Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/JoystiqThe Joystiq Podcast combines insightful commentary on the week's video game news and culture with several disembodied, often spooky, voices. Voices may or may not belong to Chris Grant, Ludwig Kietzmann, Joystiq.com editors, or their guests. Spookiness not guaranteed where prohibited, please check local laws. More information available at www.joystiq.comFar Cry 2 confirmed Oct. 21; Oct. 24 for Europe [update]http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/05/far-cry-2-confirmed-oct-24-for-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/05/far-cry-2-confirmed-oct-24-for-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/05/far-cry-2-confirmed-oct-24-for-europe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Ubisoft sent out a press release this morning confirming that Far Cry 2 will hit European retail shelves on October 24th. The company also announced a collector's edition, which comes in a wooden box. The fine wooden case, sure to be made from only the finest trees (not really), will deliver the game, t-shirt, art book, collector's map and "making-of" DVD.

We're still waiting to hear back officially from Ubisoft if North America should plan on getting the game on October 21st, which is what many retailers are currently showing as the release date. Update: GameSpot confirms the date is the 21st.
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]]>far-cry-2ubisoftFri, 05 Sep 2008 13:20:00 ESTPAX 2008: Insomniac confirms drop-in/drop-out Resistance 2 co-ophttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/05/pax-2008-insomniac-confirms-drop-in-drop-out-resistance-2-co-op/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/05/pax-2008-insomniac-confirms-drop-in-drop-out-resistance-2-co-op/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/05/pax-2008-insomniac-confirms-drop-in-drop-out-resistance-2-co-op/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Last weekend at PAX, we sat down with Bryan Intihar, the Community Manager / Hand Model (yes, that is on his business card) for Insomniac to go over Resistance 2. We were able to get some fascinating details about the secretive co-op mode (drop-in/drop-out confirmed!), as well as some interesting story tidbits (evidently this time around, Hale remembers he can talk).

To start things off, could you give us a quick rundown of changes from the first Resistance?

Sure, there's a lot of course -- but in terms of the campaign we've put a lot more emphasis on Nathan Hale and that comes through in the story and how we're presenting the story. In R1, it was much more of a narrative approach with Rachel Parker telling the story, giving it a third-person feel. This time around it's all about Hale.
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Continue reading PAX 2008: Insomniac confirms drop-in/drop-out Resistance 2 co-op

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]]>insomniacjoystiqfeaturespax-08pax-2008resistance-2Fri, 05 Sep 2008 08:30:00 ESTJoystiq hands-on: Combat Armshttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/joystiq-hands-on-combat-arms/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/joystiq-hands-on-combat-arms/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/joystiq-hands-on-combat-arms/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

We recently had the chance to check out Combat Arms, the free-to-play online FPS brought to US shores by Nexon of America. Nexon is best known in the states for its unique side-scrolling MMORPG Maple Story. Despite the company's grounding in the MMO genre, Nexon chooses to see itself as a purveyor of online games in general. From online racing in Kart Rider to virtual karaoke in Audition, the company publishes or develops a multitude of multiplayer experiences. Its extension to first-person shooters, in that light, makes a great deal of sense.

What's surprising is not that Nexon has chosen to jump into the FPS genre, but that the offering is as good as it is. The company has combined elements of mindless combat shooters like XIII with the multiplayer tactical orientation of a game like Counter-Strike. In doing so, it's delivered a title that can be as explosion- or strategy-focused as players want. And, of course, it wouldn't be Nexon without some unique twists -- namely, the incorporation of its successful microtransaction-based business model.
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]]>combat-armshands-onherb-yangmin-kimnexonThu, 04 Sep 2008 21:00:00 ESTJoystiq hands-on: Combat Arms (Page 2)http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/joystiq-hands-on-combat-arms-page-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/joystiq-hands-on-combat-arms-page-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/joystiq-hands-on-combat-arms-page-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Combat Arms employs a clearly visible player ranking system in order to tie together rank rewards, the in-game currency, and the socialization aspects.

