swag-sunday
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Swag Sunday: You Rock Guitar
Ever since Guitar Hero and Rock Band made it big, there have been dozens of guitar peripherals released on the market. But, what makes You Rock Guitar different? It's actually a fully functional MIDI guitar, so you can use it as a real electric guitar when paired with a computer -- it also includes a built-in training mode, meant to teach you how to play guitar. Coupled with Rock Band 3, you might have a fighting chance at actually learning an instrument! With the included swappable cartridges, you can also turn it into a guitar controller compatible with PS3 and Wii. To enter this giveaway: Describe what you will do once you learn how to play a guitar. Open a band? Get a girlfriend? Fight demons? You must be 13 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 Monday, October 4. On Monday, October 4, we'll randomly select two winners to receive a You Rock Guitar with swappable Wii and PS3 cartridges (ARV $200). (This allows you to use the guitar as a controller on either system.) For a list of complete rules, click here. 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.
Swag Sunday: HexaLex (iPhone/iPod Touch)
Update: The codes have been dispersed and the people, they are playing HexaLex. Join us next week, folks! We're trying something a little different here at Joystiq for today's Swag Sunday post. Given the physicality of yesterday's naughty Swag Saturday, we're giving away five codes for hex-based crossword game HexaLex on iPhone and iPod Touch today -- immediately. We'll be picking one winner per hour for the next five hours from our comments section and hooking them up with a code to download the game (also immediately, should you so choose). Let us know your favorite "$20 word" in the comments and you could be using it to dominate friends in HexaLex by later today! To enter this giveaway: Leave a comment telling us your favorite "$20 word" (example: disambiguation). You must be 13 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec). Limit 1 entry per person. This entry period ends at 2:30PM ET on Sunday, July 18. At that time, we will randomly select five (5) winners to receive a copy of HexaLex (iPhone/iPod Touch) (ARV $2.99). For a list of complete rules, click here.%Gallery-97704% 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.
Swag Sunday: Lego Harry Potter (360) [update]
Update: The comments are now closed and a winner will be contacted shortly via email. Thanks everyone for commenting! Of the many things that the non-muggles among us are capable of doing with magic, conjuring money unfortunately isn't on the list. The rest of us are in the same boat, and so even if Lego Harry Potter only costs $30 at retail, we felt it best to give away our review copy of the game (same as retail) to either group of folks. For a chance to win that copy of LHP, all you have to do is tell us your favorite spell from the series. Wingardium Leviosa, perhaps? Crucio, maybe ... you monster? Tell us in the comments below in the next 24 hours and keep an eye on your email inbox! Leave a comment telling us what your favorite spell from the Harry Potter franchise is. You must be 13 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec). Limit 1 entry per person. This entry period ends at 7:01PM ET on Monday, July 12. At that time, we will randomly select one winner to receive a copy of Lego Harry Potter on Xbox 360 (ARV: $29.99) and various Harry Potter trinkets (ARV: $10). For a list of complete rules, click here. 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.
Swag Sunday: PlayStation Toy Bundle [update]
Update: We've closed the comments and will pick a winner shortly. Keep an eye out! We're picky and choosy about which video game-themed "action figures" make their way onto the empty spaces at Joystiq HQ, but we'd happily add this week's Swag Sunday prize: the Ratchet & Clank "Series 1 Ratchet with Transforming Clank" (seen above). For a chance to adorn your abode with the pair, all you have to is tell us in the comments below what your favorite Ratchet & Clank game is and, more importantly, why. You see, we've got this ModNation Racers papercraft we've been itching to give to someone. Someone who's really eloquent, though. The kind of person who would thoughtfully explain their choice for favorite R&C game. But who do we know like that? Hmmm ... Leave a comment telling us what your favorite Ratchet & Clank game is and why. You must be 13 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec). Limit one entry per person. This entry period ends at 5:31PM ET on Monday, May 24. At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive one package containing one Ratchet & Clank "Series 1 Ratchet with Transforming Clank" (ARV $19.99) and one winner to receive one ModNation Racers papercraft; check your emails! For a list of complete rules, click here. 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.
