Feature The Making Of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Koji ‘IGA’ Igarashi reveals the history behind the gothic classic
Review Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD (PlayStation 3)
Drop-in, bail on it, or does Tony Hawk slam?
News - September, 2012
Sunday30th Sep 2012
News Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee New N' Tasty! Coming to PS3 and Vita
Oddball remake on the way
After months of teasing, Just Add Water has finally raised the curtain on Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee New N' Tasty! – its complete overhaul of the popular 1997 PSone favourite. Speaking at a panel during the Eurogamer Expo earlier today, the studio revealed that the game will take advantage of a new 3D engine with an enhanced...
News Ubisoft's Going to Spend £4m Marketing Assassin's Creed III
Money, money, money
If Ubisoft didn't spend a penny on advertisements for Assassin’s Creed III, it would still be one of the biggest games of the year. But the publisher has ambitions far beyond that – and so it’s set aside a whopping £4 million (approximately $6.5 million) to market the sequel in the UK alone. Chatting with MCV, senior...
News PS All-Stars Trailer Brings Backgrounds to the Foreground
Fever
Paying too much attention to the backgrounds of PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale in the heat of battle can cost you the match – but when you’re a spectator there really is plenty to see. Just like the game itself, each stage is a mash-up of multiple Sony franchises. And in this brand new developer documentary, game director Omar Kendall...
Saturday29th Sep 2012
News PlayStation Network Sales Explode, Plus Subscribers Double
Catching fire
When the PlayStation Network was hit by a disastrous hack attack back in early 2011, many assumed that it would spell the end for the digital platform. In actual fact, the exact opposite has occurred, with the storefront achieving its “highest transactional” quarter yet over the past three months. In short, consumers spent more...
News We Recommend You Watch This Japanese PS3 Commercial
Surprise
Sony’s Japanese branch always releases the best PlayStation commercials – after all, it’s not been that long since the company opted to promote the Vita with the dulcet (and utterly irrelevant) vocal tones of Shigeru Matsuzaki. This brand new PS3 Super Slim spot isn't quite as catchy – but we urge you to stick around for its full...
News PSP's Digital Comics Store Closes Its Doors Next Month
Click, click
Sony’s ill fated PlayStation Portable Digital Comics Store will shut down once and for all next month, the platform holder has announced. The company ceased updating the service last summer, but now it’s decided to close the category entirely. If you’ve previously purchased comics through the service, you’ll have until...
Friday28th Sep 2012
News Rainbow Moon Is Strolling onto the PlayStation Vita
By popular demand
After months of lobbying from rabid fans, Eastasiasoft has announced that its excellent SRPG Rainbow Moon is heading to the PlayStation Vita. The studio was apparently inundated with requests to port the title following the successful release of the PS3 game, giving the developer the incentive it needed to commit to the handheld...
News Metal Gear Rising's Special Edition Includes a Lamp
Light up the dark
Collector’s editions have become pretty predictable over the past couple of years – but the Metal Gear franchise refuses to comply. Konami has tossed aside usual conventions, announcing that the premium package for its upcoming Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance will ship with a lamp based on Raiden’s sword from the main game...
News Earth Defense Force 2017 Protecting North American Vitas
A bug's life
To celebrate the release of Earth Defense Forces 3 Portable in Japan, D3 Publisher has announced that the game’s heading overseas. Earth Defense Force 2017 Portable – as it will be named on Western shores – will arrive on North American consoles at some point in the near future. Unfortunately, the company has yet to announce a...
News Derrick the Deathfin Dashes onto PSN Next Month
Echo, echo
Ambitious papercraft adventure Derrick the Deathfin is set to make a splash on the PlayStation Network next month, developer Different Tuna has announced. The title’s poised to dart onto Sony’s digital storefront on 9th October in North America and 10th October in Europe. It’ll set you back just $7.99/€6.99. The game promises...
Thursday27th Sep 2012
News Sony's Initial Reaction to Tokyo Jungle Was Bad
The rest is history
Sony didn’t think Tokyo Jungle sounded like a great idea at first, according to director Yohei Kataoka. The developer was speaking with the European PlayStation Blog about the quirky adventure’s rise to success. Unsurprisingly, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. “[The initial reaction] was bad,” he revealed. “It wasn't...
Store Update 25th September 2012 (North America)
In the jungle
There’s a ton of content available as part of this week’s North American PlayStation Store update, but only one title lets you play as Pomeranian dog. That’s right, the bonkers Tokyo Jungle has finally made its way overseas – what are you doing still reading this? Pre-Orders: Dishonored ($59.99, $53.99 for Plus...
News This Far Cry 3 Trailer Is Absolutely Off Its Rocker
We're all mad here
Far Cry 3 has taught us never to take a vacation on a remote tropical island. Sure you might get to bask in the glow of the sunshine, explore the dense untouched foliage, and ride jet-skis across the calm blue ocean – but you just never know who you’re going to bump into. We’re not taking the risk.
Store Update 26th September 2012 (Europe)
Go ape
As expected, Tokyo Jungle is the highlight of this week’s European PlayStation Store update – but that doesn’t mean there’s not plenty of other content to look forward to. The quirky PSN exclusive is joined by the likes of F1 2012, FIFA 13, and New Little King’s Story on Vita. Let us know what you’re buying in the comments section...
Wednesday26th Sep 2012
Review Borderlands 2 (PlayStation 3)
Pandora's box
Borderlands 2 should ship with a health warning crudely emblazoned on its cover: “Warning, may cause the onset of severe obsessive compulsive disorder.” We’ve never been the most laidback individuals, but Gearbox’s latest Diablo-meets-Doom first-person shooter unearths the very worst in our compulsive natures. Only yesterday we...
News Activision Resurrects Call of Duty: Black Ops 2's Zombies Mode
Dead good
After months of dilly-dallying with meaningless teaser trailers, Activision's finally dug up the details on Call of Duty: Black Ops 2’s zombies component. As expected, the mode will be significantly more ambitious than previous endeavours – boasting new game types for up to eight-players. In addition to the usual Survival option –...
News The Original Mass Effect Is Coming to PlayStation 3
Weird
If you’re a PlayStation 3-only owner, your addiction to the Mass Effect franchise probably started with the second game. After all, the original title was published by Microsoft as an Xbox 360 exclusive way back in 2007 – but now it’s finally coming to the PlayStation 3. The Mass Effect Trilogy will launch at some point in the near...
News Take Tokyo Jungle on the Road with Remote Play
Pomeranian power
Soon you’ll be able to take your Tokyo Jungle progress on the go, when Sony patches the quirky Japanese adventure with Remote Play support. “We are preparing a PS Vita Remote Play patch for Tokyo Jungle NA and EU versions,” Worldwide Studios gaffer Shuhei Yoshida divulged on Twitter. “Please wait a bit for the release timing...
News Assassin's Creed 'Ezio Trilogy' Launches Exclusively on PS3
Requiescat in pace
If the just announced Mass Effect Trilogy wasn’t enough to stir the fires in your heart, then perhaps this PlayStation 3 exclusive Assassin’s Creed ‘Ezio Trilogy’ will do a better job. The compilation will bundle Assassin’s Creed II, Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood and Assassin’s Creed: Rev
News Joe Danger 2: The Movie Is Riding onto the PSN After All
Bigger and better
Would you like to hear the good news, or the even better news? Let’s start with the good: Hello Games has confirmed that Joe Danger 2: The Movie is coming to the PlayStation Network within the “next couple of weeks”. As for the even better news – it’s going to boast at least 10 hours of additional content. The build up...
News Decipher the Meaning of Datura While Listening to Its Soundtrack
Forbidden fruit
Datura’s certainly not the most polished game of the year, but it’s arguably one of the more interesting ones. Writing on the PlayStation Blog, director Michal Staniszewski claimed that no one has fully uncovered the meaning behind the PlayStation Network exclusive just yet. “Every madness has its explanation, and Datura is no...
News The Walking Dead: Episode 4 Awakens Next Month
Stay sharp
Hot on the heels of this week’s retail release confirmation, Telltale has confirmed that The Walking Dead: Episode 4 will shuffle onto digital storefronts at some point next month. The episode – dubbed Around Every Corner – has been penned by former PC Gamer editor and Book of Eli screenwriter, Garry Whitta. Apparently, the fifth...
Tuesday25th Sep 2012
News Wonderbook: Book of Spells Conjures New PS3 Bundles
A kind of magic
Wonderbook: Book of Spells is brimming with potential. The augmented reality PlayStation 3 exclusive has the opportunity to tempt both hardcore Harry Potter fanatics and casual gamers alike – assuming Sony gets its marketing department in order. It’s made the first step by announcing that newcomers in Europe will be able to...
Competition Who Wants to Work for LittleBigPlanet Vita Developer Tarsier?
Hands in the air
LittleBigPlanet Vita developer Tarsier Studios is giving one budding creator curator the opportunity to work alongside its team on a fully-fledged piece of DLC for the handheld spin-off. Applicants will be competing for a month-long internship at the studio by building a unique mini-game and uploading it to the title’s servers...
