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Halo 3 January update delayed, no double EXP this weekend
Sad news for Halo 3 fanboys this weekend. The longstanding tradition of the Double EXP Weekend is on sabbatical this week. Don't worry though, it will be back, stronger than ever very soon. The reason for the missing double EXP only leads to more sadness though. You see, the intended playlist was part of the upcoming Halo 3 update. That would be fine, except the update has been delayed until next Tuesday, so the Double EXP Weekend had to be delayed with it. At least we have a solid date for the update now. The update is set to contain all kinds of changes, including a new Social Team DLC playlist, Legendary-required Rumble Pit and Social Big Team Battle. Other changes are also planned. We expect we'll hear more by next Tuesday.
Molyneux says LittleBigPlanet is 2008's most creative innovation
You have to hand it to Peter Molyneux. Even though his game, Fable 2 can be proven in a court of law to be the best title of 2008, he chose another game, LittleBigPlanet, as the most creative innovation of 2008 in C&binet's (Creative and Business International Network) review of the creative economy. Now that's humility."LittleBigPlanet has outstanding creative vision," Molyneux said. "It's from a British start-up studio and is one of the defining titles on Japan's Sony PS3." Ohh, now we get it. It's because they're British. This is sceptred isle home cooking if we've ever seen it, friends. For shame, Pete. For shame.
Joystiq review: Fable 2's Knothole Island (DLC)
There's a man waiting for you at the Bowerstone docks. He's eager to stick you into his aquatic taxi and drop you off on the shores of Knothole Island. Like most helpful RPG citizens, he's been roped into a fetch quest: Find a hero and bring him or her back to the island community, which currently finds itself immobilized by frigid weather. At least, that's what you gather from the chief's note, gracelessly read to you word for word. Whether intentional or not, the sequence works as a cheeky parody of the add-on's Xbox Live Marketplace description.Is it worth the $10 asking price? Well, the truth is that your feelings on the main game will have already pushed you to the brink of a decision, and you just want us to push you that little bit further. We can tell you that everything you love (or loathe) about Fable 2 is on Knothole Island: the unwaveringly witty writing; the real estate opportunities; the charming townsfolk; and treasure. Oh, the treasure.%Gallery-38447%
Fanswag Weekly: Fable II Knothole Island DLC
Update: This giveaway is now closed. Keep an eye on your inbox (and spam box). You might be a winner. For this week's Fanswag offering, we are offering you the trip of a lifetime. Visit the beautiful and exotic Knothole Island in the land of Albion. Meet new friends, explore hidden places and discover new treasures. All you have to do is sit through one teeny, tiny, inconsequential timeshare proposal. Oh wait, no you don't. All you have to do is follow the directions below and you could win the brand new Knothole Island DLC for Fable II. To enter the giveaway, leave a comment on this post telling us about either your most evil or most benevolent moment in Fable II. Only one comment per person, per calendar day (eastern time). Posters of multiple comments in the same calendar day will be disqualified. We'll accept entries until 5:00PM eastern Friday, January 16th, 2009. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. This giveaway is open only to residents of the U.S. and Canada (excluding Quebec). On Friday, we'll pick one winner via a random drawing. One winner will receive a redemption code for the Fable II Knothole Island DLC, worth $10. Complete giveaway rules can be found here. Gallery: Fable 2 - Knothole Island DLC
Found on Knothole Island: Halo's assault rifle
Or rather, "Hal's Rifle." As many players of Fable 2's $10 Knothole Island add-on have discovered, the meteorologically confused island offers an anachronistic surprise within the "Box of Secrets" store. If you've got a pure experience extract potion to trade, this rapid-fire rifle (with an ammo capacity of 24!) is sure to complete that spartan ensemble in your hero's closet. Switch out those pesky Hobbes for Grunts and nobody will know you're playing a non-shooty game. Masculinity preserved!Another futuristic, albeit considerably less charming, addition to Albion comes in the former of an alleged animation glitch. According to a PushingPlay blogger, the DLC's addition caused his character to cease walking and simply slide everywhere -- appropriate for the Knothole's (sometimes) frigid climate, but something we've asked Lionhead to look into. Check back later for Joystiq's verdict on the new quests.%Gallery-42191%
Metal Gear Solid and Yakuza creators discuss future titles
What do you get when you sit Hideo Kojima (Metal Gear Solid) and Toshihiro Nagoshi (Yakuza) in the same room together? You get a fruitful discussion about games. But not just any lot of games -- their games; games they're currently working on and even ones planned for release this year. Kojima said in Japan's Famitsu magazine (via IGN) that his production company is working on at least three to four titles. It's a nice step up from his statement last month which was at two mystery titles. He could very well be counting Metal Gear Solid Touch in there, referring to one of these games as something that could be released quickly. But it makes you wonder, what are the other two to three titles? With Kojima being an ardent supporter of the PS3 and PSP, often offering high profile MGS exclusives, we're more than willing to go out on a limb that one of these titles will appear on a current PlayStation format. Also, one of these games is planned for release this year.Turning things over to Nagoshi, he too has something yet unannounced but currently in production. That title, he revealed, is to be announced sometime later this year. Nagoshi, too, like Kojima has put somewhat of a preference on PS3 as of late. Could this new title also appear on the PS3?
