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 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 trailer introduces us to the game's races]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/guild-wars-2-trailer-introduces-us-to-the-games-races/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/guild-wars-2-trailer-introduces-us-to-the-games-races/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/guild-wars-2-trailer-introduces-us-to-the-games-races/#comments Let's see, there's the human race, the nomadic warrior race, the mystical forest people race, the big ugly race, and the miniature race. Looks like all the MMORPG archetypes are covered! Fine, there's a bit more lore contained within the above trailer for Guild Wars 2, which explains all the motivations and backstories for each of the game's five races. Still, who cares about that stuff? Where's all the loot?

For a comprehensive breakdown of the trailer's plot elements, and some speculation on how the story of the sequel will unfold, we suggest checking out our sister site, Massively. This kind of thing is right in their wheelhouse.

JoystiqGuild Wars 2 trailer introduces us to the game's races originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetguild-warsguild-wars-2mmommorpgncsofttrailerFri, 04 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker steps onto US soil May 25]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/metal-gear-solid-peace-walker-steps-onto-us-soil-may-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/metal-gear-solid-peace-walker-steps-onto-us-soil-may-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/metal-gear-solid-peace-walker-steps-onto-us-soil-may-25/#comments
We found out yesterday that the PSP sequel to Metal Gear Solid 3 will hit shelves in the UK on May 28 -- following a March 18 debut in japan -- and today Konami has announced that Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker will arrive (via cardboard box, fittingly) at US retail three days earlier on May 25.

Although Kojima Productions is at work on a localized English language Peace Walker demo, the Japanese demo, released during Tokyo Game Show '09 (and later improved for release on PSN Japan) is pretty easy to pick up on -- and definitely worth playing. We've contacted Konami in hopes of confirming a digital release of the game for the same week the physical copies hit shelves, and maybe -- just maybe -- we'll get la-li-lu-le-lucky and score a special / limited edition for the States.

JoystiqMetal Gear Solid: Peace Walker steps onto US soil May 25 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hideo-kojimakojima-productionskonamimetal-gear-solidmetal-gear-solid-peace-walkerpeace-walkerrelease-dateFri, 04 Dec 2009 15:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Podcast 119 - Simply2Chaotic edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/joystiq-podcast-119-simply2chaotic-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/joystiq-podcast-119-simply2chaotic-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/joystiq-podcast-119-simply2chaotic-edition/#commentsFiled under:

The video game release schedule may be winding down, but we're most certainly not, with all the Saboteur, Assassin's Creed 2 and Bayonetta impressions that you crave. Oh, and there's a Blueberry Muffin Tops contest you have to get involved in.

Also, we're in debt to Christopher Schons who made the above totally radical, Dragon Age-inspired artwork. You should go to his site right now and pay him to do things. Here's a bigger version, suitable for framing.

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Hosts: Christopher Grant (@chrisgrant), Justin McElroy (@justinmcelroy) and Ludwig Kietzmann (@LudwigK)

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See all of this week's links (and what games we played) after the jump.

Continue reading Joystiq Podcast 119 - Simply2Chaotic edition

JoystiqJoystiq Podcast 119 - Simply2Chaotic edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>joystiq-podcastjoystiqpodcastpodcastsFri, 04 Dec 2009 15:15:00 ESTJoystiq Podcast 119Chris Grant, Ludwig Kietzmann and Justin McElroy1:52:41podcasts<![CDATA[Professor Layton and the Devil's Flute plays successfully in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/professor-layton-and-the-devils-flute-japan-likes-what-it-hear/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/professor-layton-and-the-devils-flute-japan-likes-what-it-hear/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/professor-layton-and-the-devils-flute-japan-likes-what-it-hear/#comments
[GAME Watch]
Japan's infatuation with quaint, puzzle-filled villages has yet to wane. The second Professor Layton trilogy has started off on a positive note, with Professor Layton and the Devil's Flute topping the Media Create sales charts. The latest in Level-5's adventure series sold 306,000 copies in its first week at retail.

The rest of the weekly bestsellers list is almost entirely dominated by Wii and DS games, like Tomodachi Collection, Wii Fit Plus and another debut, Momotaro Dentetsu 2010!, the latest Wii release of Hudson's Japan-only, train-themed board game series. The sole exception: Winning Eleven 2010, charting at number 7 with 20,000 copies sold. (The soccer sim's life-to-date sales of 312,000 isn't that far off from Layton's first week!) Additionally, Cave's region-free Xbox 360 shmup Mushihime-sama Futari just missed the top ten.

[Via Kotaku]

JoystiqProfessor Layton and the Devil's Flute plays successfully in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurejapanlevel-5media-createprofessor-laytonprofessor-layton-and-the-devils-fluteFri, 04 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[No More Heroes: Heroes' Paradise footage is light on gameplay, heavy on badassery]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/no-more-heroes-heroes-paradise-footage-is-light-on-gameplay-h/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/no-more-heroes-heroes-paradise-footage-is-light-on-gameplay-h/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/no-more-heroes-heroes-paradise-footage-is-light-on-gameplay-h/#commentsJapanese publisher Marvelous just uploaded a quite lengthy and quite new trailer for the Xbox 360 and PS3 port of No More Heroes. It's all in Japanese, but it speaks the universal languages of crazy bosses and near-naked-babe quite well.

Aside from that, it also shows how much better the game looks compared to its Wii counterpart -- all of those Ps really make a difference. Be sure to check out the last few seconds of the trailer, which show us the Japanese version of the game just may not be censored after all. The original censored Wii game certainly didn't have that much blood in it!

JoystiqNo More Heroes: Heroes' Paradise footage is light on gameplay, heavy on badassery originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grasshopper-manufacturemmvno-more-heroessuda-51suda51Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Weekly: Slipknot, Simon & Garfunkel, Lights Resolve]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/rock-band-weekly-slipknot-simon-and-garfunkel-lights-resolve/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/rock-band-weekly-slipknot-simon-and-garfunkel-lights-resolve/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/rock-band-weekly-slipknot-simon-and-garfunkel-lights-resolve/#comments Harmonix and MTV Games are dropping a couple of classic Simon & Garfunkel tracks alongside the first Slipknot track pack this coming week as DLC, appealing to that very specific crossover niche of people who like 30-year-old folk music yet like to go blackout partying on the weekends. Take out your terrifying masks and acoustic guitars, folks. It's going to be a weird one. Check out all the tracks for the upcoming week after the break.


