News Here's How to Claim a Free 30-Day PlayStation Plus Trial
You know you want it
News - November, 2012
Friday30th Nov 2012
Review Far Cry 3 (PlayStation 3)
Insane in the membrane
Far Cry 3 will find you questioning your sanity, your loyalty, and your will to survive. This tropical adventure gone violent provides the perfect distraction for you to whittle away your winter nights with – and days, too. It offers an exhilarating journey that you'll struggle to put down, and will linger long in the memory...
News Sony Patents Bizarre Break Apart DualShock Controller
Shake it all about
Sony has patented a product called the Hybrid Separable Motion Controller. While it may sound like a fancy gizmo, it actually amounts to little more than a DualShock 3 controller that snaps in half. Oh, and it’s got PlayStation Move bobbles bunged on top. The registration – which was filed in May last year and published on...
News Sony Counting Down to Christmas with PSN Deals
Mistletoe and wine
As Santa’s sleigh bells draw ever near, Sony is lining up a slew of discounts on the European PlayStation Store designed to keep you in festive spirits. Starting on 1st December – that’s tomorrow for those of you not keeping track – the platform holder will launch a brand new Christmas cracker every 48 hours. The...
News Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Plus Cuts Down Difficulty with Hero Mode
Down to size
Tecmo Koei's implementing a beginner option into the wordy Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Plus. The patronisingly named ‘Hero’ mode will allow ninja newbies to conquer the upcoming PlayStation Vita re-release without needing to break a sweat. Well, unless Ayane is on-screen. The dainty difficulty will implement automatic blocking when...
News Wired Productions Reels in First Let's Fish! Footage
It's a big one
Set aside that smirk, because Let’s Fish! Hooked On looks awesome. Not only is the arcade angling title the product of former SEGA Bass Fishing developers, but it also allows you to watch underdressed anime girls handle enormous rods in public. That’s worth the price of admission alone. The full game promises an engrossing story...
News Analyst: Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Sales Are Cause for Concern
Industry may as well pack up
Sales for Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 are trending 15 per cent lower than last year’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, an analyst has claimed. Arvind Bhatia of financial firm Sterne Agee noted that the sales for last year’s title were already 5 per cent lower than the original Call of Duty: Black Ops, indicating that...
News BreakQuest: Extra Evolution Is Bouncing onto PlayStation Vita
Going native
Beatshapers’ brilliant PlayStation Mini BreakQuest: Extra Evolution is bouncing onto the PlayStation Vita as a native release, the developer has told us. That means that the title will now boast Trophies, improved visuals, and online scoreboards. “We got the approval from Sony two weeks ago and are pushing it hard,” gaffer Alexey...
Preview Committing the Combat of Remember Me to Memory
Pressen matters
Earlier this year, we were lucky enough to receive a behind the scenes presentation from DONTNOD Entertainment, where co-lead designer Philippe Moreau helped demonstrate the brawling and melee mechanics in Remember Me, its Capcom published third-person action-adventure. It was clear that Nilin, the acrobatic female protagonist, was...
News RAGE's Anger Reignites with New DLC Expansion
You remember RAGE, right?
We’re so used to post-release plans being perfectly calculated that the apparent addition of new RAGE DLC has left us a little confused. It’s been over a year since the first-person shooter originally launched on PlayStation 3, and it hasn’t exactly maintained much mindshare since then. As such, the addition of ten...
News Sony Recruiting Willing Warriors for God of War: Ascension Beta
Death wish
It’s rare that the Gods seek the support of mortals, but this is one of those exceptional occasions. Sony is appealing for European PlayStation 3 owners to participate in the upcoming God of War: Ascension beta. To be in with a chance, all you need to do is visit this specially prepared sign-up page, login with your PlayStation Network...
News Ratloop Lays Rocketbirds onto PlayStation Vita Next Year
Fowl play
Ratloop Asia’s brilliantly bizarre Rocketbirds: Hardboiled Chicken will make the jump onto the PlayStation Vita next year. The handheld port will include brand new levels, a fresh difficulty setting, and a handful of platform exclusive input mechanics. “From the beginning, I’ve really wanted to include these large Orwellian video...
Thursday29th Nov 2012
Review Sine Mora (PlayStation Vita)
Without delay
The side-scrolling shooter genre, so prominent in the 8-bit and 16-bit eras, gradually began its demise with the advent of 3D. The newfangled technology rendered the format passé, before refining its DNA into its spiritual successor, the first-person shooter. Those forerunners, however, tested lightning reflexes and memory skills,...
News Black Friday Propels PS3 and Vita Sales in North America
Big numbers
The North American video game market may not belong to Sony in the way that it used to, but that didn’t stop the Japanese giant from recording some impressive sales during Black Friday week (18th to 24th November). The platform holder has announced that it sold a whopping 525,000 PlayStation 3s during the seven day window, and a...
News Ubisoft Would Like to Know What You Think of Uncharted 3
Drake out of ten
A survey for Assassin’s Creed III – captured by the industrious folks over at The Gaming Liberty – wants to know how much you like Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception. The game is explicitly referenced in the questionnaire, suggesting that publisher Ubisoft may be considering taking its historical franchise in a more set-
News The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth Is Coming to PS3 and Vita
Brought to life
Edmund McMillen has confirmed that The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is coming to both the PlayStation 3 and Vita. The game was teased earlier today, but now the outspoken developer has provided some firm details for you to sink your teeth into. The re-release will include the full original game, alongside the Wrath of the
News Amazon Bundling PlayStation 3 with Vita for £499.99 in UK
All-stars
Earlier in the year, Sony stated that it was not averse to the idea of bundling the PlayStation 3 with the Vita. "We'd have nothing against that whatsoever," SCEUK’s Fergal Gara told CVG. "And it's not out of the question that we would do that this Christmas if we wanted to.” It turns out that those weren’t empty words. The UK arm...
News God of War Movie May Deviate from Game's Plot
With hopes of starting over
We don’t know why we credit these movie tie-in stories with bandwidth anymore, but we suppose that God of War is too big to ignore. Apparently, platform holder Sony has commissioned a flick based on the feisty franchise, with scriptwriters Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan given the go ahead to re-write Kratos’ story...
News Embrace Your Inner Hipster with a $99 PSP-3000
Back to the future
There may be a new portable PlayStation platform in town, but that doesn’t mean that the previous generation is totally out of fashion. Amazon is currently selling the old-school PSP-3000 for a bargain bin $99 in North America. That represents a $30 saving over the standard retail price, which is excellent value for a system...
News Urban Trial Freestyle Accelerates onto PSN and Vita Next Year
Bunny hop
Tate Interactive’s oft-delayed Trials Evolution derivative Urban Trials has re-emerged today with a new name. The wordier Urban Trial Freestyle will release worldwide next year as a digital download on both the PlayStation 3 and Vita. The game will boast five lively environments, each full of contorted terrain and moving objects. It...
News Why We Don't Get a New Grand Theft Auto Game Every Year
Rising crime
The excellent Grand Theft Auto franchise is no slouch. Speaking at this week’s Credit Suisse 2012 Technology Conference, Take Two CEO Strauss Zelnick revealed that the open world crime series has shipped an eye-watering 125 million units since its inception back in 1997. However, despite the brand’s success, the company refuses to...
News Nicalis Resurrects The Binding of Isaac for Consoles
Born again
Edmund McMillen’s macabre indie darling The Binding of Isaac is heading to consoles, according to a post-mortem of the PC release. The dark, biblical adventure will be ported to various PlayStation platforms – though there’s currently no confirmation of which – by Nicalis, who will add online co-op, revamped graphics, and two...
News New Vita Bundle Includes PS Plus and Unit 13 for $299.99
Fresh blood
If you haven’t delved into the wonderful world of PlayStation Vita ownership just yet, Sony has announced a new North American bundle designed to get you on board. The attractive $299.99 package includes a 3G console, a 12 month subscription to PlayStation Plus, a download voucher for Unit 13, and a completely useless 4GB memory card...
Wednesday28th Nov 2012
Review Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward (PlayStation Vita)
Nine is a magic number
Taking place in the not-so-distant future, Zero Escape: Virtue’s Last Reward puts you in the role of Sigma, a young man who’s removed from his normal life and forced to take part in the ‘Nonary Game’ – a sick and twisted creation that ponders whether you're willing to betray in order to survive. Virtue’s Last...
Talking Point Does the PS4 Need to Do More Than Push Polygons?
Generation game
Nintendo of America boss Reggie Fils-Aime reckons that Sony will need to do more than manufacture cutting edge technology in order to compete with the Wii U. The executive was responding to a query regarding the longevity of the recently released platform once the next generation console eventually arrives. “In the end, our...
News Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Shoots Down Japanese Sales Charts
Hottin' up
Japan may be quite introverted with its video game tastes, but it does enjoy the odd first-person shooter. That’s evidenced this week by the surprising sales numbers for Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, which managed to shift a whopping 197,350 units on PlayStation 3 alone. In fact, it was a good week for Sony’s home console in general,...
News Start a Special Journey with Travel Bug on PlayStation Vita
Around the world in anty days
If you’ve ever wanted a globetrotting insect as a pet, then Lucid Games’ latest PlayStation Vita application should have you smiling like a buccaneer in a biplane. The complimentary Travel Bug will allow you to rear your own adventurous creepy-crawly, and send it on a journey around the world via Near. While your...
News PS Plus Subscribers Secure Free Copy of Batman: Arkham City
The Dark Knight headlines another epic month
We’re not even going to waste our time trying to come up with superlatives to describe next month’s European PlayStation Plus update, because we reckon that the line-up will do the talking for us. From 5th December, premium members will be able to download Rocksteady’s excellent Batman: Arkham City...
News Destiny Makes History as Bungie Targets PlayStation 3
Halo, goodbye
Details regarding the next game from Halo creators Bungie have leaked online, confirming that the legendary studio is about to make its debut on PlayStation 3. According to the super secret information shared with IGN, the upcoming Destiny is a “sci-fantasy action shooter” that’s designed to be both “fun and accessible”. The...
News Futurlab Aims to Electrify Match 3 with Surge
Luxury fun
Not content with reinventing the scrolling shoot ‘em up and slide puzzle, award winning Brighton-based developer Futurlab has announced its intent to electrify the classic Match 3 puzzle genre with Surge. The upcoming PlayStation Mobile title – due out on 12th December worldwide – sees you connecting similarly coloured blocks by...
