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Here are the clues to tomorrow's Wii-centric Amazon Gold Box deals
Amazon has sent us over a list of clues for tomorrow's touted "All Wii Gold Box" deals. Alright gumshoes, it's time to put on your thinking caps and solve these riddles (all times Pacific): 6AM-8AM: Remember the good ol' days? 8AM-10AM Kind of like being a part of the Mickey Mouse club. 10AM-1PM: Who needs medical school? 1PM-2PM: No need to worry about avalanches. 2PM-3PM: Mario prefers it stirred, not shaken. 3PM-6PM: Now your Mii can boogie to the beat. 6PM-10PM: You gotta get'cha, get'cha, get'cha, get'cha head in the game Some clues seem more obvious than others, but we'll keep our guesses to ourselves. We'll update later tonight with the best, most reasonable deduction. Stop, collaborate and ... well, comment. Don't forget to also stay tuned to Amazon's "15 Days..." series as well as the retailer's video game deal of the day.Update: Wii Fanboy is providing live coverage of the Gold Box Event.
Press-only Animal Crossing features N-word [update]
A pre-played version of 2005's Animal Crossing: Wild World for DS, sent out to media outlets to encourage connectivity with the recent Animal Crossing release for Wii, contains at least one shocking addition, reports MTV Multiplayer. Importing the saved data from the DS cartridge sent by Nintendo into Animal Crossing: City Folk introduces a host of changes into the game, including one, suddenly no longer E-rated character, Baabara, who now greets players with: "How are you, Ñ---á?" [edited; original creator added diacritics] To clarify, this generally offensive slang term (preceded by another potentially offensive phrase above it) is not included in the retail release of the game. Rather, whomever Nintendo employed to play the version of Wild World sent to press with all of the game's items unlocked, purposely "trained" the Baabara character to use the term. Further, introducing this kind of offensive content into a new copy of the game, from a stranger via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, is nearly impossible. To import content from another game cartridge over the internet requires two users to first exchange their unique 16-digit codes before they are able to share data. In other words, your kids are safe -- unless they or their "friends" are the creators of such content. What MTV Multiplayer and other outlets have discovered is an isolated matter. Still, since the media serves as a filter through which you receive your news about Nintendo products, Nintendo clearly needs to work harder to prevent the kind of incident highlighted here from happening again. Also, an apology would be nice ... Update: And here's that apology ... "We regret that an offensive phrase was included without our knowledge via a wireless function that allows user-generated catchphrases to spread virally from one game to the next," said Nintendo in a statement sent to us. The company is asking that the 14 affected copies it mailed out to the media be returned. The full statement is posted after the break. [Note: As this post contains sensitive material, this is just a friendly reminder to keep the comments clean -- or face the perma-banhammer. Thank you.]
Metareview - Prince of Persia (PC, PS3, 360)
Devoid of generic rage and frustrating deaths, Prince of Persia marks quite an easy, effortless end to 2008's video game gauntlet -- at least, according to reviewers. Though the platforming has been simplified, most seem to agree that the expansive world and chemistry between the two lead characters make for a worthwhile experience. We're also seeing the word "magical" appear quite often. IGN UK (94/100) calls Prince of Persia an "incredibly polished, tremendously enjoyable and utterly lovable experience." It supposedly builds on the best elements of previous games to create an "absolutely unforgettable adventure" that's "magical in every sense of the word." Well, probably not the Harry Potter sense of the word. Game Informer (87.5/100) notes that the simplified platforming is an "elegant and simple way to show off thrilling acrobatics, but it also steals control away from the player." However, it deems the tradeoff worthwhile, as "the more relaxed control input still demands skill and careful timing." Either way, it's "unlike any other game you'll play this year." 1UP (B+) approves of Princess rescuing Prince, pointing out that while "this human safety net may seem counterintuitive in offering a sense of challenge, the entire process functions similarly to most other death-checkpoint systems (you die, you go back to a nearby checkpoint), but with the added benefit of giving the action a more seamless feel." Gamespot (80/100) thinks the "easygoing joy and visual beauty will charm you into forgiving a sprinkling of flaws." They call it "one of the easiest games you'll play all year," but one boasting "some truly impressive level design."
