Joystiq Xbox http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq Xbox http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[There's already some Max Payne 3 DLC, and it's free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/theres-already-some-max-payne-3-dlc-and-its-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/theres-already-some-max-payne-3-dlc-and-its-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/theres-already-some-max-payne-3-dlc-and-its-free/#comments ImageWe assume while everyone was waiting for the Diablo 3 servers to boot back up yesterday, they played as much Max Payne 3 as the downtime allowed. So, since everyone has finished the entire Max Payne 3 campaign, Rockstar is mixing up multiplayer gameplay with a free DLC pack for Xbox Live and PSN, titled "Gorilla Warfare."

The Gorilla Warfare pack contains a gorilla mask, which gives players extra adrenaline for melee kills from behind; the lucky coin, giving players extra booty for looting bodies; and the booby trap item, which has players' corpses explode when they're looted.

The Rockstar Pass is also now available for download on Xbox Live and PSN. The Rockstar Pass gives players all of the Max Payne 3 DLC for a one-time price of $30. These offers will hit PC on launch day, May 29.

JoystiqThere's already some Max Payne 3 DLC, and it's free originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCfreeGorilla-Warfare-Multiplayer-PackMax-Payne-3microsoftmultiplayerpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 16 May 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rhode Island owns Amalur, all other 38 Studios intellectual property if studio defaults]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/rhode-island-owns-38-studios-intellectual-property/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/rhode-island-owns-38-studios-intellectual-property/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/rhode-island-owns-38-studios-intellectual-property/#comments If 38 Studios does shutter, beyond Rhode Island taxpayers having to pay off the $75 million bond (plus interest) through 2020, it appears the state will also own the intellectual property of the developer as a parting gift. Reviewing updated documentation released by the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC) today, it appears 38 Studios put up all present and future IP by the company as collateral.

According to the documentation, 38 Studios' intellectual property rights and other collateral were pledged to the RIEDC and assigned to a trustee, which we've confirmed by pulling Uniform Commercial Code documentation. Any proceeds made from the sale of the collateral would go back to the bondholders. This covers "all rights, title and interest in any projects, including video game projects," such as Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning and "Project Copernicus" - the title currently in development at 38 Studios.

"Based on what information I've been able to review on the 38 Studios situation, it appears that the funds they received from the RIEDC were secured by collateral that amounts to all of 38 Studios assets, including all of their intellectual property," attorney and Law of the Game editor Mark Methenitis told Joystiq this afternoon. "That would include all the rights to Kingdoms of Amalur and any other games they may have in development, even if no information about those titles has ever reached the light of day."

Continue reading Rhode Island owns Amalur, all other 38 Studios intellectual property if studio defaults

JoystiqRhode Island owns Amalur, all other 38 Studios intellectual property if studio defaults originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscurt-schillingkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 16 May 2012 16:32:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios, Schilling ask Rhode Island for more money; state officials freeze]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/38-studios-schilling-ask-rhode-island-for-more-money-state-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/38-studios-schilling-ask-rhode-island-for-more-money-state-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/38-studios-schilling-ask-rhode-island-for-more-money-state-off/#comments ImageToday's emergency meeting by Rhode Island officials to determine what they are going to do about Curt Schilling's 38 Studios has concluded with officials freezing like deer in headlights. Nothing happened.

Rhode Island's Economic Development Corporation will take no immediate action to aid the developer, following a closed-door meeting attended by Governor Lincoln Chafee and Schilling, who asked for additional help to save the company. Schilling refused to answer press inquiries and officials wouldn't declare how much money the studio is seeking.

"How do we avoid throwing good money after bad?" Chafee is quoted by the Associated Press as saying after the three-hour emergency meeting finished.

"The company still has the option to cure the existing default by paying the $1,125,000 guaranty fee that is past due," reads an official statement by the EDC board. "In the meantime, we will continue to talk with 38 Studios and develop additional information, and will resume the Board meeting at our regularly scheduled meeting on May 21. The members of the Board may not discuss the confidential information received and discussed today."

If the studio doesn't receive assistance, it appears Rhode Island taxpayers may very well be on the hook for the $75 million 38 Studios loan that, after interest, would require paying back $112.6 million through 2020.

Continue reading 38 Studios, Schilling ask Rhode Island for more money; state officials freeze

Joystiq38 Studios, Schilling ask Rhode Island for more money; state officials freeze originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscurt-schillingkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Rhode-islandxboxWed, 16 May 2012 14:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Crysis 3 screens both new and 'new']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/crysis-3-screens-both-new-and-new/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/crysis-3-screens-both-new-and-new/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/crysis-3-screens-both-new-and-new/#comments ImageYou see that dude above, straight chillin'? Yeah, you've seen him before - like, a few weeks ago, when the image leaked alongside several other Crysis 3 screens. Well here he is again, but this time he's got a whole bunch more totally official screens, straight from EA. Thrilling!

Continue reading Crysis 3 screens both new and 'new'

JoystiqCrysis 3 screens both new and 'new' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conceptconcept-artcrysis-3crytekeaea-partnerselectronic-artsgameplaymicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 16 May 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 4's 'Infinity' multiplayer to introduce Spartan Ops, War Games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/halo-4s-infinity-multiplayer-to-introduce-spartan-ops-war-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/halo-4s-infinity-multiplayer-to-introduce-spartan-ops-war-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/halo-4s-infinity-multiplayer-to-introduce-spartan-ops-war-ga/#comments ImageAs the November 6 launch of Halo 4 approaches, Microsoft is doling out more information about its multiplayer modes, collectively known as "Infinity Multiplayer" (surprise!). The game will introduce a brand new mode called Spartan Ops, which tells the story of the UNSC Infinity, the massive ship that serves as Halo 4's multiplayer hub (pictured). Spartan Ops will serve as an episodic continuation of Halo 4's campaign, with weekly cinematic episodes that "center on the UNSC Infinity leaders and crew, and a new team of Spartans - Majestic Squad." Each episode will include new missions, allowing one to four players to "explore the corners of Requiem in these objective-based missions, and help uncover the secrets of the mysterious Forerunner world."

