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 2010 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Street Fighter IV hits Games on Demand]]>http://xbox.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/street-fighter-iv-hits-games-on-demand/http://xbox.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/street-fighter-iv-hits-games-on-demand/http://xbox.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/street-fighter-iv-hits-games-on-demand/#comments We get it. The outside world is far too dangerous to traverse just for video games. There are, like, bees and stuff out there. That's why we have things like Amazon and Games on Demand. The latest coming to the latter is Capcom's new Platinum Hits title, Street Fighter IV.

At $30, it's the tamest you'll ever see final boss Seth -- this could be your best bet at having some semblance of self-esteem.

Shorcut: Add Street Fighter IV to your download queue [Xbox.com]

Joystiq XboxStreet Fighter IV hits Games on Demand originally appeared on Joystiq Xbox on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomfightinggames-on-demandstreet-fighter-ivTue, 09 Feb 2010 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock 2 Avatar items come to Xbox Live]]>http://xbox.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/bioshock-2-avatar-items-come-to-xbox-live/http://xbox.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/bioshock-2-avatar-items-come-to-xbox-live/http://xbox.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/bioshock-2-avatar-items-come-to-xbox-live/#comments The following comes to us from the BioShock Wiki:

"Big Daddies are genetically-enhanced human beings who have had their skin and organs grafted into an enormous diving suit. The candidates also go through voice box modification and pheromone application. They are then placed in large vats with a substance that effectively turns them into mindless drones. With gene splicing, the humans inside the suits were given enhanced strength and agility."

... Or they could have just paid 320 points ($4) on Xbox Live. Jeez, we guess Andrew Ryan wasn't so smart after all. (Related note: If you spend $4 on a Big Daddy costume for your Avatar, you are, legally speaking, no longer entitled to the sweat of your own brow. Sorry.)

Joystiq XboxBioShock 2 Avatar items come to Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq Xbox on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesandrew-ryanavatar-marketplaceavatarsbioshockbioshock-2Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Ferrari Racing Pack exclusive to Need for Speed: Shift on 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/ferrari-racing-pack-exclusive-to-need-for-speed-shift-on-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/ferrari-racing-pack-exclusive-to-need-for-speed-shift-on-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/ferrari-racing-pack-exclusive-to-need-for-speed-shift-on-360/#comments After a seven year absence, the Ferrari brand is returning to Need for Speed, albeit in an anti-climatic comeback for true Ferrari fans like ourselves. First, the facts: On February 16, those who own Need for Speed: Shift on 360 will be able to get 10 cars from the venerable manufacturer for 800 points ($10) -- we've got the full list for you after the break.

It's an okay list, but there are some glaring omissions. Where, for example, is the 2006 Ferrari X734 or the X744? Where's the 2008 Ferrari Sesquiderro? Where's the 1898 Ferrari X78 Horse or the 1962 Ferrari Old-Timey Ice Cream Truck? Should the fact that these are cars we made up in attempt at humorously masking our ignorance of all things automotive just eliminate them from consideration? Without so much as a second thought? PS3 owners, it may have seemed that you were being slighted, but you can count yourself lucky that you've been spared this travesty of justice.

Continue reading Ferrari Racing Pack exclusive to Need for Speed: Shift on 360

JoystiqFerrari Racing Pack exclusive to Need for Speed: Shift on 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlceaferrarineed-for-speedneed-for-speed-shiftracingTue, 09 Feb 2010 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Producers: Final Fantasy XIII will 'resurrect' Japanese game industry]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/producers-final-fantasy-xiii-will-resurrect-japanese-game-ind/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/producers-final-fantasy-xiii-will-resurrect-japanese-game-ind/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/producers-final-fantasy-xiii-will-resurrect-japanese-game-ind/#comments
Final Fantasy XIII may not be out in North America and Europe yet, but the development team is in full "victory lap" mode in Japan. At least, that's how it seemed when noted industry figure Jem Alexander interviewed producer Yoshinori Kitase and director Motomu Toriyama for the European PlayStation Blog. Asked about the state of the Japanese game industry, the two (no individual attribution was given to the speakers) said that FFXIII was going to fix it.

"Some people have been saying that the Japanese game industry is dead, and all that... I dunno," the creative lead said. "I will say that Final Fantasy XIII is one really epic title for high definition consoles. With this game, we are going to resurrect the whole thing." And then they immediately moved from boastful to confusing: "As for Western games that have influenced us - FPSs mostly. The Call of Duty series, for example." Influenced their desire to sell a lot of copies, maybe?

The team also suggested elsewhere in the interview that God of War Collection-style remakes of previous Final Fantasy titles are unlikely. And, while they didn't outright deny DLC (which is looking more and more likely), they said that material or ideas originally left out won't be put back in as DLC.

JoystiqProducers: Final Fantasy XIII will 'resurrect' Japanese game industry originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-xiiimotomu-toriyamarpgsquare-enixyoshinori-kitaseTue, 09 Feb 2010 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier to be present Holiday 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/tom-clancys-ghost-recon-future-soldier-to-be-present-holiday-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/tom-clancys-ghost-recon-future-soldier-to-be-present-holiday-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/tom-clancys-ghost-recon-future-soldier-to-be-present-holiday-2/#comments Or, it'll be a Holiday 2010 present, depending on how heavily you drop those hints and how desirable you find Ghost Recon: Future Soldier's "cutting-edge technology, prototype high-tech weaponry, and state-of-the-art single-player and multiplayer modes." Developed by the GRAW veterans at Ubisoft Paris, Future Soldier promises to "go beyond the core Ghost Recon franchise and deliver a fresh gameplay experience, with an unparalleled level of quality that will excite long-time fans and newcomers alike." Yes, this is definitely from a press release.

A multiplayer beta is scheduled to start in Summer 2010, with invitations tied to another of Ubisoft's freshened franchises, Splinter Cell: Conviction (which is but a stone's throw away from release). The offer is currently extended only to the Xbox 360 version of Conviction -- and aside from Microsoft's system, no platforms have been explicitly mentioned in Future Soldier's announcement. He's from the future, so Facebook is a likely candidate.