News Rockstar Games Gears Up for Grand Theft Auto V with Sale
Daylight robbery
If you still haven’t played Grand Theft Auto IV and its DLC, publisher Rockstar Games has announced that the critically acclaimed adventure will be adopting a slender price-point on the European PlayStation Network this week. For just £9.99, you’ll be able to purchase a digital copy of the seminal adventure, which is a bona...
Store Update 27th November 2012 (North America)
Double trouble
Hide behind your desk. This week sees the arrival of awful arcade brawler Sonic the Fighters on the North American PlayStation Store. At least there’s Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault, Ace Combat: Assault Horizon, and Men in Black: Alien Crisis to make up for the dire download. Wait a minute... Let's get down to business...
Store Update 28th November 2012 (Europe)
Bubble pop
Nothing in this week’s European PlayStation Store update is going to grab your attention like a Hyuna music video, but there are still a handful of goodies to keep your eye on. Ratchet & Clank: Q-Force, Travel Bug, and Dead or Alive 5 appear to be the most notable new additions. Shut down that YouTube tab, and we’ll get started.
Tuesday27th Nov 2012
Review Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault (PlayStation 3)
Zurgo rush
Insomniac Games has never shied away from experimenting with its premium platforming franchise, but Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault represents the series’ biggest departure yet. Designed to celebrate the brand’s tenth anniversary, the downloadable mini-adventure blends the property’s traditional twitch-based gunplay with...
Review Jetpack Joyride (PlayStation Minis)
Fun size
You are Barry Steakfries: Nate Drake look-alike, coin collector, and experimental technology thief. Bored of his life in the ‘Secret Underground Laboratory’, Barry makes a one-way bid for freedom. He’s doomed of course, but don’t tell him. It’d break his heart. One of the few iPhone apps to make the jump to PlayStation Minis,...
News Who Fancies a Trip to Yakuza 5's Club SEGA Arcade?
Raises hand
If you’ve played any of the previous Yakuza games, then you’ll know how hard it is to resist the lure of the local Club SEGA arcade. Who cares if Haruka's captured and there’s a rival gang stepping on the Tojo Clan’s toes? There’s always time for a session on Boxcelios. This video of Yakuza 5’s recently released Japanese...
News Bethesda States That Skyrim DLC Is Still Coming to PS3
Keep your cool
You’d be forgiven for forgetting about The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim’s DLC, but Bethesda promises that the content is still coming to the PlayStation 3. The publisher has spent an entire year trying to port the title’s expansion packs to Sony's system, but has so far failed to launch any post-release content for the platform...
News Nintendo: Our Competitors Need to React to What We're Doing
Gadgets and gizmos
Following his controversial interview with CNN earlier in the week, Nintendo of America boss Reggie Fils-Aime has suggested that Sony will need to offer more than just upgraded visuals with the next PlayStation console. Chatting with CNET, the outspoken executive brushed aside claims that the recently released Wii U will be...
News This PlayStation All-Stars Commercial Is Really Weird
What?
If you thought the European advertisement for PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale was strange, then wait until you watch this North American alternative. It’s been produced by the Robot Chicken team, and shows some of the game’s characters chilling out in a company break room. Unfortunately, while it tries really hard, it isn't even...
News Dynasty Warriors 7: Empires Slices and Dices PS3 Next Year
Another one?
Dynasty Warriors fans will get another chance to chop down incalculable numbers of enemies next year, when the latest entry in the impressively large series swings onto PS3 in Western territories. The wordy Dynasty Warriors 7: Empires will be available as a digital download from 19th February in North America, and as a retail title from...
News Dishonored 'Dunwall City Trials' DLC Deploys on 11th December
Refresher course
The monarchs of Dunwall would like to cordially invite you to the City Trials set to take place in critically acclaimed PlayStation 3 adventure Dishonored next month. From 11th December, those who cough up the $4.99/£3.99 entrance fee will be able to partake in 10 challenge maps that have been specially designed to analyse your...
News MLB 13 The Show Strikes PS3 and Vita on 5th March
Home run
It may only feel like a few months since the last baseball title launched on PlayStation 3 and Vita (protip: it was), but that’s not stopping Sony from readying MLB 13 The Show for 5th March. The sequel to the popular sports simulation will include a number of new features, including a Playoff option, a beginner setting, and general...
News Labyrinth Legends Crawls onto PSN in Time for Christmas
Tales from the crypt
We’re getting agonisingly close to Christmas now – seriously, the next door neighbours have already erected their tree – but that’s not stopping publishers from announcing new titles for the PlayStation 3. One such late arrival is Labyrinth Legends, a brand new dungeon crawler from experienced outfit Creat Studios. The...
News Max Payne 3 DLC Prompts Painful Memories Next Week
Close your mind
Max Payne 3 will have to endure Painful Memories next week, when the third-person shooter’s latest oft-delayed DLC pack targets the PlayStation Store. From 4th December, players will be able to unlock access to four new maps, including the Roscoe street subway stage from the original game. The expansion will also add the IMG 5.56...
Monday26th Nov 2012
News Rub Pretty Ladies with Compile Heart's Latest Vita Game
Subtle as a brick
You might not want to play Compile Heart’s latest PlayStation Vita title on the train. The so-called card game – entitled Monster Monpiece – sees you rubbing the system’s front and rear touch panels like... Well, we’ll leave that to your imagination. The full title will feature 40 different virtual girls to grope, each...
Review Hitman: Absolution (PlayStation 3)
Murder most joyous
With a six year absence since Agent 47's last outing, it's not surprising to see that everybody's favourite murderer has gone through a few changes. And while series purists may lament the days of yore, Hitman: Absolution still steals the show with its unique stealth elements, freedom, and deadly satisfaction. Indeed, Hitman:...
News Michael Pachter: PlayStation 4 Will Launch in 2013
Crystal ball
Likeable industry analyst Michael Pachter believes that Sony will release the next PlayStation console in October or November of next year. The chatty Wedbush Securities employee told the latest issue of PLAY magazine that he doesn’t believe the platform holder “wants to launch behind Microsoft again”. He added: "It isn't likely...
News Battlefield 3 Patch Finally Fixes Input Lag and Audio Issues
Redeployed
Ever since its launch in 2011, Battlefield 3 has struggled with input lag and audio issues on the PlayStation 3. Those bugs will finally be fixed this week, over a year after the title was originally released. A new patch – due out on 27th November – will “significantly improve” the controller response problems, as well as solve...
News Phantasy Star Online 2 Travels to Vita on 28th February in Japan
MAGnificent
SEGA’s ambitious free-to-play MMO Phantasy Star Online 2 will spread its wings to the PlayStation Vita on 28th February in Japan. The game will be available as a complimentary download from the PlayStation Store, and will share online servers with the PC version. A closed beta for the handheld release will begin in January, with...
News Sony Sponsors BAFTA Young Game Designers Competition
Winners take a trip to Studio London
As our recent feature on the development of Sheffield Hallam University title BounceBack evidenced, Sony is heavily involved in the academic aspect of game production. Reinforcing that, the platform holder took a front seat at the BAFTA Young Game Designers competition, which took place in London last night. The...
News Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2 Gameplay Teaser Takes Aim
Long shot
It looks like those extra months in the oven have been kind to City Interactive’s upcoming stealth shooter Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2. The former budget release looks every inch the blockbuster in this brand new gameplay teaser, which shows off the title’s stunning visuals. Sure, the gameplay appears to be a direct duplicate of that...
News UK Sales Charts: Black Ops 2 Puts a Bullet in Agent 47
Battle Royale struggles
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 managed to keep Hitman: Absolution at bay this week, as Square Enix’s prominently marketed stealth title could only reach second in the latest UK sales charts. Activision’s shooter suffered an 87 per cent drop in sales over the previous week, but was still strong enough to stay at the summit. It...
News It'll Take You Up to 15 Hours to Finish the Latest Tomb Raider
Killing time
Lara Croft’s currently crying like a celebrity out of the spotlight, because developer Crystal Dynamics has announced that her latest adventure Tomb Raider will run for a torturous 12 to 15 hours. The studio announced the snippet on its Twitter account, noting that the length will vary “depending on your play style”. In another...
News You'll Need to Explore BioShock Infinite on Your Own
Disconnected
Despite rumours to the contrary, BioShock Infinite will not feature a multiplayer component. Responding to a fan request on Twitter, series creator Ken Levine confirmed that the game will provide a solitary experience, just like the first title in the series. BioShock 2 controversially added multiplayer modes, which were designed by...
Saturday24th Nov 2012
News Sony Swatting PlayStation Vita Bugs with Firmware Update
Buzz off
Remember when Sony said that firmware updates would be less intrusive on the PlayStation Vita? Yeah, we didn’t believe them either. The platform holder is currently preparing a patch for the system’s most recent software refresh, which will fix issues pertaining to the automatic save upload function. While the update is due out soon,...
News PlayStation Vita Games Get Discounted on PSN Next Week
Glad tidings
Black Friday may be little more than a ruinous memory at this point, but that’s not stopping a fresh batch of discounts from flooding the North American PlayStation Store. Announced on the latest episode of the PlayStation Blogcast, Sony has revealed that a total of ten games will see their prices slashed as part of next week’s...
News Sony Promotes Western Titles at Japanese Gaming Event
Around the world in 20 games
When it comes to gaming tastes, Japan can be quite introverted. While it laps up franchises such as Dragon Quest and Monster Hunter, it tends to let the most popular Western brands languish on store shelves. That’s something that Sony’s aiming to change with its annual ‘World Game Project’, a consumer event which...
Friday23rd Nov 2012
Interview Trading Punches with PlayStation All-Stars' Seth Killian
Fighting talk
Since switching Capcom for Sony Santa Monica, lead game designer Seth Killian has been spending a lot of time with first-party upstart SuperBot Entertainment, where he’s been helping apply the finishing touches to PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale. We were lucky enough to catch up with the fighting game aficionado, where we grilled...
Review Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 (PlayStation 3)
Future warfare
Following the incredible performance of Call of Duty: Black Ops was always going to be a challenge. One of the most popular games in the series, it pulled the story to interesting new places and built upon the ever-great multiplayer; arguably, Treyarch out-did Infinity Ward at its own game. Direct sequel Call of Duty: Black Ops 2...
News Kat Has Some Unique Traversal Abilities in PlayStation All-Stars
But she's broken at the moment
Gravity Rush’s popular heroine Kat will boast some unique traversal techniques when she’s added to the roster of PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale as post-release DLC. Chatting with Push Square at a recent launch event in London, former Capcom employee Seth Killian told us that the loveable protagonist will be...
