News - 2012, Week 18
Saturday5th May 2012
Review Velocity (PlayStation Minis)
High flyer
Sometimes a game comes out of nowhere and completely blows you away. Coconut Dodge – the first Minis endeavour from Brighton-based studio FuturLab – had that impact upon almost everyone that tried it. Simple in premise, but deviously addictive, the arcade mini-game was a captivating affair that still holds our attention today. Its...
News Sony to Showcase 20 Games at E3 2012
Big guns
Sony’s confirmed that it’s bringing 20 games to next month’s E3. The platform holder boasted on its website that the “new gaming experiences” will be demoed across 200 playable kiosks. Recently announced titles such as PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale, God of War: Ascension and LittleBigPlanet Karting are certain to make an...
Feature Understanding the Niche - Ninja Gaiden III
Cutting deeper for a better understanding
Ninja Gaiden III recently sliced its way to store shelves with much hype and anticipation from long-time fans, but developer Team Ninja’s hopes to release a Ninja Gaiden title with mass market appeal unintentionally cut right through the hearts of its core fanbase that’s supported the studio for nearly a...
Rumour Cole MacGrath Supercharges PlayStation All-Stars
Zap
Now that PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale has officially been confirmed, speculation is fixated on the title’s final character roster. Developer SuperBot Entertainment has promised to reveal more at this year’s E3, but it may have already been beaten to the punch. Eric Ladin, the voice actor of inFAMOUS protagonist Cole MacGrath,...
News Unchained Blades Earns Its Freedom This Spring
Off the hook
XSEED’s uber-niche first person dungeon crawler Unchained Blades is set to slash its way onto the PlayStation Network this spring. The PSP JRPG – created by a star-studded development team – follows the adventure of Fang, a haughty dragon emperor who loses his powers when the goddess Clunea witnesses his arrogance. The game...
News The Avengers Assemble for New Marvel Pinball Table
Assembly line
As far as timing goes, it’s hard to imagine this Avengers themed Marvel Pinball announcement coming at a better moment. Zen Studios has hopped onto the PlayStation Blog to announce the impending release of the just launched film's digital pinball adaptation. It's set to ship as part of the upcoming Marvel Pinball: Avengers Chronicle
News New Metal Gear Rising Teaser Looks Through Raiden's Eye
Hmm
Konami’s back with another baffling Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance live action teaser. This time the footage plays out from the perspective of protagonist Raiden’s, erm, eye. We wished we could glean some meaningful information out of the video, but it just looks like 60 seconds of bad acting to us. Feel free to share some more meaningful...
News Early Assassin's Creed Footage Uncovered
For your eyes only
Before Assassin’s Creed was spun off into one of gaming's biggest franchises, it was pitched as a Prince of Persia title. Early concept footage uploaded by Alain Larose, a sound designer who used to work at Ubisoft, has provided a sneaky glimpse at the historical franchise’s origins. The footage in question shows a very...
Friday4th May 2012
News Miyamoto: Vita Needs More Games
Spot on
Industry legend Shigeru Miyamoto has compared the Vita’s current struggles with the 3DS’ own troubles at launch. Speaking with EDGE magazine, the Nintendo man said that Sony's new handheld is very powerful and capable of “lots of things”, but that it would be a stronger product if the “combination of hardware and software” was...
News Ragnarok Odyssey Stomps onto Western Vitas This Year
Orgarhythm too
XSEED may have scrapped plans to release Vanillaware’s gorgeous Grand Knights History overseas, but it has replaced the PSP RPG with a handful of hotly anticipated Vita titles. The localisation specialist has confirmed that it will be bringing the Monster Hunter-inspired Ragnarok Odyssey to North America, in addition to Acquire’s...
News Ratchet & Clank Trilogy Delayed Until June
Lawrence!
Insomniac Games has just Tweeted that the European release of the Ratchet & Clank Trilogy has been delayed until June. The high-definition compilation was originally set to release later this month. Online retailer Amazon has already updated the title's product information, attaching an 8th June relea
News Sail Away with Rune Factory Oceans on 25th May
Hit the waves
Rising Star Games has attached a 25th May European release date to its upcoming PS3 exclusive farming simulator, Rune Factory Oceans (also known as Rune Factory: Tides of Destiny). The agricultural RPG – which launched in North America and Japan last year – challenges you to run a farm, while also adventuring the high seas in...
