Joystiq

Game of Thrones gets June 8 UK release date: Sat, 19 May 2012 12:15:00 EST

Game of Thrones, the latest RPG from Cyanide, is set to take over the UK and Ireland on June 8 for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC. Based on the world first penned by George R.R. Martin, players guide two playable characters through locales both new and familiar to the series.

Players land in Riverspring, a new location to the Game of Thrones world and the home of Alester Sarwyck, who seeks to put a stop to his sister's marriage. Also starring in the game is Mors, a brother of the Night's Watch that guards the wall.

Those wanting to seize the iron throne while living across the sea (you silly Targaryens!) can check out our review of the game and then try for themselves in June.

Game of Thrones gets June 8 UK release date originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 May 2012 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: EA shutting down Dragon Age Legends servers June 18: Sat, 19 May 2012 10:30:00 EST

Electronic Arts and BioWare's social soiree in Ferelden will be coming to an end on June 18, 2012, according to the official Dragon Age Legends website. E-commerce for the title ended yesterday, meaning that while the game it still active for the time being, it's no longer possible to convert your real-life dollars into fake ~~Dragon Dollars~~ crowns for use in Ferelden's many shops.

BioWare has also initiated a "massive fire sale" on all in-game items until the servers go down, so anyone with stockpiles of fake internet money can get their fake internet money's worth, at least for a few weeks. If the thought of living without a weird Facebook adaptation of the Dragon Age world is too much to handle, take heart: A single-player version of the game will be made available on the official site "shortly after the current version of the game shuts down."

PSA: EA shutting down Dragon Age Legends servers June 18 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SOL: Exodus flying to all digital distribution systems, European retail this summer: Sat, 19 May 2012 09:45:00 EST

Space combat invigorater SOL: Exodus is heading to European boxed retail this summer and all digital distribution systems shortly. Developer Seamless struck a deal with publisher Iceberg Interactive to the bring the game to physical shelves in the UK , Ireland, Scandinavia, Benelux and other territories beginning June 22.

"SOL has definitely been a labor of love for us, and we can't wait to hear from fans and players from around the world." Seamless Studio Director Dan Magaha said, "As a small indie developer working in the town where Wing Commander was born, it's been an enormous honor to build our homage to the classic space games we loved when we were young, and we hope that passion comes through in the quality of our work."

SOL: Exodus launched on Steam earlier this year and, for whatever hiccups it may have as an indie project (many smoothed since launch), it's still totally worth it for $10.

Gallery: Sol: Exodus (PC)

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SOL: Exodus flying to all digital distribution systems, European retail this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 May 2012 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Tekken: Rise of the Tournament' coming from Ong-bak director Prachya Pinkaew: Sat, 19 May 2012 02:00:00 EST

A prequel to 2010's straight-to-video/Netflix Tekken film has been announced by Crystal Sky Pictures CEO Steven Paul during this week's Cannes Film Festival in France. Tekken: Rise of the Tournament is set to be directed by Prachya Pinkaew of Ong-bak and Chocolate fame - a martial arts pedigree that bodes better for the franchise than Tekken director Dwight H. Little's resume of slasher flicks and Free Willy sequels.

No actors have been signed to the project as of yet, but Crystal Sky will be aiming at finding thespians that look like Tekken's characters, rather than attaching big-name stars. The production company will be aiming for a theatrical release in North America, although nothing has actually been decided in terms of distribution.

In addition to Tekken: Rise of the Tournament, Crystal Sky Pictures is in the post-production stages of a Baby Geniuses trilogy and is also set to begin production on Dracula: The 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Can't make this stuff up.

'Tekken: Rise of the Tournament' coming from Ong-bak director Prachya Pinkaew originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 May 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sega Vintage Collections dumping lots of old games on PSN and XBLA next wek: Fri, 18 May 2012 23:59:00 EST

Way, way more Master System and Genesis games are on the way to PS3 and Xbox, including the long-awaited release of Monster World IV. Sega announced the next few "Vintage Collections," which will be sold individually on PSN and in bundles on XBLA.

For XBLA, the Monster World Collection brings together Wonder Boy in Monster Land (arcade) and Wonder Boy in Monster World and MWIV for Genesis on May 23. On May 30, Golden Axe's arcade original joins Golden Axe 2 & 3 on Genesis, concurrent with a three-volume Streets of Rage Collection. The collections sell for 800 MSP each.

