Joystickwidow.com Headlines

TEARS - Max Payne 3 original song on iTunes

Wed, 16 May 2012 09:49:07 GMT

With the release of the highly anticipated, and super awesome, Max Payne 3, Rockstar Games has announced that TEARS, an original song by Max Payne 3 composers HEALTH, is now available on iTunes. "HEALTH’s unique blend of rock, powerful drums and electronic soundscapes lends itself perfectly to the score for the game. Taking influences from Brazil, Max’s native New York and the themes of the original games, HEALTH have put together a fantastic soundtrack that perfectly embodies the tone and the atmosphere of Max Payne 3. Distinctive arrangements unique to each level accompany Max on his journey through the game's locations, perfectly framing the game's epic action sequences and the dark and gritty story." You may also listen to the full song by checking out this Youtube video.

Ghost Recon: Future Soldier - Launch Trailer

Tue, 15 May 2012 12:52:12 GMT

Ubisoft released the launch trailer today for Ghost Recon: Future Soldier. Coming to you on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 next week, 05.22.2012, you will get to play the following awesome title. See you online!

This text will be replaced

There is an Inferno on the way

Fri, 11 May 2012 17:59:58 GMT

If you are an EVE Online fan like me, then you doubt are sitting there, probably skillin', waiting for the most awesome of the latest updates coming to the game in a long time. EVE Online: Inferno will be hitting your game's cache on 05.22.2012 and it is going to be smooth! Check out the key features below. If you haven't joined already, then why not go ahead and do it now. Hell it's free for two weeks!

Key features of Inferno include:
Mercenary Marketplace: pay the best guns-for-hire to settle your scores or make yourself available to the highest bidders in the most notorious PVP universe in gaming
War Declarations: reworked systems to help you wage war and keep track of your legacy
Missiles and Launchers: savor every moment from launch to impact with missile launchers and dramatic new missile effects
Factional Warfare: enlist in a faction and join the entry-level game of conquest with more rewards and deeper gameplay than ever before
Visual Updates: Enhanced graphics on ship models and increased options in the industry-leading character creator Plus Kill Reports, Unified Inventory, 16 new modules and dozens of enhancements to both graphics and gameplay

Ghost Recon Alpha Trailer

Fri, 11 May 2012 12:56:03 GMT

Below, witness the trailer for a 25 minute prequel film for Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier. The full movie will be available here on 06.14.2012. This will give you an idea of what the Ghosts will experience when they are dropped behind enemy lines to take out a very, very bad war criminal. Let's just say he gets more than a spanking.

This text will be replaced

"Ghost Recon Alpha is deeply connected with the video game, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Future Soldier.

Characters: The main four characters in the movie are the same four playable characters in the video game.
Storyline: The movie takes place immediately before a key turning point in the video game’s storyline, a vicious attack against a major European city.
Location: the location where the movie takes place will be one of the multiplayer maps available in the adversarial mode of the video game.
Exclusive unlock: a secret code is also hidden in the movie, enabling access via Ghost Recon Network to an exclusive weapon unlock playable in Ghost Recon Future Soldier.

Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Alpha boasts a line-up of top Hollywood talent. The film was directed by Academy Award winners Hervé de Crécy and François Alaux, who won an Oscar in 2010 for Logorama, and produced by Rhea Scott for Little Minx, a Ridley Scott & Associates company. Tim Sexton, 2010 Academy Award nominee for Children of Men, and Gregory Pruss wrote the gripping script. The film was shot by District 9 cinematographer Trent Opaloch; edited by Pietro Scalia, two time Academy Award winner for Black Hawk Down and JFK; with sound effects and sound effects editing by Per Hallberg, two time Academy Award winner for The Bourne Ultimatum and Braveheart as well as Michael Mann’s Heat; production design by Jan Roelfs (Gattaca, Alexander; and costume design by Sammy Sheldon (V for Vendetta, Kick-Ass, X-Men: First Class, Black Hawk Down). Military Weapons Specialist Harry Humphries, consultant on such notable action films such as Transformers, Thor, Iron Man and Armageddon, ensured that the futuristic weaponry in the film was entirely realistic."

Head here for screenshots in case you can't view movies yet.