Swag Sunday: Armored Core: Last Raven (PSP) [update]
Update: Commenting has been closed and winners will receive their codes shortly. If you're not keeping an eye on that commenter-tied email address, now's a good time to start! What's that? One weekend giveaway isn't enough for you? And you're about to get on a long plane ride? Good thing then that we've got 10 download codes to give away in this week's Swag Sunday for Armored Core: Last Raven on the PSP. All you have to do to enter for a chance to win is tell us what material your Armored Core is made of in the comments below. Ours? Unobtainium (naturally). We'll select 10 lucky commenters on Monday, so keep an eye on those inboxes. Leave a comment telling us what material your Armored Core is made of. You must be 13 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec). Limit one entry per person. This entry period ends at 5:31PM ET on Monday, May 17. At that time, we'll randomly select 10 winners to receive one code each redeemable for Armored Core: Last Raven on PSP (ARV $14.99); check your emails! For a list of complete rules, click here. 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.
Swag Sunday: Mother's Day swag bonanza [update]
[Kevin Dooley] Update: This giveaway is over and winners will be contacted shortly. Thanks to everyone for entering and keep an eye on those commenter-tied inboxes! For this week's weekend swag giveaway, we've teamed up with 80sTees.com to offer six separate prizes to you, dearest reader. You regale us with your favorite Mother's Day memory in the comments section below, and you could be one of five winners to receive a code redeemable for $28 worth of merch -- and one lucky grand prize winner will get a code worth $68 and a copy of Final Fantasy XIII for the PlayStation 3 (we're betting your mom really digs chocobos -- she does, right?). And that's it! Now go make that special Mother's Day memory a reality. If not for her, do it for some prizes (you monster). Leave a comment telling us your favorite Mother's Day memory. You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec, because of restrictive sweepstakes laws in the province, unfortunately -- we assure you that we love the Quebecois!). Limit 1 entry per person per day. This entry period ends at 11:31AM ET on Monday, May 10. At that time, we'll randomly select five winners to receive one code each redeemable for $28 worth of merchandise on 80sTees.com, and one winner to receive one code redeemable for $68 worth of merchandise on 80sTees.com and one copy of Final Fantasy XIII for PlayStation 3 (ARV: $59.99). For a list of complete rules, click here. 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.
Swag Sunday: 32GB iPod Touch [update]
Update: The entry period has concluded. Keep an eye on your email to see if you won! We've got a 32GB iPod Touch courtesy of Sega, pre-loaded with Football Manager 2010 leftover from our review, and we're looking to pass it on to one lucky reader. For your chance to score this limited edition iPod -- it's 1 of 45 laser-etched with the Football Manager 2010 logo -- just follow the simple rules below: Leave a comment telling us your favorite football (you know, "soccer") player of all time. You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec). Limit 1 entry per person per day. This entry period ends at 3:31PM ET on Monday, May 3. At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive the limited edition 32GB iPod Touch (ARV: $299.99). For a list of complete rules, click here. 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.
Swag Sunday: Resonance of Fate (360) [update]
Update: We've closed the comments and will contact a winner shortly. Keep an eye on your inbox, folks! There you were, lazing away a Sunday afternoon, when out of nowhere we throw you into an arena and start resonatin' stuff. Nope, it's not a dream -- it's a weird allusion to tri-Ace developed JRPG Resonance of Fate. And rather than sit here reading our weird allusions, why not spend your time actually playing the game in real life? Well you're one step closer to that possibility if you enter our contest below, wherein we'll be giving one lucky winner one copy of the game for their Xbox 360. All you have to do is tell us about something so memorable from your life that it resonated throughout your own fate. Okay, okay, that's a bit serious. It can just be something memorable from your life, as long as it's clean and, preferably, funny. Drop it into the comments below and we'll pick one of you at random this week as a winner. You've got 24 hours starting ... now! Leave a comment telling us something memorable from your life, as long as it's clean and, preferably, funny. You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec, because of restrictive sweepstakes laws in the province, unfortunately -- we assure you that we love the Quebecois!). Limit 1 entry per person per day. This entry period ends at 8:01PM ET on Monday, April 19. At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive one copy of Resonance of Fate for Xbox 360 (ARV: $59.99). For a list of complete rules, click here. 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.