News Rainbow Moon Brightens Up the PlayStation Store
Blast from the past
SideQuest Studios has finally attached a rough release window to Rainbow Moon, its upcoming PSN exclusive strategy RPG. The title is set to launch on Sony’s digital storefront in just a “few weeks”, with more details set to be revealed in the coming days. The game is heavily inspired by turn based strategy RPGs of old, and...
News Dead Island: Game of the Year Edition Rises in June
Ratings board reveals re-release
We don’t mean to be snarky, but did Dead Island actually win any game of the year awards? Sure, the Techland title had some great ideas, but the execution was far too sloppy to grant it any gongs in our eyes. Still, that’s not stopped British ratings board, the BBFC, from listing a "Game of the Year"...
News thatgamecompany Negotiating with New Partners
The long and winding road
It seems like an age since thatgamecompany's Journey released on the PlayStation Store and subsequently blew us away. A lot has changed since then, with a number of key staff exiting the developer. Now, with its three game relationship with Sony expired, the influential studio is looking to the future – and according to a...
News Reverge Labs Confirms Cross-Platform Play for Skullgirls
PS3 versus PC
The recently revealed PC release of Reverge Labs’ gorgeous female-focused fighter Skullgirls will feature cross-platform play between the PS3 version, it has been confirmed. Those playing the PC version of the brawler will be able to face-off against fighters on Sony’s console and vice versa. Just make sure you don’t lose to a PC...
News David Jaffe Not Deterred By God of War: Ascension's Multiplayer
On form
Outspoken video game director – and God of War creator – David Jaffe has not been put off by the upcoming God of War: Ascension's emphasis on multiplayer. Speaking with IGN, the legendary developer said that he thinks the game looks “cool” and that it is likely to be another “impeccably executed Santa Monica game”. He continued:...
News Sony Casts Sorcery Technology Trailer Online
Building a motion masterpiece
Sony’s conjured up a brand new trailer looking at the development of upcoming Move adventure Sorcery. The footage delves behind the scenes at developer The Workshop, and discusses why the Move is pivotal to the title's experience and how the implementation differs from alternative motion controlled games. There’s...
News Family Guy: Back to the Multiverse Appears on Amazon
Stewpendous
Here’s a story that might catch you off guard: Activision is readying a Family Guy title for release on PlayStation 3 later this year. Well, that’s according to a retail listing for a game called Family Guy: Back to the Multiverse which mysteriously appeared on Amazon overnight. The listing is agonisingly light on details, but does...
News United Front Not Working On LittleBigPlanet Karting Vita
Spin-off staying home spun
United Front Games isn't working on a Vita version of LittleBigPlanet Karting, the developer's confirmed. Game designer William Ho told the PlayStation Blog: Alas, we are concentrating 100% on making the PS3 version LittleBigPlanet Karting the very best it can be. We are not working on a Vita version at this time. Of...
News THQ Won't Have a Booth at This Year's E3
Limited presence
E3 is an expensive endeavour, especially if you’re beleaguered publisher THQ. While the company’s fortunes appear to have improved over the past couple of weeks, it has decided against splashing out on a costly booth at this year’s show. The decision seems like a sound one: the publisher will still be present at the show,...
Thursday3rd May 2012
Review House of the Dead 4 (PlayStation 3)
Kill 'em again!
Years ago, gamers' weekends weren't filled with online multiplayer binge sessions. Instead, they filled local arcades with a pocketful of quarters, ready to show off their skills and hopefully land a top score on a cabinet for bragging rights. One series that made its name in these arcades is SEGA's zombie-infested light gun shooter,...
News Before Altair, Assassin's Creed Starred a Woman
Girl power
Ubisoft has released a mass of early concept art for the Assassin’s Creed series. The images – which date back to the title’s origins back in 2004 – show a number of twists on the franchise's now established format. One image, for example, shows a woman kitted out in similar robes to final protagonist Altair. Another image shows...
