holidaze-2009
Latest
Post-Christmas like Black Friday for iPhone devs
The week following Christmas is set to be the biggest ever in terms of iPhone gaming activity according to iPhone fan network PlayHaven and mobile ad exchange Mobclix. It makes sense: You've got a boatload of people with new iPhones and no sense of how to distinguish the bad games from the good. It's like a bunch of infants crawling around with loaded revolvers. In a recent release, PlayHaven CEO Raymond Lau said "The week between Christmas and New Years has become the great 'Game Rush' for iPhone games - essentially what Black Friday is to brick and mortar retailers." The only real difference? A significant decrease in your odds of getting trampled by sleepy fat people.
Xbox 360 kid goes over the line
We love seeing videos like the one after the break, wherein a child expresses a joy that we'll spend most of our 30s and 40s fruitlessly trying to recapture. But, as this little boy receiving an Xbox 360 on Christmas morn demonstrates, it's possible to go too far. See if you can pinpoint the exact moment his family switches from amusement to realizing that their child is going to spend a lifetime waging a crippling battle against mental illness. [Via Gizmodo]
Joyswag: 1 year of Xbox Live Gold & a pile of XBLA games [update]
Update: And we have a winner! Congratulations, Brian M! Buying games is always fun -- and we've made it easy with our Holiday Buyer's Guides -- but it's even better to receive them ... in one gigantic stack! In that spirit, Microsoft has generously donated download codes for many of the Xbox Live Arcade games featured in our Marketplace Buyer's Guide, including 'Splosion Man, Bionic Commando Rearmed, Castle Crashers, N+, Geometry Wars 2 and many, many more. Plus, we're tossing in a one-year subscription code for Xbox Live Gold! To enter for your chance to win: Leave a comment on this post telling us which downloadable games -- for any and all platforms -- you hope to buy with the cash and credit your receive over the holidays You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec) Limit 1 entry per person This entry period ends at 12:00PM ET on Thursday, December 24 We'll randomly select one winner at that time to receive redemption codes for Bionic Commando: Rearmed, Carcassonne, Geometry Wars 2, Castle Crashers, N+, 'Splosion Man, Puzzle Quest, Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix, Alien Hominid HD, Mega Man 9, Ikaruga, Galaga Legions, Pac-Man Championship Edition, UNO Rush, A Kingdom for Keflings, Rez HD, Assault Heroes 2, TMNT 1989 and Bomberman Live for Xbox Live Arcade [Total ARV: $190] and a redemption code for a 1-year Xbox Live Gold subscription [ARV: $50] -- please check your emails! For a list of complete rules, click here. Happy holidays and best of luck! What is Joyswag? Since we don't keep the games and merchandise we receive for review or promotional purposes, it becomes "Joyswag," which is passed along to our readers. For more info on our policy, click here.
Buyer's Guide: DSiWare
.nounderline a { text-decoration: none; } The Nintendo DS remains an ever-popular holiday gift. The newest model, the DSi, features a virtual storefront, accessible directly from the device, with numerous downloadable games and apps. With a Nintendo Points card, you can sweeten your DSi gift or brighten an existing DSi owner's holiday. Here are our suggestions for how to spend your DSiWare points: The Casual Gamer | The Kids Corner | The Parent Trap
Buyer's Guide: PlayStation Network
.nounderline a { text-decoration: none; } It looks like someone got a PSN gift card for the holidays! So, what are you going to buy? Whether you've got a PS3 or a PSP, a $20 or $50 card, there are many options to choose from in the PlayStation Store. From the Trophy Hunter to the Movie Buff, we have recommendations for you: PS3 The Hipster | The Movie Buff The PixelJunkie | The Retrobutionist The Speed Demon | The Strategist The Trophy Hunter | DLC Essentials PSP Comic Collector | The Music Maker The Movie Buff | The PixelJunkie The Retrobutionist | PSP Essentials
Buyer's Guide: WiiWare & Virtual Console
.nounderline a { text-decoration: none; } That little white box of yours doesn't just play discs -- it's also home to a virtual treasure trove of downloadable games. In this guide, we recommend our favorite WiiWare and Virtual Console titles from 2009, fit together to appeal to Wii's eclectic audience. What kinds of gamers are in your home? iHeart Hudson | Kids Corner | Nouveau Retro Parent Trap | Sega Defense Force | Wannabe Plumber
Sega games & DLC discounted 40% on PSN today
Sega has unwrapped a special holiday treat for PlayStation Network users today. Until January 7, all Sega downloads for PS3 and PSP from the PlayStation Store will be marked down 40 percent. Yes! That Sonic Unleashed DLC is finally within reach! In all seriousness, this is a prime opportunity to stock up on some decent PSP games, like Crush ($9.59). Or, haven't nabbed the Valkyria Chronicles DLC yet? Now you have no excuse! The full list of discounted games and add-ons is posted after the break.