Kim and Yang noted that this balance between purchased items and off-the-rack choices didn't exist in the original Korean version of the game. As previously mentioned, the Korean gamers were looking for a more "arcade-y" experience. Grenades had flares to make them easier to track, mines had blinking lights, and every purchased item was a pure win for the player -- why not buy in that environment. As Kim put it, "American players have a definite concept of what is fair and what isn't," and they were determined to cater to that.

Yang noted that the despite changes from the Korean version, Combat Arms retains the "jump-in-and-out" gameplay that made this take on the genre so popular there. Nexon believes Americans will respond (and are responding) to this vision of what an FPS could be, based primarily on the "feel" of the game. As an example, Min Kim noted the simple feature that you can run in the game:

"If you press the shift button you actually run. That is not an option in a lot of other FPSs so it feels a lot faster and a lot of people like that. It's one of those things that is not easy to market; you can't say: 'hey you press the shift button you go really fast' on the back of a box. They don't know what that means until they start playing it."



After talking through the game as a concept, we sat down to play a few rounds -- dying numerous times to both Kim and Yang as they schooled us on the game's public servers. (Protip: Anyone interested in jumping into the game can already do so. Nexon has had an amazingly positive reaction, and had to increase their server capacity unexpectedly fast to deal with demand.)

During our back-and-forth matches, Yang stated that Nexon's planning to update the game on a regular basis. The company has been regularly releasing a patch to the game every two weeks since the game's beta began. Every update will add new weaponry, while a new map or game type will be added every month or two.

That endless state of updates driven by player demand will likely never stop for the game, and neither will the game's "test" state. After the interview, we spoke with Nexon representative Robert Holtzman to clarify when the game would be going with a hard launch. He laughed, and noted that the game might never get one -- given the title's popularity already, Nexon plans to continue to expand through word of mouth advertising and constant improvements.

Overall, we walked away from Combat Arms very impressed. Given the game's region of origin and the stigma of a free-to-play titles, Nexon's offering is a surprisingly fun and impressively attractive offering. It's a fast-action title that will please the twitch-happy mindless shooter fan just as easily as one looking for a more tactical approach. On top of it all, it deftly ties online clan gaming and Web 2.0 sensibilities together with ranks, formal groups, and eventually social networking plugins.

Given the unique blend of MMO and FPS in Combat Arms' DNA, it was intriguing and enlightening to see what the game has become. And it's always hard to turn down the offer of free.

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]]>combat-armshands-onherb-yangmin-kimnexonThu, 04 Sep 2008 21:00:00 ESTCall of Duty: World at War confirmed to deploy Nov. 11http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/call-of-duty-world-at-war-confirmed-to-deploy-nov-11/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/call-of-duty-world-at-war-confirmed-to-deploy-nov-11/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/call-of-duty-world-at-war-confirmed-to-deploy-nov-11/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

A couple of weeks back during X08, we learned that the "fall" release time frame Activision had been giving for the latest Call of Duty installment actually meant "November." Today, the publisher narrowed it down even further to November 11. That's the date all console versions of Call of Duty: World at War will rumble into retail - except, of course, for the never-to-be PS2 version. Those hankering for an earlier taste of multiplayer flame thrower action should hit our post from earlier today on the upcoming October beta.
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]]>activisionbreakingnewscall-of-dutycall-of-duty-world-at-wartreyarchThu, 04 Sep 2008 18:30:00 ESTCall of Duty 4 getting double XP Sept. 13-14http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/call-of-duty-4-getting-double-xp-sept-13-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/call-of-duty-4-getting-double-xp-sept-13-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/call-of-duty-4-getting-double-xp-sept-13-14/#commentsFiled under: , ,


When the Joystiq staff goes back to Call of Duty 4, it's usually because we're tired of getting our asses handed to us on a little silver platter in practically every other first-person shooter. Before too long we pine for the one game we've played enough that we're not embarrassed to admit to our team that we write about video games professionally.