Meanwhile, PSN will see all of those Wonder Boys, Super Hang-On (arcade), Revenge of Shinobi, and Alex Kidd in Miracle World on May 22, for $5 each.

Sega Vintage Collections dumping lots of old games on PSN and XBLA next wek originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Time Traveler' is another playable character in Double Fine's mystery game: Fri, 18 May 2012 23:15:00 EST

Double Fine's Ron Gilbert has revealed another character from his puzzling new title, this one called "the time traveler."

She is one of "three playable characters" that Gilbert has unveiled in three days on his personal gaming blog, Grumpy Gamer. Yesterday and the previous day Gilbert revealed the monk and the hillbilly.

The time traveler's silhouette is visible in the background of the puzzle Double Fine sent us earlier this month. We have to admit, she looks way cooler with glowing blue (we assume time-travel-inducing) accessories than as a vague, whispy shadow.

The plot, and the question, thickens: What do a hillbilly, a monk and a time traveler have in common?

'Time Traveler' is another playable character in Double Fine's mystery game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WRUP: Diablo is in the details: Fri, 18 May 2012 22:15:00 EST

After launch hiccups that prevented the ravenous hordes to delve deep into the dungeons of Diablo 3, it appears things are stable enough now for the masses to descend. We understand if you won't be able to join in, as hell takes many forms.

What's everyone playing?

Continue reading WRUP: Diablo is in the details

WRUP: Diablo is in the details originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hackett, EDI confirmed for Mass Effect 3 'Extended Cut' DLC: Fri, 18 May 2012 21:15:00 EST

On top of providing "further clarity" to Mass Effect 3's ending, some more details regarding the upcoming "Extended Cut" DLC have come out. "Extended Cut" will include cameos from both Admiral Hackett, who is played by Lance Henricksen, and EDI, voiced by Tricia Helfer.

"I just did another session with them. They were saying there's a little bit of a problem with the abruptness of the ending," Hendriksen told G4 during a press junket for a new animated series called Tron: Uprising that he's involved in. "So we did a whole series of things to add to the end of the game, to live up to the quality they've been doing." Helfer, also part of the show, confirmed EDI would make an appearance.

Hackett, EDI confirmed for Mass Effect 3 'Extended Cut' DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Expiring trademarks suggest trouble for Brothers in Arms: Furious 4: Fri, 18 May 2012 20:15:00 EST

Brothers in Arms: Furious 4 may be in trouble. Some lapsing trademarks for the its title intimate the Gearbox-developed game is all but abandoned (or the name is changing), and our inquiries into Gearbox Software have yet to be answered. "We don't have anything to share at this point in time," an Ubisoft representative told Joystiq.

Brothers in Arms: Furious 4 was announced at last year's E3 ... and then that was it. We didn't hear a single thing after that preliminary announcement, even though the game was given a tentative 2012 launch window. Right now a cancelation isn't confirmed, but it's looking like these four will have something to be really furious about soon enough.

Expiring trademarks suggest trouble for Brothers in Arms: Furious 4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Former NCAA athletes' lawsuit against EA is so on: Fri, 18 May 2012 19:45:00 EST

EA's request to dismiss a class action lawsuit from former NCAA athletes has been denied, meaning the trial will movie forward and EA stands to lose more than $1 billion if found at fault.

The former NCAA athletes claim EA conspired with the NCAA and the CLC to have players sign away their likenesses and names to be used in video games without compensation. The players allege that in order to participate in NCAA sports they were required to sign a form allowing EA their likenesses in games, even after their college sports careers ended.

The federal judge previously dismissed other claims in the lawsuit, but denied EA's attempt to have an antitrust claim thrown out.

EA is facing more than a few lawsuits at the moment, but it did recently settle a two-year-old lawsuit with Activision, with as-yet undisclosed concessions from either side.

Former NCAA athletes' lawsuit against EA is so on originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rock Band Weekly: Iron Maiden: Fri, 18 May 2012 19:15:00 EST

The "Maiden Epics" pack of Iron Maiden tunes coming to Rock Band next week has things that sound like they wouldn't be metal, but are, in fact, totally metal.