Buyer's Guide: Xbox Live Marketplace
.nounderline a { text-decoration: none; } So, what to spend your Microsoft Points on? The choice can be quite daunting. After all, there's a lot of content on Xbox Live Marketplace. With this handy guide, we give you some solid suggestions to spend your points on based on several categories and include everything from Xbox Live Arcade games to Indie Games to Avatar props. Just select from your favorite genres below. (Joytip: Click on a game title to see its Xbox.com listing; and check out our links to reviews and XBLA in Brief videos to help make crucial purchasing decisions.) Action | Braid | Family & Board Games | Hardcore Party | Puzzle | Retro | Shooters | Spare Change
Joyswag: 24 games from Direct2Drive [update]
Update: Giveaway has come to a close, folks. Keep an eye on your email's inbox to see if you won! Dear PC gamer, even though we couldn't get you in on the Naughty or Nice action, we've got something you should be just as excited about. Remember when we told you about Direct2Drive's 24 Days of Christmas sale? Well, the generous folks at Direct2Drive are gifting all 24 titles (full list after the break) from the sale to one lucky Joystiq reader. Want in? Here's how to enter for your change to win: Optional: Set up a Direct2Drive account in advance (it'll save time later) Leave a comment briefly telling us how you spend the holidays You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US Limit 1 entry per person per calendar day This entry period ends at 12:00PM ET on Monday, December 28 At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive all 24 PC titles (full list after the break) from Direct2Drive's 24 Days of Christmas sale [Total value: $398.50] For a list of complete rules, click here Happy holidays and best of luck to you!
Live in the Past, It's Cheaper (2009 Edition)
.nounderline a { text-decoration: none; } Money can buy you a lot of things, but it can't buy you patience. You can't really put a price on the ability to abandon that must-have, do-want and day-one impulse -- and if you could, it would probably cost quite a bit more than what you hope to save by simply taking a deep breath and waiting for the hottest game to cool down. If this holiday season has granted you a brand new console with an old and bloated backlog, you might find a good selection in 2008's best games, particularly in Joystiq's top ten favorites. Read on to find the industry's former best, now with a year's worth of price erosion. Mirror's Edge | Dead Space | Far Cry 2 | LittleBigPlanet | Gears of War 2 Braid | Fallout 3 | Left 4 Dead | Metal Gear Solid 4 | Fable II
Xbox Live Faux Pas of the Day: Free '2010 Glasses'
Your Avatar can celebrate the next dance around the sun by putting on some hideous 2010 glasses, now available in the Avatar Marketplace for free. Wearing the glasses will have your virtual representation come dangerously close to committing the high crime of fashion: socks and sandals (which is, sadly, also available on the marketplace). However, if you think your Avatar can rock the look, by all means, have them go for it. If you regret getting these, just remember that hindsight is 2010. Shortcut: Download "2010 Glasses" to Xbox 360 [via Xbox.com]
Joyswag: Fighting Game Holiday Bundle
Welcome to Joystiq's "Naughty or Nice" holiday giveaway extravaganza! It's simple: Just follow the instructions below to enter for your chance to win. Ah, but to win what? There's always a catch, isn't there? Each "Naughty or Nice" giveaway features two prizes: a totally sweet bundle of holiday cheer and, um, a lump of coal. Winners are selected randomly, we assure you. Of course, who's to say luck isn't dependent on virtue ... Have you been naughty? Or nice? Update: The entry period has ended. Congratulations Ken B. and Jake R. To enter this giveaway: Leave a comment on this post telling us if you've been "naughty" or "nice" this year. (Note: Your response will not affect your chance of winning any of the prizes in this giveaway.) You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec). Limit 1 entry per person per calendar day. This entry period ends at 12:00 pm ET on Tuesday, December 22. We'll randomly select one grand prize winner at that time to receive Tekken 6 Limited Edition Wireless Fight Stick Bundle, Dragon Ball: Raging Blast, and The King of Fighters XII for PlayStation 3, and one King of Fighters figurine [note: actual figurine may differ from one pictured] (Total ARV: $340); and one first prize winner to receive Family Feud: 2010 Edition for Nintendo Wii (ARV: $40) -- please check your emails! For a list of complete rules, click here. Fighting games are currently enjoying a bit of a renaissance, and this grand prize bundle is a nice opportunity to re-introduce yourself to the genre on PS3. Don't discount the Wii's fighting games, though -- our first-prize winner will find Family Feud features some very difficult combinations. Just you try stringing together the top five survey answers to: Name the most popular item people put in their salads. What is Joyswag? Since we don't keep the games and merchandise we receive for review or promotional purposes, it becomes "Joyswag," which is passed along to our readers. Please note that Joyswag may be in "used" condition. For more info on our policy, click here.
