-in matchmaking, improved mouse support and a new highrise level, The 25th Floor. There's no word yet on a PS3 DLC launch. Producer Nate Edson and associate producer Lucas Myers explain the new PC content in the above video, wherein they prove they are the best actors in existence, ever.

No, really -- keeping with the "impostors" theme, Edson and Myers obviously want to throw us off and are therefore pretending to be terrible actors in a scene that is painful to watch, and they act horribly so well that they're obviously the best in the business.

JoystiqGotham City Impostors' free DLC out on PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCfreegotham-city-impostorsmicrosoftMonolithpcplaystationps3videoWarner-BrosxboxMon, 12 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A waka waka down memory lane: the 1982 Pac-Man cartoon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/a-waka-waka-down-memory-lane-the-1982-pac-man-cartoon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/a-waka-waka-down-memory-lane-the-1982-pac-man-cartoon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/a-waka-waka-down-memory-lane-the-1982-pac-man-cartoon/#comments
With a new Pac-Man cartoon on the way to television, there's no more opportune time to go back and re-examine the last Pac-Man cartoon, produced by Hanna-Barbera in 1982 and 1983. If you were too young to enjoy this stuff when it was fresh, get a very small bowl of popcorn and take in the five-minute clip above.

That's from the first episode, which I recently watched on the Pac-Man: The Complete First Season DVD. Warner Bros. released this to the Warner Archive at the end of January, and it's now available on Amazon. I took the opportunity to go back through this pilot, taking notes on what was going on.

As a kid, I just took the absolutely nonsensical plotline at face value. Now, after 30 years and, not to brag, a lot of Pac-Man, I can see that Hanna-Barbera was doing some really freaky stuff, both in the name of tying into the near-nonexistent plot of the arcade game and just because.

Continue reading A waka waka down memory lane: the 1982 Pac-Man cartoon

JoystiqA waka waka down memory lane: the 1982 Pac-Man cartoon originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cartoonshanna-barberapac-manwarner-archivewarner-brosFri, 02 Mar 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gotham by Gaslight featured beefy London Batman, gameplay vid reveals]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/gotham-by-gaslight-featured-beefy-london-batman-gameplay-vid-re/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/gotham-by-gaslight-featured-beefy-london-batman-gameplay-vid-re/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/gotham-by-gaslight-featured-beefy-london-batman-gameplay-vid-re/#comments It must be terrifying to be a developer on a game that's just barely greenlit, facing down publisher meetings that could make or break all the hard work you've put into a particular project. Come to think of it, the stress and constant panicked feeling would probably be similar to how the prostitutes in London felt every nightfall during Jack the Ripper's heyday. Maybe.

F.3.A.R. developer Day 1 Studios knows how both of those things feel, to some extent, having begun work on Gotham by Gaslight, a steampunk-inspired adaptation of a one-shot Batman graphic novel, only to have it canceled shortly after. We previously got a peek at some concept art for the title, and now Siliconera has uncovered an animation test that it says comes from someone at Day 1.

Check out the burly Batman's flowing cloak as he strides around a dark London setting right here.

JoystiqGotham by Gaslight featured beefy London Batman, gameplay vid reveals originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animationBatmancanceledDay-1-Studiosgotham-by-gaslightmicrosofttestWarner-BrosxboxMon, 27 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mortal Kombat Komplete Edition trailer looks back on Rain]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/25/mortal-kombat-komplete-edition-trailer-looks-back-on-rain/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/25/mortal-kombat-komplete-edition-trailer-looks-back-on-rain/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/25/mortal-kombat-komplete-edition-trailer-looks-back-on-rain/#comments
Fans really wanted Rain to return in Mortal Kombat, designer Brian Lebaron says, and it was a task more difficult than developer Netherrealm Studios expected.

JoystiqMortal Kombat Komplete Edition trailer looks back on Rain originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 25 Feb 2012 04:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>freddy-kruegerkenshimicrosoftmortal-kombat-2011Netherrealm-Studiosplaystationps3rainskarletwarner-broswbiexboxSat, 25 Feb 2012 04:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Gotham City Impostors gets free DLC on Xbox 360 today; PS3 and PC 'soon']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/gotham-city-impostors-gets-free-dlc-on-xbox-360-today-ps3-and-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/gotham-city-impostors-gets-free-dlc-on-xbox-360-today-ps3-and-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/gotham-city-impostors-gets-free-dlc-on-xbox-360-today-ps3-and-p/#comments
You've been doing a great job killing those Batman and/or Joker imitators in Gotham City Impostors and Monolith wants to reward your hard work with some free DLC. Available starting today on Xbox 360, this content update adds a new level called The 25th Floor, a rooftop arena with a lovely view of the Gotham skyline.