Like "Rime of the Ancient Mariner." Sounds like some old epic poem, right? Well, it is epic in that sense, as well as in the sense of being thirteen minutes long.

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: Iron Maiden

Rock Band Weekly: Iron Maiden originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wii U patent shows off Wiimote-to-WiiPad pointing and dragging: Fri, 18 May 2012 18:30:00 EST

A patent filed by Nintendo in October of last year has just surfaced online, suggesting a neat feature for the Wii U. The patent outlines a feature in which the player can use the Wiimote to grab things from the television and transport them over to the Wii U tablet.

In the example provided, the player is under attack from a UFO and uses the Wiimote to move a character from the TV to the safety of the tablet. Sounds like an interesting feature, though we're not looking forward to taking a bath in radioactive liquid so we can grow that extra arm to use all this stuff.

Wii U patent shows off Wiimote-to-WiiPad pointing and dragging originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mario Tennis Open review: Holding court: Fri, 18 May 2012 17:45:00 EST

Mario Tennis Open, like most of the Mushroom Kingdom's forays into the world of athletics, isn't really a sports game. All of the pieces are set in place to look like a tennis game, with a layer of Mario's signature whimsy on top, but the game itself is all rhythm and pattern recognition.

This simplicity makes it easy to pick up and play, with the unfortunate side effect of making it lose its challenge too quickly. It's a satisfying game and packs some exhilarating moments, but it exhausts its mechanics too soon.

Gallery: Mario Tennis Open (4/6/2012)

Continue reading Mario Tennis Open review: Holding court

Mario Tennis Open review: Holding court originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First video of 38 Studios' 'Project Copernicus' MMO flies over Amalur: Fri, 18 May 2012 17:11:00 EST

38 Studios released a "Project Copernicus" sizzle reel this afternoon, featuring locales in Amalur's MMO game world. The timing of this video is certainly interesting, since it comes on the same day that 38 Studios handed over an overdue check to the state of Rhode Island and its governor, Lincoln Chafee, announced "Project Copernicus" would launch in June 2013.

First video of 38 Studios' 'Project Copernicus' MMO flies over Amalur originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 17:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Elder Scrolls Online main story will be '100 percent solo': Fri, 18 May 2012 16:35:00 EST

The main story in The Elder Scrolls Online will be a solitary experience, game director Matt Firor revealed in a video interview with Game Informer.

"In the Elder Scrolls games you're always the hero, whether you want to be or not," Firor said. "You go out there and you kill the dragons. You kill Mehrunes Dagon in Oblivion. In Morrowind, you're up there fighting the Tribunal - those are huge, global, epic things that you don't want to stand in line to do in an MMO. The last thing you want to do is have the final confrontation with Mehrunes Dagon as he's stomping across the Imperial City, and you see like 15 guys behind you waiting to kill him because they're on the same quest.

"We have a whole part of the game that is 100 per cent solo, which is the main story, where the world focuses on you. You are the hero, everything you do is solo and the world reacts to you that way," Firor said.

Previous details do include PvP matches of up to 200 players, but those are obviously separate from the main quest. The Elder Scrolls Online will be played in a third-person perspective and is attempting to be a "modern" MMO, blending The Elder Scrolls features into this new genre. Not all Elder Scrolls fans are happy with the new title's angle, but Firor said that's just fine.

"The worst situation for a game community to be in is where no one posts on the boards because they don't care," he said. "If they post on the boards, they care, even if they're not being so polite about it. But that's a fact of life: You're an Internet game, you're on the Internet, you have an Internet community. And the Internet community is always very vocal.

"So what you do is learn from it. You make sure you do the best job to deliver the best game that you can and they you go from there."

The Elder Scrolls Online main story will be '100 percent solo' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Origin waives crowd-funded games' distribution fees for 90 days: Fri, 18 May 2012 15:50:00 EST

EA's Origin is jumping on the Kickstarter bandwagon - no, not by Kickstarting an EA game (that would be hilarious) but instead, by presenting itself as an ally to crowd-funded games.

EA announced today that it will waive distribution fees for crowd-funded games for 90 days after launch. The offer is extended only to "fully-funded, complete and ready-to-publish games designed for digital download to PC platforms." InXile's Brian Fargo and Pinkerton Road's Jane Jensen voiced their support in the press release.

