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[Deja Review: Minecraft (XBLA)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/deja-review-minecraft-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/deja-review-minecraft-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/deja-review-minecraft-xbla/#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.
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Minecraft on Xbox Live Arcade is surreal. It's like eating jelly on eggs while watching a baby play in a lion cage: It doesn't belong where it is, but now that it's there you can't look away and, for some reason, there's a surprisingly delicious taste in your mouth.

Minecraft's shock value as an XBLA breakout isn't a result of it not making sense on the platform - in fact, it plays almost like a native title. It's surprising because Minecraft was never supposed to be big enough for a high-profile XBLA port. It's a voxel-based PC-only sandbox game with choppy graphics and no defined goal, which some argue makes it the opposite of a "game." Minecraft was never supposed to be a hit. It wasn't supposed to sell more than 5 million copies, generate $80 million or be played by more than 25 million people. It wasn't supposed to turn Markus Persson's developer persona, Notch, into a millionaire, a fashion icon, or a common name among Swedes and gamers alike,

But Minecraft has done all of these things, and now it's made its way XBLA. And just as it has everywhere else, Minecraft surprisingly succeeds.

Continue reading Deja Review: Minecraft (XBLA)

JoystiqDeja Review: Minecraft (XBLA) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deja-reviewMarkus-PerssonmicrosoftMinecraftmojangnotchXBLAxboxXbox-360Xbox-Live-ArcadeThu, 10 May 2012 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Stores offering $99 Xbox 360 with contract now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/99-xbox-360-with-contract/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/99-xbox-360-with-contract/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/99-xbox-360-with-contract/#comments ImageThe rumored $99 Xbox 360 with two-year $15 a month contract is official. It includes a Kinect, Xbox Live Gold service and a two-year warranty. The offer is now available on the Microsoft Store site.

The math works out to roughly $460 for the bundle over the next two years. Currently the 4GB Xbox 360 Kinect bundle has a suggested retail price of $299 (although it can be found for less), with Xbox Live Gold subscriptions costing about $50 a year, for a grand upfront total of $399 (or less) if you bought today.

JoystiqMicrosoft Stores offering $99 Xbox 360 with contract now originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contract-xboxkinectmicrosoftmicrosoft-storexboxXbox-360Mon, 07 May 2012 12:31:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Xbox 360 update out tomorrow, no immediate features added]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/psa-xbox-360-update-out-tomorrow-no-immediate-features-added/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/psa-xbox-360-update-out-tomorrow-no-immediate-features-added/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/psa-xbox-360-update-out-tomorrow-no-immediate-features-added/#comments Microsoft will push out an update for the Xbox 360 tomorrow, according to Major Nelson. Other than the few moments you'll have to wait while your 360 downloads the patch, installs it and then restarts, the change likely won't affect you in the least. As Major Nelson says, "there are no new features that will show up once your system has been updated," as the update is simply to set up some background technology for further improvements later this year.

So that's kind of boring. We almost wish he'd gone ahead and made something up: A patch that "improved the awesomeness of your Xbox Console by an estimated 3000%" would have been much more interesting than this one.

JoystiqPSA: Xbox 360 update out tomorrow, no immediate features added originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpatchsystem-updatexboxxbox-360Mon, 18 Jul 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 seeing stronger sales with age, 55 million consoles sold globally]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/03/xbox-360-seeing-stronger-sales-with-age-55-million-consoles-sol/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/03/xbox-360-seeing-stronger-sales-with-age-55-million-consoles-sol/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/03/xbox-360-seeing-stronger-sales-with-age-55-million-consoles-sol/#comments Microsoft announced sorta reiterated this morning that the company has sold over 55 million Xbox 360 consoles globally, along with 10 million Kinect sensors and more than 10 million standalone Kinect games worldwide. The Kinect stat was something the company shared in March and the console totals are slightly higher than previously reported figure of 50 million.

Microsoft's real reason for sending out a pre-E3 press release this morning was to show off the pictured graph. It reveals that the Xbox 360 is selling better with age, breaking the standard console cycle mold. The Xbox 360 has been the top selling console in the US for ten of the past 11 months and has seen a 29 percent year-over-year increase in 2011.

Microsoft's E3 press conference will be held this Monday, June 6, at 9AM Pacific. We'll be there with our liveblogging suits on to see if Microsoft can keep its green line pointed upwards.

Continue reading Xbox 360 seeing stronger sales with age, 55 million consoles sold globally

JoystiqXbox 360 seeing stronger sales with age, 55 million consoles sold globally originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftNPDsalesxboxxbox-360xbox-liveFri, 03 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Get a $50 credit from Amazon with purchase of a 4GB Xbox 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/get-a-50-credit-from-amazon-with-purchase-of-a-4gb-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/get-a-50-credit-from-amazon-with-purchase-of-a-4gb-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/get-a-50-credit-from-amazon-with-purchase-of-a-4gb-xbox-360/#comments Folks in the market for a 4GB Xbox 360 should point their browser to Amazon. The online retailer is offering a $50 credit with the purchase of the $199 console. Surprisingly, the credit isn't restricted to games, and applies to most merchandise sold by Amazon. That's a lot of Blueberry Muffin Tops.

Continue reading Get a $50 credit from Amazon with purchase of a 4GB Xbox 360

JoystiqGet a $50 credit from Amazon with purchase of a 4GB Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gbamazonmicrosoftxboxxbox-360xbox-360-sWed, 06 Apr 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Xbox Development Kit is cheaper, way cuter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/new-xbox-development-kit-is-cheaper-way-cuter/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/new-xbox-development-kit-is-cheaper-way-cuter/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/new-xbox-development-kit-is-cheaper-way-cuter/#comments Microsoft has begun offering developers great and small a new model of the Xbox 360 development kit, pictured above. The new hardware's got a lot to offer game studios -- it's got an undisclosed boost in RAM, larger hard drive, built-in flash memory and a less bulky frame than its predecessor. Its most appealing bonus? According to the kit's press release announcement, the new hardware will come at a "significantly reduced price from its predecessor."