In addition to the map, there are also some new outfits and a few new weapons: a semi-automatic pistol and a katana. Finally, a new toxic gas support item is available, which should help you injure and disorient your opponents with stinky, stinky gases.

PS3 and PC players will have to wait for the DLC, though Monolith and WB haven't revealed exactly when this content will come to those platforms.

JoystiqGotham City Impostors gets free DLC on Xbox 360 today; PS3 and PC 'soon' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcgotham-city-impostorsmicrosoftmonolithpcplaystationps3warner-broswbiexboxFri, 24 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Midway Arcade launches on iOS with Joust, Spy Hunter, more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/midway-arcade-launches-on-ios-with-joust-spy-hunter-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/midway-arcade-launches-on-ios-with-joust-spy-hunter-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/midway-arcade-launches-on-ios-with-joust-spy-hunter-more/#comments Midway -- well, Warner Bros. since there's no Midway anymore -- joins the group of publishers releasing iOS compilations of classic games. The 99-cent Midway Arcade app includes emulated versions of Spy Hunter, Rampage, Joust, Root Beer Tapper, Defender, and Arch Rivals, along with "Air Hockey, Arcade Basketball, Pool, and Roll Ball" -- 3D recreations of arcade attractions.

You know more games are available as in-app purchases. Currently, two "Game Packs" are available, one including NARC, Total Carnage, and APB, and another containing, Wizard of Wor and the two Gauntlets. We're looking very critically at these to see which of them are likely to be tolerable with touch controls. We're probably going to find out for ourselves.

Gallery: Midway Arcade (iOS)

JoystiqMidway Arcade launches on iOS with Joust, Spy Hunter, more originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>defenderiosipadiphonejoustmidway-arcademobileroot-beer-tapperwarner-brosThu, 23 Feb 2012 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live's Deal of the Week is all about the Batman, his boy wonder]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/xbox-lives-deal-of-the-week-is-all-about-the-batman-his-boy-wo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/xbox-lives-deal-of-the-week-is-all-about-the-batman-his-boy-wo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/xbox-lives-deal-of-the-week-is-all-about-the-batman-his-boy-wo/#comments Strike fear into the hearts of Xbox Live's ne'er-do-wells this week with a handful of discounted Batman-themed items. Outside of a few Avatar props, select DLC for Batman: Arkham City has also been reduced in price.

The Nightwing Bundle Pack and Robin Bundle Pack have both been knocked down to 360 MS Points ($4.50) from their respective usual 560 MS Points ($7) asking price. Each comes with a handful of character skins and exclusive challenge maps, and unlocks each character for play in all of Batman: Arkham City's challenge maps.

JoystiqXbox Live's Deal of the Week is all about the Batman, his boy wonder originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citydeal-of-the-weekmicrosoftrocksteadywarner-broswbiexboxxbox-live-deal-of-the-weekTue, 14 Feb 2012 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Gotham City Impostors fails to unlock for some PS3 players]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/gotham-city-impostors-fails-to-unlock-for-some-ps3-players/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/gotham-city-impostors-fails-to-unlock-for-some-ps3-players/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/gotham-city-impostors-fails-to-unlock-for-some-ps3-players/#comments It seems that some PS3 users are running into trouble with Gotham City Impostors, and we're not referring to all the fake Batmen clogging the streets. According to posts on the Gotham City Impostors forums, some PS3 users are unable to unlock the full version of the game. Even after paying for the title, some find themselves stuck with the trial version.

A forum administrator notes that Warner Bros. is working on the issue with Sony and asks that users experiencing the problem respond to this thread with their PSN ID and the country from which they are playing. In the meantime, if you haven't already purchased Gotham City Impostors, we'd recommend waiting until the issue is resolved.

