Joystiq [Xbox] http://xbox.joystiq.com Joystiq [Xbox] http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/xbox.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq [Xbox] http://xbox.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[So you want to play the Bayonetta demo early, do you?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/so-you-want-to-play-the-bayonetta-demo-early-do-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/so-you-want-to-play-the-bayonetta-demo-early-do-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/so-you-want-to-play-the-bayonetta-demo-early-do-you/#comments
Sega just announced that 40,000 lucky Xbox 360 owners will get extremely early access to a demo for the upcoming action game Bayonetta. To be considered for the prize, gamers must register for a free Sega Pass -- essentially the publisher's newsletter -- and enter for a chance to be selected on the official Bayonetta demo site.

Registration for the "contest" will be open from Monday, November 9 to Friday, November 13. Winners will be notified on Monday, November 16. Those not selected will then be referred to as "the group least likely to win a 'boot-gun thing' firing contest" ... or PlayStation 3 players. Should you not get selected, you might want to take advantage of making a Japanese account.

JoystiqSo you want to play the Bayonetta demo early, do you? originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionbayonettacompetitioncontestdemoplatinum-gamessegaFri, 06 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix summons Earnings Report; Final Fantasy XIII Sales Projections evade attacks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/square-enix-summons-earnings-report-final-fantasy-xiii-sales-pr/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/square-enix-summons-earnings-report-final-fantasy-xiii-sales-pr/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/square-enix-summons-earnings-report-final-fantasy-xiii-sales-pr/#comments Square Enix recently chose to attack with its annual earnings report, and among the 12-page PDF file's barrage of numbers, things look pretty good for the company. Net sales for the six months ending September 30, 2009 were up 33 percent over the same period last year to 91 billion yen ($1 billion), while operating income was also up by 39 percent to 13 billion yen ($144.5 million) over the same period last year. It's not all roses and Dragon Quest IX sales, however -- net income was down almost 58 percent to 2.7 billion yen ($30 million).

The statement also talks about the acquisition and assimilation of Eidos in direct proportion to Square Enix's games group division -- which includes video games across all platforms and online games for personal computers. Through the aid of titles like Batman: Arkham Asylum, Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days and the aforementioned Dragon Quest IX, the games division rose its net sales and operating income by 117 percent and 63 percent to 4.8 billion yen ($53 million) and 1.0 billion yen ($11 million), respectively.

As for the company's upcoming darling, Final Fantasy XIII, Square Enix prez Yoichi Wada spoke about concern regarding the title's projected domestic sales. Basically, he's not concerned at all! "PS3 sales continue to increase. We're bundling PS3 and FFXIII, and can expect even further sales increases. Orders for FFXIII are definitely not bad," he said. While he didn't reiterate anything as bold as six million, Wada did claim that the game is expected to sell in the millions.

Source - Square Enix earnings (PDF) [Via andriasang]
Source - Wada comments on FFXIII sales

JoystiqSquare Enix summons Earnings Report; Final Fantasy XIII Sales Projections evade attacks originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragon-quest-ixearningsearnings-reporteidosfinancialsquare-enixyoichi-wadaFri, 06 Nov 2009 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision catches both pirates and thieves in Modern Warfare 2 investigation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/activision-catches-both-pirates-and-thieves-in-modern-warfare-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/activision-catches-both-pirates-and-thieves-in-modern-warfare-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/activision-catches-both-pirates-and-thieves-in-modern-warfare-2/#commentsWhile it might be tempting to go straight to Craigslist with those Modern Warfare 2 Xbox 360 bundles you stole, it turns out that Activision notices exciting, high-profile offers just like your potential customers might. VentureBeat reports that when Activision noticed a listing for one of the bundles last Thursday, the company hired a private investigation firm, IPCyberCrime.com, to track down the seller.

When IPCyberCrime found the person behind the sale, the investigator discovered that he was an employee at a retailer, who, with friends, had stolen the bundles to sell on Craigslist. The sellers were turned over to the store's loss prevention department.

That bust led to one of the prospective buyers, named Christian Del Amo, who was raising money on a forum to buy the bundle (allegedly) for the purpose of copying the game and selling the copies, along with other pirated games, on hard drives. IPCyberCrime turned that case over to the Miami-Dade Police Department, who arrested Del Amo.

Obviously, this demonstrates one reason (aside from the whole morality thing) why you shouldn't try to make a business of selling pirated games. Activision has enough money to hire a private investigator, and is not afraid to use it.

JoystiqActivision catches both pirates and thieves in Modern Warfare 2 investigation originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncraigslistinfinity-wardmodern-warfare-2piracyFri, 06 Nov 2009 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[JBO: Joystiq Box Office, November 2 - November 6]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/jbo-joystiq-box-office-november-2-november-6/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/jbo-joystiq-box-office-november-2-november-6/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/jbo-joystiq-box-office-november-2-november-6/#comments
We can't be gaming all the time, despite our best efforts, and from time to time we'll actually take advantage of the movie-playing abilities on our gaming systems. JBO features our top picks for XBL, PSN, Netflix's Watch Instantly and Blu-ray each week.

Recommendation of the Week:

The Shield: The Complete Series (DVD [What, no Blu-ray?] $159.95, lower at many retailers)
Vic Mackey isn't the first hardass cop to come down the line and smack miscreants into place, but he's definitely one of the most effective and most memorable. If you haven't had the pleasure of watching Michael Chiklis in The Shield, then this has your name all over it. If you have ... well, your name is still on it. It's the complete series, filled with extras, and packaged to look like a nifty coffee table book, embossed with a copy of the misaligned badge logo from the opening of the show. Forget everything else, this is hands down one of the best cop shows ever created, and it captures the underbelly of Los Angeles perfectly. Some people would argue that Los Angeles is all underbelly. Hopefully that means there's plenty of Mackey to go around.

As usual, we'll see you at the popcorn sta -- well, actually, we won't see you at all. But you catch our drift. Plus, be sure to tell us what you'll be watching, or what you've seen recently that bowled you over.