Wait, no, that's not its most appealing bonus. We're pretty sure the aspect that's gonna lead companies to snatch up as many of these new kits as they can is how darn adorable it is. Look at him! He's so tiny. And he's got an equally adorable, optional Sidecar attachment, which enables debugging and emulation! Oh, just look! It's like he's giving it a piggy-back ride.

JoystiqNew Xbox Development Kit is cheaper, way cuter originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dev-kitdevelopment-kitmicrosoftsidecarxboxxbox-360xbox-360-slimTue, 05 Apr 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[XBLM in March: Lara Croft deals, MvC3 and Dragon Age 2 DLC, free Gold weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/xblm-in-march-lara-croft-deals-mvc3-and-dragon-age-2-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/xblm-in-march-lara-croft-deals-mvc3-and-dragon-age-2-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/xblm-in-march-lara-croft-deals-mvc3-and-dragon-age-2-dlc/#comments Major Nelson has posted highlights from the Xbox Live Marketplace schedule for March. First up, the Dragon Age 2 "Black Emporium" DLC -- free to those who purchase new copies of the game -- will land on March 8 for 800 points ($10). Second, as promised, bonus characters Jill and Shuma Gorath will be available for Marvel vs. Capcom 3 on March 15 for 400 points ($5) each.

In other XBLM happenings, March 7 kicks off a Lara Croft themed "Deal of the Week," which will see Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light knocked down to 600 points ($7.50). Lara Croft DLC will also be discounted by fifty percent. Also, the week of March 14 will see several St. Patrick's Day deals, notably some discounted Green Day DLC (green -- geddit?) and Social Distortion's "Bad Luck" for Rock Band.

Finally, Xbox Live Silver members can enjoy free Xbox Live Gold this weekend, beginning Friday, March 4 at 12PM ET through Monday, March 7 at 12PM ET. Head past the break for a more complete schedule of releases.

Continue reading XBLM in March: Lara Croft deals, MvC3 and Dragon Age 2 DLC, free Gold weekend

JoystiqXBLM in March: Lara Croft deals, MvC3 and Dragon Age 2 DLC, free Gold weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatar-marketplacedeal-of-the-weekdlcdragon-age-2games-on-demandlara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmarvel-vs-capcom-3microsoftxblmxboxXbox-360xbox-liveThu, 03 Mar 2011 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Oprah give Kinect to her entire audience ... and the hysteria that ensues]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/19/watch-oprah-give-kinect-to-her-entire-audience-and-the-hyste/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/19/watch-oprah-give-kinect-to-her-entire-audience-and-the-hyste/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/19/watch-oprah-give-kinect-to-her-entire-audience-and-the-hyste/#comments You're getting a Kinect! And you're getting a Kinect! And you, and you and you're getting a Kinect! Oprah did today what only Bejeweled and FarmVille have been able to do so far: Get a bunch of middle-aged women ecstatically excited about video games. The television guru indeed gave an Xbox 360 system and a Kinect sensor away to every member of her studio audience this afternoon, and while you might expect a group of gamers to be a little thrilled about that, this crowd went freakin' nuts.

The show was about "The Next Big Thing," and featured an appearance by reality show crooner Susan Boyle, as well as a segment on The Daily Show's upcoming "Rally to Restore Sanity" anti-movement. But whatever the reason Oprah decided to go all Microsoft motion controller on her audience, it appears to have worked -- they loved it. Maybe this means they don't have to buy Christmas presents for the kids this year? Watch the whole surreal video after the break.

Continue reading Watch Oprah give Kinect to her entire audience ... and the hysteria that ensues

JoystiqWatch Oprah give Kinect to her entire audience ... and the hysteria that ensues originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>humorkinectmicrosoftoprahxboxxbox-360Tue, 19 Oct 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Steel Battalion: Heavy Armor goes button-free on Kinect]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/steel-battalion-heavy-armor-goes-button-free-on-kinect/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/steel-battalion-heavy-armor-goes-button-free-on-kinect/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/steel-battalion-heavy-armor-goes-button-free-on-kinect/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Well, this is ... unexpected. The "Steel Battalion" franchise, perhaps best remembered for its 1,980-button controller, is coming to a platform that requires none. Microsoft has just announced that From Software will bring Steel Battalion: Heavy Armor to the 360 via Kinect. Well, technically, Microsoft just said the game will have "Kinect Enablement," so we guess there's still a chance you'll be able to play with a standard controller, we can't say for sure.

Now those of you who already own Steel Battalion controllers ... well, you're probably out of luck. Maybe a job for Ben Heck?

Gallery: Steel Battalion: Heavy Armor (Kinect)

Continue reading Steel Battalion: Heavy Armor goes button-free on Kinect

JoystiqSteel Battalion: Heavy Armor goes button-free on Kinect originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 23:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-heckfrom-softwaremicrosoftsteel-battalionsteel-battalion-heavy-armortgs-2010xboxxbox-360Wed, 15 Sep 2010 23:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band 3 Achievements charted]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/rock-band-3-achievements-charted/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/rock-band-3-achievements-charted/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/rock-band-3-achievements-charted/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Rock Band 3 runs the gamut on its 1250 Achievement points (including DLC), as revealed by Xbox360Achievements.org. You'll get points for everything from calibrating your system to hitting all Triple Awesomes in three-part harmony on "Bohemian Rhapsody." 25G for me, for me, for meeeeeee!

JoystiqRock Band 3 Achievements charted originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementsharmonixmicrosoftmtv-gamesplaystationps3Rock-Band-3xboxxbox-360Fri, 13 Aug 2010 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft working on approval to sell Xbox 360 in China]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/11/microsoft-working-on-approval-to-sell-xbox-360-in-china/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/11/microsoft-working-on-approval-to-sell-xbox-360-in-china/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/11/microsoft-working-on-approval-to-sell-xbox-360-in-china/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Microsoft is apparently working with Chinese regulators to allow the sale of its Xbox 360 console in the country of 1.3 billion people. Shanghai Daily (subscription required) reports that Ya-Qin Zhang, a corporate VP for MS in China, stated the company is hoping to launch the console legally in the country, but there's currently no timetable on when that will happen. Gamasutra notes the only officially available console in China -- which has a healthy gray console market -- is the iQue, based on N64 hardware and released in 2003.