Select a platform below to view complete DLC listing:

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: Slipknot, Simon & Garfunkel, Lights Resolve

JoystiqRock Band Weekly: Slipknot, Simon & Garfunkel, Lights Resolve originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-distributiondlclego-rock-bandlights-resolvemtv-gamesrock-bandrock-band-2rock-band-weeklysimon-and-garfunkelslipknotFri, 04 Dec 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[White Knight Chronicles 'International Edition' goes to the US on February 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/white-knight-chronicles-international-edition-goes-to-the-us-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/white-knight-chronicles-international-edition-goes-to-the-us-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/white-knight-chronicles-international-edition-goes-to-the-us-o/#comments
Click to see the full box art. The American version of White Knight Chronicles has just earned a release date and a subtitle. SCEA is calling it the "International Edition," thanks to the addition of 50 new quests, voice chat, Georama and Live Talk. However, we think "The Incredibly Tardy Edition" is probably a more apt title, considering the 14-month wait fans have had to endure.

White Knight Chronicles' February 2nd release date places it before other big 2010 games on PS3, such as BioShock 2, Dante's Inferno, Star Ocean, Heavy Rain, and most importantly -- our lord and savior Final Fantasy XIII. We wonder if Level-5's Yoshiaki Kusada will be happy with the distance between these two PS3 RPG juggernauts.

Gallery: White Knight Chronicles

JoystiqWhite Knight Chronicles 'International Edition' goes to the US on February 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jrpglevel-5release-datesceawhite-knight-chroniclesFri, 04 Dec 2009 13:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Modern Warfare 2's poor translation, censorship in Japan draws ire]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/modern-warfare-2s-poor-translation-censorship-in-japan-draws-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/modern-warfare-2s-poor-translation-censorship-in-japan-draws-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/modern-warfare-2s-poor-translation-censorship-in-japan-draws-i/#comments When Square Enix enlisted to localize Modern Warfare 2 for Japan, the publisher went above and beyond the call of duty. The game would be issued a complete Japanese-dialog makeover -- whereas the first Modern Warfare localization was simply subtitled -- in response to a "strong desire from Activision to widen the entrance for beginning FPS players," as Square Enix told Famitsu. However, some gamers are reporting that the extra effort has fallen short, citing numerous translation errors in the localized game. [Insert your Bill Murray joke here.]

Additionally, Japanese site My Game Flash has rounded up other complaints about the localization, most notably an alteration to the sensationalized "No Russian" mission. Rather than delete the mission (as in the censored Russian version), Square Enix had the Japanese version of the mission adjusted to restrict the player from participating in a terrorist assault on an airport. If the player does engage civilian targets, it's game over.

Square Enix has posted an update on the Modern Warfare 2 Japanese site describing the full Japanese language and subtitle tracks and warning of the "No Russian" edits, but has not announced plans to patch the translation errors or change the limitations on the censored mission. The publisher has cited technical limitations, which prevent selectable English and Japanese language tracks. Head past the break to see some footage of the Japanese version of MW2, courtesy of andriasang.

[Via andriasang]

Source - My Game Flash [machine translation]
Source - Famitsu [machine translation]
Source - Modern Warfare 2 Japanese site

Continue reading Modern Warfare 2's poor translation, censorship in Japan draws ire

JoystiqModern Warfare 2's poor translation, censorship in Japan draws ire originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-dutyfpsinfinity-wardlocalizationlost-in-translationmodern-warfare-2square-enixsubtitlesFri, 04 Dec 2009 13:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Tatsunoko vs. Capcom FightStick, game bundle on the way]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/rumor-tatsunoko-vs-capcom-fightstick-game-bundle-on-the-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/rumor-tatsunoko-vs-capcom-fightstick-game-bundle-on-the-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/rumor-tatsunoko-vs-capcom-fightstick-game-bundle-on-the-way/#comments
[Comic-Con mockup; see retail box on Flickr]
Tatsunoko vs. Capcom proves that the Wii is a perfectly capable platform for fighting games -- except that it doesn't have a high-quality arcade stick. If these box images found on MadCatz staffer Mark "MarkMan" Julio's Flickr stream are any indication, the company behind the Street Fighter IV FightSticks is going to take care of that. Julio posted two images of a retail box for a Tatsunoko vs. Capcom FightStick using the same shape and layout as the company's Standard Edition Street Fighter IV FightStick for PS3 and Xbox 360. It would seem that response to the Comic-Con mockup (seen above) was positive enough for the accessory manufacturer to go ahead with a retail release!

The stick may be included in a special bundle for the game, as well. One Shoryuken forum user claims to have found both a normal and arcade stick bundle SKU in the GameStop database. We've contacted Capcom and MadCatz to find out just how we'll be controlling a giant lighter in a fight against Mega Man.

[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqRumor: Tatsunoko vs. Capcom FightStick, game bundle on the way originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriescontrollersfightstickmad-catzmadcatzperipheralstatsunoko-vs-capcomFri, 04 Dec 2009 12:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Traveler's Tales founder: PSP Go will die if downloads don't get cheaper]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/travelers-tales-founder-psp-go-will-die-if-downloads-dont-get/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/travelers-tales-founder-psp-go-will-die-if-downloads-dont-get/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/travelers-tales-founder-psp-go-will-die-if-downloads-dont-get/#comments While speaking at the Developer Jury Service (a pow-wow for industry figures to discuss current gaming trends and topics), Traveler's Tales founder Jon Burton questioned the prolonged survival of the PSP Go platform, since UMD games can often be purchased new or pre-owned at a lower price than the digital versions compatible with PSP Go. "I own a PSP Go but don't want to buy LittleBigPlanet, for instance, as I can get it 20-percent cheaper on UMD from Amazon and could resell it once I'm finished with it," Burton explained. "But if I download it, I get no discount, and no chance to resell -- how annoying is that?"

According to Burton, PSP Go's all-digital system is more than just a minor inconvenience. He later added, "I'm betting on Sony making PSP Go games much cheaper than the UMD versions, or the PSP Go will die." Oh no! The PSP Go is far too tiny and adorable to die so young. Listen to the man, Sony!

