Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogobig.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Max Payne 3 review: Nature of the beast]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/max-payne-3-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/max-payne-3-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/max-payne-3-review/#comments Max Payne can't even find peace in a graveyard. A quiet moment of remembrance, dour and dusted in snow, is soon buried beneath the sound of gunfire. This man exists to kill, and the tombstone that names his murdered wife and daughter is there to provide cover.

The transition from emotionally tinged burial ground to functional battleground is at once touching and tasteless, presented in that kind of awkward, bittersweet combination that video games have gotten down to an art form. Can you really argue with the outcome? The cemetery perfectly recalls the birth of Max, the cynical, disheveled vigilante - and what better playground for Max, the cover-based shooter, than a plot of land filled with upright granite slabs? Rockstar can't outrun the nature of the game, no more than its wrecked anti-hero can escape his nature as problem solver via midair shooting.

Gallery: Max Payne 3 (5/14/12)

Continue reading Max Payne 3 review: Nature of the beast

JoystiqMax Payne 3 review: Nature of the beast originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Max-Payne-3microsoftpcplaystationps3Rockstar-Gamesrockstar-studiosxboxMon, 14 May 2012 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Tomb Raider delayed until Q1 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/tomb-raider-delayed-until-q1-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/tomb-raider-delayed-until-q1-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/tomb-raider-delayed-until-q1-2013/#comments The younger, dirtier and unvarnished version of Lara Croft still needs some polish, according to Crystal Dynamics. The developer is pushing back the release date of the next Tomb Raider, from Fall 2012 into the first quarter of 2013. (Yes, the same quarter that now hosts another one of 2012's former heavy hitters, Bioshock Infinite.)

"Our priority now is to make sure we fully deliver the very highest quality game," Crystal Dynamics Head Darrell Gallagher wrote. In a missive posted on the game's official forums, Gallagher shared the studio's push to make Tomb Raider "the best game of our careers." The delay will boost quality up to "a level that you deserve," he said.

The shift in release date has also given us an unexpected sense of optimism. If enough promising games get pushed into next year, we might actually start rooting for the world's continued existence beyond 2012.

JoystiqTomb Raider delayed until Q1 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013crystal-dynamicsdarrell-gallagherdelaylara-croftmicrosoftplaystationps3q1-2013release-datesquare-enixtomb-raider-2011tomb-raider-2012xboxMon, 14 May 2012 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Avengers, Assemble! And Provide Commentary on Games!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/avengers-assemble-and-provide-commentary-on-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/avengers-assemble-and-provide-commentary-on-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/avengers-assemble-and-provide-commentary-on-games/#commentsYou're reading Reaction Time, a weekly column that claims to examine recent events, games and trends in the industry, but is really just looking for an excuse to use the word "zeitgeist." It debuts on Fridays in Engadget's digital magazine, Distro.
The world of popular culture was left awestruck last week after colliding with The Avengers, an extravagant, unavoidable glitter ball of an asteroid. The simultaneous sequel to five popular movies, The Avengers accrues a crew of incredible superheroes, including one that already claimed "incredible" as a capitalized adjective in his name.

You've got the irradiated scientist who grows out of his pants and into a green behemoth, a demigod who wields mythical hammers and perfect strands of L'Oréal hair with equal aplomb, a pouting assassin, a smart-ass billionaire encased in weaponized toasters, a guy with a bow, and Captain America, the patriotic straight arrow who might as well sit in the quiver of that other guy. The best part of the film is seeing how they all get along.

They do eventually, of course, because it's an entertaining arc and because together they have to navigate a spectacular gauntlet of alien invasion, non-depletable cosmic power sources and lots of other things that cost a fortune to render and/or blow up. There's an inescapable wave of critical condescension toward the audience whenever they sign up for unrealistic, "dumb" thrills en masse, but the reality is that certain movies - just like games - can't exist unless they spend their money in the right places. The Avengers, which essentially sneaks in a witty geek comedy when nobody's looking, has dollars whizzing by on the screen every second. Also, every dollar is on fire.

Continue reading Avengers, Assemble! And Provide Commentary on Games!

JoystiqAvengers, Assemble! And Provide Commentary on Games! originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-dutycall-of-duty-black-ops-2reaction-timethe-avengersFri, 11 May 2012 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[A puzzling glimpse of Ron Gilbert's new Double Fine game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/a-puzzling-glimpse-of-ron-gilberts-new-double-fine-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/a-puzzling-glimpse-of-ron-gilberts-new-double-fine-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/a-puzzling-glimpse-of-ron-gilberts-new-double-fine-game/#comments
Click to enlarge
Derived from concepts that predate even Maniac Mansion, Ron Gilbert's new game is becoming a tad less nebulous today. The above image implies a spooky atmosphere, and shows a group of characters that look ready to assail all manner of creeping, moaning mysteries.

We captured the art after assembling a jumbled puzzle, sent to us this morning by Double Fine. Though the independent developer trusts the press to dutifully post this new artwork (which doubles as an invite to an upcoming event), it seems to have some reservations about our puzzle-solving prowess. It is, after all, only 35 pieces.

(After the break, see the game's matching Double Fine babies!)

Continue reading A puzzling glimpse of Ron Gilbert's new Double Fine game

JoystiqA puzzling glimpse of Ron Gilbert's new Double Fine game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventuredouble-finepuzzleron-gilbertThu, 10 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Is Trials Evolution the Perfect Game?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/is-trials-evolution-the-perfect-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/is-trials-evolution-the-perfect-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/is-trials-evolution-the-perfect-game/#commentsYou're reading Reaction Time, a weekly column that claims to examine recent events, games and trends in the industry, but is really just looking for an excuse to use the word "zeitgeist." It debuts on Fridays in Engadget's digital magazine, Distro.
Trials Evolution might just be the perfect video game. The subject matter doesn't seem worthy of the adjective, as it mostly involves a subject colliding with matter face-first after being catapulted from a motorcycle into an unimpressed log. It's just a simple, repeatable exercise in balancing a bike, which you steer through an insane obstacle course for no reason other than to succeed and see some flashy fireworks at the end.

So, perhaps it's not the greatest or most important creation to emerge from an industry packed with intelligent designers and bold artists. It is, however, a perfect encapsulation of what drives any good game. Trials is like a transparent cube - a simple shape to house and display the same gears that turn within more elaborate machines. (It also costs $15, so a comparison to one of those gaudy, see-through Swatches from the '90s might be more apt.)

Continue reading Is Trials Evolution the Perfect Game?

