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Dead Rising 2 and Off the Record on sale this week at Capcom Store

Dead Rising 2 and Off the Record on sale this week at Capcom Store
Capcom's deal of the week makes both Dead Rising 2 and the spinoff Dead Rising 2: Off the Record, available for the low price of just $12.99 a piece. Dead Rising 2 OTR is on PSN for the same price as part of the Halloween sale. That's a huge saving on zombie killings: One of the game's achievements asks you to kill 72,000 zombies, so if you finish that achievement, you'll only have paid 1/50th (rounded off, of course) of a cent per kill! It's rare you find zombie killing that cheap these days, especially in this economy.

Plus, if you've already played Dead Rising 2, this is your chance to play that Off the Record version, which places the first Dead Rising's Frank West in the protagonist's chair. Being that it's the deal of the week, the offer lasts no more than seven days from now (and probably less, depending on when you're reading this), so if you want to take Capcom up on it, grab away.

Sega teases return of Virtua Fighter 2, Fighting Vipers, Virtual On and more


Sega of Japan has released a (very) short teaser, er, teasing the impending announcement of five new games. Showing the text "2x5," and following it with five very recognizable sound clips from some of Sega's greatest arcade games, specifically those that ran on its Model 2 board. All told, we hear Akira from Virtua Fighter 2, Bahn from Fighting Vipers, rings from Sonic: The Fighters, and the announcers from Virtua Striker and Virtual On. Sega will apparently be making an announcement about the games tomorrow, presumably that they're coming to download services like PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade.

Virtua Fighter 2, Fighting Vipers and Sonic: The Fighters aren't exactly a surprise, as they've already been rated for Xbox by the USK, but this is the first time we've heard of Virtua Striker or Virtual On. Good news for fans of soccer and giant robots!

Mario and Zelda characters meet Maxwell in Scribblenauts Unlimited

Scribblenauts
The Wii U version of Scribblenauts Unlimited will allow players to summon "dozens" of characters and items from the Mario and Zelda series. "Discovered Nintendo characters and objects will behave in the fun and fantastical ways they do in their respective game worlds," Warner Bros. says.

Should you want to tinker with any of Nintendo's beloved characters, Scribblenauts Unlimited features an object editor, which means you should be able to make a nightmarish, yet charming, cross-franchise Nintendo chimera. Look forward to it!

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Pikmin 3 to spring up on Wii U in spring 2013

Pikmin 3, one of Nintendo's biggest Wii U titles, is slated to arrive on the new console this spring. The news comes via the latest Iwata Asks column, which centers around the Wii U GamePad. The discussion itself really has nothing to do with Pikmin 3, though the release window is mentioned in a note.

We enjoyed our time with the game at E3, particularly the more interactive environment and beautiful presentation.

Outlast is a new survival-horror game from industry vets at Red Barrels


Outlast is a survival-horror game built on Unreal Engine coming from new studio Red Barrels. The Montreal-based studio was founded by industry veterans from Ubisoft and Naughty Dog, with Outlast being the newly formed outfit's first game. Outlast is set to debut in 2013 for the PC through digital distribution channels.

Outlast stars journalist Miles Upshur, who breaks into Mount Massive Asylum, located in the isolated mountains of Colorado. The long-abandoned asylum has been recently re-opened by the "research and charity" branch of the Murkoff Corporation and, acting on a tip, Upshur breaks in to ascertain exactly what the corporation is up to. If there's one thing we're certain of, it's that Upshur will probably come to regret that decision.

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Cavanagh's Don't Look Back now on iOS & Android, VVVVVV may follow

Cavanagh's Don't Look Back now on iOS and Android, VVVVVV may follow
Terry Cavanagh is considering bringing VVVVVV to iOS and Android, after releasing his short 2009 game Don't Look Back for free on the App Store and Google Play today. The Super Hexagon creator posted on his blog revealing he saw the Don't Look Back port as a "trial run" for VVVVVV. While Cavanagh isn't promising an iOS and Android port, it's certainly a distinct possibility. Although Cavanagh tells Joystiq "it may not happen this year." So don't go pinning all your hopes on finding the iPad version of VVVVVV under your Christmas tree (especially since it'll be digital and your tree's probably physical).