JoystiqTraveler's Tales founder: PSP Go will die if downloads don't get cheaper originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jon-burtonjurypsp-gosonytravelers-talesumdFri, 04 Dec 2009 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two's Zelnick doesn't believe in annualized GTA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/take-twos-zelnick-doesnt-believe-in-annualized-gta/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/take-twos-zelnick-doesnt-believe-in-annualized-gta/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/take-twos-zelnick-doesnt-believe-in-annualized-gta/#comments If we took away one important lesson from Take-Two chairman Strauss Zelnick yesterday, during the company's investor call, it's this: it takes a lot of time to make "triple-A" games. That's why Zelnick isn't interested in annualizing the Grand Theft Auto franchise. "We don't feel that GTA oughta be an annualized franchise," he said, adding that he was "pleased" the series has been "testing new formats and new platforms" this year with two DLC expansions on Xbox Live and GTA: Chinatown Wars for DS and PSP.

Instead of pushing out a new GTA game every year, Zelnick explained that Take-Two is focused on the "balance between how long it takes to develop such an incredible title that meets consumer expectations and how long you need to make sure than an appetite has been both satisfied and whetted [for the next game]." He padded his point with phrases like "high profitability" and "resiliency of the franchise," though when taken to task over how the publisher expects to make money in a "non-GTA release year" -- and in light of projected, continued losses from its baseball franchise -- he responded, "We remain committed to that goal [of profitability] ... naturally, we are disappointed that we're not projecting to achieve that goal in 2010." Meanwhile, somewhere in California, Bobby Kotick laughed maniacally.

JoystiqTake-Two's Zelnick doesn't believe in annualized GTA originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>annualfranchisegrand-theft-autogtagta-chinatown-warsgta-iv-dlcstrauss-zelnicktake-twoFri, 04 Dec 2009 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Rebellion won't release 'sanitized' AvP in Australia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/rebellion-wont-release-sanitized-avp-in-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/rebellion-wont-release-sanitized-avp-in-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/rebellion-wont-release-sanitized-avp-in-australia/#comments In a statement released this morning by Rebellion's Jason Kingsley, concerning the Australian Classification Board's so-called "ban" of Rebellion's Aliens vs. Predator game, the CEO expressed his studio's disappointment with the board's ruling, but added, "as we understand the law in that country the authorities had no choice as we agree strongly that our game is not suitable for game players who are not adults."

The subtle swipe at the Australian ratings system, which tops out at an MA15+ classification, turned into a full-on blow as Kingsley concluded, "We will not be releasing a sanitized or cut down version for territories where adults are not considered by their governments to be able to make their own entertainment choices."

Ouch! You feel that too, Germany? "It is for adults," Kingsley insisted of AvP, "and it is bloody and frightening, that was our intent." Clearly, that's why PEGI assigned an 18-rating. Check out the box art for PAL territories that will release the game -- for adults -- come February 2010 worldwide:

Gallery: Aliens vs. Predator (2010): Packshots [PAL]

JoystiqRebellion won't release 'sanitized' AvP in Australia originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliens-vs-predatoraustraliaavpbanclassificationjason-kingsleyratingrebellionrelease-datesegaFri, 04 Dec 2009 10:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: The Saboteur]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/review-the-saboteur/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/review-the-saboteur/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/review-the-saboteur/#comments You've got to feel for The Saboteur. Sean Devlin's one-man war against the Nazi party would have been a fine way to while away the summer hours, but here at the end of a holiday season -- filled with wonderful games -- it's tough to leave it thinking about anything other than its squandered potential.

It's a solid open-world action title, but it's one that hits just enough amazing, explosive crescendos to leave you wishing you could have seen it in an alternate reality, where developer Pandemic hadn't been shuttered and was able to give its swan song just a few more months of polish.

Gallery: The Saboteur

Continue reading Review: The Saboteur

JoystiqReview: The Saboteur originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eapandemicthe-saboteurFri, 04 Dec 2009 10:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Riccitiello: Mirror's Edge deserves second chance, EA still pushing new IP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/riccitiello-mirrors-edge-deserves-second-chance-ea-still-push/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/riccitiello-mirrors-edge-deserves-second-chance-ea-still-push/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/riccitiello-mirrors-edge-deserves-second-chance-ea-still-push/#commentsEA CEO John Riccitiello told IndustryGamers that the company has no intention of reducing its reliance on new IP. "Does this mean EA is backing away from investing in quality and innovation?" Riccitiello asked. "Absolutely not. It's religion for me; I believe quality and innovation is what works."

EA faces a difficult task now: finding room in EA's now-reduced slate for the new content Riccitiello promises and the sequels the company must produce. But it's a task Riccitiello seems to believe is worth undertaking. "I believe there are publishers out there that are milking franchises at their peril," he said. "I do think you can sort of stop innovating and do well while you coast for a couple of editions before a product starts to fall apart or a sector starts to fall apart."

The juggle involves sequels like Mirror's Edge 2, perhaps. "There are some things we learned about that [first] game," Riccitiello told Kotaku. "It was, I think, a massively innovative product. To be honest with you, I think it's a game that deserves to come back." The CEO said he's "had several very lively debates" with the dev team about the design of a future game. "And they are working on it."

JoystiqRiccitiello: Mirror's Edge deserves second chance, EA still pushing new IP originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 09:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-strategyeafranchisesjohn-riccitiellomirrors-edgemirrors-edge-2sequelsFri, 04 Dec 2009 09:47:00 EST<![CDATA[GOG.com gets Cyan Worlds' Myst games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/gog-com-gets-cyan-worlds-myst-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/gog-com-gets-cyan-worlds-myst-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/gog-com-gets-cyan-worlds-myst-games/#comments
If you consider the daily crossword puzzle a suitable mental exercise routine, then, buddy, you've got it all wrong. That's child's play for baby brains and yours needs a bit more stimulation than that. Thankfully, GoG.com is here to put a few wrinkles in all the right spots, as it's announced Cyan Worlds' beloved Myst series is coming to its library of DRM-free titles.

You can actually check out Myst: Masterpiece Edition right now for $5.99, but you'll have to wait a bit for Riven: The Sequel to Myst and The Manhole: Masterpiece Edition -- the latter of which is admittedly not part of Myst canon, but comes from the Myst creators and should interest fans nonetheless. Both will also be priced at $5.99 and can be yours "soon."