News Hatsune Miku Looks Really Scary in Yakuza 5
Kill it with fire
Don’t think that Kazuma Kiryu and crew are too tough for Hatsune Miku. SEGA’s announced that the fluorescent vocaloid pop star will make a number of cameos in the upcoming Yakuza 5. For starters, you'll discover snow sculptures of the character when you traverse Japan’s winter wonderlands. You’ll also be able to collect...
News Admit It, You Want This Glass DualShock 3
Parting gift
Jeff Rubenstein may have departed Sony Computer Entertainment America recently, but the social media wizard will always have something to remember his five years at the company with. In order to recognise his service, the platform holder has awarded the PlayStation Blog guru with a glass replica of the DualShock 3 controller. Not only...
Rumour Resident Evil: Revelations Spooking PS3
Check the spelling
Hot handheld shooter Resident Evil: Revelations could be about to make an appearance on the PlayStation 3, if a Korean ratings board is to be believed. The group has added an entry for the Nintendo 3DS exclusive which lists Sony’s home console as the platform, suggesting that publisher Capcom is considering porting the adventure...
News Far Cry 3's Dynamic World Looks Pretty Impressive
Fun and games
Far Cry 3 may not have had the most compelling of pre-release campaigns, but this brand new trailer tells you pretty much everything you need to know about the open world game. It highlights the dynamic nature of the interactive adventure, demonstrating the way in which fire and wildlife can help your cause. After all, there's nothing...
News 007 Legends Developer Eurocom Sheds a Chunk of Its Staff
The world is not enough
Legendary UK developer Eurocom has cut its workforce to just under 50 employees today. The studio – which previously employed over 200 people – has been forced to restructure after a decline in demand for console games. "Eurocom are undertaking a restructuring which I regret to say has meant we've made the majority of...
News Splash Damage on the Brink of Announcing New Title
Rule breaker
Teaser websites are typically reserved for the hubbub of E3, but Brink developer Splash Damage clearly couldn’t contain its excitement until summer. The company has uploaded a specially prepared countdown page pointing to 11:29AM on the 29th November. It’s unclear what the studio’s working on, but we’re eager to read your...
Thursday22nd Nov 2012
Review Need for Speed: Most Wanted (PlayStation Vita)
Portable octane
Need for Speed: Most Wanted takes place in the beautiful city of Fairhaven where the most notorious street racers call home. As you attempt to make a name for yourself, you’ll have to climb your way up the list of most wanted drivers by earning speed points. To do this, you’ll have to prove that you have some serious chops behind...
News Here's How to Claim a Free 30-Day PlayStation Plus Trial
You know you want it
If those of you in the UK are feeling a little bit envious of North America’s outrageous Black Friday deals, we’ve discovered an offer that’s bound to improve your mood. In return for a few minor personal details, Sony is currently giving away free 30-day subscriptions to PlayStation Plus. All you need to do is visit this...
News This PlayStation Vita Deal Is Almost Too Good to Be True
Jaw dropping
North American readers might want to take a break from their turkey sandwiches and family rifts, because we come bearing good news. According to Polygon, you’ll be able to purchase a Crystal White PlayStation Vita with a copy of Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation and a 4GB memory card for a ridiculous $179.99 from Amazon.com later...
News North American Kids Want a PSP More Than a PlayStation Vita
Stocking fillers
Children aged between 6 and 12 in North America haven’t given up hope on the PlayStation Portable. In fact, the majority of them want one of the last generation handhelds more than the current PlayStation Vita this Christmas. A research poll conducted by Nielsen revealed that while 18 per cent of kids are hungry for a PSP this...
News Sony Slashes Music Unlimited Prices for PlayStation Plus Members
Just dance
PlayStation Plus really is the gift that keeps on giving. Not content with lavishing subscribers with dozens of free games every month, European members will now be able to secure a year’s access to Sony’s audio streaming service Music Unlimited for just £11.99. That represents a cool saving of £107.89. For those out of the loop,...
News Sony's Stocks Downgraded to 'Junk' By Credit Ratings Agency
Make believe?
Credit ratings agency Fitch has downgraded Sony’s stocks to ‘junk’ status, according to a report by the Financial Times. The firm dropped the conglomerate’s investment-grade score to BB-, indicating that the company is vulnerable to defaulting on debt. Fellow manufacturer Panasonic was reduced to BBB-. “This wasn't an easy...
News Someone Played Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 for 135 Hours in a Week
Urgh
What’s your longest gaming marathon? We bet it doesn’t come anywhere near Guinness World Record holder Okan Kaya’s personal best, who smashed the global record for the longest gaming session ever this week by registering a staggering 135 hours in Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 over seven days. Guinness World Record rules state that contenders...
News Resistance Collection Invades Retailers on 5th December
All Hale
Insomniac Games’ stellar first-person series will get another shot in the spotlight this winter, when Sony fires the Resistance Collection onto North American store shelves on 5th December. The compelling compilation will collate all three titles from the alternate history franchise, alongside five different DLC packs. The bundle will...
News Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD DLC Grinds onto PSN Next Month
Shove it
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD will receive a fresh helping of content next month, when Activision grinds out the title’s promised add-on pack on 4th December. The hotly anticipated $4.99 expansion will add three new stages to the spruced up re-release, including Airport, Los Angeles, and Canada. It will also incorporate the divisive Revert...
Wednesday21st Nov 2012
Review Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified (PlayStation Vita)
Black mark
Has there ever been a more maligned handheld title prior to release than Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified? Reviewers (not all by any means), unabashed and damning in early preview criticism, seemed primed to deliver literary blows to the PlayStation Vita itself with the first-person shooter's release, yet gamers posting user reviews...
Review F1 Race Stars (PlayStation 3)
Worth the pit stop?
F1 Race Stars is a game that makes clever use of its license. It takes all of the sport's real-world teams and drivers, and slaps them into a colourful karting game. But while the title initially appears tailor made for children, it quickly transpires that there's a lot more to the arcade racer. It’s clear that Codemasters has...
News Assassin's Creed III: Liberation Drags Vita Out of the Danger Zone in Japan
Kiss from a rose
It’s been a recurring theme that whenever software actually launches for the PlayStation Vita in Japan, the system gets a huge boost. That’s remained true this week, with Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation pulling the platform out of the danger zone. The handheld adventure was accompanied by a couple of new colours, which...
News Frobisher's Lost His Trophies and He Wants You to Find Them
Splendid
After months of requests on the PlayStation Blog, independent developer Honeyslug has finally announced that Trophies are being added to its mad PlayStation Vita application Frobisher Says. The trinkets will be available as part of a new patch, which is set to launch later today. If that wasn’t exciting enough, there’s also a new DLC...
News Oh No, Sonic the Fighters Is Releasing Overseas
Bleurgh
Quick, cower behind your computer monitors, because the atrocious Sonic the Fighters is heading overseas. We think we’ve made our feelings fairly clear about the anthropomorphic fighter over the past couple of weeks, but just in case you missed them: this game is rubbish. The awful arcade release will be joined by the not-so-terrible...
News Jetpack Joyride Propels onto PSN This Week
The backpack you always wanted
Grab your crash helmet in anticipation, because Beatshapers is bringing Halfbrick’s mobile phenomenon Jetpack Joyride to the PlayStation Network this week. The title – which will be available on PlayStation 3, PSP, and Vita – sees you assume the role of down-on-his-luck salesman Barry Steakfries as he attempts to...
Store Update 20th November 2012 (North America)
Full of stars
You might want to grab a seat for this week’s North American PlayStation Store update, because it’s practically bulging with big new releases. Heavyweights include PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale, Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two, and the DOOM Classic Complete collection. Other notable arrivals include Sine Mora,
News Sony Paints t@g onto the PlayStation Store Today
Shape shifter
Don’t worry if you didn’t get invited to test out Sony’s augmented reality graffiti application t@g earlier this week, as the PlayStation Vita game is set to launch later today as part of the European PlayStation Store refresh. The title – which has been in development since before the handheld was actually announced – takes...
Store Update 21st November 2012 (Europe)
Playing favourites
How’s your appetite? We hope you’re starving, because just like overseas, this week’s European PlayStation Store update is overflowing with delicious morsels. Hot snacks include PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale, LEGO Lord of the Rings, and Epic Mickey: The Power of Two. The
Rumour Mirror's Edge 2 Is Currently in Production at DICE
Running rings
The hotly anticipated sequel to Mirror’s Edge is apparently in production at Swedish developer DICE. Ben Cousins, the general manager of ngmoco Sweden, revealed the tidbit in a Tweet posted earlier this afternoon. The executive stated: "It is general knowledge in the Stockholm dev scene that Mirror's Edge 2 is in production at DICE."...
News SEGA Punches a Yakuza 5 Demo onto the PSN Next Week
Heat action
Kazuma Kiryu and crew will spring back into life next week, when a demo for Yakuza 5 fights its way onto the Japanese PlayStation Store. The playable teaser – set for release on 27th November – will allow you to sample the game’s opening moments, letting you roam the streets of Fukuoka as the aforementioned Dragon of Dojima. The...
Tuesday20th Nov 2012
Review PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale (PlayStation 3)
Celebrity deathmatch
PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale is a lot like a box of chocolates that consists purely of almond-based treats. SuperBot Entertainment’s mascot mash-up cherry picks some of the sweetest moments from PlayStation lore and casts them inside a brawler so self-aware that you can’t help but smile while playing it. From the...
Review LittleBigPlanet Karting (PlayStation 3)
Stuck in the pit stop
Over the years, many developers have tried and failed to dethrone the Mario Kart series. This year, United Front Games has stepped up to the starting line, dishing out its very own blend of cardboard cut-out tracks and knitted karting chaos, all under the name of LittleBigPlanet Karting. However, despite high hopes, the...
News DOOM Classic Collection Targets the PlayStation Network
No sign of The Rock
If your trigger finger’s itching for some old-school first-person action, then the DOOM Classic Collection should catch your attention. The downloadable compilation – mentioned on this week’s episode of the PlayStation Blogcast among other places – will comprise DOOM, DOOM 2, and Final DOOM. The first two titles were...
News Sony Succumbs to Seasonal Madness with Insane PS3 Deals
Bandwidth buster
PlayStation 3 owners will have plenty to be grateful for this Thanksgiving, as platform holder Sony is preparing a throng of hot discounts to get you in the seasonal spirit. Starting today, you’ll be able to pick up a slew of PS3 Ultimate Editions from the North American PlayStation Store at up to 66% off (73% for PlayStation Plus...