Continue reading JBO: Joystiq Box Office, November 2 - November 6

JoystiqJBO: Joystiq Box Office, November 2 - November 6 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blu-rayDVDFilmJBOJoystiq-Box-OfficeMoviesNetflixPSNFri, 06 Nov 2009 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA Sports MMA signs Strikeforce league, additional fighters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/ea-sports-mma-signs-strikeforce-league-additional-fighters/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/ea-sports-mma-signs-strikeforce-league-additional-fighters/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/ea-sports-mma-signs-strikeforce-league-additional-fighters/#comments
Strikeforce.com

EA has announced a deal to feature the Strikeforce MMA league in its upcoming EA Sports MMA. The publisher also finalized contracts with two pro mixed martial artists currently fighting in Strikeforce, Jake shields (pictured, left) and Brett Rogers, to appear on the game's roster. Don't expect the signings to throw any fuel on the UFC vs. EA fire, however, as neither fighter has ever been on the payroll of UFC prez Dana White.

Frank Shamrock and Mauro Ranallo, Strikeforce's commentary team, will also be recording voiceover for the game. It has yet to be revealed which, if any other leagues will be featured in the game, and if their own commentary teams will be included. Currently, we know that MMA referee "Big John" McCarthy and Strikeforce ring announcer Jimmy Lennon, Jr. will also lend their voices and likenesses to the title.

While locking up more pro talent and the Strikeforce license lends credibility to EA Sports MMA, we've still yet to see any hint of an actual video game apart from a lone screenshot released late last month. Hey, EA: You do know that, at this pace and given the nature of MMA, these guys could be retired by the time the game actually ships ... right?

JoystiqEA Sports MMA signs Strikeforce league, additional fighters originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportsea-sports-mmaelectronic-artsmixed-martial-artsmmastrikeforceFri, 06 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gyromancer will end our lives on November 18]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/gyromancer-will-end-our-lives-on-november-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/gyromancer-will-end-our-lives-on-november-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/gyromancer-will-end-our-lives-on-november-18/#comments Looks like we're going to have to start working on that Bucket List a lot sooner than we would've guessed. The recently released English language trailer for Square Enix and PopCap's RPG-puzzle mash-up Gyromancer has delivered a release date for our pending doom: November 18. Not only that, but the trailer's now-readable text has revealed a gameplay mechanic which slipped our attention in the original, Japanese trailer: Monster collection.

So, it's Bejeweled, Final Fantasy and Pokémon all rolled into one, then? Awesome. That's really awesome. We hope you guys have enjoyed reading our humble site, because Gyromancer looks to be addictive enough make us forget to feed ourselves, let alone work.

JoystiqGyromancer will end our lives on November 18 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gyromancerpopcappuzzlerelease-daterpgsquare-enixFri, 06 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: 343 Industries' Frank O'Connor]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/interview-343-industries-frank-oconnor/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/interview-343-industries-frank-oconnor/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/interview-343-industries-frank-oconnor/#comments Now that Halo Waypoint has launched and the Halo Legends anime project will soon begin airing on Xbox consoles everywhere, we got the chance to discuss the current state of Halo with 343 Industries creative director, Frank O'Connor. After the break, you'll find discussion on Waypoint, Legends, Halo 3: ODST sales and whereabouts of Ryan Payton. We also talk about the whether or not there's just too much Halo out there, whether we'll see any Halo games for kids and we even squeeze in a question about Pimps at Sea.

Continue reading Interview: 343 Industries' Frank O'Connor

JoystiqInterview: 343 Industries' Frank O'Connor originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesfrank-o-connorhalohalo-3halo-3-odsthalo-legendshalo-waypointmicrosoft-game-studiosFri, 06 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tony Hawk: Ride videos are in-game and out-of-game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/tony-hawk-ride-videos-are-in-game-and-out-of-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/tony-hawk-ride-videos-are-in-game-and-out-of-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/tony-hawk-ride-videos-are-in-game-and-out-of-game/#comments We debated which of the two video assets Activision recently sent us for Tony Hawk: Ride should go a the top of the post, and which should be relegated to the unfavorable, post-jump real estate. The in-game trailer is pretty slick, and features that super catchy We Are Scientists jam. (You know the one, you hip guy, you.) However, the gameplay demonstration actually shows the peripheral being used to go on a "sick run," apparently part of a long-standing feud between Activision and Robomodo.

We decided to put the "sick run" at the top of the post, if only because we want you to know that this is exactly how we looked the first time we played the game at E3. Only we didn't crash quite so much, and also, when we finished playing, Tony Hawk himself came up and gave us a high-five with one of his giant hands. Check out the video above, then click past the jump to check out its neglected (but catchy!) brother.

Continue reading Tony Hawk: Ride videos are in-game and out-of-game

JoystiqTony Hawk: Ride videos are in-game and out-of-game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionrobomodoskateboardtony-hawktony-hawk-ridetrailervideoFri, 06 Nov 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft hiring for Project Natal and Halo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/microsoft-hiring-for-project-natal-and-halo/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/microsoft-hiring-for-project-natal-and-halo/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/microsoft-hiring-for-project-natal-and-halo/#comments A variety of new job listings have emerged on a Microsoft employment site, including positions for Project Natal and -- perhaps more interesting -- positions for a new Halo game. These listings for Halo, likely for Halo: Reach, call for designers, AI developers and animators -- even a multiplayer game design lead.

As for Project Natal, some listings point to "a large franchise," whereas others quote "an excellent next-generation" project -- which could be just about anything. We confirmed with Microsoft's Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb that the listings were legit, though he couldn't provide us with any more info beyond that.

[Via HotBloodedGaming]

JoystiqMicrosoft hiring for Project Natal and Halo originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>employmenthalohalo-reachjob-listingmicrosoftproject-natalFri, 06 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Homemade Fallout 3 Shishkebab, make 'em now before the apocalypse]]>http://xbox.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/homemade-fallout-3-shishkebab/http://xbox.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/homemade-fallout-3-shishkebab/http://xbox.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/homemade-fallout-3-shishkebab/#comments Flickr user co.pirate has posted images of one of the best-looking replicas of Fallout 3's Shishkebab (which he notes is "in progress") we've ever seen. It's so detailed, in fact, that we're a little scared that it could be functional before we'll require it as a slayer of Capital Wasteland baddies after the nuclear apocalypse. We already live in constant fear that science will create Bubble Bobble dinos that'll encapsulate us in spherical prisons floating up to the sky ... the existence of a real Shishkebab is just too much.