"The public support for crowd-funding creative game ideas coming from small developers today is nothing short of phenomenal," said Origin SVP David DeMartini in the announcement. "It's also incredibly healthy for the gaming industry. Gamers around the world deserve a chance to play every great new game, and by waiving distribution fees on Origin we can help make that a reality for successfully crowd-funded developers." EA also gets a nice patina of indirect indie cred by supporting Kickstarted games.

Continue reading Origin waives crowd-funded games' distribution fees for 90 days

Origin waives crowd-funded games' distribution fees for 90 days originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Super Joystiq Podcast 003: The Last Of Us, Diablo 3, Torchlight 2 Beta, E3 Judge's Week: Fri, 18 May 2012 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts

The Super Joystiq Podcast goes to hell and back in another packed episode.

In the Previews segment, Xav and Ludwig discuss E3 Judge's Week, new details on The Last of Us, Max Payne 3 single-player, Infinity Blade: Dungeons, and more; Mike and Richard discuss their experiences with Diablo 3 and the Torchlight 2 beta in a new segment of Debate Club; Jess, Jordan, and Dave play Offspring Fling in a new approach to the Joystiq Research Institute (We've added Science!); and Alexander, JC, and Ben discuss this week's biggest news, including the 38 Studios debacle, Activision's legal issues, and THQ's financial woes.

Stay tuned to the end of the show to find out how you can win a copy of the Diablo 3: Collector's Edition! (Some rules and conditions apply, see after the break for details.) Also, make sure to follow the new @JoystiqPodcast Twitter feed for your shot at Torchlight 2 beta codes!

We told you this show would be Super.

Listen to the Super Joystiq Podcast:

A stream of the show and details about each segment is available after the break.

Continue reading Super Joystiq Podcast 003: The Last Of Us, Diablo 3, Torchlight 2 Beta, E3 Judge's Week

Super Joystiq Podcast 003: The Last Of Us, Diablo 3, Torchlight 2 Beta, E3 Judge's Week originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Superbrothers and Jim Guthrie make Sound Shapes' 'Corporeal': Fri, 18 May 2012 14:30:00 EST

The next artist and musician pair to create a Sound Shapes album has worked together before: Superbrothers and Jim Guthrie famously collaborated on Sword & Sworcery EP, and now they've made "Corporeal," a series of levels for Queasy Games' Vita platformer.

"After some initial discussion with Queasy," Craig "Superbrothers" Adams said on the PlayStation Blog, "we chose to explore some of the concepts in prior Superbrothers films including Children of the Clone and Dot Matrix Revolution, so our levels are populated by computers, mainframes, office workers and water coolers." The level design is modeled on "something like Impossible Mission for C-64 & Spectrum," though still within the mechanics of Sound Shapes.

Adams didn't offer a specific release date for Sound Shapes, but he did say it'll be playable at Sony's E3 booth. Good news ... for us!

Superbrothers and Jim Guthrie make Sound Shapes' 'Corporeal' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rhode Island governor gives 38 Studios' Copernicus MMO a June 2013 launch: Fri, 18 May 2012 13:49:00 EST

Rhode Island governor Lincoln Chafee told attendees of a 38 Studios-related press conference that the long awaited 38 Studios MMO - only known currently as "Project Copernicus" - is set to launch in June of 2013. Chafee said, "What I understand is Copernicus is June of '13."

Considering we've literally never heard any information on the Amalur-based MMO (aside from the fact that it's an Amalur-based MMO), it's a bit hard for us to believe that the game will arrive by next year. "I said from the beginning that it was a risky enterprise," Chafee told press of the troubled business deal between 38 and Rhode Island.

38 Studios is supposed to start paying back its $75 million loan - facilitated by the state of Rhode Island and supported by bond investors - by the beginning of 2013. It's unclear how 38 will afford those payments, but Chafee repeatedly pointed out 38's intention to seek private capital (read: more money from private investors - and not from the state). Said private capital has yet to be secured, Chafee said.

Rhode Island governor gives 38 Studios' Copernicus MMO a June 2013 launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 13:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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38 Studios successfully pays $1.125 million to Rhode Island: Fri, 18 May 2012 13:30:00 EST

38 Studios's $1.125 million check to the state of Rhode Island has cleared, governor Lincoln Chafee announced during a press conference this afternoon, thus fulfilling the first required payment on the studio's loan from the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation.

