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PS Vita slim hardware launches in North America today
A revised, slimmer version of Sony's PlayStation Vita portable console launches today in North America in a new hardware bundle that includes a free copy of Gearbox Software's Borderlands 2. The redesigned PS Vita system is approximately 20 percent slimmer and 15 percent lighter than the launch Vita model, and boasts extended battery life compared to the previous hardware generation. The $199.99 package hitting retail today includes a PS Vita handheld, an 8GB memory card, and a copy of Borderlands 2 with six DLC packs. Sony released a PS Vita port of God of War Collection today to promote its newly launched portable hardware, and plans to support the platform in the coming months with games like Soul Sacrifice Delta, Sly Cooper Collection, Minecraft, and Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number. [Image: Sony]
Borderlands 2 caps co-op play on Vita at two Vault Hunters
In sad news for fans of the frenetic multiplayer gunplay found in Borderlands 2, it has been revealed that the game's upcoming Vita incarnation will only support a maximum of two players during co-operative play. "We checked in with the SCEA Third Party Production team, who confirmed that while they strived to include four-player co-op in the game, they made a decision late in their development cycle to focus on providing the best two-player-only co-op experience possible," a Sony representative wrote on the PlayStation.blog. "As a result, the maximum co-operative player count for Borderlands 2 on PS Vita is capped at two." While this is disappointing, players can look forward to the wealth of content otherwise found in the handheld Borderlands 2. Not only are saves cross-compatible with the PlayStation 3 version of Borderlands 2, but the Vita game includes six of the DLC packs released for its console counterpart after launch. Plus, online multiplayer is available for anyone suddenly depressed that they can't shoot up Pandora with three nearby pals. [Image: 2K Games]
Tackle 'Son of the Crawmerax' in final Borderlands 2 DLC
Developer Gearbox Software has released its final piece of Borderlands 2 DLC. Headhunter 5: Sir Hammerlock Versus the Son of the Crawmerax is available now via Steam, PlayStation Network and the Xbox Live Marketplace for $2.99. The content sends players to Wam Bam Island to partake in the largest Headhunter DLC mission released, according to a 2K blog post. "At the end of your adventure, you will battle a foe that may look familiar – Crawmerax Jr., the son of the great crab worm from The Secret Armory of General Knoxx add-on from the original Borderlands." The content now shelves the Borderlands sequel, giving developer Gearbox ample time to focus its efforts on the next installment of the game: Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel. Successfully completing the Headhunter 5: Sir Hammerlock Versus the Son of the Crawmerax DLC (boy, that's a mouthful) will allow players to wear a shrunken version of the final enemy's head like a hat. If swanky travel duds are more of an incentive, each character will net a beach-themed skin as part of the content. Taking on Handsome Jack in an "Aloha shirt"? Say no more. [Image: Gearbox]
Xbox 360 spring sale discounts Batman games, Saints Row 4
Microsoft is cleaning out its digital shelves with a sizable sale on Xbox 360 games and add-ons this week. Ending April 21, the sale spans 11 games and hundreds of pieces of DLC. Five of the games feature popular DC comics superhero Batman in some capacity, such as 75 percent off both Batman: Arkham Asylum and Arkham City through Games on Demand ($4.99 / £3.74 / 4.99 euros each). Additionally, Injustice: Gods Among us is half-off ($19.99 / £17.49 / 24.99 euros), Lego Batman 2 is 67 percent off ($6.59 / £4.94 / 6.59 euros) and XBLA game Gotham City Imposters is 75 percent off ($3.74 / £2.49 / 3.59 euros). All of the above deals are valid for those with a paid Xbox Live Gold subscription. Among the other games on sale for all Xbox Live users is Saints Row 4, which is half-off this week ($14.99 / £12.49 / 14.99 euros). Three other games are discounted through Games on Demand: Borderlands 2 is 65 percent off ($6.99 / £6.99 / 10.49 euros), Lego Marvel Super Heroes is 33 percent off ($33.49 / £30.14 / 43.54 euros) and Prototype 2 is 75 percent off ($9.99 / £4.99 / 7.49 euros). Lastly, XBLA games Pac-Man Championship Edition DX+ is half-off ($4.99 / £3.37 / 4.74 euros) and Assassin's Creed: Liberation HD is 33 percent off ($13.39 / £10.71 / 13.39 euros) for the week. [Image: Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment]