News Call of Duty: Black Ops II Pre-Orders Outpace Predecessor
Huge numbers incoming
Call of Duty: Black Ops II is poised to become another blockbuster of epic proportions, if early indications from online retailer Amazon are to be believed. A report on MCV notes that early orders for the upcoming title are already triple those of the original Call of Duty: Black Ops which released in 2010. Amazon’s Graham...
News Saints Row: The Third April Fools' Gag is No Longer a Joke
Sucker punch
If you thought Saints Row: The Third’s “Enter the Dominatrix” April Fools’ gag was nothing but a silly joke, well, the punch line’s on you, friend. In a brilliant press release sent out to the media this afternoon, publisher THQ has officially confirmed the standalone expansion for release at retail this Fall. It’ll cost you...
News Learn About Gravity Rush's Love of Bande Dessinee
Sense of style
Gravity Rush’s art is heavily inspired by the popular Franco-Belgian comic book style known as bande dessinee. Art director Yoshiaki Yamaguchi explained that the style is all about exaggerating notable visual elements, such as Gravity Rush’s overstated verticality. Writing on the PlayStation Blog, he continued: The direction we...
News Dive into the Twisted Mind of Lollipop Chainsaw's Suda 51
Mad men
It takes a certain kind of genius to create a game as crazy as Lollipop Chainsaw, and this behind the scenes video does its best to expose that. In the trailer, Suda 51 talks a little about the game’s inspirations and his desire to create a different kind of zombie game. Writer James Gunn is also on-hand to explain some of the title’s...
News New LittleBigPlanet Karting Details Race Online
Speedy sackboy
LittleBigPlanet Karting might have one of the blandest names in gaming, but the craftwork kart racer sure looks fun. In this brand new interview published on the PlayStation Blog, United Front Games’ William Ho has revealed a little more about the upcoming game. The video touches on the title’s core mechanics, its creation...
News Posse Up for Max Payne 3 Multiplayer Trailer
So solid crew
It looks like Rockstar spent a long time playing Killzone 3 before designing Max Payne 3’s multiplayer component. The title’s narrative based game type, Gang Wars, sounds a lot like Killzone’s Operations mode, with dynamically changing objectives and cinematic cut-scenes punctuating the action. Thankfully, Max Payne 3 has a few...
News Job Listings Hint at New MotorStorm Game
Next generation?
Evolution Studios may have faced a torrid time with the launch of MotorStorm: Apocalypse last year, but that’s not stopped the developer from dusting itself off and looking to the future. The Runcorn-based studio is currently hiring for its next project which, if two job listings are to be believed, is a new entry in the off-road...
News The Living Dead Return in Call of Duty: Black Ops II
The hunt for brains continues
The recently announced Call of Duty: Black Ops II may be taking a slightly different direction to its predecessor, but Treyarch’s trademark zombie co-op mode will still be present. It sounds like the developer is really aiming to flesh out the side campaign, describing it as the “most ambitious zombie effort...
News Datura Dives into the Next Dimension
Innovation you can't afford
We still don’t know much about Plastic’s upcoming PSN adventure Datura, but that’s not stopped the Polish developer from concocting an extravagant virtual reality set up to show off its game. The expensive demo is built around Sony’s recently released HMZ-T1 personal projector, and uses a second PlayStation Move...
Wednesday2nd May 2012
News Urban Trials Wheels onto PlayStation Vita
Geared up
Even if you’re the most devout PlayStation follower, you’ll probably have heard of the Xbox 360’s Trials series at some point. The brilliantly addictive arcade affair sees you attempting to control a trials motorbike across increasingly difficulty stages. Its emphasis on physics and weight distribution makes it one of the most...
News Like PlayStation Access, Grab a Couple of Free Games
Nice way to end the day
Sony is giving away a couple of free PlayStation Minis to anyone that “likes” the publisher’s PlayStation Access page on Facebook. Up for grabs are Jewel Keepers: Easter Island and Urbanix. Sure it’s a marketing ploy, but who cares? Free games. While you're there, you should Like Push Square, too.