JoystiqIs Trials Evolution the Perfect Game? originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftreaction-timeredlynxtrials-evolutionxblaxboxFri, 04 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GOG.com nabs Thief: Deadly Shadows, Splinter Cell and Anomaly: Warzone Earth]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/gog-com-nabs-thief-deadly-shadows-splinter-cell-and-anomaly-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/gog-com-nabs-thief-deadly-shadows-splinter-cell-and-anomaly-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/gog-com-nabs-thief-deadly-shadows-splinter-cell-and-anomaly-w/#comments ImageGOG.com, purveyor of fine vintage software (and, recently, more modern fare), has added a trio of games to its DRM-free service, including Thief: Deadly Shadows.

Developed by Ion Storm Inc., the third installment in the celebrated stealth series sees master thief Garrett embroiled in a terrible prophecy. The only means of escape lies in unrestrained pickpocketing, merciless guard-clubbing and at least one jaunt through a place so scary, you'll Alt-Tab out of the game and look for reprieve on Reddit.

Oh, and two more: You may now possess Ubisoft's, Tom Clancy's, Clint Hocking's Splinter Cell; and Anomaly: Warzone Earth, the reverse tower defense game that was most recently ported to Xbox Live Arcade.

All three games are available for $9.99 each.

JoystiqGOG.com nabs Thief: Deadly Shadows, Splinter Cell and Anomaly: Warzone Earth originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2012 03:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anomaly-warzone-earthgoggog.comion-stormpcsplinter-cellThief-3Thief-Deadly-ShadowsFri, 04 May 2012 03:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Skulls of the Shogun dev becomes '17-BIT']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/skulls-of-the-shogun-dev-becomes-17-bit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/skulls-of-the-shogun-dev-becomes-17-bit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/skulls-of-the-shogun-dev-becomes-17-bit/#comments Image"It's 16-bit, plus a bit more," says CEO Jake Kazdal, who can now add "ghostbuster" to his job title. Formerly "Haunted Temple Studios," the developer behind stylized strategy-fest Skulls of the Shogun has officially changed its name to "17-BIT." The old-school alteration is meant to reflect the studio's "classic gameplay ideals," and comes after a successful trial run on the PAX East show floor.

"The new name sums up our goal perfectly -- taking your best memories of the 16-bit era, and making new experiences that look as good and play as well as you remember," Kazdal says.

You'll get to see the studio's snazzy -- make that SNES-y -- badge tattooed on the Skulls of the Shogun, which launches on Xbox Live Arcade, Windows Phone and Windows 8 just as Microsoft pushes out its new OS (currently speculated to happen in October). The 17-BIT art itself came about with the aid of Cory Schmitz, who is quickly becoming the Nolan North of nifty logos.

Continue reading Skulls of the Shogun dev becomes '17-BIT'

JoystiqSkulls of the Shogun dev becomes '17-BIT' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2012 01:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>17-bithaunted-temple-studiosjake-kazdalmicrosoftmobilepcskulls-of-the-shogunxboxFri, 04 May 2012 01:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Tuesday: Awesomenauts, Mortal Kombat]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/psn-tuesday-awesomenauts-mortal-kombat/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/psn-tuesday-awesomenauts-mortal-kombat/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/psn-tuesday-awesomenauts-mortal-kombat/#comments Nothing can prepare you for this week's nostalgic update on the PlayStation Store ... save for a succinct summary such as this one. Awesomenauts brings a faux-retro flair to the MOBA genre today (for free, if you're a PlayStation Plus subscriber), while Mortal Kombat reduces its depraved fighting to more diminutive form on Vita.

PlayStation Plus subscribers receive some other freebies this week, including Trine 2, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night and Castlevania Chronicles. The PS One Classics lineup is bolstered with The Legend of Dragoon, and moving up a generation to PlayStation 2 gets you the original Max Payne.

Check the PlayStation Blog for a full list of new store items, if you please.

JoystiqPSN Tuesday: Awesomenauts, Mortal Kombat originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 May 2012 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awesomenautscastlevania-chroniclescastlevania-symphony-of-the-nightmax-paynemortal-kombatplaystationplaystation-vitaps3psn-tuesdaypspsonythe-legend-of-dragoontrine-2vitaTue, 01 May 2012 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Bastion gets Steamplay support, on limited sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/bastion-gets-steamplay-support-on-limited-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/bastion-gets-steamplay-support-on-limited-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/bastion-gets-steamplay-support-on-limited-sale/#comments Months after winning numerous end-of-year accolades, Bastion can append one more teensy triumph to the list: Steamplay support. If you purchase Supergiant's vibrant action-RPG through Steam, you'll be able to play it on PC or Mac.

Bastion is on sale for six bucks through Valve's service for a limited time (until May 3). The discount also applies to a game and soundtrack bundle, which can be had for $9.98. And if you must have a physical copy ... try Afghanistan.

JoystiqBastion gets Steamplay support, on limited sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 May 2012 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bastionmacpcsteamsteamplaysupergiant-gamesTue, 01 May 2012 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega CEO Mike Hayes stepping down]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/sega-ceo-mike-hayes-stepping-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/sega-ceo-mike-hayes-stepping-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/sega-ceo-mike-hayes-stepping-down/#comments Sega Europe and Sega America CEO Mike Hayes is stepping down and exiting the building, though he may peek in through second-floor windows every now and then in "advisory roles." If the Sega corporate ladder is no longer available, the garden variety should suffice.

According to GamesIndustry, the departing executive will remain in the industry in assorted capacities, while COO Jurgen Post and Masano Maeda oversee the company in Europe and America, respectively. Sega has not yet confirmed when or how it intends to fill the CEO role in the future.

Sega's American arm was recently struck with unspecified game cancellations, layoffs and significant restructuring in an effort to create a smaller, more profitable business. The company intends to prioritize digital games and safe, mac-and-cheese IPs like Sonic, Total War and Aliens.

Continue reading Sega CEO Mike Hayes stepping down

JoystiqSega CEO Mike Hayes stepping down originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jurgen-postmasano-maedamike-hayessegaMon, 30 Apr 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Journey Without Words]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/journey-without-words/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/journey-without-words/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/journey-without-words/#commentsYou're reading Reaction Time, a new weekly column that claims to examine recent events, games and trends in the industry, but is really just looking for an excuse to use the word "zeitgeist." It debuts on Fridays in Engadget's digital magazine, Distro.
I'm not sure I've seen anyone describe Journey as a well written game. It's praised as an earnest, emotionally stirring masterpiece, and a subtle success that nearly denigrates other games just by existing alongside them. But the topic of writing in games is often confined to scripts, spectacle and whatever is said in a cutscene, and Journey doesn't have any of that. If you completed it, you'll probably agree: There are no words.