Borderlands 2 Vita bundle hits on May 6, game launches May 13
The Borderlands 2 Vita bundle launches on May 6, including the new slim Vita, Borderlands 2 and an 8GB memory card for $200. Borderlands 2 for Vita launches digitally and at retailers on May 13. The Vita version supports cross-saves with the PS3 edition of Borderlands 2, so you can pick up your game on Vita where you left off on console. Included with the game are six DLC packs, Captain Scarlett and Her Pirate's Booty, Mr. Torgue's Campaign of Carnage, the Psycho and Mechromancer Character Classes, the Ultimate Vault Hunter's Upgrade Pack, and the Collector's Edition pack. The Borderlands 2 Limited Edition PlayStation Vita Bundle comes with the slim wi-fi Vita with 1GB built-in memory and an LCD screen, in black. Sounds handsome, Jack. [Image: Gearbox]
Rumor: Borderlands sequel called 'The Pre-Sequel!'
Borderlands is going to the moon, baby! It appears a leak on GamePointsNow has the next game in the cooperative shooter franchise pegged as Borderlands: The Pre-sequel! (exclamation!). So, you know, Gearbox studio head Randy Pitchford wasn't technically lying when he said there was no Borderlands 3 in development. The game is allegedly scheduled for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC, and it takes place in the five years between Borderlands and Borderlands 2. It's in development at 2K Australia and will feature four new playable characters. It's set on the moon above Pandora and the H-shaped space station that orbits the planet.
Respawn CEO: 'We are talking to Aspyr' about Titanfall on Mac
The giant, stompy robots and diminutive, squishy pilots of Titanfall may find a new battlefield on Apple's OS X. Vince Zampella, CEO and co-founder of Titanfall developer Respawn Entertainment, was asked point-blank if the hit shooter would appear on Macs. "We are talking to Aspyr," Zampella tweeted, adding, "they should do it." Aspyr is a company that specializes in porting PC games to the Mac. Its most recent efforts include BioShock Infinite and Borderlands 2. Mac gamers should be pleased by this news, but shouldn't get their hopes up just yet. Zampella's tweet is far from a confirmation that the game is coming to Mac, and even if things pan out that way, it will take a while for Aspyr to bring Titanfall to Apple's hardware. Aspyr's Borderlands 2 port appeared four months after its PC incarnation, while BioShock Infinite lagged behind its counterpart by half a year. [Image: Respawn Entertainment]
Joystiq Weekly: Titanfall, The Last of Us DLC and Mario Kart 8 rivals
Welcome to Joystiq Weekly, a "too long; didn't read" of each week's biggest stories, reviews and original content. Each category's top story is introduced with a reactionary gif, because moving pictures aren't just for The Daily Prophet. Did you see that the Koopalings are going to be new characters targets in Mario Kart 8? The Koopalings, the brats responsible for loads of deaths dealt to Mario and Luigi with lava, twirling hoops and rings of death from magic wands? Yup, we've got new rivals. You're annoying, Baby Mario, but you haven't stopped us from moving on to the next world of a Mario game before. Watch your back, Koopalings. There's something about family-friendly, inclusive Nintendo games that bring our most competitive spirit. Have you ever calmly congratulated a friend after their star thievery earned them the title of Party Champion in Mario Party 2? Have you nodded in admiration of your opponent's strategy in Mario Kart Wii, right after they steal your victory with a red shell a few feet away from the finish line? We have a feeling your dialogue might have been more ... "spirited" than civil. We're not judging though - heck, we just threatened a bunch of baby turtles one graf above this! Of course, a lot more happened this week beyond the Koopalings opening themselves up for a world of hurt. This week brought NPD data for January, a review of The Last of Us' "Left Behind" DLC and video previews for Titanfall and Evolve! There's lots more beyond that after the break though, so jump the break and dive into the biggest stories of the week!