Cavanagh's chiptune-stuffed 2D platformer arrived on PC back in 2010, and then made the jump to 3DS last year. It didn't, however, use the console's touch screen controls. This may explain why Cavanagh wanted to try porting Don't Look Back first, a 2D platformer which he gave on-screen buttons to on iOS. As Cavanagh puts it, it's a "pretty simple port" of a game which is a bit rough around the edges. It's unlikely to be indicative of how VVVVVV would run on iOS, especially given how sado-nefariously intricate Super Hexagon is.

Forza Horizon 'Rally Expansion Pack' kicks up dirt December 18

Forza Horizon 'Rally Expansion Pack' races in December 18
Forza Horizon will veer wildly off the beaten path with a new DLC expansion due December 18. The "Rally Expansion Pack" adds off-road rally racing to Turn 10's racer, including "deeper ruts, higher jumps, and new surface types to explore."

Unlike in real life, it'll be fun to drive in these unsafe conditions because the game provides you with virtual, rally-tuned vehicles and a helpful co-driver. So you're not just out there ruining your own car in some mud.

The Rally Expansion Pack will cost 1,600 Microsoft Points on its own ($20), and will be included at no additional cost as part of the Season Pass.

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Ubisoft sues Black Eyed Peas for $1m over absence of love for iOS game

Ubisoft sues Black Eyes Peas for $1m over lack of love for iOS game
Ubisoft filed a $1 million lawsuit yesterday against BEP Music LLC, a company which owns the Black Eyed Peas trademark, for neglecting to recognize the publisher's planned iOS version of The Black Eyed Peas Experience. Following the Wii and Xbox 360 versions released last year, Ubisoft claims BEP breached the companies' contract regarding an iOS version. According to Ubisoft, the contract states the band agreed to approve or disapprove the iOS version within 10 business days of a request. Ubisoft says BEP Music failed to acknowledge requests for approval, despite repeated attempts.

Ubisoft claims the company spent $233,000 developing the iOS game, and that figure combined with loss of profits amounts to a total of $1 million in damages. While Ubisoft didn't name the company or the game in question in its complaint, as Player Attack notes BEP Music only owns the one trademark. I Gotta Feeling the French publisher isn't about to Shut Up about this anytime soon.

Code of Princess review: Royal brawl

Code of Princess review
In reviewing games at Joystiq, our mission is always to attempt to convey the actual experience of playing a game, as opposed to just listing its features and capping things off with a score. In the case of Code of Princess on the 3DS, that experience boils down to tapping the B button like a caffeine addict, with the occasional special move thrown in for flavor.

It's not as though Code of Princess is the only brawler to succumb to this pattern, however, and like other brawlers, it still manages to be enjoyable in spurts, but rings hollow by the time the credits roll.

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Over 40 Sega classics for $10 on PC

40 Sega games for $999 on DotEmu
Do you like Genesis games? DotEmu gives you the chance to drink from the Sega firehose, with a $10 bundle of over 40 downloadable Genesis (and Master System) games for PC. The contents are similar to Steam's Genesis classics packs and the Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection discs, but the price is a bit more appealing.

In addition to the headliner stuff like all the Sonic games, Golden Axe and Columns, we'd like to point out that this bundle gets you both Gunstar Heroes and Alien Soldier, two hardcore run-and-guns by Treasure that are easily worth paying $10 for alone.

PSA: New PlayStation Store up today in Europe for PS3

PSA New PSN Store launching today in Europe
European PS3 owners will be greeted today by a totally new PlayStation Store with a "What's New" page (which is both about new content and, itself, new.)

The new design uses a series of refreshed feature categories, and a mosaic of large on-screen images to present new content. Enjoy your sneak peek at ... peeking at lists of games, as the redesign does not come to North America until next Tuesday, October 23.

Zynga moving forward in lawsuit against former Cityville GM over theft

Zynga get restraining order against former Cityville GM
Zynga has earned the requisite crystals to move forward on its lawsuit against former CityVille general manager Alan Patmore, who it accuses of stealing company secrets for use at his new employer Kixeye. All Things D reports the social games company has been granted its request to depose Patmore, have forensic experts search his electronic devices and extend the restraining order preventing Patmore from destroying or deleting any information he obtained.