Halo 4's competitive multiplayer will be known as War Games and, as previously detailed, will offer plenty of character progression and customization, such as armor specializations that enable "combat enhancements" tailored to specific play styles.

Both War Games and Spartan Ops are included with the standard edition of Halo 4, though those willing to pony up the dough for the $99 special edition will also receive 9 maps (to be doled out across three map packs after launch) and early access to six armor specializations.

Continue reading Halo 4's 'Infinity' multiplayer to introduce Spartan Ops, War Games

JoystiqHalo 4's 'Infinity' multiplayer to introduce Spartan Ops, War Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-Industrieshalo-4microsoftmicrosoft-studiosxboxxbox-liveWed, 16 May 2012 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 4 Limited Edition includes multiplayer map DLC, videos]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/halo-4-limited-edition-includes-multiplayer-map-dlc-videos/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/halo-4-limited-edition-includes-multiplayer-map-dlc-videos/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/halo-4-limited-edition-includes-multiplayer-map-dlc-videos/#comments ImageMicrosoft revealed Halo 4's Limited Edition today, and there's not a cat helmet to be found. Instead, the $100 package gets you a fancy box, a "UNSC Infinity Briefing Packet," and a host of in-game bonuses, expanding the multiplayer experience.

The LE includes the "War Games Map Pack," a voucher for "three future competitive multiplayer map packs, each including three locations, available for download post-launch on Xbox Live." It also includes early access to six multiplayer Specializations, which will only be released at launch in this package; they'll be "released over time" to the general audience.

Other digital bonuses include an exclusive armor and weapon skin, an in-game emblem, and an Avatar prop. The LE also includes an "extended 90-minute version" of the Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn video series, extra featurettes, and making-of videos.

Continue reading Halo 4 Limited Edition includes multiplayer map DLC, videos

JoystiqHalo 4 Limited Edition includes multiplayer map DLC, videos originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halo-4limited-editionmicrosoftxboxWed, 16 May 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 review: Running in place]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-2-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-2-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-2-review/#comments ImageSearching for the proper metaphor for Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2, the best I can conjure is a glass of milk. There's nothing really wrong with it per se, but it's not exactly exciting either. It has some good qualities and is mildly refreshing, but when's the last you time you raved about a glass of milk?

Gallery: Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 (5/15/12)

Continue reading Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 review: Running in place

JoystiqSonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 review: Running in place originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphonemicrosoftmobilepcplaystationps3sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-2windows-phonexboxWed, 16 May 2012 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 adds Manga, MUZU apps; upgrades Aussie FOXTEL with Kinect]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/xbox-360-adds-manga-muzu-apps-upgrades-aussie-foxtel-with-kine/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/xbox-360-adds-manga-muzu-apps-upgrades-aussie-foxtel-with-kine/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/xbox-360-adds-manga-muzu-apps-upgrades-aussie-foxtel-with-kine/#comments ImageThe Xbox 360 has added a couple new entertainment apps for your audio-visual pleasure. Starting things off, in the States, there's the Manga app, which enables users to view full length episodes, movies and clips from the Manga Entertainment catalog.

For the northern parts of North America, MUZU.TV will we available to Xbox Live customers in the United States and Canada. MUZU is a ... (*googles*) apparently, it's a music video site, with over 40,000 mini musicals on demand.

Finally, Australians have upgraded FOXTEL with Kinect functionality. The virtual controls on that stuff aren't what one would call efficient, but Kinect compatibility is still worth it for the joys of "Xbox Pause" and "Xbox Play" functionality.

Continue reading Xbox 360 adds Manga, MUZU apps; upgrades Aussie FOXTEL with Kinect

JoystiqXbox 360 adds Manga, MUZU apps; upgrades Aussie FOXTEL with Kinect originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>foxtelmangamanga-entertainmentmicrosoftmuzumuzu-tvxboxWed, 16 May 2012 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Castle Crashers (XBLA) on sale for $7.50 through May 21]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/castle-crashers-xbla-on-sale-for-7-50-through-may-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/castle-crashers-xbla-on-sale-for-7-50-through-may-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/castle-crashers-xbla-on-sale-for-7-50-through-may-21/#comments We can't imagine there are people out there who haven't ever played Castle Crashers - well, maybe babies haven't. Those babies should to take advantage of the current Xbox Live Arcade sale, which has priced Castle Crashers at 600 MS Points ($7.50) through May 21.

JoystiqCastle Crashers (XBLA) on sale for $7.50 through May 21 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Castle-Crashersmicrosoftthe-behemothxblaxboxxbox-live-arcadeWed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom re-evaluating on-disc DLC, is 'listening']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/capcom-re-evaluating-on-disc-dlc-is-listening/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/capcom-re-evaluating-on-disc-dlc-is-listening/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/capcom-re-evaluating-on-disc-dlc-is-listening/#comments ImageCapcom is revising its DLC strategy to include less content on-disc at launch, senior vice president Christian Svensson writes in a post in the Capcom forums. "We would like to assure you that we have been listening to your comments and as such have begun the process of re-evaluating how such additional game content is delivered in the future," Svensson says.

This introspection follows vicious complaints about Street Fighter X Tekken's on-disc DLC, to which Capcom responded that it sees no distinction between on- and off-disc DLC. A few titles currently in production will ship with on-disc DLC, including Dragon's Dogma, Svensson writes.

Capcom decided to add DLC on Dragon's Dogma discs "at the beginning of the game's development cycle as at the time this was determined to be the most efficient way of ensuring certain content was made available," according to Svensson. "You are being heard," Svensson concludes.