News PlayStation Vita Firmware Update v2.00 Available Now
Be prepared
As promised, Sony has released the latest firmware update for the PlayStation Vita. The landmark software refresh – dubbed v2.00 – brings with it a bevy of new features, including PlayStation Plus compatibility and
News Bonkers Kissing Simulator Chulip Puckers Up for PS3
Mwah
Utterly insane PlayStation 2 snogging simulator Chulip is set to get a re-release, if an ESRB rating is to be believed. The loopy love ‘em up originally released in North America back in 2007 – almost five years after it first debuted in Japan. The adventure game – which was eventually brought overseas by Natsume – sees you stomping...
Rumour Capcom's Planning a Mascot Mash-Up of Its Own
Fighters megamix
Industry attention may be laser focused on PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale this afternoon, but that’s not stopping Capcom from quietly formulating some crossover plans of its own. The company has filed a patent for a game named Fighters of Capcom, which suggests that it’s looking to leverage its impressive stable of...
News PlayStation Mobile Is Providing Publishers with New Avenues to Release Their Content
Covering all bases
PlayStation Mobile may be seen as Sony’s foray into the cheap and cheerful world of smartphone gaming, but it’s also allowing the platform holder to enter new discussions with traditional console publishers as well. Speaking on the latest episode of the PlayStation Blogcast, SCEA president Jack Tretton revealed that through...
News Turn Down Your Speakers for this Borderlands 2 DLC Trailer
Caps lock
We had hoped that developer Gearbox would take the opportunity to tone down Borderlands 2’s in-your-face humour with its latest DLC pack, but this brand new trailer proves that we’re bang out of luck. Mr. Torgue’s Campaign of Carnage – due out later today in North America, and tomorrow in Europe – is as irritatingly loudmouthed...
Monday19th Nov 2012
News Upcoming Vita Firmware Update Will Allow You to Browse the Web During Gaming Sessions
By popular demand
Being able to browse the web while in-game has always felt like a pipe-dream on any platform, but the PlayStation Vita’s upcoming v2.00 firmware update will finally make that fantasy a reality. Affable executive Shuhei Yoshida took to Twitter to confirm the news, announcing that the software refresh will transform the web browser...
News Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified Blows Up in the UK
Second biggest Vita launch ever
It may have only taken five months to put together, but Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified is already throwing its weight around the UK sales charts. The handheld spin-off shot straight into 16th position on this week’s best-sellers list, becoming the second biggest PlayStation Vita launch in Britain since the...
News Until Dawn Is Leveraging the Killzone Engine
True grit
Sony’s stunning Killzone franchise has always had a foreboding visual undertone to it, so it’s not particularly surprising to learn that Supermassive Games’ upcoming PlayStation Move exclusive teen horror title Until Dawn is being built on top of the first-person shooter’s incredible technology. Speaking during the latest episode...
News Sony Stamping Inboxes with Early Access to Vita App t@g
Unleash your inner Banksy
Sony is inviting PlayStation Vita owners to try out its upcoming GPS-based graffiti application, t@g. The platform holder is currently distributing early access voucher codes via email, so it’s worth diving into your inbox to see if you’ve been asked to sample the streetwise software. “Unleash your creative talent...
News Gravity Rush Costumes Sliding into LittleBigPlanet
Dusty?
Sony’s topsy-turvy handheld adventure Gravity Rush will soar into LittleBigPlanet this week, when a new costume pack launches for the popular first-party series. The outfits – featuring Alias, Unica, Raven, and, of course, Kat – will initially be compatible with LittleBigPlanet 2 and LittleBigPlanet Vita, but will be rolled out to Litt
News Sony Deals Uncharted: Fight for Fortune onto Vita This Winter
Plunder the pot
Nathan Drake is set to embark on a brand new adventure this December – in the form of turn-based card game Uncharted: Fight for Fortune. The upcoming PlayStation Vita title – which is in development at Sony Bend and One Loop Games – was leaked earlier in the year, when an errant software rating was spotted online. We suspect...
News Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault Delayed on Vita
We blame Captain Qwark
Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault will still adhere to Sony’s cross-buy initiative when it releases on the PlayStation Network next week – but unfortunately you won’t be able to redeem the PlayStation Vita version until January. Despite the best efforts of third-party developer Tin Giant, the portable port...
News UK Sales Charts: Black Ops 2 Shoots Straight to the Top
But it's not all good news
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 shot straight to the top of the UK sales charts this week, securing the biggest release of 2012 so far. However, the Activision published first-person shooter did not have enough ammunition to outpace any of its most recent predecessors, as it could only secure the fourth biggest British release...
Saturday17th Nov 2012
News Assassin's Creed III Patch Stabs Bothersome Bugs
In the back
Assassin’s Creed III will take a step closer to completion “by the end of next week”, when a planned patch for the title eliminates any lingering game-breaking bugs. Multiplayer updates will prevent players from getting stuck on the warm-up screen for the Fort Wolcott map, while other tweaks will stop cunning participants from...
News Sonic the Fighters Sours the Japanese PSN This Month
Hedgehog haymaker
SEGA’s atrocious anthropomorphic fighting game Sonic the Fighters will invade the Japanese PlayStation Network on 28th November, the company has announced. It’ll be joined by fellow Model 2 brawlers Virtua Fighter 2 and Fighting Vipers on the same date. The publisher has yet to announce a Western release date, but all three...
Friday16th Nov 2012
Review XCOM: Enemy Unknown (PlayStation 3)
Martian orders
Sgt Brown, purposefully named after a personal friend and modelled to appear in much the same way, was a competent, proficient warrior out on the battlefield. In the face of unimaginable terror, combating his own nerves on an alien-infested Earth, without question, his fortitude and intensity remained true. Yet, it was his lack of...
News Buy a Bargain with PlayStation's Black Friday Bundles
Start queuing now
We’re too civilised to participate in anything as vulgar as Black Friday overseas – we wait until Boxing Day instead. Still, Sony clearly understands the importance of the day, and, as such, it has collated some of its best holiday bundles on the PlayStation Blog in order to keep you in the loop this year. Unsurprisingly,...
Rumour Final Fantasy Type-0's Localisation Was Nearly Finished
On hold
According to a group lobbying for the release of Final Fantasy Type-0 overseas, a localised version of the PlayStation Portable exclusive was nearly completed back in 2011. Apparently, publisher Square Enix recorded an English dub for the game at the tail-end of last year, shortly after the title released in Japan. However, despite the...
News Gearbox Readies a Campaign of Carnage for Borderlands 2
EXPlosive
Pandora will grow yet again next week, when Borderlands 2’s second expansion pack Mr. Torgue’s Campaign of Carnage targets the PlayStation Store. The expansion – which was leaked courtesy of an errant set of Trophies last month – will add new environments, narrative, and, of course, loot to the addictive first-person shooter...
News PlayStation 3 Surpasses 70 Million Units Shipped Globally
Celebrate good times
While we all lament the PlayStation Vita’s current commercial woes, it’s worth remembering that the mighty PlayStation 3 once faced a similar predicament. There was a time when armchair analysts were calling for the console to be scrapped – but over the years, Sony has proved that the knee-jerk reactions were premature...
News PSN Rolls Out the Red Carpet for More Retail Releases Next Week
Digital life
We’re rapidly approaching the point where most new PlayStation 3 releases are available digitally on the same day as retail, but that hasn’t always been the case. As such, Sony has ushered the online arrival of a wealth of older titles in recent weeks – and that’s set to continue with Darksiders II, Kingdoms of Amalur:...
News These Kids Are Really Stoked About Sonic & All-Stars Racing
Passing breeze
SEGA didn’t really need to splash out on child actors to promote Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed. All that the publisher needed to show was Gilius Thunderhead power-sliding around OutRun Bay. Still, at least the kids look like they’re having fun – even if they are sitting in front of an industrial fan while someone tips...
News Sine Mora Targets PlayStation 3 and Vita Soon
Bullet hell
Digital Reality’s quaint side-scrolling shooter Sine Mora is still on course for a collision with both the PlayStation 3 and Vita, a brand new trailer has confirmed. The video shows off plenty of new gameplay footage, which is sure to get sadists salivating over the sheer number of hostile projectiles on screen. There’s no release...
News Fuse Fashions a Handful of Pre-Order Bonuses
Keeping up appearances
Those of you eager to lend your services to Overstrike 9 will be rewarded with a handful of in-game extras. Pre-orders for Insomniac Games' upcoming Fuse will be recognised with four Hyperion Prototype Agent armour skins, four Hyperion Prototype weapon skins, and a Quickdraw team perk which enhances your squad’s one-handed...
News Journey Walks Away with Seven Spike VGA 2012 Nominations
The road less travelled
It may have been a somewhat muted year for exclusive PlayStation 3 software, but thatgamecompany’s staggering Journey has ensured that the platform has a big presence at this year’s Spike Video Game Awards. The downloadable epic has been nominated for a whopping seven gongs, alongside the coveted Game of the Year award...
News Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Earned $500 Million in 24 Hours
But Activision keeps sales numbers secret
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 earned a cool $500 million in 24 hours, publisher Activision has announced. The estimated figure is considerably higher than the previous records held by both Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and the first Call of Duty: Black Ops. However, the company failed to share actual sales...
News Hitman: Absolution Launch Trailer Turns on the Charm
Watch your six
We lied. Last week’s Hitman: Absolution trailer was not the game’s final promotional video – but we’re pretty sure that this one is. The footage sets up the plot for the upcoming sandbox stealth ‘em up, while also showing protagonist Agent 47 stick a sword through an unsuspecting crook’s throat. You'll be able to try out...
Thursday15th Nov 2012
Rumour Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified Was Developed in Five Months
Urgh
People have been pretty harsh on developer Nihilistic Software, but it turns out that the studio may have actually worked miracles in order to release Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified at all. According to reliable online super sleuth Supererogatory, the PlayStation Vita exclusive shooter was developed in just five months – which explains...
News Why Isn't Grand Theft Auto V a PlayStation 4 Game?
Maturity
Rumours suggest that the PlayStation 4 is set to launch as soon as Christmas next year, but Rockstar Games isn’t holding Grand Theft Auto V back for the next batch of hardware. The open world crime drama is set to release in Spring 2013, making it very much a PS3 title for the time being. But why is that? "Rockstar is a content company
News Sony Bend Recruiting for Blockbuster Vita Game
New blood
Sony Bend, the North American first-party studio responsible for the Syphon Filter franchise and the recent Uncharted: Golden Abyss, is staffing up for a new blockbuster PlayStation Vita title. A job listing for a Senior Staff Technical Animator on Gamasutra notes that the developer is currently looking for “top artistic talent to help...
