News - 2012, Week 27
Sunday8th Jul 2012
News Transformers Developer Working on Marvel's Hit-Monkey
No, us neither
Transformers: Fall of Cybertron developer High Moon Studios is working on a video game adaptation of Marvel’s Hit-Monkey. If you’re clambering to the franchise’s Wikipedia page right now, rest assured you’re not alone. Apparently the game is based upon the comic book series of the same name, in which a Japanese macaque learns...
Saturday7th Jul 2012
News On-Disc Street Fighter X Tekken DLC Launches This Month
Unlock code
You’ll finally be able to stump up the cash for Street Fighter X Tekken’s controversial 100kb download key this month, unlocking the additional 12 characters already stored on the game’s retail disc. The DLC had originally been scheduled for release after the Vita version, but it looks like Capcom has buckled under the pressure of...
News Atlus Explains Persona 4 Arena's Region Lock on PS3
Business reasons
The pitchforks are well and truly out again. This time gamers are agitated over Atlus’ decision to region-lock the PS3 version of Persona 4 Arena – an issue which is largely unprecedented on Sony’s home console. Sales manager Aram Jabbari explained that the move is not the beginning of a new policy, but more the unfortunate...
News Series Veterans Unlock Bonus Content in Borderlands 2
Vault raider
Those of you that have invested dozens of hours into the original Borderlands will be rewarded with some exclusive unlocks in Borderlands 2, developer Gearbox has announced. An exclusive set of character customisation options will be made available to those with save data for the original title stored on their PS3. Various character...
News Heihachi and Toro Duke It Out in PlayStation All-Stars
Strong additions
As promised, SuperBot Entertainment has revealed the latest couple of combatants to join its mascot mash-up PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale. Speaking at the EVO Championships overnight, the developer confirmed that platform stalwarts Heihachi Mishima and Toro Inoue will be joining the heavyweight fi
News Telltale Already Planning Second Season of The Walking Dead
No surprise
Telltale is already planning a second season of its massively popular episodic The Walking Dead series. Speaking with Polygon, the company revealed that it will serve up plenty more undead action in the future. The developer also noted its intention to release the current season at retail following its digital conclusion. When asked...
News Sony Stresses the Importance of Retail Despite Gaikai Purchase
Brick and mortar
If you’re worried that PlayStation is going to exist exclusively in the cloud from now on, then Sony has a silver lining for you. Chatting with industry website MCV, Sony UK’s Fergal Gara explained that while the high street is going through a “readjustment” period, it’s still massively important to the platform holder's...
Friday6th Jul 2012
Review LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes (PlayStation Vita)
Let’s talk LEGOs
If you’ve played one LEGO game, you’ve essentially played them all. It’s a phrase that’s been heard a time or two since Traveller’s Tales started recreating blockbuster movie hits into block-buster video games since LEGO Star Wars: The Video Game released back in 2005. Their ease of play and whimsical storylines are told...
News The Walking Dead Now Has Two Competing Video Games
People love zombies
Activision’s clearly been paying close attention to Telltale’s success with its episodic The Walking Dead series, as it’s just announced a spin-off of its own called the, er, well, The Walking Dead. The Terminal Reality developed first-person shooter will put you in the shoes of Daryl Dixon, and see you travelling to...
News Tekken Tag Tournament 2's Latest Combatant is a Dinosaur
With boxing gloves, obviously
We could tell you about the four or so other characters Namco Bandai announced for Tekken Tag Tournament 2 this evening, but they all pale in comparison to Alex. The trailer below shows the often overlooked dinosaur kicking the stuffing out of Kuma. Honestly, that’s all you really need to know.
News Gearbox Really Wants Borderlands 2 on Vita
Make some noise
Gearbox’s Randy Pitchford has encouraged fans to pester Sony over a PlayStation Vita version of Borderlands 2. Chatting at Rezzed earlier today, the executive explained that he’d be happy for another developer to handle the port. He said: “Perhaps some of you folks can convince Sony to [bring the title to Vita]. We're too busy...