News Platinum Dubs Bayonetta's Dreadful PS3 Port a Failure
Never again
Bayonetta is back in the news thanks to the recently announced Wii U exclusive sequel – but for many PlayStation 3 owners the original still harbours unpleasant memories. Those that played the brawler on Sony’s hardware will recall muddy textures and an inconsistent frame-rate, something the platform holder later decided to patch...
News Rovio Flings Live Action Angry Birds Trilogy Trailer Online
Bigger than ever
We’re not sure what’s more frustrating: the fact that Angry Birds is big enough to warrant a live action video in the first place, or the saccharine sweet nature of the footage itself. Either way, Rovio has released a brand new trailer for Angry Birds Trilogy which is due out on PlayStation 3 later this week. If you’re...
News Hell Yeah! Wrath of the Dead Rabbit Brings Pretty Colours to PSN
Utterly bananas
Most people agree that Perez Hilton deserves a slap, but in Hell Yeah! Wrath of the Dead Rabbit he’ll get more than just a stinger around the chops. After compromising images of protagonist Ash are published on the Hell-ternet (PerezHellton.com, presumably), he gets so frustrated that he goes on a maniacal killing spree through the...
News Resident Evil 6 Kick-Starts Sony's Day 1 Digital Initiative
New beginnings
The most attentive amongst you may have noticed that Sony’s started to get really aggressive with PS3 digital downloads. Titles like Borderlands 2 and Sorcery have all launched on the PlayStation Store alongside their retail counterparts – and that’s going to happen a lot more in the future. Sony’s announced a new Day 1...
News Watch Sony Unbox a Brand New PlayStation 3 Super Slim
Same old blood rush with a new touch
Just in case you’d forgotten, the new PlayStation 3 Super Slim hits North American store shelves today. The system comes equipped with a 250GB hard drive, a copy of Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception, a voucher for $30 of DUST 514 digital content, and a free 30 day subscription to PlayStation Plus. Of course,...
News Box! Open Me Fuses Co-Op Gameplay with AR Technology
Curiosity
Box! Open Me is an intriguing PlayStation Vita augmented reality game that tasks players to work together in order to unlock a series of increasingly complex boxes. This hands-on video shot by Joystiq at the Tokyo Game Show demonstrates the simple title in action, as two players work together to grapple with clasps, relay input codes and...
News Sony Wraps Up Exclusive The Amazing Spider-Man DLC
Tingling sensations
We sincerely hope you didn’t purchase The Amazing Spider-Man on an alternative platform. Activision has announced that it will be bringing two brand new DLC packs to the recently released movie tie-in, and they’ll be exclusive to the PlayStation 3. The expansions – dubbed the Lizard Rampage Pack and the Oscorp Search &...
Monday24th Sep 2012
News Debut Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX Trailer Is Too Cute
Aww
Considering you all went absolutely bananas over the original announcement of Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX, we couldn’t let the day close without posting this debut trailer. It shows each of the compilation's re-mastered titles – that's the PS2 original, Re:Chain of Memories, and the cut-scenes from DS game 358/2 Days – in glorious...
News PS Plus Subscribers Get Cheap Admission to the Tokyo Jungle
Wild thing
North American PlayStation Plus subscribers will be able to sample the feral future of Japan at a discounted price point, Sony has announced. Premium members will be able to snap up the hotly anticipated Tokyo Jungle at just $11.99 – a significant saving over the title’s standard $14.99 admission fee. Other upcoming offers include a...
News Not All Borderlands 2 DLC Will Be Included with Its Season Pass
So much more in the pipeline
Those of you that own a copy of Borderlands 2 can currently stump up $29.99 for the title’s Season Pass. This guarantees access to all four of the first-person shooter’s expansion packs – but Gearbox gaffer Randy Pitchford has teased that there’s plenty more to come. "We will have other, non-season pass related...
News Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Protecting Your PS3 with Install
Wear and tear
Harbouring a Call of Duty obsession can be quite a strain on both your social life and your PS3’s disc drive. Thankfully, Treyarch has come up with a solution to the latter, confirming that Black Ops 2 will include an optional install designed to reduce mechanical damage over prolonged multiplayer sessions. The feature will see...
News Sony Patents Biometric Player Identification Technology
Big brother
If you’re tired of inputting passwords and illegible CAPTCHA codes, then Sony has a solution that just might interest you. The platform holder has registered a patent for a technology that would allow various consumer electronics devices (including
News UK Sales Charts: Borderlands 2 Shoots Its Way to the Top
Are you surprised?
Sleeping Dogs has finally been removed from its resting place atop the UK sales charts. New release Borderlands 2 shot straight to the summit, leaving fellow newcomer F1 2012 in its dust. The positively received Pro Evolution Soccer 2013 debuted in third, while Square Enix’s open world epic was forced to settle for fourth.
News DUST 514 Deploying Next Month According to Sony Executive
Reload
CCP Games’ ambitious free-to-play PS3 shooter DUST 514 is almost ready to emerge from its year-long multiplayer beta. According to SCEA president Jack Tretton, the ambitious title is set to attack the PlayStation Store next month. The executive was speaking on FOX Business as part of an interview about Sony’s PS3 and Vita strategy...
News Saints Row: The Third Collates the Chaos This November
Bulging package
If you still haven’t snapped up THQ’s nonsense sandbox sequel Saints Row: The Third, then the publisher hopes to make things really simple for you this November. It’s announced a complete edition of the year-old adventure, containing the original game alongside a wealth of expansion packs. As part of the collection you’ll...
News Grand Theft Auto III Jumps the North American PSN This Week
Wayback machine
Once upon a time there was a PlayStation 2 title that pretty much changed the state of gaming forever. Its name was Grand Theft Auto III, and you’ll be able to play it in its original guise via the North American PlayStation Network this week. This is the second time the open world classic’s been given a release date, so take...
News The Walking Dead: Season One Shuffles into Shops This Year
Emotional rollercoaster
If you haven’t purchased the digital version of Telltale’s critically acclaimed The Walking Dead series, then know that you’ll be able to pick up a physical copy from your favourite North American retailer as early as 4th December. Telltale Games confirmed the news on Twitter, nothing that, unsurprisingly, a European...
Saturday22nd Sep 2012
News Sony Pledges PlayStation 3 Support Through 2015
Life in the old dog
If you’re thinking about purchasing your first PlayStation 3 this Christmas, but are worried that the content’s going to dry up the moment the next-generation starts: stop. Chatting with GameSpot, hardware marketing manager John Koller has promised that the PS3 will continue to be supported through at least 2015. "We're...
News Final Fantasy III Completes Your Digital Collection Next Week
Catch 'em all
For a franchise wearing the name Final Fantasy, there sure are a lot of entries in the series. Most of those titles are available from the PlayStation Network – but there’s been one major omission for some time now. That’s set to be rectified next week, when Final Fantasy III travels onto the North American digital storefront...
News Persona 4 Golden Brightens Up Vita This November
Next year in Europe
Persona 4 Golden – the enhanced PlayStation Vita exclusive port of Atlus’ cult PS2 RPG – will hit North American store shelves on 20th November, it's been announced. The title will travel to Europe next spring, with NIS America handling publishing duties. If you can’t wait that long, then it’s definitely worth pointing...
News Sony Streamlining PlayStation Mobile Ratings System
Easy peasy
Publishing a game on PlayStation Mobile won’t require developers to go through the same ratings rigmarole as normal console releases. Sony has devised a new system which allows studios to self-report content on a submission form. That saves the time and overhead required for a ratings board to check the content manually – meaning the...
Friday21st Sep 2012
Review Double Dragon: Neon (PlayStation 3)
Hurry Up, Broseph!
It isn’t often that you get to use the words “franchise”, “80s”, and “reboot” in the same sentence these days, without feeling a little bit like you’re constructing a joke and that the developer of the title in question is going to provide the punchline. In an era where popstars are turning up on Blu-ray and DVD in...
News Soul Sacrifice Looks Absolutely Stunning in Motion
Hopeless wretch
It may not have the brand power of Monster Hunter, but that’s not stopping Soul Sacrifice from looking absolutely incredible. Sony has released two direct-feed trailers from the Tokyo Game Show demonstrating the four-player action title's spells, weapons, character customisation and controls. They’re not the most riveting...
Reaction What Sony's TGS Tells Us About PlayStation's Future
Through the looking glass
Sony shocked attendees at its Tokyo Game Show press conference earlier this week by announcing the PlayStation 3 Super Slim. Unfortunately, the corrugated console itself was not the reason for open-mouthed attendees – that accolade was reserved for its flummoxing price-point. Indeed, as opposed to positioning the aging...
News Namco Bandai's Still Making Digimon Games for PSP
New title out next year
One of the PlayStation Vita’s biggest problems in Japan is its inability to properly outmuscle the PSP. Sony’s Tokyo Game Show press conference earlier this week proved that a lot of developers are still putting faith in the platform holder’s previous handheld, with most third-party titles coming to both of the...
News Sony Bullish About PS3 and Vita Connectivity
Wii U, what?
Sony’s John Koller believes cross-controller connectivity between the PlayStation 3 and Vita is just as compelling as the Wii U. Speaking with Engadget, the hardware marketing executive explained that there’s no real reason for owners of both consoles to even consider Nintendo’s latest system – because the Sony platforms can...