News Gravity Rush's Kat Soars into PlayStation All-Stars
Emmett Graves, too
If there’s one character that’s been a consistent source of conversation during the build-up to PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale’s release, it’s Gravity Rush’s loveable heroine Kat. Despite being rumoured on a number of occasions, the protagonist is not part of the upcoming mascot mash-up’s initial roster – but...
News Black Ops 2 Sold One Million Copies in 24 Hours at GameStop
Boom
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 sold an outrageous 1 million copies in 24 hours at US retailer GameStop. Company president Tony Bartel revealed the number to Bloomberg Businessweek, adding that it was the outlet’s largest launch of all time. Amazon echoed the executive’s comments, noting that the first-person shooter was the most pre-ordered...
News Have You Ever Wondered How Sony Could Afford Gaikai?
Convertible bonds
Sony is supposedly a shuffling financial wreck, but it still stumped up the $380 million required to acquire Gaikai. That doesn’t quite add up. Indeed, it turns out that the company is not quite as broke as it seems, having recently offloaded a slew of convertible bonds to the tune of $1.9 billion. A third of that cash will be...
News Wonderbook Was Originally Conceived Over Seven Years Ago
Once upon a time
Sony will conjure Wonderbook: Book of Spells onto store shelves later this week – over seven years after the magical adventure was originally conceived. Chatting with VG247 at an industry event in London, art director Masami Kochi explained that the family friendly idea pre-dates even the PlayStation 3. “Back in 2005, when I...
News The European Version of Retro City Rampage Is Finished
Party like it's 1986
It feels like forever since Retro City Rampage took the North American PlayStation Network by storm, but the throwback title is still not available in Europe. That’s because one-man developer Brian Provinciano decided to delay the international release while he worked on an update for the game based on player feedback. "As...
News The Walking Dead Shuffles to a Conclusion Next Week
Did you make the right decisions?
The hotly anticipated finale to Telltale’s critically acclaimed The Walking Dead series will debut next week, the developer has announced. Entitled ‘No Time Left’, the episode will launch on 20th November in North America, and 21st November in Europe. It will mark the end of the current narrative arc, with...
News Tekken Tag Tournament 2 Enters the Digital Arena This Month
Ready to rumble
Tekken Tag Tournament 2 is already available from the North American PlayStation Store, but that doesn’t mean that the digital release is not heading overseas. Namco Bandai has just sent us word that the tag-team fighter will flock to the European PlayStation Store on 21st November, giving you the opportunity to conquer the world...
Wednesday14th Nov 2012
Review Under Defeat HD: Deluxe Edition (PlayStation 3)
Nice chopper
Famous for being one of the SEGA Dreamcast’s final releases, Under Defeat is a vertically-scrolling shooter which wears its old-school credentials as proudly as possible. Updated with high-definition visuals and boasting deluxe features to entice on-the-fence buyers into making a purchase, Under Defeat HD is a fantastic way to...
News PlayStation Vita Slumps to Its Saddest Defeat Yet in Japan
Hide behind the sofa
The PlayStation Vita is a stunning system with some great games, but it’s becoming more and more difficult to overlook the platform’s commercial problems – especially overseas. While we still believe that it’s too early to pull the plug on the handheld, the situation in Japan is not looking good. In fact, it’s gone...
News Lone Survivor Shacking Up on PlayStation 3 and Vita
Alone in the dark
Superflat Games’ indie survival horror side-scroller Lone Survivor is coming to the PlayStation 3 and Vita, creator Jasper Byrne has announced. The terrifying title has been stranded on the PC and Mac for quite a while now, but Explodemon developer Curve Studios has kindly offered to rebuild the game's code for Sony’s premium...
Store Update 14th November 2012 (Europe)
In motion
As with the North American refresh, this week’s European PlayStation Store update is a touch quiet. There’s the arrival of a handful of new PlayStation 3 titles – including Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed later in the week – but the real standout is Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified for PlayStation Vita. Let us know...
Store Update 13th November 2012 (North America)
Breathing space
There’s not a whole lot of new content available as part of this week’s North American PlayStation Store update – but what is up for grabs is worthy of your attention. In addition to a pre-order option for the digital version of PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale, there’s also the arrival of Call of Duty: Black Ops...
News Devil May Cry Demo Destroys PlayStation 3 Next Week
Soul crushing
Devil May Cry fans will be able to throw yet another hissy fit next week, when a demo for Ninja Theory’s conflicted reboot slashes its way onto the PlayStation Store. Frustrated followers will be able to flip over Dante’s hair colour on 20th November in North America, and 21st November in Europe. We can confirm that punching your...
News Grand Theft Auto V Bounces Back with a Killer Bassline
Best enjoyed with a bottle of beer and lime
Never bet against Rockstar Games. The publisher has released a brand new feel-good trailer for Grand Theft Auto V, which effortlessly encapsulates the upcoming sequel’s sunny vibe. Across the video’s two minute running time it introduces the title’s trio of protagonists, the city of Los Santos, and...
News That Groovy Grand Theft Auto V Trailer Tune Is By Stevie Wonder
Hum the bassline
Rockstar Games always selects the perfect tracks to accompany its trailers, and it made another bold choice with today’s hotly anticipated Grand Theft Auto V re-reveal. The funky jam at the heart of the footage is Stevie Wonder’s Skeletons, which was a 1987 hit off the Motown artist’s 21st studio album Characters. We’ve...
News Rockstar Is Thinking Big with Grand Theft Auto V's Multiplayer
Los Santos large
Rockstar Games is plotting a revolution. The ambitious publisher expects Grand Theft Auto V’s multiplayer to have a similar impact to 2001’s genre defining GTA III. “For GTA V we want to push all of these to a new level while incorporating new gameplay elements that would not have been possible before,” Rockstar North’s...
News Katamari Damacy Is Rolling onto the Japanese PSN Soon
The King of All Cosmos
Namco Bandai’s oddball PlayStation 2 title Katamari Damacy is rolling onto the Japanese PlayStation Network next week, the publisher has announced. The game – which sees you collecting objects by piloting an ever-expanding ball across a slew of different environments – will be available from 21st November in the land of...
News EA Resurrects Gothenburg Studio as Ghost
Will haunt your hardware soon
EA’s new Gothenburg studio has been renamed Ghost, according to a snazzy makeover on its website. The team is thought to be working on a next-generation entry in the Need for Speed series, with legendary producer Alan Baker at the helm. Former DICE executive Marcus Nilsson is currently in charge of the new developer...
Tuesday13th Nov 2012
Review Wonderbook: Book of Spells (PlayStation 3)
Muggle magic
In a generation where Sony’s casual content has aimlessly followed the lead, Wonderbook serves as a stark reminder of the platform holder’s chops when it comes to capturing the attention of the mainstream market. Advancing the company’s ongoing obsession with augmented reality, the exciting educational endeavour is an original...
News So, What Is Chronovolt for PlayStation Vita Anyway?
Marble madness
Despite readying itself for release as part of PlayStation Plus’ expansion to the Vita next week, very little is known about PlayerThree’s upcoming portable puzzler Chronovolt. Fortunately, we had the mental fortitude – and spare time – to ask, er, Google for a little more information. The game – which looks like a mash-up...
News Black Ops 2 Sold 10,000 Copies in Five Minutes at Blockbuster UK
Kerching
Call of Duty is still in fashion, then. Blockbuster UK’s commercial director Gerry Butler has revealed that Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 sold a dizzying 10,000 copies in just five minutes across the retail chain’s 450 British stores. “It was fantastic to see thousands of people turn out at over 450 Blockbuster stores last night and our...
News PlayStation Plus Expands to Vita in Style with Free Copies of Uncharted and Gravity Rush
Service launches next week
Frequent participants in the PlayStation Plus predictions post might want to pull up a pew – because the first Instant Game Collection update for PlayStation Vita beggars belief. Premium subscribers in Europe will be able to download free copies of both Uncharted: Golden Abyss and Gravity Rush when the service expands to...
News Firmware Update v2.00 Adds Emails to the PlayStation Vita
Connected world
The PlayStation Vita’s upcoming v2.00 firmware update will not only add PlayStation Plus to the portable platform, but also a new email application as well. You’ll be able to hook up any accounts to the handheld assuming you have the appropriate information available – but there will be quick select options for Gmail and Yahoo...
News Ubisoft Satisfied with Assassin's Creed III: Liberation's Sales
Signs of life
We’re so used to wallowing in woeful PlayStation Vita sales reports that this story has taken us by surprise. In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, publisher Ubisoft has revealed that portable exclusive Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation has actually posted very positive sales numbers worldwide. “It's the first time we've...
News You May Have to Wait Until PS4 to Play Rainbow 6: Patriots
Staying frosty
Do you remember Rainbow 6: Patriots? The stunning tactical shooter was first revealed a few years ago, with an incredible concept trailer that took plenty of inspiration from Heavy Rain. Sadly, the game’s been missing in action for a while now, prompting publisher Ubisoft to admit that development may have switched to...
News Derrick the Deathfin Developer in Deep Water
Gulp
Derrick the Deathfin creator Gordon Midwood is in deep water, and is struggling to come up for air. The developer racked up a whopping $63,000 in debt while producing the papercraft PSN exclusive – a figure which he is never likely to earn back. “It’s entirely possible, or indeed by the looks of things at the moment 100 per cent...
News Future Publishing Shutting Down PSM3 Magazine
Dropping like flies
Hot on the heels of the closure of PlayStation: The Official Magazine in North America, print media giant Future Publishing has announced that it is shutting down PSM3 in the UK. The unofficial PlayStation publication dates all the way back to 2000 – where it was originally known as PSM2 – and has published over 160 issues...
News SEGA Paints Jet Set Radio HD onto the Vita Next Week
Get some sleep
As you’ve probably already gathered from the North American PlayStation Plus update, Dreamcast classic Jet Set Radio HD is coming to the PlayStation Vita next week. The title was originally due out earlier this year, but was delayed due to technological challenges. Still, after a small hiatus, the cel-shaded extreme
News Sleeping Dogs Spreads to a New Island with Upcoming DLC
Mortal combat
There’ll be plenty of opportunity to stock up on pork buns later this year, when the Zodiac Tournament pack adds new single-player content to Square Enix’s stellar open world adventure, Sleeping Dogs. The upcoming add-on will see protagonist Wei Shen invited to an exclusive fighting tournament held off the coast of Hong Kong...