New Games This Month: December 2008
Well, we're past the worst of the holiday blitz, and we've come out on the other side with only minor cuts and bruises. But though Prince of Persia may be the major release this month, there are still a few possible gems, including Rise of the Argonauts and Persona 4.Also, with increased wiggle room, we've been able to add a few titles just for our own enjoyment. Read on, savvy shopper, read on!%Gallery-38352%
Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days + NA release confirmed = headline
Square Enix has confirmed a North American release for Kingdom Hearts: Ludicrous Subtitle (AKA Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days), the Action-RPG franchise's first entry on the Nintendo DS. The game revolves around Roxas, star of Kingdom Hearts II's prolonged prologue and one-time member of My Chemical Romance Organization XIII. Though Square Enix has yet to provide a definitive release date for the English version, players can start looking forward to a series first: a multiplayer mode that allows "players to control their favorite Organization XIII members!" Oh, our favorite? Uh, well ... the one with the spiky hair, ominous coat and largely impractical weapon, obviously.
Riddick: Dark Athena coming early '09, features new 10-hour campaign
click to enlarge It's no secret that Atari rescued Starbreeze Studios' hi-def remake of The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay after Activision-Blizzard kicked it to the curb. What you don't know – and we didn't know until we recently saw it in action – is that those added "Dark Athena" levels are quite substantial. They've been expended into an entirely new, 10-plus-hour campaign, complete with new game mechanics, full-game production values ... the works.Starbreeze told us that, despite the game being absent from anyone's radar for quite some time, it never let up on development. In fact, the acquisition of the game by Atari has afforded the team upwards of nine additional months of development time, hence the (essentally) second full game and what the team was visibly ecstatic about: more time to polish every last detail.The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena (Escape from Butcher's Bay is still there, looks amazing, and will incorporate new gameplay and tech developed for Dark Athena) is set for release in spring of 2009. Check back tomorrow for our full impressions of the new campaign.%Gallery-38368%
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves teaser released -- now with snow!
Assuredly, one of the biggest complaints about Uncharted: Drake's Fortune was the lack of precipitation in the form of ice crystals, mainly of theintricately branched, hexagonal form. In a 30-second teaser trailer for the now-revealed Uncharted 2 (via GameTrailers), developer Naughty Dog has assuaged that concern by proving once and for all that Nathan Drake can exist in a frosty tundra. Don't believe us? See for yourself (video is embedded after the break). As hinted by the trailer, more information is expected during SpikeTV's Video Game Awards on December 14th.Update: New information care of Game Informer, which has "Uncharted 2: Among Thieves" as its cover story. The game will revolve around Marco Polo's voyages and includes new free climbing and -- gulp -- "stealth" gameplay.
Joystiq interview: NCsoft talks about updating City of Heroes, keeping it relevant
It's been more than four years since MMO faithful were asked to put on skin-tight suits and defend the bustling metropolis of Paragon City in City of Heroes. Since that time, however, numerous other titles have emerged with their bid for players' massively multiplayer affections, from recent efforts like Warhammer Online to the juggernaut that is Blizzard's World of Warcraft. Of course, the now wholly NCsoft-owned super powered MMO has released updates of its own to keep from becoming stale, including everything from the libertine City of Villains to this week's latest addition, dubbed Issue 13. We recently caged Matt "Positron" Miller, and spoke to the senior designer for NCsoft NorCal at length about the unluckily numbered update, as well as a number of other topics, including the availability of City of Heroes on the Mac and the superhero MMO's relevancy in today's overcrowded market.
Holidaze 2008: The Best of Cyber Monday
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/The_Best_Video_Game_Deals_of_Cyber_Monday_2008'; Nothing quite like being packed into a frenzied shopping mob, is there? It's why we wait for hours in the cold dark with nothing more than the lingering memory of ... wait a second, it's Cyber Monday! Now we can spend money on reduced-price games without leaving the comforts of our keyboards! Here's our picks for the best deals out there today. Amazon Toys 'R' Us GameStop Wal-Mart Best Buy Newegg Target Dell Sears Buy.com
GTA's 'The Lost and Damned' sold as $20 'token card' by Gamestop
A retail chain selling downloadable content? What madness does the world find itself plummeting into now? According to a listing on Gamestop's online store, the forthcoming Grand Theft Auto IV add-on episode, The Lost and Damned, can be purchased as an Xbox Live Marketplace token card. The product page indicates that no disc is included in the packaging -- it contains only the download code (nonrefundable!) and a two-sided poster.The chance to revisit the two-faced posers of Liberty City will seemingly cost you $19.99 when it releases on February 17th, 2009. The Lost and Damned's price has yet to be confirmed by Rockstar.%Gallery-37692%[Via Gamasutra]
Reminder: Tomorrow is Black Friday
This is just a friendly reminder as you lounge idly on the couch watching TV while your stomach defrags a large Thanksgiving meal. Tomorrow is Black Friday, the busiest shopping day of the year in the US. Whether you're getting ready for a morning onslaught, getting comfortable with your computer's refresh button, or simply planning trips around shopping centers, here's a guide to finding the hottest deals. Click on a store above to view its Black Friday Guide
Stay at home: Amazon's incredible Black Friday deals (and Newegg, too)
Knowing that we would prefer not to get off the couch (especially with temperatures dropping as they are wont to do this time of year), Newegg and Amazon are celebrating Black Friday with their own super deals. Newegg's deals (effective now through Sunday, November 30) are predominantly PC-centric, but console gamers can still enjoy $20 off Metal Gear Solid 4. Amazon's deals, however, are absolutely irresistible. Far Cry 2 for $38? Dead Space for $30? Left 4 Dead PC for $20?! There are plenty more; we suggest you get cozy and have your credit card handy tonight.Full list after the break. Amazon's deals begin Friday, November 28 at 3:00AM ET. The Friday Only deals (designated as such) end 2:59AM ET Saturday morning (or until supplies run out, natch), while the remaining discounts end 2:59AM ET Sunday morning.