For those not up on their Fallout weaponry, the Shishkebab is a flaming sword found in the game's irradiated universe. The burning blade does significant damage in the right hands -- just like one would in the real world.

Joystiq XboxHomemade Fallout 3 Shishkebab, make 'em now before the apocalypse originally appeared on Joystiq Xbox on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Actions of BioShock protagonist debated by characters in sequel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/Actions-of-BioShock-protagonist-debated-by-characters-in-sequel/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/Actions-of-BioShock-protagonist-debated-by-characters-in-sequel/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/Actions-of-BioShock-protagonist-debated-by-characters-in-sequel/#comments Considering the dichotomy of the moral decisions (see: good or evil) offered to the silent hero of the original BioShock, many have wondered how the upcoming undersea adventure, BioShock 2, would take his actions in the first installment into account. Without a save game import feature (ala Mass Effect 2), how could the sequel register the player's decisions in the original? The answer was recently revealed by Bioshock 2's creative director, Jordan Thomas: Ambiguity, my dear Watson.

Speaking to MTV, Thomas explained that, "the things that he did are being fiercely debated by the splicers, because we wanted to support any of the choices the player could have made in the first game." He later added, "It's become kind of a religious question; what he did at the end of BioShock 1." This plot device is probably for the best -- if the splicers in Bioshock 2 knew about our actions in the first game, all they'd debate about is why we spent ten hours wandering aimlessly around the city, desperately hunting for audio cassettes.

JoystiqActions of BioShock protagonist debated by characters in sequel originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-australia2k-games2k-marinbioshockbioshock-2choicesmoralityplotFri, 06 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bayonetta launch continues Platinum's winning streak]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/bayonetta-launch-continues-platinums-winning-streak/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/bayonetta-launch-continues-platinums-winning-streak/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/bayonetta-launch-continues-platinums-winning-streak/#commentsBayonetta had a strong debut in Japan this week -- on PS3. The PS3 version of Platinum Games' action title sold 135,242 copies in its first week, topping the Media Create sales chart. The Xbox version had a good launch for an Xbox 360 game in Japan, at 64,325 copies. It wasn't a Resident Evil 5-size launch on either console, though the Xbox 360 version came close, and it wasn't a Wii Sports Resort-level sensation, but it should be enough to be considered a successful launch.

This is Platinum Games's second launch in Japan, and it's the second to debut at the top of the charts. Infinite Space on DS took the winning position back in June, with a comparatively modest 38,394 copies. MadWorld, Platinum's other game, has yet to be released in Japan.

The number two and three spots on Media Create's chart are also occupied by new games: Four Warriors of Light: Final Fantasy Gaiden, the new Final Fantasy for DS made by Matrix Software, and Tekken 6.

JoystiqBayonetta launch continues Platinum's winning streak originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bayonettafinal-fantasy-gaidenmedia-createplatinum-gamessegatekken-6Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Screens of Dishwasher: Dead Samurai 2 leaked; Ska Studios responds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/rumor-screens-of-dishwasher-dead-samurai-2-leaked-ska-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/rumor-screens-of-dishwasher-dead-samurai-2-leaked-ska-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/rumor-screens-of-dishwasher-dead-samurai-2-leaked-ska-studios/#comments Or, if you prefer: "Tom Morello strikes again; joined by Rebecca Romijn and Zach Braff."

Screenshots of what may be a sequel to the XBLA game The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai have landed on 1UP, allegedly supplied by the same saboteur that leaked those supposed Halo: Reach images. The shots certainly jive with the original game's art style and do feature some new enemies, backgrounds and objects. There are a number of new weapons shown, including a minigun, some kind of halberd, something that appears to be a giant syringe and -- our favorite -- a humongous pair of scissors.

When reached for comment, Dishwasher creator James Silva said, "Ska Studios does not comment on rumor and speculation," and then added, "I'm never inviting Tom Morello, Rebecca Romijn and Zach Braff over again."

JoystiqRumor: Screens of Dishwasher: Dead Samurai 2 leaked; Ska Studios responds originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dishwasher-dead-samuraidishwasher-dead-samurai-2james-silvarumorska-studiosthe-dishwasher-dead-samuraithe-dishwasher-dead-samurai-2xblaFri, 06 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Impressions: Darksiders takes a stab at Portal, Panzer Dragoon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/impressions-darksiders-takes-a-stab-at-portal-panzer-dragoon/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/impressions-darksiders-takes-a-stab-at-portal-panzer-dragoon/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/impressions-darksiders-takes-a-stab-at-portal-panzer-dragoon/#comments

Former X-Men, Battle Chasers and Ultimates artist Joe Madueira and his team at Vigil Games are drawing closer to realizing the celebrated illustrator's dream of making his own video game, Darksiders. We've seen the apocalyptic action-adventure a few times in the past, and its similarities to games such as the 3D Zeldas, God of War and, in some ways, Devil May Cry are still obvious in the latest build.

There were some new elements for publisher THQ to show off, though, like War's range of attacks. For instance, the Apocalypse Horseman can throw his cross blade into a source of time-slowing magic energy and have it return, momentarily giving him an advantage over a group of scurrying spider enemies.

Undoubtedly, the most interesting new tidbits we saw were obvious tributes to two of gaming's most hallowed franchises: Portal and Panzer Dragoon.


