News - March, 2012
Saturday31st Mar 2012
News Nippon Ichi Announces Trio of PS3 Exclusives
Get your niche on
Disgaea developer Nippon Ichi has announced a trio of new PlayStation 3 exclusive JRPGs for release in North America and Europe. The first of the batch is internally developed action RPG The Witch and the Hundred Knights, which is due out in early 2013. Very little is known about the game itself, but it will feature full 3D...
News Sample Some of the Sounds from Lollipop Chainsaw
Bloody good
Could Lollipop Chainsaw possibly be any cooler? Not only is it borne out of the twisted mind of Killer 7’s Suda 51, but it also has Akira Yamaoka (Silent Hill) and the dude from Mindless Self Indulgence providing the soundtrack. In this brand new behind the scenes trailer you can watch the two composers talk about their inspirations...
News Sony Confirms Zipper Interactive Has Closed
Zipped up
SOCOM developer Zipper Interactive has closed, Sony has confirmed. Speculation about the studio’s imminent demise began last weekend, but the firm remained tight-lipped for the majority of the week. However, Sony confirmed the sad news in a statement to Game Informer over night: Sony Computer Entertainment can confirm the closure of...
News Euro 2012 DLC Due to FIFA 12's Continued Popularity
On the ball
Video game fans can be a fickle bunch. After years of campaigning for the demise of bi-yearly summer spin-offs, now gamers are starting to question why the upcoming UEFA Euro 2012 tournament isn’t getting its own standalone game. For those that haven’t been keeping track, EA announced earlier this week that its Euro 2012 offering...
Friday30th Mar 2012
News Download the Free WipEout Generation Soundtrack Now
Beating the drum
For many PlayStation fans, the sound waves of WipEout are a cultural touchstone. That’s especially true for the “WipEout Generation”, a group of independent music producers who – inspired by the work of former series composer Tim Wright (aka CoLD SToRAGE) – have written and performed their own free WipEout themed...
News Change History with New Sniper Elite V2 Trailer
End this hellish war
It’s telling that the most interesting thing about Sniper Elite V2 is its pre-order bonus, but, having said that, killing flippin' Hitler is a pretty big selling-point after all. The additional mission’s up for grabs now for all those who register interest in Rebellion’s sequel ahead of its 4th May release. Just please,...
News Mortal Kombat Vita Exchanges Blows on 4th May
May the force be with you
Warner Bros has attached a firm 4th May release date to the PlayStation Vita version of its PS3 smash-hit Mortal Kombat. As previously confirmed, the game will feature a variety of new content, including 150 new challenges designed around the handheld’s multiple inputs. It'll also feature all four DLC characters, in...
News Insomniac Games Was Working on a Pinball Title
Seriously
Here’s something you didn’t expect to learn today: Insomniac Games was working on a pinball game. Entitled 1080Pinball (geddit?) the game was in development while the studio was adding the final touches to Ratchet & Clank: Tools of Destruction and Resistance 2. The game was designed to be the “most realistic simulation of pinball...
News SEGA Cans Games, Focuses on Big Name IPs
Blue sky gaming
SEGA has revealed it will cancel games and focus on sales-proven IP in the future. The company's report cites Sonic the Hedgehog, Total War, Football Manager and Aliens as examples of the strong series it'll support in the next period and beyond. SEGA didn't reveal which titles would be canned, with a look through our list of
News Awesomenauts Brings the Awesome to PSN on 1st May
Taking you back to your childhood
There’s just one more month to wait before Ronimo unleashes the awesome that is, er, Awesomenauts onto the PlayStation Network. The developer has attached a 1st May release date to the multiplayer title in North America, with a European release set to follow on 2nd May. The game’s big selling point is its 2D...
News Robin Hunicke Latest to Leave thatgamecompany
Fond farewell
Journey developer thatgamecompany is a small studio, so it’s surprising when key members of the team announce their departure for pastures new. Yesterday co-founder Kellee Santiago revealed her intention to move on, and since producer Robin Hunicke has also shut the door behind her. Hunicke – who joined thatgamecompany at the...
News Latest Tokyo Jungle Trailer Will Make You Scratch Your Head
In a good way
With Sony’s bafflingly brilliant post-apocalyptic PSN exclusive Tokyo Jungle just a few months away from release in Japan, the publisher’s released a brand new trailer to get you in the mood. The video introduces all of the game’s furry protagonists, and bundles in a bunch of fresh gameplay footage to boot. Watch in awe as an...
News High Moon Studios Talk About Transforming Fall of Cybertron
Impressive... For primitive technology
Transformers fans are a tough bunch to please, but we doubt anyone could be disappointed with Transformers: Fall of Cybertron’s latest footage. The anticipated sequel is looking prettier than Arcee stripped down to her core components, and that’s evidenced once again by this brand new behind-the-scenes...
News Assassin's Creed III on Course to Break Ubisoft Pre-Order Records
Everyone wants a piece of Connor
Ubisoft wants to boast. It sent out a press release today pointing out that Assassin’s Creed III is on track to become its most pre-ordered title in history. To put things into perspective, the game was only officially announced just over a month ago. During that relatively short period Assassin’s Creed III has...
Thursday29th Mar 2012
News PlayStation Orbis Concept Sketches Emerge
Party
Following yesterday's monstrous PlayStation Orbis rumour, a couple of crafty Internet snoops have uncovered what appear to be some concept sketches of the platform in action. The drawings – since suspiciously removed from original host Coque Design – show a group of figures interacting with a PlayStation Eye-style camera. The images were...
News New Little King's Story Footage Sets Our Minds at Ease
Fit for a king?
The first stills and details of New Little King's Story had us worried it would be a radical departure from its predecessor, the classic Little King's Story on Wii. Judging by this new trailer below we needn't have worried, as the upcoming Vita game has all the bizarre enemies and soldier flinging of its Nintendo counterpart...
News Japanese Sales Charts: Vita Sturdy, Yakuza Spin-Off Strong
What's hot in the land of the rising sun?
The PS Vita managed to keep its head above water again this week, with its sales numbers boosting well above the dreaded 10k units mark in Japan. Sony’s new handheld was unable to outsell its predecessor, the PSP, though, which was boosted by the release of the anticipated Yakuza spin-off, Black Panther 2...
News Sony Announces April PlayStation Plus Content
Bringing out the big guns
Sony’s lined up another mammoth month of content for its PlayStation Plus subscribers in April. Starting next month, members in North America and Europe will grab a double-header of free EA goodies, including the recently released Shank 2 and last year’s Need for Speed Shift 2: Unleashed. In addition, North Americans...
News Journey is PSN's Fastest Selling Game Ever
And rightly so
PSN masterpiece Journey is the fastest-selling game ever to hit the service. thatgamecompany's co-founder Jenova Chen announced on the PlayStation Blog that the company's latest has outsold every other digital download, beating the previous record set by inFAMOUS: Festival of
News EA to Release Euro 2012 Expansion for FIFA 12
International glory
EA Sports has announced a paid expansion pack for FIFA 12 that will tie into this summer’s UEFA Euro 2012 international tournament. The DLC – due out on 24th April in Europe and North America – will cost £15.99 from the PlayStation Network. It will feature all 53 UEFA recognised international teams, in addition to all...
News Michael Pachter Responds to Orbis Rumours
Warns against anti-used games
While we’re still trying to wrap our heads around yesterday’s PlayStation Orbis rumours, seasoned industry analyst Michael Pachter has whipped out his crystal ball and provided some insight on the murmurs. Chatting with GamesIndustry, Pachter explained that it’s unlikely Sony will install anti-used game measures...
News Mysterious Namco Bandai Title is for PSP
Given the PS Vita’s continued struggles domestically, we’re surprised that Sony hasn’t just outright phased out its predecessor. But here we are, reporting on another big PSP announcement for Japan. Remember that mysterious Namco Bandai teaser website we told you about yesterday? Well, it turns out that the title in question isn’t for PS...
News Yoshinori Ono to Take a Break from Street Fighter Development
On the mend
Street Fighter legend Yoshinori Ono – who was worryingly rushed to hospital over the weekend – has announced on Twitter that he is taking a break from Street Fighter development. The legend said: I caused you so much worry for a while. I went back to work. [The Street Fighter] team are working wholeheartedly on patches for Street...
News Kellee Santiago Departs thatgamecompany
Headed on a new journey
Kellee Santiago has left thatgamecompany. The former co-founder and co-president announced the news in an interview with Gamasutra. The website speculates that more departures might be on the way. Santiago said: After doing these three games, I think it was a really great opportunity for all of us to look at what we’ve...
News Don't Worry, Dragon's Crown Isn't Cancelled
Illustrator responds to rumours
The Internet was whipped into a frenzy yesterday when Amazon cancelled pre-orders for Vanillaware’s upcoming PlayStation 3 and PS Vita action game Dragon’s Crown. It’s been a while since we heard any new information about the title, leading many anticipant gamers to expect the worst. But illustrator Shigatake...
News Hit the Road with New Sleeping Dogs Footage
Girls up for grabs
Being an open-world game set in a modern city, it would be criminal for Sleeping Dogs to not feature a racing component of some kind. Thankfully that’s not the case, as this brand new trailer explosively illustrates. Indeed, Sleeping Dogs will feature over 65 vehicles to aid you in your pursuit to conquer Hong Kong’s highways:...
News Transformers: Fall of Cybertron Rolls Out in August
One shall stand, one shall fall
Shape-shifting vehicles and dim-witted robotic dinosaurs return to PlayStation 3 in August with the release of Transformers: Fall of Cybertron. The High Moon Studios developed sequel is due out on 28th August in North America and 31st August in Europe. Check out the trailer below for a hearty helping of dubstep and...
Wednesday28th Mar 2012
Review Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 (PlayStation Vita)
Captivating
Ever since X-Men vs. Street Fighter way back in the 1990s, Capcom knows its fans want to be able to fight Ryu with Wolverine. As popularity increased, Capcom expanded the roles from just X-Men and Street Fighter to include various characters from the Marvel and Capcom line up. Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 (UMvC3) builds upon that initial...
Review Plants vs. Zombies (PlayStation Vita)
Cherry bomb
If you have an electronic device released in the past few years, there's an extremely good chance that a version of Plants vs. Zombies is available for it. Since its original release back in 2009, the game has become somewhat of a measuring stick by which most tower defence games are judged. Now, PopCap Games has created a version for...
News New Little King's Story Sexy Shots and Video Inside
Haven't you grown?
Corobo, you're not a young boy any more. New Little King's Story comes to Vita later this year and it's not its heroic king that's all grown up: his wives have all matured too, as these screenshots from the game's so-called "sexy events" show. Princess Fearne in particular seems to have attracted the advances of a new...
Rumour PS4 Codenamed "Orbis", Due Christmas 2013
Salt
Here we go ladies and gentlemen: Kotaku claims to have the skinny on the next PlayStation. The site claims the upcoming machine is currently codenamed Orbis — Latin for "circle", naturally — and will launch in time for holiday 2013. Supposedly it won't play PS3 games, will lock all new games to a single PSN account to limit the...
Round Table Let's Talk About PlayStation 3
It's never been dull
With PlayStation 3 now the ripe old age of five years old in Europe, a small group of the Push Square team decided to get together and chat about the system. We talk about difficult beginnings, its recovery and emergence, and contemplate its future legacy. Joining features editor Thomas Whitehead are associate editor Sammy...
News Velocity Shoots onto PlayStation Minis in May
Neutrino speed
Futurlab’s promising PlayStation Minis space shooter Velocity is headed to Sony’s digital storefront in May, the developer has announced. North American gamers will get to sample the teleporting blaster from 1st May, while Europeans will have to wait an extra day until 2nd May. Futurlab’s managing director James Marsden said:...
News Sony Announces Trio of New Titles for PlayStation Home
Home from home
PlayStation Home really has come a long way since it launched back in 2008. What originally started life as an overhyped chatroom has blossomed into a social gaming network, and that transition is emphasised by today’s trio of new announcements. Starting today, Sony is plotting the release of three new exclusives in PlayStation's...
Store Update 27th March 2012 (North America)
Closure, Resistance AR and MMA
Vita fans get one game to choose from this week but the free AR monument viewer for Resistance: Burning Skies is well worth taking a look at. Here's what's up and available for you to purchase right now. PlayStation Plus: Spring Fever Discounts:Closure — 20% offSplinter Cell HD — 50% offTom Clancy’s Ghost Recon:...
Store Update 28th March 2012 (Europe)
Arc the Lad II and BurgerTime
Some good retro-themed content this week — let's get to it. PS3 Games: Burgertime World Tour (Free Trial available)BurgerTime World Tour is an evolution of the arcade classic enhanced with an innovative 3D rotating cylindrical environment and elevated retro gameplay. With new challenging platforming elements, online...
News Shenmue Programmer Announces Vita Rhythm Game
"Maybe I should play some..."
Former SEGA employee Tak Hirai has a pretty convincing résumé. Not only was the Japanese developer a main programmer on the original Shenmue titles, but his credits also include the likes of Space Channel 5 and Meteos. In September 2010 Hirai formed his own studio, Neilo. 18 months later, that studio has announced its...
News MonkeyPaw Kickstarts Class of Heroes II Localisation
Put your money where your mouth is
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll know all about Kickstarter. The crowd funding website has already, ahem, kickstarted the development of a couple of high profile games, and now localisation specialists MonkeyPaw Games and GaijinWorks are hoping to get in on the lucrative action. The companies want...
News Naughty Dog Teases New Uncharted 3 Multiplayer Maps
Rusting corpses
Fortune Hunters’ Club subscribers are still due one final piece of Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception DLC. It looks like that content will come in the form of two new maps, as evidenced by a couple of screenshots uploaded to developer Naughty Dog’s Flickr account. The new maps include the exotic Old Quarter and industrial...