But, according to Infinity Ward spokesman Fourzerotwo, we'll have additional reason to go back Sept. 13-14, when CoD 4 will be offering up double XP on PSN and Xbox Live. Come, play with us, and tremble before our staggering (and doubly rewarding) moderate competence.
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]]>activisioncall-of-duty-4cod4double-xpfourzerotwoinfinity-wardpsnxbox-liveThu, 04 Sep 2008 15:30:00 ESTCall of Duty: World at War beta hits 360, PC in Octoberhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/call-of-duty-world-at-war-beta-hits-360-pc-in-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/call-of-duty-world-at-war-beta-hits-360-pc-in-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/call-of-duty-world-at-war-beta-hits-360-pc-in-october/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

In what has to be the most totally original pre-order bonus ever, Activision is going to let anyone who "reserves" Call of Duty: World at War into a multiplayer beta planned for sometime in October. Oh, that's everyone except PS3 owners. The beta will be available only on Xbox 360 and PC, giving lucky paying entrants a chance to try out the game's new perks and squad system.

In "no purchase necessary" style, those not feeling the pre-order itch can try their luck by registering for a beta token lottery on the official Call of Duty site - that is if they can navigate through the Web 2.0 minefield of way too much stuff on the page.
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]]>activisionbetabreakingnewscall-of-dutycall-of-duty-world-at-warpre-ordertreyarchThu, 04 Sep 2008 14:30:00 ESTRumor: Halo 3 getting new achievements with Mythichttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/03/rumor-halo-3-getting-new-achievements-with-mythic/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/03/rumor-halo-3-getting-new-achievements-with-mythic/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/03/rumor-halo-3-getting-new-achievements-with-mythic/#commentsFiled under: ,


So, if and when it's actually released, it looks like "Halo Mythic" (whatever it is) might actually add more than "0.1 bettar" to Halo 3. A sneaky spy at PAX caught a few pictures of 30 new achievements, reportedly part of Mythic, that would add a whopping 750 gamerpoints to the game. The pics and achievements have been reposted to the Ascendant Justic forum, and we've got the full list after the jump.

Now, Bungie, we have the names of these achievements, we have the name of the thing, now would you please just tell us what the heck Mythic is?

[Via X3F]

Continue reading Rumor: Halo 3 getting new achievements with Mythic

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]]>bungiedlchalo-3halo-mythicmythicpax-2008Wed, 03 Sep 2008 16:00:00 ESTThe Combine Interview puts Tom Cruise in new lighthttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/03/the-combine-interview-puts-tom-cruise-in-new-light/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/03/the-combine-interview-puts-tom-cruise-in-new-light/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/03/the-combine-interview-puts-tom-cruise-in-new-light/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Actually, we've just had our second viewing of "The Combine Interview," which re-imagines Cruise's Scientology diatribe as a scary statement of purpose from an anonymous member of the Combine. And now, we think it puts the Combine in a new light, as the one force on earth capable of taming Maverick himself (Kelly McGillis notwithstanding).

Rather than crank out another Tom Cruise gag (we've got plenty of them, we assure you) we'll opt to mention how well-made and creepy the short film actually is, and how Valve should really already have Tom Hall on the payroll. Take a look after the jump and see if you don't agree.

[Via Digg]

Continue reading The Combine Interview puts Tom Cruise in new light

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]]>combine-interviewhalf-life-2valveWed, 03 Sep 2008 13:00:00 ESTPAX 2008 hands-on: Resistance 2http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/03/pax-2008-hands-on-resistance-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/03/pax-2008-hands-on-resistance-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/03/pax-2008-hands-on-resistance-2/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Out of the many games that Sony was showing off at PAX this year, the one that easily dominated their show booth was Resistance 2. They had 16 stations setup, each linked into the ongoing private beta servers so that expo attendees could get a true taste of 60 player online action. While it was a bit disappointing that Sony wasn't showing off anything from either the single player or co-op portions of the game, it was great being able to try out the actual scope of Resistance 2's multiplayer matches.