Continue reading Impressions: Darksiders takes a stab at Portal, Panzer Dragoon

JoystiqImpressions: Darksiders takes a stab at Portal, Panzer Dragoon originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksidersjoe-madureirathqvigil-gamesFri, 06 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Street Fighter IV trailer unlocks bonus stages]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/super-street-fighter-iv-trailer-unlocks-bonus-stages/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/super-street-fighter-iv-trailer-unlocks-bonus-stages/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/super-street-fighter-iv-trailer-unlocks-bonus-stages/#comments This latest trailer for Super Street Fighter IV shows off the new online modes, including the "Endless Battle" mode that allows up to eight players to play multiple matches, with the loser of each match going to the end of the virtual line; the "Replay Channel," which allows players to record and view replays together with voice chat; and a bunch of new tournament options.

It's all great stuff, but we know what you came here to see: If you skip to about the 2:30 mark, you can watch Ryu car bashing and barrel bashing! Check out how excited the kilted barrel-dropping machine operator is -- he loves watching his barrels get smashed!

[Thanks, Vince]

JoystiqSuper Street Fighter IV trailer unlocks bonus stages originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonus-stagecapcomssfivstreet-fighterstreet-fighter-ivsuper-street-fighter-ivtrailersvideoFri, 06 Nov 2009 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Weekly: The White Stripes, The Damned, Kasabian]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/rock-band-weekly-the-white-stripes-the-damned-kasabian/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/rock-band-weekly-the-white-stripes-the-damned-kasabian/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/rock-band-weekly-the-white-stripes-the-damned-kasabian/#comments. Forget that Jack White finds it "depressing" that kids are learning about music through rhythm games -- there's gold in them thar virtual hills! Next week's Rock Band DLC adds a pack of songs from The White Stripes, with tracks off of three different albums.

We've also added this little guy to Rock Band Weekly: . He indicates tracks that are considered "family-friendly" enough for Lego Rock Band. Such marked songs will be available in LRB's music store, as well as appearing in the regular Rock Band music store. [Thanks to our friend Dustin Burg for the Lego head!]

Check out the update after the break, along with what Rock Band Unplugged players can expect for DLC next week.


Select a platform below to view complete DLC listing:

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: The White Stripes, The Damned, Kasabian

JoystiqRock Band Weekly: The White Stripes, The Damned, Kasabian originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harmonixjack-whiteKasabianmtv-gamesrock-bandrock-band-2rock-band-dlcrock-band-unpluggedrock-band-weeklyrock-band-wiirock-band-wiiklythe-damnedthe-white-stripeswiiFri, 06 Nov 2009 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Team up and watch this new Skate 3 trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/team-up-and-watch-this-new-skate-3-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/team-up-and-watch-this-new-skate-3-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/team-up-and-watch-this-new-skate-3-trailer/#comments EA's new Skate 3 trailer touts team-play as the stand-out addition to the franchise. The new element allows players to tackle challenges and compete against other teams online for popularity within the Skate.Feed community. Of course, it's just as easy to become unpopular, too -- just ask the guy in the short shorts.

EA Black Box is once again handling the development of the game, building on the, um, building features of Skate 2. The studio is working to greatly improve the film maker and skate park editor, as well as adding new features such as an in-game and web-based "social network," plus the ability to seamlessly share parks, board designs and other user-created content a la Forza 3's storefront.

Skate 3 is due in May 2010 for PS3 and Xbox 360.

JoystiqTeam up and watch this new Skate 3 trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-black-boxelectronic-artsscreenshotsskateskate-3skateboardskateboardingvideoFri, 06 Nov 2009 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Nine straight minutes of Mass Effect 2 gameplay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/nine-straight-minutes-of-mass-effect-2-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/nine-straight-minutes-of-mass-effect-2-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/nine-straight-minutes-of-mass-effect-2-gameplay/#comments We get the feeling someone at BioWare has proclaimed this "Epic Week," what with the release of its fantasy RPG stunner Dragon Age: Origins and now an epic new video from its next big game, Mass Effect 2. This isn't a trailer or developer diary -- you're in for nine minutes of unedited, uninterrupted gameplay footage from the most recent build of ME2. In fact, it's the same mission -- set inside Omega's "Inferno" nightclub -- that we ourselves got to play earlier this week. (And yes, we can confirm it looks that good.)

You'll get a sense of the sequel's leap in environmental detail, character modeling and dialog scene camerawork in this clip, along with loads of intense combat. There's even an appearance by returning character (and total badass) Garrus from the first Mass Effect, plus a joke that manages to poke fun at rumors of Commander Shepard's death and the fact players can make him/her look like anyone they choose. Again -- nine minutes.

JoystiqNine straight minutes of Mass Effect 2 gameplay originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaelectronic-artsmass-effectmass-effect-2videoFri, 06 Nov 2009 04:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Mass Effect 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/hands-on-mass-effect-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/hands-on-mass-effect-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/hands-on-mass-effect-2/#comments
click to make more MASSive
You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy than Mass Effect 2's newly revealed world, Omega. (Well, apart from the Mos Eisley spaceport, that is.) This is where our latest grubby-mitts-on-the-gamepad outing with BioWare's upcoming RPG shooter role-playing shooter took place -- or, rather, inside its favorite hangout for galactic riffraff, the Inferno nightclub.

It turns out there was a purpose in showcasing this location beyond the throbbing music and exotic alien dancers -- it happens to be the same sort of locale that one of the original Mass Effect's earliest combat encounters played out in, and we got this point before our tour guide even had to make it: The environments in Mass Effect 2 are leaps and bounds better the first game's. In fact, this place seemed alive. Oh yeah -- and there just so happened to be a firefight waiting for us as we ventured further into this seedy sin palace.

Continue reading Hands-on: Mass Effect 2

JoystiqHands-on: Mass Effect 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaelectronic-artsmass-effectmass-effect-2Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: 15 days in GTA IV's Liberty City]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/video-15-days-in-gta-ivs-liberty-city/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/video-15-days-in-gta-ivs-liberty-city/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/video-15-days-in-gta-ivs-liberty-city/#comments
Time lapse videos were all the rage back in -- actually, we don't think they were ever rage caliber stuff, but in the case of this GTA IV video that shows 15 days go by Liberty City, it's at least reached "oh, that's neat!" territory. The video comes courtesy of DigitalFoundry (you can watch it over at Eurogamer) and reminds us just how much life there is in the virtual sand box, as cars drive along to their respective destinations, pedestrians shuffle about doing their own thing and, in the case of that one lady around the 32-second mark, loaf around the riverside all day and night. We just hope she's not doing what we think she's doing. It'd be such an unbecoming thing of the purest city in all of gaming, amirite?