Fable II Knothole Island DLC now available
For those of you who just can't get enough of the land of Albion, the Fable II Knothole Island downloadable content is now available on Xbox Live Marketplace. We suppose that we should add that the DLC is only for those who can't get enough of Albion and have ten bucks to spare though, as the new content will cost you 800 Microsoft Points. The content contains new achievements, a brand new island to explore and a special Resurrection Shrine.A quick note of clarification: there is also a "free" Knothole Island download available, but it's not what you think. The free download will only allow players without the DLC to play co-op with players that have purchased it. And no, you can't download the free DLC and play the new content with someone who purchased the premium version. You can still play co-op with someone who has it, but you'll have to purchase the premium version in order to visit Knothole Island together.Quickie addendum: It looks like the free DLC does come with some free goodies. You can get them from Gordon the submariner (no, really) in the Bowerstone Market docks. Gallery: Fable 2 - Knothole Island DLC
Journey back to Albion today with Fable 2's Knothole Island DLC
Today's the day, lovers of Joystiq's 2009 Game of the Year: It's time to return to Albion to explore Fable 2's Knothole Island -- the DLC is now available on Xbox Live for 800 ($10) and weighs in at 532 MB. If you just want to continue hanging out with your wealthy, Knothole Island-visiting friends, there's also a free version of the content that facilitates that and grants you some new items.In addition to the ability to undo or not undo the thing you may or may not have done, the update adds a whole island full of specialty shops, quests and new items. But it also features the dubious-looking gang pictured above, so don't expect it to be all drinking port and farting on kids.%Gallery-38447%
Lionhead teases Knothole Island's 'Resurrection Shrine'
Hmm, how to convey this without spoiling a crucial element of Fable 2 ...So, you know when that event occurs? The one involving the guy who wants to do the thing? Right, so, when he pulls out the thing and performs the act, you were undoubtedly upset about the change in status of that thing. Which you had but then didn't. If your hero chose the thing (but not the other things), you would then have been left unable to find certain ... things.You know what? Just go read this thing about Fable 2's Knothole Island DLC. Beware: This golden trail leads into spoiler territory.
Fable 2 bugs squashed with title update
Look, no one is going to enjoy tomorrow's Knothole harvest if it's infested with bugs. So, Lionhead has dusted the crops, so to speak, and removed those icky pests from Fable 2 (read: automatic title update released). While the seeds were planted back in October, and some in-house sampling has been going on for the past month, it's only now that we all can enjoy the fruits of Lionhead's labour:Title update patch notes The Ritual/Monk's Quest -- "fixed the issue with the Abbott becoming unresponsive if you leave Oakfield before he finishes talking. This will fix the problem if you've already hit it, too." Rescuing Charlie/Rescue My Baby -- "after rescuing Charlie, you can now interact with objects." Guild Cave chest -- "resolves any issues with previous inability to retrieve items unlocked from Limited Collector's Edition, website or Chicken Kickin' game. If you've already hit this bug you should now get your items." The Spire (Part 2) -- "no more issues with ship captain being unresponsive." The Hero of Skill (Pirate King) -- "you'll no longer get stuck during Hero of Skill quest." T.O.B.Y./Trouble In Bloodstone -- "you'll no longer get stuck during T.O.B.Y. quests." Your child "will no longer be chosen as an assassination target." Furniture Shop in Albion (Bowerstone) "will now always have something for sale." Additional unspecified fixes In addition, the "Tales of Albion" companion site has been updated with Knothole lore.[Image Credit: Linda N.]