Store Update 1st May 2012 (North America)
Awesomenauts, Mortal Kombat, Max Payne and more
It's time for another PSN Store update, North America, and it's a typically eclectic mix of fun, light-hearted titles alongside grizzly, violent classics. Without further delay, let's get into it. PlayStation Plus: Early Access:Pixel Junk 4am Closed Viewer BetaVelocity (Free PS mini)Free Downloads:Aw
News Persona 4: The Golden Enriches Vita This Fall
Something golden
Atlus has confirmed that the heavily anticipated Persona 4: The Golden will arrive in North America this Fall. The expanded Vita RPG is scheduled to release in Japan on 15th June, but, up until now, a Western release was unconfirmed. The Golden is an updated version of the PS2 title that launched in 2008. It includes a new...
News Hot Shots Golf Gets Even More Addictive with New Update
A wedge between your social life
Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational (or Everybody's Golf to our European readers) is already pretty addictive. But developer Clap Hanz intends to make it even more addictive with an upcoming update. The patch – which is due out in Japan next week – adds a number of new features to the cheery title. Headlining the...
Store Update 2nd May 2012 (Europe)
Awesomenauts, Skullgirls and free Frobisher Says! included
It's PSN update day here in Europe with a lot of content for your consideration, some of it free. Let's get started. PS3 Games: Awesomenauts (Trial also available)It’s the year 3587; conflict spans the stars. Huge robot armies are locked in an enduring stalemate. In their bid for galactic...
News Japanese Sales Charts: Vita Enjoys Decent Sales Bump
On the rise
After a torrid couple of weeks in Japan, the Vita has finally emerged from its temporary slump. Sony’s shiny new system sold a respectable 12,299 units for the week ending 29th April – a significant improvement over last week’s worrying 8,206 units tally. The boost was no doubt orchestrated by the release of Surge Concerto: Ciel...
News Sony Evaluating PlayStation Plus Giveaways
Bigger, better and more expensive
Over the last year or so, PlayStation Plus has really blossomed into a must-own package. But Sony, it seems, is not resting on its laurels just yet. A survey picked up by IGN shows that the platform holder is evaluating the value of its premium package. The 15-minute questionnaire quizzes readers on different...
News Black Ops II Campaign Goes Heavy Rain
Dying is a part of life
Call of Duty: Black Ops II wants to surprise you. For one, the campaign will offer branching paths and alternate endings, with the storyline changing depending on decisions you make. Should you fail select missions the story will still continue, with characters living or dying depending on your actions. While we're not...
News XSEED Cans Plans to Publish Grand Knights History
A tragic tale
XSEED has scrapped plans to publish Vanillaware’s gorgeous PSP role-playing game Grand Knights History in North America. The publisher said that unfortunately the “development resources required to localise the game were not available, necessitating its cancellation”. The publisher continued: We regret not being able to bring...
News Sony Signs Three Game Deal with Giant Sparrow
Fresh blood
There may well be life after thatgamecompany after all. Sony has announced that it has signed a three game exclusivity partnership with Giant Sparrow, starting with The Unfinished Swan. The developer is currently set-up inside Sony’s ubiquitous Santa Monica studio, which is responsible for a dizzying number of PS3 titles at the moment...
News Frobisher Says Arrives in Europe for Free
Play this stupid game
Honeyslug’s whacky WarioWare-inspired Vita mini game compilation Frobisher Says officially touches down in Europe today for the grand sum of free. The brilliant Vita exclusive sees you pleasing a hilariously contrary child through a series of increasingly whacky demands. Poking otters, fighting bears and opening clams are all...
News Original Deus Ex Sneaking onto PSN Soon
It's a conspiracy
The PlayStation 2 re-release of the seminal PC title Deus Ex is heading to the PlayStation 3. The evidence comes courtesy of a listing posted prematurely by European age ratings body, PEGI. Publisher Square Enix has refused to comment on the listing, stating that it “does not comment on rumour or speculation”. Still, these kind...
News Starhawk Beta Testers Scoop Additional Goodies
Thank you note
Those that participated in the beta test for Lightbox Interactive’s upcoming multiplayer shooter Starhawk will score a handful of additional in-game goodies. First up is the Hand of the Founder, a glowing atom that will rotate around your right-hand to show that you were one of the game’s originators. Additionally, those that have...
Tuesday1st May 2012
News Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Confirmed, Out 13th November
Surprise!
