Joystiq [Xbox]

Resident Evil 5: Gold Edition's new enemy is all kinds of creepy

by Xav de Matos { 9 hours ago }

Capcom has updated its official Japanese Resident Evil 5 site, revealing the new enemy featured in the upcoming Gold Edition retail and (assorted) DLC release of the game. The new nemesis is an unnamed and extremely grotesque behemoth who carries a large key-like anchor, stalking the underground of Spencer's Mansion in the content's Lost in Nightmares episode. According to an English translation of the character card, players can hunt down the beast to obtain heavy weapons such as a sickle. If the design proves one thing, it's that Capcom continues to create characters with terrible skin afflictions. Someone get this guy an ointment.

[Via Andriasang]

Interview: BioWare's Greg Zeschuk on Dragon Age, DLC, and more

by Christopher Grant { 16 hours ago }

Here's a Thanksgiving treat from the vault – we've dug out the following interview with BioWare co-founder (and Group Creative Officer of EA's newly formed RPG/MMO Group) Greg Zeschuk from earlier this year at PAX. But don't let the date fool you! Our discussion of multiplatform console development, DLC strategies on future BioWare titles like Dragon Age: Origins and Mass Effect 2, and Greg's recommendation that everyone buy two copies of the game (one on console and one on PC) defies time. Read on!

Joystiq: Dragon Age is the first PS3 game that BioWare's developed. Can you talk about that process?

Greg Zeschuk: We did partner with Edge of Reality, so we partnered with folks who have had the experience, and that was a good process where we actually had some folks that knew how to do it but also, in general, just worked together with them. A lot of it ended up being like we needed a lot of work to get done and a lot of stuff very fast and everyone was very busy on Dragon Age itself. Collectively, on the console, I would say it was very interesting and challenging to take the richness of the PC game of Dragon Age, with all these different powers and everything else, and actually try to transpose it to the consoles. And the interesting thing about that, or where it worked out really well, is that we literally set ourselves a goal: We didn't want console players to fell like we ripped them off by taking anything away, by minimizing or simplifying. We want them to feel they have all the power at their fingertips, but it's very accessible. It's got the multiple rings that sort of have subsets to them, and you can actually pretty much access any power just a couple little joystick twiddles and button presses. And so with that experience, I think we succeeded there.

Another place where we succeeded on both the PS3 and 360 versions: it feels very different from the PC. Where the PC has got the traditional Baldur's Gate top-down [perspective], the PS3 and 360 are over-the-shoulder and they do have that kind of, very KOTOR feel and that's probably what I play, and that's what I feel most familiar with is KOTOR -- and it actually feels more action-y than the PC does, so I think people will find a very different experience. I recommend both platforms actually, PC and console versions.

Gallery: Dragon Age: Origins

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Puzzle Quest sequel revealed

by Alexander Sliwinski { 17 hours ago }

It appears that GamePro will reveal the first details of Puzzle Quest 2 in its next issue. Beyond a single image, the mag doesn't drop any details on its website. After Infinite Interactive went a tad off course with Galactrix -- meanwhile, developing Puzzle Kingdoms, Puzzle Chronicles and Neopets Puzzle Adventure -- it's good to see the team going back to its roots.

From the image, it seems that Puzzle Quest 2 is being developed for Xbox 360, but if it's anything like its predecessor, the game will eventually release on every console, handheld and electronic device known to man. One can also deduce that purple is now a rune for spells instead of XP. But what purpose do the gloves serve? We're sure to learn more very soon.

MS Points, assemble! Transformers Avatar items on Xbox Live

by David Hinkle { 18 hours ago }

We all have guilty pleasures, this much we all know. But some guilty pleasures are too guilty. Case in point: Michael Bay's Transformers movies. We bring this up because some new Avatar items based on his work -- and consequent games -- are now available for purchase on Xbox Live, including the Optimus Prime and Megatron helmets you see above, as well as several branded t-shirts. Now, if you want to run to your Xbox and drop some real money on these fake duds right now, fine, more power to you. However, if you expect to still be on our friends' list afterward, well, we should probably talk.