JoystiqGotham City Impostors fails to unlock for some PS3 players originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gotham-city-impostorsmonolithplaystationps3psnWarner-BrosWarner-Bros-InteractiveThu, 09 Feb 2012 17:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Batman: Arkham City shipped 6 million in 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/batman-arkham-city-shipped-6-million-in-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/batman-arkham-city-shipped-6-million-in-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/batman-arkham-city-shipped-6-million-in-2011/#comments Tucked away in the dark, crowded bowels of Time Warner's financial results statement for fiscal 2011 is news that Rocksteady's blockbuster, bat-centric beat-em-up (that would be Batman: Arkham City) has shipped 6 million units, as of December 31, 2011. Now, "shipped" is a much different statistic than "sold," but it's a strong figure nonetheless.

It's difficult to tell how Warner Bros. Interactive did on its own in 2011, since its financial results are lumped in with two other Time Warner subsidiaries, (Warner Bros. Pictures and Warner Bros. Television), both of which brought in astounding amounts of money with their respective Harry Potter and Big Bang Theory licenses. Overall, Time Warner's "Filmed Entertainment" (tv, movies and gaming) reported revenues of $12.6 billion; a 9 percent year-over-year increase.

The statement also mentions Mortal Kombat and "several LEGO titles" as key contributors to the division's successful year.

JoystiqBatman: Arkham City shipped 6 million in 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citymicrosoftmortal-kombatMortal-Kombat-2011pcplaystationps3Rocksteady-Studiostime-warnerwarner-brosWarner-Bros-Interactivewarner-bros-pictureswarner-bros-televisionxboxWed, 08 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Take a peek at 100 DLC items for Gotham City Impostors on XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/take-a-peek-at-100-dlc-items-for-gotham-city-impostors-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/take-a-peek-at-100-dlc-items-for-gotham-city-impostors-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/take-a-peek-at-100-dlc-items-for-gotham-city-impostors-on-xbla/#comments We should have known from its title that Gotham City Impostors couldn't be trusted to operate entirely how it promised. The Xbox Live version isn't set to launch until tomorrow, but today more than 100 DLC items are available in the Xbox Marketplace, ranging from 80 to 320 MS Points. All of the items are cosmetic and won't affect gameplay in any way, Monolith tweeted, and all of them will be unlockable in the full game.

We assume it could have been worse -- getting access to optional DLC before a game launches is better than getting access to required, paid-for DLC months after a game launches. So really Gotham City Impostors isn't such a bad guy after all ... oh. We see what you did there, Monolith.

JoystiqTake a peek at 100 DLC items for Gotham City Impostors on XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-comicsDLCgotham-city-impostorsmicrosoftMonolithWarner-BrosxboxTue, 07 Feb 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Scribblenauts Remix tops a million downloads, Valentine's Day update now available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/scribblenauts-remix-tops-a-million-downloads-valentines-day-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/scribblenauts-remix-tops-a-million-downloads-valentines-day-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/scribblenauts-remix-tops-a-million-downloads-valentines-day-up/#comments Soon after launching in October, Scribblenauts Remix soured to the top of the charts in the App store. Today, Warner Bros. celebrates one million downloads to date for the iOS title with a new Valentine's Day-themed update.

Players will find a free new Valentine's Day playground in which to conjure up objects -- the press release offers a few suggestions for odd items, including a "loving, polka-dotted charonosaurus" or "giant, pink, flying chocolate box." If we didn't read heavy, leather-bound books, like, every day, we'd think WB was trying to pull a fast one on us with that charonosaurus business, but we assure you it is a real animal. It is, in fact, the ancestor of charizard.

Continue reading Scribblenauts Remix tops a million downloads, Valentine's Day update now available

JoystiqScribblenauts Remix tops a million downloads, Valentine's Day update now available originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5th-celliosiphonemobilescribblenauts-remixvalentines-daywarner-broswarner-brothers-interactive-entertainmentwbieThu, 02 Feb 2012 23:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Lollipop Chainsaw pre-order outfits include a famous chainsaw wielder]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/lollipop-chainsaw-pre-order-outfits-include-a-famous-chainsaw-wi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/lollipop-chainsaw-pre-order-outfits-include-a-famous-chainsaw-wi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/lollipop-chainsaw-pre-order-outfits-include-a-famous-chainsaw-wi/#comments
The press release announcing pre-order costumes for Lollipop Chainsaw jokes that "Juliet won't be in her birthday suit," instantly making us feel terribly self-conscious about what WB thinks our interest in the game is about.