JoystiqCapcom re-evaluating on-disc DLC, is 'listening' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomDLCmicrosofton-disc-dlcpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3street-fighter-x-tekkenvitaxboxTue, 15 May 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Game of Thrones review: Bowed, bent, broken]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/game-of-thrones-rpg-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/game-of-thrones-rpg-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/game-of-thrones-rpg-review/#comments ImageTranslating the tome that is author George R.R. Martin's masterwork A Song of Ice and Fire is a task that must be both daunting and erratic. In its second season on HBO, the television adaptation of the series has been lovingly crafted into a marvelous weekly hour of television. In the video game world, developer Cyanide Studio has stumbled in its task thus far, releasing an abysmal strategy game that seemed to be created less in devotion to the source material and more in reaction to the franchise's new mainstream spotlight. With the studio's second effort at the series, the French developer has brought the Seven Kingdoms to life in a new, role-playing adventure.

Unlike the strategy title A Game of Thrones: Genesis, the RPG Game of Thrones feels like it was cobbled together by people who have genuine affection for the series. But Cyanide's ideas themselves seem more grand than the company is capable of delivering, showing stitches of the small studio's limitations throughout. It's the intention of the HBO series - with the budget of a SyFy original movie.

Gallery: Game of Thrones (4/25/12)

Continue reading Game of Thrones review: Bowed, bent, broken

JoystiqGame of Thrones review: Bowed, bent, broken originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-game-of-thrones-rpgAtluscyanide-studiocyanide-studiosgame-of-thrones-rpgmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 15 May 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders 2 rides into retail August 14]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/darksiders-2-rides-into-retail-august-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/darksiders-2-rides-into-retail-august-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/darksiders-2-rides-into-retail-august-14/#comments Image"We look forward to launching Darksiders [2] beginning on August 14 in North America," announced THQ CEO Brian Farrell during an investor conference call today. Farrell said that the delay from the previous June date was a "demonstration of our commitment to quality" - and that, after discussions with retailers, the publisher determined that "mid-August is a more favorable release window."

Pre-orders for Darksiders 2 are more than five times what they were for the first game at the equivalent point before release, Farrell noted. THQ is accompanying this release with double the marketing spend of the first game as well - it needs a hit game, and badly.

JoystiqDarksiders 2 rides into retail August 14 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 17:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksiders-2microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3q3-2012release-datewii-uxboxTue, 15 May 2012 17:39:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ sees net loss of $239.9 million, still in business]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/thq-sees-net-loss-of-239-9-million-still-in-business/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/thq-sees-net-loss-of-239-9-million-still-in-business/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/thq-sees-net-loss-of-239-9-million-still-in-business/#comments ImageTHQ saw a net revenue loss of $239.9 million for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2012, $100 million more than the previous fiscal year's loss of $136.1 million.

"We have made significant changes to our business, and are on track to execute our strategy of delivering quality connected core gaming experiences, beginning with the sequel to the award-winning Darksiders in August," president and CEO Brian Farrell said in a THQ earnings statement.

THQ has seen a rough year, with plummeting revenue despite the success of Saints Row: The Third and WWE '12. THQ laid off 240 employees, slashed the salaries of its head honchos and cut its "kids' licensed video games" department earlier this fiscal year, following quarter losses of nearly triple the previous period.

THQ has sold through 84 percent of its shipped uDraw tablets and expects to sell its remaining inventory in fiscal 2013. The company's "future kids' license commitments" have been reduced by $30 million, THQ reports.

THQ describes its emergency layoffs, salary cuts and company rehashing as follows: "The company exited the traditional kids' licensed games business, and streamlined its product line, organization and cost structure to support a smaller company positioned for sustained profitability."

JoystiqTHQ sees net loss of $239.9 million, still in business originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fy-2012kinectlossmicrosoftmobilemovenintendopcplaystationps3THQwiixboxTue, 15 May 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ looking to sell off Devil's Third]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/thq-looking-to-sell-off-devils-third/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/thq-looking-to-sell-off-devils-third/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/thq-looking-to-sell-off-devils-third/#comments Ex-Team Ninja head Tomonobu Itagaki's first project after leaving Tecmo could be in trouble. During today's financial briefing call to investors, THQ president and CEO Brian Farrell said Devil's Third no longer fits the publisher's "profitability profile."

"The profitability profile for Devil's Third no longer met our internal threshold and we are currently in discussions with third parties regarding the future of this title," Farrell said. "There were a couple of unforeseen events that happened during the development of Devil's Third. One was the company that Valhalla was using for the engine went out of business, so we had to assist Itagaki and the team with a new engine - it took a fair amount of time and cost a fair amount of money."

The other big issue was the appreciation of the Yen, which reduced Devil's Third's potential for profit compared to other stuff in THQ's pipeline. "We think it's an excellent franchise; we've really enjoyed working with Itagaki-san, and we're going to explore other opportunities with him and others to make sure this product comes to market."

Devil's Third is the first project from Tomonobu Itagaki's new development studio, Valhalla Game Studios. Itagaki, who is quite possibly best known for his years at Tecmo on the Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden series of games, left Tecmo back in 2008.

JoystiqTHQ looking to sell off Devil's Third originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 17:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>devils-thirdmicrosoftplaystationps3thqtomonobu-itagakivalhalla-game-studiosxboxTue, 15 May 2012 17:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Street Fighter X Tekken sales fall short of Capcom expectations, 'cannibalism' blamed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/street-fighter-x-tekken-sales-fall-short-of-capcom-expectations/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/street-fighter-x-tekken-sales-fall-short-of-capcom-expectations/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/street-fighter-x-tekken-sales-fall-short-of-capcom-expectations/#comments ImageStreet Fighter X Tekken may have sold over a million units since launch, but Capcom recently declared that the game didn't hit internal expectations.

"Sales of Street Fighter X Tekken have fallen short of our plan. We believe one of causes is cannibalism because of the large number of other games in this genre that were launched within a short time," Capcom stated in a Q&A following its earnings release.

