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[250gb Elite bundle with Halo 3 and ODST drops into Canada]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/250gb-elite-bundle-with-halo-3-and-odst-drops-into-canada/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/250gb-elite-bundle-with-halo-3-and-odst-drops-into-canada/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/250gb-elite-bundle-with-halo-3-and-odst-drops-into-canada/#comments Microsoft just pulled back the curtain on a brand-new bundle exclusively for our brothers and sisters to the north. Aside from a 250GB Xbox 360 Elite console, the bundle also includes a double dose of Bungie goodness: Halo 3 and Halo 3: ODST.

Starting today, you can get your maple syrup-soaked hands on this for a suggested retail price of $399.99 CAD. If you're a US gamer wondering why we didn't get this piece of gear down here, relax -- let Canada win this one! You have any idea how many driveways a Canadian has to shovel to earn this thing?

Joystiq250gb Elite bundle with Halo 3 and ODST drops into Canada originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundlebungiecanadaelitehalohalo-3halo-3-odstxbox-360-eliteTue, 01 Dec 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon lists Uncharted/DualShock 3 combo pack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/amazon-lists-uncharted-dualshock-3-combo-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/amazon-lists-uncharted-dualshock-3-combo-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/amazon-lists-uncharted-dualshock-3-combo-pack/#comments Look, if for some crazy reason you've still not gotten yourself a DualShock 3 and, even crazier, haven't played through Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, then you might want to check out this Amazon bundle -- which is set to release December 15.

For $60, you'll get a black DualShock 3 controller and experience every earth-shaking explosion in Nathan Drake's first adventure through glorious rumble or -- given the time of year -- gift your procrastinator friend or loved one with one sweet bundle, granted they haven't already acquired a new console in the last year or a new PS3 Slim.

There's no word whether Sony will offer other bundles and together the two will only save you $7 right now (Amazon is pricing the game at $27 and the controller at $40), but we still wouldn't suggest playing Uncharted without a DualShock 3. What are you, some chump on the street not getting the fullest from your games? No, you hold yourself to a higher standard.

[Thanks, Yingerman!]

JoystiqAmazon lists Uncharted/DualShock 3 combo pack originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazondualshock-3dualshock3nathan-drakenaughty-doguncharteduncharted-drakes-fortuneTue, 01 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fight: Double Impact arrives April 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/final-fight-double-impact-arrives-april-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/final-fight-double-impact-arrives-april-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/final-fight-double-impact-arrives-april-2010/#comments Capcom has announced that the Final Fight / Magic Sword combo pack known as Final Fight: Double Impact will hit Xbox Live Arcade and the Playstation Network in April 2010. In addition to the previously announced graphical filters, viewing modes and drop-in / drop-out co-op, Capcom has also revealed that both games will feature a selectable soundtrack from the people responsible for the excellent Bionic Commando: Rearmed soundtrack. Furthermore, the games will utilize GGPO, a networking library used to essentially eliminate lag during online play.

Oh, it also includes both Final Fight and Magic Sword.

Gallery: Final Fight: Double Impact


JoystiqFinal Fight: Double Impact arrives April 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomfinal-fightfinal-fight-double-impactmagic-swordpsnxblaTue, 01 Dec 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SouthPeak publishing TNA Impact! on handhelds 'later this Winter']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/southpeak-publishing-tna-impact-on-handhelds-later-this-winter/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/southpeak-publishing-tna-impact-on-handhelds-later-this-winter/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/southpeak-publishing-tna-impact-on-handhelds-later-this-winter/#comments Truth be told, loyal readers, we kind of already told you about SouthPeak Games scooping up the right to publish the Midway-developed TNA Impact!: Cross the Line for the PSP and DS. So when the company recently announced that it would be publishing Cross the Line "later this Winter," we weren't exactly flabbergasted.

However, when SouthPeak's Q1 2010 financial report revealed the aforementioned last month, it wasn't clear whether the game publisher had secured rights to future TNA Impact! games or not. Speaking with representatives for SouthPeak this morning, we were declined comment on who owns said rights "other than what's in the [press] release." We've followed up with TNA and will update this post if we hear back.

Gallery: TNA Impact!: Cross the Line (PSP/DS)

JoystiqSouthPeak publishing TNA Impact! on handhelds 'later this Winter' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>screenshotssouthpeaksouthpeak-gamestnatna-impacttna-impact-cross-the-linewrestlingTue, 01 Dec 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DiRT 2 PC demo hits the track]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/dirt-2-pc-demo-hits-the-track/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/dirt-2-pc-demo-hits-the-track/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/dirt-2-pc-demo-hits-the-track/#comments The PC version of Codies racer DiRT 2 may be a bit behind the console pack, but it's crossing the finishing line in style. The extra time has allowed the team to throw a couple of more DirectXs in there (they've got it up to 11 now!) and fine-tune all of the game's tessellation.

And if you're still on the sidelines, wondering whether the game is for you (or, more importantly, if your puny rig can handle all of this Xtreme tessellation action), then why not try the game out right now? Codemasters was kind enough to hook up our sister site Big Download with a PC demo, so feel free to get a little dirty. Just, uh, change your clothes first. Your mom would kill us if you ruined that new Nickelback T-shirt.

JoystiqDiRT 2 PC demo hits the track originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersdemodirtdirt-2ken-blockracingTue, 01 Dec 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[UK Bayonetta pre-order bonuses revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/uk-bayonetta-pre-order-bonuses-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/uk-bayonetta-pre-order-bonuses-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/uk-bayonetta-pre-order-bonuses-revealed/#comments
We're not sure why publishers decided that purchasing a game should be more difficult, but the recent trend of retailer exclusive pre-order goodies seems to be here to stay. Case in point: the various pre-order bonuses for Bayonetta in the UK. Those who pre-order at Play.com will receive the Bayonetta Climax Edition, pictured above on the left. Meanwhile, HMV pre-orders get a "Manga's Leading Ladies" DVD, which features "full episodes, trailers and exclusive clips" of something. Perhaps the coolest bonus, though, belongs to game.co.uk, which offers a replica of one of Bayonetta's guns, Scarborough Fair.