News Max Payne 3 Multiplayer Gameplay Revealed
Death Max
Rockstar Games has raised the curtains on Max Payne 3’s multiplayer component. The footage (embedded below) focuses on the integration of Payne’s signature gameplay elements, including bullet time. The developer said: Max Payne 3 introduces Max Payne’s signature special ability, Bullet Time to multiplayer for the first time. Based...
News Journey Content Confirmed for LittleBigPlanet 2
Sackboy's on the move too
If thatgamecompany’s epic Journey inspired you, then why not channel your creativity in LittleBigPlanet 2? Media Molecule’s announced a new Journey-inspired costume and sticker pack is headed to the Play Create Share platformer next month, allowing you to build your own emotional adventures. You can find out more about...
News Capcom Outlines DLC Schedule for Asura's Wrath
Lots of content
After yesterday’s brilliantly bonkers DLC trailer, we can't blame you for anticipating Capcom’s upcoming content expansions for Asura’s Wrath. Thankfully you won’t have to wait long, as the title's first downloadable episode has already released on the PlayStation Store for $1.99. But developer Cyber Connect 2’s not...
News Mysterious Namco Teaser Points Towards PlayStation
Famous face buttons
Earlier in the week, Namco Bandai released a mysterious Japanese teaser website hinting at a brand new “action adventure” title. That website has now updated with images of the PlayStation’s face buttons, hinting at some form of exclusivity. It’s unclear what the game is or which PlayStation platform it is for, but...
Tuesday27th Mar 2012
Review Ninja Gaiden III (PlayStation 3)
A bloody mess
To accept a life that walks in the path of a ninja is to accept death itself. Bloodshed flows like a river through the fingers tightly grasped to the hilt of his blade. Burdened with carrying the weight of the thousands of lives he’s taken, always knowing that payment for his sins will come in due time. In Ninja Gaiden III, series...
Review Yakuza: Dead Souls (PlayStation 3)
Dead light district
The Yakuza series is well known for its self-serious plots and goofy side stories, but Yakuza: Dead Souls aims to elevate things to the next level. Introducing zombies may seem like an act of desperation to fill a creative void, but it’s quite the contrary, as the developer experiments with placing some of its most well-liked...
Interview Canabalt (PlayStation Minis)
Don't stop moving
What do you do when aliens invade your planet? Run. Canabalt is the simple tale of one man's escape from destruction and world domination, a dash across roof tops as a city crumbles around him. Obstacles pepper his path, and with well-timed button presses you must avoid them so as to gather speed and get as far away as possible...
News PS Vita Gets First Free-to-Play Game
Oh, it's a puzzle game
There are few things more exciting than hearing about a new game that's free, even if that game is Treasures of Montezuma Blitz, a free-to-play puzzle game coming to Vita in North America soon. Alawar Entertainment is bringing its match-three game to Vita in EMEA territories, with a North American release still to be...
News Check Out Connor's Gear in Assassin's Creed III
Armed to the teeth
“That’s not Ezio,” we hear you cry. To which we’d respond: where have you been these past few weeks? Assassin’s Creed III is a brand new entry in the acrobatic stealth series, meaning it boasts a fresh protagonist and setting. The backdrop is the American Revolution, and the new hero is Connor. His real name is...
News Everybody's Tennis Pulled from PS Store Due to Piracy Exploit
Oh no
Backwards compatibility is a big problem. If a system doesn’t have it, then people complain. And if a system does have it, then hackers instantly get to work looking for vulnerabilities in legacy software. That’s exactly what has happened to the brilliant Everybody’s Tennis, with Sony pulling the colourful PSP sports title off the...
News Asura’s Wrath DLC Trailer is Appropriately Bonkers
Now fight your rival
Asura’s Wrath is more crackers than a packet of Jacob’s savoury biscuits. As such, it’s hard to imagine the DLC could take things much further. But based on the evidence of this trailer – which teases the inclusion of Street Fighter legend Ryu – developer CyberConnect 2’s found a way. Revel in the madness below.
News Watch Wayne Rooney Play Golf in New Tiger Woods Trailer
Errr
As good as the Tiger Woods titles are every year, it must be a difficult task for EA’s marketing group to make each new release seem fresh and different. This year, for Tiger Woods PGA Tour 13, the publisher's trying an interesting tactic: put footballers in the game. No, we’re not joking. Catch the trailer below for footage of Wayne Rooney...
News Call of Duty Creative Strategist Robert Bowling Exits Activision
Four zero two
Robert Bowling has announced that he has resigned from his current position as creative strategist of Call of Duty. The hype-man – who has become the face of the biggest gaming brand in the world over the past few years – announced his departure on Twitter overnight. He said: Today, I resign from my position as Creative Strategist...
News Battlefield 3 Patch Brings Server Rentals to PS3
First for everything
With ambitious titles such as DUST 514 on the horizon, Sony is really pushing the concept of PlayStation Network as an open network. The most recent example of that comes in the form of Battlefield 3’s latest patch, which will allow players to rent and maintain their own servers on PS3. Renting your own server will allow you...
News Rocketbirds: Hardboiled Chicken Flapping onto PS Vita
Clucking brilliant
Ratloop Asia’s strange but brilliant PSN platformer Rocketbirds: Hardboiled Chicken is making the jump to PlayStation Vita. At least, that’s according to this brand new trailer (embedded below, silly). The footage is light on details but does confirm a Fall release for the side-scroller. We’d usually spend the rest of this...
News SCEJ Announces New Corporate Structure
All change
It sounds as though Sony’s really keen to reinvent its Japanese arm. It wasn’t long ago that the company announced it had placed former Sony Santa Monica founder Allan Becker in charge of its domestic studios, and it has now followed up with a corporate restructure. Beginning 1st April, SCEJ will operate under new “First Party...
News Pop Pills with Max Payne 3 Pre-order Bonus
Payne killers
Rockstar Games would like to reward your early interest in Max Payne 3 with a packet of pills. Not really of course, the “Pill Bottle” is simply an additional bonus offered to gamers who pre-order the upcoming third-person shooter before 15th April. The in-game item unlocks the ability to “carry extra painkillers”. As a result,...
News GAME Enters Administration, Closes 277 Stores
2,000 made redundant
GAME Group plc. has entered administration. The retailer filed for administration last week but, having been unable to find a buyer over the weekend, was officially placed into administration yesterday morning. Administrators PwC made an immediate impact on reducing the company's store portfolio, closing 277 stores with the loss...
News The Siren Screams into BioShock Infinite
Certainly not that kind of siren
Irrational Games has lifted the lid on BioShock Infinite’s final Heavy Hitter. Named the Siren, the spiritual performer possesses the ability to bring back the dead. Creative director Ken Levine explains that the real challenge in battle is deciding whether to focus on the Siren itself, or its resurrected puppets...
Monday26th Mar 2012
Review A-Men (PlayStation Vita)
Get to the chopper!
In the description on PS Store for A-Men Polish developer Bloober Team has thrown down the gauntlet to players by stating that its tactical 2D puzzle game is built for “hardcore gamers.” PlayStation gaming has a modest history of character swapping puzzle games; as far back as 1997 the PSone had Lost Vikings 2: Norse by...
First Impressions Assassin's Creed III
Back on the killing fields
The assassins return for one more stab at the open-world adventure crown, as Ubisoft readies Assassin’s Creed III, a brand new chapter of its time-travelling silent-killing franchise. Eschewing the medieval and Renaissance settings of its predecessors, the game takes place in Colonial America on the brink of the...
News Assassin's Creed III Collector's Editions Revealed
Sharpshooters, look out
Ubisoft has lifted the veil on its special editions that will accompany Assassin's Creed III when it launches later this year. The limited edition packages below are for PAL regions only — sorry, NTSC — and come in three flavours: Freedom, Join or Die and Special. Here's what's in what: Assassin's Creed III Freedom...
Feature PlayStation 3 Retrospective - Part Two
Onwards and upwards
We’ll take any excuse to scoff copious amounts of cake here at Push Square towers, so naturally we were all on board to extend our celebrations for the PS3’s fifth anniversary. Just a few days ago we shared our PlayStation 3 retrospective: part one, and now we’re back to continue our journey through time. In this part we...
News PlayMemories Studio Brings Photo Editing to PS3
Out this week
If you’ve ever had the urge to edit photographs on the PlayStation 3, then there's a chance you might have some serious mental health problems. But alas, you can take comfort in the knowledge that you’re not alone, as Sony has announced that the PlayMemories Studio – originally revealed at the Consumer Electronics Show in January...
News Kat Suits Up for New Gravity Rush DLC
Yes, Miss
It seems like Sony’s running through all of our fancy dress fantasies for Gravity Rush’s post-release content. If the topsy-turvy platformer’s recent cat suit content wasn’t enough to get you in a lather, then this week’s army outfit should do the trick. The DLC includes a new Special Forces get-up for protagonist Kat, two...
News Even at 10% Complete, PSO 2 Vita Looks Good
Energy shots
We only recently found out SEGA's Phantasy Star Online 2 is coming to Vita, although the publisher deflated our hopes of playing it this year by saying it's only 10% complete. Still, to say it's got a gruelling 90% of development ahead, it looks pretty good already. SEGA released these screenshots of the game following a press event in...
News Warren Spector Keen to Port Epic Mickey to PS3
Catch up
Hot on the heels of last week’s Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two announcement, Junction Point boss and legendary developer Warren Spector has revealed his desire to port the original Wii-exclusive Epic Mickey to PS3. Asked if a port was on the cards, the luminary told Game Informer magazine:
News Tales of Xillia Trademarked by Namco Bandai in North America
Xillia buy it?
Last week we reported that publisher Namco Bandai had filed a trademark for Tales of Xillia in Europe. It has since followed up with a similar registration in North America. The move pretty much confirms that the RPG is heading overseas, after selling just shy of a million copies in Japan last year. Let us know if this is a game...
News New Battleship Trailer Goes Behind the Scenes
Two games in one
If you thought making a movie based on a board game was weird, then spend a moment to consider the thoughts of those responsible for the video game tie-in. To their credit, the employees of Double Helix Games come across as genuinely passionate in this behind the scenes video for Battleship. And, to be fair, the game’s concept...
News Silent Hill: Book of Memories Delayed
Turn the pages this summer
Konami’s curious attempt for a hat-trick of Silent Hill releases appears to have ended with a disappointing brace. The Japanese publisher had originally intended to release Silent Hill Downpour, the Silent Hill HD Collection and the isometric Vita exclusive Silent Hill: Book of Memories all in March – but US retailers...
News FIFA Street Tops the UK Charts for a Second Week
Slick skills
EA’s urban soccer sim FIFA Street maintained its place at the top of the UK charts this week, outpacing strong competition from Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City and Mass Effect 3. It was another solid week for sports titles, with FIFA 12 and SSX both winding up in fourth and fifth respectively.
Sunday25th Mar 2012
News Capcom Explains Resident Evil's Action Approach
Survival horror isn't popular enough
These days the Resident Evil franchise is all about fist-pumping action, but that hasn't always been the case. Those of you old enough to remember the early PSone days will recall the series being much slower and, arguably, atmospheric. It’s a format that fans still long for, but according to Resident Evil...
Saturday24th Mar 2012
Review Mass Effect 3 (PlayStation 3)
Cause and effect
Mass Effect 3 is all about the big payoff and no, we’re not talking about its controversial conclusion. Those who’re returning to BioWare’s sci-fi epic will have already invested many hours trawling the galaxy, zipping through mass relays, forming alliances with races from distant worlds and making difficult decisions that...
Feature PlayStation 3 Retrospective - Part One
The third place
As our celebrations for the PlayStation 3’s fifth anniversary continue to march on, we’ve taken a moment to reflect on some of the key events from the system’s life so far. It’s been a turbulent half-decade for Sony’s black behemoth, with more drama packed into its formative years than the entire series of a police...
News Capcom's Yoshinori Ono Rushed to Hospital
Get better soon
Capcom’s jubilant Yoshinori Ono has been rushed to hospital, the Japanese publisher has announced. The company wrote in an official blog: Shortly after the Street Fighter X Tekken promotion in Asia, Ono-san’s physical condition rapidly and heavily deteriorated and he had to be taken to the hospital. Because of his hospital...
Rumour Sony to Close Zipper Interactive
So gone
It sounds as though the lights could be dimming on SOCOM developer Zipper Interactive. Kotaku reports that Sony is currently in the process of laying off staff at the American studio, where project cancellations have put its future in doubt. Zipper Interactive recently released the decent Unit 13 on PlayStation Vita and SOCOM 4 on PS3 last...
Rumour Bethesda to Cancel Prey 2
Pray for Prey
It seems there’s no end to the bad news today. In addition to rumours surrounding the closure of Zipper Interactive and the unfortunate announcement of Yoshinori Ono’s ill health, PSFocus.nl is reporting that Bethesda is on the verge of cancelling anticipated sequel Prey 2.
Friday23rd Mar 2012
News Move Support Confirmed for The Amazing Spider-Man
Moving through Manhattan
Activision’s upcoming The Amazing Spider-Man movie tie-in will feature full PlayStation Move compatibility, developer Beenox has confirmed. Our friends over at iWaggle3D got suspicious when a boxart for the game uploaded to Amazon included a “PlayStation Move Compatible” bubble. This prompted Jonathon Grendon, PR...
News Pre-order LittleBigPlanet Karting for Kevin Butler DLC
VP of bonus content
LittleBigPlanet Karting was only announced yesterday, but retailers are already vying for your pre-orders. Amazon.com is the first to make a convincing case, confirming that any pre-orders placed at the online retailer will be rewarded with an ex
News More Virtua Fighter Combatants Destined for Dead or Alive 5
Crossover chaos
Why wait for the character roster to be announced for your favourite fighting game, when you can hack the demo and discover it for yourself? That’s exactly the mindset one NeoGAF poster adopted, having hacked the source code of a recent Dead or Alive 5 demo in order to make a series of interesting discoveries. It turns out, as...