One of the first things you'll notice when you pick up the controller, is that the controls have been subtly improved. The awkward weapon select wheel and the slight aiming stiffness of the first game have been replaced with a two-weapon system and a considerably more fluid aiming / moving mechanic. While it's still not on par with the tightness of Call of Duty 4's controls, they are much more comfortable now and definitely made running around the level easier.
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Continue reading PAX 2008 hands-on: Resistance 2

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]]>insomniacpax-2008resistance-2Wed, 03 Sep 2008 06:00:00 ESTMirror's Edge receiving 'exclusive' DLC on PS3http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/mirrors-edge-receiving-exclusive-dlc-on-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/mirrors-edge-receiving-exclusive-dlc-on-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/mirrors-edge-receiving-exclusive-dlc-on-ps3/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


While dismissing reports of timed PlayStation 3 exclusivity, EA has revealed that its run-jump-and-climb-em-up Mirror's Edge did cut an "exclusive marketing agreement" with the folks at Sony. Elaborating further, an EA spokesman told Eurogamer, "Exclusive downloadable content will be offered on the PlayStation Network."Ah, but that's not the same as offering downloadable content exclusively, now is it?

As we've all come to learn, the industry's use of the word "exclusive" is about as persistent as a piece of cotton candy in your mouth. For all we know (which, admittedly, isn't a lot), the Xbox 360 and PC versions of Mirror's Edge could be receiving their own "exclusive" downloadable bits. Probably some designer gloves and elbow pads for our squirrely protagonist.

[Via PS3 Fanboy]
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]]>DLCEAMirrors-EdgePSNTue, 02 Sep 2008 12:30:00 ESTResistance 2 releasing Nov. 4, co-op beta starting early Oct.http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/resistance-2-releasing-nov-4-co-op-beta-starting-early-oct/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/resistance-2-releasing-nov-4-co-op-beta-starting-early-oct/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/resistance-2-releasing-nov-4-co-op-beta-starting-early-oct/#commentsFiled under: ,


Gun-toting xenophobes, rejoice! Sony has confirmed that Resistance 2, much like all games ever, will have its North American release in the alarmingly crowded month of November -- the 4th, to be exact. Insomniac's ambitious first-person shooter will also arrive in the company of a fancy, $79.99 collector's edition, complete with the usual making-of videos, art books and snarling statuettes.

If you're the impatient type who simply can't wait to take some shots with at a digital Chimera, you'll be pleased to note that Sony has a multiplayer and co-operative public beta planned for early October. To gain "guaranteed access," you'll either have to pre-order Resistance 2 at Gamestop, purchase an annual subscription to the PSN's interactive magazine Qore, or simply purchase Qore Episode 3. There's a free option too -- register here -- but it does not guarantee entry to the beta.
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]]>BetaBreakingNewsCollectors-EditionFPSInsomniacResistanceResistance-2SCEATue, 02 Sep 2008 09:50:00 ESTMichael Phelps gets CoD: World at War early, but not reallyhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/michael-phelps-gets-cod-world-at-war-early-but-not-really/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/michael-phelps-gets-cod-world-at-war-early-but-not-really/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/michael-phelps-gets-cod-world-at-war-early-but-not-really/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

As if winning eighteen thousand gold medals at the Beijing Olympics wasn't enough, swimmer Michael Phelps got a further reward for his awesomeness on last Thursday's CBS Early Show -- an early copy of Call of Duty: World at War provided by publisher Activision. But all was not as it seemed. As developer Treyarch revealed on its blog, the box Phelps was handed on live TV actually contained an I.O.U. card for the final version of the game, which is still in production. It's not all smoke and mirrors, though -- Phelps has been promised "the first disc off the production line ... later this year." We suppose that's understandable. Michael Phelps may be amazing, but it seems even he can't change the laws of time and space (or can he?) (no he can't).

Check out a video of the "giveaway" after the break (jump to 3:28 for the moment of falsehood).