Although such a quote could be directed at companies like Warner Bros.' Mortal Kombat, Namco Bandai's Soulcalibur 5 or indie titles like Skullgirls, we prefer to imagine Capcom speaking that quote into a mirror.

As Eurogamer notes, since bringing back the fighting genre to popular consciousness with Street Fighter 4 in 2008 (consoles in 2009), the company itself has launched: Super Street Fighter 4, Super Street Fighter 4 Arcade Edition, Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars, Marvel vs. Capcom 3, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, Street Fighter x Tekken, along with PSN and XBLA re-releases of fighters from its back catalog.

JoystiqStreet Fighter X Tekken sales fall short of Capcom expectations, 'cannibalism' blamed originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Capcommicrosoftplaystationps3street-fighter-x-tekkenxboxTue, 15 May 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ: WWE franchise rebranding boosted performance]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/thq-wwe-franchise-rebranding-boosted-performance/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/thq-wwe-franchise-rebranding-boosted-performance/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/thq-wwe-franchise-rebranding-boosted-performance/#comments ImageWhich would you be more likely to walk into a store and ask for? Something called "WWE 12" or something called "WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2011?" THQ reports that common sense has won out, as it attributes increased sales of the new title, in part, to the new naming convention.

"The successful rebranding of this annual franchise has led to higher sell-through to date," the company notes in its latest earnings release, "which is up approximately 20 percent on like-for-like platforms in North America versus the year-ago title." THQ didn't share the sell-through number, but it did disclose that it shipped more than 2.2 million copies since November. It sounds like a much more successful rebranding than "Hollywood Hogan."

JoystiqTHQ: WWE franchise rebranding boosted performance originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftnintendoplaystationps3thqwiiwwe-12wwe-2012xboxTue, 15 May 2012 16:44:00 EST<![CDATA[South Park: The Game delayed to early 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/south-park-the-game-delayed-to-early-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/south-park-the-game-delayed-to-early-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/south-park-the-game-delayed-to-early-2013/#comments ImageSouth Park: The Game was originally announced with a launch in the second half of 2012, but it has been pushed to Q4 of FY2013, THQ's financial statement reveals. THQ's financial years run April through March, putting the new launch window in early 2013 territory.

Developer Obsidian Entertainment was hit with layoffs in March, with a few losses coming from the South Park: The Game development team.

JoystiqSouth Park: The Game delayed to early 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 16:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Delayfy-2012microsoftObsidian-Entertainmentpcplaystationps3south-park-the-gameTHQxboxTue, 15 May 2012 16:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Saints Row franchise ships 11 million units, SR: The Third expansion due in Sept.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/saints-row-franchise-has-shipped-11-million-units-sr-the-third/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/saints-row-franchise-has-shipped-11-million-units-sr-the-third/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/saints-row-franchise-has-shipped-11-million-units-sr-the-third/#comments As part of today's year-end financials, THQ announced that the Saints Row franchise has shipped 11 million units globally. Speaking specifically to the latest installment, Saints Row: The Third, the company revealed it has shipped over 4.25 million units and that "the game has generated the highest digital revenue of any console title in the company's history."

That's not the conclusion of Saints Row for the year. Saints Row: The Third: Enter The Dominatrix is expected to launch this September. The game is a standalone product that does not require the third installment to play and started life as an April Fool's gag.

JoystiqSaints Row franchise ships 11 million units, SR: The Third expansion due in Sept. originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcplaystationps3Saints-RowSaints-Row-2saints-row-the-thirdTHQvolition-incxboxTue, 15 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft profits in 2012, 'core gamers' drive rise in sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/ubisoft-profits-in-2012-core-gamers-drive-rise-in-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/ubisoft-profits-in-2012-core-gamers-drive-rise-in-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/ubisoft-profits-in-2012-core-gamers-drive-rise-in-sales/#comments ImageUbisoft ended the 2012 financial year on the up, reporting a gross profit of €718 million ($917 million) and sales up 2.1 percent to €1 billion ($1.4 billion) year-over-year, according to its financial results for 2011-2012.

Ubisoft ended fiscal 2011-12 with net income of €37.3 million ($47.6 million), up from a net loss of €52.1 million ($66.5 million) in the 2011 fiscal year.

Sales from "core gamers" in Assassin's Creed Revelations, Rayman Origins, Driver San Francisco and free-to-play title The Settlers Online generated €578 million ($738.1 million) in revenue, Ubisoft reported. Casual games brought in €483 million ($616.8 million) in revenue, mainly from Just Dance, Rocksmith and free-to-play title Howrse.

Core and casual titles contributed to a 110.8 percent jump in online and digital sales, bringing that figure to €80 million ($102.1 million), Ubisoft reported.

Ubisoft's net cash position is down from €99.2 million ($126.6 million) in 2011 to €84.6 million ($108 million) in 2012, while current operating income rose 90 percent to €56 million ($71.5 million) year-over-year.

JoystiqUbisoft profits in 2012, 'core gamers' drive rise in sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>financialsfy-2012kinectmicrosoftmovenintendopcplaystationps3UbisoftwiixboxTue, 15 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[If 38 Studios collapses, Rhode Island taxpayers owe $112.6 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/if-38-studios-collapses-rhode-island-taxpayers-owe-112-6-milli/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/if-38-studios-collapses-rhode-island-taxpayers-owe-112-6-milli/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/if-38-studios-collapses-rhode-island-taxpayers-owe-112-6-milli/#comments ImageWith Rhode Island politicians and 38 Studios silent on the precarious financial condition of the developer, the potential cost of the doomsday scenario to taxpayers has come to light. WPRI reports that if 38 Studios can't pay the bonds it received from the state, taxpayers will actually be responsible for paying back $112.6 million through 2020.

The math works a little something this this: The Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation borrowed $75 million from private investors for 38 Studios, at interest rates between 6 - 7.75 percent, with the expectation that 38 Studios would pay it back with the sale of games.