Swag Sunday: Xbox 360 'Surprise' [update]
[bookgrl] Update: The comments have been disabled and we'll be contacting one of you shortly, so keep an eye out and an ear to the ground. Remember when you were in elementary school and the lunch menu featured "Chicken Surprise?" This week's Swag Sunday is a lot like that, only without the look of revulsion on your face when you eventually find out what the "surprise" is all about! We're giving away two Xbox 360 games this week and we're not telling you what they are -- not until you win them, that is. What we can tell you is this: one of them involves shooting nazi fools and the other may involve plundering ancient tombs. Maybe. Give us your two best made up game titles involving said actions within the next 24 hours below in the comments section and we'll pick one of you at random early this week. Bonus points go to entries with story behind them (and to keep us from getting board when we choose the winner). Leave a comment telling us your two best made up game titles involving "shooting nazi fools" and the "plundering ancient tombs." You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec). Limit 1 entry per person per day. This entry period ends at 8:31PM ET on Monday, April 22. At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive one copy of *Name Withheld* for Xbox 360 (ARV: $19.99) and one copy of *Name Withheld* for Xbox 360 (ARV: $49.99) For a list of complete rules, click here. 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.
Swag Sunday: Assassin's Creed 2 (PC) [update]
Update: Your time is up! We'll be shooting an email to the winner's commenter-tied email address, so keep an eye out. Sure, you've read about the always-on internet connection required for playing Assassin's Creed 2 on PC, and you may have even heard about the alleged hacker attacks on Ubisoft's authentication servers, but we'd like to offer you a chance to get right in there on the action. That's why this week's Swag Sunday is offering up one DVD copy of the game for Windows XP/Vista/7-equipped readers to win -- all you need to do is tell us what your favorite DRM solution is (an actual solution, "no DRM" will not be accepted) in the comments below. We'll choose a winner at random this week and let you know if you won through your commenter-tied email address, so keep an eye out! Leave a comment telling us what your favorite DRM solution is (an actual solution, "no DRM" will not be accepted). You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec -- due in part to Jean Charest and his friend Barry). Limit 1 entry per person per day. This entry period ends at 7:01PM ET on Monday, March 22. At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive one copy of Assassin's Creed 2 for PC (ARV: $49.99). For a list of complete rules, click here. 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. %Gallery-49869%
Swag Sunday: Age of Zombies eats your braaaaaaains (PSP Minis)
Why do zombies eat brains? There's usually perfectly available, good meat around, so what's with the brain-cravings? It's not like they do anything special with them. If they saved them for some kind of a stew or possibly pulled a Sylar, then you could understand it, but this willy-nilly shambling towards grey matter? Weird. Plus, do they have some sort of brain detector built-in? They always seem to know exactly which way to go. Whoops, pardon our tangent. You want to get right to the swag, don't you? We're giving away nine copies of Halfbrick's brand new Age of Zombies, the PSP minis game that combines cute and cuddly with brain-hungry and undead. Seriously, these little zombies are adorable, and they'll look super keen on your PSP or your PS3. Since we can't explain why zombies crave brains, all you have to do is follow the rules below and tell us what the perfect side dish would be. Leave a comment telling us what the perfect side dish would be for a serving of brains. You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec -- it has to do with Pierre Duchesne and he knows why). Limit 1 entry per person per day. This entry period ends at 11:31AM ET on Monday, March 8. At that time, we'll randomly select nine winners to receive a code good for one copy of Age of Zombies for PSP or PS3 (ARV: $4.99). For a list of complete rules, click here. 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. %Gallery-84946%
Swag Sunday: BioSwag!