Rhode Island is changing its legislation on tax breaks, closing loopholes pertaining to state funds being used for motion-picture endeavors, Chafee said. The state's interest lies in protecting the taxpayers, balanced with keeping 38 Studios solvent, since "taxpayers have had a very generous deal for 38 studios," Chafee said.

"It's time for them to go out and get private capital funding," Chafee said. "That's the deal. It's a generous deal, but stick to it."

Rhode Island officials believe that the total of the $49 million loaned to 38 has been spent. Chafee said that until late April, meetings with 38 suggested that they would make their May payment. "I want to make sure we're doing everything possible to make sure 38 doesn't fail," Chafee said. "We're in deep." Everything possible except giving them more money."There's not going to be any money from the state. They're not coming here for easy money."

According to Chafee, "Basically, the access to private capital hasn't materialized."

38 Studios' next payment is a debt service payment due November 1 of $2.6 million, and Rhode Island officials believe the studio will have the capital to cover it.

38 Studios will then owe $12.6 million in full annual debt service in 2013, and "that's on their dime," officials said.

Chafee said he recognized the risk involved in starting a new gaming studio, but the state would have benefited greatly from the studio's "huge success" had it done well.

"I said from the beginning that it was a risky enterprise," Chafee said. Regarding how 38 Studios will function if it doesn't have the funds to pay its employees, Chafee reiterated, "Again, these are the ramifications of being in a risky business."

Chafee doesn't plan on taking a gamble of this nature again: "Never, never ever. Not under my watch," he said.

38 Studios successfully pays $1.125 million to Rhode Island originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Techland's Mad Riders touches down on PSN May 29, XBLA/PC on May 30: Fri, 18 May 2012 13:05:00 EST

If you've somehow managed to get your fill of Trials Evolution's dusty peaks and valleys already, Techland's latest, Mad Riders, may be perfect for you. And hey, the game is set to launch on May 30 according to the latest trailer. That's pretty soon!

Like Trials before it, Mad Riders is a digital-only title, but unlike Trials, it's not limited to a single console (Mad Riders is headed to PSN, XBLA, and PC). It'll be available one day earlier for PSN users on May 29, and May 30 on XBLA and PC, but it'll cost the same on all three: a cool $10. Techland describes that as "an awesome game for the price of a pizza," though we'd warn the studio against devaluing its games as such. What kind of pizza are you gonna get for $10? Terrible pizza, that's what!

Techland's Mad Riders touches down on PSN May 29, XBLA/PC on May 30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GOG weekend sale is full of winners from the distant past at low, low prices: Fri, 18 May 2012 12:30:00 EST

"As the Americans learned so painfully in Earth's final century, free flow of information is the only safeguard against tyranny. The once-chained people whose leaders at last lose their grip on information flow will soon burst with freedom and vitality, but the free nation gradually constricting its grip on public discourse has begun its rapid slide into despotism. Beware of he who would deny you access to information, for in his heart he dreams himself your master" - Commissioner Pravin Lal ... and there's never been a game quite like Alpha Centauri since.

This weekend, GOG has Alpha Centauri, Dungeon Keeper 1 and 2, SimCity 2000 and Populous 1 and 2 for $3 apiece.

If dated graphics don't bother you, we expect you to be done extracting the fun out of these games sometime in 2015.

GOG weekend sale is full of winners from the distant past at low, low prices originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Buy a PC for college, get the Xbox 360 you actually want for free: Fri, 18 May 2012 12:00:00 EST

Starting May 20 in "participating" US retailers and today in their Canadian equivalents, college students have the opportunity to get a free 4GB Xbox 360 with purchase of certain Windows 7-based PCs. Microsoft didn't announce specific models, but you can ask at the retailer instead of blindly assuming you'll get a free Xbox. Don't forget to bring your student ID.

"Together, a Windows 7-based PC and an Xbox 360 console provide students the functionality they need for school while also helping them stay connected to friends and family far away," Microsoft noted in the announcement, giving students a hint as to the angle they should use to make an Xbox 360 sound like a totally necessary, responsible thing to have for college.