For the record, 38 Studios has only launched one product, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, which it only had due to its acquisition of developer Big Huge Games. Big Huge Games was already working on an RPG prior to the sale, but altered it to fit the Amalur world after the purchase.

If 38 Studios can't pay, the governor is required to ask the General Assembly to repay bondholders.

Game industry sources tell Joystiq that if 38 Studios does collapse, despite this specific deal having been widely criticized from the start, it could have wider repercussions for the industry trying to obtain tax breaks in other states. The silence out of Providence right now is deafening.

JoystiqIf 38 Studios collapses, Rhode Island taxpayers owe $112.6 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscurt-schillingEAElectronic-Artskingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 15 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lightning's story finally hits Final Fantasy XIII-2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/lightnings-story-finally-hits-final-fantasy-xiii-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/lightnings-story-finally-hits-final-fantasy-xiii-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/lightnings-story-finally-hits-final-fantasy-xiii-2/#comments ImageIt seems to come up in every announcement of other FFXIII-2 DLC - and it's about the person on the game's box - so we're glad to finally see "Lightning's Story: Requiem of the Goddess" arrive today in North America.

In this episode, you play out a battle between Lightning and Caius, and get the opportunity to unlock Lightning for use in the main game ... which Square recommends you finish before playing the DLC. It's a bit of a catch-22. Also out today is "Snow's Story: Perpetual Battlefield," a Coliseum battle with Snow that also unlocks him.

These two episodes mark the end of Final Fantasy XIII-2 DLC, but Square is ending on a high note by releasing them alongside a set of 16 new costumes for Mog.

JoystiqLightning's story finally hits Final Fantasy XIII-2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcfinal-fantasy-xiii-2lightnings-story-requiem-of-the-goddessmicrosoftplaystationps3release-datexboxTue, 15 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joy Ride Turbo skids onto Xbox Live Arcade May 23]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/joy-ride-turbo-skids-onto-xbox-live-arcade-may-23/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/joy-ride-turbo-skids-onto-xbox-live-arcade-may-23/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/joy-ride-turbo-skids-onto-xbox-live-arcade-may-23/#comments Joy Ride Turbo, the Kinect-free sequel to Kinect Joy Ride, will be released on Xbox Live Arcade on May 23, according to a new release schedule from Major Nelson. As previously revealed, Joy Ride Turbo features several different modes, including a new Stunt Park, and generally sounds a lot more like the Joy Ride Microsoft originally announced way back in 2009.

If your Kinect is feeling lonely as a result, this week's Xbox Live Deal of the Week revolves entirely around downloadable Kinect titles. You can grab Fruit Ninja Kinect for $7, while Hole in the Wall, Leedmees, Double Fine Happy Action Theater, Rhythm Party and Haunt have been knocked down to $5 each.

If your 360 controller is now feeling double-reverse lonely, next week will see discounts to some old-fashioned regular XBLA games. Specifically, Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes will be reduced to $7.50, while Outland and Beyond Good & Evil HD will be available for $5 each.

JoystiqJoy Ride Turbo skids onto Xbox Live Arcade May 23 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BigParkjoy-ride-turbokinectmicrosoftrelease-datexblaxboxxbox-liveTue, 15 May 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision pays $42 million to Infinity Ward Employee Group]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/activision-pays-42-million-to-infinity-ward-employee-group/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/activision-pays-42-million-to-infinity-ward-employee-group/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/activision-pays-42-million-to-infinity-ward-employee-group/#comments Activision has paid out $42 million to the "Infinity Ward Employee Group," which sued Activision in 2010 seeking profits from Modern Warfare 2. A source speaking to Polygon said that the payment was not a settlement; rather, Activision's discovery phase (for its own lawsuit against former Infinity Ward leads Jason West and Vince Zampella) found no evidence that the Employee Group members were complicit in the breach-of-contract issues for which Activision is suing, and so Bobby Kotick and Activision agreed to pay them.

That group sought $75 million to $125 million, plus punitive damages. IWEG attorney Bruce Isaacs told Polygon that "although it is a meaningful payment it is only a small portion of what we are seeking in litigation." And it is still going forward with said litigation. Isaacs said the payment was a "cynical attempt to look good before the jury trial."

JoystiqActivision pays $42 million to Infinity Ward Employee Group originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsinfinity-wardinfinity-ward-employee-grouplawsuitmicrosoftModern-Warfare-2nintendopcplaystationps3wiixboxTue, 15 May 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lamia says Black Ops 2 visuals a priority, downplays age of engine]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/lamia-says-black-ops-2-visuals-a-priority-downplays-age-of-engi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/lamia-says-black-ops-2-visuals-a-priority-downplays-age-of-engi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/lamia-says-black-ops-2-visuals-a-priority-downplays-age-of-engi/#comments At this point, a portion of the current conversation surrounding Black Ops 2 is in regards to the engine powering it, version 3.0 of the Infinity Ward (IW) engine - IW 3.0 powered Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Call of Duty: World at War and the original Black Ops. If you're worried the visuals in Black Ops 2 won't be up to snuff, Treyarch head Mark Lamia assures us all the engine has seen numerous tweaks, downplaying its age in a recent audio interview summed up over on One of Swords.

Lamia said "a pretty significant amount of work" in Black Ops 2 is going into the graphics and the lighting. "I think what people are asking for is for us to push. They want us to make a better-looking game; they want things. I don't think those are things people can't ask for. We asked ourselves that very same question - we wanted to advance the graphics. I think the questions are valid. The answer may not need to be an entirely new engine, but you might need to do an entire overhaul of your entire lighting system. The trick is, we're not willing to do that if we can't keep it running at 60 frames per second - but we did that this time."