Holidaze 2008: Live in the past, it's cheaper
Bad news, everybody: 2008 is the new 2007. Those of us lucky enough to have survived last year's unyielding flood of exquisite games expected the new holiday to provide some respite -- perhaps an influx of blessedly mediocre games -- but alas, our wallets are once again tugged in every $60 direction. But what's worse? The deafening din of desirable games, or that irresistible impulse to play and master every adventure the very second it becomes available? Provided you can defeat the latter reflex, we have a simple suggestion: Live in the past. It's cheaper! We've dredged up our decisive, if ever-so-slightly controversial list of the ten best games of Oh Seven, hoping you'll find a fantastic experience you mistakenly overlooked. You'll find that the passage of time has taken a pleasing toll on the recommended price of admission. In fact, we've traveled forward in time to this very moment, hoping to pick up our 2007 nominees on the cheap. What do you think? Should we make Portal our Game of the Year?
Meta-Metareview: The best reviewed games of 2008
With almost all of the big games of '08 now on shelves (we're looking at you, Prince of Persia) or available via Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network, you're left with a lot of choices. Some of them you've already bought; others you've been on the fence over; others you didn't realize were "supposed to be" any good – but, if you're anything like us, you don't want to miss any of the must-plays this year has to offer.Enter our "meta-metareview," a list of every game released this year that's scored above 85% on average from reviewers around the world. You won't be surprised by the games that made the list; you will be surprised that some of your (and our) favorites didn't make it. Check out the full list after the break and please, before you send us a nasty email because Castle Crashers didn't make it on, remember that them's the (sometimes painful) breaks with aggregate scoring.Some fun facts: October was the most crowded month for quality titles with 12 released, followed by November (8), September (7) and April (6). Breaking it down by console, PlayStation 3 has the most presence on the list with 22 titles, followed by Xbox 360 (20), PC (15), Wii (8), DS (7), PSP (2) and PS2 (1). The best-reviewed game this year? April's Grand Theft Auto IV (98%), followed by a three-way tie between LittleBigPlanet, BioShock (PS3) and World of Goo (95%) -- all three of which were released in October. Metal Gear Solid 4 and Wrath of the Lich King are the next tier below at 94%. Of the 55 titles listed, 12 (or approximately 22%) were not based on an existing franchise: Sins of a Solar Empire, Patapon, Professor Layton and the Curious Village, Braid, The World Ends with You, Boom Blox, World of Goo, GRID, Pure, LittleBigPlanet, Dead Space and Valkyria Chronicles.
Joystiq asks: What are you thankful for?
It's Thanksgiving Day here in the states, which means that unless Lara Croft and Nathan Drake have a love child and proceed to shoot up a shopping mall, you're probably not going to hear a whole lot from us today. Even Ludwig, a South African, likes to pretend he's sharing in the festivities with a little faux-turkey he makes every year from hut roof shavings and leopard paws. But we wanted to have a place for you, the Joystiq Biomass, to commune with each other and share what you're thankful for in gaming this year. It can be a developer, a favorite game, a new mechanic, anything: It's your choice. Heck, we don't even care if you're bursting to give thanks for something non-gaming, as long as we're all together. (Oh, and sorry about ending the headline with a preposition. Hopefully next year you'll be able to give thanks for better Joystiq writers.)[Update: Hey, how's about you do me a solid and not be total trolls if you're posting here. Please? For me?]