Buy a PC for college, get the Xbox 360 you actually want for free originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dozens of indies putting their games on sale next week 'Because We May': Fri, 18 May 2012 11:00:00 EST

In celebration of stores like Steam and the App Store that allow developers to price their games at whatever they feel like, a group of indies are putting their games on sale next week for ... whatever they feel like.

The "Because We May" sale will run from May 24 through June 1, and will feature sales on the iOS and Mac App Stores, Steam, Google Play, direct downloads from developers, and assorted other venues. The participating games include World of Goo, Osmos, Eets, Bit.Trip Beat and Runner, Canabalt, Waking Mars, Super Meat Boy, Cave Story, the Double Fine Bundle ... basically, you'll find something to buy. As for the prices, it would appear nobody has decided yet.

Dozens of indies putting their games on sale next week 'Because We May' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Omerta - City of Gangsters heading to Xbox 360, PC: Fri, 18 May 2012 10:30:00 EST

Publisher Kalypso Media and Tropico series developer Haemimont Games are bringing mob city simulator Omerta - City of Gangsters to Xbox 360 this fall. The game was previously announced for PC, but will now make its way to Microsoft's console, much like Tropico 3, Tropico 4 and Tropico 4: Modern Times (albeit, a little later).

Instead of controlling the day to day of Tropico's banana republic operations, Omerta takes place in the 1920s, as players work their way up as a powerful mobster on the macro level. The made men and women of Omerta must construct or buy building to create speakeasies, distilleries, illegal boxing rings and much more to be good earners. If they don't, well... we hear fishes make great cuddle buddies.

Gallery: Omerta: City of Gangsters (PC)

Continue reading Omerta - City of Gangsters heading to Xbox 360, PC

Omerta - City of Gangsters heading to Xbox 360, PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Diablo 3's secret world discovered: Fri, 18 May 2012 10:00:00 EST

We don't want to spoil the discovery of Diablo 3's secret world for you - unless you willingly volunteer to be spoiled, in which case follow us after the break. The rest of you: move along.

Continue reading Diablo 3's secret world discovered

Diablo 3's secret world discovered originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scotland Yard detected on iOS: Fri, 18 May 2012 09:30:00 EST

The classic board game Scotland Yard is ready to be (re)discovered now as a universal iPad and iPhone app on the iOS App Store. Faithfully based on the tabletop game of cat and mouse, which has sold over four million copies, the title tasks a group of detectives to hunt down Mister X somewhere in London.

The game supports local, bluetooth or game center. In local play, unlike the original board game, Mister X and the other detectives can be controlled by the computer. The AI is the feature that makes this app worth it for anyone that enjoyed the original game. Players can focus on the task of tracking Mister X (or becoming him) through the subways, on the buses and tracking taxis against some worth adversaries and compatriots (who you don't have to host at your place).

Scotland Yard detected on iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time snatches a spot on Vita: Fri, 18 May 2012 04:30:00 EST

Having made a lifelong profession out of pocketing items of high value, Sly Cooper should feel right at home on the PlayStation Vita. Sony and developer Sanzaru Games, which updated and packaged Sly's PS2 adventures in an HD trilogy collection, have announced that Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time will also launch on Vita, day-and-date with the PlayStation 3 version.

In addition to being portable and cross-save compatible with the PS3 version, Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time will offer a few augmentations specific to the Vita hardware. When Sly dons an archer's outfit, for instance, his arrows can be steered into their targets - and connect Sly to those areas via a rope bridge - by tilting the Vita. (Sixaxis? What's that?)

Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time is due on both PS3 and Vita sometime in Fall 2012. When questioned, a Sanzaru representative told Joystiq that it had not yet been decided whether purchasing one version would grant you complimentary access to the other.

Gallery: Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time (5/18/12)

Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time snatches a spot on Vita originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 04:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Harley Quinn is still really upset in the latest Arkham City DLC trailer: Fri, 18 May 2012 04:00:00 EST

Poor Harley Quinn. First the Joker breaks her mind, and then The Batman breaks her heart. It's nice to see that she's not wallowing in self-pity, though, and that she's got the initiative to get back out in the world and make a name for herself. Granted, she's using homicide to do so, but still, good for her.