Update: According to one of Ubisoft's Twitter accounts, the "same experience, same development team and same release date" will be coming to PlayStation 3. Ubisoft's Kimi Matsuzaki also noted that PC details would come "later."

JoystiqTom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier to be present Holiday 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 06:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ghost-reconghost-recon-future-soldiertom-clancytom-clancys-ghost-recon-future-soldierubisoftubisoft-parisTue, 09 Feb 2010 06:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft: EndWar sequel on hold]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/ubisoft-endwar-sequel-on-hold/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/ubisoft-endwar-sequel-on-hold/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/ubisoft-endwar-sequel-on-hold/#comments The news, as presented in EndWar voice-command style:

-- VG247, report, EndWar sequel, halted.

-- Ubisoft, elaborate, "on the backburner."

-- Joystiq, clarify, "on the backburner?"

*END TRANSMISSION*

JoystiqUbisoft: EndWar sequel on hold originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>end-warendwarmichael-de-platertom-clancys-endwarubisoftTue, 09 Feb 2010 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mega64 talks Mass Effect 2 sex censorship]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/mega64-talks-mass-effect-2-sex-censorship/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/mega64-talks-mass-effect-2-sex-censorship/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/mega64-talks-mass-effect-2-sex-censorship/#comments We're pretty sure that the new Mass Effect 2-centric video from Mega64 that you'll find after the break is pretty funny. The crew seems to be grilling everyday citizens on censorship, specifically relating to all the xenofornication going down aboard the Normandy.

We say "pretty sure" and "seems" because ... well, we can't watch this sort of thing with the sound on because it makes us too uncomfortable. There, we said it out loud. That means we also have no idea if the language in the video is safe for work, since we can't hear it. Let's just play it safe and assume it's not, OK?

Continue reading Mega64 talks Mass Effect 2 sex censorship

JoystiqMega64 talks Mass Effect 2 sex censorship originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaremass-effect-2mega64Tue, 09 Feb 2010 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Former EyeToy exec warns of the difficulties facing Natal, 'Arc']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/former-eyetoy-exec-warns-of-the-difficulties-facing-natal-arc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/former-eyetoy-exec-warns-of-the-difficulties-facing-natal-arc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/former-eyetoy-exec-warns-of-the-difficulties-facing-natal-arc/#comments In a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Jamie MacDonald, former Vice President of Sony Worldwide Studios (the company responsible for EyeToy), gave out a few pointers to Sony and Microsoft regarding their respective motion controllers. MacDonald warned that gamers are expecting more from the 360 and PS3's motion gaming than they do from the Wii, due to both consoles' beefier hardware. However, he also warned about implementing "traditional long-form gameplay," lengthy sessions of which would leave players "completely knackered."

MacDonald's wisest words came when speaking about pricing the two pieces of hardware. He suggested they follow Sony's strategy with EyeToy, where the peripheral and a piece of software came bundled for the price of a normal game, which kept consumers from "paying a premium for the hardware." That's a sweet thought, but it's a little presumptive -- after all, we've yet to hear a price for the two devices. (Hell, we haven't even heard a name for one of them.)

JoystiqFormer EyeToy exec warns of the difficulties facing Natal, 'Arc' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eyetoyjamie-macdonaldmicrosoftnatalplaystation-arcplaystation-arc-motion-controllerplaystation-motion-controllerproject-natalsonyMon, 08 Feb 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA: Rock Band deal with Viacom only through March 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/ea-rock-band-deal-with-viacom-only-through-fiscal-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/ea-rock-band-deal-with-viacom-only-through-fiscal-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/ea-rock-band-deal-with-viacom-only-through-fiscal-2010/#commentsIf you're wondering where Rock Band 3 is, a year and a half after Rock Band 2 and five months after the launch of The Beatles: Rock Band, it seems EA isn't sure it's going to get to publish it. During an investor conference call, EA execs revealed that the publisher's deal with Viacom (the company that owns MTV, Harmonix, Rock Band and maybe you as well) is only active through fiscal year 2010 (which ends March 31).

Presumably the deal somehow includes the yet-to-be-released Green Day: Rock Band -- but EA's unlikely to announce any more Rock Band games until it knows it has the license locked down for another year.

JoystiqEA: Rock Band deal with Viacom only through March 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaharmonixmtvrock-bandrock-band-2rock-band-3viacomMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[New Mass Effect 2 DLC armor, shotgun available tomorrow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/new-mass-effect-2-dlc-armor-shotgun-available-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/new-mass-effect-2-dlc-armor-shotgun-available-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/new-mass-effect-2-dlc-armor-shotgun-available-tomorrow/#comments A post on the Bioware forums has revealed that two new bits of DLC will be coming to Mass Effect 2's Cerberus Network tomorrow, February 9. Players will be able to download both a new set of armor and a new shotgun for free via the game's DLC pipe. The Cerberus Armor ups heavy weapon ammo capacity, shields, and health by 10 percent each, and the M-22a Eviscerator Shotgun is "a longer-range shotgun with armor-piercing loads" that "also violates several intergalactic weapons treaties."

But those "treaties" were never ratified by the Citadel Council anyway, so who cares? The new DLC should be released by 2pm ET, so you can start ganking with the new space shotty then.

[Thanks, Michael]

JoystiqNew Mass Effect 2 DLC armor, shotgun available tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armorbiowarecerberuscerberus-armorcerberus-networkdlceviscerator-shotgunmass-effect-2release-dateshotgunxblmMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Space 2 and EA's Epic shooter slated for early 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/dead-space-2-and-ea-epic-shooter-slated-for-early-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/dead-space-2-and-ea-epic-shooter-slated-for-early-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/dead-space-2-and-ea-epic-shooter-slated-for-early-2011/#comments EA's tentative release schedule for Q4 of its fiscal 2011 (or, as us normal people call it, January-March 2011) contains more than a few intriguing entries. You already heard about the new Dragon Age game -- but listed just below that is an untitled "Shooter from Epic TBA." Of course, this can only mean one thing: Gears of Madden 2012 is within spitting distance of becoming a sweet reality! Wait -- what's that? Oh, right, the listing more likely points to new speculative details about that possible "Bulletstorm" project from Epic's People Can Fly studio. How ... unofficial.