As I wandered through an orange-hued desert, coming dangerously close to outright frolicking, I noticed a figure striding into distant view. Here I met another nameless nomad, and one that shared my appreciation of tasteful, unfettered fabrics. A friend? Another traveler compelled to reach the mysterious obelisk at the center of the world? "Would u like 2 work 2gether," he said in a text bubble. "I know how 2 get 2 the mountain and beat the game."

Continue reading Journey Without Words

JoystiqJourney Without Words originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 15:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jenova-chenjourneyplaystationps3psnreaction-timethatgamecompanyFri, 27 Apr 2012 15:07:00 EST<![CDATA[République expanding to PC, Mac]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/republique-expanding-to-pc-and-mac/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/republique-expanding-to-pc-and-mac/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/republique-expanding-to-pc-and-mac/#comments Image
Ryan Payton's Camouflaj studio and Logan Games are planning to bring République, an elaborate stealth adventure intended for iOS, to the PC and Mac as well. The game is still in the midst of a Kickstarter funding round, during which backers and fans will determine the viability of Payton's passion: putting a cinematic, story-driven "AAA" game on touch-based devices.

In pledging to support PC and Mac, the designers aim to revisit elements of the République's interface and story, as much of the original concept and fiction hinges on the use of a smartphone. As an outside entity viewing the situation through security cameras, you indirectly guide and communicate with Hope, a girl attempting to escape a heavily monitored installation.

If all goes to plan (the Kickstarter is about a fifth of the way to $500,000, with 14 days left to go), you'll meet her in Summer 2013. The PC and Mac versions should follow "shortly after."

Continue reading République expanding to PC, Mac

JoystiqRépublique expanding to PC, Mac originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camoflajiosipadiphonemacmobilepcrepubliqueryan-paytonFri, 27 Apr 2012 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Crysis 3 intended to have DirectX 11 support on PC from day one]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/crysis-3-intended-to-have-directx-11-support-on-pc-from-day-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/crysis-3-intended-to-have-directx-11-support-on-pc-from-day-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/crysis-3-intended-to-have-directx-11-support-on-pc-from-day-one/#comments Crytek continues its multiplatform approach to development with Crysis 3, aiming to satisfy everyone from console owners to the PC gamers that are so hardcore, they cosplay as "parallax occlusion mapping." The developer hopes to have Direct X 11 support for PC at launch this time -- one of several advantages, it says, of having spent 14 months creating content and enhancing CryEngine 3, as opposed to building it and an accompanying game for three major systems.

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure we're going to have that," said Rasmus Hojengaard, Director of Creative Development. "I don't know if we've announced that yet, but obviously we're going to have DirectX 11 support since we already did it [for Crysis 2]. We basically started from a Crysis 2 DX11 patch, as starting point, and then we developed our technology from there on. We'd be pretty stupid not to capitalize on the technology we did for that and utilizing that from the get-go."

Crysis 3 was running on PC during a recent unveiling in San Francisco, where Crytek showed off its vision of New York City as a devastated, metropolitan mire being swallowed by nature. While the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions aren't ready to be shown yet, Hojengaard says they will benefit from the studio's philosophy in art design, with the game being "actually less reliant on shader technology than, you know, just really good moods, good light setups, and good asset creation."

That approach, in turn, also supports the PC version, which still lives beneath the franchise's reputation for crippling even the most exorbitant hardware. "We also want to make sure, even if you're on the PC, even if you don't have the super powerhouse, nuclear power plant at home, you can still run the game and get a beautiful experience from it."

JoystiqCrysis 3 intended to have DirectX 11 support on PC from day one originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crysis-3crytekdirectx-11microsoftpcplaystationps3rasmus-hojengaardxboxTue, 24 Apr 2012 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Deja Review: The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Enhanced Edition (Xbox 360)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/deja-review-the-witcher-2-assassins-of-kings-enhanced-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/deja-review-the-witcher-2-assassins-of-kings-enhanced-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/deja-review-the-witcher-2-assassins-of-kings-enhanced-edition/#commentsWe're of the firm opinion that your time is too precious, too valuable to be spent reading a full review for a game that was already reviewed many, many years ago. What's the point of applying a score to a game that's old enough to be enrolled in the sixth grade? That's why we invented Deja Review: A quick look at the new features and relative agelessness of remade, revived and re-released games.
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings has always been a console game in disguise. The PC version remains superior, capable of more clarity and sophisticated effects, but plug in a controller and the Riveting Polish Game transforms into something you'd rather play ensconced in a couch. The "Enhanced Edition" feels authentic and comfortable on the Xbox 360.

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cd-projektcd-projekt-reddeja-reviewgeraltmicrosoftthe-witcher-2the-witcher-2-assassins-of-kingsthe-witcher-2-assassins-of-kings-enhanced-editionWarner-BroswbiexboxMon, 23 Apr 2012 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise of the Fund-it Pundits]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/rise-of-the-fund-it-pundits/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/rise-of-the-fund-it-pundits/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/rise-of-the-fund-it-pundits/#commentsYou're reading Reaction Time, a new weekly column that claims to examine recent events, games and trends in the industry, but is really just looking for an excuse to use the word "zeitgeist." It debuts on Fridays in Engadget's digital magazine, Distro.
In 1998, Tim Schafer asked the world to buy his darkest, funniest and greatest graphic adventure, Grim Fandango. Players planet-wide gave a big ol' shrug, despite the impassioned clamor of genre buffs and the constant yelling of critics, who could only find so many synonyms for "masterpiece."

In 2012, Tim Schafer asked the world to give him $400,000 for a new point-and-click project, which had yet to be designed, documented or even described. This time, he got over $3.3 million.

This stratospheric level of success on Kickstarter, a venue for crowd-sourced funding that's now being directed at unconventional games, is not the norm. Tim Schafer and his Double Fine studio are in the midst of a perfect storm of publicity. The designer's cherished legacy, and his perceived role as the charming genius who just can't catch a break in a harsh industry, are the components of a great underdog story. And maybe lifelong Grim Fandango guilt is the glue that holds it all together.