This latest trailer for Ms. Quinzel's starring role as an Arkham City DLC antagonist gives us a look at the various brow beatings Batman and Robin will dispense to the citizenry of Gotham's beating lunatic heart, as well as somewhat unsettling introduction from the man in white himself.

Harley Quinn is still really upset in the latest Arkham City DLC trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This monk is suspicious of this hillbilly, only Double Fine knows why: Fri, 18 May 2012 02:00:00 EST

Double Fine's Ron Gilbert isn't content with random websites leaking his own studio's work: he'll leak his own stuff, thank you very much. Gilbert posted the above two photos on Grumpy Gamer, his personal game industry blog.

His first post was a link to the monk. Apparently, no, it's not fanart for Diablo 3, unless developer JP LeBreton, who tweeted he'd been working on the related Monk link for nine months, has a lot of down time at Double Fine.

Gilbert later posted the hillbilly, a character we recognize from the puzzle Double Fine sent the press last week as an announcement of a new, spooky-tinged title. Now the age-old question returns: What do a monk and a hillbilly have in common? Besides mystery, of course.

This monk is suspicious of this hillbilly, only Double Fine knows why originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sorcery kicks off new pre-purchase functionality on PSN: Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 EST

Who has time to accumulate cash then wait for a game to launch before actually paying for it? In this work-a-day world, we need to prepare for such things; we need lead time. And if you're of a similar mind, it may please you to know that Sorcery will be the first game to kick off a new pre-purchase feature on PSN.

Right now, you can log onto PSN and pay for Sorcery, triggering a download granted you have auto-download enabled. Once you have the game pre-loaded, you can play as soon as Sorcery launches next week on May 22.

Sorcery is the only game you can pre-purchase through PSN right now. We've inquired with Sony about future games.

Sorcery kicks off new pre-purchase functionality on PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Metal Gear Rising's live-action vignettes continue with 'Sword': Thu, 17 May 2012 23:00:00 EST

Previously, Konami's FMV-esque trailers for Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance have given us weird, disorienting looks into the surgical processes involving Raiden's robo-arm and cyborg eye, but this latest episode is a little more ... theatrical, let's say.

Anyone who clearly remembers and is still somehow able to comprehend Raiden's background as outlined in Metal Gear Solid 2 will be able to piece together what's happening in this video, though we're still not entirely sure why you'd hand a sword to someone during surgery, even if that surgery's purpose is to turn them into a milk-powered electro-ninja.

Metal Gear Rising's live-action vignettes continue with 'Sword' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bejeweled HD adorns iPad today: Thu, 17 May 2012 22:00:00 EST

You'll be able to look at sparklier, more dazzling jewels than ever, now that Bejeweled HD is on the iPad. PopCap's latest puzzle release includes Retina Display graphics for that ridiculous new iPad screen, and the modes you'd expect from Bejeweled: Butterflies, Diamond Mine, Classic, and Zen.

Essentially, it's Bejeweled for iPhone, but in an extremely high resolution for use on the new iPad, which is tempting (even if it's not Bejeweled 3). It's $3.99 on the App Store now.

Continue reading Bejeweled HD adorns iPad today

Bejeweled HD adorns iPad today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HBO Go Xbox 360 app now available to Time Warner users: Thu, 17 May 2012 21:00:00 EST

Finally - FINALLY - Time Warner and Bright House cable customers have a way to watch HBO on their televisions. The HBO Go app for Xbox 360 previously only worked for Comcast and a variety of other services, but not TWC, so even if you were an HBO subscriber, you couldn't use the app. Which is terrible. Today, Microsoft announced Time Warner compatibility.

Celebrate by watching some Not Necessarily the News tonight, or some episodes of Fraggle Rock. Look, it's been a while since we've had HBO, okay?

HBO Go Xbox 360 app now available to Time Warner users originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Latest Indie Royale bundle is the All-Charity Lightning Pack: Thu, 17 May 2012 20:00:00 EST

A new Indie Royale bundle featuring Osmos, B.U.T.T.O.N., The Shivah and Blueberry Garden has debuted. Unlike past bundles, all of the proceeds from this one don't go to the developers - proceeds go to charities chosen by the developers.

In addition to the games, the All-Charity Lightning Pack also tosses in a trio of chiptunes albums should you pony up $7 or more: Level by Disasterpeace, IN1ep by 6955, and FX4 by Jake "virt" Kaufman. Cruise past the break for some video previews of all four games.