Joyswag: Xbox 360 Music Game Holiday Bundle
Welcome to Joystiq's "Naughty or Nice" holiday giveaway extravaganza! It's simple: Just follow the instructions below to enter for your chance to win. Ah, but to win what? There's always a catch, isn't there? Each "Naughty or Nice" giveaway features two prizes: a totally sweet bundle of holiday cheer and, um, a lump of coal. Winners are selected randomly, we assure you. Of course, who's to say luck isn't dependent on virtue ... Have you been naughty? Or nice? Update: The entry period has ended. Congrats Jarrod A and Victor V. To enter this giveaway: Leave a comment on this post telling us if you've been "naughty" or "nice" this year. (Note: Your response will not affect your chance of winning any of the prizes in this giveaway.) You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec). Limit 1 entry per person per calendar day. This entry period ends at 12:00 pm ET on Tuesday, December 22. We'll randomly select one grand prize winner at that time to receive The Beatles: Rock Band Limited Edition Premium Bundle, DJ Hero Bundle with Turntable, Band Hero, Guitar Hero 5, Guitar Hero: Smash Hits, and Lego Rock Band for Xbox 360 (Total ARV: $558); and one first prize winner to receive Lips: Number One Hits Bundle for Xbox 360 (ARV: $60) -- please check your emails! For a list of complete rules, click here. Surely, there's at least one song in the grand prize collection that your band will agree to play together. As for the first prize, it's nothing but number-one hits! What is Joyswag? Since we don't keep the games and merchandise we receive for review or promotional purposes, it becomes "Joyswag," which is passed along to our readers. Please note that Joyswag may be in "used" condition. For more info on our policy, click here.
Joyswag: PSP Go Holiday Giveaway
Welcome to Joystiq's "Naughty or Nice" holiday giveaway extravaganza! It's simple: Just follow the instructions below to enter for your chance to win. Ah, but to win what? There's always a catch, isn't there? Each "Naughty or Nice" giveaway features two prizes: a totally sweet bundle of holiday cheer and, um, a lump of coal. Winners are selected randomly, we assure you. Of course, who's to say luck isn't dependent on virtue ... Have you been naughty? Or nice? Update: The entry period has ended. Congrats David G. and Soren S. To enter this giveaway: Leave a comment on this post telling us if you've been "naughty" or "nice" this year. (Note: Your response will not affect your chance of winning any of the prizes in this giveaway.) You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec). Limit 1 entry per person per calendar day. This entry period ends at 12:00 pm ET on Tuesday, December 22. We'll randomly select one grand prize winner at that time to receive "Piano Black" PSPgo (Total ARV: $250); and one first prize winner to receive Sega Genesis Firecore Classic Console (ARV: $50) -- please check your emails! For a list of complete rules, click here. Two pint-sized feats of technology: Sony's PSP Go and the Firecore console -- who could have imaged the Genesis squeezed down to such proportions? Marvelous. What is Joyswag? Since we don't keep the games and merchandise we receive for review or promotional purposes, it becomes "Joyswag," which is passed along to our readers. Please note that Joyswag may be in "used" condition. For more info on our policy, click here.
Joyswag: Nintendo DS Games Holiday Bundle
Welcome to Joystiq's "Naughty or Nice" holiday giveaway extravaganza! It's simple: Just follow the instructions below to enter for your chance to win. Ah, but to win what? There's always a catch, isn't there? Each "Naughty or Nice" giveaway features two prizes: a totally sweet bundle of holiday cheer and, um, a lump of coal. Winners are selected randomly, we assure you. Of course, who's to say luck isn't dependent on virtue ... Have you been naughty? Or nice? Update: The entry period has ended. Congrats Andrew C. and Tom B.! To enter this giveaway: Leave a comment on this post telling us if you've been "naughty" or "nice" this year. (Note: Your response will not affect your chance of winning any of the prizes in this giveaway.) You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec). Limit 1 entry per person per calendar day. This entry period ends at 12:00 pm ET on Tuesday, December 22. We'll randomly select one grand prize winner at that time to receive The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks (with bonus treasure chest, train whistle & t-shirt), Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story, Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes, and Space Invaders Extreme 2 for Nintendo DS (Total ARV: $135); and one first prize winner to receive C.O.P. The Recruit for Nintendo DS (ARV: $30) -- please check your emails! For a list of complete rules, click here. What better place to store the grand prize bundle than in an actual treasure chest? And how about that first prize? We're giving the winner the perfect excuse to be a bad cop! What is Joyswag? Since we don't keep the games and merchandise we receive for review or promotional purposes, it becomes "Joyswag," which is passed along to our readers. Please note that Joyswag may be in "used" condition. For more info on our policy, click here.