Neither the Nintendo Wii nor Sony's PlayStation 3 are available in the country. Ironically, both those consoles, along with the Xbox 360, are manufactured in China.

JoystiqMicrosoft working on approval to sell Xbox 360 in China originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BusinessChinamicrosoftxboxXbox-360Wed, 11 Aug 2010 19:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: Deadliest Warrior]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/15/review-deadliest-warrior/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/15/review-deadliest-warrior/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/15/review-deadliest-warrior/#comments There are few things I love more in video games than the juxtaposition of two elements that clearly should not be juxtaposed. It's the peculiar desire which first attracted me to Deadliest Warrior, though, the sincerity of that attraction was questionable. Was I psyched to play a game that finally gave me the chance to see who would emerge victorious in a melee between a Pirate and a Viking? Yes, of course, because that's silly. Was I legitimately excited to play the game itself? Not so much.

Fortunately, behind all the comedically anachronistic battle pairings is a brilliantly simplistic and entirely entertaining fighting game engine -- one which rewards second-to-second survival instincts rather than a comprehensive knowledge of esoteric, nigh-impossible-to-execute techniques. If you're a fighting game purist, the absence of dash-canceling or air-to-ground linking might put you off. If you've never, ever understood, nor do you possess any desire to ever understand what those things are, then Deadliest Warrior will land right in your wheelhouse.

Gallery: Deadliest Warrior

Continue reading Review: Deadliest Warrior

JoystiqReview: Deadliest Warrior originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deadliest-warriorFightingpipeworks-softwarespike-gamesspike-tvxblaXbox-360Thu, 15 Jul 2010 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 '4GB Arcade System Bundle' spotted on Amazon Germany]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/13/xbox-360-4gb-arcade-system-bundle-spotted-on-amazon-germany/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/13/xbox-360-4gb-arcade-system-bundle-spotted-on-amazon-germany/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/13/xbox-360-4gb-arcade-system-bundle-spotted-on-amazon-germany/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Amazon's German site has listed an "Xbox 360 4 GB Arcade System Bundle" (link is valid as of this writing) for pre-order, which could possibly be the cheaper Xbox 360 "slim" hardware that Microsoft has said is coming sometime this fall.

The "4GB" in the title implies that this Arcade version has 4GB of storage included, either as NVRAM or in the form of a USB flash drive. (The soon-to-be-obsolete Xbox Arcade only has 512 MB of NVRAM.) The price is listed as €148.99 ($189), which is slightly lower than the $199 Microsoft told us, not to mention that "bundle" suggests it will include a game -- or maybe something Kinect-related.

Then there's the street date, which Amazon has down as August 20, 2010. While that confirms nothing (as retailers are notorious for playing fast and loose with release dates), we will draw attention to this: That's smack dab in the middle of Gamescom 2010. Shades of Microsoft's E3 revelation of the new Xbox 360 and that it was shipping immediately? Stay tuned.

JoystiqXbox 360 '4GB Arcade System Bundle' spotted on Amazon Germany originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonarcadebundlegermanymicrosoftxboxxbox-360xbox-360-arcadexbox-360-slimTue, 13 Jul 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 'Valhalla' model torn down, new hardware exposed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/21/xbox-360-valhalla-model-torn-down-new-hardware-exposed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/21/xbox-360-valhalla-model-torn-down-new-hardware-exposed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/21/xbox-360-valhalla-model-torn-down-new-hardware-exposed/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Viewers of Microsoft's E3 media briefing reacted to the reveal of the new, slimmed-down Xbox 360 in peculiar ways. For instance, tech writer Anand Lal Shimpi apparently reacted with excitement -- not because he couldn't wait to add the new model to his collection, but because he couldn't wait to completely dismember it.

You can check out the pictorial fruits of Anand's labor over on his site, and glimpse some of the technology that powers Valhalla. The highlight of this teardown? We finally get to see the single chip (teased by the motherboard we had Ben Heck look at earlier this year) that houses the 360's CPU, GPU, and eDRAM, which can all be cooled by a single, more powerful fan. When you turn on your new 360 and it doesn't sound like a pair of jet engines, you've got this little guy to thank.

JoystiqXbox 360 'Valhalla' model torn down, new hardware exposed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftteardownvalhallaxboxxbox-360Mon, 21 Jun 2010 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 slim, unwrapped and unboxed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/14/xbox-360-slim-unwrapped-and-unboxed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/14/xbox-360-slim-unwrapped-and-unboxed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/14/xbox-360-slim-unwrapped-and-unboxed/#comments Microsoft surprised all of us today -- not by announcing a redesigned Xbox 360 system -- but by giving them away to everyone attending their E3 press conference. While we promise to give these new systems away to you soon, we wanted to give you a closer look at the new hardware (shipping to retailers today!).

Continue reading Xbox 360 slim, unwrapped and unboxed

JoystiqXbox 360 slim, unwrapped and unboxed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 18:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2010microsoftunboxingxboxxbox-360xbox-360-slimMon, 14 Jun 2010 18:37:00 EST<![CDATA[New Xbox 360 slim: hardware details]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/14/new-xbox-360-hardware-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/14/new-xbox-360-hardware-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/14/new-xbox-360-hardware-details/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We're touching the new, slimmer Xbox 360 right now at the Microsoft E3 event, and we've got more details on the console and its hardware. The new Xbox has touch-sensitive on/off and eject buttons and built-in 802.11n Wi-Fi. There are ports for optical audio, A/V, HDMI, ethernet, and a custom port for the Kinect connection, as well as five USB ports. Only the standard A/V component cables come with the system (the same cables that come with the current model), so the HDMI cable is still separate. The power supply is all new and much smaller, and the console itself is "whisper quiet," with just one large fan instead of two, placed specifically on the side of the console to improve acoustics. The system makes a little chime when you flip it on as well, and the disc drive still sounds the same when it spins up.