All three are being offered for £39.99, so the only decision you really have to make is which bonus you like the best. Well, that and whether or not you ever want to invite a pretty girl into your home.

JoystiqUK Bayonetta pre-order bonuses revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionbayonettaplatinum-gamespre-ordersegaTue, 01 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[D3 Publisher: Puzzle Quest 2 won't have Galactrix's load time issues]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/d3-publisher-puzzle-quest-2-wont-have-galactrixs-load-time-is/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/d3-publisher-puzzle-quest-2-wont-have-galactrixs-load-time-is/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/d3-publisher-puzzle-quest-2-wont-have-galactrixs-load-time-is/#comments As exciting as the prospect of Puzzle Quest in Space might have been, the excitement offered by Galactrix was completely derailed by the game's outrageously lengthy load times. However, in a recent interview with Kotaku, D3 Publisher's Michael Cerven claimed that the recently announced Puzzle Quest 2 won't be plagued by the frequent intermissions, as developer Infinite Interactive "rebuilt the DS engine from the ground up to be fast and perform smoothly with very quick load times as opposed to retrofitting the lead SKU code for the DS."

If Cerven's claims are true, we suppose this is good news for the impatient puzzle-solvers out there. However, we got so much stuff done during Galactrix's near-constant loading screens. We even learned to speak Esperanto! Ĉi tiu estas rakonto pri videoludoj!

JoystiqD3 Publisher: Puzzle Quest 2 won't have Galactrix's load time issues originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>d3-publisherinfinite-interactiveload-timesloadingpuzzle-questpuzzle-quest-2puzzle-quest-galactrixTue, 01 Dec 2009 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Sonic Classic Collection announced for DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/sonic-classic-collection-announced-for-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/sonic-classic-collection-announced-for-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/sonic-classic-collection-announced-for-ds/#comments Sega will continue exsanguinating Sonic's past by re-releasing the hedgehog's first four 16-bit adventures on one DS cartridge. Launching in March 2010, Sonic Classic Collection will include Sonic the Hedgehog 1-3 and Sonic & Knuckles. The collection will have a "save anywhere" feature, along with extra video and picture content.

Who's ready to buy Sonic the Hedgehog for the umpteenth time in 20 years? ... Ludwig, put your hand down!

JoystiqSonic Classic Collection announced for DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>segasonic-and-knucklessonic-the-hedgehogsonic-the-hedgehog-2sonic-the-hedgehog-3Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Eco-Box: a greener way to protect games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/eco-box-a-greener-way-to-protect-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/eco-box-a-greener-way-to-protect-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/eco-box-a-greener-way-to-protect-games/#comments
If you've bought a new 360 game recently, you may have already noticed this curiously Trivial Pursuit-inspired packaging being employed for titles like Left 4 Dead 2 and Modern Warfare 2. According to the Viva Group, the company that designed the packaging, the new "Eco-Box" is not only better for the environment (using 20 percent less plastic and creating 31 percent less CO2 emissions) but has "no real difference in quality or performance" when compared with standard packaging, reports IGN.

We, on the other hand, worry that the cheaper, flimsier feel of the cases (which will come to the Wii and possibly PS3) will turn people off. After all, If we have to choose between our grandkids drowning in a melted glacier someday or holding sturdy game packaging right now, we're going to go with the packaging every single time.

JoystiqEco-Box: a greener way to protect games originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eco-boxmicrosoftpackagingTue, 01 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DICE lighting artist lists Mirror's Edge 2 on portfolio]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/dice-lighting-artist-lists-mirrors-edge-2-on-portfolio/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/dice-lighting-artist-lists-mirrors-edge-2-on-portfolio/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/dice-lighting-artist-lists-mirrors-edge-2-on-portfolio/#commentsOscar Carlén, a lighting artist at EA's DICE studio, lists two "2009-present" projects in his portfolio: Battlefield 3 and Mirror's Edge 2. Not only do those games possibly exist, you'll be able to see what's going on in them.

Battlefield 3 was first mentioned in June at a conference by EA COO John Pleasants. At that time, Pleasants also revealed a Criterion-developed Need for Speed game, which was announced again during EA's latest financial conference call -- so Battlefield 3 is somewhat of an expected property, lending credence to the existence of Mirror's Edge 2 by association. The last we heard about a follow-up to Mirror's Edge was that a "small team" was working on something back in June. Carlén could be part of that small team.

It's possible, given EA's recent layoffs and turn toward more surefire franchises, that Mirror's Edge 2 did exist but no longer does. We're checking with EA to verify the information found on this portfolio and to determine the current state of the franchise.

[Thanks, Tim]

JoystiqDICE lighting artist lists Mirror's Edge 2 on portfolio originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3diceeamirrors-edgemirrors-edge-2oscar-carlenportfolioTue, 01 Dec 2009 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Unplugged has no more 'planned' weekly DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/rock-band-unplugged-has-no-more-planned-weekly-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/rock-band-unplugged-has-no-more-planned-weekly-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/rock-band-unplugged-has-no-more-planned-weekly-dlc/#comments Harmonix has confirmed to Joystiq that Rock Band Unplugged has "run through [its] planned slate" of DLC. Following two weeks of Rock Band Unplugged DLC being absent from our Rock Band Weekly feature, we decided to check in with the developer to see if this was the end of the road for the portable rhythm game's downloadable track support.