JoystiqGOG.com gets Cyan Worlds' Myst games originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cyan-worldsdrmgoggog.comgood-old-gamesmystriventhe-manholeFri, 04 Dec 2009 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Unlock Xbox contest down to eight finalists, voting begins for final three]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/unlock-xbox-contest-down-to-eight-finalists-now-accepting-votes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/unlock-xbox-contest-down-to-eight-finalists-now-accepting-votes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/unlock-xbox-contest-down-to-eight-finalists-now-accepting-votes/#comments Last year's free Xbox Live Arcade game from the Unlock Xbox contest, Dash of Destruction, may not have been the best game we ever played, but it was certainly far from the worst. Also, it had that whole costing nothing thing going for it, so that helped our opinions considerably. This year, our chances of getting a fun game have doubled, with the contest's 1,500 competitors vying for two spots rather than one.

The final eight contestants have been culled from the initial submissions (listed after the break), and are now available to be voted on over at the contest's website, ultimately determining three game ideas to be given final pitches at Microsoft. From there, we get two XBLA games full of Doritos' "bold, intense" branding -- and at the very least some free Achievements.

Continue reading Unlock Xbox contest down to eight finalists, voting begins for final three

JoystiqUnlock Xbox contest down to eight finalists, voting begins for final three originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dash-of-destructiondoritosfreemicrosoftpromotionunlock-xboxxblaxbox-liveFri, 04 Dec 2009 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Game controlling glove now available for pre-order and 'The Wizard' remakes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/game-controlling-glove-now-available-for-pre-order-the-wizard/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/game-controlling-glove-now-available-for-pre-order-the-wizard/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/game-controlling-glove-now-available-for-pre-order-the-wizard/#comments We know how hard it can be to expend precious energy on something as trivial as a keyboard - we spend all day doing exactly that! So it's with proud, near-jubilant excitement that we bring you news of the gaming glove "Peregrine," which allows for keyboard-free game playing, becoming available for pre-order.

It's not exactly equipped to handle twitch shooters: the Peregrine was made with MMOs in mind. Rather than push down all those pesky keyboard buttons, it allows for up to 40 different configurable movements instead.The $129 device (that's if you pre-order -- it'll be $149 otherwise) runs on USB and will connect as a keyboard, so compatibility shouldn't be too much of an issue.

You can quit writing your Power Glove 2.0 fanfic right now - this ain't it. We do, however, expect to see a YouTube-derived sequel to The Wizard around the end of January, when the first pre-orders are expected to ship to consumers. Get on that, internet!

[Via Engadget]

JoystiqGame controlling glove now available for pre-order and 'The Wizard' remakes originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 03:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>keyboardmmosmousepcperegrinepower-glovethe-peregrinethe-wizardFri, 04 Dec 2009 03:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Tag your own wall with Jet Set Radio Future Wall Graphics]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/tag-your-own-wall-with-jet-set-radio-future-wall-graphics/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/tag-your-own-wall-with-jet-set-radio-future-wall-graphics/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/tag-your-own-wall-with-jet-set-radio-future-wall-graphics/#comments
Click to grind into our gallery LTL Prints is launching a line of removable, reusable wall decals featuring art from Smilebit's 2001 Xbox classic Jet Set Radio Future. Now you can be reminded that there hasn't been another Jet Set Radio game in years every time you look at your wall! The company and license were brought together by John Doffing, one of the original curators of the Into the Pixel exhibit.

The site features a wide selection of character art as well as posters and even a graffiti image or two, all available in the size of your choice -- up to 7 feet tall. Want to turn your office into a shrine to Inspector Hayashi? Or maybe have a horde of Poison Jam watching you eat dinner?

The company claims that the decals can be moved and replaced 100 times without damage to walls, so you can spend plenty of time deciding which room to adorn with Bis, Corn, and Yoyo. Preferably a room with speakers in it -- you'll want to play a continuous loop of Cibo Matto's "Birthday Cake" for effect.

Gallery: Jet Set Radio Future Wall Graphics

JoystiqTag your own wall with Jet Set Radio Future Wall Graphics originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 02:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jet-set-radio-futureltl-printssegawall-graphicsFri, 04 Dec 2009 02:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Australian Classification Board vs. Aliens vs. Predator [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/australian-classification-board-vs-aliens-vs-predator/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/australian-classification-board-vs-aliens-vs-predator/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/australian-classification-board-vs-aliens-vs-predator/#comments It may not have acid blood or infrared vision, but the Australian Classification Board has won its battle against Rebellion's upcoming Aliens vs. Predator game. "The game contains first-person perspective, close-up depictions of human characters being subjected to various types of violence, including explicit decapitation and dismemberment as well as locational damage such as stabbing through the chest, mouth, throat, or eyes," the board reports. Apparently, the game's excessive gore and violence exceeds the requirements for a MA15+ rating. Without an option for an R18+ rating, Aliens vs. Predator becomes the latest title to join the ever-growing list of essentially "banned" games in the territory.

Sega is left with two options should it want to pursue an Australian release: Attempt an appeal with the board, or censor the game's content to meet Australian standards. Should AvP follow in the footsteps of the edited Left 4 Dead 2, Australian gamers should get ready to be disappointed yet again.

Update: Rebellion responds. Oh snap!

JoystiqAustralian Classification Board vs. Aliens vs. Predator [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 01:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliens-vs-predatoraustraliabanratingrebellionsegaFri, 04 Dec 2009 01:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 2 to span two discs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/mass-effect-2-to-span-two-discs/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/mass-effect-2-to-span-two-discs/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/mass-effect-2-to-span-two-discs/#comments
How awesome is Mass Effect 2? Well, if BioWare Community Coordinator Chris Priestly is to be believed, it is about twice as awesome. "You cannot fit this much awesome on one disc," Priestly stated on the BioWare forums, after revealing the game content will span two discs.

The necessity of two discs may mean a staggering amount of content for the RPG sequel -- the original was certainly no slouch in content. While some may lament the necessity of having to get up at least once during Mass Effect 2, Priestly promises that the disc swap happens at a dramatically appropriate point in the story. "Even though there is a disc swap, it occurs at a carefully planned place in the game (that does not interfere with gameplay) and is done once. You do not swap back and forth. 1 swap and then done."