The hard drive is 250GB, and there's a tab on the bottom that you can pull out to replace it if necessary. Transfer software is built into the system this time, so all you have to do is plug one end of the cable (available for $19.99) into the system, the other end into the hard drive, and then transfer away -- no disc needed. The case is black and glossy, smaller and thinner than the white version. The console will come with one standard wireless controller, backwards compatible with previous versions of the hardware, of course. All of the accessories are black, including the chatpad. It feels lighter to hold than the original Xbox -- not that you'd be moving it around much.

We're continuing to prod and poke at the new hardware -- stay tuned for more details on the new Xbox 360 as E3 continues this week.

Gallery: Xbox 360 Slim (live shots!)

JoystiqNew Xbox 360 slim: hardware details originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftxboxxbox-360xbox-360-slimMon, 14 Jun 2010 16:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect library for Xbox 360 revealed by USA Today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/13/kinect-library-for-xbox-360-revealed-by-usa-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/13/kinect-library-for-xbox-360-revealed-by-usa-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/13/kinect-library-for-xbox-360-revealed-by-usa-today/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Update: Oops! It looks like USA Today jumped the gun on the announcement and has since pulled the piece from its site. Stay tuned for Microsoft's official unveiling later.

USA Today has spilled the proverbial beans on Microsoft's Natal project -- not only has the paper confirmed the Kinect product name, but they've posted a few of the games in the pipeline for the system. Here we go:
  • Kinectimals features over 20 different virtual pets, including lions, tigers, and cheetahs, to play with or raise.
  • Joyride has returned to life as a controller-free racing game, apparently.
  • Kinect Sports will offer sport games to play: "boxing, bowling, beach volleyball, track and field, soccer and table tennis." For each one, you will make motions to play the games.
  • Kinect Adventures has a river raft and obstacle course to navigate -- this is likely the demo we saw last week.
  • MTV Games will release Dance Central, where you can cut a virtual rug.
  • And there will be more games announced later featuring both Disney characters and Star Wars characters, in conjunction with Disney and LucasArts, respectively.
Marc Whitten even namedrops Nintendo in USA Today's piece, but he says that without a controller, Kinect will be "fundamentally different." We'll keep our eyes open for these games all this week, so stay tuned.

Thanks, Jake!

JoystiqKinect library for Xbox 360 revealed by USA Today originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 Jun 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dance-centraldisneye3-2010joy-ridejoyridekinectkinect-adventureskinect-sportskinectimalslucasartsmicrosoftstar-warsxboxxbox-360Sun, 13 Jun 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Serious Sam HD promo brings us back to the House of Sam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/serious-sam-hd-promo-brings-us-back-to-the-house-of-sam/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/serious-sam-hd-promo-brings-us-back-to-the-house-of-sam/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/serious-sam-hd-promo-brings-us-back-to-the-house-of-sam/#commentsNo matter how you feel about Serious Sam's brand of first-person mayhem, you've got to admit the marketing behind the HD remakes has been brilliant -- and this latest video for Serious Sam HD: The Second Encounter is no different. It's the second promo to feature the "House of Sam," a place where folks can worship His divine shotgun; where those afflicted with Krundle Blindness -- an inability to see things in high-def -- can be be cured. Mostly, it's a place of magic.

Click the play button on the trailer above and allow His divine presence to wash over you. Bathe in polygonal splendor and be healed, brothers and sisters. And remember: never attempt to treat your ailments with skunk meat.

JoystiqSerious Sam HD promo brings us back to the House of Sam originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CroTeamDevolver-DigitalFPSMicrosoftSerious-Sam-HDSerious-Sam-HD-The-Second-EncounterThe-House-of-SamXbox-360Thu, 10 Jun 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lego Harry Potter trailer previews cast of 'Spellbinding' characters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/lego-harry-potter-trailer-previews-cast-of-spellbinding-charac/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/lego-harry-potter-trailer-previews-cast-of-spellbinding-charac/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/lego-harry-potter-trailer-previews-cast-of-spellbinding-charac/#comments We admit it: This latest trailer for Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4 resonates with us in a big, big way. How could we not be on board with a video that shows how nearly every character from the first four books has been transmogrified into Lego form? That's like a sure-fire recipe for nerd ambrosia.

So, Lego Harry's good at flying on brooms, Lego Hermione is good at puzzle-solving and Lego Ron is good at ... being a good friend? We guess?

JoystiqLego Harry Potter trailer previews cast of 'Spellbinding' characters originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dslego-harry-pottermicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3psptravellers-talesWarner-BroswiixboxXbox-360Thu, 10 Jun 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[FIFA Soccer 11 hits the pitch this fall -- with 'Personality']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/fifa-soccer-11-hits-the-pitch-this-fall-with-personality/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/fifa-soccer-11-hits-the-pitch-this-fall-with-personality/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/fifa-soccer-11-hits-the-pitch-this-fall-with-personality/#commentsFiled under: , ,

With the 2010 FIFA World Cup (the video game) now a thing of the past, EA has announced the next iteration in its long-standing soccer series: FIFA Soccer 11. The next FIFA will introduce "Personality+," a feature designed to highlight individual abilities and create a unique identity for each player in the game.

The feature relies on a deep database, which houses grades for each player across 36 attributes and 57 traits. Developer EA Canada will also employ new models and body types, as well as a new passing system, dubbed "Pro Passing."

FIFA 11 will ship this fall for the PC, Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, DS, PSP, PS2, Gizmondo, Virtual Boy, ColecoVision and mobile platforms ... Did we miss any?