Harmonix stated it is "very pleased with the performance of the Rock Band Unplugged game on PSP, the Rock Band PSP bundle and PSPgo starter kit" and appreciates Sony's support of the title, which currently has around 100 tracks via disc and DLC combined. The developer states that the DLC team is currently focused on the ambitious "Rock Band Network, weekly console DLC, and unannounced future projects." Harmonix isn't ruling out future Unplugged DLC, as it may be "part of event releases," but it appears that weekly updates are done for now.

JoystiqRock Band Unplugged has no more 'planned' weekly DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harmonixmtv-gamesrock-band-unpluggedrock-band-weeklyTue, 01 Dec 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Assassin's Creed 2 getting double dose of DLC starting January 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/assassins-creed-2-getting-double-dose-of-dlc-starting-january-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/assassins-creed-2-getting-double-dose-of-dlc-starting-january-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/assassins-creed-2-getting-double-dose-of-dlc-starting-january-2/#comments
Ubisoft has announced -- rather cryptically -- that Assassin's Creed 2 will receive two batches of downloadable content over the coming months. The first, entitled "Battle for Forli," will launch in January, 2010, followed by "Bonfire of the Vanities" in February. You're advised to have either a PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 (fairly important components for playing the base game, we might add), along with at least 1GB of free space for each download.

Ubisoft has promised to divulge more information later this month. If we were to don our speculation hats in the meantime -- if only to cover up our Robert Langdon hair -- we'd say that "Battle of Forli" will continue the story of Caterina Sforza, who made a brief and undignified cameo in the game as a boat tutorial. The second DLC, "Bonfire of the Vanities," will likely concern the mass burning of sinful objects in Florence. Remind us to toss some of those evil feathers on the bonfire.

JoystiqAssassin's Creed 2 getting double dose of DLC starting January 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creedassassins-creed-2battle-for-forlibonfire-of-the-vanitiesdlcubisoftubisoft-montrealTue, 01 Dec 2009 14:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Dante's Inferno demo on PSN Dec. 10, XBLM Dec. 24]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/dantes-inferno-demo-on-psn-dec-10-xblm-dec-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/dantes-inferno-demo-on-psn-dec-10-xblm-dec-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/dantes-inferno-demo-on-psn-dec-10-xblm-dec-24/#comments There are plenty of beloved Christmas Eve traditions observed across the globe. Whether it's roasting chestnuts or watching the Christmas Story marathon, everyone's got a different way of marking the arrival of St. Nick. EA's hoping that the 360 owners among you will start a brand new, equally-sentimental tradition as it releases a demo of Dante's Inferno for XBLM on Dec. 24. The sample includes the entire first level of Dante's demonic journey into hell and goes great with eggnog.

Those preferring PSN will get the demo on Dec. 10, a date which has the dual benefit of (1) being two weeks earlier and (2) not making the baby Jesus cry.

JoystiqDante's Inferno demo on PSN Dec. 10, XBLM Dec. 24 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dantes-infernodemoeaholidaze-2009psnvisceral-gamesxblmTue, 01 Dec 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Song Summoner mining iPhone playlists this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/song-summoner-mining-iphone-playlists-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/song-summoner-mining-iphone-playlists-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/song-summoner-mining-iphone-playlists-this-week/#commentsBuried within Square Enix's TGS lineup was an iPhone/iPod Touch version of the company's clever iPod strategy RPG, Song Summoner, which had the hook of generating units from the songs stored on the device. Producer Takehiro Ando just sent word that Song Summoner: The Unsung Heroes - Encore will be summoned to the App Store on December 3. A Lite version is also on the way, pending approval by Apple.

Rather than being a simple touchscreen-enabled port of the original click wheel game, the iPhone Song Summoner contains both Song Summoner and Song Summoner 2, which was never released due to Apple ending support for click wheel games.

JoystiqSong Summoner mining iPhone playlists this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>release-daterpgsong-summonersong-summoner-the-unsung-heroes-encoresquare-enixTue, 01 Dec 2009 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Red Dead Redemption coming April 27, trailer coming right now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/red-dead-redemption-coming-april-27-trailer-coming-right-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/red-dead-redemption-coming-april-27-trailer-coming-right-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/red-dead-redemption-coming-april-27-trailer-coming-right-now/#commentsHonestly, we blame the rest of the video game industry for our susceptibility to Rockstar trailers. If everybody were putting together ads that were half as stylish and cool as this new Red Dead Redemption trailer, we'd likely be immune at this point. As it stands, this introduction to lead character John Marston leaves us with the gnawing feeling that our lives will be utterly incomplete without its shootouts and horseback chases.

Luckily, the trailer makes our longing finite with the new official release date of April 27 or, as you'll probably come to think of it after watching the clip, "not nearly soon enough."

JoystiqRed Dead Redemption coming April 27, trailer coming right now originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>red-dead-redemptionrockstarRockstar-San-DiegoTue, 01 Dec 2009 13:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Left 4 Dead 2 sold 2 million at retail in 2 weeks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/left-4-dead-2-sold-2-million-at-retail-in-2-weeks/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/left-4-dead-2-sold-2-million-at-retail-in-2-weeks/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/left-4-dead-2-sold-2-million-at-retail-in-2-weeks/#comments Valve apparently threw Boomer bile all over Left 4 Dead 2, because hordes of consumers gobbled up two million retail copies globally since its release a couple weeks ago. Valve won't release the Steam digital distribution sales data, so that's not included in the retail count. According to the developer, sales are currently double that of the original, with "Black Friday" helping to push copies into the hands of players (who now have their hands full with two Tanks, a Spitter, a Hunter, and a Jockey coming in for the kill).

Valve also noted that information about L4D2's first batch of downloadable content would be coming very soon.