Activision's just confirmed Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 for PS3 will hit worldwide on 13th November. The date accompanied a reveal trailer — published perhaps a little prematurely — that we'll bring to you as soon as it's up. It's so far only announced for PS3 but we know Call of Duty Vita is still on the way. Are you keen to take up...
Feature How Sony is Dominating Pre-E3 Headlines
The early bird gets the worm
There’s little doubt that E3 is the most important date in the gaming calendar. The trade show plays host to the industry’s biggest announcements on an annual basis, and its importance continues to grow with the introduction of live streaming technologies and up-to-the-minute online coverage. But for all its...
Rumour Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Screenshots Leak
Attack of the drones
A couple of screenshots from the heavily rumoured Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 have leaked online. The assets appear to confirm a near future setting for the hotly anticipated sequel. The images — which first appeared on a Japanese website — focus on gun-toting aerial recon units, which also featured in leaked art assets posted...
News DiRT Showdown Demo Crashes onto PSN Today
Bruised and broken
You’ll be able to quench your thirst for crumpled bonnets today, when Codemasters smashes a demo for the upcoming DiRT Showdown onto the PlayStation Store. The teaser will feature two events, including a solo single-player race and a “devastating” multiplayer demolition derby event. The single-player race will see you...
News Call of Duty Still Gunning for Vita
Not sure which "version" yet
It’s been a long time since we got any kind of update about Call of Duty on Vita. Despite the title being announced alongside Sony’s new handheld, Activision’s said very little about the potential blockbuster. But in an off-the-cuff Twitter remark overnight, social media manager Dan Amrich hinted at the title’s...
News Dawnguard Storms Skyrim Later This Year
Content expansion on the way
In an unexpected statement that would rival even the stealthiest of Rockstar reveals, Bethesda has announced that the first expansion pack for the brilliant The Elder Scrolls V: Skryim will be called Dawnguard. More details are expected to be shared at this year’s E3, with a summer release date hinted. Bethesda's...
News Find Your Inner Rage with Mortal Kombat Vita Launch Trailer
Get over here
NetherRealm’s brilliant Mortal Kombat kicks, punches and murders its way onto PlayStation Vita in North America today – and to celebrate, publisher Warner Bros has released the handheld brawler's launch trailer. The footage features a 70-second montage of gameplay from the full game, and we have to admit, it’s looking like a...
News Rockstar Reveals DLC Roadmap for Max Payne 3
Big plans
As part of a statement released this afternoon, Rockstar’s revealed a robust schedule of post-release content for its upcoming Max Payne 3. New “multiplayer maps, modes, bursts, items, playable characters, challenges and more” are all set to release on PS3 throughout the coming months. The first DLC pack will arrive in June, and will...
News Sony Celebrates Battle Royale Reveal with Contenders Sale
Bargain bin
We’re going to go out on a limb and assume you’re excited for the upcoming PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale. Guess what? Sony is too. To celebrate the title’s announcement last week it has revealed a brand new PlayStation Store sale, dedicated to honouring the contenders of the upcoming mascot mash-up. Discounts apply to various...
News The Unfinished Swan Will Boast Optional Move Controls
Painted poetry
Giant Sparrow’s beautifully abstract PSN title The Unfinished Swan will include optional PlayStation Move motion controls, it has been confirmed. The title – which is set to be announced at some point next week – sees you tossing streams of paint from a first-person perspective in order to reveal the otherwise invisible world...
News New Metal Gear Solid HD Collection Trailer Sneaks Online
In the shadows
Following on from last night’s rough release date announcement, Konami has launched the first trailer for the Metal Gear Solid HD Collection on Vita. The trailer gives you a good look at all of the game’s primary features, included its newly implemented touch controls and Transfarring functionality. Is this re-release on your...
News GT Academy Hits the Starting Grid Today
Start your engines
By the time you read this, the 2012 edition of Sony’s innovative GT Academy competition will be well underway. The tournament is designed to transform proficient Gran Turismo players into real race-car drivers, and has had massive success in the past. In order to take part in the contest, you’ll need to download a special...
Monday30th Apr 2012
Review Prototype 2 (PlayStation 3)
Heller good?