News Rambo: The Video Game to Debut at GamesCom
Explosive introduction
Sylvester Stallone is starting to become one of the more recognisable faces on PlayStation 3. Not content with his appearance in Ubisoft’s upcoming The Expendables 2 tie-in, the Hollywood heavy is also set to star in Reef Entertainment’s Rambo: The Video Game. The explosive action title – which was officially announced...
News You'll Have to Deal with Drunks in Yakuza 5's Taxi Missions
Don't puke
Once again proving that the Yakuza franchise is arguably the best in games right now, SEGA has revealed a little more about veteran protagonist Kazuma Kiryu’s taxi missions in Yakuza 5. It’s still not clear why the former Tojo Clan chairman has switched the Sunshine Orphanage for a career behind the wheel, but the publisher has...
News Watch Left 4 Dead Running on PlayStation Vita
Endless possibilities
If you thought PlayStation Mobile (formerly PlayStation Suite) was merely a limited software development kit designed to get indie titles running on the Vita, then you might need to adjust your expectations. One technical magician has managed to build a remote play-esque application that allows PC shooter Left 4 Dead to run on...
News Tales of Xillia Travels Overseas Next Year
Are you sitting comfortably?
After some speculation, Namco Bandai has officially confirmed that it’s taking PlayStation 3 owners on a trip to the fantastical world of Rieze Maxia, as the hotly anticipated Tales of Xillia is finally set to journey overseas. The RPG – which released in Japan late last year – explores the escapades of Jude...
News Persona 4 Arena is Region Locked on PlayStation 3
Strange decisions
If you’d planned on importing a copy of Persona 4 Arena for PlayStation 3, then you might want to start making alternative arrangements. Atlus USA has confirmed that the Arc System Works developed title will be region locked, which is unusual for a PS3 game. A representative said on the company’s official forums: “I...
News Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2 Misses Its Release Date Target
Out of range
Developer City Interactive must have got nervous before it pulled the trigger on Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2, as it has pushed back the title’s European release date by several weeks. The game will now don its ghillie suit on 9th October, a substantial delay on its original 31st August launch target. No reason was given for the change...
News PlayStation All-Stars Throws Its Weight Around on 23rd October
Royale rumble
You’ll finally get to find out who is the most powerful PlayStation heavyweight of them all on 23rd October, when PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale dragon-punches onto North American store shelves. Europeans will have a few extra days to prepare themselves for the mash-up of the millennium, with the title set to brawl its way...
News Don't Expect the Next Episode of The Walking Dead Until August
Slow shuffle
After some serious launch setbacks with its most recent episode, Telltale Games has warned anticipant fans not to expect the next entry in its massively popular The Walking Dead series to arrive until mid-August. The company explained in a somewhat apologetic blog post on the matter: "Although we can't give y
News Frogger: Hyper Arcade Edition Hops onto PSN Next Week
Licking toads
Frogger: Hyper Arcade Edition is set to run onto the PlayStation Network next week, Sony has announced. The exciting news was confirmed during the latest episode of the Official PlayStation Blogcast, confirming a 10th July release date for the Zombie Studios developed title in North America. Taking into account SCEE’s current form,...
News LittleBigPlanet Karting Beta Hits the Starting Grid on 10th July
Ready to race
Sony has confirmed that the recently announced LittleBigPlanet Karting beta will take to the track on 10th July in Europe. Budding boxcar racers will be issued an invite over the coming weeks. It’s unclear what the beta will include at this stage, but we assume it will feature the full creation toolset in addition to online...
Thursday5th Jul 2012
Review Ratchet & Clank Collection (PlayStation 3)
Nuts and bolts
Few video game franchises have greater pedigree than PlayStation’s most dependable crime-fighters, Ratchet & Clank. Armed with a plethora of imaginative gadgetry and a never-ending inventory of wisecracks, the Insomniac's series has been a staple of any self-prophesised PlayStation enthusiast’s diet for the past decade. That...
News Dragon Ball Z Budokai Gets HD Makeover on PS3
Odd numbers only
After a slew of rumours, Namco Bandai has officially confirmed that it’s bringing the heavily demanded Dragon Ball Z Budokai HD Collection to PlayStation 3 this year. Strangely, the re-release will comprise the original Budokai title and the well received Budokai 3, but not the second game in the series. We’d love to make some...
