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Don't blame EA for Dragon Age's inventory (or paid DLC)

by Xav de Matos { Nov 4th 2009 at 9:00PM }

In a written response to allegations from Fidgit that Electronic Arts had forced developer BioWare to remove features in Dragon Age: Origins with the intention of selling it as future DLC, BioWare lead systems designer Georg Zoeller says the parent company has "nothing" to do with the decision. At the crux of the argument is the game's launch DLC, Warden's Keep, which gives players a "storage chest" to help expand the in-game inventory, among other additions. Fidgit claims the DLC was pre-planned to "bilk users for more money."

According to Zoeller, Dragon Age originally featured a small storage chest in the game's party camp, but quickly became an issue due to story elements in the game that would change the camp's environment; so the storage area was removed. "We decided that it was not really necessary anyway since the item limitation was rather generous compared to the initial designs at least," Zoeller wrote. Later -- during a brainstorm session -- the team decided to include the chest in premium DLC, which was then made available at launch.

Zoeller claims "storage limitations" were never pinpointed as problems by the game's quality assurance team, because "after all, it was part of the design." While the Bioware designer doesn't have an issue with anger toward the decision, he vehemently denies EA was involved for the sole purpose of getting more money out of players. With the DLC already available across all platforms (560

/ $7, or free to deluxe edition players), it's up to players to make their opinions heard by voting with their wallets.

Fairytale Fights DLC free for first 90 days with online registration

by Ben Gilbert { Oct 28th 2009 at 12:01AM }

Playlogic Entertainment's Fairytale Fights may have just been released today in North America, but the game's developer is wasting no time at all in kinda, sorta announcing the first downloadable content. We say "kinda, sorta" because the promised four "new playable characters" and three "new PvP arenas" aren't detailed whatsoever in the press release. Instead, Playlogic opted to announce the DLC with the promise that those who sign up on the Fairytale Fights website will receive a code giving them free access to the digitally-distributed content.

The various content is alleged to be "valued at over $15," so it would serve you wisely to snag your free code if you have any interest whatsoever in picking up a copy of the game. Hell, even if you're renting, free is free, right? And hey, at least "part of" the DLC will be exclusive to those who register online. Seems like a no-brainer to us.

Gallery: Fairytale Fights

Operation Flashpoint patch coming alongside first DLC

by Xav de Matos { Oct 21st 2009 at 10:25PM }

Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising is set to receive a network optimization patch alongside the game's first DLC at the end of October, according to executive producer Sion Lenton. In an interview with Eurogamer, Lenton said the team at Codemasters has planned for more downloadable content, but has yet to decide what the new content will be.

"It's not a lot of fuss for us to make new content - it's actually quite easy for us to get it out there, with regards to things like levels, game modes, etc," Lenton said. What is being fussed about are the bevy of balance issues players of the military shooter have vocalized on the game's official forum. According to Lenton, the upcoming patch is set to make the game "flow a bit better." The patch comes at a good time, hoping to catch players before they "flow" directly into that other military shooter launching in November.

Gallery: Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising

Marvel.com spotlights upcoming Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 sim missions, Psylocke

by Xav de Matos { Oct 21st 2009 at 7:25PM }

In a recent blog post, Marvel.com spotlights upcoming downloadable content for the superhero action title Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2, which will add simulation missions and the previously Wii- and PS2-exclusive character Psylocke to the game. According to Marvel Games Intern Randy Ma, the katana-wielding "ninja babe" -- his awkward words, not ours -- is a welcome addition to the HD version of the game, giving Jean Grey's mind powers "a run for her money."

In the spotlight, Marvel also reveals tidbits of information for two of the game's upcoming simulation missions. Insidious Alliance pits players against some of the universe's toughest bosses in an arena-style match and adds an achievement/trophy for defeating the mission without using any health canisters, perfect for gaming masochists. According to scenario designer Mark Webster, the mission Balance is an homage to classic 2.5D brawlers like (get this!) the original X-Men arcade titles. More DLC news is expected in the coming weeks.