"Patmore does not dispute that he took 763 files from Zynga, which contained confidential game designs from teams around the company, and that he transferred those files to his computer at Kixeye where he's currently the VP of Product," Zynga attorney Jay Monahan said in a statement.

All Things D also received a statement from Kixeye CEO Will Harbin, who obviously didn't feel like pulling any punches: "Zynga is burning to the ground and bleeding top talent and instead of trying to fix the problems - better work environment and better products - they are resorting to the only profit center that has ever really worked for them: their legal department."

Zynga claims the files Patmore allegedly took would help someone replicate its business, along with projections and plans for 10 unreleased games. Harbin concluded his statement by asking why his company would want to emulate Zynga's business when The Ville publisher has seen a 75 percent decline in its stock since its debut?

Star Citizen FAQ outlines modding, micropayments, hardware requirements

Star Citizen FAQ outlines modding, micropayments, hardware requirements
If you're looking forward to Chris Roberts' new Star Citizen title, you'd best be saving your pennies for a PC upgrade. Much like Roberts' 1990s-era Wing Commander series, the new game will push the limits of your hardware, this time courtesy of the CryEngine 3.

The space combat sim's website has updated with a new FAQ that outlines the game's projected system requirements (it recommends an i7 CPU and a GTX 670 or better graphics card, but keep in mind that launch day is two years away). The FAQ also mentions Star Citizen's modding philosophy and its payment model.

Modding is encouraged, as Roberts says that players are free to tweak the game however they wish on private servers. The devs also "hope to institute a mod approval process that will allow the best of the best player-created ships and other additions to be integrated into the central persistent world as well," according to the FAQ.

In terms of payments, you'll need to buy the game initially and that's basically it. There will be no monthly fee, though "some in-game items may be available as microtransactions." Unlike most free-to-play titles, Star Citizen's cash shop "will never sell anything that can't be acquired through honest (and fun!) gameplay."

PSN puzzle platformer Page Chronica aims to land in "next 3-4 weeks"



Red Hare Studios is hoping to release upcoming PSN puzzle platformer Page Chronica by mid-November, the Singaporean developer tells us. Red Hare producer Dr. Wee Lit Koh says that, while no definite release date is confirmed, his studio hopes to launch the PS3 game in North America and Europe in the next three to four weeks. While the price is again unconfirmed, Red Hare is targeting $10.99/€10.99.

As the above trailer shows, Page Chronica mixes vibrant 2D platforming with vexing word puzzles. As well as guiding Topaz through enchanted storybook worlds, players have to collect the magical alphabet floating about. Collecting and rearranging letters into words correctly lets Topaz unleash spells and attacks, which she can use to take out the evil infesting the stories. The longer and more complicated the word is, the more powerful Topaz's attacks and magic become. Think of it like LostWinds but with a helping of Scrabble. Or Kirby's Epic Yarn with a dollop of Boggle. You get the idea.

Page Chronica accidentally came out early on the European PSN store last month (it was originally expected to release mid-October) only to be swiftly removed. Thankfully PSNStores reports those who purchased the game when it was up are getting a free copy when it eventually launches. As for when that is, we'll be sure to keep you updated.

PSA: Carmageddon now on iOS, free for first day

PSA Carmageddon now on iOS, free for first day
Carmageddon is now on the App Store for iPhone and iPad, and as promised British studio Stainless Games is offering it for free on its first day there. It's launched slightly later than anticipated, but the gory racer once infamously banned in its home nation is now available to all at no cost. Well, all the age of 12 and over - come on, it's still Carmageddon. Anyway, if you're unlucky enough not to nab it in the first 24 hours, it'll still be available but at its regular price of $1.99.

A lot's changed since Carmageddon released in 1997. Back then Grand Theft Auto was only a single game, nobody really knew who Britney Spears was, and a certain Steve Jobs had just returned to a struggling company called Apple to save them from near bankruptcy. Stainless' classic, however, plays on iOS much as it did 15 years ago, albeit with a few touch-ups. It now comes with various customized controls, editable video replays, retina display and iPhone 5 support, leaderboards, and other enhancements to boot. It of course still features, as Stainless puts it, "buckets of gibs."