Lamia gave an analogy akin to remodeling a home - not with a rocket launcher, but rather he talked about sectioning off parts of the metaphorical house for more local improvements. "There's a lot of good still in that foundation that you wouldn't get rid of, and we don't. We look to advance in the areas that support our game design. Engines, each time they get touched, they change. The creators alter them; they don't modify what they don't need to, and then they alter what they need to. You can't make a competitive product if you're not upgrading that engine along the way."

JoystiqLamia says Black Ops 2 visuals a priority, downplays age of engine originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 02:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-black-ops-2iw-3iw-3.0mark-lamiamicrosoftpcplaystationps3treyarchxboxTue, 15 May 2012 02:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Lionhead seeks multiplayer level designer for game development, long walks on beach]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/lionhead-seeks-multiplayer-level-designer-for-game-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/lionhead-seeks-multiplayer-level-designer-for-game-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/lionhead-seeks-multiplayer-level-designer-for-game-development/#commentsImageMicrosoft's Lionhead Studios is looking for a multiplayer level designer with "a deep understanding of online multiplayer games," a job posting reveals.

We assume Lionhead also would like any new designer to be adept at making the public forget Fable Heroes ever happened.

Lionhead's recent time in the spotlight hasn't focused on what games it may be creating, but instead on Fable creator Peter Molyneux's departure and what that might mean for the studio. With no other information or speculation on Lionhead's next title, aside from this multiplayer designer business, we're going to throw our best guess out there: A Team Fortress 2 clone that looks like Minecraft, plays like Call of Duty and is called "Half-Alive 3."

JoystiqLionhead seeks multiplayer level designer for game development, long walks on beach originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fable-HeroesjobLionheadLionhead-StudiosmicrosoftmultiplayerPeter-MolyneuxxboxMon, 14 May 2012 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Free DLC brings Arkham Asylum into Gotham City Impostors]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/free-dlc-brings-arkham-asylum-into-gotham-city-impostors/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/free-dlc-brings-arkham-asylum-into-gotham-city-impostors/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/free-dlc-brings-arkham-asylum-into-gotham-city-impostors/#comments Image
Prepare to be slightly, mildly confused. Gotham City Impostors, the non-Batman Batman game, is getting a free map based on Arkham Asylum, setting for a different recent Batman game. There's probably a way we could present that information that would be confusing, like "Batman game to be set in Arkham Asylum" or "You've never been to Arkham in this Batman game" but really it's not a big deal. Can you tell we started this post planning to play up the confusion angle and then stopped ourselves?

Speaking of confusion, this free map launched on the North American PSN last week by accident, in place of the Rodeo Pirate Pack. It will launch as planned on Xbox May 16, and PC at an unspecified date soon after.

JoystiqFree DLC brings Arkham Asylum into Gotham City Impostors originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkham-asylumdlcgotham-city-impostorsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3psnxblaxboxMon, 14 May 2012 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Rhode Island gov working hard at 'keeping 38 Studios solvent']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/rhode-island-gov-working-hard-at-keeping-38-studios-solvent/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/rhode-island-gov-working-hard-at-keeping-38-studios-solvent/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/rhode-island-gov-working-hard-at-keeping-38-studios-solvent/#comments Reckoning, indeed! A developing story out of Rhode Island has Governor Lincoln Chafee talking in uncertain terms about the financial condition of Curt Schilling's 38 Studios, which the state gave a controversial $75 million loan to a couple years back to move down to Providence.

The Providence Journal reports Gov. Chafee, who was against the loan during his election, spent a "weekend of work on this subject," but wouldn't go into specifics. "We're doing everything possible, like I would for any Rhode Island company," he said this afternoon. The Journal reports he added the work was about "keeping 38 Studios solvent."

"We're concerned and just doing everything possible to ensure that 38 Studios stays part of the Rhode Island community," Governor Chafee told WPRI.com. "We're working on different issues with them." Asked if 38 Studios' issues could be resolved, Chafee said, "We're working on it."

Continue reading Rhode Island gov working hard at 'keeping 38 Studios solvent'

JoystiqRhode Island gov working hard at 'keeping 38 Studios solvent' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-Studioscurt-schillingGovernor-Chafeekingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningLincoln-Chafeemicrosoftpcplaystationps3Rhode-IslandxboxMon, 14 May 2012 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: EA to reveal COD Elite-like service for Battlefield 3 at E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/rumor-ea-to-reveal-cod-elite-like-service-for-battlefield-3-at/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/rumor-ea-to-reveal-cod-elite-like-service-for-battlefield-3-at/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/rumor-ea-to-reveal-cod-elite-like-service-for-battlefield-3-at/#comments Electronic Arts is prepping its own subscription-based companion service for its flagship military-centric first person shooter, according to a "very reliable source" belonging to Battlefieldo. The service (dubbed Battlefield[TM] Premium) would be to Battlefield 3 what Activision's Call of Duty Elite program is to Modern Warfare 3, granting access to "a number of content drops with unique in-game items not available anywhere else," so sayeth the allegedly leaked press release.

"First out is the one-of-a-kind Premium knife and black dog tag," the missive continues, "plus a set of soldier camos, weapon camos, dog tags and Assignments that will make sure you stand out and get more personalization options." Should this all pan out, Battlefield Premium will be officially announced during E3, specifically on June 4. We've reached out to EA for comment and will update if/when we hear back.

JoystiqRumor: EA to reveal COD Elite-like service for Battlefield 3 at E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbattlefield-3Battlefield-Premiumcall-of-duty-elitecall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3DICEEAElectronic-Artsmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3pcplaystationps3xboxMon, 14 May 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[This Sleeping Dogs trailer is pretty violent, you guys]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/this-sleeping-dogs-trailer-is-pretty-violent-you-guys/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/this-sleeping-dogs-trailer-is-pretty-violent-you-guys/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/this-sleeping-dogs-trailer-is-pretty-violent-you-guys/#comments
We're all for a good bit of Hong Kong-style fisticuffs, but why would you ever slam a guy's face into an active table saw? That's totally uncalled for, Sleeping Dogs guy!