Joyswag: PS3 Holiday Games Bundle
Welcome to Joystiq's "Naughty or Nice" holiday giveaway extravaganza! It's simple: Just follow the instructions below to enter for your chance to win. Ah, but to win what? There's always a catch, isn't there? Each "Naughty or Nice" giveaway features two prizes: a totally sweet bundle of holiday cheer and, um, a lump of coal. Winners are selected randomly, we assure you. Of course, who's to say luck isn't dependent on virtue ... Have you been naughty? Or nice? Update: The entry period has ended. Congratulations Blake F. and Brian W. To enter this giveaway: Leave a comment on this post telling us if you've been "naughty" or "nice" this year. (Note: Your response will not affect your chance of winning any of the prizes in this giveaway.) You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec). Limit 1 entry per person per calendar day. This entry period ends at 12:00 pm ET on Tuesday, December 22. We'll randomly select one grand prize winner at that time to receive one Uncharted 2: Among Thieves: Fortune Hunter Edition, Assassin's Creed II, Demon's Souls: Deluxe Edition, God of War Collection, Modern Warfare 2, and Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack In Time for PlayStation 3 (Total ARV: $590); and one first prize winner to receive Tony Hawk: Ride Skateboard Bundle for PlayStation 3 (ARV: $90) -- please check your emails! For a list of complete rules, click here. Here's a good question: What's more functional? The Tony Hawk: Ride board or the replica Phurba Dagger Artifact included in the extremely rare Uncharted 2: Among Thieves: Fortune Hunter Edition? What is Joyswag? Since we don't keep the games and merchandise we receive for review or promotional purposes, it becomes "Joyswag," which is passed along to our readers. Please note that Joyswag may be in "used" condition. For more info on our policy, click here.
Joyswag: Wii Games Holiday Bundle
Welcome to Joystiq's "Naughty or Nice" holiday giveaway extravaganza! It's simple: Just follow the instructions below to enter for your chance to win. Ah, but to win what? There's always a catch, isn't there? Each "Naughty or Nice" giveaway features two prizes: a totally sweet bundle of holiday cheer and, um, a lump of coal. Winners are selected randomly, we assure you. Of course, who's to say luck isn't dependent on virtue ... Have you been naughty? Or nice? Update: The entry period has ended. Congrats Antonia F. and Tom B. To enter this giveaway: Leave a comment on this post telling us if you've been "naughty" or "nice" this year. (Note: Your response will not affect your chance of winning any of the prizes in this giveaway.) You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec). Limit 1 entry per person per calendar day. This entry period ends at 12:00 pm ET on Tuesday, December 22. We'll randomly select one grand prize winner at that time to receive DJ Hero Bundle with Turntable, Dead Space Extraction, Muramasa: The Demon Blade, Rabbids Go Home, Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles, and Silent Hill: Shattered Memories for Nintendo Wii (Total ARV: $288); and one first prize winner to receive The Price is Right: 2010 Edition for Nintendo Wii (ARV: $40) -- please check your emails! For a list of complete rules, click here. With a strong dose of horror, this grand prize of third-party Wii games doesn't scream holiday cheer in the traditional sense -- but then, the Wii itself is nontraditional. As for the first prize, "free" is just right. What is Joyswag? Since we don't keep the games and merchandise we receive for review or promotional purposes, it becomes "Joyswag," which is passed along to our readers. Please note that Joyswag may be in "used" condition. For more info on our policy, click here.