Continue reading Rise of the Fund-it Pundits

JoystiqRise of the Fund-it Pundits originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>distrodouble-finedouble-fine-adventureiosiphonekickstartermacmobilepcpinkerton-road-studiosreaction-timetim-schaferFri, 20 Apr 2012 15:10:00 EST<![CDATA['God of War: Ascension' art leaks [update: teaser trailer too!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/god-of-war-ascension-art-leaks-through-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/god-of-war-ascension-art-leaks-through-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/god-of-war-ascension-art-leaks-through-amazon/#commentsUpdate: Teaser trailer after the break!

And here comes the (non-final) box art for "God of War: Ascension." Sony has yet to formally announce a new God of War game for PlayStation 3, but retailers and composers seem to be doing a fine job of making it known.

Based on cover art pulled from Amazon's servers, it seems the upcoming game has ditched the Roman numerals in favor of a succinct subtitle. Of course, the important number is the Greek one -- as in where will Kratos find the ancient gods to up his already extravagant body count? (Update: It looks like the game is a prequel, so there should be some hitherto unknown bodies to skewer.)

We'll let you know as soon as we learn more about God of War: Ascension.

Continue reading 'God of War: Ascension' art leaks [update: teaser trailer too!]

Joystiq'God of War: Ascension' art leaks [update: teaser trailer too!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 22:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>god-of-war-4god-of-war-ascensionleakplaystationps3sony-santa-monicaWed, 18 Apr 2012 22:42:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Tuesday: House of the Dead 4, StarDrone Extreme, Disgaea 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/psn-tuesday-house-of-the-dead-4-stardrone-extreme-disgaea-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/psn-tuesday-house-of-the-dead-4-stardrone-extreme-disgaea-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/psn-tuesday-house-of-the-dead-4-stardrone-extreme-disgaea-3/#comments Today's PlayStation Store update extracts The House of the Dead 4 from its forgotten existence in arcades, planting it in your tastefully lit abode for $9.99. You can also purchase the Vita's StarDrone Extreme, an enhanced and now cross-compatible version of the fast-paced PlayStation 3 hurtling game. (Yes, that's a genre. You hurtle.)

Sony has expanded the store with tongue-in-cheek strategy RPG Disgaea 3: Absence of Detention, new Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception DLC and a downloadable version of Dead Rising 2: Off the Record. PlayStation Plus subscribers can begin downloading the beta for Ghost Recon: Future Soldier, which opens up on April 19.

For a full list of this week's additions, check out the PlayStation Blog.

JoystiqPSN Tuesday: House of the Dead 4, StarDrone Extreme, Disgaea 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-rising-2-off-the-recorddisgaea-3-absence-of-detentionghost-recon-future-soldierhouse-of-the-dead-4playstationps3psnpsn-tuesdaystardrone-extremeuncharted-3-drakes-deceptionTue, 17 Apr 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Moebius' could be first adventure game from Jane Jensen's new studio]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/moebius-could-be-first-adventure-game-from-jane-jensens-new-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/moebius-could-be-first-adventure-game-from-jane-jensens-new-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/moebius-could-be-first-adventure-game-from-jane-jensens-new-s/#commentsDescribed as a "metaphysical sci-fi thriller in the vein of Fringe," Moebius is set to be the first adventure game from Pinkerton Road Studios, pending a successful outcome on its ongoing Kickstarter campaign. Early project backers pushed Moebius through the gate first, and have contributed nearly $174,000 out of the requested $300,000.

The publicity surrounding the project is hinged on Jensen's prior work as designer and author for Sierra's celebrated Gabriel Knight series, in which a long-haired occult expert and demon hunter solved dark mysteries in-between sarcastic quips.

In Moebius, we get an antiquities dealer named Malachi Rector, who's gifted with an ability to sense "the soul" of an object. (So, think of him as having a knack for explaining any nicks on your knick-knacks.) Rector seeks to identify the significance of a woman's suspicious death in Venice, and how that connects to a shifty millionaire named Amber Dexter.

Moebius, as currently envisioned, should arrive sporting a "graphic novel look" in March 2013. Project backers have until then to fund the project and provide feedback throughout its development, possibly starting with an even-handed request to have the name "Amber Dexter" stricken from the game.

Gallery: Moebius (Concept Art)

Joystiq'Moebius' could be first adventure game from Jane Jensen's new studio originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurejane-jensenkickstartermoebiuspcpinkerton-road-studiosMon, 16 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Devil May Cry trailer starts with a near-nude dude (and then it gets weird)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/new-devil-may-cry-trailer-starts-with-a-near-nude-dude-and-then/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/new-devil-may-cry-trailer-starts-with-a-near-nude-dude-and-then/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/new-devil-may-cry-trailer-starts-with-a-near-nude-dude-and-then/#comments
The verdict's still out on Ninja Theory's action chops, but we can already tell the developer's flair for the cinematic won't be wasted in DMC: Devil May Cry. Kiss your precious fourth wall goodbye.

Update: We've added two more trailers (one focused on combat, and another on traversal) and a gallery of new screenshots, fresh from Captivate 2012.

Gallery: DmC: Devil May Cry (4/10/12)

Continue reading Devil May Cry trailer starts with a near-nude dude (and then it gets weird)

JoystiqDevil May Cry trailer starts with a near-nude dude (and then it gets weird) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dmc-devil-may-crymicrosoftplaystationps3xboxTue, 10 Apr 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Seen@PAX East: Journey between halls]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/seen-pax-east-journey-between-halls/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/seen-pax-east-journey-between-halls/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/seen-pax-east-journey-between-halls/#comments Image
Joystiq: Oh, hello! We love your costume. What's the secret to effective, truly evocative cosplay?

Continue reading Seen@PAX East: Journey between halls

JoystiqSeen@PAX East: Journey between halls originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>journeypax-eastpax-east-2012playstationps3Sat, 07 Apr 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Witcher 2 trailer gets the job done]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/the-witcher-2-trailer-gets-the-job-done/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/the-witcher-2-trailer-gets-the-job-done/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/the-witcher-2-trailer-gets-the-job-done/#comments
If anything, the upcoming Xbox 360 version of The Witcher 2 has given CD Projekt RED more than enough time to educate us on the protagonist's profession. This short, in-engine story shows how the grim hero earns his living, and why it's okay for him to drink on the job.