Said pre-order costumes actually sound pretty amusing -- it's a shame they're all spread out across different retailers at launch. Amazon will allow you to dress Juliet in "Rockabilly" gear, Best Buy offers "Goth Girl" and "Foxy Funk," and GameStop includes an Evil Dead Ash costume. It's a cute visual reference and it's practical clothing!

Additionally, GameStop PowerUp Rewards members will get a costume of Jimmy Urine, lead singer of Mindless Self Indulgence, who also composed the boss music and acts in the game. Obscure punk rock tie-ins? Now you're getting closer to the reason for our interest.

Gallery: Lollipop Chainsaw (Pre-Order Skins)

Continue reading Lollipop Chainsaw pre-order outfits include a famous chainsaw wielder

JoystiqLollipop Chainsaw pre-order outfits include a famous chainsaw wielder originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcgrasshopper-manufacturelollipop-chainsawmicrosoftplaystationpre-orderps3warner-brosxboxThu, 02 Feb 2012 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Gotham City Impostors plays dress-up starting Feb. 7]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/gotham-city-impostors-plays-dress-up-starting-feb-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/gotham-city-impostors-plays-dress-up-starting-feb-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/gotham-city-impostors-plays-dress-up-starting-feb-7/#comments Gotham City Impostors is launching February 7 on North American PSN and PCs everywhere, and on February 8 for Xbox Live and PSNs across the globe. If you can't play it on the first release day, don't feel too bad -- it just means those systems and regions are better at lying, cheating and ensnaring the Batman.

JoystiqGotham City Impostors plays dress-up starting Feb. 7 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gotham-city-impostorsmicrosoftMonolithpcplaystationPlayStation-Networkps3PSNrelease-dateWarner-BrosWarner-Bros-InteractiveXBLAxboxXbox-Live-ArcadeWed, 01 Feb 2012 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Bastion down to $7.50 on Xbox Live this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/bastion-down-to-7-50-on-xbox-live-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/bastion-down-to-7-50-on-xbox-live-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/bastion-down-to-7-50-on-xbox-live-this-week/#comments BastionLest you haven't bought Bastion yet, a title that made number five in Joystiq's prestigious 2011 top ten, this just might be the week to do it. The game is available for $7.50 this week on Xbox Live, half the usual price. We think Rucks would agree when we say it's a heckuva deal.

JoystiqBastion down to $7.50 on Xbox Live this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bastionmicrosoftsupergiant-gamesWarner-Brosxblaxboxxbox-liveTue, 31 Jan 2012 15:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Ed Boon wants NetherRealm Studios to branch out in 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/ed-boon-wants-netherrealm-studios-to-branch-out-in-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/ed-boon-wants-netherrealm-studios-to-branch-out-in-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/ed-boon-wants-netherrealm-studios-to-branch-out-in-2012/#comments Right now, most of us are thinking about the next Mortal Kombat -- and no, we don't mean the Vita version. It's gotta happen, right? We're sure it will, but according to MK creator and NetherRealm Studios head honcho, Ed Boon, his team is more than just a Mortal Kombat studio.

"I would be surprised if Warner Bros. and us never released another Mortal Kombat game again. We don't have a title to announce, but if this last one sold over 3 million and counting, there's a certain amount of assumption that we'd consider doing another Mortal Kombat game," Boon told GameSpot. "But at the same time, we want our studio to do more than just make Mortal Kombat games. We love making them but we also want to do different types of games. Different genres, different IPs."

It's hardly telling of the future for NetherRealm Studios, but Boon did mention the studio's Arkham City tie-in for iOS as an indication for his studios' plans to branch out. "The Batman iOS game was kind of like us dipping our foot into that whole different types of games to do. We're going to continue in that direction, but I would be surprised if we never did another Mortal Kombat game again." Finally, when asked whether 2012 would be a year of diversification for NetherRealm, Boon responded, "Oh yes, without a doubt."

JoystiqEd Boon wants NetherRealm Studios to branch out in 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 01:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ed-boonmicrosoftmortal-kombat-2011Netherrealm-Studiosplaystationps3warner-broswbiexboxTue, 31 Jan 2012 01:45:00 EST<![CDATA[The Witcher 2 summons Xbox 360 port on April 17]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/the-witcher-2-release-date-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/the-witcher-2-release-date-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/the-witcher-2-release-date-360/#comments It's taken Geralt a long time -- heck, we can't blame him. A horse-drawn carriage is pretty much the slowest method of transport ever, but come April 17 his long voyage to the Xbox 360 will have concluded. Warner Bros. has finally announced the official launch date for the highly lauded CD Projekt Red sequel today, The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings.