Final Borderlands 2 Headhunter add-on coming April 15
Borderlands 2's fifth and final Headhunter add-on is coming next month, concluding the game's expanded storyline with the new "Sir Hammerlock Versus the Son of Crawmerax" episode. Following up on several holiday-themed DLC packs released over the last year (including the infamous "Wattle Gobbler" Thanksgiving episode), the final Headhunter chapter challenges players to rescue Sir Hammerlock from the clutches of Crawmerax Jr., the son of the crab worm featured in the original Borderlands' "The Secret Armory of General Knoxx" DLC. After completing the add-on, players will receive a new beach-themed character skin, along with a helmet made out of Crawmerax Jr.'s head, as proof of their conquest. "Sir Hammerlock Versus the Son of Crawmerax" will be priced at $2.99 when it launches on April 15 for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC and Mac via Steam. [Image: 2K Games]
BioShock Infinite and Skyrim, Borderlands 2 and Dishonored retail bundles out today
Bethesda has launched a pair of multiplatform retail bundles collecting many of its best-reviewed games from recent years, including BioShock Infinite, Borderlands 2, and The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim. Bethesda's first "Award Winning Games" bundle includes Gearbox's first-person loot-'em-up Borderlands 2 and Arkane Studios' stealth-action game Dishonored. Today's second retail compilation offers up BioShock Infinite and Skyrim, with a bonus copy of the original BioShock thrown in to sweeten the deal. The two bundles are available for Windows PC, in addition to previously announced Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 editions. Each package is priced at $29.99. [Image: Bethesda]
Steam madness: Borderlands 2 free weekend, Outlast half off
Steam has a broad selection of deals up for grabs over the next few days, with a free Borderlands 2 weekend accompanying launch sales for a handful of recently released games. Starting today and ending Sunday at 1PM PT, players can experience the full Borderlands 2 campaign for free via Steam. If you want to continue scavenging Pandora afterward, all Borderlands 2 content – including its DLC, Season Pass, and Game of the Year Edition – is 50 percent off through Monday. While you're on the hunt for deals, you might want to pick up South East Games' QWOP-inspired sports sim Probably Archery for 25 percent off during its debut week. Milestone's recently launched racer WRC Powerslide is available at a 15-percent discount, and Red Barrels' horror game Outlast is 50 percent off of its regular price, allowing you to scare the pants off yourself this weekend for just $10. Other games featured among Steam's week-long deals include Necrophone Games' comedy adventure Jazzpunk ($12), Seaven Studio's puzzle-platformer Ethan: Meteor Hunter ($8), and Milkstone's retro-styled racing game Little Racers Street ($6.40). Just in time for Valentine's Day, Fred Wood's Love+, a retro platformer we got a closer look at in 2011, is out as an Early Access game, on sale for $2 until February 14. [Image: 2K Games]
Love is a battlefield in Borderlands 2 Valentine's DLC
Borderlands 2 continues its pattern of holiday-styled Headhunter packs with "Mad Moxxi and the Wedding Day Massacre," and the DLC is due to hit all platforms next week on February 11, with the usual exception of PSN in Europe which gets it the day after. It's priced $3 in North America, and £2.39/3 euros across the ocean. The Valentine's-themed update sees the hatted hostess Moxxi bring back the Innuendo Bot 5000 to try and make two rival clans go all lovey-dovey for each other. If only love was that simple, and not hilariously violent as it'll likely prove in the DLC. According to 2K Games Community Manager Joveth Gonzales, Borderlands 2 is so overflowing with DLC that it's getting to a point where "technical limitations" may make it impossible to add any more – and, you know, maybe 2K and Gearbox could move on after that. That won't happen until April at least, as the fifth and final Headhunter DLC is due then – we're not taking bets on an Easter theme. [Image: Gearbox]