We're going to fathom a guess as to when the swap will occur: immediately after the "suicide mission" revealed in the game's initial teaser.

[Thanks, Darth B.; Via Kotaku]

JoystiqMass Effect 2 to span two discs originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarediscsdvdmass-effectmass-effect-2Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Namco launches iPhone Ace Combat Xi, updates Garters & Ghouls with 3GS compass]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/namco-launches-iphone-ace-combat-xi-updates-garters-and-ghouls-wi/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/namco-launches-iphone-ace-combat-xi-updates-garters-and-ghouls-wi/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/namco-launches-iphone-ace-combat-xi-updates-garters-and-ghouls-wi/#comments
click to take off into the galleryNamco announced two notable iPhone launches today. Garters & Ghouls, its 19th-century twin stick zombie shooter, has been updated with iPhone 3GS compass functionality -- the first game, Namco Networks claims, to make use of the feature. Now, physically moving and rotating the phone to face different directions will help locate powerups in the game. The update is free for those who already have the game, and will be included in new downloads of the $4.99 title.

The other new release: Ace Combat Xi: Skies of Incursion, which brings the long-lived flight franchise to iPhone. We found that the controls worked just fine during our brief look at the game at TGS, but have yet to delve into the full game. It's featured at a $4.99 sale price for its first five days.

Garters & Ghouls ($4.99) Garters & Ghouls
Ace Combat Xi ($4.99) ACE COMBAT Xi Skies of Incursion

Gallery: Ace Combat Xi (iPhone)

JoystiqNamco launches iPhone Ace Combat Xi, updates Garters & Ghouls with 3GS compass originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ace-combatace-combat-xinamcoThu, 03 Dec 2009 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: Mystery Case Files: Dire Grove's Adrian Woods on the game's use of live-action FMV]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/interview-mystery-case-files-dire-groves-adrian-woods-on-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/interview-mystery-case-files-dire-groves-adrian-woods-on-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/interview-mystery-case-files-dire-groves-adrian-woods-on-the/#commentsLast month, developer Big Fish Games released the latest game in its hidden-object, casual mystery series Mystery Case Files. Dire Grove features something rather unexpected for a game released in 2009: full-motion video. As a selling point! The game sets you into the investigation of four graduate students who disappear in the spooky town of Dire Grove one night. Along the way, video sequences will help illuminate the events.

Fascinated by the bold decision to bring in live actors for the latest iteration of a usually all hand-drawn series (and a game that will retail for seven dollars when the Standard Edition launches this month -- the Collector's Edition is available now for $20), we spoke to game designer Adrian Woods about the game and the somewhat anachronistic use of FMV.

Continue reading Interview: Mystery Case Files: Dire Grove's Adrian Woods on the game's use of live-action FMV

JoystiqInterview: Mystery Case Files: Dire Grove's Adrian Woods on the game's use of live-action FMV originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big-fish-gamesfmvmystery-case-filesmystery-case-files-dire-groveThu, 03 Dec 2009 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ to open new Montreal studio]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/thq-to-open-new-montreal-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/thq-to-open-new-montreal-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/thq-to-open-new-montreal-studio/#comments The city of Montreal can add another gaming studio to its ranks, as THQ has announced plans for its biggest studio yet: THQ Montreal. The new development house will focus on "creating core games for THQ" and assisting with titles developed by the company's other studios worldwide. THQ Montreal is expected to create some 400 new jobs in the Quebec province, with THQ's Paradigm Entertainment head, Dave Gatchel, overseeing operations when the studio opens in mid-2010.

THQ VP Steve DeCosta says it's not just the tax breaks that make Montreal such an appealing place to set up shop, but also the talent pool in the region -- sentiments shared by neighboring Ontario minister Sandra Pupatello.

JoystiqTHQ to open new Montreal studio originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadadave-gatcheldavid-gatchelmontrealparadigm-entertainmentthqthq-montrealThu, 03 Dec 2009 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[It's in the debt: Introducing the EA Sports prepaid debit card]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/its-in-the-debt-introducing-the-ea-sports-prepaid-debit-card/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/its-in-the-debt-introducing-the-ea-sports-prepaid-debit-card/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/its-in-the-debt-introducing-the-ea-sports-prepaid-debit-card/#comments EA Sports wants to get in your wallet. We're talking about the new EA Sports DebitSmart Visa prepaid card. It works like a lot of other prepaid debit cards: you give EA money, it puts that money on the card. However, EA is trying to sweeten the deal (paying money to use money is a deal?) through the inclusion of EA Sports Reward Points, fractions of payments made with the card that are converted to points which consumers can then use toward EA Sports purchases via EA's site.

EA marketing VP Todd Sitrin calls the program "a perfect marriage of encouraging responsible spending while providing a unique reward program." History teaches us otherwise, so if you'll excuse us, we'll just be sitting in the corner, waiting for the other shoe to drop.

JoystiqIt's in the debt: Introducing the EA Sports prepaid debit card originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>debit-cardeaea-sportsea-sports-debitsmartea-sports-prepaid-cardprepaid-cardsvisaThu, 03 Dec 2009 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two: Borderlands franchise 'important' and 'long-term']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/take-two-borderlands-franchise-important-and-long-term/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/take-two-borderlands-franchise-important-and-long-term/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/take-two-borderlands-franchise-important-and-long-term/#comments
After being recognized as the year's fastest-selling new IP and its developer calling a sequel a "no-brainer," Borderlands is "showing every sign of becoming an important, long-term franchise" for publisher Take-Two Interactive. That comment was made today by company chairman Strauss Zelnick, during the same earnings call in which a considerable delay for another important franchise title, Max Payne 3, was disclosed.

But really, who cares about Max "I don't need an intervention" Payne when faced with the prospect of Borderlands: The Clap Trap Chronicles?