New off-screen Halo Wars footage
GameTrailers has posted some new footage of Halo Wars from CES. Unfortunately, it's off-screen footage, and portions of the screen are cut off. Still, There's plenty of interesting things to see if you know where to look. For one, you can see the system that lets you cycle through each individual unit type when you've selected a large group of different units -- the player uses it at around 0:35 to select the Warthog and ram the enemy. Another prominent feature is the circle menu, which is used to queue up new units and research upgrades. And, of course, you get to see delicious carnage. Check out the video after the break.
Fable 2's Knothole Island add-on coming Jan. 13
click for high-res Knothole Island gallery Those who have uncovered every treasure, bludgeoned every bandit and cracked every wisecracking gargoyle in Albion will be pleased to note that Fable 2's Knothole Island add-on (800), initially delayed due to technical issues, is now scheduled to arrive on Xbox Live Marketplace next Tuesday, January 13th. The downloadable detour will add an isle's worth of quests, items and specialty shops for you to uncover and / or fart at.Lionhead's community blog notes that January 13th will also bring a free title update which fans -- and Oakfield's abbot -- have been eagerly awaiting. You can look forward to new items, clothing and leaderboards being patched in along with the, uh, patch.%Gallery-38447%
Gears of War 2 Flashback maps hit XBLM for $5
Hey, remember the Flashback Map Pack for Gears of War 2? You know, the one that you can only get by purchasing a brand new copy of the game at your favorite retailer? Guess what? It's now available on Xbox Live Marketplace for 400 Microsoft Points, also known as $5. That's five maps for a buck a piece, which isn't too shabby. Strangely, the text description of the content still says that it's only available as a free download with new copies of the game, but it's definitely listed for 400 points. If you've been worried about losing the Flashback maps by picking up a used copy of Gears 2, it looks like you can officially rest easy. Play your cards right and you could even save some money.Find a video preview of the Flashback Map Pack after the break.[Thanks to everyone that sent this in.]
PETA chooses Fable 2 as its GOTY
When Joystiq chose Fable 2 as its Game of the Year, were you aware that we were displaying not only our great taste in electronic entertainment but also our abiding love for all the planet's creatures? No? Neither were we until we saw that the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals had chosen Molyneux's baby as this year's Most Animal-Friendly Video Game.We think the more obvious choice was Doritos Dash of Destruction, as (1) its protagonist is the king of animals (a dinosaur!) and (2) it serves as an invitation to meditate on the very real effects of extinction. Just think of it: You could be watching dinosaurs racing every day, if we hadn't hunted them out of existence for their delicious skins.
Molyneux: 2009 release calender 'all looking a bit dry'
We're less than a week into the new year, and already some people are casting doubting glances at the industry. And by some people, we mean Lionhead's Peter Molyneux, who recently told the BBC that 2009's upcoming slate of game releases is "all looking a bit dry." The face behind our favorite game of 2008 also spoke out against current retail prices, predicting "a lot of price pressure put on games" in the future. Good thing, as we need to buy something to wash all of this down.Noted Molyneux, "All the triple A titles came out this Christmas and while there is stuff in 2010 we can look forward to, off the top of my head I cannot think of anything next year that really excites me." Of the things that get him going, one is likely to be his next "super secret" project, a game that he teased "might" be revealed next year. Dmitri, is that you?