When you come right down to it, genetic engineering is about the only shot humans are going to have at developing real super powers. Which is why BioShock and BioShock 2 are more than just stories about some nifty underwater city gone wrong. When you have people that can move objects with their minds or blast fire from their hands and then stick them in a gorgeous dystopia, that's when you've got a story. So what better way to celebrate that world than by bringing it into our own? With that in mind, we're offering up a mess of BioShock swag: one BioShock "Don't Wait! Incinerate!" women's shirt (size medium), one BioShock 2 Butterfly Hands men's shirt (size small), two different BioShock lithographs, and one extremely cool, handmade Splicer mask. Check out the prizes in the gallery below, and read the rules to enter.Note: as a BioReminder, Rapture Radio is still active and broadcasting, and much thanks to Sony Legacy for supplying us with these nifty prizes. Their BioShock 2 soundtrack is still available in both Deluxe and Standard editions. Update: We've chosen a winner! Thanks for entering everyone, and stay tuned for more Joyswag very soon. Leave a comment telling us what plasmid power you'd want. Feel free to make up your own. You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec, mostly due to our exclusion from a "statut particulier" status in Canada). Limit 1 entry per person per day. This entry period ends at 7:01PM ET on Monday, March 1. At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive one BioShock 2 men's butterfly shirt, size small (ARV $10), one BioShock 2 women's "Incinerate!" shirt, size medium (ARV $10), two BioShock lithographs (ARV $15 each), and one handmade Splicer mask (ARV $50). For a list of complete rules, click here. 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. %Gallery-86686%
Swag Sunday: The DICE bag o' swag [update]
Update: This contest has been closed and the winner will be contacted shortly via commenter-based email, so keep your eyes on the inbox! Believe us, dear reader -- there's nothing we'd like more than to have brought you with us to Las Vegas for this year's DICE, but you must understand that the airfare was simply too much to bear. We've got the next best thing though (outside of our weeklong coverage, of course): the full bag of swag handed over to us upon entry! In practice, this means a Modern Warfare 2 throat communicator, a Street Fighter IV fightpad, a seasonally appropriate Rock Band Network hoodie, a Rayman Raving Rabbids-themed Wiimote charger and ... some other stuff! All you have to do is tell us below in the comments what you thought was the most interesting story to come out of DICE 2010. 24 hours starts now! Leave a comment what you thought was the most interesting story to come out of DICE 2010. You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec, in part because of our feelings on The Quiet Revolution). Limit 1 entry per person per day. This entry period ends at 6:01PM ET on Monday, February 22. At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive one Modern Warfare 2 throat communicator (ARV $29.99), one Street Fighter IV fightpad (ARV $39.99), one Rock Band Network hoodie (ARV $10), and one Rayman Raving Rabbids-themed Wiimote charger (ARV $29.99). For a list of complete rules, click here. 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.
Swag Sunday: Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers (Wii) [update]
Update: We've chosen a winner, closed the comments, and started the ceremonial "choose a winner" dance. We'll have an email out to them shortly, so check those inboxes! We're no strangers to the occasional strange Wii game giveaway here at Joystiq, but you must understand that someone needs to find a loving home for these niche gems. We have to imagine that, somewhere, there's a Wii-owning airship pilot to-be aching for their chance to shine. That time is now! For a chance to win one copy of Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers, all you have to do is tell us what you would name your very own airship (an explanation of 'why' would be nice too). As is always the case, please keep it clean and keep your eye on your email over the next few days to see if you've won. You've got 24 hours, folks -- get to it! Leave a comment telling us what you would name your very own airship (an explanation of 'why' would be nice too). You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec, partially based on our feelings about the Battle of Quebec in 1775). Limit 1 entry per person per day. This entry period ends at 5:31PM ET on Monday, February 15. At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive one copy of Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers for Nintendo Wii ($49.99 ARV). For a list of complete rules, click here. %Gallery-70584% 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.