Borderlands 2 is 2K's highest selling game
Among all the highlights from Take-Two's financials yesterday comes confirmation that Borderlands 2 is now the highest-selling game in 2K Games' history, with over 8.5 million units shipped to date. That's another million on top of last year's figure, which had the game tracking to be king of 2K mountain. And yes, more content is still planned for Borderlands 2. With Valentine's Day right around the corner, we imagine the folks of Pandora will give each other boxes of guns, 'cause you never know what you're gonna get. [Image: 2K Games]
Borderlands 2 adding colorblind mode
Color plays a big part in the vivid world of Borderlands 2, particularly in its loot system, so it makes sense Gearbox is adding a colorblind mode to its shooter. In an extensive post that goes into what colorblindness is and what can be done to help players who suffer with it, programmer Jeff Broome said the mode is coming to all platforms, with more info on its release "in the near future." Like many loot-heavy games, Borderlands 2 uses colors to distinguish the rarity of the items spread across its wasteland. That color shines out from loot in a beam, and it features on their descriptions in the title. For colorblind players, distinguishing those different colors from one another is problematic, so Gearbox is modifying them to make them more identifiable, as well as denoting the color in text on the descriptions. It's a shame it wasn't there when the game shipped - it it had, Gearbox would've been able to apply i to just one side of a split-screen, rather than the whole screen. Still, it's good it is being added, and that Gearbox has gone to the lengths of letting players specify different types of colorblindness; when toggling the mode, players can select Deuteranopia, Prtoanopia, or Tritanopia.
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Rumor: Vita to shoot and loot Borderlands 2 in March [Update: 2K says Nope]
The long-discussed Vita port of Borderlands 2 may be due on March 18, at least according to a now deleted tweet by publisher 2K Games, which we've screen-capped above. It was posted by the @2KInternational account this morning and then deleted shortly after. It's worth noting 2K International covers the publisher's activity outside of the US, so even if the tweet is accurate, it might not reflect the release date in the States. As PlayStation Lifestyle reported in December, it's a date that's popped up before, that time on a NewEgg listing - that said, NewEgg lists the game currently for April 15. We've reached out to 2K Games for comment. Looking back, it feels like the Vita port was as much in the limelight as the action-RPG shooter itself, after Gearbox received countless questions about the handheld venture it seemed so keen on. Thankfully, 2K Games and Sony put an end to the seemingly endless discussion by announcing it at Sony's Gamescom conference, and unveiling Divekick studio Iron Galaxy as its developer. Update: Via the @2KInternational account, 2K Games said the March 18 date is incorrect. "We apologize for a tweet about a release date for Borderlands 2 on Vita which was posted in error. The release date mentioned is incorrect," reads the 2K tweet.
Joystiq Streams: Over the river and through the woods to Borderlands 2 DLC we go
'Twas two days before Christmas, when all through the video game world, not a creature was stirring, not even a magical sword with a handle of pearl. Game designers and publishers are all nestled snug in their beds while dreams of a big new console audience dance in their heads. The Joystiq crew isn't nestled in anything, though. Even in the December wasteland, there's treasure to hunt and play, and nothing says treasure hunting like Borderlands 2. Share in our adventures! Our very own Richard Mitchell and Jess Conditt will be playing their way through Borderlands 2's latest DLC, How Marcus Saved Mercenary Day. Tune into the Joystiq Twitch page at 4p.m. EST for one hour of unadulterated vault hunting. We'll be hanging in the chat answering questions as we go, so stop on by.