JoystiqTake-Two: Borderlands franchise 'important' and 'long-term' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>borderlandsgearboxTake-Twotake-two interactiveTake-twoInteractiveThu, 03 Dec 2009 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Rogue Warrior (PS3, Xbox 360)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/metareview-rogue-warrior-ps3-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/metareview-rogue-warrior-ps3-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/metareview-rogue-warrior-ps3-xbox-360/#comments Richard "Demo Dick" Marcinko's first appearance in a game as Bethesda's Rogue Warrior doesn't seem to have left a fantastic taste in the mouths of many critics. Aside from the overabundance of profanity, complaints range from "generic" to "last-gen." It probably doesn't help that the game's being released during an ... ahem ... less than favorable part of the year. We wish you the best, Demo Dick! We hardly knew ye!
  • MSXbox-World (4/10): "The reality is that there's little challenge as most of the stealth elements are as scripted as they come ... There's an almost last-gen feel to the game, with one embassy snow level being reminiscent of a level in Hitman."
  • Gamervision (3.5/10): "There are only a few locations in the story, and they all look and play essentially the same. In fact, it feels as though they could have been presented in any order without losing much storytelling ... The only thing that is even remotely memorably is the voice of the protagonist, Mickey Rourke. He's constantly throwing out quips and one-liners in his grizzly, gritty voice, but even this seems forced."
  • HellBored (2.1/10): "There is absolutely nothing about Rogue Warrior that deserves any attention ... Combine paltry numbers of enemies, small levels, and an absurdly easy approach and you can run through the entire thing in ... four hours."
  • GamePro (1.5/5 Stars): "It's at best a generic FPS, and at worst a nigh-unplayable mess ... The game's dark, murky textures and limited visibility make aiming a chore, and prominent clipping, slowdown and texture popping only serve to further hinder the adrenaline-fueled covert-ops experience Rogue Warrior tries so hard to recreate"

Gallery: Rogue Warrior (27-04-09)

JoystiqMetareview: Rogue Warrior (PS3, Xbox 360) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-softworksdemo-dickfpsmetareviewrebellionrebellion-studiosrichard-marcinkorogue-warriorzombiezombie-studiosThu, 03 Dec 2009 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[New Games This Month: December 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/new-games-this-month-december-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/new-games-this-month-december-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/new-games-this-month-december-2009/#comments Take a deep breath. You feel that filling up your lungs? That's freedom. It's the freedom to not have to worry about the ever-growing onslaught of purchaseables for the first time in months. Yes, there are still a handful of decent releases, but it would seem that the worst/best is over.

We don't know about you, but we're happy that we'll finally have time to play games rather than just buy them.

Gallery: New Games This Month: December 2009

James Cameron's Avatar (Multi)Rogue Warrior (PC, 360, PS3)Resident Evil Archives: RE 0 (Wii)Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks (DS)The Saboteur (PC, 360, PS3)

JoystiqNew Games This Month: December 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>new-games-monthlyThu, 03 Dec 2009 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Thursday: Classic Call of Duty, Bayonetta demo beckon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/psn-thursday-classic-call-of-duty-bayonetta-demo-beckon/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/psn-thursday-classic-call-of-duty-bayonetta-demo-beckon/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/psn-thursday-classic-call-of-duty-bayonetta-demo-beckon/#comments If you hadn't already used that totally legit Japanese PSN account to scoop up the demo of Platinum Games' Bayonetta, today's your chance to play the official US preview of the game. If you've already played Japan's demo, well, you've played this one. PS3 also gets the original Call of Duty, in the event that you must play COD but are waiting for the Javelin glitch in Modern Warfare 2 to be fixed before engaging in any more of its multiplayer.

There's also a batch of add-on content for PS3 titles, including Tekken 6 -- and, as promised, that one's free. So is festive LittleBigPlanet costume content in the form of a Santa suit for Sackboy. Oh, and we can't forget: PSP Minis (yes, they live!).

Choose your platform to view the corresponding release list:
(Note: Continue past the break to view both release lists.)

Continue reading PSN Thursday: Classic Call of Duty, Bayonetta demo beckon

JoystiqPSN Thursday: Classic Call of Duty, Bayonetta demo beckon originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>psnPSN-StorePSN-ThursdayThu, 03 Dec 2009 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Void trailer is devoid of bullets, rich with scenery]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/dark-void-trailer-is-devoid-of-bullets-rich-with-scenery/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/dark-void-trailer-is-devoid-of-bullets-rich-with-scenery/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/dark-void-trailer-is-devoid-of-bullets-rich-with-scenery/#comments If you're looking for heated exchanges of alien gunfire, the trailer above would be a terrible place to start your search. No, this particular trailer instead focuses on the lush, otherworldly environments of Capcom's jetpack-strapped Q1 action title, Dark Void. Really, with a title like that, we expect the game's setting to be more ... soul-crushing than this trailer would lead us to believe. If that's a "dark void," our apartments are endless abysses of impenetrable blackness.

Gallery: Dark Void

JoystiqDark Void trailer is devoid of bullets, rich with scenery originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airtight-gamescapcomdark-voidtrailervideoThu, 03 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two strikes out with MLB games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/take-two-strikes-out-with-mlb-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/take-two-strikes-out-with-mlb-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/take-two-strikes-out-with-mlb-games/#commentsTake-Two has released "preliminary" earnings results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year (ending October 31, 2009), blaming a $.09 a share slump on poor sales of its Major League Baseball games. It seems the publisher might have been misled by the commonly held misconception that baseball is the "national pastime" -- modern warfare has clearly seized that honor. Take-Two didn't specify which MLB titles might have underperformed, but it released The BIGS 2, MLB Front Office Manager, MLB 2K9, and MLB 2K9 Fantasy All-Stars all in 2009, and all to mediocre critical reception.

2K expects to take a $30-35 million loss on its MLB business and further adjusted its financial outlook downward following the BioShock 2 delay. While Borderlands and NBA 2K10 helped generate some revenue last quarter, Take-Two's future doesn't look to be paved in gold. "Looking ahead, we remain committed to our goal of operating profitably on a non-GAAP basis;" CEO Strauss Zelnick said. "However, we do not currently expect to achieve that goal in fiscal 2010. We have an outstanding product portfolio, exceptional creative talent and a solid balance sheet, and are confident that these strengths will provide a sound foundation for improved performance."

JoystiqTake-Two strikes out with MLB games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baseballearningsfinancial-reportmlbmlb-2k9mlb-2k9-fantasy-all-starsmlb-front-office-managersalestake-twothe-bigs-2Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Max Payne 3 delayed until late 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/max-payne-3-delayed-to-late-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/max-payne-3-delayed-to-late-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/max-payne-3-delayed-to-late-2010/#comments In a new financial earnings and projection report, Take-Two has dished out news of Max Payne 3's release. The game's been pushed back -- we like to imagine in incredibly slow and dramatic fashion -- to the company's fiscal Q4 2010. In real time, that translates to a three-month period spanning August-October, 2010. The game was previously pegged for an unlikely Winter 2009 release.