Swag Sunday: Bayonetta (360) [update]
Update: The comments have been closed and a winner has been chosen! Check your commenter email inbox, folks -- it could be you (it could also be that dude right next to you, though). Look, alright, we'll level with you -- we've got a short supply of schweet schwag hanging around Joystiq Prizeland as of late. That should at least partially help to explain last week's absence of a contest. We also kind of felt like you might've been overloaded with games during our holiday giveaways at the end of 2009. What's that? No, you say? Well we suppose that the first few months of 2010 are unusually flush with quality content, so giving away a bit couldn't hurt, right? We certainly hope a nine foot tall bullet witch will do it for you, because that's what we've got. One lucky winner (chosen at random) takes home Bayonetta on Xbox 360, chosen from the comments below (please leave one and only one) that are left in the next 24 hours. You tell us what you think is the most annoying song you've ever heard used in marketing a game and you may very well win yourself a vidjagame. How about that?! Leave a comment telling us what you think is the most annoying song you've ever heard used in marketing a game. You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec, due in part to our aversion to snowy owls). Limit 1 entry per person per day. This entry period ends at 11:31AM ET on Monday, February 8. At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive one copy of Bayonetta for Xbox 360 ($59.99 ARV). For a list of complete rules, click here. %Gallery-22955% 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.
Swag Sunday: Oh, Nostalgia (DS) [update]
Update: Comments have been closed and a winner shall be emailed expediently! Check your inboxes, dearest readers. Ahhh, nostalgia. It's quite a thing, isn't it? That old familiar feeling. We were just tots 20 years ago when the first Final Fantasy was mere months from its North American release, a game that went on to influence -- be it directly or incidentally -- many of the RPGs we've played since. Like this week's Swag Sunday, the appropriately titled Nostalgia, for instance (appropriately titled for our theme, that is). Joystiq's own JC Fletcher said in his preview that, "The winsome attitude of Nostalgia makes it a nice counterpoint to the self-importance of, say, Final Fantasy games, and the no-frills combat (and ability to make a temporary save file if you need to quit and aren't near a save point) is perfect for short-session handheld play." You see that? He even names Final Fantasy! How's that for sticking with a theme! Anyway, if you'll be so kind as to leave a comment below in the next 24 hours (once only, please) telling us about a nostalgic moment you've had while gaming, you'll be entered for a chance to win a copy of the game. Get to it! Leave a comment telling us about a nostalgic moment you've had while gaming. You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec, mostly because of the lack of sweet Fez footage as of late). Limit 1 entry per person per day This entry period ends at 7:31PM ET on Monday, January 18. At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive one copy of Nostalgia for Nintendo DS ($34.99 ARV). For a list of complete rules, click here %Gallery-75764% 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.
Swag Sunday: Band Hero for everything Nintendo [update]
Update: We've closed the comments and will contact a winner this week. Check the email tied to your commenter name, folks! For this week's not-quite-the-holidays-yet giveaway, we've got a Band Hero prize pack for the Nintendo Wii and DS lined up for one lucky winner. That's right! Not just Band Hero for your silly old home console, but also for your handheld (that is, unless you have a Nintendo DSi or XXL -- sorry!). Prepare to be embraced by friends and relatives as a genuine American (or Canadian, excluding Quebec) hero while playing along to your favorite Taylor Swift song. In honor of last night's Video Game Awards (and the subsequent flood of news and trailers), we're asking you to tell us what your favorite trailer or news was from the World Premiere-stravaganza. We'll pick one winner at random this week, so as always, be sure to keep an eye on the inbox! Leave a comment telling us what your favorite trailer or news was from last night's World Premiere-stravaganza (the VGAs). You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec -- likely because of The Kids in the Hall). Limit 1 entry per person per day This entry period ends at 7:31PM ET on Monday, December 13 At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive one copy of Band Hero for Nintendo DS ($50 ARV) and one copy of Band Hero for Nintendo Wii ($50 ARV). For a list of complete rules, click here 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.