JoystiqThe Witcher 2 trailer gets the job done originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cd-projekt-redmicrosoftpcwarner-bros-interactivexboxSat, 07 Apr 2012 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq's new commenting system is live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/joystiqs-new-commenting-system-is-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/joystiqs-new-commenting-system-is-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/joystiqs-new-commenting-system-is-live/#comments Image
We've augmented the post-post punditry on Joystiq with a new conversation platform called Livefyre. You'll see it at the bottom of this post and every news story, review and feature following it. There are a couple of major differences between this new vector for your opinions, and the ancient, rickety thing we optimistically called a commenting system:
  1. It's not the worst thing ever.
  2. It allows for real-time updates, and lets you create and follow nested conversations.
  3. You can sign in with any one of six different social network accounts, including Twitter, Facebook and Gmail (just click "Sign in" at the top left of the Livefyre window to get started).
  4. You can blast your wittiest comments back out to your friends on Twitter and Facebook, even if they don't read Joystiq.
  5. Feel free to flag comments for being off-topic or inappropriate. You can be more granular with your grievances now, as opposed to the generic "report" function we had before. This will make it much easier for us to ban the true trolls!
  6. On-screen bubbles notify you when a new comment has been made above or below the point you're currently reading.
  7. Once you're signed in, you can adjust your personal information (click on "edit profile") and when you'd like to receive email notifications, if any.
If you've been a reader for a very long time, you may be irked to learn that we are not importing your old comments into Livefyre. Rather than delay the upgrade in order to preserve so much content of questionable relevance, we opted to start everything anew.

Provided you're already part of the supported social networks, signing in will be a cinch, and we hope the reduced anonymity will make for friendlier conversation. We'll be ironing out some bugs too, so let us know if you see anything weird and upsetting, like headlines swallowing videos, or a positive review of Kinect: Star Wars.

JoystiqJoystiq's new commenting system is live originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Wed, 04 Apr 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[How Game Design Works / Doesn't Work: A Lesson From the 'What Would Molydeux?' Gamejam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/how-game-design-works-doesnt-work-a-lesson-from-the-what-wo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/how-game-design-works-doesnt-work-a-lesson-from-the-what-wo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/how-game-design-works-doesnt-work-a-lesson-from-the-what-wo/#comments Image"Actually ... I don't know where I'm going with this."

At a 48-hour game jam, where time is more precious than money, a brief lack of direction isn't the disaster it would be at an Activision or an EA. It might even be a good thing, allowing just enough room and respite for that one idea that makes a fragmented game come together.

The participants of "What Would Molydeux?", a multi-city design event that derives game concepts from the whimsical, semi-sincere mind of Peter Molyneux's Twitter-bound doppelgänger, have the weekend to turn an inherently silly premise into something innovative and playable. And, you know, to figure out where they're going with this.

Continue reading How Game Design Works / Doesn't Work: A Lesson From the 'What Would Molydeux?' Gamejam

JoystiqHow Game Design Works / Doesn't Work: A Lesson From the 'What Would Molydeux?' Gamejam originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphonemacmobilemolyjam-2012pcpeter-molydeuxpeter-molyneuxsan-franciscowhat-would-molydeuxMon, 02 Apr 2012 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Fez hits XBLA on April 13 for 800 MSP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/fez-hits-xbla-on-april-13-for-800-msp/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/fez-hits-xbla-on-april-13-for-800-msp/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/fez-hits-xbla-on-april-13-for-800-msp/#comments Xbox Live Arcade finally becomes a glorified Fez dispenser on Friday, April 13th. Polytron just blasted out the release date and ten-dollar price point for its perplexing play on perspective -- and we've decided that we now want all such announcements embedded inside exuberant and weirdly hypnotic graphics.

The game's lengthy development time and subsequent trials in Microsoft certification have been dominant talking points until now, and they're joined by an unusual Friday launch date on Xbox Live Arcade. If you want to learn more about the man behind Fez, be sure to read about our afternoon spent with one Phil Fish.

JoystiqFez hits XBLA on April 13 for 800 MSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 20:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fezmicrosoftphil-fishpolytronrelease-datexblaxboxWed, 28 Mar 2012 20:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Ninja Gaiden 3 review: To be blunt]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/ninja-gaiden-3-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/ninja-gaiden-3-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/ninja-gaiden-3-review/#comments Ninja Gaiden 3 is all murder and no execution. It places utmost importance on the periphery, neglecting the mechanisms of combat while splashing blood across the screen and desperately sniffing the air for just a hint of remorse from its protagonist. The franchise has never been more accessible as a result, and never more disposable.

Ninja Gaiden's internal clockwork is still in there somewhere, albeit stripped of intricacy. The speed and fluidity of movement abolishes the perceived distance between thought and on-screen reaction, and there's a pleasant cadence of killing injured foes, one by one, after you've hobbled them with a barrage of sword slashes. And the Izuna Drop, which lifts a dance partner into the air before spinning them headfirst into the earth, remains one of the best (and safest) moves in any action game. If you're supposed to feel bad about all the unrestrained killing, as Ryu is meant to after a curse turns his arm into a veiny vector for his victims, maybe it shouldn't be quite as much fun.

Gallery: Ninja Gaiden 3 (1/12/12)

Continue reading Ninja Gaiden 3 review: To be blunt

JoystiqNinja Gaiden 3 review: To be blunt originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftninja-gaiden-3playstationps3team-ninjaxboxTue, 27 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Double Fine Adventure Kickstarter concludes with $3,335,265 amassed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/double-fine-adventure-kickstarter-concludes-with-3-335-265-amas/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/double-fine-adventure-kickstarter-concludes-with-3-335-265-amas/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/double-fine-adventure-kickstarter-concludes-with-3-335-265-amas/#comments "It's been an amazing experience," Tim Schafer said as the last bit of funding rolled in for Double Fine Adventure. "So much love."

And so much money! The Kickstarter project, which aimed to collect a mere $400,000 for a new, classically designed adventure game from Schafer's San Francisco-based studio, concluded with a total of $3,335,265 in funding -- after just over a month. An accompanying documentary will capture its creation, step-by-step.

"I don't want to say this is the end of the whole game industry as we know it ... it's not, it's not!" Schafer joked, surrounded by festivities in the Double Fine office. As the Kickstarter clock counted down, the visibly grateful designer said fans no longer had to accept no for an answer when it came to their favorite "niche" entertainment. "You can choose."

JoystiqDouble Fine Adventure Kickstarter concludes with $3,335,265 amassed originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 20:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddouble-finedouble-fine-adventureiosipadiphonekickstartermacmobilepctim-schaferTue, 13 Mar 2012 20:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Jet Set Radio HD retains US-version content, half of original track list]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/jet-set-radio-hd-retains-us-version-content-half-of-original-tr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/jet-set-radio-hd-retains-us-version-content-half-of-original-tr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/jet-set-radio-hd-retains-us-version-content-half-of-original-tr/#comments Stripping out Jet Set Radio's eclectic mix of original and licensed music would be a vandalism far worse than that perpetrated by its roving band of cel-shaded graffiti artists. Sega's proposal of a high-definition update to the cherished and influential Dreamcast game skated around the question, but now we know just how much of the music will remain intact: 16 tracks, roughly half of the 30 shipped between the North American and European versions.