JoystiqThis Sleeping Dogs trailer is pretty violent, you guys originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcplaystationps3sleeping-dogssquare-enixunited-front-gamesxboxMon, 14 May 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Max Payne 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/metareview-max-payne-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/metareview-max-payne-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/metareview-max-payne-3/#comments
Max, dearest of all my friends. So good to have you back. You look a little tired, friend. Is it all that leaping and shooting, or is it something more? Sit down, sip a little vodka and look at what they're saying about you. Joystiq feels you make "people die real good." What about everyone else? Take a look...
  • G4 (100/100): "The performances are top notch, the action plays out with unrivaled fluidity, and the multiplayer is deep and rewarding. Silly distractions aside, Max Payne 3 is an action lover's wet dream that also happens to employ some of the slickest direction and transitional trickery this side of a David Fincher box set. Lock and load. It's bullet time...time."
  • Game Informer (93/100): "The same great gunplay from the campaign is replicated in the multiplayer modes, and immense depth is tied to the ranking system (with a level cap of 50) and slew of unlockable guns, skins, and items. Rockstar also provides a crew system that tracks world ranks, kill-to-death ratios, and first place finishes for ­each ­crew."
  • Giant Bomb (4/5): "Rockstar has taken a lot of risks in the ways it has reshaped the series with Max Payne 3, and there's something to be said for opting out of the easy route. The aesthetic overhaul is certainly the most noticeable, though there's no understating the impact that certain gameplay modernizations have had on the experience. While fans might have a hard time processing the dramatic change in tone, it's approached with a seriousness and conviction that I respect, and frankly, have come to expect from Rockstar."
  • Edge (70/100): "Max Payne 3 might solve the problem of how you manage to reload when carrying more than one gun, but detailing alone can't change the fact that this is a surprisingly conservative game from Rockstar. Its absorption of cover mechanics makes Payne feel more familiar than he should, but even then his signature tricks are over a decade old. This is a game about a world-weary killer doing the only thing he knows how to, and for all its spectacular action beats there's something apt about Max's fatigue."

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

JoystiqMetareview: Max Payne 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Max-Payne-3Metareviewmetareviewsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3RockstarRockstar-GamesTake-Two-InteractivexboxMon, 14 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: May 14-20, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/now-playing-may-14-20-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/now-playing-may-14-20-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/now-playing-may-14-20-2012/#comments Image
Traverse the depths of Hell once again in Diablo 3...

Choose your platform to jump to a specific release list:

Continue reading Now Playing: May 14-20, 2012

JoystiqNow Playing: May 14-20, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskinectmacmicrosoftmovenintendonow-playingpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiixboxMon, 14 May 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch the entire Ghost Recon Alpha short film]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/watch-the-entire-ghost-recon-alpha-short-film/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/watch-the-entire-ghost-recon-alpha-short-film/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/watch-the-entire-ghost-recon-alpha-short-film/#comments
Image

If you appreciate violent art in forms other than gaming, you'll probably enjoy the desaturated bullet frenzy of Ghost Recon Alpha. If you think gaming is the only pure way to portray murderous creativity, wait until Ghost Recon: Future Soldier drops May 22 and silence the critique.

JoystiqWatch the entire Ghost Recon Alpha short film originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ghost-recon-alphaGhost-Recon-Future-Soldiermicrosoftpcplaystationps3short-filmUbisoftxboxMon, 14 May 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Murderer's Row: Max Payne 3's Classic Multiplayer Character Pack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/murderers-row-max-payne-3s-classic-multiplayer-character-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/murderers-row-max-payne-3s-classic-multiplayer-character-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/murderers-row-max-payne-3s-classic-multiplayer-character-pack/#comments ImageThe newest installment in the Max Payne series hits tomorrow, and with all those new features, altered characters and updated graphics, some players may crave the explosive stability of the original cast. The Max Payne 3 Classic Multiplayer Character pack allows players to control eight beloved killers in the online Deathmatch mode, and comes standard in the Special Edition. The pack will be available for stand-alone purchase later on.

The Classic Multiplayer Character pack includes Vladimir "Vlad" Lem, Vincent "Vinnie" Gognitti, Jack Lupino, Alfred Woden, Mona Sax, Valerie Winterson, Nicole Horne and Max Payne 2's NYPD detective version of Max Payne.

JoystiqMurderer's Row: Max Payne 3's Classic Multiplayer Character Pack originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charactersclassicDLCMax-Payne-3microsoftmultiplayerpcplaystationps3RockStarspecial-editionxboxMon, 14 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix sees 6 billion yen profit in fiscal 2012 thanks to Deus Ex, FFXIII-2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/square-enix-sees-6-billion-yen-profit-in-fiscal-2012-thanks-to-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/square-enix-sees-6-billion-yen-profit-in-fiscal-2012-thanks-to-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/square-enix-sees-6-billion-yen-profit-in-fiscal-2012-thanks-to-d/#comments Square Enix's financial results for fiscal 2012 have been posted, and thanks to the releases of Deus Ex: Human Revolution and Final Fantasy XIII-2, the developer has ended the year in the black, to the tune of a ¥6.06 billion (or $75.9 million) profit.

Total income from sales for the fiscal year, which for Square Enix ran from April 2011 through March 2012, totaled up to ¥127.89 billion ($1.6 billion) - a 2.1 percent year-over-year increase. After subtracting taxes and operating costs, the company was left with over ¥6 billion in profit, which must be welcome news for stockholders still feeling the sting from Square Enix's ¥12.04 billion ($150.86 million) loss in fiscal 2011.

"In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, we continued our efforts aimed at increasing profitability, including establishing best practices for the content in said growth areas, improving quality of our major online game, and strengthening our global structure," said Square Enix president Yoichi Wada in a statement accompanying the financial report. "We are accelerating the reformation to generate a substantial earnings improvement in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013 and beyond."