Max Payne 3: Arcade Modes

Fri, 11 May 2012 12:19:20 GMT

Max Payne 3 will have an Arcade Mode when you get it in your hands on 06.15.2012. These will bring to the single player missions even more awesomeness with the following two modes announced today. Score Attack will allow you to replay any single player level after you complete it in which you do whatever you can to get the highest score possible by acquiring points for each shot that hits its mark and each adversary you vanquish. New York Minute is a return from Max Payne and Max Payne 2 in which you get a minute put on the clock and lets you get through the levels as quick as possible. Time is added for each person you kill, so be sure to flood the walls with gibs. More details about all of this can be found here.

Ghost Recon: Future Soldier Artic Strike DLC Package

Thu, 10 May 2012 18:42:00 GMT

So with Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier making ti's way to stores come 05.22.2012, it will be fighting it's way into the hearts of and minds of those who are still playing Max Payne 3 that was released the week before. So to help up the ante a bit, Ubisoft announced new DLC content that will be out for 800MSP on Xbox LIVE or $9.99 on PlayStation Network on 07.03.2012. The Arctic Strike Pack puts you on "...From the streets of Moscow to the far reaches of the Arctic, this all-new downloadable content pack extends your Ghost Recon Future Soldier experience with new multiplayer maps, a new multiplayer mode, a new Guerrilla Mode co-op map, and six additional weapons to give you the supreme edge over your enemies."

Dishonored on October 9, 2012

Thu, 10 May 2012 16:59:48 GMT

Bethesda announced today that Dishonored will be on store shelves for your Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC come 10.09.2012. A few days later in Europe. If you don't know already, this really looks to be a fantastic looking game along with a great storyline.

"Dishonored is set in Dunwall, an industrial whaling city where steampunk- inspired technology and otherworldly forces coexist in the shadows. You are Corvo, the once-trusted bodyguard of the beloved Empress who has been murdered. Framed for the crime, you become an infamous assassin, known by the disturbing mask that has become your calling card. In a time of uncertainty, when the city is besieged by plague and ruled by a corrupt government armed with frightening technologies, dark forces bestow supernatural abilities upon you – but at what cost? The truth behind your betrayal is as murky as the waters surrounding the city, and the life you once had is gone forever.

Creatively eliminate your enemies with Dishonored’s flexible combat system as you combine supernatural abilities with weapons and gadgets at your disposal. Pursue your targets under the cover of darkness or boldly attack them head on with weapons drawn. The outcome of each mission plays out based on the choices you make."

Even more awesome, if you will be at E3 this year, expect to get your hands on a demo. Most excellent.

Risen 2: A Patch and video

Thu, 10 May 2012 16:46:22 GMT

The people who make Risen 2: Dark Waters have something really nice for you: a patch. A patch to fix a lot of things that have probably been irritating someone someplace in the world. Additionally, if you watch below, a Making Of video on essentially how they did everything when it comes to the storyline, etc. Pretty interesting if you want to know how all of that stuff gets made, and the people who have to do it. Video first:

This text will be replaced

And now, the patch notes:

New Features:
- Most monster attacks can be now blocked
- Player has the ability to dodge during combat (activated through pressing the direction keys twice)

Tweaks:
- Improved vegetation rendering
- Improved object draw distance
- Improved terrain rendering

Balancing:
- Maximum amount of automatic saves limited to 10
- Improvements in monster combat AI
- Improvements in character AI if they get attacked from behind
- Simplified cannon sabotage in Puerto Isabella
- Merchant on Sword Coast now also sells rum and grog
- Removed exploit for shooting game
- Mara's health increased
- Stealbeard's hat can't be sold anymore

Bugfixes:
- Fixed issue with flickering trees in far distance on Nvidia graphic cards
- Fixed crash with 7.1 sound system configuration
- Fixed issue with SLI graphic cards
- Fixed rarely occurring crash during climbing
- Fixed issue within return to ship option
- Fixed an error with rain in interiors
- Crew members can't be killed by monsters anymore
- Player will get the cunning potion after crafting
- Fixed issues with skill teachers
- Fixed several exploits

Assassin's Creed III: Outsider Trailer

Thu, 10 May 2012 14:33:12 GMT

So, the following video of how things are going to go down while playing as Connor in Assassin's Creed III is going to make you feel either "this is just the same shit, different era" or "f' me! I can finally jump through windows in these buildings I run over, and totally massacre people with a bad ass hand axe and not feeling bad about it one bit". Enjoy the show folks!