Sega tells Joystiq it made every effort to pursue and re-license all the music, but cost and even the availability of certain music publishers became an impediment. In the end, Jet Set Radio keeps its original music (composed by Hideki Naganuma), and several fan favorites like "Magical Girl" (Guitar Vader) and "Funky Radio" (B.B. Rights). We'll probably survive without Rob Zombie.

Though the NTSC- and PAL-specific tracks haven't made the cut, the levels developed for those versions (including Grind Square) will be included with this summer's HD port. The preservation may not be flawless, but the presentation nearly is -- Jet Set Radio's bold, cartoonish aesthetic benefits immensely from the higher resolution, 16:9 display and 60 frames-per-second output. Oh, and there's one more thing you didn't have before: a second analogue stick to steer the camera!

Gallery: Jet Set Radio (3/13/12)

Continue reading Jet Set Radio HD retains US-version content, half of original track list

JoystiqJet Set Radio HD retains US-version content, half of original track list originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdc-2012hideki-naganumajet-grind-radiojet-set-radiomicrosoftpcplaystationps3psnsegaxblaxboxTue, 13 Mar 2012 17:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Capy Games wins 'XBLA Award' and guaranteed MS publishing deal for Super T.I.M.E. Force]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/capy-games-wins-xbla-award-and-guaranteed-ms-publishing-deal-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/capy-games-wins-xbla-award-and-guaranteed-ms-publishing-deal-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/capy-games-wins-xbla-award-and-guaranteed-ms-publishing-deal-f/#comments
Capy Games, developer of adorable guzzle-'em-up Critter Crunch and the gorgeous Superbrothers Sword & Sworcery EP, has won the Microsoft-sponsored "XBLA Prize" during the 14th Annual Independent Games Festival Awards, held this evening in San Francisco. The recipients receive a rare digital copy of the now-delisted advergame, Yaris.

No, wait, it says here they get a guaranteed first-party publishing deal via Microsoft's Live service, including Xbox Live Arcade, Windows Phone and Windows ... Computer. In this case, the game headed to XBLA is Super T.I.M.E. Force!

The award comes with a few other bonuses too: Microsoft will provide funding to complete the game if necessary, and augment its development with several first-party support services, including usability, testing, and a guy who never looks up from his Blackberry.

JoystiqCapy Games wins 'XBLA Award' and guaranteed MS publishing deal for Super T.I.M.E. Force originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 22:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capycapy-gamescapybara-gamesgdc-2012gdca-2012igf-2012microsoftmobilenathan-vellapcxblaxboxWed, 07 Mar 2012 22:18:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare investigating fix for Mass Effect 3 face import errors]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/bioware-investigating-fix-for-mass-effect-3-face-import-errors/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/bioware-investigating-fix-for-mass-effect-3-face-import-errors/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/bioware-investigating-fix-for-mass-effect-3-face-import-errors/#comments Some instances of Commander Shepard are embarking on Mass Effect 3's climactic campaign with some alterations. The galaxy's most important (and most imported) face is not being properly preserved in the transfer between some games of Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3 (ours included), prompting BioWare to work on a correction.

According to BioWare's Community Coordinator, Chris Priestly, "The issue is likely in how faces were detected when imported from Mass Effect 1 into Mass Effect 2, and we're working on the best way to correct it for affected players." In our experience, a wonky import process only messes with facial data, and none of Shepard's recorded actions throughout the previous games.

If you're driven mad by inconsistent canon -- or can't bear the thought of Shepard being vain enough to get some touch-ups before his last stand -- BioWare is pointing you to a set of user-made tools for the PC version. As far as we know, this is the only time we'll ever recommend DIY facial surgery.

JoystiqBioWare investigating fix for Mass Effect 3 face import errors originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarechris-priestlyglitchmass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 07 Mar 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA['The buck stops at the simulation' with new SimCity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/the-buck-stops-at-the-simulation-with-new-simcity/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/the-buck-stops-at-the-simulation-with-new-simcity/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/the-buck-stops-at-the-simulation-with-new-simcity/#comments
"We're building a simulation that really captures the world we live in today, where your decisions go beyond the boundaries of the city." Speaking at an EA press conference in San Francisco tonight, Maxis Senior Vice President Lucy Bradshaw shared some of the high-level goals for the new SimCity game, coming to PC in 2013.

Bradshaw recalled shipping the first city builder in 1989, and described the return of Maxis to the franchise proper with great enthusiasm. "It's been about ten years since we shipped the last, true SimCity by Maxis," she said. Despite that passage of time, the developer still seeks to impart inspiration in simulation. "The buck stops at the simulation," Bradshaw said.

Gallery: SimCity

Continue reading 'The buck stops at the simulation' with new SimCity

Joystiq'The buck stops at the simulation' with new SimCity originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eagdc-2012lucy-bradshawmaxispcsimsimcitysimcity-2013simcity-5Tue, 06 Mar 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Get cracking on Stacking, now on PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/get-cracking-on-stacking-now-on-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/get-cracking-on-stacking-now-on-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/get-cracking-on-stacking-now-on-pc/#comments Stacking, the Double Fine adventure game in which a destitute boy commandeers other people by embedding himself in their bodies, is now available for PC through Steam. Don't worry, a liberal application of pure charm covers up what initially sounds like a weird, disturbing premise.

The PC version, which is temporarily discounted to $9.99 (regularly $14.99) during this launch period, includes all the matryoshka maneuvering seen in the console versions, along with the "Lost Hobo King" DLC. The non-physical nature of this release may undermine our suggestion, but do let us know what you think once you crack this game open.

JoystiqGet cracking on Stacking, now on PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pcstackingTue, 06 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3 single-player review: This is it]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/mass-effect-3-single-player-review-this-is-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/mass-effect-3-single-player-review-this-is-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/mass-effect-3-single-player-review-this-is-it/#comments You know things are getting grim in the galaxy when the Inception horn comes out. The Reapers, ancient machines that harvest organic life, arrive en masse and emit an intimidating, brassy blare as they descend upon developed civilizations. One interpretation of Mass Effect 3, then, is that it's about aliens putting aside their differences and banding together to wipe a troublesome, trombone-heavy meme off the face of the Earth.