Also listed under the early 2011 releases is Dead Space 2, which EA had previously promised would drop before next March. The excitement level of the remaining games drops off like the deep end of a pool: The list includes (deep breath) a new Need For Speed on consoles and PC (in addition to an apparent Holiday 2010 release), a downloadable "action" game, a new fighting game designated as a "sports" title, a new Hasbro game (more Family Game Night?), and new installments in the Sims and Spore franchises.

JoystiqDead Space 2 and EA's Epic shooter slated for early 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bulletstormdead-spacedead-space-2eaea-sportselectronic-artsfamily-game-nightneed-for-speedpeople-can-flyq1-2011release-datethe-simsMon, 08 Feb 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Crysis 2, Sims 3 on consoles, NBA Jam due Holiday 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/crysis-2-sims-3-on-consoles-nba-jam-due-holiday-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/crysis-2-sims-3-on-consoles-nba-jam-due-holiday-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/crysis-2-sims-3-on-consoles-nba-jam-due-holiday-2010/#comments Thanks to today's EA earnings report (EArnings?) we're starting to get an idea of how the company's holiday season is going to shape up. This is all subject to change, of course, but as of right now it would appear you can look forward to Crysis 2, NBA Jam and EA Sports MMA sometime between October and December of 2010.

Filling out the holiday quarter are some yet-to-be-formally-announced titles like The Sims 3 on consoles, a new Need For Speed game (perhaps the Criterion-developed one?) and a new Harry Potter game (likely tied to this November's Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I). Want to come up with your own wild speculation? Peruse the list here.

JoystiqCrysis 2, Sims 3 on consoles, NBA Jam due Holiday 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterioncrysis-2eaea-sports-mmaharry-potternba-jamneed-for-speedq4-2010release-datesims-3Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Medal of Honor, APB dated for Summer 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/medal-of-honor-apb-dated-for-summer-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/medal-of-honor-apb-dated-for-summer-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/medal-of-honor-apb-dated-for-summer-2010/#commentsAccording to EA's list of upcoming titles in its latest earnings report, a couple of high-profile games are going to be released this summer between July 1 and September 30: Realtime Worlds' crime-themed MMO APB (which is likely to be the "major MMO" to whose spring release John Riccitiello referred to previously), and ... a "TBA" Medal of Honor title -- possibly the one with the beard. EA did say that game would be out before March 2011! The summer release is listed for consoles, PC and handhelds.

Also due out in the quarter: the expected spate of annual sports franchises (Madden, FIFA, FIFA Online, NHL), a Monopoly game for consoles and handhelds, and a new MySims title -- we're guessing MySims Sky Heroes.

JoystiqMedal of Honor, APB dated for Summer 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eafifa-11fifa-onlinemadden-11medal-of-honormonopolymysimsncaa-football-11nhl-11q3-2010release-dateMon, 08 Feb 2010 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Brand sparking new Rocket Knight art]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/brand-sparking-new-rocket-knight-art/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/brand-sparking-new-rocket-knight-art/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/brand-sparking-new-rocket-knight-art/#comments
click to rocket-size
We're going to level with you: There's not a lot of new info to be found in the latest batch of character art from Konami's upcoming reboot of Rocket Knight. The press release does mention a few of Sparkster's abilities. While most should be familiar to players -- wall ricochet jumps, etc -- one new addition is the "burst vortex," which can reflect projectiles back toward enemies. Beyond that, however, we're left only with images of Emperor Sweinhart and Sparkster's nemesis, Axel Gear, both of whom can be seen above. Konami has also released a high resolution version of Sparkster himself.

Yes, it's not much but, when it comes to Rocket Knight, we'll take what we can get.

JoystiqBrand sparking new Rocket Knight art originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>climaxkonamipsnrocket-knightsteamxblaMon, 08 Feb 2010 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 Fancast 152 -- Drinking with Strangers]]>http://xbox.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/xbox-360-fancast-152-drinking-with-strangers/http://xbox.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/xbox-360-fancast-152-drinking-with-strangers/http://xbox.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/xbox-360-fancast-152-drinking-with-strangers/#commentsFiled under:

This week on the Xbox 360 Fancast, we talk about one man's quest to find a copy of the original Mass Effect, what it takes to get into the First Annual Joystiq Blueberry Muffin Tops Breakfast and, just for fun, what Xav thinks of Sonic the Hedgehog 4. It is, as always, a laugh and a half. Download the latest episode for all this and more. Also, don't forget that it's okay to drink with strangers, just remember to BYOB*.

*This is a joke.

[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
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[MP3] Download the MP3 directly.

Hosts: Richard Mitchell (SenseiRAM), Alexander Sliwinski (Sli Xander), Xav de Matos (Snypz) and Dave Hinkle (KnifefightYaDad)

Produced by Richard Mitchell

Music: Intro/Outro: "Electromooq" by Uma Floresta. Break: "Boy with a Coin" by Iron and Wine.

For fans: Xbox 360 Fancast Facebook group

Continue reading Xbox 360 Fancast 152 -- Drinking with Strangers

Joystiq XboxXbox 360 Fancast 152 -- Drinking with Strangers originally appeared on Joystiq Xbox on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360-fancast360-podcastfancastpodcastxbox-360-fancastxbox-360-podcastxbox-fancastxbox-podcastMon, 08 Feb 2010 16:15:00 ESTXbox 360 Fancast 152 -- Drinking with StrangersRichard Mitchell, Alexander Sliwinski, Xav de Matos, David Hinkl1:40:47xbox 360 fancast podcast videogames video games joystiq<![CDATA[Xbox Live deals of the week: Turtles, Tiger and Marvel vs. Capcom]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/xbox-live-deals-of-the-week-turtles-tiger-and-marvel-vs-capco/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/xbox-live-deals-of-the-week-turtles-tiger-and-marvel-vs-capco/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/xbox-live-deals-of-the-week-turtles-tiger-and-marvel-vs-capco/#comments We're guessing that the person at Microsoft whose job it is to choose the discounted XBLA games of the week is a huge New Orleans Saints fan. Filled with the overwhelming spirit of victory from last night's engagement, this person couldn't stop him or herself from repeatedly hitting the price reduction button. We're afraid of what might have happened if they were a diehard Colts fan. Can XBLA prices be increased?