Gallery: Left 4 Dead 2

JoystiqLeft 4 Dead 2 sold 2 million at retail in 2 weeks originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eafpsl4d2left-4-dead-2shootervalveTue, 01 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Europe gets more incentive to purchase PSP Go with new bundle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/europe-gets-more-incentive-to-purchase-a-psp-go-with-new-bundle/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/europe-gets-more-incentive-to-purchase-a-psp-go-with-new-bundle/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/europe-gets-more-incentive-to-purchase-a-psp-go-with-new-bundle/#comments Alright, Europe. We're not sure what you did to get into Sony's good graces, but we wish you'd share that information with your pals in the States. Not only do you guys have access to the PSP Go incentive program, which grants owners of UMDs three free game downloads through March 31, but Sony Europe just went ahead and threw another complimentary game on the pile. Anyone living in Europe who owns a PSP Go is eligible to receive a free copy of Gran Turismo, MotorStorm: Arctic Edge or Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines (or, in Germany, LittleBigPlanet) until January 10.

For more details on the promotion, visit Sony Europe's official site. We've contacted Sony America to find out if we'll be getting a similar offer stateside.

JoystiqEurope gets more incentive to purchase PSP Go with new bundle originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-bloodlinesfreegran-turismo-psplittlebigplanetmotorstorm-arctic-edgepromotionpsp-gosceesonyTue, 01 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare reveals Samara, Mass Effect 2's biotic bombshell]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/bioware-reveals-samara-mass-effect-2s-biotic-bombshell/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/bioware-reveals-samara-mass-effect-2s-biotic-bombshell/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/bioware-reveals-samara-mass-effect-2s-biotic-bombshell/#comments With Dragon Age: Origins out the door and making friends, BioWare has switched the Mass Effect 2 hype machine into full gear, inviting us to play the game and provide a peek at some of the new squad mates who'll be joining Commander Shepard on his/her most dangerous mission yet. The latest cast member to make a debut, Samara, should have absolutely no problem taking care of herself -- as well as anything (or anyone) that gets in her way.

Samara is an elite Asari warrior who controls some incredibly potent biotic powers. Forget simply tossing enemies around -- she manipulates dark energy in order to levitate herself, as evidenced in the above video. The footage also confirms that there are still five potential party members yet to be introduced before the game ships for PC and Xbox 360 on January 26 (not March 23 as originally noted by Randy, who's clearly met his recommended daily allowance of paste.)

Gallery: Mass Effect 2 - Samara

JoystiqBioWare reveals Samara, Mass Effect 2's biotic bombshell originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareEAElectronic-Artsmass-effectmass-effect-2rpgsamarashootervideoTue, 01 Dec 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Famitsu: Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker strides into Japan on March 18]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/famitsu-metal-gear-solid-peace-walker-strides-into-Japan-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/famitsu-metal-gear-solid-peace-walker-strides-into-Japan-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/famitsu-metal-gear-solid-peace-walker-strides-into-Japan-on/#commentsThis week's issue of Famitsu lifts the cardboard box off Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker's release date, outing the PSP title for a March 18, 2010 release in Japan. Given Konami's history of timely Metal Gear localizations, it might not be too long until the game reaches its excited Western audience.

We loved what we played at TGS and we're willing to bet those of you who braved the Japanese demo likely felt the same. If you were frightened by the lack of understandable words, have no fear -- an English demo is currently in the works!

JoystiqFamitsu: Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker strides into Japan on March 18 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionhideo-kojimajapankojima-productionskonamimetal-gear-solidmetal-gear-solid-peace-walkerrelease-datestealthTue, 01 Dec 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lara Croft may have road named in her honor]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/lara-croft-may-have-road-named-in-her-honor/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/lara-croft-may-have-road-named-in-her-honor/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/lara-croft-may-have-road-named-in-her-honor/#comments They say you can find your stripper name by combining the name of your first pet with the street you grew up on. Keeping that in mind, you may someday find yourself trying to figure out how to politely decline the awkward, compulsory advances of Miss Fluffy Lara Croft. As reported in the Derby Telegraph, the hero of the Tomb Raider series in one of eight potential names for two stretches of a road in the UK city Derby, which was the home of Core Design, the original studio behind Lara.

Surprisingly, Lara Croft is not our favorite option, as the idea of being badgered into buying Scruffy John Flamsteed a $13 drink is just too wonderful to imagine. Voting is currently being conducted via a poll on Derby's official website.

[Via F*** Yeah, Lara Croft!, Thanks, Jose]

JoystiqLara Croft may have road named in her honor originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>core-designderbyeidoslara-croftSquare-Enixtomb-raiderTue, 01 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lightning strikes the UK and US cover art of Final Fantasy XIII [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/lightning-strikes-the-uk-cover-art-of-final-fantasy-xiii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/lightning-strikes-the-uk-cover-art-of-final-fantasy-xiii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/lightning-strikes-the-uk-cover-art-of-final-fantasy-xiii/#comments The Final Fantasy series has been known to have some truly epic box art in the past, such as the man vs. machinery motif of the Final Fantasy VII cover, or the lovely, all-inclusive tableau featured on the front of the last entry in the core franchise. Imagine our surprise when we received the images above from Games Press -- it seems the cover for the UK version of Final Fantasy XIII will be considerably more simple than the box art of its predecessors. [Update: The US version of the box art will be identical to the UK version.]

We've posted larger versions of the two boxes in the gallery below. Check them out, but don't let those eyes of yours wander. Yes, we know her skirt is hiked to a precarious degree. We also know that the baby Jesus is watching your every action.