News NiGHTS into Dreams Makes PSN Dreams Come True
At last!
In a move that made at least one Push Square staff member a little too excited, SEGA has announced it's to re-release legendary SEGA Saturn game NiGHTS into Dreams on PSN later this year. The download will come with enhanced HD graphics, 16:9 widescreen support, leaderboards and Trophies, or you can relive the original 32-bit experience in...
News By the Way, There's a New Optional PS3 Firmware Update
Not again
... And this is why people constantly complain about the PlayStation 3’s overuse of firmware updates. If it’s not bad enough that we got a mandatory update to improve headset support (really!) less than a week ago, Sony’s announced that a new optional update is available now. Unsurprisingly, the download does nothing other than...
Rumour Super Slim PlayStation 3 on the Way
Weight watchers
Sony is working on a new PlayStation 3 model, according to documents uncovered by Japanese website Pocket News. The details, filed by Sony to the Federal Communications Commission, reveal a 4000 series of the home console. We’re currently on the 3000 series by the way. Buried within the document are images of
Rumour Ada Wong Campaign to Feature in Resident Evil 6
Eye spy
We already know that Resident Evil 6 is going include a mammoth amount of content, but rumours emerging on the Internet this afternoon suggest it might feature a fourth campaign starring the lady in red herself, Ada Wong. Hackers managed to tear apart the recently released Xbox 360 exclusive demo to reveal gameplay references to the scarlet...
News JoJo's Bizarre Adventure All-Star Battle Brings Madness to PS3
Where's your head at?
CyberConnect2 – the developer behind the delightfully wacky Asura’s Wrath – has announced its next PlayStation 3 project. The wordy JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure All-Star Battle is a brawler based on the long-running manga. To complement the announcement, a new series of the show has been announced for Japan. Apparently, it...
News Metroplex Lends a Hand in This Epic Fall of Cybertron Trailer
Big man
Fans of robots in disguise will lap up this new Transformers: Fall of Cybertron trailer. It shows Optimus Prime pleading for the help of Metroplex, the living embodiment of Autobot City. As you’d imagine, he’s big. Put that in your pipe and smoke it, Megatron. What's that? No, you’re not allowed to summon Trypticon.
News Marvel vs. Capcom Origins Bursts onto PSN This Year
Bright lights
If you’re keen to learn about the genesis of the air combo, Capcom has announced Marvel vs. Capcom Origins for the PlayStation Network. The digital bundle – set to release in September – collates the original Marvel vs. Capcom with Marvel Super Heroes. It’ll set you back $14.99. The re-release promises multiple updates,...
News Transformers: Fall of Cybertron Drops Sooner Than Expected
More than meets the eye
Activision has, well, transformed the release date of High Moon Studios’ upcoming Transformers: Fall of Cybertron. The upcoming shooter will now roll out on 21st August in North America and 24th August in Europe. That’s a week earlier than expected. Just in case you missed it, you can check out the title’s latest...
Rumour Codemasters is Actively Working on GRID 2
Ready to race
Despite launching over four years ago, Codemasters’ Race Driver: GRID remains many gamers’ favourite PlayStation 3 racing game. So it’s exciting to learn that a successor to the title is rumoured to be in development right now. The news comes courtesy of – whisper it – Official Xbox Magazine, which claims that details about...
News George St-Pierre Cameos in New Sleeping Dogs Trailer
Heavy blow
If you happen to resemble an off-balance Oompa Loompa when you’re shadowboxing, you might want to learn some tips from the master. Square Enix has released a brand new Sleeping Dogs trailer featuring a ferocious appearance from George St-Pierre. In it, the French Canadian mixed martial artist performs a routine that will have you...
News One Piece: Pirate Warriors Reaches EU Shores on 21st September
Set sail
The massively successful One Piece: Pirate Warriors will dock European stores on 21st September, publisher Namco Bandai has announced. The title will be available in three different flavours, including digital, standard and collector’s edition. You can check out some new footage of the game in action below. Looks, er, colourful, doesn't...