[Via MTV Multiplayer]

Continue reading Michael Phelps gets CoD: World at War early, but not really

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]]>activisioncall-of-dutycall-of-duty-world-at-warCBSearly showEarlyShowtreyarchworld-at-warMon, 01 Sep 2008 20:30:00 ESTAliens: Colonial Marines glimpsed in Jace Hall Showhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/aliens-colonial-marines-glimpsed-in-jace-hall-show/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/aliens-colonial-marines-glimpsed-in-jace-hall-show/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/aliens-colonial-marines-glimpsed-in-jace-hall-show/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Those of you who took the E3 absence of Aliens: Colonial Marines to mean that Gearbox had naught to show for its FPS efforts have been proven utterly wrong. As indistinctly evidenced by some new (and brief) off-screen footage, the so-not-coming-out-in-2008 shocker is shaping up to be everything you could have hoped for:
  1. It is a game.
  2. It is presented in the first-person perspective.
  3. You are equipped with a device that rapidly transports projectiles into snarling faces, often attached to slimy extraterrestrials.
The footage was captured by the folks behind The Jace Hall Show, who came over, man, came over to have a look at the game in the final moments of their season finale. You can view the episode after the break or, alternatively, see the edited clip at Shacknews.

Continue reading Aliens: Colonial Marines glimpsed in Jace Hall Show

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]]>AliensAliens-Colonial-MarinesFPSGearboxMy-Chest-HurtsSegaMon, 01 Sep 2008 14:30:00 ESTPAX 2008 Hands-on: Left 4 Dead (X360)http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/pax-2008-hands-on-left-4-dead-x360/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/pax-2008-hands-on-left-4-dead-x360/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/pax-2008-hands-on-left-4-dead-x360/#commentsFiled under: , ,


An immediate sense of tension washes over you when you realize a swarm of Olympic Dash worthy zombies are soon headed your way. Picking up the controller for Left 4 Dead -- the first time it's been playable for the Xbox 360 -- was as exciting as you'd expect it to be. Having never played the game before I quickly remembered all the praise lobbed at it from other writers within the network from other industry events. This experience however was extra special as two of my team members were fellow Joystiq writers Jem Alexander and Dustin Burg. How did the Xbox 360 version feel with a team of people I'd actually play with when it ships later this year? Jump in to find out more.
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Continue reading PAX 2008 Hands-on: Left 4 Dead (X360)

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]]>hands-onleft-4-deadpax-2008valveMon, 01 Sep 2008 09:00:00 ESTS.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky recalled, delayed 'a few days'http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/s-t-a-l-k-e-r-clear-sky-recalled-delayed-a-few-days/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/s-t-a-l-k-e-r-clear-sky-recalled-delayed-a-few-days/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/s-t-a-l-k-e-r-clear-sky-recalled-delayed-a-few-days/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We know the news of a brief delay for the much-anticipated prequel to GSC Game World's S.T.A.L.K.E.R. must be disheartening for fans of the title -- however, those same fans will probably be pleased to know of the heartbreak that Clear Sky's delay will ultimately prevent. It seems that publisher Deep Purple Silver recalled copies of the title that had been distributed to North American retailers due to a printing error that left the cases sans CD keys. Apparently, those things are kinda important.

Deep Silver explained that the delay would only push the game's North American Sept. 5 release back "a few days" (the European release date is unaffected by the printing snafu), though a few retailers are listing Sept. 15 as the new launch date. We know you're jonesing for some further adventures in Chernobyl, but don't do anything brash. We wouldn't suggest playing laser tag in a poorly maintained nuclear waste repository, for instance.

[Via 1UP]
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]]>deep-silverdelayGSC-game-worldstalkerstalker-clear-skySun, 31 Aug 2008 17:00:00 ESTPAX 2008: Halo 3 Assembly hands-onhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/pax-2008-halo-3-assembly-hands-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/pax-2008-halo-3-assembly-hands-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/pax-2008-halo-3-assembly-hands-on/#commentsFiled under: ,

As part of their Penny Arcade Expo presence, team Bungie lifted the mysterious curtain on their latest Halo 3 multiplayer map called Purple Reign Assembly, giving PAX attendees a new map to frolic about in. But knowing that it isn't a Midship, Gemini or any other Halo map remake, the big question is whether or not Assembly plays splendidly or if it is any fun at all. And we're pleased to tell you that, yes, it's an unbelievably well designed map that ranks high among our Halo 3 favorites. Impressions after the break.