The Android version is due to hit late 2012/early 2013.

Pool Nation drops into XBLA's corner pocket on October 31

Pool Nation drops into XBLA's corner pocket on October 31
Pool Nation is a brand new billiards game by Cherry Pop Games that's coming to the Xbox Live Arcade, and while we previously posted that it was due out sometime last week, Cherry Pop has instead confirmed it for release on October 31. That's what the official Twitter account says, so if you were excited to break with a virtual cue already, you'll have to wait just a few more weeks.

Pool Nation allows for online or singleplayer billards play, and will let players use slow-time, rewind, or a number of other powers while cracking the various colored balls around the table. There's also a mode called Endurance, which tasks players with finishing the table quickly to try and earn the most money. When it does arrive, the game will be available for 800 Microsoft Points, or about $10.00.

007 Legends PS3 gets exclusive Skyfall characters for multiplayer


Eurocom's re-imagining of select James Bond films, 007 Legends, has some exclusive content on the PS3. MI6 field agent Eve and assassin Patrice from next month's Skyfall film are both playable in multiplayer and have "their own special features and abilities," though the PlayStation Blog post doesn't mention what those features and abilities are, exactly.

We contacted Activision for further information on what sets these two characters apart in the 007 Legends multiplayer mode. We'll be sure to update as soon as MI6 command gets back to us.

The War Z terms of use has link to League of Legends agreement

The War Z terms of use has link to League of Legends agreement
The War Z user agreement has a link to the terms of use for League of Legends, with the URL typed out in full, in the middle of section two, "Requirements." The War Z terms read:

"In installing and using the Software and playing the Game, you acknowledge that you have read, understand and agree with the terms of this License Agreement. You must also: (i) read, understand and agree to the OP Productions Terms of Use http://www.leagueoflegends.com/legal/termsofuse (the 'Terms of Use')."

Someone who actually read the terms of use before accepting noticed this mistake and posted a thread in The War Z's subreddit, where another user uploaded the above photo (larger image here). The War Z already gets flak for being a "cash-in rip-off" of wildly successful Arma 2 mod Day Z, and now it's getting heat for apparently taking League of Legends' terms of use, copy-pasta.

Dead or Alive 5's new costume packs include fiend Hayabusa, cat ears, 'bartender britches'

Dead or Alive 5's new costume packs include fiend Hayabusa, cat ears, 'bartender britches'
The latest slew of DLC costume packs for Dead or Alive 5 includes one awesome thing (above), some normal-lookin' street clothes and then a whole bunch of stuff we'd be embarrassed to describe in public.

"Kitty Pack," as you might suspect, includes cat ears and corset-ish catsuits for Christie, Helena, Tina and Lisa. The "What a Character" pack adds two maid outfits for Hitomi and Mila that are more of the "Octoberfest Bar maid" variety than the "French House maid" type you might expect, a slinky gown and mask for Lisa, and "bartender britches" for Rig.

Lastly, the "Special Set" gives Kasumi and Leifang access to their traditional overalls and panda-bear outfits, respectively, in addition to "fiend" Hayabusa and an even slinkier evening gown for Lisa. Each pack is available now for $4.99/400 MSP, and all three can be purchased together via the "Round 2 Costumes - Full Set" pack, which at the moment is only available on the 360 for 1040 MSP. PlayStation 3 owners looking for a sweet costume discount will have to wait until next week, when the Full Set becomes available for $12.99.

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Dungeon Defenders celebrates first birthday with new content, sale


Co-op tower defense action-RPG (phew) Dungeon Defenders is celebrating its first year of existence with some party favors and a sale. For the next two weeks, the "Dungeon Defenders Anniversary Pack DLC" is free. It finds our pint-sized heroes wearing party hats and defending a newly decorated tavern homebase from wave after wave of monsters trying to destroy the birthday cake crystal core.

Dungeon Defenders is also 75 percent off as part of Steam's midweek madness sale, making the core game a mere $3.74. Want to be a big spender and receive all of Dungeon Defenders' content? Well, better cancel that trip to The Olive Garden tonight, because that's going to cost $12.49.

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