Monday12th Nov 2012
Review Assassin's Creed III (PlayStation 3)
Talkin' 'bout a Revolution
The Assassin's Creed franchise has taken us to a lot of places – Jerusalem, Istanbul and much of Italy for some — but it's only in the fifth mainline entry and PS Vita spin-off Assassin's Creed III: Liberation that Ubisoft has ventured to the other side of the Atlantic Ocean and breached North American shores. Neatly...
News Full PlayStation Plus for Vita Details Dropping This Week
Pinky promise
We assumed that PlayStation Plus would have already expanded to Sony’s hottest handheld by now, but the eagle-eyed amongst you will have noticed that it hasn’t. That’s likely to change later this week, though, when the platform holder promises to reveal all about the service's expansion to the PlayStation Vita. On the subject of...
News Targem Games Currently Undecided on PlayStation Vita
Never say never
Russian developer Targem Games is currently mulling over the prospect of bringing a title to the PlayStation Vita. Asked whether it intends to release the upcoming PlayStation Network strategy title Planets Under Attack on the handheld, the developer informed us that it doesn’t have any "short-term" plans for the platform...
News UK Sales Charts: Some Dude in a Gaudy Green Suit Tops
Your guess is as good as ours
We’ve never heard of this week’s best selling game in the UK. Apparently it involves a character named Master Chief – yeah, we thought that was kind of dumb too. Still, it seems like the people of Britain are rather fond of him. Something they’re not so keen on is LittleBigPlanet Karting, which has crashed its...
News Devil May Cry DLC Depicts Vergil's Downfall
Family affairs
You’ll be able to bathe in the cockles of brotherly love early next year, when developer Ninja Theory unlocks 'Vergil’s Downfall' for its upcoming Devil May Cry reboot. The borderline incestuous add-on promises hours of new gameplay, multiple difficulty levels, and the “opportunity to play as one of the most wanted Devil May Cry...
News Grand Theft Auto V's Open World Is Big Enough for Planes
The high life
Just Cause 2 fans will have a new adventure to migrate to next year, as Rockstar Games has confirmed that Grand Theft Auto V will facilitate plenty of aerial shenanigans. Chatting with The Guardian in an interview published earlier today, Dan Houser revealed that the hotly anticipated sequel will boast an open world bigger than Gr
News Solve a Quantum Conundrum with This Week's PlayStation Plus Update
Headache inducing
This week’s North American PlayStation Plus update is short but sweet. Following the addition of Resident Evil 5 to the Instant Game Collection last week, Sony has announced that Kim Swift’s mind bending Quantum Conundrum will be joining the party. The first-person puzzler sees you cycling through different dimensions in order...
News David Cage: I Wish I Could Say Nothing About Beyond
Keeping secrets
Quantic Dream's eccentric head honcho David Cage is keen to keep Beyond: Two Souls spoilers under wraps – to the point where he’d rather not talk about the game at all. Speaking with the PlayStation Blog in an interview published earlier today, the likeable director explained: “Like other game creators, I wish I could say...
News Mass Effect 4 Will Be Fuelled By DICE's Frostbite 2 Engine
Exploring the galaxy
The in-development Mass Effect 4 will take advantage of DICE’s fantastic Frostbite 2 engine, publisher EA Games has announced. The sequel is the latest in a long line of internal projects to adopt the proprietary technology. It will also be harnessed by the upcoming Dragon Age III: Inquisition. In addition to the engine...
News You Won't Feel Shortchanged By This Yakuza 5 Story Trailer
How long have you got?
Most story trailers run for a couple of minutes at most – but we suppose that the Yakuza series has always been eager to buck conventions. This brand new Yakuza 5 video lasts for a whopping 10 minutes, and you still get the impression that it could have been longer. In fact, this is fairly tame by the franchise's usual...
Sunday11th Nov 2012
News Sony Bend on the Struggles of Creating a Convincing Female Lead for Golden Abyss
Elena job
For as interesting as Nathan Drake is, the protagonist has always relied on strong female characters to properly etch out his personality. According to a recent post-mortem with Gamasutra, that’s one area where Uncharted: Golden Abyss developer Sony Bend struggled. The game’s writer and director John Garvin has revealed that female...
Saturday10th Nov 2012
Review BreakQuest: Extra Evolution (PlayStation Minis)
Block bashing brilliance
Sprinkling innovation on top of what is ostensibly an Arkanoid clone is a tricky task, but developer Beatshapers has achieved it marvellously with the brilliant BreakQuest: Extra Evolution. Building on the original title from 2004, this PlayStation Mini lives up to its namesake by completely overhauling the block bashing...
News Purchase a 12GB PlayStation 3 and Wonderbook for £119.99
A kind of magic
If you’re looking for a decent stocking-filler this Christmas, UK retailer GameStation is running a magical deal. At the time of writing you can score a 12GB PlayStation 3 console with a copy of Wonderbook: Book of Spells, a Wonderbook accessory, a PlayStation Move motion controller, and a PlayStation Eye camera for – wait for it...
News Senior Social Media Manager Jeff Rubenstein Exits PlayStation
Thanks for the memories
After a slew of rumours, Senior Social Media Manager Jeff Rubenstein has confirmed that he’s leaving PlayStation. Those that have been invested in the brand since the early PS3 days will know that Jeff has played an integral part in transforming the PlayStation Blog into one of the most popular gaming websites in the world...
News Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 Looks Appropriately Macabre
First look
We’re not sure that we understand Konami these days. The publisher seems committed to completely mismanaging every one of its non-Metal Gear and Pro Evolution Soccer brands. Take the recently announced Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 as an example. Despite being the sequel to a surprisingly popular PS3 adventure, the publisher is...
News God of War: Ascension Outlines the Advantages of Siding with Ares
Twisted firestarter
Selecting which mythical spirit to side with in God of War: Ascension’s multiplayer component is getting tougher and tougher all of the time. Sure, Zeus might have a perfectly groomed beard – but Ares is on friggin’ fire. This brand new trailer discusses the advantages of joining forces with the former God of War, and it...
Friday9th Nov 2012
Review Okami HD (PlayStation 3)
A game nearly fit for the Gods
In a time when sequels, prequels and HD remakes make up the majority of video game releases, we should start to ask ourselves: what really warrants a makeover? Okami is no stranger to the porting process, having been originally released for the PS2 in 2007, and then ported to the Wii in 2008 without even a major...
Feature How a Group of University Students Created a Commercial PlayStation Game
Purely academic
Steel Minions may sound like any other indie start-up on the surface – but the studio has a much more interesting tale to tell. Founded in 2010 by British university Sheffield Hallam, the outfit was conceived in order to provide game production students with hands-on experience within an operational development environment...
News 007 Legends' Skyfall Mission Completes the Game This Week
Face it all together
Activision has finally got around to wrapping up 007 Legends’ single-player storyline, announcing that the post-release Skyfall mission is now available from the PlayStation Store. The free download fills in the blanks at the close of crappy campaign, and closely mimics the events from the recently released big-screen...
News Sony: Sackboy Is Becoming a PlayStation Icon
LittleBigProtagonist
As the PlayStation 3 gets cheaper, Sony is banking on its mainstream characters to make the console more appealing to casual gamers and kids. One recognisable figure who’s quickly becoming the spear-head for that strategy is Sackboy. The burlap buccaneer has already appeared in two titles this year – LittleBigPlanet Vita and...
News The Last of Us Will Survive the Spike VGAs Next Month
Back to the scene of the crime
Joel and Ellie are set to step back into the spotlight next month, when a new The Last of Us trailer premieres during the Spike VGAs. Geoff Keighley emerged from the shadows overnight in order to promote the upcoming footage, which will debut on 7th December. Naughty Dog’s survival horror title was first announced...
Rumour Soldiers Disciplined Over Medal of Honor: Warfighter
Whoops
We imagine a group of high-profile SEALs are currently staring at Medal of Honor: Warfighter’s Metacritic score and wondering if it was all worth it. According to a report on CBS, seven soldiers have been reprimanded for consulting on the modern military shooter. They’ve each had half of their salaries docked for a total of two months,...
News October NPD: NBA 2K13 Slams, Industry Dunks
Bounce back
NBA 2K13 scored a convincing three-pointer in the latest NPD report, as the rest of the North American video games industry continued its downward trend. The sector as a whole earned $755.5 million for the period, a figure which compares negatively to last year’s $1 billion. While the figures aren't especially pleasant, analyst Liam...
News PlayStation All-Stars Has Hundreds of Hours of Content
Plenty under the hood
PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale is not a small game. Lead designer (and former Capcom man) Seth Killian has revealed that the title has hundreds of hours worth of content across its various game modes. “Beyond arcade mode with intros, endings, and rival cut-scenes for every character and all the multiplayer stuff,...
News Here's Another Hitman Absolution Trailer For You to Fawn Over
Hogging the headlines
For someone who’s supposed to be the ultimate assassin, Agent 47 sure does like the limelight. The stealthy skinhead has appeared in precisely 7,421 Hitman Absolution trailers to date – but this appears to be the last of them. Well, until the inevitable DLC promotions launch in a couple of weeks anyway.
News Planets Under Attack Invades the PSN on 21st November
Prepare yourself
Super secret PlayStation Network strategy title Planets Under Attack will launch on 21st November in Europe, developer Targem has told us. The game will be available in a trial and unlock format, meaning you’ll be able to test out the futuristic fleet management simulator before you spend a penny. The developer behind the...
Thursday8th Nov 2012
News Yes, You Will Fight Polygon Man in PlayStation All-Stars
Intro movie inside
As speculated, failed marketing mascot Polygon Man will represent the final boss in PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale. The infamous face – who was supposedly derided by platform father Ken Kutaragi in the brand's early days – is glimpsed at the end of the game’s stylish intro movie, which is embedded below. Polygon Man...
News The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim's DLC Is Finally Coming to PS3
Hallelujah
After what seems like an eternity, Bethesda has confirmed that it is "close" to releasing new content for the PlayStation 3 version of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Technical issues have delayed the content for months, despite it launching on the Xbox 360 and PC. But in a nonchalant Tweet posted earlier today, the publisher revealed that...