News Gravity Rush Director Teases Super Secret Sequel
Kat attack
Legendary game designer Keiichiro Toyama has teased that there may be a sequel to Gravity Rush on the cards. The title won a game of the year award at the Tokyo Game Show earlier today, and after being congratulated by fans on Twitter, the Silent Hill creator declared: “Thank you! I’ll do my best on the sequel.” The luminary was...
News Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time Steals Your Wallet on 5th February
Pay day
European gamers will have to wait at least a month until they can get their hands on Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time. Sony has attached a 5th February release date to the light-fingered platformer in North America – and opted for an ambiguous March window in Europe. Honestly, we thought the days of waiting for flag-ship first-party titles were...
News The Last Guardian Is Absolutely, Categorically Still Alive
Developer confirms
In what’s quickly becoming a video game convention tradition, Sony has confirmed that The Last Guardian is still in development. This time it wasn’t Worldwide Studios president Shuhei Yoshida forced to revisit the topic, but a Japan Studio employee cornered by Kotaku at the Tokyo Game Show. "I give you my word that it...
News New Remember Me Trailer Jogs Your Memory
Sensory overload
Capcom and DONTNOD’s cyber-punk action adventure Remember Me sure is shaping up. This brand new developer walkthrough focuses on the game’s Combo Lab feature, which allows players to build and practice new fighting techniques against enemy AI opponents. Combos can be constructed using Pressens, which each have different...
News Mirror's Edge Sprints onto PSN Next Week
Keep the Faith
EA’s cult first-person platformer Mirror’s Edge is set to dash onto the North American PlayStation Store next week, Sony has announced. The game’s imminent arrival was mentioned on the latest episode of the PlayStation Blogcast, though a price wasn’t confirmed. We’ve been pining for a sequel to the DICE developed adventure...
News Capcom Resurrects Dragon's Dogma with Major Expansion
Awaken
Dragon’s Dogma was a pretty big success for Capcom in Japan, so it’s perhaps unsurprising that it has lined up a major expansion for release next year. The pack – dubbed Dark Arisen – will allow players to carry over their save data from the original game. And that, unfortunately, is pretty much everything we know. In the meantime,...
News Sleeping Dogs Awakens with Bumper DLC Schedule
Wei more than expected
Sleeping Dogs is already a pretty meaty game – seriously, so many pork buns – but Square Enix has pledged to expand the experience through October with a slew of new DLC. Alongside the bevy of boosts and outfits already available, the publisher has announced a new Street Racer pack, the mission-heavy SWAT Pack, and an...
Thursday20th Sep 2012
Review SunFlowers (PlayStation Vita)
Bright spark
The Game Atelier knows a thing or two about putting together a visually pleasing experience. The developer’s previous endeavour The Flying Hamster served up a kitschy twist on the classic bullet hell shooter. Armed with acorns as opposed to artillery, the agonisingly undervalued PlayStation Mini prompted an experience able to warm the...
News Kingdom Hearts Is Finally Getting Remixed in HD for PS3
Calm down
After years of Chris Crocker-esque pleading from fans of the franchise, Kingdom Hearts is finally coming to the PlayStation 3. Publisher Square Enix announced the glad tidings overnight, stating that it will be re-mastering the original PS2 title alongside Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories and Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days in HD. The...
News Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance Carves Out a Slot on PSN
Digital love
Sony’s getting really aggressive with regards to digital releases. An increasing number of blockbuster titles are hitting the PlayStation Store at the same time as retail – including the likes of Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance. Konami has confirmed that the swashbuckling spin-off will hit the PS3’s digital storefront in Japan on...
News New Fighters Challenge Tekken Tag Tournament 2 Next Month
Fight your rival
Remember those secret Tekken Tag Tournament 2 characters that leaked earlier in the month? Publisher Namco Bandai’s announced that it’ll start rolling them out from 9th October. The free downloads will entitle you to play as Dr. Bosconovitch, Unknown, Slim Bob, Miharu, Sebastian and Violet. In addition to the new characters,...
News Sony Splitting Up Starhawk for PlayStation Network
Plus more
We felt back when we reviewed it that the tragically overlooked Starhawk would benefit from a standalone multiplayer release – and it looks like we were right on the money. Lightbox Interactive president Dylan Jobe has taken to the PlayStation Blog to announce just that, alongside two other individual versions of the innovative shooter...
News Three New Rides Race into Gran Turismo 5
Hot wheels
Don’t let anyone tell you that Gran Turismo is not the behemoth it once was. Sony’s simulation series continues to be a steady seller across the globe, with a brand new version of Gran Turismo 5 set to hit European store shelves next week. In lieu of the game’s continued popularity, developer Polyphony Digital has announced a brand...
Rumour Sorcery Studio Is Building Borderlands 2 DLC
Wand waving
Gearbox has some fairly aggressive DLC plans in place for Borderlands 2 – and it looks like it’s enlisting on the assistance of fellow studios to help achieve its aims. According to online super sleuth Superannuation, Sorcery developer The Workshop is working on an expansion based on Borderlands 2’s fictional Torgue weapons...
News Yakuza 5 Attacks Japanese Stores on 6th December
Fans won't have to wait long
SEGA has released two brand new Yakuza 5 trailers at the Tokyo Game Show, as well as confirming that the game will be available to Japanese consumers on 6th December. The story of Yakuza 5 begins with Kazuma Kiryu working as a taxi driver, and thus getting into some crazy car chases. The plot also somehow incorporates...
News Injustice: Gods Among Us Seeks Solace Next Spring
Shades of grey
NetherRealm’s stunning superhero bust-up Injustice: Gods Among Us will suit up next spring, publisher Warner Bros has announced. The date was confirmed alongside the title’s latest trailer, which we’ve handily embedded below. We're still waiting on an apology for the game's dreadful name.
News Latest PlayStation All-Stars Trailer Turns Up the Heat
Calculated chaos
PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale’s character roster is finally starting to come together – and this Tokyo Game Show trailer acknowledges that with a madcap 90-second video showing everyone in action. We’re especially enjoying the LocoRoco stage, which is more colourful than a kaleidoscope pointed at the sun. The game’s...
News E.X. Troopers Dazzles with Tokyo Game Show Trailer
Don your dancing shoes
Capcom’s decision to not bring the brilliant E.X. Troopers overseas is getting harder and harder to take. The cel-shaded Lost Planet spin-off has a really slick style to it that’s evidenced in buckets by this campy Tokyo Game Show trailer. The video shows off the game’s combat and exploratory action, all set to the...
News Okami HD Paints a Date with PSN on 30th October
Wolf it down
Capcom’s lavish high-definition retooling of Okami will hit the North American PlayStation Store on 30th October, the publisher has announced. European players will have an additional day to dig out their paper and pens, when the title travels overseas on 31st October. The re-mastered classic will cost £15.99/$19.99, and will...
Wednesday19th Sep 2012
News Treyarch Teases Black Ops 2's Zombies Mode... Again
Get on with it
It turns out that yesterday’s “thrilling” footage of an old black and white television was just a warm up for today’s more pronounced promotion. Treyarch is gearing up for the reveal of Call of Duty: Black Ops 2’s zombies mode – but it’s certainly taking its time. This brand new video focuses on a rickety old bus that...
News Sony Officially Unveils the PlayStation 3 Super Slim
Cosmetic surgery
The PlayStation 3 sure is a big fan of make overs. Speaking during its Tokyo Game Show press conference earlier today, Sony took a moment to confirm the heavily rumoured Super Slim hardware refresh. It will launch in three different flavours in Japan: 250GB and 500GB models in “Charcoal Black”, and 250GB in “Classic White”...
News Midway Arcade Origins Resurrects Classics for PS3
Insert coin
If you’ve been looking for an opportunity to replay the games from your youth, then Warner Bros has the perfect package for you. The publisher has announced the Midway Arcade Origins compilation, which will feature a host of old school classics such as Joust, Marble Madness and Spy Hunter. The PlayStation 3 release will include full...
News How Bluepoint Is Bringing PlayStation All-Stars to Vita
Uncompromised quality
Those of you that have played PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale on the Vita will testify that it’s an absolute technical masterpiece. Whatever your opinion on the controversial mascot mash-up, it’s hard to take issue with the game’s uncompromised performance on Sony’s stacked handheld hardware. Running at an...
News Sony Storms Eurogamer Expo with Stunning Line-Up
Spice of life
The Eurogamer Expo may be nearly sold out – but that’s not stopping the announcements from flowing like fine wine at a posh dinner party. Sony’s revealed that it will be showing off a cavalcade of new PS3 and Vita titles on the showfloor, including God of War: Ascension’s single-player and multiplayer modes. Other notable...
News Metal Gear Rising Demo Includes Free Copy of ZoE HD
Couldn't resist
We know it’s the oldest “joke” in the book, but we still remember when people purchased the original Zone of the Enders just to play the demo for Metal Gear Solid 2. As such, it’s funny that the visually re-mastered Zone of the Enders HD still can’t seem to escape from the shadow of Kojima Productions’ other more popular...
News PlayStation Mobile Launches on 3rd October
New manufacturers on board
A swift snippet from Sony's Tokyo Game Show press conference earlier today: PlayStation Mobile will officially launch on 3rd October. The cross-platform initiative will be supported by both Sharp and Fujitsu, who have officially joined the growing list of certified hardware providers. The service will launch alongside 30...