News Slant Six Responds to RE: Operation Raccoon City Reviews
Biohazard
Developer Slant Six has spoken out about Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City’s less than stellar review scores, telling Eurogamer.net that it believes it “accomplished what Capcom wanted us to do”. Studio producer Mike Kerr revealed that while Slant Six would have preferred the game to have seen higher review scores, he's confident...
News Disney Releases First Epic Mickey 2 Footage
Squared
Following this week’s official announcement, Disney’s released the first footage of upcoming PS3 platformer Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two. Judging from the trailer, the game’s managed to maintain the twisted art style of its Nintendo Wii exclusive predecessor. The sequel will allow you to take control of both Mickey Mouse and Oswald...
News Ridge Racer Unbounded Launch Trailer Crashes Online
Race without restraint
With Ridge Racer Unbounded gearing up for release next week, publisher Namco Bandai’s driven the game’s launch trailer out of the garage. The footage focuses on the game’s destruction elements but also takes a moment to show off the racer’s construction suite. It’s hardly ModNation Racers, is it? Still, props to...
News Feast Your Eyes on 30 Minutes of DUST 514
The future
Developer CCP debuted 30 minutes of DUST 514 footage as part of a keynote at its EVE Fanfest event last night. The footage shows off everything from the game’s lobby system right through to its interaction with PC MMO Eve Online. While the gunplay looks decent, it’s the cross-platform integration that’s really the star of the...
News Mass Effect 3 Face Import Bug to be Fixed with Next Patch
Shepard... is that you?
Much of the appeal of the Mass Effect franchise comes from building up a character over the course of multiple games. So the fact that BioWare somehow managed to mess up the face import feature of Mass Effect 3 is, in our opinion, more unforgivable than the game’s disappointing ending. Thankfully, BioWare community...
News Sports Champions Developer Working on Next Generation Title
Next move for motion studio
Zindagi Games – the developer behind the brilliant Sports Champions and the likable Medieval Moves – is readying itself for the next generation. In a job opening advertised on Gamasutra, the proficient PlayStation Move studio notes that it is "moving on and working on the next generation home console"...
Thursday22nd Mar 2012
Feature PlayStation 3's Best Games
The best of the best
PlayStation 3 reaches its fifth birthday in Europe this week, where it finally released on 23rd March 2007 after a lengthy delay. In that time the system has been through highs and lows, but ultimately has proven to be a dominant beast in the living room, embracing multimedia such as TV and film streaming services, Blu-rays and...
News Disney's Brave Coming to PS3 with Move Archery
Arro' there
PlayStation Move is set to get another taste of Disney when Disney Pixar's Brave comes to the motion controller this summer. The third-person action adventure uses Move in an archery segment, though hopefully the full game will be Move compatible; you can't beat a bit of wand-waving in a fantasy setting. Disney's not telling us much...
Rumour Tales of Xillia Heading to Europe
Trademark says so
The latest entry in the long-running Tales series, Tales of Xillia, could be coming to Europe if a trademark is to be believed. Seasoned snoops Siliconera uncovered a listing for the title that was filed by publisher Namco Bandai earlier in the week. These things usually turn out to be true. Namco Bandai has yet to comment on the...
News Foosball 2012 Shoots onto PS3 and PS Vita
Practice your wrist action
Grip Games is well known for its output on the PlayStation Minis platform, but with today’s announcement it has stepped into the big league. The Prague-based developer has taken a quick detour onto the PlayStation Blog to reveal Foosball 2012 – a digital table football simulation pledged for PlayStation 3 and...
News LittleBigPlanet Karting Powerslides onto PlayStation 3
Crafty
ModNation Racers studio United Front Games has revealed itself as the developer behind the rumoured LittleBigPlanet Karting. The adorable racer – due out on PlayStation 3 at some point in 2012 – promises a full creation system similar to that in the mainline LBP games, which will allow players to craft new levels, racers, and even modify...
News Take a Look at Bayonetta in Anarchy Reigns
Anarchic manes
Platinum Games has released the first images of Bayonetta in online brawler Anarchy Reigns. The crossover was announced earlier in the week, and will see all first-edition copies of the game bundled with a code opening up access to the hairy witch in the title’s 16-player online component. With Madworld
News The Simpsons Arcade Game Tops February PSN Charts
Woohoo!
Almost 25 years after their original debut, The Simpsons are still topping charts. Sony has revealed that the recently re-released The Simpsons Arcade Game has topped the PlayStation Network charts for February, beating out strong competition from the likes of Gotham City Imposters and House of the Dead III. Escape Plan took the honours on...
News Max Payne 3's "Crews" to Carry Over into GTAV Multiplayer
Persistent posses
Rockstar Games' Dan Houser casually dropped a tidbit concerning Grand Theft Auto V’s multiplayer in an interview with IGN today. The traditionally shy executive confirmed that the “crews” players form in Max Payne 3’s multiplayer mode will carry across into GTAV via the Rockstar Social Club. He said: Multiplayer is an...
News Find Out How Kara Came to Life
Behind the scenes
There’s no doubt that Quantic Dream’s Kara tech demonstration was one of the most interesting reveals at this year’s GDC. Designed to plot the progression of the French studio's performance capture technology, the short movie detailed the transformation of an android named Kara from cyborg to emotional human. It’s...
News Grasshopper Considering Shadows of the Damned Sequel
Spurred on
Shadows of the Damned didn’t get the respect it deserved. In what other third-person shooter do you feed crying babies strawberries in order to open locked doors? Exactly. If you haven’t played it, you’re part of the problem. Still, despite the game tanking like a weight in water at retail, former Silent Hill composer (who worked on...
Wednesday21st Mar 2012
News Saints Row: The Third Explains the Trouble with Clones
Gat's back
It’s probably telling that Saints Row: The Third’s latest DLC pack – which sees former series protagonist Johnny Gat brought back to life as a thirty-foot clone – seems a bit tame. Don’t get us wrong, we like the idea of gaining superpowers from drinking the Saints’ own brand of energy drink (Saints Flow for those curious),...
News BioWare Seeking "Closure" for Mass Effect 3 Ending
Under fire developer responds
Earlier in the week we reported that fans had started a petition against Mass Effect 3’s disappointing conclusion. At the time of writing, the lobby had raised $66,000 for US charity Child’s Play. Since then that number has jumped by approximately $10,000, with an additional 600 players adding their name to the...
News BioShock Vita Was Announced Before Development Started
Would you kindly...?
Sony kindly asked Ken Levine to announce BioShock Vita before the game even started production, the developer has revealed. Speaking in an interview with Eurogamer.net, the series creator said that he agreed to the request due to Sony being such a great partner to Irrational Games: Look, generally when I announce something...
News Final Fantasy XIII-2 Gets Mass Effect 3 DLC
Sure, why not?
Good job Final Fantasy XIII-2 is all about time travel. The title’s already taken a trip into the past in order to steal Ezio’s robes, and now it’s preparing for a trip into the future too. Square Enix has announced that an upcoming DLC pack will see Mass Effect costumes integrated into the JRPG sequel. Protagonists Serah and...
Rumour Trademark Teases Dawnguard DLC for Skyrim
Awaken, Dovahkiin
The last we heard about Bethesda’s post-release plans for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, the publisher indicated that we wouldn’t be seeing any additional content for a while. But a trademark filing posted by parent company Zenimax Media has indicated that the RPG’s first expansion might be closer than we expected. The...
Store Update 21st March 2012 (Europe)
Ubisoft meltdown
Ubi wants a big ol' slice of your money this week, with Altair, Ezio and Rayman all competing for your digital funds. Here's what's up this week for those with European Store accounts. PlayStation Plus: Assassin’s Creed Revelations – 50% Discount (ends Monday, March 26th)Rayman 3 HD – 20% Discount, 1 week onlyBionic Commando:...
Store Update 20th March 2012 (North America)
Sumioni and Rayman 3
After the thrill of Journey and other high profile releases in recent weeks, this Store Update might disappoint some, but there's still some quality downloading to be done. Here's what's up. PlayStation Plus: Free Dynamic Theme: Journey Dynamic Theme Spring Fever Discounted Games:Rayman 3 HD (20% off)
News Epic Mickey 2 Paints its Way onto PlayStation 3
Disney lets the mouse out of the bag
If Warren Spector’s appearance on this week’s GameTrailers TV wasn’t enough to convince you that Disney Epic Mickey 2 was on the horizon, then an Associated Press story should do the job. The article confirms that a sequel to 2010’s popular Nintendo Wii platformer is in development for PlayStation 3, with...
News Bayonetta Struts into Anarchy Reigns
Hair she is
Platinum Games’ pert protagonist Bayonetta is set to make a cameo in the upcoming arena brawler Anarchy Reigns. The sassy star will be made available for all those that pre-order the game (known as Max Anarchy overseas) ahead of its Japanese release. Publisher SEGA’s yet to share any gameplay details, but more information is expected...
News Starhawk Features Dual Log-ins
Friends with benefits
There was a time when gaming was all about hanging out with mates and competing on the couch. That time has since become a distant memory, as the importance of online gaming grows. But Lightbox Interactive is aiming to bring split-screen back... Well, sort of anyway. The thing is, Starhawk will not feature four-player...
News Slant Six Announces Strata Scavenger
Next on the agenda
With Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City done and dusted, former SOCOM developer Slant Six is turning its attention to its first new intellectual property. Named Strata Scavenger, the currently platform-less title is due out in 2013. The company explained: Though we’re keeping this one close to our collective chests, we can...
News Dylan Jobe Updates You on Starhawk Development
To infinity and beyond
Starhawk is mere months away from its 8th May release, a date which is all too soon for Lightbox Interactive’s Dylan Jobe. In a brand new video posted to the PlayStation Blog, the classy CEO has shared some last minute thoughts on the game’s development, its beta and the importance of crunch time. We can’t help but feel...
Tuesday20th Mar 2012
Review Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City (PlayStation 3)
No braaains
Set as a side story during the events of Resident Evil 2's Raccoon City outbreak, Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City drops you in the heavy boots of an elite Umbrella commando squad. Your assignment: retrieve the G-Virus or, failing that, destroy all evidence of Umbrella's connection and remove any dangerous survivors — Leon S...
Review Binary Domain (PlayStation 3)
Binary dismemberment
Global warming has flooded Earth, killing millions. With human manpower severely diminished, the mass production of robotic workers went into full force to assist with rebuilding the devastation around the world. Governmental powers crippled in the wake of the disaster, laws and regulations weren’t properly enforced: in Binary...
News God of War 'Demake' Now Available
Free for PC
The God of War series is arguably amongst the best-known franchises on PlayStation 3, and one recent release that has grabbed our attention is an 8-bit re-imagining of these titles' universe. It may seem like an unlikely project, but that's exactly what indie developer Holmade Games has produced. The indie developer decided that it...
News Resistance: Burning Skies Trailer Lights Up
Isn't futile
Your first look at footage of Resistance: Burning Skies on PS Vita is right below these very words. Nihilistic's shooter is heading for release at the end of May, with more details to be revealed next month including the first information on its multiplayer mode. Until then get watching the video below and see how many new weapons and...
News Virtua Fighter Legend Chibita Talks Final Showdown
The 'little kid' speaks
SEGA's Virtua Fighter 5 Final Showdown is out in a few months, hoping to draw in a new breed of players to its "speed chess" gameplay. If you practise for years and years and years, you might be as good as VF legend Chibita. The Japanese pro talked to the official SEGA Blog about his play style, career and the...
Rumour Crystal Dynamics Working on Soul Reaver Reboot
Something to sink your teeth into
Reports emerging this morning indicate that Crystal Dynamics is working on a full reboot of the vampire series, Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver. VG247 has the scoop, suggesting that the game will be a “full reworking of the vampire action classic” with a new art direction. The site notes that a reveal was previously...
News Capcom Releases RE: Operation Raccoon City Launch Trailer
An assault on your eardrums
Before you press play on this Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City launch trailer, make sure you turn your speakers down. Capcom’s set the latest footage of its spin-off squad based shooter to the noisiest dubstep soundtrack of all time. There’s no melody here, just vibrations. You can find out whether Slant Six’s...
News BioShock Infinite's "Boys of Silence" Are Surprisingly Loud
Frightening, too
Of all the Heavy Hitters developer Irrational Games has revealed for BioShock Infinite, the so-called “Boys of Silence” are by far the most terrifying. Look, we don’t particularly fancy coming up against a mechanical George Washington either, but we’d prefer it to one of these faceless menaces. We'll be having nightmares...
News There's a Lot of Dialogue in BioShock Infinite
Chatterbox
The original BioShock was a fairly chatty game, but the upcoming BioShock Infinite is poised to puts its predecessor to shame. Series creator Ken Levine has revealed that there is “three or four times” more scripting in a single level of Infinite than in the entirety of the original game combined. That leaves a lot of room to say...
News Assassin's Creed: Revelations Sneaks onto PSN This Week
Pay the price
If, like us, you’ve come to resent changing discs when you want to play a new game, then Ubisoft’s got the perfect announcement for you: Assassin’s Creed Revelations is coming to the PlayStation Network this week. You’ll have to pay a premium to witness the conclusion of Ezio’s tale directly from your hard-drive (£49.99),...
News I Am Alive Lives on PSN From 4th April
This is living
After a short period of exclusivity on the Xbox 360, Ubisoft has announced that it is bringing its ambitious survival title I Am Alive to the PlayStation Network on 4th April, 2012. Ubisoft has yet to reveal full pricing information for the game, but it has announced that PlayStation Plus subscribers will be able to take advantage of...
News Hydrophobia Prophecy Developer Enters Administration
Drowning in debt
Hydrophobia Prophecy developer Dark Energy Digital has been shut down, according to a report on GamesIndustry.biz. The site reports that the company’s assets have been passed onto the recently founded Dark Energy Publishing, a new upstart created in January by Dark Energy Digital owners Pete and Deborah Jones. GamesIndustry.biz...