News Silent Hill: Downpour Patch Drenches PlayStation 3
Cats and dogs
Those of you that purchased Silent Hill: Downpour may be pleased to learn that the title is finally playable on the PlayStation 3. Konami has released a fairly comprehensive patch for the flawed survival horror title which promises to improve the game's frame-rate, fix the save system, wash away any mission related bugs, and introduce...
News Uncharted: Fight for Fortune Is a Card Game for PlayStation Vita
Snap
Uncharted protagonist Nathan Drake has dealt some deadly punches over the years, but never a full house. Reports emerging over the past 24 hours have pegged a new casino card game for PlayStation Vita named Uncharted: Fight for Fortune. Thus far, the title has appeared on Brazilian and
News Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time Turns Your Vita into X-Ray Goggles
Treasure island
We understand the complaints that claim $250 is too much for a handheld console, but what if the PlayStation Vita doubled as a pair of X-Ray goggles too? That’s exactly what happens when you pick up Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time, allowing you to easily uncover hidden in-game treasure and mark it on the big-screen for PlayStation 3...
News Grand Theft Auto V Features a Full Golf Course and Yoga
Little touches
Rockstar Games is pulling out all of the stops for Grand Theft Auto V. The hotly anticipated PlayStation 3 open world adventure will allow you to participate in a spot of yoga, tennis or golf – the latter of which will be supported by a full 18-hole course. It’s all part of the developer’s aim to create the most elaborate...
Store Update 6th November 2012 (North America)
Jammin'
There may well be heavy hitters such as LittleBigPlanet Karting and When Vikings Attack arriving as part of this week's North American PlayStation Store update – but the undisputed best new addition is ToeJam & Earl. The original SEGA Mega Drive title jives in this week alongside its side-scrolling sequel. Both titles will include...
News Grand Theft Auto V Features Three Playable Protagonists
Three's a charm
Grand Theft Auto V is following in the footsteps of the Yakuza franchise, and adding three playable protagonists to its open world. Game Informer magazine just broke the news – and revealed the very first artwork of the stars courtesy of its exclusive cover story. Those that purchase the publication will find 18 pages of...
News Andrew House Is Quickly Becoming One of the Most Important People in Sony
New roles
Andrew House has continued his rapid ascension through Sony's corporate hierarchy by being named as the new president of Sony Network Entertainment. The affable executive will replace Tim Schaaff, who is set to retire on 31st December. The former SCEE boss will juggle the role alongside his current commitments as the CEO of Sony Computer...
News Johann Sebastian Joust Is Finally Coming to the PS3
Maybe
Bizarre PlayStation Move duelling game Johann Sebastian Joust will finally release on the PS3, if it can achieve its reasonable Kickstarter target. The game will launch as part of a compilation named SPORTSFRIENDS, which contains a compendium of indie hits. Developer Die Gute Fabrick is describing the package as the modern day Summer Games...
Store Update 7th November 2012 (Europe)
Spice of life
There's a great mix of content available as part of this week's European PlayStation Store update. New arrivals include Dyad, ToeJam & Earl, LittleBigPlanet Karting, and PID. They're joined by a couple of must have shooters in the form of Vanquish and The Darkness II. Are you sitting comfortably?
News Grand Theft Auto V's Protagonist Is an East Coast Gangster
Snag a snippet
Grand Theft Auto V is set to get its first full blowout later today – putting the Internet on red-alert. The hotly anticipated Game Informer reveal – which has been teased for weeks now – will take place at 17:00PM GMT, forcing those of us in the UK to endure another long day at the office. Fortunately, the first details of the...
Wednesday7th Nov 2012
News Watch Dogs Will Hack Your PlayStation 3 in 2013
On hold
We reckon Watch Dogs would be more interesting if it took its title a little more literally, but Ubisoft's still got plenty of time to take our suggestion on board. The publisher has announced that the title will release in 2013 during a financial briefing earlier today. "Watch Dogs will be coming next year," CEO Yves Guillemot said. The...
News Assassin's Creed III Sells 3.5 Million Units in a Week
Viva la revolution
Assassin's Creed III has sold an estimated 3.5 million units since its release roughly a week ago, publisher Ubisoft has announced. According to CEO Yves Guillemot, the sales – which represent sell-through to consumers – represent a "year-on-year increase of more than 100 per cent". We're guessing that's a comparison to...
News LittleBigPlanet Karting's Launch Trailer Takes Pole Position
Front runner
Sackboy's due a rest. The recent LittleBigPlanet Vita represented the burlap buccaneer's fourth full outing on foot, so we reckon he's earned his break behind the wheel. Not that LittleBigPlanet Karting's a lazy Sunday drive – no, this a full-on Grand Prix for folks made of fabric. Don't believe us? Check out the launch trailer below,...
Tuesday6th Nov 2012
Review Assassin's Creed III: Liberation (PlayStation Vita)
Aveline in chains
You can’t fault Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation’s ambition. Ubisoft Sofia’s sprawling PlayStation Vita exclusive not only faithfully repurposes the free-roaming elimination escapades of its console counterparts, but through the corrupt recollections of mysterious protagonist Aveline de Grandpré it also attempts to imbue...
Review Ragnarok Odyssey (PlayStation Vita)
RPG oddity
After a great thunderous sound, the people of Rune Midgard find themselves under attack from mysterious creatures from the Millennium Peaks. It’s up to you and the residents of the kingdom to fight off these giants and survive. The story doesn't sound like much – primarily because it barely exists. Between missions, you’ll interact...
News Here's How Cross-Buy's Going to Work for PlayStation All-Stars
Follow the simple steps
Ever since it was announced at GamesCom earlier this year, people have pondered exactly how cross-buy for the PlayStation 3 and Vita would work. The offer has always seemed easily open to abuse, but Sony has now confirmed that the free handheld version of PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale will be tied to your PlayStation...
News You Can Finally Play Smash TV on the PlayStation 3
"I love it"
Announcing the full roster of your arcade compilation on launch day doesn't seem like the smartest idea, but who cares when that roster includes Smash TV? To celebrate the launch of Midway Arcade Origins in North America today, developer BackBone Entertainment has revealed the 31 titles crammed onto the PlayStation 3 collection...
News MAG II Is Not the Sequel You've Been Hoping For
Light gun
Don't get your hopes up, legendary SOCOM developer Zipper Interactive is still closed and, as such, it's not working on a sequel to the incredibly ambitious MAG. Instead, the confusingly titled MAG II is a gun-shaped motion controller designed for use with the PlayStation 3 and PC. The peripheral – set for release on 13th November in...
News Yoshida: PlayStation Vita Sales Are Below Expectations
Developers aren't biting either
Despite an influx of new software in recent weeks, the PlayStation Vita's commercial situation remains ominous. Chatting candidly with French website Lemonde, Sony Worldwide Studios president Shuhei Yoshida revealed that the platform's sales are “below expectations”. “Consumers now have multimedia devices, such...
News Purchase a PlayStation Vita and Three Blockbuster Games for £230
Bobby dazzler
If you're eager to do your part to improve the PlayStation Vita's current sales predicament, then UK retailer GAME has prepared a staggering deal that is designed to eliminate the cobwebs from inside your wallet. The exclusive bundle includes
News Ninja Theory's Devil May Cry Is Not 60 FPS, It Just Feels Like It Is
Black magic
Ninja Theory reckons it has mastered the art of illusion. Its upcoming Devil May Cry reboot will not run at 60 frames per second – but according to director Hideaki Itsuno it will still feel like it does. "60 FPS is a speed the brain and the eye can catch up with and understand," he told Eurogamer.net. "But at 30 FPS there's a...
News Future US Closes PlayStation: The Official Magazine in North America
Stop press
North American magazine publishing giant Future US has announced that it will end production of PlayStation: The Official Magazine later this year. The last issue of the historical publication will hit store shelves in December. The origins of the brand date all the way back to 1997. It caps a tough year for North American print media,...
News Dyad Developer Bringing a Game About Bouncing to PlayStation Home
Boing, boing
West Bromwich Albion fans will be eager to learn a little more about PlayStation Home's latest arcade cabinet. The release – simplistically entitled A Game About Bouncing – is the brainchild of Dyad developer Shawn McGrath. There's no price attached to the premium mini-game just yet, but we doubt it'll break the bank. Purchasing...
News Meet Dead Island: Riptide's Muscly New Playable Character
Built like a tank
Strange half-step sequel Dead Island: Riptide will add a fifth fisticuffs-style character to its roster named John Morgan, publisher Deep Silver has announced. The hand-to-hand combat specialist will be selectable from the start of the game, alongside the four protagonists from the original title's cast. Despite the additional...
News The Last Guardian Isn't Necessarily Going to Release Next Year
Vapourware
Shuhei Yoshida has refused to confirm whether troubled PlayStation 3 exclusive The Last Guardian will release next year. Chatting with French website JeuxVideo, the Sony Worldwide Studios president explained that the last time the company announced a date for the Team ICO developed title, it ultimately disappointed a lot of people – and...
News Dyad Dances onto the European PlayStation Store This Week
Head rush
Delayed downloadable racer Dyad will finally launch on the European PlayStation Network this week, developer Shawn McGrath has confirmed. The trippy title released overseas earlier this year to a slew of positive acclaim – but was delayed in Europe due to the developer's inability to orchestrate a global launch. In order to make up for...
Monday5th Nov 2012
Review When Vikings Attack (PlayStation 3)
Rise against the tyranny of the Vikings
There's a pitfall to the design goal of simplicity: repetition. Many accessible titles tend to eschew this obstacle through minimalistic charm and a compelling set of mechanics. But while When Vikings Attack certainly boasts these values, and makes good use of them, its incessant repetition fails to abate...
News This Russian PlayStation All-Stars Commercial Shows Fat Princess on the Throne
Also, Sackboy on a skateboard
If you thought the live-action trailer for PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale in North America was nuts, wait until you get a glimpse of this low budget Russian alternative. The nonsense 30-second short not only shows Sweet Tooth clasping a rather cute puppy, but it also features a man dressed as Fat Princess sitting...
Competition Shut Your Claptrap and Win a Whole Slew of Borderlands 2 Loot
Vault hunter
If you haven't had the opportunity to return to Pandora just yet, we've teamed up with publisher 2K Games in order to scratch your loot lust. The company has sent us a treasure chest of Borderlands 2 goodies to give away to one lucky reader, all you need to do is answer the simple question below. Prizes include a copy of the game for...