News God Eater 2 Bursts onto PlayStation Vita Next Year
Hearty appetite
The Tokyo Game Show has already got off to stellar start for Sony – and, perhaps most importantly, the PlayStation Vita. Publisher Namco Bandai has announced that it will be bringing the Monster Hunter-esque God Eater 2 to the platform holder's new handheld next year. Players will be able to choose between the PSP or Vita versions,...
News Namco Bandai Unveil God Eater 2 Trailer
Yummy
Earlier today we reported that God Eater 2 will be storming onto the PSP and Vita next year. To accompany the news, Namco Bandai has released a new Tokyo Game Show trailer for the Monster Hunter lookalike, which we've handily embedded below. Let us know what you think in the comments section.
News PlayStation Plus Enhances Vita This November
Powered up
Current PlayStation Plus subscribers won't need to pay a penny to access the service on Vita, Sony has announced. The handheld iteration of the popular service will launch in November – and will come with all of the perks members have come to expect. Players can anticipate complimentary access to Vita games, discounts on a range of...
News PlayStation Vita Gets Colourful New Models in Japan
Are you red or blue?
There might not have been a whole lot of new Vita software to instil confidence during Sony's Tokyo Game Show press conference earlier today – but at least there were a couple of fresh hardware colours announced. The striking Sapphire Blue and Cosmic Red consoles will hit Japanese store shelves on 15th November. As with...
Store Update 19th September 2012 (Europe)
Content carnival
There’s plenty of loot to look forward to on the European PlayStation Store this week. Borderlands 2, Double Dragon: Neon and, of course, LittleBigPlanet Vita are all highlights amidst a wealth of new arrivals. Sadly, there’s still no sign of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. Let's-a-go. PS3 Games: Border
News Dark Souls DLC Terrorises PlayStation Network Next Month
Be afraid
Dark Souls’ sought after “Artorias of the Abyss” DLC pack is almost as difficult to pronounce as it inevitably will be to play. The content expansion – previously included with the PC Prepare to Die edition – will hit the PlayStation Network on 24th October in Europe. A retail re-release including the add-on will also storm store...
News Muramasa: The Demon Blade Attacks PlayStation Vita
Take a stab
Vanillaware's exceptionally beautiful Nintendo Wii title Muramasa: The Demon Blade is being ported to the PlayStation Vita, it was revealed during Sony's Tokyo Game Show press conference earlier today. The game will release on 28th March in Japan, and will be expanded by DLC. The game's only been confirmed for Japan so far, but we'd be...
News Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus 2 Striking Vita Next Year
Hard as nails
If you enjoyed playing the original Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus on PlayStation Vita, then you’re in luck – publisher Tecmo Koei has announced that Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus 2 will be making the jump onto Sony’s shiny handheld early next year. Details are scarce right now, but we anticipate more information will be revealed in the...
News Tokyo Game Show Prompts Epic Puppeteer Trailer
Behind the curtains
Puppeteer may have been missing from Sony's Tokyo Game Show press conference earlier today – but the platform holder's released a brand new three minute trailer to make up for its absence. The Japan Studio developed adventure was officially announced at GamesCom last month, and depicts the tale of a young boy trapped inside a...
Store Update 18th September 2012 (North America)
Shoot and loot
Borderlands 2 is the biggest new arrival on this week’s North American PlayStation Store update. The addictive first-person shooter is the perfect title to have sitting on your PS3’s hard-drive for whenever you fancy a quick blast in the badlands. Other notable arrivals include Jet Set Radio for non-Plus subscribers, and...
News Keiji Inafune's Next Project Is Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z
Surprise, surprise
Legendary Japanese game developer Keiji Inafune certainly gets about. Mere hours after apologising to attendees at Sony’s Tokyo Game Show press conference for Soul Sacrifice’s short delay, the former Capcom employee popped up at Tecmo Koei’s showcase to announce Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z. The undead spin-off is being developed...
News Toukiden Steps Out of the Shadows on Vita and PSP
Blood lust
In arguably the biggest shock of Sony's Tokyo Game Show press conference, Tecmo Koei didn't announce a new iteration of Dynasty Warriors. Instead the publisher revealed Toukiden – a dark, fantasy action title headed to Vita and PSP next year. Developed by Omega Force, the game will support cross-platform functionality between the two...
News Dead or Alive 5 Will Be Available Digitally At Launch
Easy access
Not every title suits a digital release, but fighting games certainly benefit from the added accessibility of being stored on a hard drive. As such, it makes perfect sense that Dead or Alive 5 will be available from the PlayStation Store alongside its retail counterpart. You’ll be able to download the title from 25th September in North...
News Soul Sacrifice Forfeits Original Winter Release Date
Battle of the beasts
Sony’s Tokyo Game Show press conference wasn’t all good news. Indeed, the platform holder used the event to announce that Soul Sacrifice – Keiji Inafune’s twisted PlayStation Vita exclusive – will no longer release this winter. The action adventure will instead arrive next spring, which is the same window currently...
Tuesday18th Sep 2012
Review Jet Set Radio (PlayStation 3)
Get your skates on
It’s genuinely hard to believe that Jet Set Radio is 12 years old. To look at the game now, you’d swear blind it was a modern release; the gloriously inventive cel-shaded visuals (well, they were innovative back in 2000, anyway) still possesses an alluring quality, and the quirky soundtrack is virtually assured to get the toes...
News Sony's Tokyo Game Show Press Conference Kicks Off Tonight
Land of the rising sun
You wouldn’t think there was a major video game convention about to start. Interest in the Tokyo Game Show is at an all time low – but we’re hopeful Sony can inject some enthusiasm during its pre-show press conference overnight. If you want to follow the action live, you’ll need to set your alarm clocks for 05:00AM...
News Activision Points Its Goldfinger At 007 Legends
Final flick revealed
James Bond will once again find himself facing the threat of a deadly laser beam between his thighs this October, when Goldfinger rounds out the roster of nostalgic missions in upcoming PS3 shooter 007 Legends. The memorable movie will be joined by stages based on Moonraker, License to Kill, Die Another Day, On Her Majesty’s...
News PlayStation Vita v1.81 Firmware Update Sneaks Online
Software stability
Prior to release, Sony made a point of mentioning that the Vita’s firmware updates would be less frequent than the PS3. Yet, here we are – talking about the handheld’s latest software refresh, which essentially does nothing whatsoever. According to the platform holder, the small update improves software stability. We’ll...
News BioWare Co-Founders Quit Video Game Industry for Good
What's up, doc?
Affable executives Greg Zeschuk and Ray Muzyka have announced their departure from BioWare – and the games industry in general. The duo co-founded the company in 1995 after graduating from medical school. In an honest blog post aimed at fans, Zeschuk explained that his lust for games had waned: "After nearly twenty years working...
News Sony Starts Sending Out European PS All-Stars Beta Codes
Don your lab coat
Sony has started inviting European gamers to test out PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale. If you volunteered yourself for scientific duties, you should probably check your email inbox right now. Go on – we’ll wait. Unlike the US beta, the European test will span both PS3 and Vita. You’ll be able to sample a handful of...
News Starbreeze Teams Up with 505 for Payday: The Heist 2
On the rob
505 Games will publish the secretive sequel to PSN shooter Payday: The Heist, developer Starbreeze has announced. The publisher will also handle the release of the Swedish outfit’s new intellectual property, P13. Starbreeze snapped up original Payday: The Heist developer Overkill Software earlier this year. We suspect the sequel will...
News Grainy Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Trailer Teases Zombies Mode
Hunting for brains
If you consider watching a 43-second video of an old black and white television a responsible use of your time, then you’ll probably get a kick out of this Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 teaser. It’s clearly hinting at the imminent announcement of the game’s zombies mode, which developer Treyarch has been coy about ever since the...
News Grand Theft Auto III Hijacking Hong Kong PSN Next Week
Land of liberty
According to PlayStation’s Hong Kong website, Grand Theft Auto III is set to hit the PSN on 25th September. The title was originally set to launch in North America way back in July, but was delayed due to copyright issues. Digital release dates in Hong Kong typically match their Western counterparts, so we wouldn’t be surprised...
News PlayStation on Campus Tour Heads Back to School
Academic activity
If you thought college was all fun and games – then you’d be absolutely right. Sony has announced a new North American tour initiative that will see the latest and greatest games brought directly to a campus near you. Starting 20th September you’ll be able to get your hands on the likes of PlayStation All-Stars Battle...
News Dead Island: Riptide's Debut Trailer Is Simple But Effective
Everlasting love
It was always going to be difficult for Techland to match the announcement trailer that essentially ensured the original Dead Island’s commercial success. As such, it’s not especially surprising that this debut Dead Island: Riptide short doesn’t quite elicit the same response. The video adopts a similar formula to its...
News Team Ninja Readying Tokyo Game Show Reveal
What could it be?
Give credit to Team Ninja for at least attempting to inject some life into the Tokyo Game Show’s non-existent build up. The Ninja Gaiden developer has confirmed that it will be revealing its latest project at the Japanese convention later this week. Team Ninja is currently gearing up for the release of Dead or Alive 5, which is...