Fortunately, things panned out in our favor. During the discounting spree, three titles got their prices reduced: Marvel vs. Capcom 2 is now 800 ($10, down from 1200), TMNT: Turtles in Time Reshelled is 400 ($5, down from 800) and Invincible Tiger: The Legend of Han Tao is available for 800 ($10, down from 1200). Basically, if you've got an itch to watch ninjas or superheroes beat the snot out of things, Xbox Live has you covered for the next seven days.

JoystiqXbox Live deals of the week: Turtles, Tiger and Marvel vs. Capcom originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deal-of-the-weekdealsinvincible-tigermarvel-vs-capcom-2microsoftturtles-in-timeturtles-in-time-reshelledxblaxblmxbox-livexbox-live-arcadeMon, 08 Feb 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mass Effect bible is 'quite large,' BioWare's Muzyka assures]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/the-mass-effect-bible-is-quite-large-biowares-muzyka-assures/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/the-mass-effect-bible-is-quite-large-biowares-muzyka-assures/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/the-mass-effect-bible-is-quite-large-biowares-muzyka-assures/#comments
 Thank the Enkindlers! Encompassing an entire galaxy's worth of alien beings, uncharted worlds and tattooed psychopaths, Mass Effect's bible doesn't exactly make for light reading. "We probably spent 6-12 months with a team of designers, artists and so on doing concepting, world building, design and character iteration, timelines, and the history of the universe," BioWare CEO Ray Muzyka recently told IGN. The "IP bible" is consulted for all Mass Effect games, he explained, comparing it to an "iceberg that's down there, giving it weight and gravity, credibility and depth."

Echoing earlier statements made by BioWare co-founder Greg Zeschuk, Muzyka pointed to the franchise's considerable backstory as a viable source for "future extensions, ancillary products, things like that." Things like that may include spin-offs like Mass Effect: Galaxy for iPhone, novels, further expansions to Mass Effect 2, and, obviously, Mass Effect 3.

Sadly, if there's one thing the Mass Effect bible can't teach us, it's the virtue of patience. Who wouldn't kill for the next part of the trilogy right now?

JoystiqThe Mass Effect bible is 'quite large,' BioWare's Muzyka assures originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaremass-effectmass-effect-2mass-effect-3ray-muzykarpgMon, 08 Feb 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing demo and theme now on Xbox Live]]>http://xbox.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/sonic-and-sega-all-stars-racing-demo-and-theme-now-on-xbox-live/http://xbox.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/sonic-and-sega-all-stars-racing-demo-and-theme-now-on-xbox-live/http://xbox.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/sonic-and-sega-all-stars-racing-demo-and-theme-now-on-xbox-live/#comments We'll be honest -- we weren't too interested in Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing when we first heard about it, but every time the publisher announces a new playable character, our desire to play the game intensifies. (For the record, Sega? You had us at Ryo Hazuki.)

We'll definitely be trying out the new demo -- released on Xbox Live today -- which features Sonic and Banjo as playable racers on a sample track. To accompany the demo, Sega has also released an All-Stars Racing theme for 240 ($3). However, we highly suggest checking to make sure the game's any good before proudly tattooing your Dashboard background with its logo.

Shortcuts: Add the demo / theme to your Xbox 360 download queue [via Xbox.com]

Joystiq XboxSonic & Sega All-Stars Racing demo and theme now on Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq Xbox on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demoracingsegasonicsonic-and-sega-all-stars-racingthemexblmxbox-liveMon, 08 Feb 2010 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[This Wednesday: Darwinia+ invades XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/this-wednesday-darwinia-invades-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/this-wednesday-darwinia-invades-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/this-wednesday-darwinia-invades-xbla/#comments Well, folks, it's been a long wait but it's finally here. After first being rumored nearly four years ago, Darwinia+ is due to hit Xbox Live Arcade in only two more days. We're sure that the game's fans are pleased to hear the news, as is developer Introversion. After all, the company has a lot riding on Darwinia's XBLA outing.

The game features a single-player campaign, online multiplayer for four players and plenty of sweet, retro stylings. Taking cues from real-time strategy, god games and, oh, let's say Tron, Darwinia has players controlling squads of 2D sprite characters called Darwinians as they battle an evil computer virus. The original PC version of the game took home the grand prize at the 2006 Independent Games Festival.

The price of admission is 1200 ($15).

JoystiqThis Wednesday: Darwinia+ invades XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darwiniadarwinia-plusintroversionxblaxblawednesdayMon, 08 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 2 remains atop UK charts, Dante debuts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/mass-effect-2-remains-atop-uk-charts-dante-debuts/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/mass-effect-2-remains-atop-uk-charts-dante-debuts/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/mass-effect-2-remains-atop-uk-charts-dante-debuts/#comments Mass Effect 2 has maintained the top spot on Chart-Track's UK all-formats sales chart for a second week in a row. However, there seems to be some kind of Batarian flu loose on the isles, because Mass Effect 2 sales, which dropped by 64 percent this week, were "within touching distance" (850 units, to be exact) of Wii's Just Dance. Rounding out the unchanged top three for a second week was Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.

EA's Dante's Inferno had one hell of a premiere on the charts, earning a somewhat sinful spot at fourth. In a good sign for MAG, the mega shooter slipped only three notches to seventh place. Meanwhile, the surprise return of other BioWare game Dragon Age: Origins to the top 40 last week has gained even more momentum, moving up another three spots to 28th.