JoystiqVideo: 15 days in GTA IV's Liberty City originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand-theft-atuogrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivgtagta-ivrockstartime-lapsevideoFri, 06 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Left 4 Dead 2: now with 4 times as many pre-orders]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/left-4-dead-2-now-with-4-times-as-many-pre-orders/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/left-4-dead-2-now-with-4-times-as-many-pre-orders/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/left-4-dead-2-now-with-4-times-as-many-pre-orders/#comments
As if blissfully dancing on the grave of its opposing and recently deceased boycott, Valve's shambler-shooting sequel, Left 4 Dead 2, seems destined to surpass its predecessor. Speaking to CVG, Chet Faliszek revealed that pre-orders for the game had quadrupled those enjoyed by the original game. "As we get closer to launch we see the reaction to the demo, pre-orders are four times what Left 4 Dead 1 was, people's excitement, the boycott itself and how it's changed..." he said. "I think people are just excited now."

Having tested what the power of the people can accomplish (most of all when wielding skull-smashing implements) Valve can finally let that excitement wash over them, content that fans have latched on to what's in the game -- and not what's missing. "Honestly I made the joke and it's true: If you put $20 in a box and charge $10 for it someone would complain you didn't put $50 in a box," added Faliszek. "Not to say some of the concerns raised aren't valid, but you're always going to have some kind of upset and that's not how we work. We work at looking at the project and trying to get it out."

Valve gets Left 4 Dead 2 out on November 17th.

JoystiqLeft 4 Dead 2: now with 4 times as many pre-orders originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chet-faliszekfpsl4d2left-4-dead-2pre-ordersvalvezombiesThu, 05 Nov 2009 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War 2 celebrates first anniversary with triple XP]]>http://xbox.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/gears-of-war-2-celebrates-first-anniversary-with-triple-xp/http://xbox.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/gears-of-war-2-celebrates-first-anniversary-with-triple-xp/http://xbox.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/gears-of-war-2-celebrates-first-anniversary-with-triple-xp/#comments Now that Epic's rolled out TU5 for Gears of War 2, it's geared up to celebrate the game's first anniversary of existence with a triple XP event spanning the next nine days. Starting tomorrow at 9 AM EST through Monday, November 16 at 9 AM EST, all players will not only get triple the delicious experience points, but also access to a new tactical mode across all game modes -- which adds increased weapon damage and decreased ammo counts. On top of that, there's going to be "a few subtle tweaks," including a longer down-but-not-out phase for revivals and individual playlists that will allow you to play the exact gametype you want.

For you masochists out there, Epic will crank up Public Horde's difficulty to hardcore -- and if you've been playing Gears of War 2 through all of its changes, odds are you kinda are.

[Thanks, Nick!]

Joystiq XboxGears of War 2 celebrates first anniversary with triple XP originally appeared on Joystiq Xbox on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicepic-gamesgears-of-wargears-of-war-2Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft details Halo Legends preview schedule]]>http://xbox.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/microsoft-details-halo-legends-preview-schedule/http://xbox.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/microsoft-details-halo-legends-preview-schedule/http://xbox.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/microsoft-details-halo-legends-preview-schedule/#comments
We knew that the first installment of the Halo Legends anime project was debuting November 7 on Halo Waypoint, but now Microsoft has revealed the dates for most of the remaining episodes. Beyond Waypoint simply airing each episode, Halo fans will also be treated to "making of" features for each episode. All told, you can expect something related to Legends every week from now until January 9, 2010 (and likely beyond, as there are still some episodes unrevealed). Grab your calendar and a nice permanent marker, then check out the schedule after the break.

Continue reading Microsoft details Halo Legends preview schedule

Joystiq XboxMicrosoft details Halo Legends preview schedule originally appeared on Joystiq Xbox on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industrieshalohalo-legendshalo-waypointThu, 05 Nov 2009 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[343 Industries worries 'constantly' about Halo oversaturation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/343-industries-worries-constantly-about-halo-oversaturation/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/343-industries-worries-constantly-about-halo-oversaturation/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/343-industries-worries-constantly-about-halo-oversaturation/#comments Speaking to Joystiq, Microsoft's Frank O'Connor, creative director of 343 Industries, said that he worries "constantly" about the possibility of the market being oversaturated with Halo. When asked about the amount of Halo products out there (namely ODST, upcoming books, more comics, Halo Legends and the recently released encyclopedia), O'Connor said, "I worry about that constantly."

Regarding the various Halo products, O'Connor said, "All of that stuff has existed in the past, and it exists because of one simple reason, which is demand. We wouldn't make it if we weren't continually being asked for it." He added, "We obviously turn down almost infinitely more stuff than we actually produce, but when we produce it there's a good reason and a good plan and a strong demand."

As an example, O'Connor noted Halo Wars Risk, saying that the two games "had a natural connection" and that board game manufacturers actually received requests for a Halo strategy game. Still, he said that 343 has also had requests for things that "don't make any sense." Even if there is a demand, said O'Connor, "If it doesn't actually make sense and it's completely crazy, we won't do it."

Keep an eye out for the full interview later this week.

Joystiq343 Industries worries 'constantly' about Halo oversaturation originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industrieshalomicrosoftThu, 05 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: First screens, details for Halo Reach leaked]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/rumor-first-screens-details-for-halo-reach-leaked/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/rumor-first-screens-details-for-halo-reach-leaked/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/rumor-first-screens-details-for-halo-reach-leaked/#comments MLG forum user (and MS Paint fanatic) ToM MoReLLo claims to have played Halo: Reach, and was somehow able to nab multiple blurry screenshots of the game as evidence. Now, when we say blurry we mean blurry. In fact, the classic images of Bigfoot were of higher quality than some of these screens. Perhaps our natural skepticism is taking over, but we're taking these images with a rather large grain of salt.