Based on what we've seen of Max Payne 3 so far, we'd say that bumping back its release is a good move. Max is in serious need of some Jazzercise and a decent dry cleaner, so this extra time will hopefully get him into better shape to handle the countless waves of bad guys he'll be indiscriminately shooting in the face.

JoystiqMax Payne 3 delayed until late 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delaysmax-paynemax-payne-3release-daterockstartake-twoThu, 03 Dec 2009 17:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Mock the Medal of Honor box art and this man may kill you]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/mock-the-medal-of-honor-box-art-and-this-man-may-kill-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/mock-the-medal-of-honor-box-art-and-this-man-may-kill-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/mock-the-medal-of-honor-box-art-and-this-man-may-kill-you/#comments It seems the cover star for EA reboot Medal of Honor bears quite a resemblance to a real-life military man -- and not the fictional lumberjack uncle we like to think resides in every Canadian family. Life did a feature on the armed forces in Afghanistan back in 2002, and one of the individuals (codenamed "Cowboy") highlighted in several photos (via UGO) seems to match the one highlighted on the FPS cover.

EA did mention working closely with "Tier 1 Operators from the US Special Operations Community," so it seems possible that the main character could be inspired by (if not actually based on) Mr. Cowboy. We've contacted EA to get some intel on this. We'll let you know, if we haven't been taken out for yesterday's ZZ Top joke.

JoystiqMock the Medal of Honor box art and this man may kill you originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>afghanistancowboyeaea-lafpsmedal-of-honorThu, 03 Dec 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop beams down Star Trek Online Collector's Edition info (plus, new trailer!)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/gamestop-beams-down-star-trek-online-collectors-edition-info-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/gamestop-beams-down-star-trek-online-collectors-edition-info-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/gamestop-beams-down-star-trek-online-collectors-edition-info-p/#comments
Klingons aren't the only thing in the galaxy you should fear, as your inner desire for paraphernalia and in-game items could push you over the edge to purchase the Star Trek Online Collector's Edition from GameStop. The online retailer details the $80 package as including a small, metal Communicator Badge, an in-game Red Matter Capacitor that gives all of your ships a little extra energy and exclusive Next Generation and Deep Space Nine uniforms for your crew. You'll also score some guest passes for a few friends and a deluxe, hardcover manual and requisite special packaging.

Above, you can check out a new trailer showing off some of the ship-based combat and, should you desire a look at the full Collector's Edition packaging, you can make it so by engaging past the break.

[Via Big Download]

Continue reading GameStop beams down Star Trek Online Collector's Edition info (plus, new trailer!)

JoystiqGameStop beams down Star Trek Online Collector's Edition info (plus, new trailer!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricollectors-editioncrypticcryptic-studiosgamestopmmostar-trek-onlineThu, 03 Dec 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Free NFS Shift 'team racing' DLC out for 360, PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/psa-free-nfs-shift-team-racing-dlc-out-for-360-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/psa-free-nfs-shift-team-racing-dlc-out-for-360-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/psa-free-nfs-shift-team-racing-dlc-out-for-360-pc/#comments
EA has opened the garage door and rolled out its Team Racing Pack for Need For Speed: Shift, adding five new cars and a cooperative online racing mode to its superb driving game. Available today for Xbox 360 and PC, the DLC is priced at ... wait, it's free? Five cars and a new mode are free? This is obviously an error and the DLC should be downloaded before EA starts asking like 1500 space bucks for it. Oh, EA did this intentionally? Kudos, giant publisher. (We're still not sure if this is some kind of trick.)

XBL Gold members can grab the expansion from the Xbox Live Marketplace at this link. PS3 owners in the UK will find the free DLC on PSN today, with the US PlayStation Store getting it next Thursday, December 10.

JoystiqPSA: Free NFS Shift 'team racing' DLC out for 360, PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlceaelectronic-artsfreeneed-for-speedNeed-For-Speed-ShiftSlightly-Mad-StudiosxblmThu, 03 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Games for Windows Live adding Games on Demand beginning Dec. 15]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/games-for-windows-live-adding-games-on-demand-beginning-dec-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/games-for-windows-live-adding-games-on-demand-beginning-dec-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/games-for-windows-live-adding-games-on-demand-beginning-dec-15/#comments Games on Demand, a.k.a. full game downloads, is one of the more recent additions to Xbox Live -- and today Microsoft has announced that it's bringing the service to its Games For Windows Live platform beginning December 15. GFWL creative director Chuck Osieja calls the initiative "Microsoft's return to delivering Windows games built on unique LIVE experiences." The service has a rocky history of sporadic supported releases and last summer ditched its subscription fees in the face of competition from the likes of Steam.

The move puts Microsoft up against Valve's digi-distribution service, which similarly offers community features and its own Achievements system, but boasts a much larger catalog at present. The GFWL Games on Demand initial lineup will include Resident Evil 5, Red Faction: Guerrilla and Battlestations Pacific along with new GFWL-enabled versions of 2D Boy's excellent World of Goo and Hemisphere Games' Osmos -- all titles currently offered by Steam, with some available via Stardock's Impulse service. Microsoft hasn't divulged pricing for titles offered via GFWL Games on Demand.

A reworked version of the former Windows Vista Ultimate Extra Tinker will be made available free to GFWL users when the Games on Demand service launches a week from next Tuesday.

JoystiqGames for Windows Live adding Games on Demand beginning Dec. 15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlestations-pacificdigital-distributiongames-for-windows-livegames-on-demandMicrosoftosmosRed-Faction-Guerrillaresident-evil-5tinkerWorld-of-GooThu, 03 Dec 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[inFamous becomes almost-Greatest Hits game, drops to $40]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/infamous-becomes-almost-greatest-hits-game-drops-to-40/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/infamous-becomes-almost-greatest-hits-game-drops-to-40/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/infamous-becomes-almost-greatest-hits-game-drops-to-40/#comments
Click to read the inFamous comic. Sucker Punch's superpower game has sold 1.2 million copies, according to a recent update by the PlayStation.Blog. According to Sony's rules, that's enough to make the game a certifiable "Greatest Hits" title. However, a game can't don the ugly budget box art until ten months after the game's original ship date.