Source - Mass Effect 2 leads an unchanged top 3 [GFK Chart-Track]
Source - Latest UK Software Charts [GFK Chart-Track]

JoystiqMass Effect 2 remains atop UK charts, Dante debuts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainchart-trackjust-dancemass-effect-2ukMon, 08 Feb 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: February 8-14, 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/now-playing-february-8-14-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/now-playing-february-8-14-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/now-playing-february-8-14-2010/#comments
Just relax -- you might feel a slight pinch.

Choose your platform to jump to a specific release list:

Last updated: Monday, 12:40 PM

Continue reading Now Playing: February 8-14, 2010

JoystiqNow Playing: February 8-14, 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>newgamesnow-playingMon, 08 Feb 2010 12:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: BioShock 2 (single player)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/review-bioshock-2-single-player/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/review-bioshock-2-single-player/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/review-bioshock-2-single-player/#comments
BioShock didn't need a sequel.

I know it, you know it; heck, I'd bet if they were being totally honest, the staff of 2K Marin would tell you they knew it too. BioShock was that rare combination of a perfectly realized world, fresh yet refined action and a narrative that left me with no real burning questions. It didn't need a sequel.

But all that has very little to do with BioShock 2 because whether it needed to be made or not, it's here now. And the surprise isn't that someone other than Irrational had the chutzpah to make a BioShock sequel. The surprise is just how worthwhile it is.

Continue reading Review: BioShock 2 (single player)

JoystiqReview: BioShock 2 (single player) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Australia2K-Games2k-marinbioshockbioshock-2fpsMon, 08 Feb 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Keighley: L.A. Noire coming this September]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/keighley-l-a-noire-coming-this-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/keighley-l-a-noire-coming-this-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/keighley-l-a-noire-coming-this-september/#comments We always assumed that Geoff Keighley's ability to secrete world exclusives only applied video games, but his power/curse seems to extend even to magazines about video games. Keighley says he got an early look at Game Informer's recently teased piece on Rockstar's L.A. Noire and let slip via his Twitter feed that the game is apparently slated to arrive in September.

According to legend, Keighley is often able to see pieces like this even before the electrical impulse makes its way from the "typing synapse" of the brain to the writer's fingers. That's our accurate, scientific way of saying we haven't seen the piece for ourselves yet, so we're going on Keighley's word at the moment. We know, we know, we dislike trusting a guy who misspells "Jeff" too.

JoystiqKeighley: L.A. Noire coming this September originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>geoff-keighleyla-noirerockstarrumorteam-bonditwitterMon, 08 Feb 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars marching to multiple platforms this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/lego-star-wars-iii-the-clone-wars-marching-to-multiple-platforms/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/lego-star-wars-iii-the-clone-wars-marching-to-multiple-platforms/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/lego-star-wars-iii-the-clone-wars-marching-to-multiple-platforms/#comments And here we thought the well of Lego Star Wars material had dried up. Perhaps we've underestimated TT Games, which has revealed that it's constructing a new armed and fully operational entry in the series: Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars. Destined for an Autumn 2010 release on the Xbox 360, PS3, PSP, Nintendo DS and Wii, the game will focus on the events of the Cartoon Network animated series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

Expect "brand new battle modes, giving players unique, head-to-head combat" and an expanded level editor, allowing potential Padawans and Seperatists the chance to construct their own "customized bases and in-game battlefields." You'll also be able to employ new tactics throughout the game, such as "Squad command, Lightsaber slicing, Lightsaber jumps, long distance Jedi attacks and Grapple Tie-Ups."

Wait, lightsaber slicing? Does that mean the obvious, or the radical ability to slice through lightsabers?

JoystiqLego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars marching to multiple platforms this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>legolego-star-warsstar-warstt-gamesMon, 08 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon: 360 Platinum Hits are buy 2, get 1 free for a limited time]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/amazon-360-platinum-hits-are-buy-2-get-1-free-for-a-limited-ti/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/amazon-360-platinum-hits-are-buy-2-get-1-free-for-a-limited-ti/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/amazon-360-platinum-hits-are-buy-2-get-1-free-for-a-limited-ti/#comments Just in time for Valentine's Day, Amazon is now offering a special buy two, get one free deal on Xbox 360 Platinum Hits titles. The deal is fairly straightforward: just pop three Platinum Hits games into your cart and the cheapest of the three will be knocked down to the wallet-friendly price of zero dollars. It's really the perfect excuse to pick up some great games you might have missed, especially considering many of them have sequels out this year -- notably Fable II, Halo 3, Fallout 3, Mass Effect, BioShock and Dead Rising. You'd better do it quick though, as the offer is only valid through February 13 and only while supplies last.

[Thanks, Goldenchild]

JoystiqAmazon: 360 Platinum Hits are buy 2, get 1 free for a limited time originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonbioshockbuy-two-get-onedead-risingdealfable-2fallout-3halo-3mass-effectplatinum-hitssalesalesMon, 08 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pour one out for Halo 2 and the original Xbox with Bungie on April 14]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/pour-one-out-for-halo-2-and-the-original-xbox-with-bungie-on-apr/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/pour-one-out-for-halo-2-and-the-original-xbox-with-bungie-on-apr/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/pour-one-out-for-halo-2-and-the-original-xbox-with-bungie-on-apr/#comments The plasma party may be almost over for those of you still gripping tight to your Xbox 1 and copy of Halo 2, playing game after desperate game before Microsoft shuts the online servers, but Bungie is looking for fans to join staff members in a last hurrah on April 14. Community manager Brian "Sketch" Jarrard proclaims on Bungie.net that, "We're all saddened at the realization that an era is coming to an end," before asking fans to "mark your calendars now - on April 14th let's all rally to go online for one last hoorah." And sure, he might not explicitly mention the emptying of various malt beverages from 40 ounce glass bottles, but that's why we read between the lines. It's right there, people!