As for details, the forum post claims Reach will feature squad-based combat and perks, similar to that of Modern Warfare. Squad-based mechanics certainly make sense, considering former Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter creative director Christian Allen joined Bungie in 2007. But again, grain of salt.

Halo: Reach -- Bungie's final title in the Halo universe -- is expected to ship in 2010. Microsoft has yet to reply to our request for a comment on the images.

[Via Shacknews & NeoGAF]

JoystiqRumor: First screens, details for Halo Reach leaked originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesbungiegrain-of-salthalohalo-reachleakmicrosoft-game-studiosrumorThu, 05 Nov 2009 18:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest Split/Second trailer blows up buildings, gigantic boats]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/latest-split-second-trailer-blows-up-buildings-gigantic-boats/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/latest-split-second-trailer-blows-up-buildings-gigantic-boats/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/latest-split-second-trailer-blows-up-buildings-gigantic-boats/#comments Split/Second isn't like most racing games -- this much you already know. Like most racers, it has the super-fast cars, tight turns and limited slip differentials, but you can't take down whole buildings mid-race in most games in the genre. In fact, you can't blow up huge boats, either. Basically, it's like Burnout, except the world around you is the thing that gets smashed into bits.

All of that (and more) happens in the very brief glimpse of gameplay above. Enjoy!

JoystiqLatest Split/Second trailer blows up buildings, gigantic boats originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-rockblack-rock-studiosdisneyracingsplit-secondThu, 05 Nov 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Buy this real-life Halo Mongoose]]>http://xbox.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/buy-this-real-life-halo-mongoose/http://xbox.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/buy-this-real-life-halo-mongoose/http://xbox.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/buy-this-real-life-halo-mongoose/#comments Boy, we've seen a lot of real-life custom Halo vehicles lately. First there was a tiny, completely huggable Warthog, then a full-size Warthog and now we've got a working, custom Mongoose. The vehicle was spotted on Craigslist and, according to the seller, it was originally used as part of a Halo 3 launch event. A modified 2007 Kawasaki KFX 700 ATV, the seller claims it was won in a drawing, but now he has to sell it. If you could use a "mint condition" Mongoose -- and have $9000 laying around -- this baby can be all yours.

Once you pick it up, all you'll need is a buddy and a (Nerf) rocket launcher and you've got instant good times.

[Via HBO]

Joystiq XboxBuy this real-life Halo Mongoose originally appeared on Joystiq Xbox on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>culturehalomodsmongooseThu, 05 Nov 2009 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA['About 50%' of Lego Rock Band team was against the game concept]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/about-50-of-lego-rock-band-team-was-against-the-game-concept/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/about-50-of-lego-rock-band-team-was-against-the-game-concept/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/about-50-of-lego-rock-band-team-was-against-the-game-concept/#comments
"omg they're selling out. they are humpin' the cash cow like activision has been till shes dried up . they're gonna beat the rock band name to a pulp until we are absolutely sick and tired of instrument rhythm games." -fffunfarm06

"I'm so sick of these corny games. All of you people should just learn to play with REAL Legos." -Troy Powers

LEGO Rock Band's very existence is something that both the Joystiq staff and community couldn't help but question. However, animator Matt Palmer revealed that developer TT Fusion also had doubts about the bizarre collaboration. "I know people were saying, 'Oh, they're flogging a Lego license again,'" he recalled during a Develop panel. "I'd say about 50 percent of our studio were for the idea, and about 50 percent were against it."

Considering the game actually came out (this week!), it's apparent that the team eventually banded together to finish the project. Why the change of heart, though? "Many of us started realizing that we weren't just skinning one franchise on another," Palmer explained, noting the need to hand animate the blocky Lego celebrity characters to capture their various "signature styles." That's ... something. Right?

Joystiq'About 50%' of Lego Rock Band team was against the game concept originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>legolego-rock-bandrock-bandtravelers-talestt-fusionThu, 05 Nov 2009 15:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Quest IX is Q3's top-selling game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/dragon-quest-ix-is-q3s-top-selling-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/dragon-quest-ix-is-q3s-top-selling-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/dragon-quest-ix-is-q3s-top-selling-game/#commentsDespite the handicap of not being for sale in most of the world, Dragon Quest IX for the DS sold more copies than any other game in the world between July and September of this year, according to a Top Global Markets report. With 3,925,000 copies sold in Japan, it outsold the number two best-selling game for that period, Wii Sports Resort, by almost 1,000,000 copies -- and that game was available worldwide.

Following Wii Sports Resort in the top five: Madden NFL 2010 at 2,612,000, Pokemon HeartGold And SoulSilver at 2,068,000, and Halo 3: ODST, which was only out for a week in Q3, at 1,847,000 copies. All these games have plenty more sales ahead of them as the holidays approach!

JoystiqDragon Quest IX is Q3's top-selling game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragon-quest-ixhalo-3-odstmadden-10pokemon-heart-goldq3-2009salestop-global-marketsThu, 05 Nov 2009 15:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Confirmed: Car-bashing bonus stage returns in Super Street Fighter IV]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/car-bashing-bonus-stage-in-super-street-fighter-iv/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/car-bashing-bonus-stage-in-super-street-fighter-iv/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/car-bashing-bonus-stage-in-super-street-fighter-iv/#comments
After scans from Famitsu all but confirmed it, Capcom today revealed that the crescendo of humanity vs. his own creations - car bashing - will return in Super Street Fighter IV. Though the image of Juri above is all we're offered by Capcom-Unity for now, various Capcom staff Twitter accounts lead us to believe we'll be hearing more about this bonus stage next week. In the meantime, we've dropped an excellent video of John Cleese beating up a car with a stick for you just after the break. You're welcome.