Continue reading PAX 2008: Halo 3 Assembly hands-on

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]]>assemblybungiebungie-studioshalo-3joystiqfeaturespax-08pax-2008Sun, 31 Aug 2008 14:00:00 ESTResistance 2 Collector's Edition to be simply irresistiblehttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/resistance-2-collectors-edition-to-be-simply-irresistible/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/resistance-2-collectors-edition-to-be-simply-irresistible/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/resistance-2-collectors-edition-to-be-simply-irresistible/#commentsFiled under: ,


Do you feel confident in saying that you despise the chimera more than anyone else that you know? To be more specific, would you say you hate them twenty dollars more? You can prove your disdain for those yellow-eyed jerks by picking up the collector's edition for Resistance 2, recently unveiled by Amazon.com, which is quickly becoming one of the most comprehensive (if not somewhat unlikely) sources for video game news. Seriously. We're worried.

Included in the bundle (which, for the mathematically challenged, is currently priced at $79.99) is a behind-the-scenes making-of documentary, video commentary from the game's developers, a "Twisted History" chronology video, an exclusive multiplayer character skin, a double-sided art book, and a preview of the heretofore unannounced Gathering Storm novel, which is based on the game. There's also a five and a half inch tall Chimera Hybrid action figure which, due to your unreasonable chimeric hatred, you'll probably just end up microwaving in effigy.

[Via PS3 Fanboy]
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SPONSORED BY: Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. AOE3 introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. http://www.ageofempires3.com/

]]>amazonchimeracollectors-editioninsomniacresistanceresistance-2Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:30:00 ESTPAX 2008: Halo Mythic ain't mythical, it's here... sort ofhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/30/pax-2008-halo-mythic-aint-mythical-its-here-sort-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/30/pax-2008-halo-mythic-aint-mythical-its-here-sort-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/30/pax-2008-halo-mythic-aint-mythical-its-here-sort-of/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Is this what Microsoft was not so quietly sweeping under the carpet when they nixed the Bungie announcement during their E3 keynote? We have no clue as of yet, and all we can get out of Bungie is a "we can't talk about it." We're going to try and batter down Bungie's doors today to get more info.

So far, here's what we know. The menu screen says System Version 1.2, when the Halo 3 retail version is only at 1.1, and there's only a multiplayer option, no campaign. What does it all mean? We caught up with Bungie's Brian Jarrard who told us the screen was from a build that they brought on Friday that "wasn't really meant to be seen. However, it's really not that exciting, it's gotten kind of blown out of proportion."

While the shakey-cam photo above from Addict Gaming might be the only visual evidence of Mythic, it's definitely coming. At some point. Bungie wasn't forthcoming with details, but we'll see what we can find out.

[Thanks, Robert]
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]]>Brian-JarrardBungieHaloHalo-3MythicPAXPAX-08PAX-2008PAX08Sat, 30 Aug 2008 16:00:00 ESTYou choose Battlefield Bad Company Conquest mapshttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/30/you-choose-battlefield-bad-company-conquest-maps/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/30/you-choose-battlefield-bad-company-conquest-maps/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/30/you-choose-battlefield-bad-company-conquest-maps/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Already registered via Xbox Live to vote in November's general election? Here's a different vote to rock: EA is letting players have a say in which two existing Battlefield: Bad Company multiplayer maps will be tweaked to become Conquest battlegrounds when the free Conquest Map Pack deploys this fall.

The six maps are up for vote at EA's Bad Company site, and include Acta Non Verba, Crossing Over, Par for the Course, Ghost Town, Welcome to Bad Company, and Crash and Grab. Developer DICE will pick the two top vote-getters on September 2. The golf course themed Par for the Course is currently way out in front, but, hey, you might change that. DICE is working on two more Conquest maps to join the fan favorites.

By the way, we've checked, and your vote really will count. You know, unlike a certain Spider-Man: Web of Shadows poll Activision conducted last month.
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SPONSORED BY: Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. AOE3 introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. http://www.ageofempires3.com/

]]>battlefield-bad-companydicedlceavotingSat, 30 Aug 2008 01:00:00 EST