Until then, inFamous will get an almost-Greatest Hits price for its almost-Greatest Hits status: $39.99, effective immediately. Also, the former GameStop-exclusive power-up Gigawatt Blades will be available for all as a free PSN download, starting December 10 -- a nice freebie for latecomers to the game.

Considering Black Friday has already passed, it seems like Sony may have missed the best opportunity to announce a price drop on inFamous. Of course, there might be another motive behind this move: to keep this game on the mind of video game editors (and fans) readying their GOTY lists.

JoystiqinFamous becomes almost-Greatest Hits game, drops to $40 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gigawatt-bladesgreatest-hitsinfamousprice-dropsucker-punchThu, 03 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[French magazine reportedly confirms MJ's involvement with Sonic 3 soundtrack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/french-magazine-reportedly-confirms-mjs-involvement-with-sonic/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/french-magazine-reportedly-confirms-mjs-involvement-with-sonic/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/french-magazine-reportedly-confirms-mjs-involvement-with-sonic/#comments
[OCRemix]
One of the longest running rumors of the video game community is the claim that Michael Jackson contributed to the soundtrack for Sonic the Hedgehog 3 to some degree -- a claim bolstered by a number of similarities between the game's tunes and Jackson's own body of work. Now, more than 15 years after the game's release, we might have confirmation that the late King of Pop was responsible for the threequel's incredibly catchy ditties.

According to a forum post on gaming music enthusiast site VGMdb.net, the latest issue of French Michael Jackson fan magazine Black & White contains an interview with composer Brad Buxer, who explains that he and Michael "did compose music for the game." However, due to the Genesis' less-than-mindblowing sound quality, Jackson reportedly asked that his name not appear on the game, as he "did not want to be associated with a product that devalued his music."

According to poster's transcript of the interview, Buxer also confirmed that we weren't imagining the aforementioned melodic similarities -- Jackson and Buxer apparently managed to adapt some of their work on the game for later use in their own music. Specifically, Buxer mentioned the melody for the game's closing credits were "used as base for Stranger in Moscow."

Also, "Man in the Mirror?" Totally written about Doctor Robotnik.

JoystiqFrench magazine reportedly confirms MJ's involvement with Sonic 3 soundtrack originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>michael-jacksonmusicsegasonicsonic-the-hedgehogsonic-the-hedgehog-3soundtrackThu, 03 Dec 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gran Turismo 5 demo races to PSN on December 17]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/gran-turismo-5-demo-races-to-euro-psn-on-december-17/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/gran-turismo-5-demo-races-to-euro-psn-on-december-17/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/gran-turismo-5-demo-races-to-euro-psn-on-december-17/#comments 2004: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy comes to an end (winning 11 Academy Awards in the process), John Kerry runs for US President and whales explode. Oh, and Gran Turismo 4 releases on PS2.

Five years later, the public is finally able to get their hands on Gran Turismo 5 with the first non-Prologue demo. The downloadable demo will be available on both the European and American PSN on December 17th.

In Europe, the demo will allow players to enter the "GT Academy Time Trial" contest, in which the top 20 players from select countries will be eligible for a chance to enter the GT Academy. The GT Academy training program will prepare the ultimate GT fan to compete in the European GT4 Cup in a real race-spec Nissan 370Z. In America and Canada, the winner of the time trial will get a trip to the Indianapolis 500. Sure, these are tantalizing grand prizes -- but we're more excited to see that GT5 is becoming a real game. Now, how about a release date?

Gallery: Gran Turismo 5



Source - GT Academy 2010 Launches December 17th - PlayStation.Blog.Europe
Source - PlayStation.com - GT5 Time Trial Rules
Source - Gran Turismo 5 Time Trial Challenge Announced

JoystiqGran Turismo 5 demo races to PSN on December 17 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demogran-turismogran-turismo-5gt-academypolyphony-digitalpsnracingsimulatorThu, 03 Dec 2009 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: PSP Minis playable on PS3 before Christmas]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/rumor-psp-minis-playable-on-ps3-before-christmas/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/rumor-psp-minis-playable-on-ps3-before-christmas/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/rumor-psp-minis-playable-on-ps3-before-christmas/#comments Since the launch of the PSP Minis digital platform alongside the PSP Go back in October, Sony has showed little more than a passing interest in promoting its bite-sized game service. After playing a decent chunk of games at launch and then barely hearing a whisper since, we've been wondering when the company would show more support for Minis. If what we're hearing from a handful of reliable sources is true, however, the PSP Minis will finally get some attention in the near future as they become playable on the PlayStation 3.

It'll happen "before Christmas," says one source (confirmed as "this month" by others independently), allegedly with the entire selection of Minis (and presumably upcoming releases) to be playable on PlayStation 3 consoles -- with a resolution bump to boot. As for Sony: "We don't comment on rumor or speculation.", so we'll have to leave it in the rumor department for now.

JoystiqRumor: PSP Minis playable on PS3 before Christmas originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>minisminis-on-ps3psp-gopsp-minisrumorThu, 03 Dec 2009 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic universe expanded with tie-in books]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/star-wars-the-old-republic-universe-expanded-with-tie-in-books/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/star-wars-the-old-republic-universe-expanded-with-tie-in-books/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/star-wars-the-old-republic-universe-expanded-with-tie-in-books/#commentsIf the unique, fresh setting of BioWare's upcoming Star Wars: The Old Republic interests you, you may want to check out the three books just-announced books, which will offer additional stories in the game's universe.

Star Wars: The Old Republic Volume 1: Threat of Peace, out this April from Dark Horse, is a collection of Threat of Peace webcomics originally posted on The Old Republic's website. It'll be followed in July by a hardcover novel (of the non-graphic variety), Star Wars: The Old Republic: Fatal Alliance by Sean Williams. Paul Kemp is planning another novel.

If the game turns out to be a hit, this "Star Wars" storyline invented for it could turn into a big multimedia franchise! With its sci-fi action and "light sabers," we could see this turning into a decent movie series.

[Via Big Download]

JoystiqStar Wars: The Old Republic universe expanded with tie-in books originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecomicsfatal-alliancenovelstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicthreat-of-peaceThu, 03 Dec 2009 13:30:00 EST