Joyswag: Xbox 360 Holiday Games Bundle
Welcome to Joystiq's "Naughty or Nice" holiday giveaway extravaganza! It's simple: Just follow the instructions below to enter for your chance to win. Ah, but to win what? There's always a catch, isn't there? Each "Naughty or Nice" giveaway features two prizes: a totally sweet bundle of holiday cheer and, um, a lump of coal. Winners are selected randomly, we assure you. Of course, who's to say luck isn't dependent on virtue ... Have you been naughty? Or nice? Update: The entry period has ended. Congratulations Thomas C.H. and Dennis C. To enter this giveaway: Leave a comment on this post telling us if you've been "naughty" or "nice" this year. (Note: Your response will not affect your chance of winning any of the prizes in this giveaway.) You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec). Limit 1 entry per person per calendar day. This entry period ends at 12:00 pm ET on Tuesday, December 22. We'll randomly select one grand prize winner at that time to receive one copy of Assassin's Creed II, Dragon Age: Origins, FIFA Soccer 10, Forza Motorsport 3, Halo 3: ODST, Left 4 Dead 2, and DJ Hero Bundle with Turntable, plus additional Turntable controller, all for Xbox 360, and a "Live Turns Five" wireless Xbox 360 controller (Total ARV: $568); and one first prize winner to receive Rogue Warrior for Xbox 360 (ARV: $60) -- please check your emails! For a list of complete rules, click here. For the grand prize we've rounded up an eclectic mix of many of the best Xbox 360 games from 2009's fall and holiday seasons and tossed in a limited edition orange controller (from 2007 -- it's vintage!). All we'll say about the first prize is: rogue [rohg] –adjective 1. Operating outside desirable controls. What is Joyswag? Since we don't keep the games and merchandise we receive for review or promotional purposes, it becomes "Joyswag," which is passed along to our readers. Please note that Joyswag may be in "used" condition. For more info on our policy, click here.
Joyswag: Wii System & Wii Fit Plus Bundles from QVC
Welcome to Joystiq's "Naughty or Nice" holiday giveaway extravaganza! It's simple: Just follow the instructions below to enter for your chance to win. Ah, but to win what? There's always a catch, isn't there? Each "Naughty or Nice" giveaway features two prizes: a totally sweet bundle of holiday cheer and, um, a lump of coal. Winners are selected randomly, we assure you. Of course, who's to say luck isn't dependent on virtue ... Have you been naughty? Or nice? Update: The entry period has ended. Congratulations to Kevin C. and Andrew B. To enter this giveaway: Leave a comment on this post telling us if you've been "naughty" or "nice" this year. (Note: Your response will not affect your chance of winning any of the prizes in this giveaway.) You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec). Limit 1 entry per person per calendar day. This entry period ends at 12:00 pm ET on Tuesday, December 22. We'll randomly select two grand prize winners at that time to each receive QVC's "Nintendo Wii Gaming System w/ Accessories, Case & Games" (Item #E165361; product page), "Nintendo Wii Fit Plus & Accessory Kit w/ Mat & Balance Board" (Item #E165402), and New Super Mario Bros. Wii for Nintendo Wii (Total ARV: $597); and one first prize winner to receive Bass Pro Shops: The Strike w/ Rod and Reel Controller for Xbox 360 (ARV: $80) -- please check your emails! For a list of complete rules, click here. Many thanks to QVC for our featured grand prize: A custom Nintendo Wii Gaming System Bundle and custom Wii Fit Plus & Accessory Kit Bundle. Even better? Two grand prize winners each receive both bundles. Better still? We're tossing in a copy of New Super Mario Bros. Wii for each winner -- call it the cherry on top. Of course, the Wii isn't your only opportunity to experience compelling motion-based gameplay. One first prize winner will receive Bass Pro Shops: The Strike with an "extremely life-like" fishing rod controller for Xbox 360. (Xbox 360 system not included.) "Whether casting, jigging, setting the hook, or reeling a fish in, you'll be amazed by the sensitivity and feedback the fishing rod controller provides." What is Joyswag? Since we don't keep the games and merchandise we receive for review or promotional purposes, it becomes "Joyswag," which is passed along to our readers. Please note that Joyswag may be in "used" condition. For more info on our policy, click here.
Konami cuts iPhone game prices for Tomena Sanner release
Much like the Joystiq staff when the DJ plays our jam, prices on Konami iPhone games have once more gotten low, this time to mark the release of utterly bizarre platformer Tomena Sanner. All Konami's games are value priced at 99 cents until January 4, 2010, when all the games will return to their usual prices. That included Tomena Sanner, which will run you $1.99. Konami spokesman Robert Santini warned us that future price drops aren't necessarily a sure thing: "This will not be something that will happen every time a new mobile title is announced," he said. "Konami just wanted to do it during the holiday season." The list of bargain games (with iTunes links) includes: Dance Dance Revolution S+, Dance Dance Revolution S, Frogger, Metal Gear Solid Touch, Silent Hill: The Escape, Krazy Kart Racing, Power Pros Touch, Silent Scope, and Field Prowlers Police Rush! Which, if any, will you be picking up?