This text will be replaced

Max Payne 3: Official Launch Trailer

Thu, 10 May 2012 12:31:17 GMT

It's time for some pain killers folks! Only a few more days away from the super long awaited Max Payne 3. With an incredible storyline expansion and fantastically integrated multiplayer component, you will want to get your hands on this come 05.15.2012. Watch the video below and when you are done, be sure to join our crew, the Joystickwidows!

Max Payne 3: Crew Creation now online

Wed, 09 May 2012 13:37:50 GMT

Max Payne 3 is only a few more days away until it will be in your little hands. Your Kung-Fu grip will have no match for its awesomeness and that means you are going to need to be in a crew when it comes to multiplayer action. For starters, make sure you are part of the Rockstar Games Social Club. It is important, especially when it comes to Rockstar Games stuff in general. Then be sure to join up with a crew. You can join ours by going here, or you may create you own. If you create your own crew or join one, you will gather more XP due to the crew bonus points when you battle as a crew or against rival crews. More XP means more guns and more guns mean you'll be a harder person to deal with when it comes to the gang slaughter. If you are looking for even more awesome props, then create a crew between now and 06.15.2012 and you will get the lovely designation of FOUNDER CREW. Not only will this give you a sweet designation during gameplay, but also special benefits and perks down the line.

And finally, one nice hint you will find with crews. Being part of crew will work in Max Payne 3 AND Grand Theft Auto V :)

EVE Online players travel to literal space

Wed, 09 May 2012 10:39:13 GMT

Today at 12:00 GMT, CCP Games let loose on a promise that was given to all players at last years EVE Fanfest. Entitled Skyward Sphere, a replica of the games pod was attached to a balloon and all of the names of EVE Online players ascended into the stratosphere. "Siminn will provide a live video feed and GPS tracking via their 3G network and a Samsung Note which will start shortly before 12:00 and should last the whole flight up until 100,000 feet. In addition, there will be 3 high definition cameras on board to capture the glorious ascent, which will be recovered by the Icelandic Coast Guard in a coordinated rescue effort that may or may not include an untrained CCP employee having to jump into a glacial lake in the name of science.

Those interested can track the flight progress over Iceland here."

From the looks of the trajectory, nobody needed to make an icy swim to retrieve a balloon laden pod.

Bioshock Infinite: Delayed

Wed, 09 May 2012 09:41:17 GMT

Ken Levine threw out an email today to everyone explaining that basically, Bioshock Infinite isn't going to be ready by the original October release date this year. Instead, they are looking at a 02.26.2013 release. Personally I believe there is a combination of just coding issues/gloss that needs to be finished and also the really huge amount of competition going to be released around the same time. Anyway, here is the official message from Ken to you:

" A MESSAGE FROM KEN LEVINE

When we announced the release date of BioShock Infinite in March, we felt pretty good about the timing.

Since then, we’ve come to realize that some specific tweaks and improvements will make Infinite into something even more extraordinary. Therefore, to give our talented team the time they need, we’ve decided to move the game’s release to February 26, 2013. We wanted to let our loyal (and very patient!) fans know this as soon as possible.

I won’t kid you: BioShock Infinite is a very big game, and we’re doing things that no one has ever done in a first-person shooter. We had a similar experience with the original BioShock, which was delayed several months as our original ship date drew near. Why? Because the Big Daddies weren’t the Big Daddies you’ve since come to know and love. Because Andrew Ryan’s golf club didn’t have exactly the right swing. Because Rapture needed one more coat of grimy Art Deco.

The same principle now applies to BioShock Infinite.

What does this mean for you? It means a bit more waiting, but more importantly, it means an even better BioShock Infinite. The great can be made greater, and we owe it to both ourselves and to you, our fans, to take this opportunity. Irrational Games is one of those rare developers lucky enough to ask the people who sign the checks: “Hey, can we have a few more of those checks?”

We are also going to hold off on showing BioShock Infinite at the big events of the summer, like E3 and Gamescom. That way, the next time you see our game, it will be essentially the product we intend to put in the box. Preparing for these events takes time away from development, time we’re going to use instead to get the best version of Infinite into your hands in February.