News The Walking Dead: Episode 2 Finally Rises in Europe
Better late than never
Those of you distraught at The Walking Dead: Episode 2’s delay in Europe will be delighted to learn that the title is available now from the PlayStation Store. If you've stumped up for a season pass, the episode will be accessible for free. For everyone else, it’ll cost £3.99. The episode is about 811MB in size, so make...
Wednesday4th Jul 2012
News Japanese Sales Charts: White Vita Boosts Numbers
Woah ho ho ho
The release of the crystal white PlayStation Vita in Japan didn’t do a lot to improve the ailing system’s sales, but it did push the platform back above the 22k units threshold. The handheld was actually the second best selling console of the week, with Nintendo’s 3DS way out in the lead. Pokémon continued its rule of the...
News You'd Probably Kill for This Hitman: Absolution Deluxe Edition
Added extras
Hitman: Absolution is a fairly big release, so it’s unsurprising to see the title bundled up with a host of extras and given the coveted Deluxe Edition moniker. The collector’s edition collates an awesome 10” vinyl statue of protagonist Agent 47 (complete with cute tie-clip), a hardcover art book, a documentary DVD, a bunch of...
News Soul Sacrifice Features AI Support Characters
Forever alone
Sony’s upcoming Monster Hunter-esque Vita exclusive Soul Sacrifice is designed to be played with other people. But the dark fantasy title will also boast a single-player mode, allowing you to progress alongside AI allies. When alone, you’ll be able to bring two computer controlled party members with you. One such character is...
Store Update 3rd July 2012 (North America)
Be brave
It’s a big week for retail releases on the North American PlayStation Store, with no less than six full Blu-ray games squished down into digestible digital form. Spec Ops: The Line leads the charge, while The Adventures of TinTin and Sonic Generations hop along for the ride. Native PSN releases include Bellator MMO Onslaught and
News Wave Your Flags for This Assassin's Creed III Trailer
Milking it
Alright Ubisoft, we get it. You really don’t need to release so many trailers to remind us it’s 4th July. In fact, we already figured that out by looking at the calendar in the corner of our computer. Still, we suppose if you’re American, you’ll appreciate getting patriotic over this pandering live-action Assassin's Creed III...
News Atlus Announces Bumper PlayStation Network Sale
Dollar stretcher
Niche publisher Atlus has unleashed an incredible sale in the North American PlayStation Store this week, cutting the price of its entire catalogue by an impressive 50%. You’ll be able to snatch up gems such as Persona 3 Portable and Trine 2 for less than $10. Also, Catherine is just $19.99, which is worth every penny – until...
News Tokyo Jungle Surpasses 200,000 Sales in Japan
Pomeranian power
It turns out there is a sizeable audience for niche titles. Sony has announced that the brilliant Tokyo Jungle has already exceeded 200,000 sales in the region – a sum which is wholly unexpected for a game of its, well, unusual nature. The figure takes into account the title’s digital and retail sales, and is correct as of 22nd...
News THQ Returns Devil's Third Rights Back to Valhalla
Where the heart is
THQ has kindly signed the rights to Devil’s Third back to its creator Valhalla Game Studios. Chatting with Eurogamer.net, the troubled publisher confirmed the news: “All of the game's IP rights have been returned to [founder Tomonobu] Itagaki and the Valhalla team.” The publisher revealed last month that it would not...
News The Pinball Arcade Launches in Europe Next Week
About flippin' time
The Pinball Arcade will finally fire onto the European PlayStation Store next week. Following a series of setbacks, developer Farsight Studios had promised that the simulation would launch overseas last Wednesday. However, when the title failed to materialise, gamers once again decided to pull out their pitchforks. But in a...
Store Update 4th July 2012 (Europe)
Over the rainbow moon
It’s a fairly light week in terms of new PlayStation Network content for Europe. SideQuest Studios' ambitious strategy RPG Rainbow Moon leads the charge, and is joined by the Game of the Year edition of Dead Island and digital board game conversion Dungeon Twister. Sadly, there’s no sign of The Walking Dead: Episode 2 just...
News Gaikai Purchase Could Bring Gaming to Other Sony Devices
Silver lining
While Sony’s unexpected $380 million acquisition of Gaikai was initiated by Sony Computer Entertainment this week, there’s still a sense that the deal was passed for reasons outside of PlayStation. After all, the very idea of cloud gaming is that state-of-the-art experiences can be enjoyed on significantly weaker connected devices...