News Treyarch Infiltrates Eurogamer Expo with Black Ops 2
In the firing line
Organisers of the Eurogamer Expo have confirmed that Treyarch will present a Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 developer session at the event on Friday, 28th September at 15:00PM. The panel – sneakily dubbed “Challenging Assumptions” – will be anchored by game design director David Vonderhaar, and will presumably touch upon how...
Monday17th Sep 2012
Talking Point Why Sony Won't Be Too Worried About the Wii U
Here comes a new challenger
They’d never admit it, but the upper-executives at Sony Computer Entertainment were no doubt glued to Nintendo’s pre-release Wii U press conferences last week. After a disappointing E3 showing, the competitor pulled out all the stops to convince consumers its latest platform is worth paying attention to – and...
Review Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (PlayStation 3)
Got the touch?
When it was first announced, 2010’s Transformers: War for Cybertron seemed about as appealing as a collision with a planet eating asteroid named Unicron. The High Moon Studios developed third-person shooter was revealed right around the cusp of Bayformers fever, and despite the Soundwave-esque sincerity of the developer’s...
News Polish Promotion Points to Imminent PS3 Super Slim Reveal
See you in Tokyo
The heavily rumoured PlayStation 3 Super Slim will be officially unveiled at the Tokyo Game Show later this week, a Polish advertisement has all but confirmed. A promotion for the hardware refresh – which narrowly missed out on a GamesCom reveal last month – was spotted by TheSixthAxis on Polish website
News WipEout 2048 Community Team Tweets: "We Are Alive"
What?
The official WipEout 2048 Twitter account has teased that it is “alive” this afternoon, causing mass confusion amongst PlayStation fans. Regular readers will recall the sad news regarding developer Studio Liverpool’s closure earlier this year, but it seems like something is bubbling behind the scenes. Exactly what, we’re not entirely...
News You're Going to Want This Metal Gear Solid Anniversary Book
Complete collection
If you’re a Metal Gear Solid fan with a room full of memorabilia already, you’re probably going to want to purchase this 25th Anniversary book bundle. Unfortunately, things aren’t quite that simple. In order to get hold of the collection, you’ll need to enter a raffle on Konamistyle. Winners will then be given the option...
News Sony Continuing to Support WipEout While Franchise's Future Is Decided
As you were
Sony will continue to support WipEout 2048, according to a post on the game’s Facebook page. The announcement follows a mysterious Tweet this afternoon that claimed the brand was still alive. “While we wait for news on the future of WipEout, online play will continue to be supported and there will be plenty of WipEout comm
News SEGA Confirms October Release Date for NiGHTS HD
Sonic Adventure 2 also along for the ride
The season of superb SEGA remakes will not end with the excellent Jet Set Radio HD. The publisher has confirmed that it will release both NiGHTS into Dreams HD and Sonic Adventure 2 HD on 2nd October in North America. Those of you in Europe will face a breathless 24-hour wait for the titles to sprint...
News Sony Celebrates LittleBigPlanet Vita's Launch with New Trailer
Good times
With LittleBigPlanet Vita already available at some North American stores, Sony has released a brand new trailer designed to celebrate the game’s launch. The footage focuses on the title’s Arcade mode, which is separate from the campaign and boasts a variety of short-burst experiences built using the game’
News Borderlands 2 Launch Trailer Pulls Out the Big Guns
Mayhem awaits
With Borderlands 2 now on a crash course with your PS3’s disc slot, publisher 2K Games has released a brand new trailer promoting the loot-heavy first-person shooter. It’s packed with dialogue snippets and slogan quotes, but the focus is of course on the guns. And there are lots of them – bazillions, in fact. Do you intend to...
News EA Unceremoniously Announces Dragon Age III: Inquisition
Oh
It’s probably telling that Dragon Age III: Inquisition’s announcement flew straight over our heads. We spend all day, everyday scouting out the best PlayStation 3 news – but this announcement didn’t come with the fervour that typically accompanies a big sequel reveal. “More Dragon Age?” pondered drowsy voices around the Push Square...
News UK Sales Charts: Sleeping Dogs Still Resting Atop Summit
Wake up
Not even Heihachi Mishima and family could displace the lethargic Sleeping Dogs in this week’s UK sales charts. The Square Enix published open world crime drama enjoyed a fourth stint at the top of the pile, with Tekken Tag Tournament 2 sitting just behind in second. LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes grapple-hooked its way back into third...
Saturday15th Sep 2012
Book Review Uncharted: The Fourth Labyrinth
Buccaneers and buried gold
Uncharted: The Fourth Labyrinth opens exactly as you’d expect it to. The franchise’s affable protagonist, Nathan ‘Nate’ Drake, is pictured driving through a tropical backdrop with a beautiful girl to his side – and a host of gun-toting thugs flashing submachine guns in his rear-view mirror. Within a single turn...
News LittleBigPlanet Vita Is Already Available in North America
Smooth sailing
It seems it’s impossible for Sony to release a new LittleBigPlanet title without some kind of drama. Regular readers will recall the original game being delayed due to controversial lyrics in one of its songs, while the sequel missed out on its initial holiday release date by quite some margin. LittleBigPlanet Vita looked like it...
News A Ridiculous Amount of People Have Played FIFA 13's Demo
Back of the net
If you live in North America, you might be shielded from the popularity of football (or soccer as it’s more commonly known on your shores) – but make no mistake, it’s a religion in some parts of the world. That’s evidenced by the sheer amount of gamers that hurried to download FIFA 13’s demo, which released on PSN earlier...
News Dokuro Chalks Up October Release Date on PlayStation Vita
No bones about it
Dokuro may be a puzzle-platformer with an innovative hand-drawn art style on the surface, but it has a relatable metaphor concealed within. The PlayStation Vita exclusive tells the tale of a skeleton man who falls in love with a princess. The problem is, the aforementioned heir has been captured by the protagonist’s boss, the...
News Far Cry 3 Engages in a Little Monkey Business
Avoid the trailer
US mega-retailer GameStop has released an alarmingly unfunny trailer to promote its exclusive pre-order bonuses for Far Cry 3. Register your interest in the title and you’ll unlock access to four additional single-player missions and a couple of extra multiplayer taunts. We’ve embedded the full trailer below, but beware:...
Friday14th Sep 2012
News UK Retailer GameStation to be Rebranded GAME
End of an era
Those of you in North America have our permission to close your ears while we regale tales about the torrid state of UK retail. Chatting at a conference this morning, GAME Retail has revealed that its GameStation brand is to be phased out. The company – which recently went through a major reshuffle – previously operated GAME and...
News Borderlands 2's Golden Key Will Test Your Determination
Itchy fingers
As far as pre-order bonuses go, Borderlands 2’s mysterious Golden Key is absolutely genius. The super-secret unlocking device – doled out to Premiere Club members – will be capable of opening a single treasure chest in Sanctuary. That chest will house a selection of rare loot, scaled to the level of your character. And that’s...
News You'll Be Able to Purchase Borderlands 2 Digitally At Launch
Handsome Jack on your hard drive
If it’s anything like its predecessor, you’re probably going to want to play Borderlands 2 time and time again. As such, it makes sense to have the game safely stored on your hard drive – which is perhaps why developer Gearbox has decided to sell the title day-and-date on PSN. Those of you in North America or...
News New Little King's Story Marches into UK This Month
Not far away
Vita exclusive New Little King’s Story has already started its stroll from East-to-West, with publisher Konami confirming that UK gamers can look forward to playing the sequel-cross-remake as early as 27th September. The publisher previously confirmed a 2nd October release date in North America – so this is a rare instance of...
News Intellivision Reinvents Classics for PlayStation Home
Time warp
Chances are the majority of you weren’t born when the original Intellivision released – but games such as Astrosmash and Shark! Shark! have left an indelible impression on the modern games industry. Now, courtesy of PlayStation Home, you’ll be able to play a handful of these classics lovingly re-mastered in HD. “We kept the basic...
News Watch 8 Minutes of Brutal Medal of Honor: Warfighter Gameplay
Light 'em up
This eight minute Medal of Honor: Warfighter trailer is supposedly based on real-world events – but we’re struggling to believe that life in the military is quite so action-packed. The video shows a group of Tier 1 Operatives infiltrating an Abu Sayyaf stronghold – and leaving a breadcrumb trail of burnt out helicopters in their...
News Gearbox Thinks There's Still An Audience for Duke Nukem
Run for the hills
After the atrocious Duke Nukem Forever, we’re not sure we want to set eyes on the series' potty-mouthed protagonist ever again – but, despite owning the fantastic Borderlands franchise, developer Gearbox still reckons there’s room for new games starring the original video game macho man. For those not up to date, Gearbox...
News Insomniac Games Lights Up First Fuse Trailer
Hmm
We adore Insomniac Games, but we can’t seem to muster much enthusiasm about its latest project, Fuse. It’s not the game’s multiplatform status that’s getting us down – moreover it’s the title’s complete lack of identity. As this debut trailer demonstrates, the third-person shooter couldn’t possibly look any more soulless. We...