Monday19th Mar 2012
Review FIFA Street (PlayStation 3)
Quality street
A lot has changed in the football genre since EA released FIFA Street 3 back in 2008. The mainline FIFA franchise has enjoyed an impressive transformation over the past five years and, consequentially, has knocked former champion Pro Evolution Soccer from the top of the league. It’s telling, then, that the latest FIFA Street comes...
News BioWare Responds to Mass Effect 3 Backlash
Unhappy endings
Disgruntled Mass Effect fans have now raised over $66,000 for US charity Child’s Play regarding the ending of Mass Effect 3. The paid petition – which now has over 3,000 signatures – launched just under a week ago and has taken the video game industry by storm. The demand of its supporters is for BioWare to consider fleshing...
News Developer Expected Mixed Reception for Asura's Wrath
No surprise
Asura’s Wrath is not a conventional game. In all honesty, it’s not really a game at all. It’s an experience – an utterly ridiculous one, but an experience all the same. It’s unsurprising, then, that the president of developer Cyber Connect 2, Hiroshi Matsuyama, expected the game to be met with mixed reactions. He told Joystiq:...
News PSN Maintenance Returns This Wednesday
Heads up
It’s that time of the month again where we hop online to school you about Sony’s latest PlayStation Network maintenance plans. Comes around quick, doesn’t it? Posting on the official community forums, Sony’s announced that the latest batch of network repairs will begin on 21st March at 15:00PM GMT and will run right through until...
News EA Announces More Server Closures
Online pass titles part of the cull
It turns out that the money raised from online passes is not being put towards server maintenance after all. EA has basically squashed that theory by announcing that it is closing down the online portion of EA Sports MMA – a title which less than 18 months ago required an online pass for multiplayer gameplay. EA...
News New Sorcery Footage Waves its Wand
Wingardium leviosa
Sorcery’s certainly come a long way since its initial unveiling. The original concept seemed like a pretty bog standard dungeon crawler, but based on the evidence of this new footage, the game’s blossomed into something of an adventure title. The question is, valued reader, are you still excited for the game or not? There was...
News FIFA Street Shoots to the Top of the UK Charts
Messi masterclass
FIFA Street dodged and weaved its way past Mass Effect 3 in the UK sales charts this week, topping the list with a rabona finish. The urban soccer sim headed a robust week for the FIFA franchise as a whole, with mainline release FIFA 12 still managing to scoop a Champions League spot in fourth. Mass Effect 3 naturally dropped to...
News Runner 2 Delayed Until November
It's a bit of a trip up
Sony gamers have enjoyed some spectacular and exclusive download titles, though the BIT.TRIP series from Gaijin Games is perhaps one group of Wii exclusives that will have attracted envious glances. Thankfully, the developer's latest title, Runner 2 - Future Legend of Rhythm Alien, is confirmed for the PlayStation Network, so...
Sunday18th Mar 2012
Review Jonah Lomu Rugby Challenge (PlayStation 3)
A challenge well met
Rugby union and video games traditionally do not get along well. For years, fans have been demanding a decent — even half-decent — game to come out, but are constantly disappointed. With only a handful of titles out there, egg chasers have had the option of either like it or lump it. Just when you thought this console...
Review Rugby World Cup 2011 (PlayStation 3)
A collapsed scrum
HB Studios is no stranger to rugby union, having created EA’s last-generation rugby titles, although these were merely decent at best. After a four-year hiatus the studio's returned to the field with its latest offering, the officially-licensed Rugby World Cup 2011. Given its previous experience with the previous console...
News Crytek Confident Homefront 2 Can Succeed
Long-term investment
Homefront divided opinion upon its release in early 2011. Despite not receiving particularly positive reviews, the THQ published first-person shooter enjoyed a fairly favourable commercial reception, thanks in part to a strong promotional push. The sequel to Homefront is currently in development at former TimeSplitters studio...
Saturday17th Mar 2012
Review MLB 12 The Show (PlayStation 3)
Diamond pleaser
MLB the Show is known as a series dedicated to baseball accuracy and purity. It boasts identical replicas of the major league stadiums (even some minor league ones), players move fluidly and resemble their real life counterparts and sounds from fans heckling to the smack of the bat are captured perfectly. MLB The Show 12 still...
News Capcom Spells Out Street Fighter X Tekken's DLC Plans
Not all cheap
Street Fighter X Tekken fans aren’t happy. Shortly after the game’s release, hackers uncovered that much of the title’s DLC content was already included on the disc. That led to outrage, causing fans to ponder why they must pay extra to gain access to content that’s already finished. There are legitimate reasons of course. Bad...
News Tecmo Koei Sneaks Free DLC into Ninja Gaiden 3
Palate cleanser
If you’re still furious about Capcom’s Street Fighter X Tekken DLC plans, then here’s something to lighten your mood: publisher Tecmo Koei has announced that it is to release a batch of free DLC for the upcoming Ninja Gaiden III. Revealed in Famitsu magazine [via Andriasang], the post-release goodies will include two new...
News LittleBigPlanet 2 Scoops Up Two BAFTA Awards
Portal 2 takes home Game of the Year
Valve’s first-person puzzler Portal 2 took home the coveted Game of the Year gong at last night’s glitzy BAFTA awards ceremony in London. The brilliant brain bender was the biggest winner on the night, scooping up an additional two awards for best Design and Story. Despite being nominated in five categories,...
Friday16th Mar 2012
Review Unit 13 (PlayStation Vita)
Suited and booted
Unit 13 is an answer to critics who claim Sony’s handheld endeavours don't match their platform. Zipper Interactive’s third-person shooter seamlessly combines the depth of a fully functioning action title with the accessibility of a smartphone game, and it serves as an example of what developers can achieve when they design...
Review Canabalt (PlayStation Minis)
Dashing desperado
The PSP is positively bristling with input buttons, yet Canabalt is a game you can play with just one. Originally conceived as a free-to-play browser game, it made the leap to iOS in 2009, and now graces the PlayStation Network as a PSP Mini. Canabalt’s premise is the ultimate in high concept. The planet has been invaded by...
Review Touch My Katamari (PlayStation Vita)
Roll with it
Katamari Damacy began as a happy ball of creativity, an innovative concept revolving solely around the simple act of rolling. Eight years after it first arrived, the novelty has dissipated, the industry nary raising an eyebrow at the series any longer. Time, and a lack of forward movement, has normalised the Prince and King of All...
News F1 2012 Races onto PS3 in September
Vrooom
Try and feign some excitement,anything, because Codemasters has announced – wait for it – F1 2012. That’s right, the latest title in the annual Jenson Button simulator will arrive in September on PlayStation 3 (and noticeably not on PS Vita). Codemasters’ timing is impeccable as we’re just a few hours away from the start of the 2012...
Rumour Shenmue HD Was Finished Over a Year Ago
"I see..."
Here’s a story to get the old blood boiling: according to GamerZines, SEGA has been sitting on finished versions of Shenmue HD and Shenmue II HD for over a year. The website reports that the Japanese publisher decided to hold back the hotly anticipated re-releases in order to get a feel for the future of the Shenmue franchise as a...
News Play Corpse Ninja With Mortal Kombat Vita
Looks familiar
Mortal Kombat Vita is the kind of port we can get behind. Sure the game’s largely based on its PlayStation 3 counterpart, but it’s also packing plenty of new features of its own. Those additions are demonstrated in this brand new trailer, which hints at an MK alternative of smartphone favourite Fruit Ninja. The twist? You ain’t...
News Lollipop Chainsaw Introduces The Bosses of Zombie Rock
Better than your favourite band
Just when you thought Lollipop Chainsaw couldn’t possibly get any stupider, Warner Bros goes ahead and introduces Josey: a face-painted funkster armed with a keytar and eight-bit bombs. Josey’s just one of The Bosses of Zombie Rock, with the full set introduced in this brand new trailer. Watch it if you enjoy bad...
News Closure Comes to PlayStation Network on 27th March
Not what you think
Stop worrying, the PlayStation Network is not closing down. Quite the contrary, as Eyebrow Interactive has announced that former Indie Game Challenge winner Closure is coming to the PlayStation Network on 27th March. The game is set in a monochrome world in which only the things you see actually exist. That means that unless you...
News Hitomi and Ayane Duke it Out in Dead or Alive 5 Trailer
Girl on girl
We’re going to avoid the temptation to fill this story with smutty remarks, largely because Dead or Alive 5 is looking pretty good. Most noticeably, the characters no longer resemble porcelain dolls, but we also think the cinematic style that developer Team Ninja’s gunning for has actually given the game a unique look. This trailer...
News Ignition Entertainment Teases New El Shaddai Project
Ascend again
Ignition Entertainment is teasing a new El Shaddai project due for release this year. A teaser website uploaded by the publisher hints at the new venture, and asks: "Who is the ultimate angel who God speaks of?" There are images of five characters included on the page's background. As Andriasang points out, the El Shaddai brand has...
News Datura Introduces the Most Difficult Decision of Them All
Daddy or chips
Given the choice between saving someone’s life or earning a new PlayStation Network trophy, we’re not sure what we’d choose – but we never thought we’d be faced with the dilemma. Plastic’s new PlayStation Move title Datura makes that conundrum a reality though, and we couldn’t be more intrigued by the prospect. In a...
News Avengers DLC Spinning into Marvel Pinball This Spring
About flipping time
Four new tables are headed to Marvel Pinball this spring, developer Zen Studios has announced. The tables – based on Marvel Comics’ World War Hulk, Fear Itself and The Infinity Guantlet storylines – will include more character interaction, dialogue and action than any of the developer's previous tables according to the...
News There Was Almost a Mass Effect First-Person Shooter
Don't tell NeoGAF
BioWare fans need no excuse to lash out at their favourite developer – but they almost got one anyway. According to Geoff Keighley’s The Final Hours of Mass Effect 3, the developer was originally toying with the idea of releasing a standalone first-person shooter set in the Mass Effect universe. That game eventually became Mass...
Thursday15th Mar 2012
News Feast Your Eyes on Gravity Rush's DLC
Kat suit
While we wait desperately to play Gravity Rush – or Gravity Daze as it’s known overseas – Sony has revealed details about the game’s first DLC pack due for release in Japan next week. Dubbed the “Spy Volume”, the ¥400 set will include a cat suit costume for protagonist Kat, two side missions and two challenge missions. In order...
News New PS Vita Firmware Coming in April
Bringing better PSP compatibility?
It seems as though there’s another PlayStation Vita firmware update on the way, if a Twitter exchange between a fan and Q-Games’ Dylan Cuthbert is to be believed. When asked why PixelJunk Monsters wasn’t currently compatible with Sony’s new handheld, Cuthbert said that support was coming soon: They are...
Rumour Ratchet & Clank HD Collection Releasing 16th May
Up your arsenal
The Ratchet & Clank HD Collection rumours have really started to pick up pace over the last couple of weeks. Despite there being no official announcement from publisher Sony, 9Live.be appears to have gotten hold of an image of the game’s boxart as well as an official release date: 16th May. According to the website the...
News Japanese Sales Charts: One Piece Still on Top
Vita sales up... Just
Namco Bandai’s rip-roaring PlayStation 3 exclusive One Piece: Pirate Musou has enjoyed a second week at the top of the Japanese sales charts after blowing the doors off the week prior. Despite selling way over 500k units last week, the PS3 release still managed to rustle up another 90,133 sales, bringing its overall tally...
News SEGA Shifts Exclusive Yakuza: Dead Souls DLC from GAME
No prizes for guessing why
There’s a good chance you might have pre-ordered SEGA’s upcoming Yakuza: Dead Souls from GAME, seeing as the UK retailer had the exclusive on the game’s Densetsu DLC pack. The problem is, the troubled retailer has opted not to stock the spin-off title this week, meaning SEGA has had to transfer the bonus to other...
News Sony Confirms Ratchet & Clank Collection for PS3
Locked and loaded
Following on from our report earlier this evening, Sony has confirmed that the Ratchet & Clank Collection is coming to PlayStation 3. The game will arrive on 16th May in Europe as the Ratchet & Clank Trilogy. North American gamers will be made to wait until the Fall. Insomniac Games’ Ted Price explained: I know it’s a...
News Gravity Rush Was Inspired by Crackdown
Xbox exclusive a favourite
Gravity Rush started life as a PlayStation 3 title. According to an interview published on the PlayStation Blog, the team happened upon the PS Vita during development and swiftly realised that the platform was “perfect for the game”. Elsewhere in the interview, the team revealed that the topsy-turvy platformer was...
News PSN Trophies Tally to Remain Unchanged Despite XBOX Hike
Brrring
Microsoft’s decision to boost the maximum XBOX Live Arcade achievement tally from 200 points to 400 points creates an interesting dilemma for multiplatform releases. Many games use the same unlock conditions for achievements and trophies across both platforms, but Sony has confirmed that it is not going to follow Microsoft’s lead. Not...
News DiRT Showdown Twists Some Metal
Crash bash
Even with Twisted Metal fresh in our memories, we’re really looking forward to DiRT Showdown. While the spin-off racer might not have any weapon pick-ups or explosives, it does have giant dome like arenas – which means there’s plenty of potential for bent metal and knackered paint jobs. Check out this brand new trailer to see what...
News Sleeping Dogs Jets Off to Hong Kong
No chewed up travel tickets
Square Enix has released a trailer taking a look behind the scenes at the development of Sleeping Dogs. The video discusses the reason behind the title’s exotic Hong Kong setting, and details some of the research techniques that developer United Front Games adopted in order to get the feel of the game right. Sleeping...
News Activision Dates New Modern Warfare 3 Content for PS3
Paving the path to prestige
There are physics degrees that are easier to understand than Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3’s DLC release schedule. Activision’s somehow managed to lock the DLC behind so many exclusivity windows that we’ve given up trying to understand it all. First there’s the XBOX 360 window, then there’s the Call of Duty...