As always, I am happy to help answer any questions you may have."

Spc Ops: The Line Demo now available

Tue, 08 May 2012 09:52:12 GMT

2K Games announced today that Spec Ops: The Line is now available to download and then play to Xbox LIVE Gold members and PlayStation Network members. Come 06.15.2012, the rest of you who don't actually have a Xbox LIVE Gold account will be able to play it. This demo will give you an idea on how the entire game will be played and you will be running and shooting through two early levels of the game.

"The squad-based action in Spec Ops: The Line is highlighted by an intelligent squad command system that allows players to tactfully take out insurgents as they advance into the heart of Dubai. Gamers will blast their way through sandstorms with a variety of weapons and explosives, even using sand as a weapon to strategically bury enemies in their path. Combining intense action with a riveting narrative and the unique setting of a sandstorm ravaged Dubai, Spec Ops: The Line is unlike any other military shooter.

In addition to the single-player campaign, Spec Ops: The Line features an expansive, class-based multiplayer experience that is fun for both casual and hard core gamers. The multiplayer mode features squad-based games in visually stunning and unique environments where players are encouraged to use their sand-filled surroundings to thwart their enemies; however, the environment can quickly turn from advantageous to treacherous with the onset of sandstorms – which impact visibility, team communication and weapon handling."

Spec Ops: The Line will be available in North America on 06.26.2012 and the rest of the world 3 days later.

Rockstar Games Social Club gets more social like

Mon, 07 May 2012 16:06:12 GMT

Rockstar Games announced today that their Social Club website got all super updated today. No doubt a pre-emptive strike for the Max Payne 3 release coming very VERY soon to a store shelf near you soon. You will still get your usual game interaction and stats pages custom per game, but also some excellent upgrades as listed below:

The new launch includes custom personal Social Club user profiles, an all-new Friends system with public and direct messaging, the ability to link in and login with your Facebook and Twitter accounts, Newswire activity and reply notifications and much more - plus coming this Wednesday will be the additional launch of Social Club CREWS where members will be able to register, create and rally Max Payne 3 Multiplayer Crews ahead of time.

SOCIAL CLUB PROFILE PAGE – Personalize Social Club profile pages, complete with status updates, a display of recent stats and accomplishments across linked Social Club enabled games, and proper Friend linking with a Wall that updates Social Club activity and lets members cheer and jeer their friends at Social Club, as well as easily plan multiplayer sessions.
USER ACTIVITY FEEDS – Keep tabs on the latest accomplishments via a real-time activity feed. With the release of Max Payne 3, Friends will know each time a Trophy/Achievement has been unlocked, throw down the gauntlet for a multiplayer session, or see when a friend has added a new soldier to their CREW (Wednesday).
ADD FRIENDS – Search and add Friends that are current Social Club members and also find, import and invite contacts from Facebook, Twitter and gaming accounts.
LINK IN & LOG IN WITH FACEBOOK OR TWITTER – Link in and display profiles from Facebook and Twitter (as well as PlayStation Network IDs and XBL Gamertags) direct to personal pages and starting Wednesday, Social Club activity will post directly to those networks. For new members, we’ve enabled Social Club account creation (and sign-in for existing members) using Facebook or Twitter username and passwords.

Also, remember, the Max Payne 3 Comic # 1 "After the Fall" has been released and if you haven't checked it out yet, be sure to look at it here or download the PDF file here. And if you haven't already joined the Rockstar Games Social Club due to the info we just gave out above, you may want to because Limited print editions of the comic will be given away now through 06.2012.

Headline image from here

Assassin's Creed III: Unite to Unlock Trailer

Mon, 07 May 2012 15:45:55 GMT

So, are you curious as to what the gameplay for Assassin's Creed III will be like? If not, you should be, especially watching the teaser trailer below. Ubisoft has something up their sleeve and it's going to take the collective clicking of the world to get it unbuttoned. Head over to Assassinscreed.com/unite to "...band together in a valiant effort to unlock the world gameplay premier of Assassin’s Creed III in the Unite to Unlock campaign. This program asks gamers to enlist their friends through Twitter and Facebook in a unified effort to reveal the gameplay of Assassin’s Creed III." If you can't head over to Twitter or Facebook yet, then just watch the teaser below and wait for everyone else to do it for you.