Gallery: Final Fantasy XIII UK cover art

JoystiqLightning strikes the UK and US cover art of Final Fantasy XIII [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artbox-artcoverfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-xiiilightningrpgsquare-enixukTue, 01 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Silent Hill composer Akira Yamaoka leaves Konami]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/rumor-silent-hill-composer-akira-yamaoka-leaves-konami/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/rumor-silent-hill-composer-akira-yamaoka-leaves-konami/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/rumor-silent-hill-composer-akira-yamaoka-leaves-konami/#comments Aeropause claims that Akira Yamaoka, the man responsible for Silent Hill's evocative sound, has apparently left Konami after 16 years and is currently vacationing in Europe. Fans of the survival-horror series would rightfully claim that Yamaoka, whose work has been a constant in the entire series, is inextricably linked to Silent Hill.

Silent Hill: Shattered Memories producer Tomm Hulett told Joystiq in an interview back in June that Yamaoka's music "adds a special element, it's kind of the atmosphere of the town." He continued, "If Akira's music isn't there, it just doesn't sound quite right. And I'm sure that there are people out there who could emulate the sound and try to get it close, but there would be something missing." We've followed up with the publisher for confirmation and comment.

JoystiqRumor: Silent Hill composer Akira Yamaoka leaves Konami originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akira-yamaokakonamimusicrumorsilent-hillsilent-hill-homecomingsilent-hill-originssilent-hill-shattered-memoriesTue, 01 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fist of the North Star Musou hits Japan in March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/fist-of-the-north-star-musou-hits-japan-in-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/fist-of-the-north-star-musou-hits-japan-in-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/fist-of-the-north-star-musou-hits-japan-in-march/#commentsJapanese gamers and eager importers will be able to start throwing hundreds of high-speed punches at giant thugs as soon as March 2010. In a video game, we mean. Specifically, in North Star Musou, the Dynasty Warriors spin-off based on the legendary, post-apocalyptic fighting manga, Fist of the North Star.

Also, unfortunately, the company released the price for the upcoming brawler. We say "unfortunately" because it's ¥8,190 ($94.27), which probably marks the end of quite a few import plans. Koei has yet to announce a localized version of the game, but we don't think the publisher would allow a Warriors game to go unreleased.

Gallery: Fist of the North Star


[Via Andriasang]

JoystiqFist of the North Star Musou hits Japan in March originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fist-of-the-north-starhokuto-musoukoeinorth-star-musourelease-dateTue, 01 Dec 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Jesse McCartney confirms Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep localization]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/jesse-mccartney-confirms-kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-localiza/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/jesse-mccartney-confirms-kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-localiza/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/jesse-mccartney-confirms-kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-localiza/#comments It may seem like an unlikely source for video game news, but pop singer Jesse McCartney's Twitter account has confirmed the localization of Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep. Square Enix hasn't announced a US release for the PSP prequel, but considering the franchise's penchant for making money, it certainly was never in doubt.

Birth by Sleep would be McCartney's third foray into the Kingdom Hearts universe, having previously voiced Roxas in Kingdom Hearts II and 358/2 Days. Kingdom Hearts Union suggests that McCartney may be voicing Birth By Sleep's "new" character, Ventus (pictured, right) -- y'know, the one that looks exactly like Roxas (pictured, left).

JoystiqJesse McCartney confirms Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep localization originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birth-by-sleepjesse-mccartneykingdom-heartskingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleepsquare-enixTue, 01 Dec 2009 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield Heroes store updated, offers advantage to microtransacting users]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/battlefield-heroes-store-updated-offers-advantage-to-microtrans/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/battlefield-heroes-store-updated-offers-advantage-to-microtrans/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/battlefield-heroes-store-updated-offers-advantage-to-microtrans/#comments It's difficult to explain the current controversy surrounding Battlefield Heroes without talking a whole lot of inside baseball, so we'll keep it simple. Players of the game are up in arms due to a recent update to the title's in-game store. Though EA and DICE had worked up a balance between the game's two forms of currency -- Valor Points, which you unlock from playing, and Battlefunds, which you purchase with real-life money -- this patch heavily depreciates the value of the former while making the latter a near necessity for those who wish to stay competitive in the game.

Items have had their Valor Point costs increased across the board -- what's more, some of these items can no longer be permanently purchased with Valor Points, but can only be taken on a one or three-day test drive. However, these same items have had their Battlefund costs reduced, and allow purchasers to keep them indefinitely.

If the items being purchased were merely cosmetic, we wouldn't think twice about this shift in fungible value -- however, the torch-wielding mob now moving through the Battlefield Heroes forums seem to think that the shooter's developer has forsaken the more frugal members of its community, giving the wealthy playboys among them an unfair advantage.

JoystiqBattlefield Heroes store updated, offers advantage to microtransacting users originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefieldBattlefield-Heroescontroversydiceeafpsfree-to-playMicrotransactionsonlineTue, 01 Dec 2009 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Matt Hazard: Blood Bath and Beyond dated for Jan. 6]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/matt-hazard-blood-bath-and-beyond-dated-for-jan-6/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/matt-hazard-blood-bath-and-beyond-dated-for-jan-6/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/matt-hazard-blood-bath-and-beyond-dated-for-jan-6/#comments D3Publisher's Matt Hazard: Blood Bath & Beyond now has a date with both Xbox Live and the PlayStation Network. It will arrive on January 6 and 7 on Microsoft and Sony's platforms, respectively. Playing on the same camp featured in the original retail Matt Hazard game -- which parodied other games and featured an aging video game star -- Blood Bath & Beyond is a 2D shooter in the same vein as many classics like Contra and Bionic Commando.

Alongside the release date, D3 has also revealed Dexter Dare, Matt Hazard's burnt out sidekick with a sordid history -- including a prolonged "Mana abuse problem" that we're probably supposed to find hilarious. Check out some new screens and Dexter Dare character art in the gallery below.