Gallery: FIFA Soccer 11

JoystiqFIFA Soccer 11 hits the pitch this fall -- with 'Personality' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSEAEA-CanadaElectronic-ArtsFIFAFIFA-11FIFA-Soccer-11MicrosoftNintendoSportsWiiXbox-360Thu, 10 Jun 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bad Company 2's Onslaught mode deploys June 22 for $10]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/bad-company-2s-onslaught-mode-deploys-june-22-for-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/bad-company-2s-onslaught-mode-deploys-june-22-for-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/bad-company-2s-onslaught-mode-deploys-june-22-for-10/#commentsFiled under: , ,

DICE has finally dated its upcoming co-op-friendly Onslaught mode in Battlefield: Bad Company 2 on Xbox 360 and PS3: June 22. It'll be available that Tuesday for $10 on PSN and 800 on Xbox Live -- European PS3 owners will have to wait an extra day, until June 23. Oh, and if you're a PC user, scratching your head and wondering why you aren't getting the DLC, you should probably read this.

Onslaught mode allows up to four players to engage in objective-based missions cooperatively. If you'd like to know more, check out our hands-on from last month.

[Thanks, Brian]

JoystiqBad Company 2's Onslaught mode deploys June 22 for $10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Battlefield-Bad-Company-2DICEDLCEAElectronic-ArtsFPSMicrosoftPSNxblmXbox-360Xbox-LiveThu, 10 Jun 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA's 'Spare Parts' to be assembled on XBLA, PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/ea-spare-parts-to-be-assembled-on-xbla-and-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/ea-spare-parts-to-be-assembled-on-xbla-and-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/ea-spare-parts-to-be-assembled-on-xbla-and-psn/#commentsFiled under: , ,

EA's Bright Light is working on the next Harry Potter game, but the studio evidently has got something else in the pipeline as well: Spare Parts. It's a downloadable title for XBLA and PSN about robots working together to rebuild their spaceship, according to EA's E3 lineup announcement.

In this cooperative "online action adventure," robots Mar-T and Chip collect "upgradable action parts" to enhance their abilities, according to the official description, so they can survive long enough to find the necessary parts to repair their ship before Lord Krung and his Super Huge Mega Laser destroy them. Along the way, they hope to rescue other robots.

Spare Parts kind of sounds like a robotic Metroidvania crossed with Toe Jam & Earl, based on EA's description. We'll learn more during E3!

JoystiqEA's 'Spare Parts' to be assembled on XBLA, PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E3-2010EAEA-Bright-LightElectronic-Artsmicrosoftplaystationps3PSNSpare-PartsXBLAxboxXbox-360Thu, 10 Jun 2010 14:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallout: New Vegas gets retailer-specific pre-order items]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/fallout-new-vegas-gets-retailer-specific-pre-order-items/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/fallout-new-vegas-gets-retailer-specific-pre-order-items/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/fallout-new-vegas-gets-retailer-specific-pre-order-items/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Click image for a rundown of the pre-order bonuses

Anxious to wade through the wastelands of Fallout: New Vegas this fall? It's already got a plethora of pre-order bonuses available through select retailers. Walmart, Best Buy, GameStop, Amazon and Steam are all vying for your pre-purchase dollars through custom in-game bundles, featuring armor, guns and some useful items.

Head past the break for a description of each and check out the gallery below for shots of the bonuses in-game. Enjoy your additional decision-making process!

Gallery: Fallout: New Vegas (pre-order bonuses)

Caravan pack (Steam and Walmart)Classic Pack (GameStop)Mercenary Pack (Best Buy)Tribal Pack (Amazon)

Continue reading Fallout: New Vegas gets retailer-specific pre-order items

JoystiqFallout: New Vegas gets retailer-specific pre-order items originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AmazonBest-BuyBethesdaBethesda-SoftworksFalloutFallout-New-VegasGameStopMicrosoftObsidianObsidian-EntertainmentSteamWalmartXbox-360Thu, 10 Jun 2010 12:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Dreamcast Returns on PSN and XBLA this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/dreamcast-returns-on-psn-and-xbla-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/dreamcast-returns-on-psn-and-xbla-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/dreamcast-returns-on-psn-and-xbla-this-year/#commentsFiled under: , ,


"I want to go to the baseball stadium, and then the image gallery"
As hinted by the ESRB -- and predicted on our Xbox E3 Bingo card, Sonic Adventure and Crazy Taxi, two of Sega's standout games for its dearly departed Dreamcast, will be released on PS3 and Xbox 360. But they're just the first Dreamcast titles.

Sega announced that those two games will be available this fall in North America and Europe, calling them the "first two classics" to be released as part of Sega's plan to republish Dreamcast games on PSN and XBLA. The games will include improved resolution, surround sound, and modern amenities like online leaderboards, Achievements, and Trophies.

We're going to spend the rest of the day fantasizing about the release of our favorite Dreamcast games. For example, all of them.

Gallery: Sonic Adventure (Dreamcast Returns)

Gallery: Crazy Taxi (Dreamcast Returns)

JoystiqDreamcast Returns on PSN and XBLA this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Crazy-TaxidreamcastDreamcast-Returnsmicrosoftplaystationps3PSNSegaSonic-AdventureXBLAxboxXbox-360Thu, 10 Jun 2010 11:33:00 EST<![CDATA['Moon Diver' now called Necromachina, added to Square Enix E3 lineup]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/moon-diver-now-called-necromachina-added-to-square-enix-e3-li/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/moon-diver-now-called-necromachina-added-to-square-enix-e3-li/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/moon-diver-now-called-necromachina-added-to-square-enix-e3-li/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We don't think Square Enix appreciates the genuine toil that goes into producing a high-quality photoshop. That one we made yesterday, of the guy diving into the moon? It will never be relevant for anything ever again. The publisher recently announced that the Feelplus-developed, side-scrolling action title formerly known as Moon Diver will come to the U.S. PSN and XBLA under the moniker Necromachina. (How are we supposed to make a photoshop out of that? It is virtually impossible.)

Accompanying the announcement was a fast-paced gameplay trailer, which is posted after the jump. It looks awfully slick, with sharp 2.5D visuals and old-school action-platforming -- but even from this very first trailer, we can already tell it's going to be punishingly difficult. We'll get a chance to test that hypothesis when we get our hands on the game at E3.