Thursday13th Sep 2012
News Sony Has Unannounced Titles to Reveal at TGS
Place your bets now
We worried that Sony’s software splurge at GamesCom would keep its Tokyo Game Show surprises to a bare minimum, but it turns out we were sorely mistaken. According to the latest issue of Dengeki PlayStation Magazine, the platform holder is planning to reveal a slew of new titles during the Japan-centric show. Unfortunately,...
News Select Your Favourite PlayStation All-Stars Cover Heroes
Daddy or chips?
PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale may be brimming with popular protagonists – but Sony wants you to consider the impossible, and select your favourite. The platform holder has teamed up with specialist retailer GAME to produce a unique line of high-gloss sleeves that will wrap copies of the mascot mash-up in the UK. There are ten...
News Pledge Your Corporate Allegiance in DUST 514
Social politics
DUST 514 is supposed to offer an easy entry point for those intimidated by sister experience EVE Online – but we’ve got to be honest, we’re not sure it’s going to achieve its aims. We’ve sat pondering this article for over an hour, and we're still struggling to find an easy way to summarise the PS3 exclusive's next big...
News Hell Yeah! Wrath of the Dead Rabbit Won't Cost a Penny with PlayStation Plus
Better and better
It’s always nice when a game that you’d decided to buy anyway gets the giveaway treatment with PlayStation Plus. Arkedo’s off-the-wall Hell Yeah! Wrath of the Dead Rabbit is the latest title to get added to the premium service’s Instant Game Collection. That means members in Europe won’t need to pay a penny to play the...
News Counter-Strike Was August's Top Selling PSN Game
Go, go, go
Valve’s downloadable multiplayer shooter Counter-Strike: Global Offensive has stormed straight to the top of the PlayStation Network sales charts in North America. The title – which launched at the end of August – fought off strong competition from fellow PSN Play promoted titles Sound Shapes and Papo & Yo. Telltale’s stellar...
News Killzone HD Fires onto PlayStation Network Next Month
Hel-gasp
You won’t need to pick up a copy of the Killzone Trilogy in order to play the re-mastered version of the franchise’s debut – Killzone HD is also set to explode onto the PlayStation Store. The popular PS2 title will be available as a standalone release on 23rd October in North America and 24th October in Europe. In addition to...
News Randy Pitchford Still Keen on Borderlands 2 for Vita
Blue sky thinking
Gearbox gaffer Randy Pitchford has reiterated his desire to play Borderlands 2 on the PlayStation Vita – but has once again insinuated that his own studio is too busy to build it. Chatting with IGN’s Up at Noon, the developer hinted that another team would have to port it. "I think it would be awesome to have Borderlands 2 on...
News Sony Shepherds New Tokyo Jungle Trailer Online
Wild thing
This appropriately melodramatic Tokyo Jungle launch trailer is packed with the kind of excitement you’d expect from a game set in a post-apocalyptic city inhabited solely by feral animals. The bizarre PlayStation 3 exclusive has proved a roaring success in Japan, and is now ready for its debut overseas. Curious players can expect to...
News Earth Defense Forces 4 Protects PS3 Next Year
More buggy antics
The upcoming PlayStation Vita port of Earth Defense Forces 3 clearly isn’t enough to sate Japan’s hunger for oversized bugs – series overlord D3Publisher has announced that follow-up Earth Defense Forces 4 is also currently in development for PS3. The sequel promises to stick closely to the blueprint of previous entries,...
Wednesday12th Sep 2012
News New Little King's Story Stomps into North America Next Month
Three people care
Strange PlayStation Vita not-quite-sequel-but-not-quite-remake of Nintendo Wii smash Little King’s Story is marching into North America on 2nd October, publisher Konami has announced. The game – appropriately titled, er, New Little King’s Story – boasts a brand new storyline, online functionality, and enhanced Vita...
Store Update 12th September 2012 (Europe)
Bursting with goodness
Sony bigwigs have clearly been keeping a close eye on the tangible malaise surrounding recent European PlayStation Store updates, because this week’s refresh is a real humdinger. In addition to new PS3 titles Red Johnson’s Chronicles: One Against All and Jet Set Radio HD, this week also marks the arrival of a handful of...
News Get Down with Double Dragon: Neon's Groovy Soundtrack
Crunk beats
If your heart’s still stuck in the late eighties, then Double Dragon: Neon’s mixture of glam rock and disco beats should suit you to a treat. And you won’t need to pay a penny to feed it directly into your anticipant ear drums. In addition to the game being free on PlayStation Plus – go and download it now – publisher Majesco...
News Dig Out Your Hard Hat in Preparation for Home Tycoon
Constructicons
PlayStation Home has had its fair share of ambitious content lately – but Home Tycoon looks like a real step above. The free-to-play city building game promises a strategic business simulation with a twist. Indeed, in addition to growing and nurturing your own hometown from a top-down perspective, you’ll also be able to explore...
Tuesday11th Sep 2012
News DLC Characters Discovered on Tekken Tag Tournament 2's Disc
No Gon, sorry
A group of hackers with plenty of time on their hands have discovered a slew of unannounced Tekken Tag Tournament 2 characters hidden on the fighter’s disc. Newcomers include Dr. Bosconovitch, former boss Unknown, a skinny version of Bob, the inappropriately dressed Miharu, Lilli’s butler Sebastian, and the stylish Violet. While...
News Now You Can Play Through Final Fantasy VII in LittleBigPlanet 2
Head in the clouds
Boot up LittleBigPlanet 2 now and you’ll be amazed. While there was no shortage of impressive content at launch, the platformer has really come into its own over the past 18 months. It’s simply staggering what budding creator curators have built – and that sentiment extends to this obsessive recreation of Final Fantasy VII...
News Nurture Your Own Ecosystem in Ecolibrium on Vita
Flora and fauna
Bizarre ecosystem simulator Ecolibrium is set to launch on the PlayStation Vita in Europe tomorrow, publisher Sony has announced. The free application challenges you to “maintain harmony within your own created environment”. You’ll need to select complementary plants, animals and artefacts in order to balance your world. Make...
News Let's Fish! Hooks PlayStation Vita This Fall
Reely good news
Wired Productions is aiming to make a splash this fall with Let’s Fish! Hooked On for PlayStation Vita. The arcade fishing title is the product of renowned Tokyo-based studio SIMS, who previously worked on SEGA Bass Fishing and Ape Escape for PSP. It features a striking anime art style, illustrated by manga luminary Poyoyon Rock...
Store Update 11th September 2012 (North America)
The boys are back in town
This week’s North American PlayStation Store update won’t go down in history, but there’s still plenty for you to look forward to. New arrivals include Double Dragon: Neon, Anomaly Warzone Earth and Red Johnson’s Chronicles - One Against All. PlayStation Plus subscribers can also anticipate early access to Jet Set
News PC Indie Hit Terraria Is Coming To PSN Next Year
Build your hopes up now
PC indie success Terraria is heading to PSN. The title - which has been described by some as a 2D Minecraft - was launched in 2011 and has since shifted an impressive 1.6 million copies. Andrew Spinks - the sole talent behind the original PC release - appears to be involved with the port to consoles (it's also coming to Xbox...
News Here's What's Inside Assassin's Creed III's Join or Die Edition
Premium package
Assassin’s Creed III is poised to become one of the biggest games of the year, so you’re probably going to want to splash out on a collector’s edition of some kind. Thankfully, publisher Ubisoft has got you covered in that department, with a slew of special editions to choose from. Under the spotlight this morning is the Join...
News PlayStation Plus Cloud Storage Upgraded to 1GB This Week
Breathing room
You’ll finally be able to back up that Afrika save this week, when PlayStation Plus’ cloud storage is bumped up to a whopping 1GB. A system software update will be required to enable the anticipated enhancement – allowing you to store virtually all of your game saves on Sony’s servers. As always, you’ll be able to specify...
News Microsoft's Making You Wait for These Resident Evil 6 Modes
Bah humbug
Timed exclusivity is silly. We understand why it’s necessary in an age where legitimate third-party exclusives are heading the way of the dodo – but it’s infuriating when content is taken away from your platform of choice just because another company paid for it. Take Resident Evil 6 – the game’s getting three extra modes on...
News Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Trailer Talks Through Tweaks
War has changed
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 may look familiar on the surface, but there are a lot of subtle changes going on behind the scenes. This brand new trailer – narrated by Treyarch’s excitable David Vonderhaar – details the shooter’s class creation system, as well as outlining some of the title’s new weapons. Honestly, we know...
News Sleeping Dogs Surpasses 172k Sales in North America
Strong start
Publishers and journalists are constantly pointing out that new intellectual property is a thing of the past, but a game like Sleeping Dogs shreds that theory to bits. The open world adventure – which is currently sitting atop the UK sales charts – managed to sell 172k units in North America during August. That’s a very...
News The Mechromancer Targets Borderlands 2 in October
En-Gaige
Borderlands 2’s downloadable Mechromancer character class will fire into the first-person shooter on 16th October, publisher 2K Games has announced. The character – officially named Gaige – will be available as a free download to anyone that pre-orders the title. Everyone else will have to pay £7.99/$9.99. Gaige’s robotic arm will...
News 3G PlayStation Vita Finally Graces Canada in October
Connected
It may have slipped your memory, but Canada still hasn’t received the 3G version of the PlayStation Vita. The enhanced SKU was quietly cancelled in the region ahead of the system’s February launch – and there’s been very little information from platform holder Sony ever since. Well, until this evening anyway. The company has...