Wednesday14th Mar 2012
News Meet BioShock Infinite's Handyman
Tool up
BioShock Infinite is set in a completely different world to the original title, so naturally there are no Big Daddies or Little Sisters. Instead there are Heavy Hitters, of which we’ve already been introduced to one: the Motorized Patriot. Now Irrational Games has raised the curtain on the game’s second heavy hitter, known as the...
Store Update 13th March 2012 (North America)
Spring fever
The PlayStation Network has officially caught Spring Fever this week, prompting lots of discounts to be added to the North American PlayStation Store. Elsewhere, vanilla PSN users finally get access to thatgamecompany’s wonderful Journey, while a selection of new PS Vita titles finally launch overseas. Let’s go. PlayStation Plus:...
News Silent Hill Unleashes a Downpour Over North America
Bring your umbrella
Good news for convict Murphy Pendleton: during a prison transfer, an accident opens up an avenue towards all the freedom of a fugitive lifestyle. Bad news: he's crashed right up near the notorious town of Silent Hill, and the weather isn't looking too rosy. Silent Hill: Downpour is now available in North America on PlayStation 3...
News Jet Set Radio HD Loses Some of its Original Songs
Super brothers
A big part of the appeal of SEGA’s cel-shaded graffiti franchise Jet Set Radio is the music – so there’s been warranted concern over the upcoming HD remaster’s soundtrack. The good news is that SEGA’s managed to relicense just over half of the original playlist; the bad news is that it couldn’t nab rights to the other...
Store Update 14th March 2012 (Europe)
Bon voyage
There’s lots of great content launching as part of today’s European PlayStation Store update, including a certain game called Journey – you might have heard of it. Let’s go. PlayStation Plus: Shoot Many Robots 20% discount for one weekMotorStorm RC Pro-AM 50% discount PlayStation 3 Games: BioShock 2 £23.99, €
News House of the Dead 4 Shoots Up the PlayStation Store Next Month
Braaains
Shooting zombies never gets old. Sure gamers might lament the lack of creativity when developers spew out yet another title featuring the undead, but, let’s be honest, shooting their limbs off never really loses its sheen, does it? There’s good news for PlayStation Move owners then, as SEGA has announced that House of the Dead 4 is...
News PlayStation Store Launches on Sony Xperia S
Paving the way for PS Suite
Sony’s flagship Android handset, the Xperia S, now has another feather to add to its cap: the PlayStation Store. Coming good on its promise of PlayStation Certified compatibility, Sony has updated the smartphone's feature-set to include access to its premium digital storefront. At present there are 16 PSone classics...
News Freemium Gundam Shooter Blasting onto PSN
Complimentary chaos
The free-to-play market is blowing up in PC and mobile sectors, but it’s still yet to really take off on consoles. Sony’s hoping to change that, by commissioning content such as Free Realms and the upcoming DUST 514 – and it looks as though other publishers are finally starting to take notice. Namco Bandai has announced...
News Lollipop Chainsaw Boasts Some Killer Voice Talent
See how many names you can recognise
Lollipop Chainsaw promises to be one of the most memorable PS3 titles this year, with over-the-top violence and humour that we can't wait to take for a spin. While in the act of carving up zombies it's always a bonus if the storyline and voice-acting keeps up, and according to a press release it looks like it'll...
News Team Up on PSN, Shoot Many Robots
Fry their microchips
The world's gone to pot, the robots have become self-aware and humanity's in peril. But wait — all's not lost, as a paranoid hillbilly has been waiting for this very day with an impressive stockade of weaponry. And beer. Demiurge Studios' Shoot Many Robots arrives on the European PlayStation Network today. The side-scrolling...
News Resident Evil 6 Pre-orders Do the Business for Capcom
What are you buyin'?
Resident Evil 6 might still be several months away, but the title is already causing a stir in the marketplace according to publisher Capcom. Speaking with Game Informer, Capcom’s Christian Svensson revealed that not only are pre-orders off to a stellar start, but the title’s announcement has also raised interest in the...
News No More Sonic 4 Episodes Planned Beyond Episode 2
Cutting things short
Episodic content is a curse – just ask fans of Half-Life. Sadly it looks as though SEGA’s not going to be the ones to break that curse, announcing that it has no plans to continue its Sonic the Hedgehog 4 series beyond the upcoming Episode 2. Sonic Team producer Takashi Iizuka broke the depressing news, telling Digital Spy...
Sand play
PlayStation Plus members have been skidding through the sand in thatgamecompany's Journey for a week already, but now it's time for everybody to set off on their own adventure. Lucky North Americans got the game yesterday for the tidy sum of $14.99, while European travellers can pick it up for £9.99 as of today. Thatgamecompany's third...
News Don't Expect Shinji Mikami's Next Game Until 2013
Shadows of the damned
Don’t expect to be playing Shinji Mikami’s next game until 2013 at the earliest. The former Resident Evil man – now at the summit of Zenimax-owned development studio Tango – told 4Gamer [via Andriasang] that the studio would not have anything to show in 2012. According to Mikami, Tango’s new title uses an external...
Tuesday13th Mar 2012
Review Twisted Metal (PlayStation 3)
Carnival of carnage
Twisted Metal doesn’t care much for first impressions: the game’s overarching heavy metal motif is about as dislikeable as the psychotic characters at the centre of its gratuitous plotline. But to dismiss Eat Sleep Play’s car combat reboot on the basis of first appearances would be a grave error, because beyond the...
News GAME Won't Stock Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City or Ninja Gaiden 3
Confirmed by the publishers
UK Retailer GAME has missed out on a number of big releases in recent weeks as a result of losing its credit insurance, as negotiations with publishers and distributors have continued to break down. As the company reportedly seeks buyers, its been confirmed that two more high-profile PS3 titles won't be stocked by the...
News Select Retailers Bundling Move Peripheral with Ninja Gaiden 3
Wield the Dragon Sword
The Nintendo Wii has taught us to anticipate needless peripheral extensions alongside motion controlled games, and it looks as though Team Ninja’s upcoming Ninja Gaiden III is not going to be any different. A listing on Canadian retailer Video Game Plus mentions a limited edition bundle which includes a Dragon Sword...
News Sonic 4: Episode 2's Physics to be Based on Mega Drive Games
Getting it right
Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 was not a bad game by any means, but it just didn’t feel right. Over the years, the Sonic series has developed a distinctive “feel” which was completely missing in SEGA’s episodic debut. Thankfully, the Japanese publisher is not planning on making the same mistake twice. Speaking with...
News New Sonic 4: Episode 2 Screenshots Sprint Online
Egged on
SEGA’s released some brand new screenshots from Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 and it’s all looking delightfully pretty. The shots show a variety of new districts, including a theme park, an underwater stage and a rather festive snowy carnival. There’s also room for a sneak peak at one of the game’s boss fights, which looks...
News MotorStorm RC Pro-AM DLC Launches Tomorrow
Shove it
If you’ve (somehow) already managed to clear MotorStorm RC’s lengthy campaign, then you might be excited to learn that the game’s set to get its first DLC pack tomorrow. The Pro-AM festival includes 16 new events set across four circuits, each designed around a skate-park theme. The PR reads: Get ready for huge ramps, banked corners...
News Retro City Rampage to Retail for $15
Because it's worth it
Retro City Rampage developer Brian Provinciano refuses to charge less than what he feels his game is worth. In an interview with PocketNext, the indie developer took a dig at the “race to the bottom” pricing model that is sweeping iOS platforms, explaining that his title is worth every penny of the $15 he intends to sell it...
News Super Monkey Balls Rolls onto PlayStation Vita in June
AiAi
The latest entry in SEGA’s premium primate puzzler Super Monkey Ball is set to spin onto Japanese PS Vitas on 14th June, the publisher has announced. Super Monkey Ball: Banana Splitz promises to revisit the classic gameplay formula from previous titles, in addition to adding motion controls, rear touch pad features, wireless two-player co-op,...
News Tales of Graces F Launch Trailer Drops Ahead of US Release
Purple pigtails
If you’ve been sorely missing the melodrama of JRPGs on PlayStation 3, then Namco Bandai’s got your back. The Japanese publisher is preparing to release Tales of Graces F in the US this week, and it’s celebrated with a trailer packed with cut-scenes and gameplay from the main game. Sadly those of you in Europe will have to wait...
News Idiot Squad Mixes Chu Chu Rocket with Madness
Sheep shape
Idiot Squad does not look like a game that was designed for idiots. Hydravision’s latest PlayStation Mini takes the grid-based shepherding of Chu Chu Rocket and makes it overtly complicated. It all looks rather fun though. Your objective is to control three different sheep classes around grid puzzles using a limited selection of...
News Resident Evil: Chronicles HD Confirmed for Western Launch
Rise from your grave
Further securing the PlayStation 3’s status as the primary platform for rails shooters, Capcom has announced that it is bringing both Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles and Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles to the PSN in June, bundled together as Resident Evil: Chronicles HD Collection. Both titles had previously been...
Rumour Guerrilla Staffing Up for Next-Gen Title
PlayStation 4?
Last week, Killzone developer Guerrilla Games confirmed that it was working on at least three new projects. It seems one of those titles will be on PlayStation 4, if a job listing filed by a “Netherlands based” studio is to be believed. The ad notes that the studio – almost certain to be Guerrilla Games – is "working...
Monday12th Mar 2012
News Yakuza: Dead Souls Launch Trailer Sets the Scene
Karaoke
The Yakuza series is well regarded for its melodramatic plotlines and ridiculous minigames, but by bringing zombies into the fold, Yakuza: Dead Souls hopes to set a new precedent. The game’s launch trailer sums up the silly nature of the title by showing eye-patched series veteran Goro Majima doing his very best karaoke performance...
Review Shinobido 2: Revenge of Zen (PlayStation Vita)
Niche ninja
The ninja career path is only for the chosen few. Mercenaries for hire, using stealth and the edge of their blades to cut out their living — life is hard for these hidden warriors. Those with enough skill can even turn the tides of war, and in Shinobido 2: Revenge of Zen, each contract taken has a long-lasting impact; your blade holds...
News Sony President Responds to Vita Game Heaven Criticisms
Promises more
Last week’s widely publicised PlayStation Vita Game Heaven event in Japan contained some interesting news — namely the unveiling of Phantasy Star Online 2 — but drew ire from much of the gaming community for its shoddy presentation and lack of major announcements. Sony Computer Entertainment Japan president Hiroshi Kawano has...
News Sound Shapes to Get Pre-Release Demo
808 sampler
Sound Shapes has come a long way since it was first unveiled at E3 last year. In a new video, anchored by Queasy Games’ Jason deGroot, the developer has shown off a couple of new environments from the final game, including a kind of space level where players get to take control of a UFO. Don’t worry, the music hook is still present,...
News AR Hockey Shows Off Vita's Markerless Technology
Pong
Sony’s not forgotten about PlayStation Vita’s augmented reality features. At last week’s GDC it showed off a brand new tech demo called AR Hockey. Unlike previous augmented reality titles on Vita, AR Hockey works without a marker card using Sony’s new Smart AR technology. Players must stand around a rectangle surface and physically move...
News Ninja Gaiden III Slashes Up London
Painting the town crimson
Tecmo Koei’s released a brand new trailer for Ninja Gaiden III showing off the game’s London stage. For realism, the level takes place in the rain. Well it’s not going to be sunny is it? As you’d expect, the footage is decidedly violent. Seriously, don’t watch it if you don’t like blood and gore. The game’s...
News Armature Aiding Metal Gear Solid HD Vita Development
Cutting its teeth
Way back in 2008, a group of employees from Metroid Prime developer Retro Studios departed to form a new company called Armature. Despite being in business for over four years, the company has yet to actually ship a product. That will change this summer, though, when the Metal Gear Solid HD Collection releases on PlayStation Vita...
News Sony Admits that It Could Have Done Better with Move
Still being worked on
When Move was released for the PS3, it offered an experience similar to the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, but ultimately with superior and more accurate technology. In an interview with Official PlayStation Magazine, however, Sony UK VP and MD Fergal Gara has admitted that it hasn't been as big a success as Sony hoped, and that...
News Crytek Teases "Absolutely Fantastic" Announcement
Tears of joy
Crytek is gearing up to announce an “absolutely fantastic” new title next month, general manager Nick Button-Brown has announced. Brown wouldn’t elaborate on the title itself, but it’s rumoured to be a sequel to the much loved TimeSplitters series. He told CVG: We still want to deliver the highest quality that we can,...
News Square Enix Trademark Hints at New Mini Ninjas Title
Tenchu for teens
It seems Square Enix is planning a new title in the Mini Ninjas series, as it has filed a trademark for a game called Mini Ninjas: Hiro’s Adventure. Adding fuel to the fire, the publisher has also registered the domain “minininjashirosadventure.com”. The original Mini Ninjas – developed by Hitman studio IO Interactive –...
News BioShock Infinite Motion Support Moving Forward
Day and date
Irrational Games’ fascinating gaffer Ken Levine has confirmed that BioShock Infinite’s vaunted PlayStation Move support will be available day and date with the game’s release. The developer has been pretty quiet about the feature since it was confirmed at E3 last year, but Ken Levine told Eurogamer.net that the reason for the...
Rumour Polyphony Scouting Bathurst for Gran Turismo
Probably not DLC
Gran Turismo fans are amongst the sneakiest in the industry, which means we’re often privy to plenty of leaks. While this isn’t a leak per se, it’s still a brilliant story. According to a post on the GTPlanet forums, Polyphony Digital was spotted scouting out the Mount Panorama track in Bathurst, Australia over the weekend...
News Mass Effect 3 Flies to the Front of the UK Charts
No surprise
We doubt anyone will be surprised to learn that Mass Effect 3 has shot straight to the top of the UK charts. The Bioware developed space opera outsold all of the previous four number ones – Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, UFC Undisputed 3, Uncharted: Golden Abyss and SSX – combined.