Continue reading 'Moon Diver' now called Necromachina, added to Square Enix E3 lineup

Joystiq'Moon Diver' now called Necromachina, added to Square Enix E3 lineup originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>feelplusmicrosoftMoon-DiverNecromachinaplaystationps3psnSquare-EnixxblaxboxXbox-360Thu, 10 Jun 2010 10:25:00 EST<![CDATA[WB's new 'Mortal Kombat' tests our might in 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/wbs-new-mortal-kombat-tests-our-might-in-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/wbs-new-mortal-kombat-tests-our-might-in-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/wbs-new-mortal-kombat-tests-our-might-in-2011/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Warner Bros. announced a new Mortal Kombat game this morning, and Seven of Nine is nowhere to be found. The game, called simply Mortal Kombat, appears to be a return to the classic Mortal Kombat 2/3 style of gameplay -- extremely quick, 2D fighting -- which has been given a fresh coat of 3D paint and a very noticeable 60 frames-per-second framerate. It also features a man being sliced open at the groin with a spinning hat.

It adds a new tag team mode for up to four players, allowing teams to play through a "co-op arcade mode" or compete online against other pairs of e-murderers.

The game is being developed by Mortal Kombat co-creator Ed Boon and NetherRealm Studios (the former WB Games Chicago) and is slated for launch on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in 2011.

JoystiqWB's new 'Mortal Kombat' tests our might in 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 09:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FightingmicrosoftMortal-KombatMortal-Kombat-2011Netherrealm-Studiosplaystationps3Warner-Bros-InteractivexboxXbox-360Thu, 10 Jun 2010 09:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band 3 keyboard revealed by USA Today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/rock-band-3-keyboard-revealed-by-usa-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/rock-band-3-keyboard-revealed-by-usa-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/rock-band-3-keyboard-revealed-by-usa-today/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Details have been pretty scant on Rock Band 3 so far, despite the best efforts of some. That all changes today as USA Today dishes on the game's 25-key piano peripheral, some of the new features and even a partial song list, which we've got after the jump (Smash Mouth, guys? Ballsy.) along with some on-video ivory tickling.

USA Today also fleshed out the "Pro" mode Ars Technica had the scoop on last month. As expected, the mode will endeavor to teach actual musical technique, either with the new keyboard, a three-cymbal upgrade for the drum kit or a hybrid controller/"full-sized, fully functional six-string Squier Stratocaster" made by Fender. Mad Catz is making a miniature Fender Mustang Pro controller for the mode too, but we're not going to miss the chance to play on instruments that don't make us look like sweaty giants.

Continue reading Rock Band 3 keyboard revealed by USA Today

JoystiqRock Band 3 keyboard revealed by USA Today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 08:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsharmonixmicrosoftmtvmusicnintendoplaystationps3rhythmrock-band-3wiixboxXbox-360Thu, 10 Jun 2010 08:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Mega64 gets the lowdown on Rock Band 3's new logo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/mega64-gets-the-lowdown-on-rock-band-3s-new-logo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/mega64-gets-the-lowdown-on-rock-band-3s-new-logo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/mega64-gets-the-lowdown-on-rock-band-3s-new-logo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Oh, Mega64, is there any code you can't crack? First it was the mysterious Kojima teaser last year and now, the comedy troupe ponders on that mysterious new keyboard-like icon in the Rock Band 3 logo. They even find some similarities between Rock Band 3 and F3AR -- er, sorry, FEAR 3.

It's some very high-brow deductive reasoning, as indicated in the classy image above. Head past the break to check out the video courtesy of IGN -- "solved 4 good," indeed.

Continue reading Mega64 gets the lowdown on Rock Band 3's new logo

JoystiqMega64 gets the lowdown on Rock Band 3's new logo originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtsHarmonixMega64MicrosoftMTV-GamesNintendoRock-BandRock-Band-3WiiXbox-360Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:30:00 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[Space Invaders Infinity Gene XBLA, PSN versions confirmed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/space-invaders-infinity-gene-xbla-psn-versions-confirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/space-invaders-infinity-gene-xbla-psn-versions-confirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/space-invaders-infinity-gene-xbla-psn-versions-confirmed/#commentsFiled under: , ,

According to Siliconera, the latest issue of Famitsu confirms what a source (and the OFLC ratings board) told Joystiq: Taito's ever-adapting shooter, Space Invaders Infinity Gene, is being released on Xbox 360 and PS3. The game appears in the magazine's table of contents.

Additionally, 1UP reports that other Japanese game magazines have confirmed the Infinity Gene console release, which is said to be a downloadable port of the iPhone game for Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network. Even if it's just a direct port, we relish the opportunity to play this already-great game without covering up any of the screen with a big fat finger.

JoystiqSpace Invaders Infinity Gene XBLA, PSN versions confirmed originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftplaystationps3PSNShmupSpace-InvadersSpace-Invaders-Infinity-GeneSquare-EnixTaitoXBLAxboxXbox-360Wed, 09 Jun 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[XBLA in Brief: NeoGeo Battle Coliseum, Earthworm Jim HD]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/xbla-in-brief-neogeo-battle-coliseum-earthworm-jim-hd/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/xbla-in-brief-neogeo-battle-coliseum-earthworm-jim-hd/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/xbla-in-brief-neogeo-battle-coliseum-earthworm-jim-hd/#commentsFiled under:

First, yes, there is another game out this week. That game is NeoGeo Battle Coliseum, an SNK fighting game. But enough about that, because Earthworm Jim HD is upon us. It is, by and large, Earthworm Jim, which should make old school fans happy, and undoubtedly delight the uninitiated. Check out the latest XBLA in Brief and see what the fuss is about.

[M4V] Download the M4V directly.