[Update: Corrected quote attribution]

Gallery: Psylocke in Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2

Former XBLA manager gives tips on creating downloadable games

by Griffin McElroy { Oct 5th 2009 at 5:29PM }

Do you want to listen to someone talk about video games for about an hour, but you're too impatient to wait for the next Joystiq Podcast? GamerBytes has a really interesting video you might want to check out -- especially if you're currently in the process of developing the next world-changing downloadable title for Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network or WiiWare.

Melbourne, Australia recently played host to the Digital Distribution Summit, where a number of industry figures and successful independent developers came together to discuss the future of downloadable gaming. One of the most interesting segments (and the subject of the aforementioned video) was the keynote speech delivered by former worldwide XBLA portfolio manager David Edery. To learn how to fund, pitch and create the next Braid, Trials HD or I MAED A GAM3 W1TH ZOMBIES 1N IT!!!1, check out Edery's entire speech after the jump.

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Earth Defense Table DLC available for Pinball FX

by Xav de Matos { Sep 22nd 2009 at 2:15PM }

To take advantage of its limited-time reduced price, Zen Studios has released new DLC for Pinball FX. The "Earth Defense Table" (not pictured) runs gamers 240

($3 US) and throws pinball fans in the middle of an alien invasion. Thankfully, these aliens have poor navigation skills and did not realize attacking Earth from within a virtual steel box would be considered a poor strategic decision.

Shortcut: Add the Earth Defense Table (240

) to your Xbox Queue

[Via Aeropause]

September brings The Postal Service, Rihanna DLC to Lips

by Xav de Matos { Sep 5th 2009 at 3:00PM }

Fall is coming and Microsoft has revealed September's list of Lips DLC to keep gamers away from the upcoming cold front. This month brings new tracks from Rihanna, The Postal Service, The Bravery and Panic At the Disco, among others. If September's list of DLC isn't enough, October brings the release of the new retail title, Lips: Number One Hits. If you're looking for a new tune to belt out during those cold nights, the Lips franchise has you covered. Wait ... that sounds weird.

Available on now:
"We Will Become Silhouettes" by The Postal Service
"Shut Up and Drive" by Rihanna

September 11:
"Everything About You" by Ugly Kid Joe
"Such Great Heights" by The Postal Service

September 18:
"Sometime Around Midnight" by The Airborne Toxic Event
"Nine In The Afternoon" by Panic! At The Disco

September 25:
"An Honest Mistake" by The Bravery
"You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet" by Bachman Turner Overdrive

US SingStore adds Blondie, individual Coldplay tracks

by Xav de Matos { Aug 31st 2009 at 6:00PM }

Brace your faces, karaoke fans -- SingStar's US store has added even more content to help you sing the night away. This week the US SingStore has added a Blondie song pack comprised of five hits from the 70s-80s phenom as well as individual Coldplay tracks, originally released together as a package a few months ago.

The store is also adding a few international flavors with tracks from (the awesome) Los Delinquentes with fellow Spanish star Bebe and Portugal's ironically named (because he's totally not a giant) Sir Giant. Full track listing can be found after the break.

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Fallout 3 DLC Trophies show up in player profiles

by Xav de Matos { Aug 30th 2009 at 4:30PM }

New trophies tied to the downloadable content for Fallout 3 have appeared on player profiles recently, leading some to ~~pray with all their might~~ believe Bethesda could release the content early. Originally planned for a late-June release, the first of Fallout 3's DLC was delayed by Bethesda to the "end of September." Whether the appearance of the trophies signify an early release for the DLC or not, it appears the content is just around the corner for those clamoring for an excuse to revisit the Wasteland.

Whenever it releases, the first downloadable content for the PlayStation 3 version of Fallout 3 will be the level-raising adventure 'Broken Steel' -- originally the third DLC pack for Xbox 360 users. If Fallout 3 has yet to make its way into your library and you're the inquisitive type, you can check out the new trophy listing [via Kotaku] after the break.

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Guitar Hero 5 DLC not compatible with World Tour

by Xav de Matos { Aug 23rd 2009 at 8:30PM }

While original Rock Band owners were given the luxury to continue to buy new tracks for the music title even after the release of its sequel, Guitar Hero fans won't be given the same option when Guitar Hero 5 lands on store shelves. An Activision representative told Destructoid that DLC for the upcoming Guitar Hero 5 will not be compatible with Guitar Hero: World Tour.