Tuesday3rd Jul 2012
News Vita Firmware V1.8 to Implement PSone Support
No date
Sony has confirmed that PlayStation Vita firmware version 1.8 will finally add PSone support to the handheld. Unfortunately, the manufacturer failed to share any specific time scale for the update’s release. The company previously claimed that PSone support would be added at some point this summer. We suppose there are still a few weeks...
News PlayStation 2 Classics Announced for PS3 in Japan
Play beyond
While those of us in the West have been happily lapping up PlayStation 2 content via our PS3s for months, Japan has been forced to wait in the sidelines. Well, until now anyway. SCEJ held a special press event overnight dedicated to revealing the expansion of its “Game Archives” line. The PS2 Archives will open on 25th July,...
News Sony Refreshes PlayStation Plus with July Update
Delicious downloads
After last month’s insane PlayStation Plus offering, July was always going to be a bit of a comedown. But while there's not an entire new collection to drool over, there's still plenty to get excited about. Let's get down to business. North American PlayStation Plus Update Gotham City Impostors – New Renegade Ops – New
News Blueprint Lets You Design Your Own Home Apartment
Fit for a king
We’ve all dreamed of living in an enormous penthouse kitted out with tennis courts and swimming pools – trouble is, few of us will ever come close to affording one. Thankfully, things aren't quite as expensive in the digital world. Sony has announced a new application for PlayStation Home named Blueprint that will allow you to...
News Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD Grinds Out $5 DLC
Shove it
Activision’s upcoming Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD will not be a complete celebration of the classic skateboarding series unless you stump up $5 for additional DLC. The publisher has revealed that around a month after release, an expansion pack will implement selected content from Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3. It’s unclear what will be...
News Don't Worry, There Will Be More Gran Turismo 5 DLC
Leisurely drive
Gran Turismo 5 is easily the most frequently updated game in the industry. Despite being released way back in 2010, it remains relevant today – if not more so. But just in case you were worried that the latest batch of DLC would be the last, series honcho Kazunori Yamauchi has confirmed that there’s plenty more in the pipeline...
News Latest European PSN Sale is Rife with Good Deals
Empty your wallet
Hats off to SCEE. It might not be able to release content simultaneously with its North American counterpart, but at least it understands the value of PSN sales. Following last month’s excellent Vita promotion, we assumed the Special Offers section of the PlayStation Store would be pretty quiet for the coming weeks. But no, the...
News Transformers Developer Tackling Marvel Property
Marvellous
Transformers: Fall of Cybertron developer High Moon Studios is switching its attention from Optimus Prime to a Marvel property, according to the description of a Comic-Con panel. Details are ridiculously scarce at the moment, but all will be revealed on 14th July. High Moon Studios has done some great work on the Transformers series, so...
News SEGA Teases NiGHTS into Dreams Announcement
Dream catcher
SEGA is teasing something to do with classic on-rails flying title NiGHTS into Dreams. The publisher uploaded an image of an industrial-like setting on its Facebook page earlier today, which fans have noted looks an awful lot like Stick Canyon from the original SEGA Saturn game. There’s some discussion that this could be related to...
News Tekken Tag Tournament 2 Trailer Takes the Fight Online
Combo king
Those fascinated by the anti-gravitational properties of Paul’s hair will probably already be interested in Tekken Tag Tournament 2, but for everyone else Namco Bandai has released this brand new multiplayer trailer. Sure, it’s all in unintelligible Japanese – but the moment you see a bear suplex a panda, we imagine you’ll get...
Monday2nd Jul 2012
Talking Point Sony's Gaikai Acquisition Hints at a Bright Future
Blue sky thinking
One recurring criticism has noticeably been fired at Sony throughout the entire span of this console generation; that the Japanese manufacturer has forgotten how to lead. The once thoughtful electronics giant responsible for innovations such as the Walkman and PlayStation has arguably spent too long in its competitor’s shadows...
News Sony Has Been Working on PlayStation 4 Since 2010
Loose lips
The beauty of Linked In is that someone will always say something they shouldn’t. Take the profile of former SCEA employee Attila Vass, who’d almost certainly be spending the day on Jack Tretton’s naughty step if he hadn’t left the company in April. See, according to Vass’ online resume, Sony has been working on a “next...