Continue reading Confirmed: Car-bashing bonus stage returns in Super Street Fighter IV

JoystiqConfirmed: Car-bashing bonus stage returns in Super Street Fighter IV originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonus-stagecapcomcar-bashingfightingjurimini-gamesfivssfivstreet-fighterstreet-fighter-ivsuper-street-fighter-ivThu, 05 Nov 2009 15:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Encleverment Experiment begins on XBLA Nov. 11]]>http://xbox.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/encleverment-experiment-begins-on-xbla-nov-11/http://xbox.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/encleverment-experiment-begins-on-xbla-nov-11/http://xbox.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/encleverment-experiment-begins-on-xbla-nov-11/#commentsAside from being a pretty cool name for a band, Encleverment Experiment is a new Xbox Live Arcade game from Blitz Arcade. Debuting on Wednesday, November 11th, the Avatar-supporting bout of brainage offers 16 different minigames and puzzles, including word searches, mathematical exercises and odd-one-out type things. Thankfully, the difficulty can be toned down from difficult (for adults) to something quite a bit easier (for children or bloggers).

If you're keen to enroll in "Professor Ivor Question's mental faculty," it'll cost you 800 points ($10). As an early test of your skill, see if you can count how many puns there were between the quotation marks.

Highlight for solution: 19. Look closely.

Gallery: Encleverment Experiment (XBLA)

Joystiq XboxEncleverment Experiment begins on XBLA Nov. 11 originally appeared on Joystiq Xbox on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blitz-arcadeencleverment-experimentquizxblaThu, 05 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Collectors, and the enemies of Mass Effect 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/the-collectors-and-the-enemies-of-mass-effect-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/the-collectors-and-the-enemies-of-mass-effect-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/the-collectors-and-the-enemies-of-mass-effect-2/#comments Here are some of the creatures that will be wiping out humanity in Mass Effect 2:
  • Collectors - an insect-like race, controlled by a single leader, that has access to the technology that "no one else in the galaxy" has. They can paralyze humans, and according to the video dev diary above, can abduct entire colonies. Oh, and they have beam weapons.
  • Abominations - Husks from the first Mass Effect, but now on fire and 100-percent more suicide bomber-y.
  • Scions - Three transformed human beings that have been grafted together onto a weapon. Essentially, super-zombies. With guns.
  • Batorians - A "flying suit of armor" apparently made of thirty Husks that can "obliterate everything."
The Geth will also make a return in Mass Effect 2. Legion, a Geth that has gained sentience, will hunt the player through the adventure, and it'll be up to you to figure out why. Provided your Commander Shepard, um, doesn't die first.

JoystiqThe Collectors, and the enemies of Mass Effect 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredev-diarymass-effectmass-effect-2videoThu, 05 Nov 2009 14:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo Legends Blu-ray dated Feb. 9, 2010; perfect fanboy storm approaches]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/halo-legends-blu-ray-dated-feb-9-2010-perfect-fanboy-storm-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/halo-legends-blu-ray-dated-feb-9-2010-perfect-fanboy-storm-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/halo-legends-blu-ray-dated-feb-9-2010-perfect-fanboy-storm-a/#comments A year ago, the following sentence would have been absolutely, totally, and in all other ways inconceivable: The Blu-ray edition of the Halo Legends anime project is scheduled for release on February 9, 2010. The impossible union of Halo and Blu-ray will not only arrive on the same day as the DVD release, but it will also contain an exclusive overview of the series through the events of Halo 3. As Blu-ray.com risibly puts it, "Soon you'll be able to play Halo on your PS3."

Now, we'd like to think that this generation of consoles is far enough along that this news won't ruffle any fanboy feathers. Then again, we'd also like to think that HD DVD, in all its awesomeness, is poised for a comeback. Just remember, Halo fans, Blu-ray discs are not your enemy. Cliffhangers are.

JoystiqHalo Legends Blu-ray dated Feb. 9, 2010; perfect fanboy storm approaches originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesblu-raydvdhalohalo-legendsrelease-datewarnerwarner-brosThu, 05 Nov 2009 14:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Sam Fisher uses Krav Maga martial art, according to Splinter Cell Conviction dev diary]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/sam-fisher-uses-krav-maga-martial-art-according-to-splinter-cel/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/sam-fisher-uses-krav-maga-martial-art-according-to-splinter-cel/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/sam-fisher-uses-krav-maga-martial-art-according-to-splinter-cel/#comments "We had to find a martial art that fits the characters and the situations he would find himself in," animation director Gilles Monteil tells us in this new dev diary for Splinter Cell Conviction. "We needed something very quick, efficient and brutal -- something without any rules. That's why we chose Krav Maga."

"Krav Maga is not a big flashy martial art," game designer Steve Masters adds, which may explain its relative obscurity. Turning to Wikipedia, we discover it has its origins in street fighting and literally means "close combat" in Hebrew, and that the Israeli Defense Force and Special Forces use the martial art to this day. Apparently, stabbing someone in the hand is kosher in a form that has "no rules."

JoystiqSam Fisher uses Krav Maga martial art, according to Splinter Cell Conviction dev diary originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>badass-the-gamedev-diarykrav-magasam-fishersplinter-cellsplinter-cell-convictionubisoftvideoThu, 05 Nov 2009 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Civil War breaks out on XBLM, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 demo released]]>http://xbox.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/civil-war-breaks-out-on-xblm-marvel-ultimate-alliance-2-demo-re/http://xbox.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/civil-war-breaks-out-on-xblm-marvel-ultimate-alliance-2-demo-re/http://xbox.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/civil-war-breaks-out-on-xblm-marvel-ultimate-alliance-2-demo-re/#comments If this Thursday finds you in a superheroic mood, a recent addition to the Xbox Live Marketplace might just serve as an excellent outlet for you to dish out some costumed justice. Major Nelson recently confirmed that a demo for Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 has been added to the service. Sure, it's a bit tardy, considering the game came out nearly two months ago. Still, we'll happily accept any free opportunities we can get to pretend to be Gambit for a few minutes. We kin' try talkin' like dis', ma cherie, but ... well, it doesn't really cut it.