Xbox.com: Add NeoGeo Battle Coliseum trial version to your Xbox 360 download queue
Xbox.com: Add Earthworm Jim HD trial version to your Xbox 360 download queue

JoystiqXBLA in Brief: NeoGeo Battle Coliseum, Earthworm Jim HD originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Earthworm-Jim-HDMicrosoftNeoGeo-Battle-ColiseumX3F-TVXBLA-in-BriefXBLAWednesdayXbox-360Wed, 09 Jun 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix and feelplus team up on 'Moon Diver' for XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/square-enix-and-feelplus-team-up-on-moon-diver-for-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/square-enix-and-feelplus-team-up-on-moon-diver-for-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/square-enix-and-feelplus-team-up-on-moon-diver-for-xbla/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Andriasang reports that Square Enix has pulled back the curtain obscuring the identity of its next project: a 2D action game called Moon Diver, coming this year to the Japanese Xbox Live Arcade. The title, which will be developed by Lost Odyssey and Ninety-Nine Nights 2 creator feelplus, pits four-player teams of ninjas -- presumably moon ninjas, which we all know to be the coolest type of ninjas -- against waves of monsters in an attempt to protect a post-apocalyptic Earth.

We still have so many questions: Is it coming to America? Can we see some screenshots? Are we expected to dive into or off of the moon? We suppose our curiosity will have to be sated by these slim, slim details for now. We'll try pestering Square Enix for answers to these pressing questions at E3.

JoystiqSquare Enix and feelplus team up on 'Moon Diver' for XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>feelplusmicrosoftmoon-diverNecromachinasquare-enixxblaxboxXbox-360Wed, 09 Jun 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Portal 2 delayed until 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/portal-2-delayed-until-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/portal-2-delayed-until-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/portal-2-delayed-until-2011/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In another cheeky press release, Valve has announced that Portal 2 has been delayed until 2011. The sequel to 2007's innovative (and tardy) first-person disorientation dissertation was originally scheduled to arrive on Xbox 360 and PC this holiday -- and we all believed it. Still, there are worse fates to befall the industry, as Aperture Laboratories correctly notes that "all life on earth won't instantaneously stop as every molecule in your body explodes at the speed of light, which is what would happen should a rip ever appear in the fabric of Valve Time."

We'd offer some helpful advice on getting the game out quicker -- like, have you tried making it a Left 4 Dead game? -- but we're already reeling from three disappointments in a row: The cancellation of the Portal 2 E3 press conference, the continuing mystery of its supplanting "surprise," and the numbing absence of Half-Life 2: Episode Three. This is a tri-HMPH!

JoystiqPortal 2 delayed until 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 12:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DelaymicrosoftpcPortal-2PuzzleSteamValveValve-SoftwarexboxXbox-360Wed, 09 Jun 2010 12:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Weekly: Ozzy Osbourne six-pack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/rock-band-weekly-ozzy-osbourne-six-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/rock-band-weekly-ozzy-osbourne-six-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/rock-band-weekly-ozzy-osbourne-six-pack/#commentsFiled under: , ,

With all of the downloadable tracks available for Rock Band, it's hard to imagine Ozzy Osbourne hasn't snuck in there somewhere. Sure enough, he hasn't, but don't fret: Ozzy's set to make his Rock Band debut next week with a six-pack of songs, including three from his upcoming studio album, Scream.

Rock Band fans gain access to three songs from the album on June 15, in advance of the album's release on June 22. On top of that, fans of Ozzy's classic solo stuff will get three of his older tracks, from three separate albums.

Head past the break for the full list.

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: Ozzy Osbourne six-pack

JoystiqRock Band Weekly: Ozzy Osbourne six-pack originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtsHarmonixMicrosoftmtv-gamesNintendoOzzy-OsbourneRock-BandRock-Band-2Rock-Band-WeeklyWiiXbox-360Wed, 09 Jun 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2010 Prediction Bingo: Microsoft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/e3-2010-prediction-bingo-microsoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/e3-2010-prediction-bingo-microsoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/e3-2010-prediction-bingo-microsoft/#comments #bingochart { border: 0px solid #111; border-collapse: collapse; } #bingochart td { padding: 1px 0px 1px 0px; border: 0px solid #ccc; vertical-align: top; text-align: center; margin: 5px; font-size: 90%; line-height: 120%; } #bingochart th { padding: 0px; vertical-align: top; text-align: center; margin: 0; } #bingochart a{ filter:progid:DXImageTransform.Microsoft.Alpha(opacity=100); -moz-opacity: 1;} #bingochart a:hover { filter:progid:DXImageTransform.Microsoft.Alpha(opacity=80); -moz-opacity: 0.80;}

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We're days away from the industry's biggest event, making today the perfect time to launch Joystiq's (3rd Annual) E3 Bingo Extravaganza! This year, each card is developed to consider the entire event and not only the conferences.

Originally, our plan was to utilize a series of super-computers specially designed to accurately predict the events of E3 2010; however, the "Joystiq Probability Index" (or JPI-3000) only delivered results as a string of "dingbat" characters. Development of an ultra-computer (JPI-4d3d3d3) to decipher the codes is expected to be complete in the year 2014. Stay Tuned.

For day one in our three- part series, we take a look at Microsoft -- the first company to take the E3 stage. Click on each of the squares above for more information (and the completely accurate but indecipherable rating). Microsoft's E3 press conference is scheduled for Monday, June 14, at 10:30 am PT (that's 1:30 pm Joystiq Time / ET). As always, Joystiq will be on hand to liveblog all the details.

Download a copy (PNG file) and play along (Remember, it's just for fun)! Stay tuned tomorrow for our Sony E3 Bingo card.

JoystiqE3 2010 Prediction Bingo: Microsoft originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bingoe3-2010microsoftxboxXbox-360Wed, 09 Jun 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[This is heavy: Telltale making episodic Back to the Future game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/this-is-heavy-telltale-making-episodic-back-to-the-future-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/this-is-heavy-telltale-making-episodic-back-to-the-future-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/this-is-heavy-telltale-making-episodic-back-to-the-future-game/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Where Telltale Games is going, it doesn't need roads (because its games are distributed digitally). In addition to the announced Jurassic Park games, the AP reveals that Telltale Games is crafting an episodic game based on Back to the Future, the classic '80s movie trilogy about a time-traveling Delorean, hoverboards, and Nintendo's Wild Gunman (also, people are in it). Telltale has yet to specify gameplay styles, but we expect adventure games similar to Sam & Max, as is Telltale's specialty. We're so pleased Telltale made that deal with NBC Universal.