JoystiqPour one out for Halo 2 and the original Xbox with Bungie on April 14 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 07 Feb 2010 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-jarrardbungiehalohalo-2sketchxblxbox-liveSun, 07 Feb 2010 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Back of FFXIII box for 360 mentions DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/back-of-ffxiii-box-for-360-mentions-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/back-of-ffxiii-box-for-360-mentions-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/back-of-ffxiii-box-for-360-mentions-dlc/#comments It looks like that entire game's worth of removed content might be making it into Final Fantasy XIII after all. GameStop has posted the box art for the Xbox 360 version of the game and, more importantly, it has also posted the art for the back of the box. As you can see above, the box mentions that Final Fantasy XIII will support downloadable content after all, though there is no mention of what the DLC actually is. It's worth noting that the content could be something as simple as Avatar outfits or accessories, though it would certainly make sense for Square Enix to supply its most well-known franchise with post-launch DLC.

The news comes after producer Yoshinori Kitase was rumored to have stated that no DLC had been planned for the game, though he noted it was still "possible." Final Fantasy Union, however, notes that Kitase apparently confirmed DLC during a recent interview with the Dutch Official Playstation Magazine. The box art certainly seems to confirm that, though we've reached out to Square for clarification. As of this writing, GameStop has yet to post the art for the back of the PS3 version, so it's unclear if both platforms will support said content.

[Via Final Fantasy Union]

JoystiqBack of FFXIII box for 360 mentions DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 07 Feb 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-distributiondlcfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-xiiigamestopsquareSquare-Enixyoshinori-kitaseSun, 07 Feb 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Molyneux: Fable 3 news at X10 will make you 'super pissed off']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/molyneux-fable-3-news-at-x10-will-make-you-super-pissed-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/molyneux-fable-3-news-at-x10-will-make-you-super-pissed-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/molyneux-fable-3-news-at-x10-will-make-you-super-pissed-off/#comments Speaking to Gamereactor, Lionhead maestro Peter Molyneux revealed that there will be some big Fable 3 news at the X10 event this week. "There's some very, very big things happening in Fable," said Molyneux, "Bigger than you think, and it's going to really upset people." Molyneux added that he is "really scared" about telling people the news, saying, "They're going to get super pissed off, they really are." Still, he concluded that it's "the right thing to do," and confirmed that he will be demonstrating the mystery announcement at X10 in San Francisco. Joystiq's theory: The entire story of Fable 2 was a dream sequence. Whatever it is, we'll be delivering the news directly from X10, so Joystiq's staff and readers can all get pissed off together.

In the meantime, be sure to watch the whole interview, which also contains some really interesting talk about Project Natal.

[Via VG247]

JoystiqMolyneux: Fable 3 news at X10 will make you 'super pissed off' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 07 Feb 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fablefable-3lionheadlionhead-studiosmicrosoft-game-studiosnatalpeter-molyneuxproject-natalx10Sun, 07 Feb 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Modern Warfare 2 'care package' patch submitted to Microsoft certification]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/modern-warfare-2-care-package-patch-submitted-to-microsoft-cer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/modern-warfare-2-care-package-patch-submitted-to-microsoft-cer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/modern-warfare-2-care-package-patch-submitted-to-microsoft-cer/#comments Considering the Xbox 360 received the lion's share of Modern Warfare 2 purchases, it comes as a bit of a shock to us that the already released on PS3 and PC "care package patch" is just now being submitted to Microsoft for certification. That said, developer Infinity Ward's community man Robert Bowling tweeted as much to Game Informer's Andrew Reiner approximately 24 hours ago when Reiner asked about a possible release for the much anticipated fixes.

As Bowling has pointed out before (and details in this forum post on the subject), the patch is set to remedy the following (you might need a pillow for all of this pure, unbridled excitement:
  • Care Package, Emergency Airdrop, and Sentry Gun marker grenades sprint speed normalized.
  • Fix for "infinite care package" exploit.
  • Sentry Guns: Improved placement detection, preventing cases of Sentry Guns inside geometry.
  • Model 1887: Bling using Akimbo and FMJ combination now has same range and damage as non-Bling Model 1887s.
  • Fixes to prevent various XP hacks.
And no, there's no date given for when it's coming out. So stop asking. (Seriously.)
[Via Game Informer]

JoystiqModern Warfare 2 'care package' patch submitted to Microsoft certification originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 07 Feb 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-dutycall-of-duty-modern-warfarecall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2modern-warfaremodern-warfare-2multiplayerpatchrobert-bowlingtwitterSun, 07 Feb 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[ESRB outs WWII-based opening of Bad Company 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/esrb-outs-wwii-based-opening-of-bad-company-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/esrb-outs-wwii-based-opening-of-bad-company-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/esrb-outs-wwii-based-opening-of-bad-company-2/#comments The original Bad Company spinoff in the Battlefield series kept the franchise's setting firmly in modern times, but if the Bad Company 2 ESRB description is true, you'll be seeing a return to WWII in the sequel. At the very least, the game's opening will bring players back to the Pacific side of the war, with the ESRB description saying, "In single-player mode, players conduct missions on an unnamed Japanese island during World War II and then move into the modern day through jungles, deserts, and snowy terrain."

Just like we've discovered in our way too many hours with the game's multiplayer demo, the description details the inclusion of "melee attacks with a power drill" (yes, seriously) and the characters use of profanity "during cutscenes and in the heat of battle." And yes, we're just as excited by the former as you might imagine.
[Via BigDownload]

JoystiqESRB outs WWII-based opening of Bad Company 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 07 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bad-company-2battlefieldbattlefield-bad-companybattlefield-bad-company-2campaigndiceeaesrbsingle-playerwwiiSun, 07 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Swag Sunday: Bayonetta (360)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/swag-sunday-bayonetta-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/swag-sunday-bayonetta-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/swag-sunday-bayonetta-360/#comments Look, alright, we'll level with you -- we've got a short supply of schweet schwag hanging around Joystiq Prizeland as of late. That should at least partially help to explain last week's absence of a contest. We also kind of felt like you might've been overloaded with games during our holiday giveaways at the end of 2009. What's that? No, you say? Well we suppose that the first few months of 2010 are unusually flush with quality content, so giving away a bit couldn't hurt, right?