Joystiq XboxCivil War breaks out on XBLM, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 demo released originally appeared on Joystiq Xbox on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondemomarketplacemarvelMarvel-Ultimate-Alliance-2super-heroxblmThu, 05 Nov 2009 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Terminal Reality seeking programmers for 'seriously high-quality' Natal project]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/terminal-reality-seeking-programmers-for-seriously-high-quality/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/terminal-reality-seeking-programmers-for-seriously-high-quality/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/terminal-reality-seeking-programmers-for-seriously-high-quality/#comments Wait a minute. Now we're confused. We thought one of the major development incentives for joining the motion revolution was to conserve resources in the production department. When your players are busy flailing and flapping -- surging with euphoric endorphins -- they don't exactly notice that you've scaled back on the fancy schmancy rendering and physics; all that excessive cutting edge tech. Heck, they'd barely notice if you repurposed and resold them a game you'd made 5 years ago.

Motion control, man, it's about getting back to our roots -- a simpler time -- when games were, like, about connecting with our bodies, you know? So when we caught wind of a job opportunity posted by Ghostbusters developer Terminal Reality and calling for experienced Xbox Live programmers to create "an exciting AAA Natal title," we were sorta like, whoa, guys, you're kinda missing the point.

Check this: "If you have a passion to create seriously high-quality action/adventure titles, we're interested in hearing from you!" Really ... passion? That makes it sound like there will be sweat involved -- that's the players' job now. You guys gotta dial it down, maybe dig up some of that old BloodRayne code, put a little "kick-punch-slap" control in there ... Save. Press. Box. Ship. Done.

[Via Shogun Gamer; thanks, Ian]

JoystiqTerminal Reality seeking programmers for 'seriously high-quality' Natal project originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaajobsnatalproject-natalterminal-realitytrixbox-liveThu, 05 Nov 2009 12:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Friday deals for Kmart and Sears revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/black-friday-deals-for-kmart-and-sears-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/black-friday-deals-for-kmart-and-sears-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/black-friday-deals-for-kmart-and-sears-revealed/#comments And there it is. The first shot across the bow. The first salvo of sweet - yet brief! - holiday sales offers. The first indication that, yes, the day after Thanksgiving is going to be Hell for retailers once more. Behold: The video game-related Black Friday sales selections of Kmart and Sears, which we've posted after the jump. Please avoid trampling one another as you make your way down there.

Here's a few big ticket items: Kmart's offering a free copy of Halo 3: ODST with the purchase of every Xbox 360 Elite, and both stores are cutting prices on a ton of big-ticket games (L4D2, Dragon Age, Brutal Legend) by $20. November 27 is going to be a long, long day, friends.

[Via GamerDeals]

Continue reading Black Friday deals for Kmart and Sears revealed

JoystiqBlack Friday deals for Kmart and Sears revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-fridayblack-friday-2009holidaykmartsalessearsThu, 05 Nov 2009 11:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Card-based Madden Ultimate Team mode coming in January]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/card-based-madden-ultimate-team-mode-coming-in-january/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/card-based-madden-ultimate-team-mode-coming-in-january/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/card-based-madden-ultimate-team-mode-coming-in-january/#comments
Click to open the foil wrapper on a giant version.
Well, this is a rarity: A sports game mode that's too nerdy even for us. When "Madden Ultimate Team" mode comes to Madden 10 on 360 and PS3 for free in January, you'll collect packs of cards (or buy them via the in-game store) and use those cards to compose a fantasy team, customizing everything from your head coach and stadium to your plays and players. You can then pit your ultimate team against those of other players or the CPU. Think fantasy football mixed with ... well, let's be honest, Pokemon.

Wow guys, really? Collectible card game battling? We thought Madden players were supposed to be the cool ones, but you're getting into some really noogie-prone territory here.

JoystiqCard-based Madden Ultimate Team mode coming in January originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcEAea-sportsmaddenmadden-10madden-ultimate-teamThu, 05 Nov 2009 10:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Possible free Lego Rock Band with $20 Old Navy purchase on Black Friday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/possible-free-lego-rock-band-with-20-old-navy-purchase-on-black/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/possible-free-lego-rock-band-with-20-old-navy-purchase-on-black/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/possible-free-lego-rock-band-with-20-old-navy-purchase-on-black/#commentsWe're going to approach this scanned Old Navy Black Friday ad with as much skepticism as we can muster, both because there are a lot of variables and because we, personally, are trying to convince ourselves not to join the Black Friday crowds at Old Navy, of all places.

According to the ad, the retailer will be offering free "Lego Rock Band video games" with purchases of $20 or greater on Friday, November 27. "Your preferred platform may not be available," the ad warns, presumably due to limited overall supply. We're wary that it could be a demo or something like that, but the fact that Old Navy will also be selling Rock Band 2 bundles, and giving away guitar controllers with said bundles, makes this doorbuster deal seem more likely. But it's still crazy to hand out a $50 video game with $20 worth of clothes.

If you want to check it out for yourself, Old Navy stores will be open at 3AM that day. Have fun!

[Thanks, Kneon!]

JoystiqPossible free Lego Rock Band with $20 Old Navy purchase on Black Friday originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-friday-2009dealslego-rock-bandrock-bandThu, 05 Nov 2009 09:35:00 EST<![CDATA[EA announces Mass Effect 2 Collector's Edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/ea-announces-mass-effect-2-collectors-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/ea-announces-mass-effect-2-collectors-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/ea-announces-mass-effect-2-collectors-edition/#commentsDo you want your copy of Mass Effect 2 to have more mass? EA has you covered with the newly announced Mass Effect 2 Collector's Edition, available for $69.99 on Xbox 360 and $59.99 on PC. It includes pretty much what you'd expect from a collector's edition: a tin box, an art book, a DVD with making-of footage, and Issue 1 of the Mass Effect: Redemption comic. It also includes some unique weapons and armor for the game that are limited to this package.

Of course, if you've bought Dragon Age's collector's edition, this will be the second set of exclusive Mass Effect items you'll have earned from fancy game boxes! Mass Effect 2 (and this classy variant) will be out January 26 in North America and January 29 in Europe. Check out the full box art and the armor in our gallery.

JoystiqEA announces Mass Effect 2 Collector's Edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecollectors-editioneamass-effect-2rpgThu, 05 Nov 2009 09:05:00 EST