Resident Evil 5 demo hitting Japan's Xbox Live Dec. 5, NA demo 'a bit later'
According to the latest issue of Famitsu (translated by IGN), Xbox 360 owners are in for a real, albeit slightly morbid treat this holiday season. The Japanese mag has revealed that a demo for Capcom's delightfully entertaining zombie safari, Resident Evil 5, will be shambling onto the Xbox Live Marketplace on December 5th. Though the offline and co-op demo has yet to be confirmed for regions outside of Japan (we're already eating picking Capcom's brain on the matter), we have it on good authority that the internet can, in fact, reach all the way over there.Update: Capcom has confirmed that the North American demo will be coming "a bit later" than the Japanese demo.
Columbia Pictures movies (mostly) available again for NXE Netflix streaming
One week after their abrupt disappearance from the service caused quite a stir, many of the Columbia Pictures films that were unavailable for streaming via the New Xbox Experience's Netflix client are now back. We've confirmed that almost everything, from Ghostbusters to The Karate Kid in your Netflix Instant Queue can now be streamed to the 360.There are still some that aren't available (Superbad stands out) but this could be due to another aspect of the "availability" issue briefly explained last week on the Netflix blog. At least we know it's not a Sony conspiracy.[Thanks, Alex]
Holidaze 2008: Best of Black Friday
Note: No, the starred letters in this image don't rearrange to spell out Braid.We don't know what you're talking about. Nothing to see here, move along. Now that you've had a taste of our complete (and completely awesome) Black Friday shopping guide, we thought it best to give you a more concise edition to digest. Introducing: "The Best of the Best of Black Friday 2008" ...But first, some Joytips: There are two excellent Xbox 360 deals: (1) At Target, scoop the Pro Bundle ($300; 60GB HDD) with bonus $50 gift card, which is good for: Call of Duty: World at War ($49); or an EA 2-pack: Dead Space ($30) and Burnout Paradise ($20); or Halo 3 ($30) and 3-month Xbox Live Card ($15 -- with $5 to spare!); or (2) Circuit City's Arcade Bundle ($200), which packs in an extra wireless controller and refurbished 20GB hard drive on top of the other goodies. Best Buy is the only featured retailer with a Black Friday PlayStation 3 bundle ($400) with Ratchet & Clank and the first "new" 007 on Blu-ray Sam's Club (not featured in our guide) has the only notable Wii Bundle ($425 -- not $224 as originally rumored), which includes 3 extra Wiimote-Nunchuk sets, Mario Super Sluggers and King of Clubs: Mini Golf ($115 total savings); good luck duking it out for this one! In case you missed one of the better third-party Wii games of the year (and plenty of Wii owners did), Boom Blox ($20) is discounted at Target Now's a great time to cop some of last year's best, like Bioshock, The Orange Box ($20 each at Circuit City) and Halo 3 ($30 at Target) In general, there are some great PS2 deals to be had ... if you're still living in the past-gen (and let's not forget GameStop is selling pre-owned original Xboxes and GameCubes for $40 and $30, respectively -- just don't assume your kids won't know they've recieved hand-me-downs) Quick-search the best deals: Best Buy | Circuit City | GameStop | Target | Toys 'R' Us | Wal-Mart
Holidaze 2008: Black Friday Video Game Guide
Nothing quite like being packed into a frenzied shopping mob, is there? It's why we wait for hours in the cold dark with nothing more than the lingering memory of Thanksgiving stuck between our teeth. Or ... maybe it's just the promise of unbelievable savings?We've scoured the nation's largest retailers for Black Friday's video game deals and compiled these savings into a series of really good lookin' guides. Since you're likely to focus your efforts on one retailer, selling not just games, but various gift opportunities, we've narrowed our field down to six nationwide megastores -- with the exception of GameStop, which, well, just sells games. (Joytip: Consult GamerDeals or other Black Friday compilation sites for additional sales at small, regional or online retailers.)Without further ado, we present ... Joystiq's Holidaze 2008: Black Friday Video Game Guide! Click on a store above to view its Black Friday Guide
Fable 2 DLC takes heroes to 'Knothole Island'
Free-floating news, everybody! Lionhead Studios has revealed the first downloadable content pack for its dichotomous role-playing adventure, Fable 2. The "Knothole Island" pack introduces an island encased in snow, it's only hope for warm resolution resting on the shoulders of your swashbuckling hero. Or obese, mace-wielding woman.The whole Knothole pack (detailed after the break) promises new quests, "wondrous" items and "bizarre" characters for a fee of 800 -- that's ten America bucks. If you don't have any of those to spare, you might want to look into the additional (and free!) DLC pack that promises "a show of gifts, including Knight's Boots, Assassins Gloves, a special Weight Loss Potion, collectible silver book and more." You'll also need it to play co-op with anybody who downloaded the Knothole pack (though you won't be able to partake in the new quests without downloading it yourself).Expect the content to hit Xbox Live Marketplace in "mid-December."