Sunday11th Mar 2012
Review Super Stardust Delta (PlayStation Vita)
Shining star
Although the Stardust series began life as a simple Asteroids clone on the classic Amiga computers, it wasn't until the release of Super Stardust HD on PlayStation 3's download service that it began to garner worldwide recognition. Lauded for its intuitive play controls and vibrant visuals, the twin analogue stick shooter quickly became...
News Touch My Katamari Scores Bizarre Pac-Man DLC
Wacca wacca
Touch My Katamari is not a conventional game, so the fact that Namco Bandai’s announced a bunch of Pac-Man DLC for the PS Vita launch title does not surprise us in the slightest. The additional mission features characters dressed as Pac-Man and the Ghosts, and sees you collecting power pellets and fruits from a maze like stage. As...
News Ridge Racer Unbounded Trailer Pays Homage to Michael Bay
Twisted metal
Ridge Racer Unbounded might have been delayed indefinitely in the US, but the racer’s still on track for its end of March release in Europe, and in order to celebrate, Namco Bandai’s released a brand new trailer highlighting the game’s explosive traits. If you’ve got a morbid fascination with car crashes, then there should be...
Saturday10th Mar 2012
Feature Kara and Sony's Creative Risks
Breaking the mould
Quantic Dream’s Kara may not represent a real development project, but it speaks volumes about Sony’s current position in the video game industry: few other manufacturers are willing to take such creative risks, and that gives the platform an overarching ethos in which innovation can thrive. It’s certainly no coincidence...
News Angry Birds Space Could Come to PlayStation Vita
Rovio leaving it up to Sony
Angry Birds is unsurprisingly one of the best selling PlayStation Minis in the platform’s history. While the title suffered from numerous frame-rate issues when running on the PSP, the title still garnered tremendous success. (Go look at its number of ratings on the PlayStation Store and you’ll see what we mean.) A...
News Starhawk Beta Adds Tanks and Jetbikes
Not your average Harley-Davidson
Sony’s upped the ongoing Starhawk beta to version 1.3, bringing with it some new goodies along the way. Amongst the new content is a Jetbike, designed for speed and maneuvrability, and the Ox Heavy Tank, which unsurprisingly is as hard as nails. Finally there’s a new “epic” 32-player map called Planet Dust...
News Q-Games Shows Off PixelJunk 4am
Late night fever
Last week we tried our very best to explain why you should have PixelJunk 4am on your radar, but it’s a hard game to describe using words. The music creation suite – which uses PlayStation Move to allow you to manipulate sounds in 3D space – demands some visual (and audio) context in order to highlight its genius, and...
Friday9th Mar 2012
News Ridge Racer Vita Gets Idolmaster Cars
Sexy wheels
We know what you’re thinking: why can’t I drive a car with a hot anime girl emblazoned on the side? Well, in real-life you might get a few funny looks – but in Ridge Racer Vita it’s totally fine. In fact, it’s more than fine, because Namco Bandai has announced plans to release 13 Idolmaster themed car liveries for the game...
News February NPD: Twisted Metal Charts as Sales Drop
Call of Duty on top
Forget the concerning news about dwindling sales, and let’s focus on what really matters: Twisted Metal was the ninth best selling game in North America for the month of February. Considering the amount of scepticism that was lofted at director David Jaffe and his team regarding the relevance of car combat, we think that’s a...
News Sony: US Vita Launch Generated "Exceptional Sales"
Overwhelming enthusiasm
Sony’s commented on the sales of the PlayStation Vita in North America, describing them as “exceptional”. SCEA’s Patrick Seybold said in a statement: After months of anticipation, the U.S. launch of PlayStation Vita saw overwhelming enthusiasm amongst gamers, resulting in exceptional hardware, software and peripheral...
News Phantasy Star Online 2 Confirmed for PS Vita
Pioneer 2
SEGA's revealed that it's bringing Phantasy Star Online 2 to PlayStation Vita. The sequel to the Dreamcast original was announced last year for PC, but as part of today's Game Heaven promotional event SEGA's confirmed it'll come to Vita in 2013. The game also looks like it'll support cross-platform play with PC gamers, as the video below...
News Avalanche Studios to Unveil New Game at E3
Just 'cause
Avalanche Studios is getting ready to raise the curtain on its next title, studio founder Christopher Sundberg has revealed. The title – due to be announced at E3 – will not be a sequel to Renegade Ops or Just Cause, opting to try something new. While the game will be based on a license – widely believed to be Mad Max – Sundberg...
News It's a Metal Gear Solid HD Collection Vita Video
Camo: off
Konami's Metal Gear Solid: HD Collection is coming to Vita — we know this already, of course — but as part of Sony's Vita Game Heaven event it's released a new video of series honcho Hideo Kojima discussing the enhanced collection. It's all in Japanese of course so don't expect to glean much from Kojima's too-cool-for-school talk, but...
News Sucker Punch Reflects on Flawed User Generated Content
Not the best fit
Sucker Punch’s attempts to introduce user generated content into inFamous 2 were certainly well realised, but in a post mortem at GDC, co-founder Chris Zimmerman has revealed that the title may not have been the best fit for the features. As part of his presentation, Zimmerman stated that just 15% of inFamous 2 players actually...
News Phantasy Star Online 2 is Only 10% Complete on Vita
Still a way away
If you thought that the Phantasy Star Online 2 footage released earlier today looked a bit rough, then worry not: SEGA’s Satoshi Sakai has revealed that the PlayStation Vita version of the title is only 10% complete. The game was announced as part of Sony’s Vita Game Heaven promotion earlier today, but the footage shown was...
News Sony and Kadokawa Tease Discovery Project for Vita
But what is it?
Out of all the titles revealed at Sony’s Japanese Vita Game Heaven promotion, Kadokawa’s Discovery Project was probably the most ambiguous. The trailer flashes up buzz words such as “User Generated Content” but fails to really elaborate on anything. It seems like animation houses Robot and Ufotable are on board though. See if...
News Enhanced Deadly Premonition Heading for PS3
We had a feeling
Xbox-exclusive Deadly Premonition was one of 2011's most divisive games: as flawed as it was enjoyable, review scores for it run nearly the whole spectrum, with a 10 from Destructoid and 2.0 from IGN. The news that an enhanced version is the on way to PS3 is probably pretty welcome, then. Former Marvelous man Yasuhiro Wada and game...
News Sony: "We Could Have Done Better on Move Titles"
Onwards and upwards
The PlayStation Move has played host to some great experiences – Sports Champions is still a favourite amongst the Push Square team – but it’s also had some real stinkers too. In a candid interview with Official PlayStation Magazine, new Sony Computer Entertainment UK boss Fergal Gara has admitted that the platform holder...
News Keiji Inafune Teases New PS Vita Project
Mega man
The impact of the announcement may have been squandered by loose lips at GDC, but former Capcom man Keiji Inafune has officially confirmed that he’s working on the PlayStation Vita in a new video teaser. In the footage, the developer describes the title as an “amazing Inafune-like” game, but sadly didn’t share any specifics. It...
News Go Behind the Scenes with Persona 4 The Golden
Nothing gold can stay
Sony’s revealed a four minute video of Persona 4: The Golden as part of today’s PlayStation Vita Game Heaven event. The video shows brand new footage of the PlayStation 2 port, as well as a behind the scenes look at Atlus’ development environment. Sadly, we didn’t spy a whiteboard with “Persona 5” teasingly...
News Mass Effect 3 Sells Nearly 900k Units in First 24 Hours
Shepard's sailing high
Looks like EA’s hard work promoting Mass Effect 3 has paid off pretty well for the publisher — reports spilling out of VentureBeat suggest that the RPG threequel sold a whopping 890k units in its first 24 hours on sale. That’s in the United States alone, by the way. It’s safe to assume that the title’s already...
News Quantic Dream "Open" to Going First-Party
Snap 'em up, Shuhei
Sony’s Worldwide Studios portfolio has grown significantly this generation with the addition of studios such as Sucker Punch and Media Molecule, but we get the impression that the platform holder’s always looking to expand. Top of our wish list for new acquisitions would be Heavy Rain developer Quantic Dream, and surprisingly...
Thursday8th Mar 2012
News Music Unlimited Launches on PlayStation Vita
Sound shapes
We know what you’re thinking: “Why can’t I listen to Livin’ la Vida Loca on my PlayStation Vita?” Well worry not young Ricky Martin fans, because now you can. Sony’s announced that the application for its subscription based streaming music service, Music Unlimited, has launched on the PS Vita this morning, and is ready to...
Review Army Corps of Hell (PlayStation Vita)
Test your metal
When the gates of the netherworld open and the King of Hell comes for our souls, his evil army of minions will rain death on all mankind with might, magic and so, so much metal. At least, that’s what the prophecies laid forth in Square Enix’s Army Corps of Hell would lead us to believe. When a game is labelled as being...
News Quantic Dream Debuts Incredible Kara Technology
Tear jerker
As promised yesterday, Quantic Dream has raised the curtain on its new engine technology, codenamed Kara. In an incredible short – similar to 2006’s The Casting demo – Quantic Dream introduces a cyborg named Kara, who’s assembled and checked before being taken apart due to showing unusual, emotional behaviour. Kara’s forced to...
News BioShock Vita is "Something Completely Different"
Show and tell
BioShock Infinite may be the emphasis for Ken Levine’s Irrational Games right now, but the luminary has not forgotten his PS Vita announcement from last year’s E3. In fact, according to Levine, BioShock Vita is in the works as we speak – the developer is just not ready to talk about it yet: We're working on it. We're trying to...
News David Cage Discusses the Development of Kara
The genius is back
If you haven’t seen Quantic Dream’s Kara technology demonstration yet, drop everything you’re doing and watch it. While the footage is not indicative of the Heavy Rain developer’s next project, it showcases the kind of technology leaps we can expect when the title is eventually announced. To complement yesterday's reveal,...
News BioShock Infinite Introduces Motorized Patriot
Be afraid
BioShock had the Big Daddies. BioShock 2 had the Big Sisters. Thus it’s only natural that BioShock Infinite should have a fearless enemy type of its own. That part is to be played by the Motorized Patriot, a clockwork porcelain interpretation of George Washington armed with a Gatling gun and a haunting stare. You can learn more about the...
News Guerrilla to Continue Supporting Killzone on PS3
Still working on new IP
Guerrilla Games is a busy studio at the moment. The Dutch studio currently has its hands on three different projects, including ongoing work on the Killzone franchise for PS3. Speaking at a GDC panel, art director Jan-Bart van Beek hinted that the studio was committed to supporting the Killzone IP on PS3, but he didn’t...
News Yakuza: Black Panther 2 Demo Drops in Japan
Like a dragon
SEGA’s released a demo for Yakuza’s second PlayStation Portable spin-off, Yakuza: Black Panther 2, in Japan. The demo, which is exclusive to Famitsu for the time being, features four components, including a sample of the game’s story mode, a chunk of hub-world Osaka to explore, a battle tutorial and a taste of the game’s...
News Ubi: Assassin's Creed III "Perfect for Series Newcomers"
Clean slate
Assassin’s Creed: Revelations must have been a nightmare for series newcomers. Not only was there the story of Ezio to contend with, but Desmond too. In fact, we’re pretty certain if you hadn’t played any of the Assassin’s Creed titles to date, you’d be utterly lost playing Revelations. Assassin’s Creed III, though, will be...
News Ghost Recon: Future Soldier Trailer Details Tech
Unfair advantage
Using the right weapon is an important part of any shooter, but in most games the tactics boil down to simply selecting the right class. Ghost Recon: Future Soldier promises to take things a little further, by giving you access to millions of potential weapon combinations in its Gun Smith mode. Here you can combine a vast array of...
News Sony Ships 10 Million PlayStation Move Controllers
Moving on up
The PlayStation Move has had a quiet year thus far, but with anticipated titles such as Sorcery and Datura on the horizon, it’s sure to pick up pace in the coming months. Regardless, it sounds like the motion peripheral's continuing to sell at a decent rate, with Sony confirming that it has now shipped 10.6 million units of the device...
News Uncharted 3 Shade Survival Mode Coming Next Week
Ghost rider
Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception gets new DLC next week in the form of the Shade Survival co-op mode. The new mode, teased by Naughty Dog last month, sees you face off against swarms of the Djinn from the main campaign. For those that haven’t beaten the game yet (what have you been doing?) the Djinn are the fiery creatures from the end...
Wednesday7th Mar 2012
Slip slidin' away
During its prolonged tutorial — which sees players leaping out of a plane before plummeting towards terra firma until all of the required actions have been performed — SSX is picture perfect. A seemingly endless and expertly crafted snowy mountain expanse stretches off into the horizon, the lighting is stunning to behold and...
Review Jak & Daxter Collection (PlayStation 3)
Jak of all trades
PlayStation 2 proved a haven for fans of platformers: Sony published no fewer than three outstanding platforming trilogies in Ratchet & Clank, Sly Cooper and Jak & Daxter. But while Insomniac’s already honoured Ratchet & Clank with a second PS3 trilogy of its own and Sly Cooper’s on the verge of a comeback courtesy...
News Dead or Alive 5 Could Feature More Virtua Fighter Characters
Shun Di, please
If you’re really keen to play Virtua Fighter without, y’know, actually playing Virtua Fighter, then it looks like Dead or Alive 5 is going to have your curious demands covered. Not content with adding Virtua Fighter’s Akira Yuki to the roster, Team Ninja’s Yosuke Hayashi has hinted that more characters from SEGA’s well...
Review Frobisher Says (PlayStation Vita)
If Monty Python did mini-games...
Although Nintendo’s WarioWare wasn’t the first game to compile quick-fire mini-games (it’s pre-dated by Sega’s Tanto-R and Konami’s Bishi Bashi), it remains the most famous example of the genre. While so many modern games try hard to immerse the player in engaging and time-consuming missions, WarioWare...