Joyswag regift giveaway: Fable 2 Limited Edition
[We've got our winner! MooseMuffin wins our Game of the Year. Thanks for entering, everyone!]Just like you, we get all sorts of gifts around the holidays here at Joystiq HQ. Probably unlike you, we don't keep any of them (even the good ones!). With that in mind, we've got five days of regift giveaways planned, where you get some free stuff (and we get some of our HQ real estate back). Today, in celebration of our look at the best games of 2008, we're offering up a copy of Fable 2 (Limited Edition of course, not that that nets you much). Haven't had a chance to explore Lionhead's second tour of Albion? Now's your chance!Here's how you win: Leave a comment telling precisely how wrong we are about Fable 2. 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 8:30 pm ET on Friday, January 2nd. We'll randomly select 1 winner at that time to receive Fable 2: Limited Edition (ARV: $70.00). Please check your e-mail! For a list of complete rules, click here
Joystiq's Top 10 of 2008: Fable 2
<< BACK (2) COMMENT AGAIN! In many ways, Peter Molyneux and friends at Lionhead had a steeper hill to climb than most of the games on this list. Fable 2 is, after all, the sequel to 2004's Fable – one of gaming's great "disappointments." It went something like this: the delta between what was promised and what was delivered was so great, that the press – roped in by the charming Molyneux – and by proxy the players, retaliated. The result: what really wasn't a terrible game is still now, years later, remembered as a disappointment.Enter: Fable 2. Like Nintendo's illustrious Zelda series, Fable 2 is more of an aesthetic, as opposed to a narrative, sequel. You'll spot familiar gameplay elements, familiar narrative themes, and even some familiar places – this is definitely a Fable game. But it's also something entirely new: a new Albion, with a new Hero, new quests, a new enemy and, most importantly, the newfound ability to marry execution with ambition.
Fanswag Bonus! Five in-game Gears 2 gold Lancer and Hammerburst sets
Update: Contest is over. Winners will notified via email.Sure, X3F is already giving away the new Combustible Map Pack to two lucky (and random) readers to spice up their Gears of War 2 online experience but we didn't think that was nearly enough. That's why, in a stunning show of holiday spirit, we've decided to give away even more Gears of War 2 in-game swag! We've been sitting on a stack (actually, five sets) of golden Lancer and Hammerburst codes and today we're giving you a chance to win them. Here's how you can win: To win leave a comment and keeping with the gold theme, tell us if you had the Midas Touch what would you like to turn into gold ... let's keep it clean though, okay? You may leave one comment. Posters of multiple comments will be disqualified. We'll accept entries until 5:00PM eastern today, December 19th. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. This giveaway is open only to residents of the U.S. and Canada (excluding Quebec). Later today, we'll pick five (5) winners via a random drawing. Five winners will each receive one (1) Gold Lancer download code for the Xbox Live Marketplace and one (1) Gold Hammerburst download code for the Xbox Live Marketplace. Complete giveaway rules can be found here.
Fanswag: Gears of War 2 Combustible Map Pack DLC
It's time for a quick Friday Fanswag, fanboys! This is only going to be up for a few hours, so pay attention. We've got two, count 'em, two redemption codes for the new Gears of War 2 Combustible Map Pack. We've got 'em and we want to give 'em to you. All we're asking in return is one measly little comment. That's like nothing, right? And you get three new maps for Gears of War 2 for it. Seems pretty sweet to us. If you'd like to throw your name in that hat for this giveaway, simply follow the directions below. To enter the giveaway, leave a comment on this post telling us your favorite Gears of War 2 moment so far. Only one comment per person. Posters of multiple comments will be disqualified. We'll accept entries until 5:00PM eastern today, December 19th. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. This giveaway is open only to residents of the U.S. and Canada (excluding Quebec). Later today, we'll pick two winners via a random drawing. Two winners will each receive a redemption code for the Gears of War 2 Combustible Map Pack, worth $10. Complete giveaway rules can be found here. Gallery: Gears of War 2 - Combustible Map Pack
Video: Six minutes of Ninja Blade action, ninjas with blades included
A few days ago a video containing six minutes of Ninja Blade action found its way online. The footage was so hot we had to let it cool down for a few days until we ... okay, you know what. We can't lie. It just slipped by. But hey, Ninja Blade is about two of our favorite things and we thought we'd share.Comments on the video call it Ninja Gaiden on steroids and while the action is intense it seems to include an awful lot of QTEz (Quick Time Events, the Z is in there to spice things up). Now, we don't have anything against QTEs but we'd rather actually play a game not play Simon with our controller while a movie is playing in the background. Maybe we're spoiled, who knows. One thing is certain, the ninja in the video totally runs down the side of a building and jacks a motorcycle in midair ... that's rad.