"The games are going to exist within these worlds," Telltale's Dan Connors told the AP. "I wouldn't call these games sequels per se but a new interpretation of their worlds for a new medium." That means we shouldn't necessarily expect to relive movie moments, but rather experience new stories within the worlds of these games. For Back to the Future, that means that all of human history is open to exploration; for Jurassic Park, it pretty much still means running away from dinosaurs.

The AP notes that both series are due to debut this winter, on the Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, PC and Mac.
[Via Shacknews]

JoystiqThis is heavy: Telltale making episodic Back to the Future game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureBack-to-the-FuturemicrosoftNBC-Universalnintendopcplaystationps3Telltale-GameswiixboxXbox-360Wed, 09 Jun 2010 11:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Scott Pilgrim vs. The World is timed exclusive on PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/scott-pilgrim-vs-the-world-is-timed-exclusive-on-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/scott-pilgrim-vs-the-world-is-timed-exclusive-on-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/scott-pilgrim-vs-the-world-is-timed-exclusive-on-psn/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Game Informer's recent, glowing preview of Ubisoft's upcoming adaptation of the graphic novel-turned-film Scott Pilgrim vs. The World revealed a surprising fact about the game's release plans. As of right now, the download-only title is slated to drop on the PSN in August, then on the Xbox 360 at an unspecified later date.

Though staunch supporters of Microsoft's home console may find Pilgrim's temporary exclusivity irksome, it sounds like the game's shaping up to be worth whatever wait you might be subjected to. An old-school beat-em-up, animated by Pirate Baby's Cabana Battle Street Fight creator Paul Robertson, orchestrated by Anamanaguchi, and featuring characters from one of our favorite graphic novels of all time? Don't mind if we do.

JoystiqScott Pilgrim vs. The World is timed exclusive on PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>MicrosoftPSNscott-pilgrim-vs-the-worldubisoftubisoft-montrealXBLAXbox-360Wed, 09 Jun 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumorang: Reuters sources say Hulu may expand to Xbox and iPad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/rumorang-reuters-sources-say-hulu-may-expand-to-xbox-and-ipad/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/rumorang-reuters-sources-say-hulu-may-expand-to-xbox-and-ipad/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/rumorang-reuters-sources-say-hulu-may-expand-to-xbox-and-ipad/#comments International news agency Reuters is adding to the "rumor and speculation" that the Hulu video service is coming to Xbox 360 and iPad. Sources claim Hulu is developing a subscription model to be rolled out on numerous devices over the next couple months, but it's unclear if the pay model will occur after the service is available on more devices. Although the report mentions "multiple devices," the only ones specifically mentioned are Microsoft's console and Apple's tablet.

The Hulu subscription service will allegedly charge for "older episodes and other content," while new shows will continue being free. Apple didn't mention the service during its big iPhone 4 reveal this week, so perhaps Microsoft will make it official at its E3 press conference next week.

JoystiqRumorang: Reuters sources say Hulu may expand to Xbox and iPad originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applehuluipadmicrosoftreutersxboxXbox-360Wed, 09 Jun 2010 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gibson and Viacom settle guitar patent lawsuit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/gibson-and-viacom-settle-guitar-patent-lawsuit/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/gibson-and-viacom-settle-guitar-patent-lawsuit/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/gibson-and-viacom-settle-guitar-patent-lawsuit/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The patent suit filed by the Gibson guitar company against Harmonix, Viacom and EA over the Rock Band guitar has come to an end. Rather than the clear victory Harmonix seemed to expect, the parties have agreed to settle. According to Business Week, Gibson and Viacom asked a federal court to dismiss the case by June 14, stating that they "had reached a full settlement." Finally, we can all rock out without being racked by guilt over using a potentially infringing device.

Gibson originally claimed that the Rock Band guitar violated a 1999 patent for "a system for electronically simulating participation by a user in a pre-recorded musical performance." Gibson lost a similar case against its old Guitar Hero peripheral partner, Activision, in 2009.

[Via Edge]

JoystiqGibson and Viacom settle guitar patent lawsuit originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Electronic-ArtsGibsonHarmonixlawsuitmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3Rock-BandViacomwiixboxXbox-360Wed, 09 Jun 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Power Gig's AirStrike Drum]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/08/hands-on-power-gigs-airstrike-drum/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/08/hands-on-power-gigs-airstrike-drum/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/08/hands-on-power-gigs-airstrike-drum/#comments Power Gig's AirStrike Drum is either a terrific idea with terrible execution ... or just a bad idea. Seven45's drum kit takes a very different approach from the game's defining pas-faux guitar. In fact, the team has done a complete 180, going as far away from a "realistic" approach as possible.

The name does a good job of explaining how this peripheral works. Instead of hitting a toy-like facsimile of a drum, you are "hitting" air. The Simon-esque drum pad is equipped with sensors that detect when the specially-designed drum sticks are swung above. It's certainly a novel idea, one that has some immediate benefits: without the need for replica cymbals, this device is incredibly small. For those struggling with plastic instrument clutter, this is a rather clever solution. (Bonus: The AirStrike is also compatible with current Rock Band and Guitar Hero games.) Another perk of the device: it's quiet. Your roommates won't be bothered by the loud sounds of plastic tapping.

While the AirStrike offers some improvements over previous drum peripherals, it's significantly more difficult to use. With a physical object to hit, it's easy to determine what's wrong. Here, as I kept on missing a string of notes, I couldn't help but wonder what was at fault: the game, the drums or me.

Gallery: Power Gig: Rise of the SixString

Continue reading Hands-on: Power Gig's AirStrike Drum

JoystiqHands-on: Power Gig's AirStrike Drum originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jun 2010 23:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airstrike-drumdrumsmicrosoftplaystationpower-gigpower-gig-rise-of-the-sixstringps3seven45xboxXbox-360Tue, 08 Jun 2010 23:10:00 EST