According to the Activision rep, Guitar Hero 5 DLC will be compatible with future titles in the franchise, but "advancements and innovations" made to the upcoming music title do not allow for tracks to be backwards compatible with World Tour. Don't light the torches and grab the pitchforks just yet though, the same reason has been given for The Beatles: Rock Band's inability to work with previous versions of the game.

Thankfully, Activision has already confirmed tracks from Guitar Hero: World Tour will be compatible with Guitar Hero 5 via an in-game importing process -- which adds new features such as band moments, expert+ drumming and the new vocal star power to older tracks.

[Via 1UP]

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen DLC goes old school

by Xav de Matos { Aug 23rd 2009 at 6:30PM }

On August 27, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen will receive a map and character combo DLC pack, which includes first generation models of some of your favorite Autobots and Decepticons. The Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Character and Map Pack Plus DLC includes eight brand-new playable characters, three new character skins, three multiplayer maps and an "Expert" difficulty setting for the game's single-player campaign.

The DLC -- which also adds new achievements and trophies to the game -- will be available for 800

on the Xbox Live Marketplace and $9.99 on the PlayStation Store. If only the pack added Weird Al Yankovic's "Dare to be Stupid" to the game's soundtrack, it truly would be an old school content pack. A detailed list of the DLC can be found after the break.

Gallery: Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen DLC characters

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First batch of Xbox 'Games on Demand' titles revealed [update]

by Griffin McElroy { Aug 5th 2009 at 12:00PM }

Can't be bothered to drag yourself to the nearest brick-and-mortar to pick up your Xbox 360 games? Don't worry, you won't be penalized for your sloth -- this coming Tuesday, the first batch of 21 titles will be added to the Games on Demand service, a new feature in the anticipated dashboard update. There are no costs attached to these titles yet, but Microsoft says they'll be similar in price to their tangible counterparts.

We've got the full list of games posted after the break -- highlights include Mass Effect, Assassin's Creed, Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, and ... Viva Piñata. What? We love ambulatory piñatas! Deal with it.

Update: Turns out the initial list we got our hands on was for the European territories. We thought it was weird Bioshock wasn't on there! We've got the full list of 24 (!) games coming to the States posted after the jump.

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Burn Zombie Burn to get DLC, lights up Home with new space

by Xav de Matos { Jul 31st 2009 at 12:30PM }

PlayStation Home is getting another themed space, this time promoting the recently PSN exclusive Burn Zombie Burn. According to doublesix senior games designer Ollie Barder, the BZB Home space will a feature a maze populated with brain-munching zombies and will be placed within a graveyard, so players can frolic with the undead. Bigger than that, BZB is getting a dose of DLC with two new levels taking place in space (it's the final frontier, by the way). Release information or price for the DLC was not revealed. Check out a trailer of the new alien abduction-themed levels after the break.

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WipEout HD expansion in final testing

by Xav de Matos { Jul 9th 2009 at 1:30PM }

According to the PlayStation Europe Blog, WipEout HD's upcoming game-altering DLC, entitled Fury, is in final QA testing. Answering a short list of questions submitted by blog regulars, WipEout HD game director Tony Buckley and producer Paul Tweedle noted the expansion was in the "final phase" of testing and promised release information would be announced (via the PlayStation Blog) after it completes the process. Fury is set to add a laundry list of content, including 8 tracks, 13 ship models and 3 game modes, to the popular anti-grav racer.

[Via CVG]

SOCOM: Confrontation DLC available later this summer

by Xav de Matos { Jul 1st 2009 at 4:00PM }

SOCOM: Confrontation will soon join the DLC fold, with new content scheduled to drop later this summer. While details on the new content are slim, the game's official site promises more information will be made available in the upcoming weeks. What we do know is the content will include a new area of operation, a new game mode, along with new maps (teased in the tiny image above), characters, weapons and attachments.

Audiophiles will also be happy to hear the game's music will be updated and players can select a new voice-over when the content arrives. Now that SOCOM: Confrontation has evolved beyond its original feature-sparse retail release, we're excited for new ways to get tactical on our online enemies.