Continue reading Mass Effect 3 single-player review: This is it

JoystiqMass Effect 3 single-player review: This is it originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 06 Mar 2012 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Forza Horizon spun off by Playground Games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/forza-horizon-spun-off-by-playground-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/forza-horizon-spun-off-by-playground-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/forza-horizon-spun-off-by-playground-games/#comments
The developers at Playground Games are about to experience the worst thing about developing a new game in Microsoft's Forza racing franchise. Once you announce it, you have to gradually withstand the pun-heavy headlines that result. Forza Horizon really is a spin-off, though.

Set to launch in Fall 2012, when Forza Motorsport proper takes a break, Forza Horizon aims to adjust the tone of the franchise and inject some new, Turn 10-approved talent into the development pipeline. Microsoft has yet to share much on the game beyond a live-action trailer, which hints at a more playful, festival atmosphere for racing, but was quick to point at the pedigree of Playground Games.

The company was founded during 2009 in England's Leamington Spa, starting with veteran developers from Codemasters (Dirt) and encompassing talent from as far back as Psygnosis. Turn 10 creative director Dan Greenwalt describes the announcement as a new "wing" for the Forza series. You may have seen it leaking over the weekend, at which point it was more of a huge spoiler.

JoystiqForza Horizon spun off by Playground Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>forza-horizonmicrosoftplayground-gamesturn-10xboxxbox-showcase-2012Mon, 05 Mar 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 4 bringing the Battle Rifle back, introducing unlockable abilities in progression system]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/halo-4-bringing-the-battle-rifle-back-introducing-unlockable-ab/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/halo-4-bringing-the-battle-rifle-back-introducing-unlockable-ab/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/halo-4-bringing-the-battle-rifle-back-introducing-unlockable-ab/#comments
Few fictional weapons can drum up their own cult following. The cadence and rat-tat-tat ruthlessness of Halo's Battle Rifle is unmistakable no matter which side of the barrel you're on. It's a death sentence in the right hands, punctuated by an ellipsis of bullets ... and painfully described in overwrought, armament love letters built on phrases like "ellipsis of bullets." As far as iconic Halo bits and pieces go, the Battle Rifle seems almost as inextricable as Master Chief.

And yet the cyborg with humanity at heart skipped enough games for Microsoft to make a big deal out of his return in Halo 4. The new (ish) franchise custodians at 343 Industries are in a tight spot, where they have to shape a message not only around what's new, but what's coming back. The Battle Rifle's return is an easy way to establish the latter, then, especially to those fans who couldn't wrap their heads around the weapon's disappearance in the first place.

Speaking to Joystiq in an interview last year, former Bungie game designer Jaime Griesemer saw the weapon as a piece of deadly nostalgia. "It's not just a weapon, it's the weapon," he said. "For a skilled player, they spend most of their time using that one weapon. If you never miss, it's the most effective tool in the toolbox. So for them, Halo 3 is the Battle Rifle. All their Halo emotion and experience is tied up in it. So it isn't surprising to me when people react that way."

How daunting must it be to work in a space where a video game gun can reach beloved status? It's no wonder Microsoft is being sensitive and cryptic about Halo 4, which introduces what could be the biggest, most widespread (and controversial) change to the multiplayer in years. According to 343, Halo 4 will add customizable loadouts and abilities that are unlocked through a progression system.

Gallery: Halo 4 (05/03/12)

Continue reading Halo 4 bringing the Battle Rifle back, introducing unlockable abilities in progression system

JoystiqHalo 4 bringing the Battle Rifle back, introducing unlockable abilities in progression system originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesbattle-riflehalo-4jaime-griesemermaster-chiefmicrosoftxboxxbox-showcase-2012Mon, 05 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Next Metal Gear Solid targeted for 'high-end consoles' and PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/next-metal-gear-solid-targeted-for-high-end-consoles-and-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/next-metal-gear-solid-targeted-for-high-end-consoles-and-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/next-metal-gear-solid-targeted-for-high-end-consoles-and-pc/#commentsJoystiq can exclusively reveal that the next Metal Gear Solid will feature intense zero-gravity chess, cybernetic nano-crocodiles, mirror universe machinations and a trash-compactor escape scene that will serve both as Star Wars homage and finger-wagging sermon on humanity's crushing impact on the environment. Well, provided the Joystiq staff are hired to work on the game.

Kojima Productions has unveiled an extensive list of available jobs, hinged on evolving the in-development Fox Engine and, more importantly, bringing the next game in the Byzantine franchise to life. According to the page introduction, Hideo Kojima and co. are on the hunt for engineers, artists, designers and a brand manager to handle "the latest Metal Gear Solid targeted for high-end consoles and PC."

If you think you can bolster the Fox Engine with new rendering tech, create "fantastic game content," or cultivate MGS "as a global mega-hit franchise in all regions," you should swing by the Game Developers Conference Career Pavilion between March 6 and March 9 and make yourself known.

We might nudge you out of the way as we deliver our own game concept, which we're tentatively calling "Metal 6ear Solid: Sublimation Synthesis." Don't you just love the sound of that, Kojima?

JoystiqNext Metal Gear Solid targeted for 'high-end consoles' and PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 01:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdc-2012hideo-kojimakojima-productionsmetal-gear-solidmetal-gear-solid-nextpcWed, 22 Feb 2012 01:35:00 EST<![CDATA[A Calculated Risk: Why Square Enix Can't Put 'Sleeping Dogs' Down]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/a-calculated-risk-why-square-enix-cant-put-sleeping-dogs-dow/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/a-calculated-risk-why-square-enix-cant-put-sleeping-dogs-dow/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/a-calculated-risk-why-square-enix-cant-put-sleeping-dogs-dow/#comments "It was not a happy time, as you can probably imagine."

Producer Jeff O'Connell conveys the grim atmosphere reigning over the developers at United Front Games, moments after losing their publisher and months before their ambitious open-world game could stand in a lineup with other free-roaming felons. Activision wanted a bold return for its True Crime franchise, but decided to pull the plug in February 2010. The protracted effort just wasn't guaranteed to conclude at the top of the genre.

Enter: Square Enix London Studios, a division of Square Enix Europe (formerly Eidos). At about 20 members it's a much smaller group than the Vancouver-based United Front, which had close to 180 employees at the peak of True Crime development. "We're a pretty small, tight group," says General Manager Lee Singleton. "I think, actually, a couple of years ago I did the math and I think the average amount of industry experience is like 15 or 16 years or something. We're all pretty seasoned guys."