Continue reading Latest Indie Royale bundle is the All-Charity Lightning Pack

Latest Indie Royale bundle is the All-Charity Lightning Pack originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Patch breaks Street Fighter X Tekken in new and exciting ways: Thu, 17 May 2012 19:30:00 EST

Let's face it: Street Fighter X Tekken just wouldn't be Street Fighter X Tekken without at least one game-breaking bug. This was probably Capcom's thought process when it launched the latest patch, which introduces a glitch that freezes the game whenever Rolento's knife hits an opponent's fireball.

The above video demonstrates the bug, which affects Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 games that have been updated to version 1.04, Shoryuken reports. The patch does fix a few problems, such as hit box issues.

Patch breaks Street Fighter X Tekken in new and exciting ways originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Borderlands 2 box art deserves its own post: Thu, 17 May 2012 19:00:00 EST

Sure, we already had a post earlier today detailing the lavishly equipped Deluxe Vault Hunter's Collector's Edition and Ultimate Loot Chest Limited Edition of Borderlands 2, but what about us average Joes? What about everyone who wants to look at Borderlands 2 packaging, but doesn't want to waste time daydreaming over ornate collector's editions that won't fit in our tiny efficiency apartments? Where's that post?!

Shhhhh, it's okay. It's right here, friend. This is that post. Behold, the regular retail packaging for Borderlands 2.

Gallery: Borderlands 2 (Box Art)

Borderlands 2 box art deserves its own post originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Konami confirms June 12 launch date for Metal Gear Solid HD on Vita: Thu, 17 May 2012 18:30:00 EST

The retailers were right. Konami has finally officially announced a June 12 North American launch date for Metal Gear Solid HD Collection on the PlayStation Vita and it's unsurprisingly June 12 in North America. The Vita port includes new control options, utilizing the touch-screen and rear touchpad, allowing players to "zoom in on captivating cut-scenes, peek around corners, interrogate enemies, cycle through weapons, and perform rapid attacks with their knife."

In addition to the new control options, the PS Vita version of Metal Gear Solid HD Collection can use Transfarring to sync save files with the PS3 game. Of course to use this feature you need to own Metal Gear Solid HD Collection on both the PS3 and PS Vita.

Continue reading Konami confirms June 12 launch date for Metal Gear Solid HD on Vita

Konami confirms June 12 launch date for Metal Gear Solid HD on Vita originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quantum Conundrum's latest trailer blows the doors off time, our minds: Thu, 17 May 2012 18:00:00 EST

Quantum Conundrum's more than just fluffy pillows and super heavy stuff. It's also all about ripping apart space and time itself at your whim, with the helpful aid of a glove-enabled "shift device," as demonstrated in the trailer above.

Quantum Conundrum's latest trailer blows the doors off time, our minds originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The glory of Quest For Glory: Thu, 17 May 2012 17:40:00 EST

Filed under: Features, PC, Retro, Adventure, RPGs

This is a weekly column from freelancer Rowan Kaiser, which focuses on "Western" role-playing games: their stories, their histories, their mechanics, their insanity, and their inanity.

Last week, when GOG.com announced that Quest For Glory was the newest addition to its collection, I was delighted. In fact, I'm not sure that there's a game series that could have induced as much joy. I think some others, like Wizardry or a collection of old SSI games, might have been better and more important, sure. But I have more love for Quest For Glory than those other games. I'm not the only one, either: The Quest For Glory games are great games, yes, but they're also special games.

Quest For Glory is a five-title series of adventure/role-playing hybrids, with the first release in 1989, and the last in 1998. They were published by Sierra - a company whose fate was recently detailed to Joystiq by Leisure Suit Larry creator Al Lowe - and used similar interfaces and graphics as other adventures, such as King's Quest or Gabriel Knight, combined with combat systems that varied from game to game.

Being a genre hybrid is one of the surest ways to become a beloved game. Panzer General, Deus Ex, and Mass Effect are all crossover hits, thanks in part to combining role-playing with other genres. Quality hybrids manage to feel both fresh conceptually and comfortable to actually play, a winning combination.

Continue reading The glory of Quest For Glory

The glory of Quest For Glory originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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