Gallery: Matt Hazard: Blood Bath and Beyond (11/30/09)

JoystiqMatt Hazard: Blood Bath and Beyond dated for Jan. 6 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>D3Publishermatt-hazardmatt-hazard-blood-bath-and-beyondpsnrelease-datexblaTue, 01 Dec 2009 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft envisions a future of 3-D movies, games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/ubisoft-envisions-a-future-of-3-d-movies-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/ubisoft-envisions-a-future-of-3-d-movies-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/ubisoft-envisions-a-future-of-3-d-movies-games/#comments Older readers out there might think that the 3D gaming revolution began with the advent of consoles like the PlayStation, N64 and the Sega Saturn, but the real 3D gaming revolution is just beginning, according to Ubisoft. 3D gaming doesn't refer to three dimensional graphics anymore; nowadays it means that the game jumps out of the screen and into your eye holes. Beginning with the game adaptation of James Cameron's Avatar, Ubisoft Montreal's Yannis Mallat tells the Financial Post that he sees the company becoming a "360-degree entertainment content provider."

As the wording suggests, Ubisoft's future won't necessarily be restricted to games. Mallat hopes that future game consoles will be able to render photorealistic graphics, enabling Ubisoft to create games and films using the same assets -- similar to what the company did with the Assassin's Creed: Lineage short films.

Of course, enjoying this "360-degree entertainment" will require a special television set. Still, Mallat is firmly behind the technology, saying that it does for images what Dolby did for sound. "No one wants to go back to mono," says Mallat. That's all well and good, but a huge number of gamers have yet to even upgrade to an HDTV at all, let alone one that can take advantage of 3D technology.

[Via VideoGamer]

JoystiqUbisoft envisions a future of 3-D movies, games originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-d3-d-games3d3d-gamesavatarubisoftTue, 01 Dec 2009 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD discovers why people braved the Black Friday crowds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/npd-discovers-why-people-braved-the-black-friday-crowds/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/npd-discovers-why-people-braved-the-black-friday-crowds/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/npd-discovers-why-people-braved-the-black-friday-crowds/#commentsNPD, known in the video game world for its US sales charts, has released its first study of the Black Friday phenomenon. "The Anatomy of Black Friday 2009" is based on a survey of 1,700 shoppers about their Black Friday shopping activities. Why, exactly, did shoppers wake up at ridiculous times and stand out in the cold just for the privilege of being crammed into Best Buy or wherever like sardines? For 35% of Black Friday shoppers, it was a specific item. "I saw an item I wanted advertised on sale" was the top response, followed by "I was just curious to see what was out there."

The top reason for not subjecting themselves to the crowds and queues to buy anything on Black Friday? No, it wasn't "I'm not crazy," it was "no money."

JoystiqNPD discovers why people braved the Black Friday crowds originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anatomy-of-black-friday-2009black-fridayblack-friday-2009dealsnpdrecessionshoppingTue, 01 Dec 2009 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony thanks 440,000 customers for giving it money during Black Friday week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/sony-thanks-440-000-customers-for-giving-them-money/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/sony-thanks-440-000-customers-for-giving-them-money/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/sony-thanks-440-000-customers-for-giving-them-money/#comments Just a few hours after Nintendo, Sony has prepared a Black Friday sales statement of its own. SCEA's Patrick Seybold wrote in a press release: "PlayStation 3 demand was at an all time high with the system selling more than 440,000 units for the week ending 11/29/09." While shy of Wii's numbers, the figure is quite impressive, considering that's more than the number of systems sold in the entire month of October -- the same month that the PS3-exclusive Uncharted 2 came out.

Retailers offered a number of PS3 bundles during the holiday weekend, adding a number of free games and movies to the system's standard $299 price tag. That, coupled with an ad campaign that totally doesn't creep us out, certainly helped Sony's fortunes this year.

JoystiqSony thanks 440,000 customers for giving it money during Black Friday week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-fridaypatrick-seyboldps3salessonythanksgivingTue, 01 Dec 2009 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA['Pro plantiff' Erik Estavillo subpoenas Bill Gates in RROD suit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/pro-plantiff-erik-estavillo-subpoenas-bill-gates-in-rrod-suit/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/pro-plantiff-erik-estavillo-subpoenas-bill-gates-in-rrod-suit/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/pro-plantiff-erik-estavillo-subpoenas-bill-gates-in-rrod-suit/#comments
[Image Source]
Erik Estavillo -- otherwise referred to as a "professional plantiff" by GamePolitics for his laundry list of legal claims -- has subpoenaed Microsoft's Bill Gates in his suit targeting the company for his run in with the Red Ring of Death. According to court documents filed in a U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, the subpoena demands Gates hand over paperwork that reveal the "true and relative number of actual Xbox 360 units that have been fixed by Microsoft over the past 3 years." Estavillo also seeks data pertaining to the number of broken Xbox 360 consoles and the amount of people banned from Xbox Live for "piracy" between November 28, 2008 and 2009.

While Estavillo is looking for answers to questions every journalist has been seeking, his track record of legal battles places him in eccentric territory. Estavillo is also suing Activision Blizzard claiming characters in World of Warcraft walk at an intentionally slow pace in order to bilk customers of more monthly fees. In the claim, he subpoenaed actress Winona Ryder and Depeche Mode member Martin Gore. Estavillo has also filed suit against Sony for being banned from online play, stemming from comments he supposedly made during matches of Resistance: Fall of Man; and Nintendo, for issuing firmware updates that disabled his Homebrew Channel.

Joystiq'Pro plantiff' Erik Estavillo subpoenas Bill Gates in RROD suit originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill-gatesbusinesserik-estavillolawsuitlegalmicrosoftred-ring-of-deathrrodMon, 30 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo gives thanks for plenty of holiday week hardware sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/nintendo-gives-thanks-for-plenty-of-holiday-week-hardware-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/nintendo-gives-thanks-for-plenty-of-holiday-week-hardware-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/nintendo-gives-thanks-for-plenty-of-holiday-week-hardware-sales/#commentsNintendo announced that over 1.5 million of its various game systems were sold last week. Not last month, last week. Thanks to Black Friday and two new DSi bundles, Nintendo could afford all the trimmings for a resplendent company Thanksgiving. Not that we know whether or not Nintendo had one of those. The point is, Nintendo sold a bunch of stuff and made a lot of money.