Originally announced last summer, the title was originally planned to launch on Xbox 360 in 2011, but had to be pushed back to early 2012 before Warner Bros. signed on to publish. Recently, we were able to spend some time with the game and speak with the developers, so be sure to read up on our findings and start sharpening your silver swords -- you've only got about three months to get back into evil-vanquishing shape!

JoystiqThe Witcher 2 summons Xbox 360 port on April 17 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cd-projekt-redmicrosoftq2-2012release-datethe-witcher-2warner-broswarner-bros-interactivewbiexboxThu, 26 Jan 2012 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[The Witcher 2 on Xbox 360 includes new content, more coming post-launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/the-witcher-2-on-xbox-360-includes-new-content-more-coming-post/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/the-witcher-2-on-xbox-360-includes-new-content-more-coming-post/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/the-witcher-2-on-xbox-360-includes-new-content-more-coming-post/#comments Following the launch of The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings on PC, CD Projekt Red offered a steady stream of updates and DLC, free of charge.

The Xbox 360 version, which I saw at a preview event in San Francisco, will bundle all of that previously released content when it launches this year -- along with new material.

Gallery: The Witcher 2 Xbox 360 (1/26/2012)

Continue reading The Witcher 2 on Xbox 360 includes new content, more coming post-launch

JoystiqThe Witcher 2 on Xbox 360 includes new content, more coming post-launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cd-projektcd-projekt-redmicrosoftthe-witcher-2warner-brosxboxThu, 26 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mortal Kombat goes portable on Vita in 'spring 2012']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/mortal-kombat-goes-portable-on-vita-in-spring-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/mortal-kombat-goes-portable-on-vita-in-spring-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/mortal-kombat-goes-portable-on-vita-in-spring-2012/#comments The folks at Mortal Kombat dev studio Netherrealm have had their hands on a PlayStation Vita dev unit in some form since way back in September 2010, so it stands to reason that the upcoming port of last year's Mortal Kombat to Vita will be packed with bells and whistles. Said port will arrive sometime after the Vita's North American launch this February, with publisher Warner Bros. Interactive pinning a "spring 2012" launch window to the portable fighter.

Studio head Ed Boon promises both "original game content" and "new features" will arrive in MK's Vita iteration, though the announcement PR only teases the inclusion of "several" additions to be "revealed in the coming months." But if Netherrealm follows its usual marketing plan, all of those details will be leaked much, much sooner.

The Vita iteration also include the PS3's exclusive character (God of War's main angry dude, Kratos) as well as all four DLC characters (one Mr. Freddy Krueger, Kenshi, Rain, Skarlet are all pictured on the box above). So it's kinda like that "Komplete Edition," just shrunken down.

JoystiqMortal Kombat goes portable on Vita in 'spring 2012' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ed-boonmortal-kombat-2011netherrealmnetherrealm-studiosplaystationplaystation-vitaq2-2012release-datevitawarner-broswarner-bros-interactivewbwbieTue, 17 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes gliding through Gotham in summer 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/lego-batman-2-dc-super-heroes-gliding-through-gotham-in-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/lego-batman-2-dc-super-heroes-gliding-through-gotham-in-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/lego-batman-2-dc-super-heroes-gliding-through-gotham-in-summer/#comments After being outed by Lego's own advertising team in a series of toys, Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes is officially on its way to pretty much every gaming device out there, starting in summer 2012. Beyond the platform ubiquity, WB unveiled the game's main cast, which has Superman, Green Lantern, and Wonder Woman joining forces with Gotham's famous bat and bird.

We're also told "notorious villains" like Lex Luthor and Joker will be a part of the game, providing a good serving of antagonism for the super hero quintet. Batman series staples such as the Batmobile and Batwing will also make appearances, albeit in Lego form. Developer TT Games is once again at the helm, no doubt infusing its silly sense of humor into Batman's typically grim career.