Review Hustle Kings (PlayStation Vita)
The royal touch
Following the success of Hustle Kings for PlayStation 3, VooFoo Studios' Hustle Kings on PS Vita has arrived. Whether you live in pool halls or just whisk through them once in a blue moon, Hustle Kings is enticing thanks to a variety of options that look out for everybody. The game's pockets are stuffed with enough content to make it...
Rumour Grand Theft Auto Vice City Nights Coming to PS Vita
Monster Hunter Portable 3 too
Take this with a pinch of salt, but UK retailer Play.com has updated its database with listings for Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Nights and Monster Hunter Portable 3 for PlayStation Vita. At the time of writing the Monster Hunter listing remains, but the Grand Theft Auto entry has since been pulled. The retailer also...
Rumour Golden Abyss Card Game DLC in the Works
Top trumps
A few months back, Uncharted: Golden Abyss developer Sony Bend hinted that there was multiplayer DLC in the works for the PS Vita launch title. It looks like that DLC could come in the form of a card game, if a screenshot posted by a NeoGAF user is to be believed. The user in question claims that his system froze moments after capturing...
News Japanese Sales Charts: One Piece Does the Business for PS3
Massive numbers for PS3 exclusive
One Piece: Pirate Musou – also known as One Piece: Pirate Warriors – gave the PlayStation 3 one of its strongest ever Japanese software debuts this past week, as it topped the charts with a whopping 655,774 units sold. Just to put things into perspective, it outsold the combined total of the remaining 19 titles...
News Final Fantasy XIII-2 to Grab Lightning DLC in May
Oh and it lights up the night
Final Fantasy XIII-2 will get a new DLC episode in May, publisher Square Enix has announced. As previously rumoured, the content will focus on the story of Lightning and her ongoing battle with antagonist Caius. According to Famitsu magazine [via Siliconera], the DLC will sport a slightly different battle system to the...
Store Update 7th March 2012 (Europe)
Trine 2 at last
The European PlayStation Store update is now available, bringing with it nice surprises and long-awaited games too. PlayStation Plus: Journey One-week early access — Journey review Trine 2 100% discount Sly Raccoon HD 100% discount Jet Rider 100% discount Farm Frenzy 2 100% discount
Store Update 6th March 2012 (North America)
Unit 13 ready for deployment
A free game on Vita and more await in this week's jam-packed Store Update. Let's get to it. PlayStation Plus: Journey Full Game (Early Access – $14.99) — Journey reviewMass Effect 3 Full Game TrialTom Clancy’s H.A.W.X 2 Full Game TrialQore Episode 46 (Early Access – Free)
News Quantic Dream to Showcase New Tech Demo Tonight
Uncaged
Quantic Dream will give us the first glimpse of its next game on Eurogamer.net tonight. Studio co-founder David Cage will debut a brand new tech demo as part of an hour long session at GDC this evening, but Eurogamer.net will follow immediately with the footage in addition to insight from Cage himself. Set your alarm clocks to 22:30PM GMT if...
News PlayStation Suite to Go into Open Beta Next Month
Certified
Sony’s ambitious mobile strategy, PlayStation Suite, will go into open beta next month, the Japanese giant has confirmed. The forward thinking initiative will theoretically allow publishers to bring PlayStation-quality content to multiple compatible mobile handsets. It’s part of Sony’s wider plan to combat the growing popularity of...
News Medal of Honor Warfighter's Multiplayer Goes Global
Let's do this
If you’re tired of playing of USA, then you might be excited to learn that Medal of Honor Warfighter’s multiplayer will feature operatives from around the world. The game will hone in on elite soldiers from 12 nations, "including the Australian SASR, British SAS, German KSK and Polish GROM among others”. Each of the nations...
News Journey Out Now for PS Plus Members
Take a trip to the desert
If you're a PlayStation Plus subscriber in Europe or North America, you can download thatgamecompany's superb Journey one week before it's available to the wider public. It'll set you back $14.99 in North America, £9.99 in the UK or €12.99 in Europe. If you're a PlayStation Plus member and you're on the fence about this,...
News Battlefield 3: Close Quarters Announced for June
Practice your CQC
The second major Battlefield 3 DLC pack is due in June, DICE has announced. Entitled Close Quarters, the expansion will bundle four maps, 10 weapons and, sadly, no vehicles – we suppose the title was chosen for a reason. DICE also announced that the game will get two more packs beyond its June expansion: Armour Kill and End Game...
News Sorcery Casts Spells on PlayStation Move this May
Expelliarmus
Sorcery’s been on the lips of PlayStation fans for years, and now it finally has a date. The hotly anticipated PlayStation Move title is set to release on 22nd May in North America and 23rd May in Europe. The game – which was announced at E3 several years ago – puts players in the shoes of Finn, a young sorcerer’s apprentice who...
Tuesday6th Mar 2012
Review Virtua Tennis 4: World Tour Edition (PlayStation Vita)
Pocket ace
Virtua Tennis is no stranger to PlayStation platform launches. An iteration of SEGA’s arcade sports series accompanied the release of Sony’s previous handheld, as well as the PS3. But while Virtua Tennis 4: World Tour Edition isn't a new entry into the franchise – it’s derived from last spring’s PS3 release – it’s a title...
Review Street Fighter X Tekken (PlayStation 3)
A cross to bear
Two of the biggest fighting franchises collide — wait, haven't we been here before? Over ten years ago SNK and Capcom crossed over to create a series of fighters that, however entertaining, ultimately failed to become more than the mere sum of their parts. Now Capcom's back in full-on synergy mode with Street Fighter X Tekken, but...
Review Ridge Racer (PlayStation Vita)
Spare parts
Ridge Racer and PlayStation fit together like hand in driving glove. Namco's racing series has helped to ignite the launch of each Sony console to date, but with such a strong launch line-up for Vita its finishing position is not quite as assured this time around. With a new online-focused approach, Vita's Ridge Racer is Namco's attempt...
News Sony Bringing New PSP Colour to Japan
Life in the old dog, yet
The PlayStation Portable is still hot in Japan (regularly outselling Sony’s beefy new hardware, the PS Vita, on a weekly basis). And so Sony has decided to capitalise on its former handheld’s continued longevity by announcing a new colour for its home region. Dubbed Sky Blue/Marine Blue, the two-tone PSP certainly looks...
Rumour 2K Czech Working on Grand Theft Auto V
Mafia III in production too
Mafia developer 2K Czech is collaborating with Rockstar North on Grand Theft Auto V, according to reports. A VG247 source claimed that the studio has been working on the game for almost a year, lending its cinematic expertise to help produce better cut-scenes for the hotly anticipated open world title. According to the...
News Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD Heads Back to School
Nothing to do with that Deftones song
Activision’s released a handful of new screenshots for the upcoming Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD. The shots show a number of favourite levels from the original PlayStation Tony Hawk titles, including our personal favourite, the School. We’ve been craving some old-school Tony Hawk action for years, so we...
News Sony Reveals 2012 PSN Gamers' Choice Awards Winners
Grabbing a gong
It’s time to don your tuxedo and get ready to grab a discount, as Sony’s announced the winners of the 2012 PSN Gamers’ Choice Awards. As with previous years, each of the winning titles will net a cool 30% discount (50% if you’re a PlayStation Plus subscriber) for a limited time only. The winners are: Best PSN Exclusive:...
News Metal Gear Solid HD Collection Rated for Vita
Sneaking into view
The release of Metal Gear Solid HD Collection on PS3 was given a warm welcome by fans of the series. Combining three top-class games in one package is never a bad thing, as our Metal Gear Solid HD Collection review explains. Now that Vita is on the scene with capabilities that are comparable, in some respects, to PS3, it's...
News Dragon's Dogma Takes to the Skies
Literally
Capcom wasn’t joking when it cited Shadow of the Colossus as an inspiration for Dragon’s Dogma. Indeed, this new trailer for the action RPG shows a group of warriors battling a Drake – a kind of mini dragon – in midair. The trailer got us thinking: is it wise to stab and fatally wound something you’re flying upon? Isn’t there a...
News Ridge Racer Unbounded Delayed Indefinitely in the US
No date in sight
Namco Bandai’s confirmed that it’s keeping Ridge Racer Unbounded, er, bounded for the foreseeable future. Following on from the game’s European delay, the publisher has announced that the racing reboot will not launch in North America until “later in 2012”. That doesn’t sound very promising, does it? A new release date...
News Mysterious PS Move Title Datura to Debut at GDC
No longer lingering in the shadows
After months of speculation, Polish developer Plastic is finally about to raise the curtain on its mysterious PlayStation Move title, Datura. Writing on its website, the developer said: We will be showcasing “Datura” at Sony’s booth. Everything is packed and prepared so see you there! More info and a...
News thatgamecompany Considered Other Settings for Journey
The forest temple?
Images of Journey’s vast desert setting have become iconic amongst anticipant PlayStation fans – but things were almost so different. Speaking with Shacknews, thatgamecompany co-founder Jenova Chen has revealed that the company considered many environments for the backdrop of the game: Initially we thought, what if it’s...
News Plastic Officially Announces Datura for PlayStation Move
Experimental narrative
As anticipated, Polish studio Plastic has lifted the lid on its curious PlayStation Move title, Datura. The game – which is set to release exclusively on the PlayStation Network later this year – promises to use Sony’s motion wand in an “innovative way”. Plastic’s Michal Staniszewski explained: Finding yourself in...
News Lollipop Chainsaw Bringing the Goods on 12th June
Sweet
Warner Bros has announced that it’s to release the bittersweet Lollipop Chainsaw on 12th June in North America and 13th June in Europe, giving you just three months to stock up on your favourite Chupa Chups. For those of you that have been living under a rock, Lollipop Chainsaw puts you in control of a cheerleader named Juliet Starling. Her...
News First Medal of Honor Warfighter Trailer Leaks
EA's next big shooter out 23rd October
We hope you’re not getting bored of modern military shooters dominating the Christmas sales charts, because EA’s Medal of Honor Warfighter looks set to continue the trend in 2012. This leaked trailer for the Danger Close developed title includes everything you’d expect it to: a lengthy monologue in a...
Monday5th Mar 2012
Review Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus (PlayStation Vita)
A cut above
Taking up the way of the ninja is to accept a life of constant challenge and sacrifice, as death dealing is a ninja’s foremost priority. While many will try, very few will ever hold the necessary skills it takes to walk this path alone. Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus has slashed its way onto PlayStation Vita as a launch title and puts the...
Review Table Soccer (PlayStation Vita)
Hand ball
Long before FIFA, long before Sensible Soccer, the only way football enthusiasts could get their kicks without going outside was with Subbuteo, a table football game in which your flicking fingertips did all the talking and scoring. Staring the more complex emulations of football right in the goal mouth, Four Door Lemon has brought back...
Review Escape Plan (PlayStation Vita)
The Lil and Laarg Show
Lil and Laarg aren't the type of guys to make their prison beds and lie in them. Captured by the tyrannous Bakuki, the duo quickly embark on an escape mission through roughly 80 rooms of Escape Plan's labyrinthine prison. It's never as simple as jimmying open a well-placed window with a convenient crowbar, though – in fact,...
News MLB 12 The Show Trailer Highlights Motion Controls
It's in the game
In order to celebrate the release of MLB 12 The Show in North America this week, Sony’s released a new trailer showing off the game’s PlayStation Move integration. You’ll be able to play the full game using Sony’s motion wand, allowing you to pitch, bat and field using physical gestures. Jason Villa, the game’s producer,...
News GAME Not Stocking Street Fighter X Tekken
Shop elsewhere
In a short statement released to MCV, Capcom has confirmed that UK retailer GAME (and its various subsidiaries) will not be stocking Street Fighter X Tekken or Asura’s Wrath. The publisher said: Unfortunately Capcom must confirm that Street Fighter x Tekken for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 and Asura’s Wrath, both scheduled for...
News MotorStorm RC Free For U.S. Vita Owners
Tough luck, Europe
The release of Vita has coincided with a revamped digital strategy, with a clear aim that certain experiences and titles will be available for low, if not smartphone-low, prices. Great news for gamers, though Vita owners in the U.S. are getting an extra treat this week. It's been announced on the PlayStation Blog that Motorstorm...
News Dust 514 on PS Vita to be a "Companion App"
Not an online first-person shooter
Dust 514’s scrapped its $20 price-tag in favour of a much more accessible $0. Developer CCP confused gamers last year when it confirmed that the PSN title – which was originally announced as a free game – would carry a price point of $20. At the time, CCP intended to reimburse players with $20 worth of...
News Trine 2 is Free for European PlayStation Plus Subscribers
Making up for the wait
Sony’s revealed the content for March’s European PlayStation Plus update, and it holds good news for those of you that have been waiting desperately to play Trine 2. The hotly anticipated puzzle platformer will be free for subscribers throughout March. Sony’s not forgotten about regular PSN account holders either, and...
News Valve Yanks Cross Play from Counter Strike
Forever alone
Valve has pulled cross-platform compatibility from its downloadable Counter Strike reboot, Counter Strike: Global Offensive. The developer originally intended to allow players to compete across PC, Mac and PlayStation 3, but the company has since decided to strip away the feature in favour of more frequent updates on the PC and Mac...
News Assassin's Creed III Reveal Trailer is Here
Deadly
After recent teasing Ubisoft's finally pulled the hood off its upcoming trilogy-closer Assassin's Creed III. You've probably already clicked the trailer below, and who can blame you? Assassin's Creed III is due for release this October.
News Assassin's Creed III Using New Engine Technology
Ubisoft's "most ambitious" project to date
If you haven’t already seen Ubisoft’s debut Assassin’s Creed III trailer, go watch it now – we’ll wait. All done? Good, then we’ll continue. Outside of the trailer, Ubisoft’s also revealed a handful of details about the game. According to the French publisher, it is the “most ambitious”...