Monday10th Sep 2012
Review Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD (PlayStation 3)
Drop-in, bail on it, or does Tony Hawk slam?
When Tony Hawk's Pro Skater first landed on PlayStation in 1999 it was welcomed with open arms and scabby knees by skateboarders, as the first video game to capture what it felt like to skate. Neversoft embraced skate culture so vehemently that a number of their team became skilled at riding a real...
News FIFA 13 Demo Dribbles onto the PlayStation Store This Week
Annual obsession
England’s World Cup qualifier against Ukraine isn’t the only noteworthy football-related event set to take place tomorrow evening – publisher EA Games has also announced that it will be launching a FIFA 13 demo on the PlayStation Store between 22:00PM and 02:00AM UK time. The demo will include AC Milan, Arsenal, Borussia...
News Resident Evil 6's Leather Jacket Edition Will Cost You £899
Costly clobber
It’ll cost you almost a grand to look as good as Resident Evil 6 protagonist Leon S. Kennedy – and that’s without splashing out on an expensive floppy haircut. Publisher Capcom has added the Resident Evil 6: Leather Jacket Edition to its European store. It’ll set you back just £899. The pricey package includes a replica of...
News F1 2012 Demo Races onto PSN This Week
Pit stop
Fans of fast cars and chequered flags will be treated to an F1 2012 demo this week, Codemasters has announced. Those that download the taster will be able to sample two of racer’s new modes: Young Driver Test and Season Challenge. The former takes “inspiration” from real-life examinations, and will teach you how to get to grips with...
News First Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes Screenshots Sneak In
Foxy
Beyond last weekend’s reveal, Konami has been frustratingly quiet about Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes – but it has released a handful of high-definition screenshots for you to pore over. Unlike the sub-par captures available elsewhere, these are direct-feed – allowing you to see every crinkle on protagonist Snake’s lived-in face. The...
News North American PlayStation Plus Goes Beat 'em Up Bonkers
Crude buster
If you’re looking for a source of stress relief ahead of the long winter months, PlayStation Plus has got you covered. Sony has announced that button bashers Double Dragon: Neon and Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game will be added to the premium service’s Instant Game Collection in North America from 11th September. That means...
News Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes Will Boast a Day and Night Cycle
Sneaking in the sunshine
Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes will boast a day and night cycle, according to Eurogamer.net. The website reports that series creator Hideo Kojima divulged the information in an interview after the game's recent unveiling. According to the industry luminary, the day and night cycle will boost replayability, allowing players...
News Medal of Honor: Warfighter DLC Promotes Controversial Movie
On the hunt
Medal of Honor: Warfighter may be struggling to secure headlines on its own terms – but its collaboration with controversial Sony Pictures flick Zero Dark Thirty was always going to be a sure fire hit. For the uninitiated, the aforementioned movie attempts to recreate the real-life search for Osama Bin Laden. In the game, it will be...
News Sleeping Dogs Reclaims UK Sales Charts Top Spot
Sitting pretty
United Front Games' excellent open world adventure Sleeping Dogs has reclaimed its place atop the UK sales charts. The crime drama – which was temporarily displaced by Guild Wars 2 last week – managed to fight off competition from new entry The Sims 3: Supernatural to steal back the top spot. It was a familiar story elsewhere...
Sunday9th Sep 2012
News Animated Invizimals Television Series Appearing Next Year
Brought to life
Sony’s augmented reality franchise Invizimals is unbelievably popular in parts of continental Europe. As such, it’s not exactly surprising to learn that the platform holder is launching an animated television series based on the Pokémon-inspired franchise. The first episode – produced in collaboration with Spanish animation...
News Sony Discouraging Console Ports on PlayStation Vita
Learning lessons
Listen to the ramblings of any video game armchair analyst, and they’ll excitedly inform you that the PSP struggled because of its emphasis on shoddy home console ports. They’d be partly right, but the insinuation that Vita is flagging for the same reason seems a little unfounded. Granted the platform has depended on...
News Silent Hill: Downpour Drenches Japan on 8th November
Gloomy outlook
Publisher Konami has forecast an 8th November release date for Silent Hill: Downpour in Japan. The title launched in Europe and North America earlier this year to a mixed critical reception. The game will release as a PlayStation 3 exclusive overseas, presumably due to the lack of interest in the Xbox 360 platform. Silent Hill:...
News Sony Working with Bethesda to Solve Skyrim DLC Woes
No guarantees
While Xbox 360 owners enjoy the second The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim DLC pack, developer Bethesda has yet to release the first expansion on PlayStation 3. In fact, the company has revealed that it's struggling to get the content running on Sony’s platform at all – an unsurprising admission considering the game’s troubled launch...
News Catch Up with 15 Minutes of The Last of Us Gameplay
Good grief
If the next-generation PlayStation really is poised to launch next year, then the PS3 is destined to go out with a bang. Between The Last of Us and Beyond: Two Souls, Sony has an impressive first-party line-up planned for the start of 2013. This lengthy The Last of Us gameplay trailer showcased at PAX Prime 2012 last weekend demonstrates...
News LittleBigPlanet Karting's Narrative is Utter Nonsense
Not that it really matters
Believe it or not, United Front Games’ upcoming LittleBigPlanet Karting has a storyline. Community coordinator Michael Buffaloe explains that the game takes place after the events of LittleBigPlanet 2, long after Sackboy squashed the evil Negativitron. He continues that Craftworld was subsequently invaded by visitors...
News Borderlands 2 Skill Tree Calculator Gets You Prepared
Homework
If you’re one of the many people that’s already pre-ordered Gearbox’s upcoming Borderlands 2, then you might want to start thinking about the type of character you’re going to build. The developer has added a brand new skill tree calculator tool to the game’s official website, allowing you to waste away the day plotting out perks...
Saturday8th Sep 2012
News Borderlands 2 Smashes Pre-Order Records
In the firing line
Gearbox’s extremely popular Borderlands franchise has maintained its record breaking form by smashing pre-order records. Publisher 2K Games told MCV earlier this week that the upcoming Borderlands 2 has become the most anticipated title in the company’s history. “We’re exceptionally happy with the level of support gamers...
Rumour Gravity Rush's Kat to Turn PS All-Stars Upside Down
Dazed and confused
At this point, the developers at SuperBot Entertainment must be having nightmares about any remaining PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale information – especially considering the sheer wealth of details that have already spilled online. As such, if you work for the unlucky developer, you might want to cover your eyes right now:...
News Patrick Seybold Exits Sony Computer Entertainment
Greener grass
Patrick Seybold – the employee saddled with the unfortunate task of spinning Sony’s often disappointing NPD sales results into something positive – has left PlayStation after 12 years. The veteran SCEA employee announced the news on Twitter earlier this week, confirming that he has a new role at mobile outfit TapJoy lined up...
News Wonderbook: Book of Spells Enchants Stores on 13th November
New chapter
Harry Potter spin-off Wonderbook: Book of Spells may not be the most obvious PlayStation 3 blockbuster of the year, but it’s clear that Sony has big plans for the augmented reality title. That’s been underlined by a North American release date of 13th November – right at the start of the gift giving season. The J.K. Rowling...
News Eufloria Adventures Blossoms onto PlayStation Mobile
Setting roots
We’re gradually beginning to learn a little more about what we can expect from PlayStation Mobile – and, by extension, the titles we can look forward to playing. One such experience set to join the growing roster of launch games is Eufloria Adventures, a follow-up to last year’s PSN release by Omni Systems. The sequel will...
Friday7th Sep 2012
Rumour GTA V To Launch In Time For Christmas
Don't hold your breath, though
Leaked screenshots which feature unbelievable release dates are always a little on the dodgy side. Why are they always blurry and low res? When was the last time you saw a computer do a screen grab and then apply a Vaseline-like filter over the top? Answers on a postcard to the usual address, please. Back on topic,...
News Sony Europe Offering PlayStation Plus for £22.49 in UK?
Someone in marketing is going to be in hot water
An image taken from the PSN Store shows that Sony Europe is advertising its PlayStation Plus service - which normally costs £29.99 for an annual subscription - for just £22.49. The advert for the service, which gives access to exclusive features such as free games and discounts on downloads,...
News Fan-Made WipEout Album Pays Tribute to Psygnosis
Download for free now
It surprised many when Sony shut down Studio Liverpool, formerly Psygnosis and developer of one of the most iconic game series on Sony's systems, WipEout. The most recent entry, WipEout 2048, is one of the best titles on Vita, but the fate of the franchise is unclear now that its driving force has been disbanded. For many,...
News Darksiders II Leads The Way in August NPD Results
Don't mess with Death
The NPD results for August have been released, which were no doubt greeted by many sweaty brows within the gaming industry. The overall picture for U.S. game sales is worrying, with a drop in software sales of 9% compared to the same period last year, though PS3 has reportedly produced improved sales compared to July. The...
Thursday6th Sep 2012
News PS Vita Hack Apparently Allows The Use of Homebrew Code
The legacy of PSP hacking lives on
An exploit has been discovered that alledgely permits the use of 'custom' code - otherwise known as homebrew - on the PS Vita, according to Wololo.net. Hacking the PSP was a popular pastime for many owners, and it would appear that the same desire to tinker is afflicting Vita fans. It's hard to confirm the...