We certainly hope a nine foot tall bullet witch will do it for you, because that's what we've got. One lucky winner (chosen at random) takes home Bayonetta on Xbox 360, chosen from the comments below (please leave one and only one) that are left in the next 24 hours. You tell us what you think is the most annoying song you've ever heard used in marketing a game and you may very well win yourself a vidjagame. How about that?!
  • Leave a comment telling us what you think is the most annoying song you've ever heard used in marketing a game.
  • You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec, due in part to our aversion to snowy owls).
  • Limit 1 entry per person per day.
  • This entry period ends at 11:31AM ET on Monday, February 8.
  • At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive one copy of Bayonetta for Xbox 360 ($59.99 ARV).
  • For a list of complete rules, click here.

What is Joyswag? Since we don't keep the games and merchandise we receive for review or promotional purposes, it becomes "Joyswag," which is passed along to our readers. Please note that Joyswag may be in "used" condition. For more info on our policy, click here.

JoystiqSwag Sunday: Bayonetta (360) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bayonettagiveawayhideki-kamiyajoyswagplatinum-gamessegaswag-saturdayswag-sundaySun, 07 Feb 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega cites 'tweaks' and release position for Alpha Protocol delay [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/sega-cites-tweaks-and-release-position-for-alpha-protocol-dela/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/sega-cites-tweaks-and-release-position-for-alpha-protocol-dela/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/sega-cites-tweaks-and-release-position-for-alpha-protocol-dela/#comments It would have been nice to hear more of an explanation way back in October when Sega's Alpha Protocol was "officially delayed" to the amorphous "Spring 2010," but, unfortunately, that didn't happen. Speaking with MTV Multiplayer this week, though, assistant producer at Sega Matthew Hickman explicitly detailed the reasons for the delay, saying, "We really wanted to polish the game up, make it everything Obsidian planned it to be, and give the consumer a very polished game."

He added that there's been some "tweaks in lighting here and there," and the inventory screen has been revamped a bit, but in general the team has been focused on "bringing the whole quality level up." The post's author also notes that the game is set for a "Summer 2010" release window now, and we've reached out to him (and Sega) for clarification.

Update: The post's author has responded that, yes, the game's current release window is set for "Summer 2010." Guess that's another delay then, eh? We'll update again if Sega responds.

JoystiqSega cites 'tweaks' and release position for Alpha Protocol delay [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Feb 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alpha-protocoldelaysmatthew-hickmanobsidianobsidian-entertainmentq2-2010release-datesegaspring-2010summer-2010Sat, 06 Feb 2010 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Brock Lesnar makes the cover of UFC Undisputed 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/brock-lesnar-makes-the-cover-of-ufc-undisputed-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/brock-lesnar-makes-the-cover-of-ufc-undisputed-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/brock-lesnar-makes-the-cover-of-ufc-undisputed-2010/#comments We knew the Ultimate Fighting Championship was open to all forms of combatants, but we think professional brawler Brock Lesnar's admittance to the league is just a little unfair. Our attention was turned to Lesnar by the recently revealed cover of UFC Undisputed 2010 (the full version of which is posted after the jump), which features his countenance. See, we don't have anything against Lesnar -- we just think it's a little one-sided to pit human fighters up against shaved kodiak bears.

We can't wait to scare the living crap out of all the other game cases on our shelf by placing this one near them when UFC Undisputed 2010 releases May 25.

Continue reading Brock Lesnar makes the cover of UFC Undisputed 2010

JoystiqBrock Lesnar makes the cover of UFC Undisputed 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Feb 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brock-lesnarcoverfightingsportsthqufcufc-undisputedufc-undisputed-2010ultimate-fighting-championshipSat, 06 Feb 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Red Dead Redemption screens go hogtie wild]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/red-dead-redemption-screens-go-hogtie-wild/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/red-dead-redemption-screens-go-hogtie-wild/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/red-dead-redemption-screens-go-hogtie-wild/#comments We've already seen John Marston get himself into a whole mess of different being a cowboy-related situations before Red Dead Redemption's impending April release date, but today's are (as you might imagine) just a bit different. That's right, folks -- this time he's got a lasso. Rather than employing the ubiquitous Old West tool in cow wrangling, though, Marston drops some rope-based justice on fools and horses alike (okay okay -- we suppose it's possible there are also some fool horses). Peep the five new screens below in our hi-res gallery.

JoystiqRed Dead Redemption screens go hogtie wild originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Feb 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>john-marstonlassoold-westred-dead-redemptionrockstarrockstar-gamesrockstar-san-diegoscreenshotsSat, 06 Feb 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock 2 soundtrack song list revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/bioshock-2-soundtrack-song-list-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/bioshock-2-soundtrack-song-list-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/bioshock-2-soundtrack-song-list-revealed/#comments Considering the upcoming digital release of BioShock 2's soundtrack is, well, digital, you could probably just procure the track list from Amazon and grab the individual songs before its announced February 9 release date. Sure, you're not gonna get your ... uhh ... eyes on the fancy digital packaging, but you could snag all those classy tunes a full three days before the other kids on your block. Think about that!

Done thinking? Good, 'cause we've got more BioShock 2 music info for you -- there's also a way to enjoy the soundtrack this very second. How's that, you ask? Well, simple: just grab this iTunes music file or this WIndows music file and enjoy a taste of "Rapture Radio." To be clear, the tracks listed are no bearing on the game's official score which comes with the game's special edition. Head past the break for a breakdown of both the standard and deluxe editions (no prices are available yet).