United Front can whip out a similar resume, built on familial qualities. "We consider ourselves very close-knit," O'Connell says. "I'm sure a lot of these studios say they consider themselves a family, and we do, and we do things to foster that kind of feeling. We have a lot of events, and even though we're a very young studio, we're a very experienced studio." The studio began with Modnation Racers, a vibrant, approachable racing game built with Sony, but incorporates veterans from Bully, Prototype and the Need for Speed franchise.

"Meeting Square, which we did very shortly after the game was canceled -- and I'm probably going to use some corny expression -- was like a bright light," O'Connell says. "Right away, we met those guys and I think we just clicked with them. It's one thing for people to come in and love the game, which they did, and it's another thing for people to come in and just get along with them incredibly well and go out for drinks and meals with them, and just have a really fantastic time, and have them in the studio and have them ask questions or make suggestions, and have that show their depth of understanding." If that run-on sentence isn't indicative of real enthusiasm about this relationship, we don't know what is.

Gallery: Sleeping Dogs (2/17/12)

Continue reading A Calculated Risk: Why Square Enix Can't Put 'Sleeping Dogs' Down

JoystiqA Calculated Risk: Why Square Enix Can't Put 'Sleeping Dogs' Down originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jeff-o-connelllee-singletonmicrosoftplaystationps3sleeping-dogssquare-enixsquare-enix-london-studiosunited-front-gamesxboxFri, 17 Feb 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Uncharted Golden Abyss review: Grave rubber]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/uncharted-golden-abyss-review-grave-rubber/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/uncharted-golden-abyss-review-grave-rubber/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/uncharted-golden-abyss-review-grave-rubber/#comments Presenting Uncharted: Golden Abyss as one of Nathan Drake's earlier adventures is a masterstroke. For one thing, it explains why people are still hiring him to hunt down relics. At this point, they just haven't heard of the handsome, half-tucked grave robber who breaks everything he climbs across, shoots everyone he sees, and goes through an awful lot of trouble for treasure that's invariably cursed, deadly or not really treasure at all.

But we're not interested in the chest full of MacGuffins at the end. We're in it for the hero's hazardous journey over crumbling handholds and vertiginous chasms. We like to see an ancient civilization lurch back into life with the aid of an unbelievably convoluted, one-use mechanism. And we want to spot that spark between the characters who get themselves into one mess after another, and yet another. If that's what Uncharted is to you, then you'll find very little has been lost in the transition to PlayStation Vita.

Continue reading Uncharted Golden Abyss review: Grave rubber

JoystiqUncharted Golden Abyss review: Grave rubber originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationplaystation-vitaSony-Benduncharted-golden-abyssuncharted-ngpvitavita-launchMon, 13 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ghost Recon: Future Soldier brings information warfare to the front]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/ghost-recon-future-soldier-brings-information-warfare-to-the-fr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/ghost-recon-future-soldier-brings-information-warfare-to-the-fr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/ghost-recon-future-soldier-brings-information-warfare-to-the-fr/#comments The signs of a good interface aren't always visible. An elegant in-game display susses out the sweet spot between education and economy, making it an art that is often overlooked by design. And when games aim, claim or clamor to be cinematic, life bars and scores tend to be the first things tossed out as distracting clutter. The traditional HUD is fading from view.

Ghost Recon: Future Soldier occupies the same fictional space as Call of Duty, adding a glossy veneer to war and sexing things up with tantalizing gadgets. But Ubisoft's take on modern warfare isn't about seeing -- it's about reading. Oh, there's no shortage of cover-based shooting and GET-TO-THE-RPG-ing in here, but those actions are informed throughout by a busy interface. In comparison to many "immersive" blockbusters, you're getting a library and not a pamphlet.

In practice, this means Ghost Recon is about learning to decipher information quickly, and drafting attack blueprints on the fly. Despite being on the action-heavy -- pardon me, streamlined -- spectrum of console games, Future Soldier uses its hologram-heavy premise as an excuse to fill the screen with data. Warning: It requires reading comprehension, which is a rather extravagant demand when some of the most popular games just want you to strap in and see the pretty sights whizzing by.

Gallery: Ghost Recon: Future Soldier (2/2/12)

Continue reading Ghost Recon: Future Soldier brings information warfare to the front

JoystiqGhost Recon: Future Soldier brings information warfare to the front originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ghost-Recon-Future-Soldiermicrosoftpcplaystationps3Red-Storm-EntertainmentubisoftUbisoft-MontrealxboxThu, 09 Feb 2012 18:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Iron Brigade 'Rise of the Martian Bear' DLC coming in at $5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/iron-brigade-rise-of-the-martian-bear-dlc-coming-in-at-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/iron-brigade-rise-of-the-martian-bear-dlc-coming-in-at-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/iron-brigade-rise-of-the-martian-bear-dlc-coming-in-at-5/#comments Lumbering manly mech news now, with Double Fine and Microsoft confirming the launch price of next Wednesday's substantial Iron Brigade (Trenched) expansion, "Rise of the Martian Bear." In exchange for 400 MS Points, or five Earth bucks, the DLC grants you four new maps (two of which can be played in Survival mode), a new boss fight, a diverse armory of beefed-up weapons, more customization options and, most importantly, a sombrero.

Those disappointed by Iron Brigade's lack of ambidextrous salutations will be pleased to hear about the free title update launching alongside the patch. It'll jolt your character's left arm to life, allowing it to perform gestures just like the one on the right. Oh, sure, the patch also ensures compatibility between regular and DLC-equipped players, but you have to appreciate the little things -- even when the game's about big stuff stomping around.

JoystiqIron Brigade 'Rise of the Martian Bear' DLC coming in at $5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcdouble-fineiron-brigademicrosoftrise-of-the-martian-beartrenchedxboxFri, 27 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New side-scrolling Super Mario headed to 3DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/new-side-scrolling-super-mario-headed-to-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/new-side-scrolling-super-mario-headed-to-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/new-side-scrolling-super-mario-headed-to-3ds/#comments Think New Super Mario Bros., but newer. Nintendo president Satoru Iwata assured investors today that a new 2D Super Mario game is in the works for 3DS, this one distinguished by its "side-scrolling action."

Iwata offered no further information about the game in his presentation, but expects it to launch sometime within Nintendo's next fiscal year. That places the new Mario's debut sometime after March 2012 -- just far enough to complete Super Mario 3D Land and yearn for the days when things were nice and flat.

JoystiqNew side-scrolling Super Mario headed to 3DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsnew-new-super-mario-brosnintendosatoru-iwatasuper-mariosuper-mario-brosThu, 26 Jan 2012 22:48:00 EST