This text will be replaced

Jam Arcade coming May 16th

Sat, 05 May 2012 20:48:49 GMT

From the Press Release:

         JAM Live Music Arcade, is set to launch on both Xbox LIVE Arcade and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation Network the week of May 16th.
JAM Live Music Arcade was recently featured at SXSW in Austin and fresh from the PAX East show in Boston, where would-be Jam Masters from around the world got to remix some of their favorite hits on-the-fly.

        JAM Live Music Arcade is a completely new approach to the music genre with a real-time live music sandbox “JAM Mode” that allows the player to immediately build and customize their very own tunes, as well as a bonus “Arcade Challenge Mode” that plays similar to traditional music games. Starting with any one of the 30+ licensed songs featured in the game (including hits from Modest Mouse, Fallout Boy, Fatboy Slim, Owl City, Rise Against, Atmosphere and more), players jam with and remix all aspects of the song – guitar, bass, drums, synth and vocals – to experiment with the song and re-create it to their own personality. All of this is done with any one of the numerous compatible guitar gaming peripherals – the entire band is in your hands! Accessible and easy to get started, yet deep and almost endless to master, everyone can touch real music across a broad range of sonic tastes. JAM Live Music Arcade offers an immersive level of musical interaction that’s inspiring, powerful and contagious.

Santum Free to Play on Steam til 5/7/2012

Sat, 05 May 2012 19:39:14 GMT

Coffee Stain Studios announces that the Sanctum Collection, which includes the game and all DLC, has a new price of $19.99 across digital platforms. That’s hardly the best part, though. From now until May 7th, the first-person shooter/tower defense mashup that has received tons of attention will be free-to-play under Steam’s Free Weekend. During that weekend, players who accept this amazing tower defense game’s brilliance can purchase the full version of Sanctum at 75% off for only $2.49 and the DLC-packed Collection for only $4.99!

This game is tons of fun. I picked it up and it's a go to favorite in my steam library, check it out. ITS FREE...YOU DIDN'T WANT TO GO OUTSIDE ANYWAY!

NBA Baller Beats will debut at E3

Sat, 05 May 2012 19:29:04 GMT

        Majesco Entertainment publisher of the wildly successful Zumba Fitness video game franchise, revealed plans to release NBA Baller Beats, a fun, high energy and first-of-its kind participative basketball video game launching this fall exclusively on Kinect for the Xbox 360. Developed by HB Studios, NBA Baller Beats gets players on their feet mastering mad ball handling skills using a real basketball while playing to the beat of an eclectic soundtrack. The Kinect motion sensor captures every movement of both player and ball to create an entirely new basketball gaming experience.
        Aspire to perform like a pro in NBA Baller Beats as you train alongside your favorite NBA franchise unlocking songs, difficulty levels, and over 100 posters and trading cards showcasing NBA players’ greatest moves. The music is your guide as you master ball handling skills, dribbling, and baller moves with a real basketball as Kinect technology tracks your every crossover, pump fake, behind-the-back, around-the-world and more! Become the ultimate baller and increase your stamina in single player mode, break it down and practice different skills in Move School mode or show-off in multiplayer mode and go head-to-head against up to 8 players – the highest score wins bragging rights. No matter the level of your skills, players of all abilities will enjoy getting off the couch and raising their game with NBA Baller Beats.
        The NBA Baller Beats soundtrack features a mix of music across decades and genres including hip-hop, rock, and old school classics, with tracks from Kanye West, Run DMC, Gorillaz, Them Crooked Vultures, Common, Tiesto and more.

        Majesco Entertainment will unveil NBA Baller Beats gameplay, as well as additional soundtrack artists and songs, during the annual Electronic Entertainment Expo held in Los Angeles this June before setting out to give fans a try at exclusive basketball camps this summer.

Elder Scrolls Online Announcement Trailer

Fri, 04 May 2012 11:48:36 GMT

Bethesda and Zenimax decided to get around and let the rest of the world have the official announcement trailer for The Elder Scrolls Online. What you will get with Elder Scrolls Online you may ask? You will be able to walk around and explore the series' universe with others in this MMO. Enjoy the rather trailer below.

This text will be replaced