News Sony Purchases Gaikai for $380 Million
Cloud nine
There was truth to the rumours after all. Sony has just announced that it has purchased leading cloud gaming service Gaikai for a cool $380 million. Put that in your pipe and smoke it. Sony’s Andrew House said that as a result of the deal, users will be able to “instantly enjoy a broad array of content ranging from immersive core...
Game of the Month June 2012 - Gravity Rush
Straight to the top
Sony's fantastic physics-bending Gravity Rush hit Vita in late June and easily walked away with our Game of the Month award. As our Gravity Rush review explains: It's a game that defies expectations almost as frequently as the physical properties it’s built upon. A surreal narrative is complemented by genuinely...
News Seth Killian Switches Capcom for Sony Santa Monica
Battle royale
Sony already has a stellar team working on its upcoming crossover brawler PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale, but it’s just added another impressive name to its roster. Former Capcom man (and frustratingly cheap Super Street Fighter IV character) Seth Killian has announced his appointment as lead game designer at Sony Santa Monica,...
News Assassin's Creed III Gets Patriotic with North American Limited Edition
Stars and stripes
Just days prior to Independence Day, publisher Ubisoft has announced a brand new Assassin’s Creed III limited edition. The premium set – which will retail for $119.99 – boasts a host of additional goodies, including a gigantic 24" by 48" Assassin’s Creed-inspired colonial American flag, a 10” statue of new protagonist...
News New PlayStation All-Stars Combatants to Debut at Comic-Con
Fighting fit
SuperBot Entertainment has announced that it will reveal two new characters for the upcoming PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale at next week’s Comic-Con. The fighters will be unveiled at a panel devoted to the development of the game. Proceedings will be moderated by IGN’s Greg Miller. If you’re heading to the show, you’ll be...
News Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Officially Returns to Nuketown
Not the nicest neighbourhood
Activision has confirmed that an updated version of its popular Nuketown map will be doled out to those that pre-order the upcoming Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 from participating retailers. “Nuketown was a blast to play before," explained Treyarch head Mark Lamia. “We're excited about the re-imagined Nuketown 2025 in...
News Fresh Resident Evil 6 Gameplay Footage Stumbles Online
Brains on a train
Capcom's kicked out some brand new footage of Resident Evil 6. The gameplay – debuted at this weekend's Summer Jam event – shows protagonist Leon S Kennedy shooting his way through a subway littered with the undead. As always, his leather jacket looks absolutely incredible. The hotly anticipated sequel is due out later this...
News Latest Assassin's Creed III Trailer Celebrates Independence
Amazing grace
Hot on the heels of today’s North American exclusive Assassin’s Creed III limited edition announcement, Ubisoft has released a brand new independence themed trailer. It shows a bunch of British soldiers being blown to smithereens. Talk about a conflict of interests. Patriotism aside, though, this is a good trailer. Well, assuming...
News Battlefield 3 Dishes Out Double XP All Week
Headshot heaven
Remember those plans you made for this week? Cancel them. Publisher EA Games has announced another double XP event for Battlefield 3 – and this one’s set to run for an entire week. If you’re a Battlefield 3 Premium member, you’ll be able to earn extra bonuses for your in-game activities between now and 23:59PM PDT on 8th...
News LEGO Batman 2 Keeps UK Sales Charts in Custody
Caped crusader
The excellent LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes has enjoyed a second week at the top of the UK sales charts, beating off strong competition from fellow crime-stopper The Amazing Spider-Man with a well-placed batarang. The DC and Marvel mascots both bettered 2K Games’ oft-delayed third-person shooter Spec Ops: The Line which debuted in...
News EX Troopers Scoops Super Stylish Gameplay Trailer
Exceptional
Capcom’s heavily stylised Lost Planet spin-off EX Troopers continues to look absolutely sensational. The Japanese publisher has released a brand new trailer dedicated to demonstrating the anime-infused shooter’s beautiful visual style. As good as the actual Lost Planet 3 looks, we think we’d rather play this. The game will bring...