News Vita Sales Have a Welcome Boost in Japan
Getting back into the rhythm
There's been a fair share of doom and gloom around Vita recently, with one consistent source of bad news coming from the Japanese charts. Thankfully, this week represents a reverse in the trend, with Sony doing well in the software chart and seeing a revival for its handheld in the hardware stakes. In the software...
News Modern Warfare 3 Chaos Pack DLC Confirmed for 13th September
It'll kill for some perks
As has become normal for PS3 owners, the wait for the latest Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 DLC has lasted around a month; it's almost over. It's confirmed that the third set, 'Chaos Pack', arrives on 13th September and will cost $15 or its equivalent, while Elite members will get it for free. Developer Infinity Ward...
News Dishonored Developer Documentary Charts The Game's Shadowy Inception
Behind the scenes on Arkane's supernatural stealth title
Bethesda Softworks and Arkane Studios have released the first in a series of documentries focusing on the production of Dishonored. Entitled 'Inception', this first video covers the creation and conceptualisation of the game, and features input from the development team as they explain how...
News Killzone Trilogy Confirmed for 23rd October
Lots of bang for your buck
Sony and other publishers have brought a fair share of trilogies, HD remasters and combo-packs to PS3. Announced today by Guerilla Games is one of the best we've seen, however, with Killzone Trilogy confirmed for release on 23rd October in North America, and just a day later on 24th October in Europe. As the title...
News Call of Juarez: Gunslinger Announced by Ubisoft
Back to duelling in the Wild West
After a rather mixed reaction to its attempts to take the action to modern times in Call of Juarez: The Cartel, Ubisoft has announced that the series will return to the Wild West for more gun-slinging action. In fact, it's titled Call of Juarez: Gunslinger, in order to avoid any confusion. Your role in the latest...
Wednesday5th Sep 2012
News Assassin's Creed 3 Development Was a "Rare Opportunity"
Last of the triple-A "dinosaurs"
Assassin's Creed III on PS3 is one of the triple-A titles heading to the system this Holiday season, alongside a certain Activision behemoth, of course. It's undoubtedly a big budget title, with a lengthy development period and a big team from across Ubisoft's various studios. Yet, as new hardware emerges in the next...
News Beatshapers Bundles Up Indie Classics for PS3, Vita and PSP
Five games for not much cash
Publisher Beatshapers has announced today that its Indie Bundle - which contains five titles developed by esteemed independent video game makers - is going to be made available on PlayStation Stores all over the globe. The bundle includes Wizorb, Canabalt, Enigmo, Galcon Labs and BreakQuest.
News God of War Collection and ICO HD Now Available For Remote Play
Vita only, PS3 patch required
Yesterday we reported that a patch for ICO HD Remote Play was on the way, and thankfully for those that want to try it out the wait was particularly short. It's been confirmed on the PlayStation blog that updates are now available in North America and Europe not only for ICO &
Tuesday4th Sep 2012
Gore blimey
Over the course of the last few years, the Resident Evil series has been content to rest on its laurels, with some suggesting that it would only take one truly exciting survival horror title to come along and cast the once groundbreaking series into the annals of history. Each new title from the franchise has been presented with shiny...
News Past Classics Cut Down to Size in PSN Retro Game Sale
32-bit gaming has never been so reasonably priced
Sony has confirmed that a whole bunch of PSone titles are to have their prices slashed to celebrate the recent 1.80 Vita update. These cuts happen on 5th September, and only apply to Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Sorry, North America! At least things are slowly getting better on your side of...
News Don't Try This Insane Assassin's Creed Parkour at Home, Kids
This is no game
Excited about a live-action Assassin's Creed movie? Well Parkour expert Ronnie Shalvis has already made one, and it thankfully features no tortuous dialogue, hammy acting or needless exposition - just lots of free-running and death-defying leaps of faith.
News ICO HD Remote Play Patch On The Way
A portable beauty
Sometimes taking a classic and re-releasing it in a HD remake can be considered to be a bit of a cash grab. But when you take two wonderful PS2 games and make them even more special with upgraded visuals, as was the case with ICO & Shadow of the Colossus Collection — or ICO HD — then it's really impossible to complain. It...
News Ratchet: Deadlocked Breaking Out in PSN Re-Release
Hitting PS3 this year
The Ratchet & Clank series is in the middle of its 10 year anniversary celebrations, which has already prompted HD re-release goodness with Ratchet & Clank Collection. Fans of the series will no doubt be pleased to hear that there's more on the way, with Ratchet Deadlocked — known as Ratchet: Gladiator in PAL regions...
News New Resident Evil 6 Demo Shuffling Out 18th September
Itchy taster
Not seen enough of Resident Evil 6 before release yet? Then you'll be pleased to hear that there's a brand new demo coming to the PlayStation Store on 18th September. The trial will give you a little taste of each of the game's three main campaigns, and each level can be played in either single player or online co-op. You'll be able to...
News Stolen Copies of Resident Evil 6 Are Infecting Poland Early
Capcom confirms reports
Recently we brought you the news that retailers had released Resident Evil 6 early in Poland. Beyond the immediate feeling of being jealous, we did wonder how a retailer had sold a game a whole month ahead of its release day. It's simple, the copies are hot, and we don't mean that in a good way. Capcom has provided a...
Monday3rd Sep 2012
Feature The Making Of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Koji ‘IGA’ Igarashi reveals the history behind the gothic classic
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night marked a major turning point for the Castlevania series. With the exception of the free-roaming Simon’s Quest on the NES, over a decade’s worth of instalments had displayed an unwavering commitment to the fairly straightforward ‘platform...
News Chinese Vita Copycat Droid X360 is a Lawsuit Waiting to Happen
Attack of the clone
While western companies take each other to court over the tiniest little patent infraction, over in China hardware manufacturers have no such concerns; they'll happily copy a rival product right down to the design - something which is proven perfectly by the Droid X360. Looking every inch like a PlayStation Vita, this is...
News NiGHTS and Sonic Adventure 2 Go HD in October
Sweet dreams
SEGA classics NiGHTS into Dreams and Sonic Adventure 2 are escaping the confines of standard definition and jumping onto PlayStation Network in fabulous HD next month. Under the SEGA Heritage label, the duo will be revitalised alongside Jet Set Radio, which is skating its way onto the PlayStation Store in September. We don't hav
News More PlayStation Classics Now Compatible With North American Vitas
Still lagging behind Europe, though
Sony's 1.80 update for the Vita brought with it a large selection of PlayStation classics for European players, but those in North America were left feeling a little glum by the somewhat paltry selection they received. Thankfully, it looks as if Sony is listening to the complaints, as it has quietly added some...
News Don't Mix Up Project Ogre and Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes
Two different beasts
Project Ogre and the recently revealed Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes are two entirely different projects — and don't let Hideo Kojima hear you say otherwise. Metal Gear's main man huffed on Twitter that he was "sick and tired" of people asking if the games are one and the same during PAX Prime. We gues
News Brothers in Arms: Furious 4 Regroups as a New IP
Change of command
We hope you've not been anticipating the next Brothers in Arms game too much — the title once known as Brothers in Arms: Furious 4 will now be released as a new IP separate to the series. At PAX Prime, Gearbox Software president Randy Pitchford told attendees of his Inside Gearbox Software panel that the game, originally...
Saturday1st Sep 2012
Review JoJo's Bizarre Adventure HD Ver. (PlayStation 3)
Stands, but doesn't deliver
“Bizarre” is definitely an accurate descriptor of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure HD Ver. Not only does it encapsulate the themes and design of the 2D fighter’s source material, it also sums up the decisions that went into the rerelease of the 1999 Dreamcast title. It’s a mixed bag with an eyebrow-raising price point...
Sunday2nd Sep 2012
News Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes Debut Trailer Revealed At PAX
Showing off FOX Engine
On Thursday Hideo Kojima, creator of the Metal Gear Solid series, revealed his upcoming title, Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes. Today, he has teased us with a ten minute gameplay trailer, sure to get Metal Gear fans excited. While the footage was shown running through a PC, Kojima has stated that the specs are comparable to...
Saturday1st Sep 2012
News Retailers Break Resident Evil 6 Release Date
Too good to stay on the shelves?
Polish retailers are already selling copies of Resident Evil 6 – despite the game not officially releasing until 2nd October. A lucky gamer managed to get hold of an early copy, and posted a picture of his spoils on the Internet to prove it. It's not uncommon for retailers to break street dates overseas, but we've...
News Square Enix Reveals Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII
Back for more
At an anniversary event in Japan overnight, Square Enix revealed Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII. The title – which was teased several weeks ago – will pick up directly after the events of Final Fantasy XIII-2, and will conclude protagonist Lightning’s story arc. Once again, you’ll take control of the flame haired...
News Dead Island: Riptide Continues the Holiday from Hell Next Year
Stay at home
The last thing you want when you escape from a tropical island inhabited by the undead is to get shipwrecked on the same infected archipelago during your daring escape – but that’s exactly what happens in Dead Island: Riptide. The spin-off – not sequel – will feature the same four survivors from the original game, as they’re...