[Via Destructoid]

Continue reading BioShock 2 soundtrack song list revealed

JoystiqBioShock 2 soundtrack song list revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Feb 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-marinbioshockbioshock-2deluxe-editionmusicrapture-radiorelease-datesoundtrackstandard-editionSat, 06 Feb 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Supreme Commander 2 screens and units ready for duty]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/supreme-commander-2-screens-and-units-ready-for-duty/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/supreme-commander-2-screens-and-units-ready-for-duty/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/supreme-commander-2-screens-and-units-ready-for-duty/#comments
click to see the whole battlefield Big-time RTS Supreme Commander 2 is rolling ever closer to release next month, and to whet your appetite for (unit) production, we've got some new screens and descriptions of three of the units you'll be Supreme Commanding around the battlefield. First up is the Bomb Bouncer, a shielded unit that gains power as it's fired upon and can then throw all of that stored-up damage right back in the faces of any units around it. The Pulinsmash is a unit that creates a vortex to "pull and smash" surrounding units into it, damaging and disrupting them like popcorn in a popper.

Finally, the Kraken, as you can see on the right in the picture above, is a sea creature-shaped Cybran experimental submarine that can take down other subs, aircraft and even battlebots on land. Sure, these machines are awesome to go to war with, and we get the whole "commanding the troops" thing, but don't forget that every one of these rank-and-file units has a family. What about the supreme children, Commander?

JoystiqSupreme Commander 2 screens and units ready for duty originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Feb 2010 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlebotsbomb-bouncerkrakenlandpulinsmashrtsscreenshotssubmarinesupreme-commander-2troopswarSat, 06 Feb 2010 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Left 4 Dead 2 gets bots and SDK fixes in update, 360 patch coming soon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/left-4-dead-2-gets-bots-and-sdk-fixes-in-update-360-patch-comin/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/left-4-dead-2-gets-bots-and-sdk-fixes-in-update-360-patch-comin/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/left-4-dead-2-gets-bots-and-sdk-fixes-in-update-360-patch-comin/#comments Valve has followed through with its promise to bring bots to Left 4 Dead 2's Versus mode -- which was frantic enough before all the A.I.-controlled ghouls got added in. A recent patch added the functionality and made a few tweaks to the software development kit, which allows players to make awesome levels based on awesome Nintendo 64 games. Check out the full list of changes after the jump.

The Steam blog post announcing the patch's release promises that the changes will be integrated into the 360 version of the game via an upcoming title update.

Continue reading Left 4 Dead 2 gets bots and SDK fixes in update, 360 patch coming soon

JoystiqLeft 4 Dead 2 gets bots and SDK fixes in update, 360 patch coming soon originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Feb 2010 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AIbotsleft-4-deadleft-4-dead-2patchsteamupdatevalveSat, 06 Feb 2010 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo Wars, Fable 2 join Europe's Xbox 360 Classics]]>http://xbox.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/halo-wars-fable-2-join-europes-xbox-360-classics/http://xbox.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/halo-wars-fable-2-join-europes-xbox-360-classics/http://xbox.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/halo-wars-fable-2-join-europes-xbox-360-classics/#comments Eurogamer reports that two new games have been added to the Xbox 360 Classics budget line in EU territories. The two games are Fable II and Halo Wars. If you need a refresher, Fable II is Lionhead's brilliant, charming adventure that we kind of liked back in 2008. Halo Wars on the other hand, serves as both the first Halo RTS spin-off and the swan song of Ensemble Studios. The games can now be had for the tempting price of £19.99 ($31) apiece. Both are worth picking up -- just be sure to watch out for those Warthog rushes.

Joystiq XboxHalo Wars, Fable 2 join Europe's Xbox 360 Classics originally appeared on Joystiq Xbox on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classicsensemble-studioseuropefablefable-2lionheadmicrosoft-game-studiosrobot-entertainmentukxbox-360-classicsFri, 05 Feb 2010 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Industry survey shows iPhone growth, console development preference]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/industry-survey-shows-iphone-growth-console-development-prefere/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/industry-survey-shows-iphone-growth-console-development-prefere/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/industry-survey-shows-iphone-growth-console-development-prefere/#comments Alright, alright, calm down -- before you break out the bottle of kerosene for a completely baseless flame war, we're going to point out that the following survey results are from a "comprehensive 55 question survey" of "more than 800 video game professionals from North America and beyond who read Gamasutra, subscribe to Game Developer magazine, or attend Game Developers Conference." We'd also like to note that the not-quite-recovered economy is likely playing a larger role than we can tell at the moment. All that said, the 2009/10 State of Game Development Survey shows that small development houses ("50 employees or fewer") have grown seven percent in the last year -- a statistic pretty much directly tied to the 25 percent of developers now working on "mobile platforms" (nearly 75 percent of which name the iPhone directly).

We're hoping that, by this point in the post, any potential console warriors have moved on and won't notice us pointing out the breakdown of development percentage for each home console. Of the developers working on home consoles, 69 percent said they're developing for Xbox 360, while 61 percent claimed PlayStation 3. Maybe more interestingly, Wii console development dropped from 42 percent of respondents last year to 30 percent this year. Soft sales of third-party Wii titles last year likely didn't help to persuade devs to work with Nintendo. We'll see how that translates to the console's releases in the coming year.

JoystiqIndustry survey shows iPhone growth, console development preference originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>developmentgame-industrystate-of-game-development-surveystate-of-game-development-survey-2009-10statisticssurveyFri, 05 Feb 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest Aliens vs. Predator trailer has disco fever]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/latest-aliens-vs-predator-trailer-has-disco-fever/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/latest-aliens-vs-predator-trailer-has-disco-fever/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/latest-aliens-vs-predator-trailer-has-disco-fever/#commentsThere are plenty of things worth highlighting in this Aliens vs. Predator trailer. The foreboding "blip ... blip ... blip" of the motion tracker and the lone marine with only a pistol to protect himself from the onslaught of scurrying Xenomorphs are just a few, but what irks us most is the digital lady dancing on the pole of the disco. Is that, like, really the future of t3h pr0nz? We were hoping for some kind of Star Trek Holodeck-type action.

JoystiqLatest Aliens vs. Predator trailer has disco fever originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aliens-vs-Predatoravprebellionrebellion-studiossegaFri, 05 Feb 2010 21:00:00 EST