Continue reading Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes gliding through Gotham in summer 2012

JoystiqLego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes gliding through Gotham in summer 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdslego-batman-2-dc-super-heroesmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3q2-2012q3-2012release-datett-gamesvitawarner-broswarner-bros-interactivewbiewiixboxThu, 05 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Batman: Arkham City PC patched, DX11 fixed for some]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/batman-arkham-city-pc-patched-dx-11-fixed-for-some/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/batman-arkham-city-pc-patched-dx-11-fixed-for-some/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/batman-arkham-city-pc-patched-dx-11-fixed-for-some/#comments A new PC patch for Batman: Arkham City corrects debilitating performance issues associated with DirectX 11 -- for the most part. Though some players may now enable advanced graphical effects without penalty, the documentation considers DirectX 11 off-limits for 32-bit versions of Vista and Windows 7 until another patch can be issued.

Gotham's unsavory penitentiary has been in need of correctional facilities since its launch on PC, well after the acclaimed console versions. This latest patch addresses a few more errors, including a progress-halting boss glitch and -- our favorite -- "a crash that occurred when selecting 'Press Start' immediately when available at the Title Screen." There should be some kind of punishment for skipping past that lovely title screen music, but that's a bit harsh.

JoystiqBatman: Arkham City PC patched, DX11 fixed for some originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citydirectx-11games-for-windows-livepatchpcRocksteady-Studiossteamwarner-brosWarner-Bros-InteractiveWed, 07 Dec 2011 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Mortal Kombat Arcade Kollection (PC) exists, depending on who you ask [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/03/mortal-kombat-arcade-kollection-pc-exists-doesnt-exist/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/03/mortal-kombat-arcade-kollection-pc-exists-doesnt-exist/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/03/mortal-kombat-arcade-kollection-pc-exists-doesnt-exist/#comments The PC version of Mortal Kombat Arcade Kollection may be the world's first quantum video game. As we all know, quantum superposition tells us that any physical system (like an electron) exists in all possible states until observed or measured by an outside force. Mortal Kombat Arcade Kollection seems to follow the same set of rules -- the only problem is that the game's observable state is different depending on who's looking.

According to life-long Mortal Kombat shepherd Ed Boon, a PC version of MKAK never existed. This directly contradicts the fighter's original press release, which announced the title for "PlayStation(R)Network, Xbox LIVE(R) Arcade for the Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows PC." Additionally, a statement made to DSOGaming claims that the port has not been canceled, though no release date has been given.

It's a lot like Schrödinger's cat. We have no idea whether the project is dead or alive. We have reached out to Warner Bros. for comment.

Update: So when Ed Boon said that MKAK never existed, it turns out he actually meant that it totally exists, albeit with no announced release date.

JoystiqMortal Kombat Arcade Kollection (PC) exists, depending on who you ask [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Dec 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>MKAKmortal-kombatmortal-kombat-arcade-kollectionmortal-kombat-hd-arcade-kollectionnetherrealm-studiospcwarner-brosWarner-Bros-InteractiveSat, 03 Dec 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mortal Kombat Komplete Edition outed by BBFC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/mortal-kombat-komplete-edition-outed-by-bbfc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/mortal-kombat-komplete-edition-outed-by-bbfc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/mortal-kombat-komplete-edition-outed-by-bbfc/#comments It would seem Warner Bros. is looking to re-release Mortal Kombat, perhaps bundled with all of the DLC characters released. At least, that's what we gleaned from a recent rating that popped up on the BBFC, the British Board of Film Classifications. They also rate video games.

February 17 is the listed launch date for this potential re-release. But right now, outside of the date and our own speculation, there isn't much else to go on. We expect that will change soon enough.

JoystiqMortal Kombat Komplete Edition outed by BBFC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbfcmicrosoftmortal-kombat-2011Netherrealm-Studiosplaystationps3ratingwarner-broswbiexboxFri, 02 Dec 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Batman: Arkham City PC performance issues linked to DX11, patch incoming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/25/batman-arkham-city-pc-performance-issues-linked-to-dx11-patch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/25/batman-arkham-city-pc-performance-issues-linked-to-dx11-patch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/25/batman-arkham-city-pc-performance-issues-linked-to-dx11-patch/#comments Having waited over a month for Warner Bros. and Rocksteady to tidy up the PC code for Batman: Arkham City, players have expressed frustration with severe performance issues encountered in the game. Warner has confirmed that a stuttering framerate is tied to DirectX 11 features, which should be disabled while a patch finds its way to Gotham's cordoned-off criminal depository.

Disabling DirectX 11 (under "Settings" in the Games for Windows launcher, and "Configure PC Options" in your Steam library) will drop the game down to DirectX 9. It's not as disfiguring as it sounds, but let's not make excuses for a game launching in such an unsteady state. We'll be sure to let you know when the punitive effects of tesselation and horizon-based ambient occlusion have been eliminated.