Gallery: Transformers Avatar items

Rock Band Network rolls out fully in early 2010

by Alexander Sliwinski { 18 hours ago }

Harmonix's Rock Band Network is still working out the kinks and will launch in "early 2010." In a statement to Kotaku, the developer explained that it's working on getting the public beta tools out "before the end of the year," with the store front to launch sometime at the beginning of next year.

Musicians with ample time and high computer proficiency can begin preparing their tracks now with the creator tools, but the open beta will grant access to the private website where all the RBN community stuff will occur. If you're a musician or programmer (or ... procisian?), let us know what you think about the tools in comments.

Gallery: Rock Band Network

Valve addresses Left 4 Dead 2 server lag on Xbox 360

by Griffin McElroy { 20 hours ago }

What's the only thing worse than having two dead team members, an approaching wave of special infected, and a fresh sheen of Boomer puke on your person? Having to suffer all those things while also -- fighting -- server la -- tency issues. Fortunately, that experience has become less common, as Valve recently did a bit dusting around their network infrastructure, reducing lag during bouts of Left 4 Dead 2 on Xbox 360.

Of course, even without the lag, you're still going to die. But at least now you'll be able to see where it's coming from. (Hint: It's probably from those three oncoming tanks.)

Here come some new challengers in this Super Street Fighter IV trailer

by JC Fletcher { 1 day ago }

The latest trailer for Super Street Fighter IV reveals the newly-announced characters in motion for the first time, leading to some surprising discoveries. For example, Adon sounds like Starscream. That actually kind of makes sense if you imagine Sagat as Megatron and Adon as his annoying sidekick.

In addition to the three new new guys, all the other new Super Street Fighter IV characters are featured as well, so you can hear all the terrible new voice acting so far! And you can also see that, at least upon cursory inspection, everyone plays like they used to. Cody still throws knives, T. Hawk still throws people, and Dee Jay is still annoying.

[Thanks, Kenoji!]

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Oh, my car! Capcom porting Final Fight and Magic Sword to XBLA and PSN

by JC Fletcher { 1 day ago }

The return of Cody and Guy to Street Fighter isn't the only Final Fight news this week. Capcom has announced Final Fight Double Impact for Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network, featuring not just the arcade version of the Metro City brawler, but Magic Sword as well!

Final Fight Double Impact, as the collection is titled, will feature optional graphical filters and a visual mode that makes the games appear as if they're being played on an arcade machine. Most importantly, both games will have drop-in online co-op. Capcom hasn't priced the collection yet, but there's no way the company will charge more than we've already put into Magic Sword machines over the years.

Analyst: Modern Warfare 2 DLC could make $140 million in 2010

by Richard Mitchell { 1 day ago }

Now that Modern Warfare 2 has smashed launch records -- raking in serious cash in the process -- the way is paved for inevitable downloadable content. DLC will likely rake in serious cash of its own, according to Broadpoint AmTech analyst Ben Schachter, who tells IndustryGamers that DLC could bring in an additional $100-140 million in revenue next year. The figure is based on the DLC attach rate for the previous Call of Duty title, World at War, which sold 0.625 downloadable map packs per copy, according to Schachter. At $10 each, that means every copy of World at War generated an additional $6.25 after the initial retail purchase.

Assuming there are 14-16 million copies of Modern Warfare 2 in players homes by the time DLC launches, Schachter says the content could generate up to $140 million, minus the portion Activision has to pay to platform holders that host the DLC. Schachter also believes DLC will go beyond map packs, theorizing that Infinity Ward could offer in-game items, new game modes and new missions (more co-op sniping, please). Of course, expanded DLC content could result in higher prices this time around.

Only time will tell how well Modern Warfare 2 does post launch but, regardless of what kind of content is on offer, we imagine it will probably do okay.