Prototype 2 is anything but subtle. The follow-up to Radical Entertainment’s 2009 murder simulator rarely gives you a moment to breathe without gunfire, rockets and tendrils of errant intestines bursting from the screen. Its anarchic approach to gameplay can grate on you, but without a meaty plot to hang its crimson hat on, it’s...
News God of War: Ascension Single-Player a "Little Shorter" Than Previous Titles
Less time to rage
Following on from the revelation that Sony Santa Monica’s upcoming God of War: Ascension will feature eight-player multiplayer, director Todd Papy has revealed that the game’s single-player will be a “little shorter” than previous titles in the franchise. Speaking with Eurogamer.net, he said: We've mapped o
News Metal Gear Solid HD Collection Transfars onto Vita in June
Snaaake!
Konami is allowing a whole new generation of gamers to get worked up over Metal Gear Solid 2’s infamous Raiden bait-and-switch this June, when the Metal Gear Solid HD Collection launches on PlayStation Vita. The portable version of the compilation will include a remastered user interface and Transfarring functionality, allowing you to...
News God of War: Ascension Has 8-Player Multiplayer
You are not alone
God of War: Ascension will be the first multiplayer God of War title, Sony's revealed. The PS3-exclusive will offer online and offline multiplayer modes for up to eight players. We'll see more in a few hours during the God of War: Ascension live stream at the PlayStation Blog. Are you happy GoW is joining the online realm or is it...
News Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transforms to PS3 & Vita
Get ready to race
IGN's lifted the lid on SEGA's next character crossover, Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed. The mouthful of a title is coming to PS3 and Vita later this year. The transformed of the title refers to the vehicles' ability to transform into cars, boats and planes, but also the course's tendency to change and morph over time:...
News Feast Your Eyes on the First God of War: Ascension Multiplayer Footage
Brutal
The first God of War: Ascension multiplayer footage has charged its way online. The video — which comes courtesy of GamesRadar — shows two teams of four players duking it out in traditional God of War style while a gigantic Cyclops wriggles in the background. Upon capturing a point on the map, one of the teams is given the option to take...
News Prototype 2 Conquers UK Sales Charts
Consumes the competition
Activision’s angry open-world adventure Prototype 2 has shot straight to the top of the UK sales charts. However, despite its position, it failed to outperform the first week sales of its predecessor which launched back in June 2009. The rest of the chart paints a familiar picture, with EA’s FIFA Street, FIFA 12 and Mass...
Rumour SEGA Has Cancelled Bayonetta Sequel
Don't shoot the messenger
It sounds like SEGA has canned the sequel to Platinum Games' much loved character action title, Bayonetta. A report on Spong notes that the successor was culled as part of the publisher’s major restructuring plans. The website reports that the sequel was set to include “a new character, in the form of a member of the US...
News Don't Worry, Awesomenauts is Still Coming to PSN This Week
Naut but good news
Ronimo’s brilliant looking Awesomenauts will still launch on the PlayStation Network this week as planned. The game’s status was thrust into mystery when German publisher dtp Entertainment filed for insolvency earlier today. However, Sony’s confirmed on Twitter that the title will indeed release as part of this week’s...
News Eve Online FanFest Attendees to Scoop DUST 514 Beta Access
Front of the queue
Those that attended the recent Eve Online FanFest event in Iceland will be amongst the first external players to get beta access to CCP’s uber-ambitious free-to-play downloadable shooter DUST 514. Currently the only people with access to the title are internal Sony testers. FanFest attendees are set to be invited soon, with an...
News Get Your First Look at God of War: Ascension Today
Live stream incoming
Sony will show off God of War: Ascension in a live stream later today. Game director Todd Papy will be talking you through the PS3 exclusive over at the PlayStation Blog from 4pm UK time today. That's 11am Eastern, 8am Pacific and 5pm Central European Time. We can't wait.
News Richard Lemarchand Leaves Naughty Dog
Takes teaching role
Naughty Dog’s lead game designer Richard Lemarchand has exited the company in order to accept a position at the University of Southern California. The Uncharted man – who played a pivotal part in the franchise’s rise to success – will join the school’s Interactive Media Division. Previous students include...