PSA: Holiday-themed DLC hits Borderlands 2
Tis' the season to blow aliens to pieces, and to aid in that effort developer Gearbox has unleashed the third entry in its Headhunter DLC series, aptly dubbed "How Marcus Saved Mercenary Day." Not quite a full-fledged DLC offering, How Marcus Saved Mercenary Day will only set you back $3. As we reported earlier, the adventure is holiday-themed, pitting players against arctic temperatures and an eventual battle with the Abominable Mister Tinder Snowflake, a character whose adorable name belies the posse of killers he's employed to protect his grim winter wonderland. Kill Snowflake, and you'll be rewarded with a custom snowman head for your character, almost daring snipers to aim for the huge white blob attached to your skull. This latest Headhunter DLC joins Thanksgiving- and Halloween-themed DLC with similar bonus prizes.
PS Plus Europe in December: Borderlands 2, DmC, Soul Sacrifice
Europe's seasonal batch of PlayStation Plus freebies comprises Borderlands 2, DmC: Devil May Cry, Soul Sacrifice, and BlazBlue: Continuum Shift Extend, and in what's very much a case of Christmas coming a day early, they'll all arrive on December 24. PlayStation 4 owners have to wait a bit longer for their next Plus-wrapped pressie, because Klei's survival forager Don't Starve is due on January 8 - it'll probably hit North America the day before, but a release date hasn't been confirmed. It's a cracking line-up of games to dig into on Christmas Eve - forget all that quality time with family nonsense, amirite? However, Christmas isn't just a time of giving, but also a time of taking, in this case games removed from the Plus service: Grid 2, Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen, and Sonic and Allstars Racing Transformed head off on December 24, while PS4 platformer Contrast exits stage left on January 8. One final bit of PlayStation Europe news: The 12 Deals of Christmas continues to chuck discounts at continentals, with Battlefield 4 bombing to £25 (€35/AU$45) and The Walking Dead on Vita sliced to £7 (€10/AU$15) - with a further 10 percent off the latter for PS Plus members. If those deals take your fancy, you have until the end of tomorrow to grab them.
Borderlands 2 delivers Christmas cheer in next Headhunter chapter, due Dec. 17
Borderlands 2's third Headhunter series add-on, titled "How Marcus Saved Mercenary Day," will hit Xbox Live, the PlayStation Network and PC and Mac platforms via Steam on December 17, publisher 2K announced this week. How Marcus Saved Mercenary Day is a Christmas-themed expansion that takes the vault hunters to the wintry village of Gingerton in search of a missing weapons cache. Battling freezing temperatures and obnoxious holiday cheer, the hunters fight toward a climactic battle with the Abominable Mister Tinder Snowflake, a killer snowman with a posse. Upon completing the mission, players will receive an equippable snowman head for their vault hunter, along with a number of unlockable expressions and character skins. Gearbox's latest add-on is the third in a string of holiday-themed releases for Borderlands 2, following up on recent expansions celebrating Thanksgiving and Halloween. How Marcus Saved Mercenary Day will be priced at $2.99 when it launches next week.
PlayStation Plus serves up free Borderlands 2, cheap Spelunky this week
Sony announced that this week's PlayStation Plus update will give subscribers access to a free downloadable copy of 2K's Borderlands 2 on the PlayStation 3, among other member-exclusive perks. Starting tomorrow, Plus subscribers can also pick up a variety of PSN games for cheap, as part of the PlayStation Store's ongoing Holiday Sale. Featured games include Capcom's arcade brawler compilation Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara, classic tag-team fighter Marvel vs. Capcom 2, and Mossmouth's tough-as-nails roguelike platformer Spelunky, all of which are available for $3.75 each for Plus members. This week's sale also spotlights retail releases like Vanillaware's Dragon's Crown ($26.99), Namco Bandai's One Piece Pirate Warriors 2 ($12.50), and Crystal Dynamics' DLC-bundled Tomb Raider ($13.49).