Patent details Xbox 360 hint system

by David Hinkle { 1 day ago }

Microsoft must like Nintendo's new Super Guide system, because a patent has recently popped up online detailing a similar system for the Xbox 360. The core difference between Microsoft's proposed system and Nintendo's comes from community input; the patent not only touches on a way for users to submit screens and brief guides for those especially tough spots in games, but also says users will be able to include brief audio commentary and add to their screens using a digital pen feature. The system also details functionality for devs and publishers, giving their insights and guides more weight than those from the community.

It's ambitious, to say the least, and even though we foresee millions of potential Halo 3 teabagging tutorials, we're all for anything that helps us game better.

[Via Siliconera]

GAME and Activision UK team up for Modern Warfare 2 charity event next weekend

by David Hinkle { 1 day ago }

War Child International is a coalition of organizations that seeks to aid children affected by war. Activision UK and GAME have decided to pitch in and are joining up to host an online event next weekend in Modern Warfare 2, asking that UK citizens play a bit of the game on Xbox Live. The more people enlist for action online, the more Activision UK will donate to the charity.

If you're looking for more information on the event, there's a Facebook page and a Twitter account set up to help coordinate. If you've got a busy weekend ahead of you on December 4, try to make time for at least one online match. It's not every day you can make someone else's life better just by playing a video game.

Namco prepares a Raging Blast of Dragon Ball DLC

by Richard Mitchell { 1 day ago }

If there's one thing Dragon Ball has, it's a giant, sprawling cast of unique characters. Namco Bandai understands this, so it will be offering new downloadable characters for Dragon Ball: Raging Blast every two weeks from now until April of 2010. Best of all, the downloads will be free. Each pack will include "customized versions of popular characters, each with different powered-up abilities." In other words, if the initial lineup of characters just wasn't enough, soon you'll have remixed versions on top of the current cast.

Check out the full DLC schedule after the break. Unless otherwise noted, the DLC will release simultaneously on XBLM and PSN.

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All the great Rock Bands started at Old Navy

by Justin McElroy { 1 day ago }

We can't tell you the number of times we've been packed into the mall during holiday season like angry, sweater-draped sardines and thought "This is great, but what if four people could swing plastic instruments around and warble an off-key version of 'Thunderstruck' just a few feet from us?" Finally, a retailer has stepped up to cater to our needs as Old Navy has announced it'll be putting Rock Band kiosks in 700 of its stores beginning on Black Friday.

Also, on Dec. 9 and Dec. 16, those who spend more than $25 at the store will get a free Rock Band track to take home, though we can't imagine why you'd want to play Rock Band at home when you could be playing in Old Navy.

Check out Joystiq's Black Friday Game Deals Hub or jump to a retailer guide below:

For more Black Friday coverage, check out Black Friday Deals, Cyber Monday Sales,
And other Black Friday 2009 stories today from Walletpop.com

Twitter users unlock Final Fantasy XIII chocobo Avatar item

by Ludwig Kietzmann { 1 day ago }

In a feat considerably easier than breeding a golden chocobo in Final Fantasy VII, fans of Square Enix's thirteenth Final outing have unlocked a special Xbox Live Avatar item through the power of word of mouth (via keyboard). After garnering enough specially tagged messages on Twitter (some speculate that this may have represent some sort of "marketing tactic"), the folks at Microsoft have seen fit to entrust an adorable virtual chocobo to your Avatar.

If you're in North America, UK, France or Germany and registered on the site, you can expect a download code via email by mid-December. If not, we've placed something after the break to cheer you up.

[Via @AceyBongos]

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X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Madden NFL Arcade

by Richard Mitchell { 1 day ago }

It would appear that Microsoft and Electronic Arts are onto our annual turkey-eating, football-watching ritual, as Madden NFL Arcade has landed on Xbox Live Arcade just in time for Thanksgiving. If you've been looking for a faster, simpler game of football, Madden NFL Arcade just might be the thing for you. Assuming you can stomach the 1200

($15) price tag, of course. Watch the latest episode of XBLA in Brief to see what the game is all about.

Download the trial version of Madden NFL Arcade

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