JoystiqBatman: Arkham City PC performance issues linked to DX11, patch incoming originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Nov 2011 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citygames-for-windowspatchpcRocksteady-Studiossteamwarner-brosFri, 25 Nov 2011 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Once Upon a Monster's 'Unidentified Furry Objects' DLC lands on Xbox Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/once-upon-a-monsters-unidentified-furry-objects-dlc-lands-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/once-upon-a-monsters-unidentified-furry-objects-dlc-lands-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/once-upon-a-monsters-unidentified-furry-objects-dlc-lands-on/#comments
Double Fine's Kinect-powered Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster has a new downloadable chapter available starting today, "Unidentified Furry Objects." Oddly enough, today's letter is F, as Xbox.com is currently listing the DLC as free of charge. Previously the DLC was priced at 400 MS Points. Update: Microsoft has confirmed the DLC is indeed 400 MS Points ($5). The free listing on Xbox.com refers to a gameplay trailer for the DLC.

In "Unidentified Furry Objects," the Sesame Street gang greet some extra-terrestrials who land on Earth and then help them on a special mission -- well, the gang save for Oscar. We're pretty sure he's not the best ambassador for the block, you know?

Gallery: Sesame Street: Once upon a Monster (Unidentified Furry Objects)

JoystiqOnce Upon a Monster's 'Unidentified Furry Objects' DLC lands on Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcdouble-finekinectmicrosoftsesame-street-once-upon-a-monsterunidientified-furry-objectswarner-broswbiexboxTue, 22 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Line Cinema looking to turn Rampage into a movie]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/19/new-line-cinema-looking-to-turn-rampage-into-a-movie/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/19/new-line-cinema-looking-to-turn-rampage-into-a-movie/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/19/new-line-cinema-looking-to-turn-rampage-into-a-movie/#comments We can hardly think of a more gripping, dramatic story than people transformed into gigantic lizards, apes and wolves, who go about destroying skyscrapers, so we're happy to report that New Line has optioned Rampage for the silver screen. Just imagine it: a gigantic ape, palming a frightened blonde, descends a massive skyscraper -- oh, right, that already happened. Imagine a lizard then! Or a wolf!

The Hollywood Reporter says John Rickard, who helped produce a plethora of New Line Cinema films, is currently shopping around for a writer to come up with a script. Frankly, there isn't a better ending we can come up with for this post than a person will be paid to write a Rampage movie.

JoystiqNew Line Cinema looking to turn Rampage into a movie originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Nov 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>midwaynew-line-cinemarampagewarner-brosSat, 19 Nov 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Batman gets a big head in this Arkham City Easter egg]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/batman-gets-a-big-head-in-this-arkham-city-easter-egg/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/batman-gets-a-big-head-in-this-arkham-city-easter-egg/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/batman-gets-a-big-head-in-this-arkham-city-easter-egg/#comments
Wondering how to take Batman's already Arkham-sized head and make it into something more Gotham-sized? The Rooster Teeth folks have figured it out, releasing a tell-all video (watch out for the F-bomb!) on Batman: Arkham City's "Big Head Mode," which can apparently be applied using the Cryptography Sequencer.

The guys warn that the mode is only available in "Normal or higher" difficulties, though it'll also work in New Game Plus mode. Essentially, by holding down both triggers and maneuvering each analog stick in opposite circles of movement, the Big Head mode Easter egg will activate, rendering all forms of Batman and Catwoman (as well as enemies) with enormous noggins and puffy hands. And yes, in case you can't watch the video above just yet, it is absolutely adorable.

[Thanks, Geoff.]

JoystiqBatman gets a big head in this Arkham City Easter egg originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citybig-head-modeeaster-eggmicrosoftpcplaystationps3rocksteadyrocksteady-studioswarner-broswarner-bros-interactivewarner-bros-interactive-entertainmentwarner-brothers-interactivewbiexboxWed, 16 Nov 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7 has this release-date thing figured out]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/12/lego-harry-potter-years-5-7-has-this-release-date-thing-figured/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/12/lego-harry-potter-years-5-7-has-this-release-date-thing-figured/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/12/lego-harry-potter-years-5-7-has-this-release-date-thing-figured/#comments

The magical art of Arithmancy can be a huge help to video-game marketing executives, charting the best days to hold a sale, raise prices, or release an entire game. Warner Bros., of course, has access to the best wizards of our age and it was able to calculate the most profitable day to release Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7 -- 11-11-11.