News Resident Evil 5: Gold Edition Haunts North American PlayStation Plus Update
9-carat
The horror of Resident Evil 6 may still be fresh in your memories, but Sony is aiming to transport you back to a happier time with its latest North American PlayStation Plus update. Starting tomorrow, subscribers will be able to download the tropical Resident Evil 5: Gold Edition for free. The updated release includes two additional episodes...
News UK Sales Charts: Assassin's Creed III Starts a Revolution
Leap of faith
Assassin's Creed III has unsurprisingly infiltrated the top of the UK sales charts, securing the second biggest release of the year so far. The slick stealth title doubled the sales of Assassin's Creed II, and outsold last year's Revelations by a whopping 117,000 units. PlayStation Vita exclusive spin-off Assassin's Creed III: Liberati
News Gran Turismo 5 Races Past the 9 Million Sales Milestone
No slowing down
Sony's premium PlayStation 3 racing title Gran Turismo 5 has surpassed 9 million units, developer Polyphony Digital has announced. The achingly accurate driving simulator added another 1.5 million units to its tally since the last count – which is not especially surprising considering the title was the eighth biggest selling game...
News Grand Theft Auto V's Second Trailer Will Hijack Your Eyeballs Next Week
Mark your calendars
Grand Theft Auto V's hotly anticipated second trailer will infect the online airwaves on 14th November, publisher Rockstar Games has confirmed. The announcement comes just hours after the company officially opened pre-orders for the eagerly awaited open world crime drama. There's currently no firm release date for Grand Theft...
News THQ Delays Its Entire Upcoming Line-up, Seeks Additional Capital
Gulp
Things sure aren't looking particularly rosy for troubled publisher THQ. Despite cutting its operating losses to $19 million compared to last year's terrifying $97 million, the company still can't catch a break. During a financial briefing earlier this evening, the organisation reported net sales of $107 million – before delaying its entire...
Sunday4th Nov 2012
News What on Earth Is Planets Under Attack for PSN?
Unicron
In this age of online connectivity, it’s rare that we don’t know about a game well in advance of its release – but Planets Under Attack slots directly under that curious category. The mysterious digital title was scheduled to get a demo on the European PlayStation Network a few weeks ago, but it never emerged. In spite of that, the...
Saturday3rd Nov 2012
News Frobisher Says' Animated Ladies Were Too Saucy for Sony
Cor, blimey!
Ross Phillips’ brilliant ‘Smile at the Ladies’ mini-game in the zany PlayStation Vita exclusive Frobisher Says was originally too saucy for Sony, according to artist Dick Hogg. In an interview with the wonderful online art gallery Venus Patrol, the illustrator explained: “It is really cool to be able to contact some guy on the...
News Sony Advertising PlayStation All-Stars Ahead of Wreck-It Ralph
Hot spot
Nintendo isn’t the only one using Disney’s Wreck-It Ralph as an opportunity to promote their latest software. SuperBot Entertainment has announced that it will be showing PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale’s recent
News Find Out What Happens When Vikings Attack Next Week
Answers at last
Sony will attempt to solve one of life’s most enduring enquiries next week: what happens When Vikings Attack? The quirky Power Stone-esque arena battler will invade the PlayStation Store from 6th November in North America and 7th November in Europe. Purchasing the Clever Beans developed title will net you the game on both PS3 and...
Friday2nd Nov 2012
News Sony Sharing Details About PlayStation Plus for Vita Next Week
Branching out
PlayStation Plus will finally extend to the Vita next week – and Sony has promised that more details will be announced soon. Speaking on the PlayStation Blog, content manager Chris Howe encouraged readers to “look out next week for some news on the PlayStation Vita Plus service”. We already know that the Vita version of...
News Sony Can Finally Release the PlayStation 3 in China
Back in the game
Sony has finally gained approval to launch the PlayStation 3 in China, despite games consoles technically being illegal in the region. The platform was recently awarded a ‘China Compulsory Certificate’, although firm release plans have yet to formalise. China implemented its console ban way back in 2000 in order to protect the...
News European PlayStation Plus Subscribers Score Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One
Four play
European PlayStation Plus subscribers will have more than just Crysis 2 to look forward to this month. Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One will also be added to the Instant Game Collection from next week, making the co-operative adventure completely free to play. But that’s not all. Laughing Jackal’s surprisingly solid Cubixx HD wi
News Wreck-It Ralph Joins the Roster of Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed
"Hey Sonic. What are you doing in a car?"
If the addition of Danica Patrick wasn’t already enough to get you in a lather, SEGA has announced that Hollywood hero Wreck-It Ralph will also be joining the roster of Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed. You can check out the character in action courtesy of the trailer below. The arcade racer's due...
News Promotional Items Leak Grand Theft Auto V Screenshots
New method
Typically you can count on a rogue cog in the gaming press to leak super secret screenshots, but publisher Rockstar Games likes to do things a little bit differently. The company is giving away neat little keychain viewfinders alongside pre-orders for the upcoming Grand Theft Auto V, which include screenshots of locations from the hotly...
News PlayStation Store Refresh Launches in North America
All change
After a fairly lengthy delay, the new-look PlayStation Store has finally launched in North America. The updated digital storefront comes with a range of snazzy features, including improved content filtering, better organisation, and a dynamic search engine. You’ll be prompted to download the glossy makeover when
News DmC's Innovative Difficulty Levels Will Make You Cry
Tears of blood
For a game that’s prompted outrage over its protagonist, we suppose it makes sense for Ninja Theory’s upcoming Devil May Cry reboot to feature a difficulty tier entitled ‘Dante Must Die’. The upcoming third-person action adventure will host a slew of special modes, alongside its standard Human, Devil Hunter and Nephilim...
News Vanquish Slides onto the PlayStation Network Next Week
Pocket rocket
Shinji Mikami’s criminally underrated third-person shooter Vanquish will dash onto the North American PlayStation Network next week, Sony has announced. The platform holder failed to attach a price to the ace adventure, but it’s currently available from the Xbox Live Marketplace for $19.99. We’d be amazed if SEGA charged any more...
News Tekken Tag Tournament 2 Tops 840,000 Sales
Juggle master
Tekken Tag Tournament 2 has sold over 840,000 units, publisher Namco Bandai has announced. The data tracks the period between the fighter’s 11th September launch and the conclusion of the company’s second fiscal quarter on 30th September. There’s a good chance that the title will have surpassed one million units by now...
News DUST 514 Staying in Closed Beta Until 2013
Fermenting like a fine wine
Jack Tretton must have got his dates muddled up. CCP Games’ ambitious free-to-play first-person shooter DUST 514 will not launch later this month like the executive stated in an interview in September – instead it will stay in closed beta throughout the rest of 2012. "We'll be in closed beta for the rest of the...
Thursday1st Nov 2012
Rumour Sony Shipping Updated PlayStation 4 Development Kits
The future
Developers around the world are apparently receiving updated PlayStation 4 development kits as we type, according to a report on VG247. The super secret devices are supposedly housed inside standard PC cases, but are heavily updated from previous units which were essentially just graphics cards. A fourth, “almost final” kit is set to...
News This PlayStation Vita Advert Promises Twice the Pleasure
Touch from behind
Remember when Sony’s marketing used to be edgy, controversial and memorable? Well, this brand new PlayStation Vita advertisement slots into all three camps. The French magazine promotion shows, well, a lady with four breasts. There are two on her chest and two on her back. The messaging
News Sony Reports PlayStation Sales Decrease, Lowers Vita Forecast
But overall losses reduce
Sony has revised its annual sales forecast for the PlayStation Vita and PSP for the second time this year. Speaking during its quarterly financial briefing, the company explained that it now expects the handheld systems to sell a combined total of 10 million units by 31st March, 2013. It had previously predicted a tally of...
News Black Ops 2's Nuketown 2025 Map Sure Looks Colourful
Black hole sun
We remember the original Nuketown map being a bit bland, but tastes in the future are clearly a touch more refined. This brand new Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 trailer shows off the updated Nuketown 2025 arena in delicious Technicolor, complete with creepy mannequins and garish wallpaper patterns. Sadly, the stage is restricted to...
News Deadly Premonition: Director's Cut Drops in March 2013
Zach and gimme
Cult survival horror title Deadly Premonition: The Director’s Cut will terrify PlayStation 3 in March 2013, publisher Rising Star Games has announced. The conflicted classic previously launched as an Xbox 360 exclusive in the West – despite being available on PS3 in Japan. In order to make up for the delay, The Director’s Cut...
News BioWare Deploys Mass Effect Trilogy from 4th December
Make sure you Geth it
In an epic blog post worthy of the Pulitzer Prize, developer BioWare has confirmed that the Mass Effect Trilogy will take flight on 4th December in North America and 7th December in Europe. That means that the first title in the series – which originally launched as a Microsoft published Xbox 360 exclusive way back in 2007...
News Portal 2's In Motion DLC Moves onto PS3 Next Week
Mental muscle
Portal 2’s hotly anticipated In Motion add-on will finally arrive in North America next week, developer Sixense Studios has announced. The $9.99 expansion will take full advantage of the PlayStation Move motion controller, and will add 20 extra test chambers to the full release. The motion controls will also be extended to the...
News New Yakuza 5 Footage Plays Ball
Home run
One of the best things about the Yakuza franchise is the freedom it gives you to explore and participate in completely irrelevant mini-games. The upcoming Yakuza 5 will be no different – as has already been evidenced by the title’s taxi driving and hunting missions. This brand new trailer focuses on Tatsuo Shinada, one of the game’s...
News Pre-order Crysis 3 and Get the Original Title for Free
Can your console run it, though?
If you pre-order the upcoming Crysis 3 at a participating retailer, you’ll get a PSN copy of the original title absolutely free. Furthermore, you’ll automatically be upgraded to the special Hunter Edition, which rewards you with early access to a handful of in-game weapons. "The release of Crysis in 2007 was...
News Mafia Developer Aiming to "Push the Boundaries of Cutting Edge Hardware"
Period drama
Mafia II may have been disappointing from a gameplay perspective – but it remains one of the most atmospheric PlayStation 3 titles to date. As such, we’re eager to see what developer 2K Czech can achieve with next-generation hardware. Fortunately, the studio is rumoured to be working on a sequel to the open world crime drama for...
News Army of Two: The Devil's Cartel Readies Up on 26th March
Bro science
The masked protagonists of Army of Two: The Devil’s Cartel will embark on their mission to clean up the drug-riddled streets of Mexico on 26th March in North America and 29th March in Europe. Pre-orders for the title will automatically be upgraded to the Overkill Edition, which will grant players with an additional three missions...