According to Nintendo's estimates, more than 550,000 Wii systems were sold last week, and over 1 million DS and DSi systems. The release of two new DSi bundles (along with a few crazy prices) could have had something to do with that last statistic. By selling that many handhelds, Nintendo broke its own sales record for the holiday weekend! Though the company didn't manage to beat last year's 800,000 Wiis sold, which means that, despite still selling a huge number of Wiis, and despite all those DS sales, Nintendo is completely doomed, right?

JoystiqNintendo gives thanks for plenty of holiday week hardware sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-friday-2009dsinintendonintendo-dsisalesMon, 30 Nov 2009 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mega Man goes to 8-bit Hell in Doom 2 mod [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/mega-man-goes-to-8-bit-hell-in-doom-2-mod/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/mega-man-goes-to-8-bit-hell-in-doom-2-mod/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/mega-man-goes-to-8-bit-hell-in-doom-2-mod/#comments Doom's main character always seemed to be lacking that little extra something. Sure, he had a BFG 9000 and could battle demons with the best of 'em, but did he have a gun arm? How about a body covered by totally sweet blue metal armor? Didn't think so. And that makes all the difference in the Mega Man mod for Doom 2, created by Mike Hill of the UK. "I've been modding for Doom ever since I first got a hold of the PC version ... some may find it hard to believe that the Doom modding scene is still live and kicking after all these years," Hill told Joystiq.

The 22-year-old built the mod (still in alpha) as an homage to "the time when I feel Mega Man was in full fruition: on the NES," harnessing not just 8-bit sprites for characters but for entire levels. Mike Hill's hope is that someday the mod will contain "all the levels and weapons from Mega Man 1-6 (and maybe even 9)," though, as of right now, he's still got a long way to go. "Right now the gameplay is a bit slow paced and unbalanced, and the maps are extremely difficult to navigate ... expect a more stable release some time next year." He promises more levels and more weapons in 2010, but we're hoping the power of Joystiq BioMass[TM] can spur Mike on to get us more Mega Man deathmatch asap. Go forth and comment, BioMass!

Update: We've added a video of the mod in action just after the break.

Continue reading Mega Man goes to 8-bit Hell in Doom 2 mod [update]

JoystiqMega Man goes to 8-bit Hell in Doom 2 mod [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8-bitdoomdoom-2fpsmega-manmike-hillmodmodsnesMon, 30 Nov 2009 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Prince of Persia dialogue writer wins UK Writer's Guild award]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/prince-of-persia-dialogue-writer-wins-uk-writers-guild-award/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/prince-of-persia-dialogue-writer-wins-uk-writers-guild-award/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/prince-of-persia-dialogue-writer-wins-uk-writers-guild-award/#comments The 2008 reboot of the Prince of Persia franchise (which, apparently, is getting shut down) featured some of the most enjoyable snark and pith we've ever heard in a video game. Fortunately, Andy Walsh, the man responsible for the Prince and Elika's sharp-tongued exchanges, was recently recognized for his witty dialogue when he won the Writers' Guild of Great Britain Games Award last night in London.

Normally, this is where we'd drop in a quote from Walsh about how excited he was to receive the award, but it doesn't seem that anyone initiated the optional dialogue with him following the Writers' Guild awards ceremony. Too bad, something tells us we've missed out on the best part.

JoystiqPrince of Persia dialogue writer wins UK Writer's Guild award originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andy-walshawardsdialogueprince-of-persiaubisoftukwriterwriters-guildwritingMon, 30 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Brink moved to Fall 2010; watch its S.M.A.R.T. system now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/brink-moved-to-fall-2010-watch-its-s-m-a-r-t-system-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/brink-moved-to-fall-2010-watch-its-s-m-a-r-t-system-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/brink-moved-to-fall-2010-watch-its-s-m-a-r-t-system-now/#comments Back at E3, we were briefly shown Brink's S.M.A.R.T. system for navigating around the Bethesda-published FPS' environment. Our play session was mainly focused on the combat and quests of the game at the time. Now, Splash Damage's own Paul Wedgewood has been kind enough to demonstrate how it works in-game, courtesy of the G4 video past the break.

Another interesting item brought up in this video is Brink's new release date: Fall 2010. Last we heard, it was destined for a Spring 2010 release. Not so anymore!

Gallery: Brink (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)

Concept art ? Container City

Continue reading Brink moved to Fall 2010; watch its S.M.A.R.T. system now

JoystiqBrink moved to Fall 2010; watch its S.M.A.R.T. system now originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabrinkfpssmartsplash-damagewalkthroughMon, 30 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sonic fans asking for relief]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/sonic-fans-asking-for-relief/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/sonic-fans-asking-for-relief/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/sonic-fans-asking-for-relief/#commentsNo, not from Sonic games! Earlier this year, the fans at The Sonic Stadium held Sonic Relief 2009, an event through which the forces of Sonic fan art were used for good. The group has announced a second Sonic Relief drive for 2010, promising donations to charity for each work of Sonic fan art submitted.

The group is also asking for fans to use their creativity in another way: by planning their own Sonic-related fundraisers and adding the donations to the main total. This is where your "Watch Me Play Sonic Riders" marathon comes in. "Alternatively," the organizers note, "this system will also allow anyone to just simply make a donation should they wish!" This is where the proceeds from selling your copy of Sonic Riders come in.

It's nice to be reminded that fans can band together for something other than boycotts. The drive will run from January to March.