News First Jet Set Radio Footage Skates Past
Slick
SEGA's posted the first trailer for its upcoming digital release of Dreamcast classic Jet Set Radio, and it looks... well, like a sharper version of Jet Set Radio. The trailer's got everything you'd want: Captain Onishima, skating, tagging and some of that awesome music too. Here's hoping the game's legendary soundtrack survives intact, though...
News Virtua Fighter's Akira to Appear in Dead or Alive 5
Synergy
It would appear publishers can’t release a fighting game without a cameo of some kind. Dead or Alive 5 is the latest tile to jump on the crossover bandwagon, with Virtua Fighter mascot Akira Yuki set to join the roster. Team Ninja’s Yosuke Hayashi said: Gamers will have an opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable battle with an esteemed...
News Darksiders II Pre-orders Go Premium
At death's door
Those of you that register early interest in the upcoming Darksiders II will get a little extra contrent for your enthusiasm. Publisher THQ’s announced that it’s upgrading all pre-orders of the adventure title to the limited edition version at no extra charge. The limited edition will ship with a code to download the game’s...
News Actor Accidentally Outs Army of Four
Double date
Speculation about Army of Four is nothing new. The hypothetical sequel to the surprisingly popular Army of Two series has been on the cards for as long as we can remember, but we might have finally gotten our first indication that the title is imminent. Stargate: Atlantis actor Joe Flanigan tweeted over the weekend: Just signed on to do...
News SSX Slides to the Summit of the UK Charts
SSX sells
EA Sports’ hotly anticipated SSX reboot has tricked its way to the top of the UK charts, knocking last week’s winner, Uncharted: Golden Abyss, into fourth place. It marks the best debut for an SSX game ever, with the franchise’s previous frontrunner, SSX 3, only managing to skid into third position. Needless to say there’ll be a...
Sunday4th Mar 2012
News Sumioni Inks the PlayStation Network on 20th March
Practice the demon arts
The PlayStation Vita’s launch line-up was undeniable hugy, but we’re already starting to hear murmurs of people asking what’s next. Thankfully it looks like the system’s going to avoid the usual new platform drought, with Unit 13 and the gorgeous Sumioni: Demon Arts both due out in North America in March. XSEED...
Saturday3rd Mar 2012
News Sony Reveals PS3's Most Earned Platinum Trophies
People like collecting feathers
Trophies can be brilliant. It’s not always the case, but a well designed set of digital trinkets can help you to reconsider the way you play, as well as encourage you to explore areas you’d previously ignore. The Platinum trophy is the Holy Grail of PlayStation. It recognises that you’ve achieved everything a...
Round Table Let's Talk About PlayStation Vita
Pushing square on the go
Sony's latest gaming gizmo, Vita, has now been in the hands of enthusiastic PlayStation gamers for over a week. Naturally, quite a few of the Push Square staff are early adopters and have been spending an unhealthy amount of time enjoying the delights of the shiniest handheld on the market. With that in mind, some of the...
Review Top Darts (PlayStation Vita)
Double top?
Released in late 2010, Top Darts for PS3 was a detailed and addictive recreation of the sport with a distinct party emphasis. Now Top Darts on PS Vita is here and is arguably the most focused of the system's launch titles. Despite the very obvious temptation to toy with the shiny new inputs, developer Devil’s Details has limited itself...
News Ridge Racer Hits North America on 13th March
Free DLC too!
While Japanese and European gamers are already enjoying Ridge Racer on their Vita systems, North American gamers have been patiently waiting for the game to make its appearance. Well the wait is almost over. Namco Bandai has just announced that Ridge Racer will now be released on 13th March in North America and the company is even...
News Sleeping Dogs Trailer Sets the Scene
Sleeper hit?
Let’s not beat around the bush: Sleeping Dogs looks great. We’re big fans of the Yakuza series, and this looks like a Western developed version of that – just with more action and less karaoke. The plot centres on undercover agent Wei Shen, who’s been tasked with taking down the Sun Oh Yee triad from the inside. Catch the...
News PixelJunk 4am Dancing onto PSN this Spring
A musical journey
PixelJunk 4am is not a game. Q Games’ Rowan Parker describes it as a more of an “instrument than a game”. The title – which has been developed in collaboration with DJ Baiyon – sees you using the PlayStation Move controller to manipulate music. Everything is handled with gestures; you are essentially creating sounds in 3D...
Friday2nd Mar 2012
Review Rayman Origins (PlayStation Vita)
A portable platforming masterpiece
When the original Rayman was released in 1995, it was lauded for its lush and vibrant visuals, and it didn't hurt that the game featured some incredible level designs either. But after jumping aboard the 3D platformer bandwagon for the better part of a decade, the series recently took a trip back to its 2D roots...
News SEGA Teases Major Shining Series Announcement
Coming next week
SEGA has a big surprise up its sleeve for Shining fans next week. The official Shining Blade Twitter — via Andriasang — tweeted that the "biggest thing in series history" will happen next week. Previously the account has hinted that information about the next game will be included in the packaging for Shining Blade,...
News Amazon France Outs Ratchet & Clank HD Collection
Ratchet & Clank... Past?
Of all the HD Collections that make sense for PlayStation 3, we’d place Ratchet & Clank right at the bottom of the pile. Don’t get us wrong, we love the franchise’s original outings on PlayStation 2, but the PS3 titles elevated the formula so far that the classics seem a bit redundant in these post Tools of...
News First Assassin's Creed III Shots Hit the Net
Archery is in
All Games Beta has the first screenshots of Ubisoft's hotly anticipated Assassin's Creed III. The screenshots — presumably taken from Game Informer — show the series' new hero wandering through a British colonial outpost, attacking enemies with a tomahawk and stalking a deer. He also has a bow on his back, which could lead to some...
News Persona 4 Arena Bursting onto PS3
Rebel one
Atlus has confirmed that Persona 4 Arena – formally known as Persona 4: The Ultimate in Mayonaka Arena – is heading to PS3 in North America this August. The title – developed in collaboration with Blazblue developer Arc System Works – promises to take the popular Persona universe and transform it into “one of the most unique...
News Cory Barlog Joins Crystal Dynamics
New horizons
Former God of War director, Cory Barlog, has joined Tomb Raider developer Crystal Dynamics after exiting Just Cause studio Avalanche Games. Barlog, who left Sony Santa Monica after the completion of God of War II, was thought to be fronting a Mad Max title at the studio. It’s unclear whether Barlog will slot into the Tomb Raider team,...
News New The Last of Us Screenshots Surface
Corrr...dyceps
Naughty Dog’s pulled back the curtain on a new batch of screenshots for its upcoming survival horror title, The Last of Us. The shots show protagonists Joel and Ellie exploring a variety of partially demolished urban settings. It’s not all happy hunting for the duo though, as they’re pinned back by an aggressive group of...
News Domino's Pizza Speeds into MotorStorm RC
Pepperoni please
We've already established in our MotorStorm RC review that the downloadable racer is a tasty little ride, but it’s about to get a whole lot more scrumptious. Developer Evolution Studios has teamed up with Domino’s Pizza to bring a branded Supermini livery into the game. Domino’s Pizza's Nick Dutch said of the team-up: We...
News Sly Cooper Sneaks Through Time this Fall on PS3
Let's do the time warp again
Sony’s attached a vague release date to Sanzaru Games’ hotly anticipated Sly Cooper sequel, Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time. The title’s due out at some point in the Fall (around Christmas), which is a lot more specific than the previously ambiguous date of “2012”. Expect Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time to factor big...
News Stan Lee to Feature in The Amazing Spider-Man
Playable pensioner
89-year-old comic book god Stan Lee is to cameo as a playable character in Beenox’s upcoming The Amazing Spider-Man movie tie-in. The Spider-Man creator confirmed the news himself during an awkward interview with Addict of Fiction at the London Super Comic Convention. Exactly how Lee will be integrated remains to be seen, but...
News Mass Effect 3 Launch Trailer Takes Off
Once more with feeling
EA’s dropped a brand new Mass Effect 3 trailer ahead of next week’s release. The footage is suitably epic, packed with shooting, dialogue snippets and sex scenes. Oh don’t act so surprised — this is Mass Effect after all. Catch the trailer below, and feel the bitter burn of hype. Who’s excited?
News Facebook App Returns to PS Vita
Bore your friends to tears
The Facebook application for PlayStation Vita – which mysteriously disappeared last week – has returned to the PlayStation Store overnight with little fanfare. If you didn’t get a chance to grab the application last week, and you're keen to bother your friends with updates on your pathetically uneventful life, make...
News Take a Trip Behind the Scenes with Journey
An epic voyage
As our Journey review evidenced, thatgamecompany’s latest PlayStation Network title is an absolute triumph. In order to celebrate the game’s 13th March release date, the developer has posted a short video featuring new footage and a look at the title’s development from behind the scenes. Don’t worry folks, you haven't got long...
Thursday1st Mar 2012
Review Uncharted: Golden Abyss (PlayStation Vita)
Full Drake or half-baked?
As the first portable entry for the Uncharted series, Uncharted: Golden Abyss sets itself apart from its console counterparts in a variety of ways. Firstly, the game isn’t directed by franchise creators Naughty Dog, helmed instead by Bend Studio, the team that brought Resistance Retribution to the PSP. Secondly, the...
News Sony to Announce New PS Vita Titles Next Week
Get hype
If you’re anything like us, you’re still struggling to make it through PlayStation Vita’s massive launch line-up. But there’s more to come. Sony has announced that it is to stream an online event next Friday (9th March), which promises to play host to several new PlayStation Vita announcements. In addition to new games, there’ll...
News SEGA Opens Virtua Fighter 5 Final Showdown Website
New modes detailed
SEGA's preparing to drop Virtua Fighter 5 Final Showdown this summer, launching an official website to explain a bit more about the new gameplay features of the PSN download. While the PS3 version of Virtua Fighter 5 missed out on online play, Final Showdown includes online multiplayer as well as a revamped offline single player...
News Retailer Outs Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 for November Release
Drip drop
Spanish retailer Fnac has attached a November release date to Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 – despite it not being formally announced by publisher Activision yet. This is the second European retailer to acknowledge the game, with Amazon’s French division causing a similar furore earlier in the year. Activision still hasn't commented on the...
Rumour PlayStation 4 Ditching Cell Processor
All change, please
Supporting reports made by Forbes, Kotaku has gone live with a rumour claiming that Sony is to ditch the PS3’s heavily publicised Cell processor in favour of something a little simpler. According to Kotaku, Sony is working with AMD to create the PlayStation 4’s graphics chip as opposed to rival Nvidia. The Cell was heavily...
News Sony to Make New Announcements at GDC
Loose lips sink ships
If, like us, you thought video game leaks spawned from undercover agents tasked with infiltrating studios to obtain key information, then you're going to be very disappointed — because according to IGN managing director Justin Keeling, things aren't quite as glamorous. He said on Twitter this afternoon: Someone in this cafe...
News Boston Hosts Final Fantasy Orchestral Concert Next Week
Hamauzu in attendance
Next week sees a concert of music from Final Fantasy hit Boston's Symphony Hall, with series composer Masashi Hamauzu set to appear too. Boston's Video Game Orchestra and Choir Força, conducted by Grammy-winner Arnie Roth, will take to the stage on 10th March at 8pm for an evening of music from the venerable Japanese RPG...
News SEGA and Arkedo Reveal Hell Yeah!
The rabbit is coming, you better start running
SEGA’s finally lifted the lid on its collaboration with Parisian developer Arkedo. As confirmed on IGN overnight, Hell Yeah! Wrath of the Rabbit is coming to PlayStation Network later this year. The game is about a rabbit prince who embarks on a bloody rampage when compromising photographs of him are...
Rumour Vita UK Sales Higher Than First Reported
Perhaps not 45k
Recently we reported that Vita's UK launch sales were 75% lower than PSP's, but according to industry analyst Nick Park the real figure is much higher. Pocket Gamer reported the console had sold around half of 3DS's UK launch sales, which it claimed were 89,000, putting Vita around the 45,000 mark. However, Park tweeted (via...
News Ubisoft Posts Assassin's Creed III Boxart
It's the American Revolution
Clearly tired of all the leaks, Ubisoft has come right out and revealed the boxart for Assassin’s Creed III. As anticipated, it shows the American Revolution. Expect more details about the sequel to emerge at the Games Developers Conference next week.
News Team Meat Considering Binding of Isaac for Sony Platforms
All rogue, like
Following the news that Nintendo had rejected The Binding of Isaac for 3DS, Team Meat has announced that it's considering bringing the title to Sony platforms. In an interview with Joystiq, co-founder Edward McMillen said that the studio was actively considering porting the title to “1-2 Sony platforms”. PlayStation 3 and...
News Dragon's Dogma Demo Confirmed for Europe
Sample the slaughter
Capcom’s confirmed that it will release a demo for Dragon’s Dogma in Europe. The sampler – currently without a date – will allow players to build their own characters which will be compatible with the full release. The demo will feature two events from the main campaign, including a fierce battle against a Griffin in the...
News Trine 2 Launching on European PSN Next Week
Bizarre announcement
Frozenbyte’s revealed that Trine 2 will launch on the European PlayStation Network next week. That’s according to a ridiculous (but brilliant) video posted on the developer’s YouTube account. Trine 2 released in North America last year, but was delayed in Europe after it failed QA. It seems those issues have been resolved...
Rumour Assassin's Creed III Goes to American Revolution
Certainly looks like it
With Ezio’s story done and dusted, it was anticipated that Assassin’s Creed III would head to a new period in history. Egypt seemed like the strongest rumour for a while, but it looks like the latest in Ubisoft’s stealth franchise is actually heading for the American Revolution. A promotional image leaked by a Best Buy...
News BioShock Infinite Invades UK on 19th October
Pie in the sky
2K’s announced that Irrational Games’ hotly anticipated BioShock follow-up, BioShock Infinite, will launch in North America on the 16th October. Europe will have to wait just a few additional days for the first-person shooter, when it releases overseas on the 19th October. Creative director Ken Levine said: After BioShock, we had...