JoystiqSquare Enix sees 6 billion yen profit in fiscal 2012 thanks to Deus Ex, FFXIII-2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>financialsfiscal-2012iosipadiphonemicrosoftmobilepcplaystationps3Square-EnixxboxMon, 14 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft XBLA sold 1 million copies in five days]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/minecraft-xbla-sold-1-million-copies-in-five-days/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/minecraft-xbla-sold-1-million-copies-in-five-days/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/minecraft-xbla-sold-1-million-copies-in-five-days/#comments ImageYep, that's a 1 followed by six 0s and two - count 'em, two - commas. Minecraft on Xbox 360 has sold 1 million copies since its launch on May 9, Microsoft announced today. Minecraft runs $20 a pop on XBLA, making its initial revenue bump against $20 million, supposedly split between Mojang, port developer 4J Studios and Microsoft.

Players have so far spent more than 5.2 million hours mining on XBLA, played 4 million multiplayer sessions and clocked more than 2.4 million multiplayer hours, Microsoft reported. Original Minecraft developer Markus "Notch" Persson reacted to the news in what we think is an appropriate manner: "Wow."

JoystiqMinecraft XBLA sold 1 million copies in five days originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1-million4j-studiosmicrosoftMinecraftmojangnotchsalesXBLAxboxMon, 14 May 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Two new Halo 4 enemies give away their position on McFarlane toy box]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/two-new-halo-4-enemies-give-away-their-position-on-mcfarlane-toy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/two-new-halo-4-enemies-give-away-their-position-on-mcfarlane-toy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/two-new-halo-4-enemies-give-away-their-position-on-mcfarlane-toy/#comments ImageTwo new enemies for Halo 4 have been outed on the back of a Series 1 McFarlane toy package, dubbed the "Crawler" and "Watcher," a photo from All Games Beta shows. The box includes images of each new enemy: The Crawler looks like a hellhound stuck its head in a vat of boiling yellow glow-stick liquid, while the Watcher appears to be a moth-mounted, flying beetle creature.

343 Industries better throw a leash on these Halo 4 image leaks before All Games Beta renames itself to "Official Halo 4 Pictures For Everyone Always, Enjoy."

JoystiqTwo new Halo 4 enemies give away their position on McFarlane toy box originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-Industriescrawlerenemieshalo-4imagesleakmicrosoftwatcherxboxMon, 14 May 2012 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Max Payne 3 review: Nature of the beast]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/max-payne-3-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/max-payne-3-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/max-payne-3-review/#comments Max Payne can't even find peace in a graveyard. A quiet moment of remembrance, dour and dusted in snow, is soon buried beneath the sound of gunfire. This man exists to kill, and the tombstone that names his murdered wife and daughter is there to provide cover.

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

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

Continue reading Max Payne 3 review: Nature of the beast

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Max-Payne-3microsoftpcplaystationps3Rockstar-Gamesrockstar-studiosxboxMon, 14 May 2012 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Famous one hit kills get mashed up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/famous-one-hit-kills-get-mashed-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/famous-one-hit-kills-get-mashed-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/famous-one-hit-kills-get-mashed-up/#comments Image
Ah, the one hit kill. As a rule, they're fun to perform, but not so much fun when they're performed on you. Nearly everyone sees both sides of the equation in this mash-up of famous one hit kills. Check it out and see who winds up on top.

JoystiqFamous one hit kills get mashed up originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3wiixboxMon, 14 May 2012 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Sniper Elite V2 maintains elevated UK position for second week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/sniper-elite-v2-maintains-elevated-uk-position-for-second-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/sniper-elite-v2-maintains-elevated-uk-position-for-second-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/sniper-elite-v2-maintains-elevated-uk-position-for-second-week/#comments
Thanks to another week of minimal competition, Sniper Elite V2 maintains its vantage point atop the UK charts for a second week. The game may have seen sales drop 38 percent, but none of the new entries made any type of shakeup on the charts, with the regular motley crew holding the top ten.

The EA triplets of FIFA 12, FIFA Street and Mass Effect 3 find themselves in second, third and fifth place, respectively. Nudging in there for some cuddle time in fourth is Prototype 2.

Sony's Starhawk is the only new title to crack the top 40, flying in at spot 17 for its debut. March on past the break for the UK top ten.

Gallery: Sniper Elite V2: Single-Player (03/23/2012)

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JoystiqSniper Elite V2 maintains elevated UK position for second week originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklyfifa-12fifa-streetmass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3sniper-elite-v2UKxboxMon, 14 May 2012 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Virtua Fighter 5 Final Showdown due June 5 on PSN, June 6 on XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/virtua-fighter-5-final-showdown-due-june-5-on-psn-june-6-on-xbl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/virtua-fighter-5-final-showdown-due-june-5-on-psn-june-6-on-xbl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/virtua-fighter-5-final-showdown-due-june-5-on-psn-june-6-on-xbl/#comments Image
We can't see the title of the new XBLA/PSN release of Virtua Fighter 5 and not think of "The Final Countdown." And now, we are in the final countdown before Final Showdown's release. Sega announced today that the 3D fighter will arrive on PSN June 5 and on XBLA June 6.

Should you want to make the delightfully budget-priced fighter less budget-priced, the release will be accompanied by a bunch of character customization DLC. Individual character packs (containing "600-950" items!) will be released for $5/400 MS Points; or you can buy two bundle packs (one with 9 characters' items and one with 10) for $15/1,200 points, also on release day.

Continue reading Virtua Fighter 5 Final Showdown due June 5 on PSN, June 6 on XBLA

JoystiqVirtua Fighter 5 Final Showdown due June 5 on PSN, June 6 on XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftplaystationps3psnq2-2012release-datesegavirtua-fighter-5-final-showdownxblaxboxMon, 14 May 2012 10:15:00 EST