[Via Sonic City Blognik]

JoystiqSonic fans asking for relief originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitysegasonicsonic-reliefsonic-the-hedgehogMon, 30 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard: Developing World of Warcraft clones 'not the right move']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/blizzard-developing-world-of-warcraft-clones-not-the-right-mov/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/blizzard-developing-world-of-warcraft-clones-not-the-right-mov/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/blizzard-developing-world-of-warcraft-clones-not-the-right-mov/#comments Say what you will about MMO market dominator Blizzard Entertainment, but it truly cares about the well-being of its competitors. In a recent interview with gaming magazine PC Zone, Blizzard's Shane Dabiri offered some helpful advice for his fellow MMO developers: "There are a lot of people that try to emulate World of Warcraft - and as flattering as that is our end it's definitely not the right move."

Dabiri posits that the MMORPG-playing community -- particularly those who've already sunk months into WoW -- want "to try something completely new and different" in their online games. This is terrible, terrible news for Snowstorm Interactive, whose fantasy-themed MMO Planet of ConflictMaking is due out next month. Time for some originality, guys. Ooh, we know! A superhero game! No, wait, a space simulator! Better yet, an interactive forum for sexual deviants! Brilliant!

JoystiqBlizzard: Developing World of Warcraft clones 'not the right move' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardmmommorpgshane-dabiriworld-of-warcraftwowMon, 30 Nov 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bioshock 2 coming to Japan, courtesy of D3 Publisher]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/bioshock-2-coming-to-japan-courtesy-of-d3-publisher/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/bioshock-2-coming-to-japan-courtesy-of-d3-publisher/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/bioshock-2-coming-to-japan-courtesy-of-d3-publisher/#comments Good news, Japan! D3 Publisher is localizing Bioshock 2 for you and, this time around, you won't have to wait that long to get your ADAM-soaked hands on it. Andriasang reports D3 Publisher will release the 2K Marin, et al.-developed sequel sometime in early 2010 -- presumably close to the February 9 US release date. We just hope the new Japanese ad campaign dials back the completely frightening a bit.

JoystiqBioshock 2 coming to Japan, courtesy of D3 Publisher originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-australia2k-games2k-marinarkane-studiosbioshockbioshock-2d3d3-publisherdigital-extremesjapanMon, 30 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Gaming conventions to convene in Xbox Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/rumor-gaming-conventions-to-convene-in-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/rumor-gaming-conventions-to-convene-in-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/rumor-gaming-conventions-to-convene-in-xbox-live/#comments According to a recent survey conducted by market research company VGMarket, Microsoft may be working on an "interactive, online version" of your favorite gaming conventions -- from E3 to ComicCon and everything in between. As noted by a Destructoid reader who took the survey, the online questionnaire presented the aforementioned hypothetical situation, and then went into detail about how such a situation might play out.

"Sign onto Xbox Live and you can enter a virtual version of that convention ... this virtual version contains 20-60 virtual booths sponsored by larger publishers and developers presenting at the real world show," imagined the survey. The possibilities then reached outrageous levels as the idea of downloading "demos and/or betas" directly from the virtual convention floor and playing them that very moment was suggested. However, as VGMarket doesn't list Microsoft among its clients on the company's official website, and a representative could not be reached for comment, the veracity of this survey and its information is still very much in question.

JoystiqRumor: Gaming conventions to convene in Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conventionsmarket-researchmicrosoftrumorsurveyvgmarketxbox-liveMon, 30 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Serious Sam: The Second Encounter getting HD treatment]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/serious-sam-the-second-encounter-getting-hd-treatment/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/serious-sam-the-second-encounter-getting-hd-treatment/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/serious-sam-the-second-encounter-getting-hd-treatment/#comments Hot on the heels of the recently released Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter, Croteam and Devolver Digital have announced that Serious Sam: The Second Encounter will also receive the HD treatment. The serious sequel is slated to arrive on PC and "home console" in early 2010 and, like The First Encounter, it will receive a graphical overhaul to make all the carnage ever so smooth. In addition to the resolution upgrade, Serious Sam HD: The Second Encounter will feature a new co-op tournament mode that will "allow teams to compete with one another." Shocking, we know.

In a somewhat stranger turn of events, The Second Encounter will be featured at the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, where teams will compete for the Digital Youth Award. The award espouses "the values of creativity, culture, friendship, education and unity" -- none of which we associate with Serious Sam.

JoystiqSerious Sam: The Second Encounter getting HD treatment originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CroTeamdevolver-digitaldigital-youth-awardrelease-dateserious-samserious-sam-hdserious-sam-hd-the-second-encounterMon, 30 Nov 2009 16:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft first-half profits plummet into loss]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/ubisoft-first-half-profits-plummet-into-loss-alongside-falling-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/ubisoft-first-half-profits-plummet-into-loss-alongside-falling-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/ubisoft-first-half-profits-plummet-into-loss-alongside-falling-r/#comments Among the comprehensive list of numbers in Ubisoft's first half fiscal 2009-10 report, measuring performance in April through September 2009, one figure stands out: the French company's reported €52,027,000 in not-profit. That's right, Ubisoft's profits are down by more than €70 million (over $100 million) from the same period last year to rest firmly in the red.

From a profitable first half of fiscal 2008-09 of roughly €24 million to just over €52 million in losses in the first half of fiscal 2009-10, Ubisoft's profits have experienced a year-over-year change of -316.53 percent. However, CEO Yves Guillemot remains steadfast that projected sales figures for Assassin's Creed 2 and Avatar will ease Ubisoft's financial woes. This is, after all, the most important Q4 in the company's history.

JoystiqUbisoft first-half profits plummet into loss originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earningsfinancialfinancial-reportprofitssalesubisoftwiiyves-guillemotMon, 30 Nov 2009 16:01:00 EST