Now we just have to figure out which wizards are working with Bethesda and hope they're not evil. Oh, it looks like one of them is named Tom Riddle. That sounds like a safe, friendly name. We should be all right.

JoystiqLego Harry Potter: Years 5-7 has this release-date thing figured out originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Nov 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdslego-Harry-Potterlego-harry-potter-years-5-7microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3pspsonythats-lord-voldemortTT-GamesWarner-BroswiixboxSat, 12 Nov 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gotham City Impostors outed on Jan. 10, open beta starts in Dec.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/gotham-city-impostors-outed-on-jan-10-open-beta-starts-in-dec/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/gotham-city-impostors-outed-on-jan-10-open-beta-starts-in-dec/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/gotham-city-impostors-outed-on-jan-10-open-beta-starts-in-dec/#comments With Batman wholly occupied in dismantling disastrously conceived punitive institutions, it's up to a gang of loyal imitators to clean up Gotham City proper. Starting the week of January 10 on PC, PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade, you'll be able to assist either The Bats or -- if you can tolerate their edgy substitution of "s" -- The Jokerz in 12-player online battles for the unusually coveted, crime-ridden city.

Gotham City Impostors will undergo an open beta in December, so if you're interested in the game's premise, character customization or odd weaponry, visit the official site and sign up for a WB ID. With a bit of luck you'll get an early tour of what Condé Nast calls "a gloomy, demented place that should have been razed by an orphan."

JoystiqGotham City Impostors outed on Jan. 10, open beta starts in Dec. originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmanbetagotham-city-impostorsmicrosoftmonolithpcplaystationps3psnq1-2012release-datewarner-brosWarner-Bros-Interactive-EntertainmentxblaxboxThu, 10 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Warner Bros. makes cuts across Seattle studios]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/warner-bros-makes-cuts-across-seattle-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/warner-bros-makes-cuts-across-seattle-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/warner-bros-makes-cuts-across-seattle-studios/#comments A WB Games representative this evening confirmed to Joystiq that the publisher has "had to make reductions" across its Seattle-based studios this week. The layoffs were apparently a result of the publisher's "continual review of our business operations and fluctuating market conditions," and no specific studios were named in the comment.

We first heard of potential firings at the company from 3D Realms co-founder George Broussard's Twitter account, which puts the cuts at "60ish" folks in the studio's Seattle studios (which includes Monolith Productions, Snowblind Studios and Surreal Software). The latest release from WB Games Seattle was this week's Lord of the Rings: War in the North.

JoystiqWarner Bros. makes cuts across Seattle studios originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Nov 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>layoffsLord-of-the-Rings-War-in-the-Northmonolith-productionssnowblind-studiossurreal-softwarewarner-broswarner-bros-interactivewarner-brothers-interactivewarner-brothers-interactive-entertainmentwbieFri, 04 Nov 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North review: Middle-earth revisited]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/02/the-lord-of-the-rings-war-in-the-north-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/02/the-lord-of-the-rings-war-in-the-north-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/02/the-lord-of-the-rings-war-in-the-north-review/#comments Hammer time. As I type this, sitting behind me on a shelf, right next to Master Chief, there is a Ringwraith action figure. Downstairs on the bookshelf sits a hardbound edition of The Lord of the Rings (fashioned itself after the Red Book of Westmarch). I have read The Hobbit. I even read The Silmarillion. Point being: I'm a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien and The Lord of the Rings, which makes it difficult to approach The Lord of the Rings: War in the North with anything less than trepidation.

To put it bluntly, wedging a non-canonical story into the most well-known piece of fantasy fiction of all time is no small task; turning said story into a video game perhaps doubly so. Fortunately, like the One Ring itself, War in the North possesses some surprising qualities. Unlike the Ring, however, it begins to tarnish after a few hours.

Continue reading The Lord of the Rings: War in the North review: Middle-earth revisited

JoystiqThe Lord of the Rings: War in the North review: Middle-earth revisited originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Nov 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Lord-of-the-Rings-War-in-the-Northmicrosoftpcplaystationps3snowblind-studioswarner-brosxboxWed, 02 Nov 2011 14:30:00 EST