News - 2012, Week 34
Sunday26th Aug 2012
Review Papo & Yo (PlayStation 3)
Waking the monster
On its face Papo & Yo is a tale of boy and monster, of frogs and fruits, but beneath its fantastical scenario lurks a subtle maturity that goes beyond the reach of many games. It's a story devised to mirror designer Vander Caballero's own struggles in a family that bore the burden of addiction, under an alcoholic patriarch,...
Saturday25th Aug 2012
Review Retro/Grade (PlayStation 3)
Back to the Front
Take everything you know about playing video games and throw it out of the window, because everything about Retro/Grade is backwards. Literally. While developer 24 Caret Games calls it a shooter in reverse, at its core Retro/Grade is a rhythm game and a darn fine one at that. Innovative mechanics wrapped up snugly in an envelope...
News Capcom: Fans Are Warming to Dante's New Look in DmC
We'll see
Fans are warming to DmC’s re-imagined Dante, according to Capcom’s Alex Jones. The protagonist’s makeover prompted rabid followers to pepper developer Ninja Theory with death threats upon the title’s initial unveiling, but the publisher reckons the outrage is now finally beginning to die down. "There was always going to be people...
News Stuff Yourself with New Naughty Bear: Panic in Paradise Trailer
Ready, teddy, go
We’re not sure anyone expected a Naughty Bear sequel, but considering the promise of the original game, we’re secretly glad that Naughty Bear: Panic in Paradise exists. The digital download’s aiming to “deliver a dramatically enhanced experience”, and judging from the tweaks featured in this brand new trailer – it just...
News Dead Island: Riptide Rises at PAX Prime
Shuffling into sight
The sequel to Techland’s violent vacation simulator Dead Island will make its public debut at PAX Prime next weekend, publisher Deep Silver has announced. Senior creative producer Sebastian Reichert will be on hand to debut exclusive footage of the mysterious follow-up, Dead Island: Riptide. Deep Silver will also be flaunting...
News Mass Effect 3: Leviathan Trailer Takes a Dip
Under the sea
BioWare sure knows how to put together a good Mass Effect 3 trailer. We didn’t have a whole lot of interest in the title’s upcoming Leviathan expansion pack, until we saw this short video which shows protagonist Commander Shepard taking a trip beneath the ocean. The content’s due out on 28th August. Let us know if you're going...
News Soul Sacrifice Aims to Challenge You in Painful Ways
Surrender yourself
As its name so eloquently elaborates, Soul Sacrifice will force you to surrender your body or belongings for power. This dynamic, according to creator Keiji Inafune, has the potential to create interesting conversations between players. "When you're playing together with your friends, it could be entertaining because it creates a...
Friday24th Aug 2012
News Dead or Alive 5's Facebook Integration Seems Misjudged
Share something
Tecmo Koei wants your friends and family to know that you enjoy watching unrealistically beautiful women kicking the crap out of each other. Its upcoming PS3 brawler Dead or Alive 5 will include full Facebook integration that will allow you to share fighting records with your friends. Naturally, we’re a little bit anxious about...
News Persona 4: Solid Gold Edition Stretches Your Wallet This Fall
Not actually solid gold
These days, we tend to roll our eyes at publishers’ so-called limited editions – but this Persona 4: Solid Gold Edition is actually, y’know, limited. Atlus claims that it will only be producing 10,000 of the shiny bundles, which will retail for $69.99 in North America. Appropriately, the package will feature a variety...
News Psychonauts Launches on PSN Next Week
Naut but good news
Double Fine’s memorable PlayStation 2 adventure Psychonauts is coming to the North American PlayStation Store on 28th August, platform holder Sony has announced. The unhinged adventure will launch as a bog-standard PS2 Classic, so don’t expect any fancy visual upgrades or Trophy support. There’s no word on a price tag just...
News Fresh Grand Theft Auto V Screenshots Take Flight
Swing low
Rockstar’s released yet another batch of Grand Theft Auto V screenshots, this time focusing on various vehicles from the game. One image shows a bi-plane hovering over a tranquil river, while another depicts a helicopter being targeted by a crook. There’s also a shot of a sports car engaged in a high-octane police chase, and a picture...
News ToeJam & Earl Is Almost Certainly Jammin' onto PS3
Don't take a vacation
Achievements for SEGA’s spunky 16-bit adventure ToeJam & Earl have casually strutted online, pointing to the Rogue-like’s imminent arrival on digital platforms. The trinkets follow a slew of rumours pegging the extraterrestrial escapade for PS3 release. The publisher's keeping its plans zipped for now, but expect an...
News PES 2013 Secures Licensed Brazilian Teams
Hooray?
Who cares about the Premier League, La Liga and Serie A when you’ve got 20 officially licensed Brazilian teams? That’s the positive attitude Konami’s being forced to adopt for PES 2013, noting that the addition of teams like Corinthians and São Paulo helps to create “the most authentic soccer experience available on the market”...
News Star Wars 1313 Takes a Trip to the Underworld
Going underground
It’s hard not to raise an eyebrow over LucasArts’ treatment of Star Wars 1313. The game has already featured on magazine covers here in the UK, but it doesn’t actually have a platform attached to it yet. Is it a PlayStation 3 game or next-generation? The publisher won’t say. Instead, it’s decided to release the in-depth...
News Troubled Uncharted Flick Loses Grip Once Again
Give it up
Sony’s ill-fated Uncharted movie project has hit another stumbling block, according to a report on Variety. The website claims that recently appointed director Neil Burger (Limitless) has quit the adaptation, leaving the film without anyone at the helm. Burger follows in the footsteps of previous director David O. Russell (The...
News The Walking Dead: Episode 3 Is Finished and Coming Soon
Rise from your grave
Telltale Games has confirmed that the next episode in its critically acclaimed The Walking Dead series will release very soon. Chatting with IGN, a company representative explained: “Episode Three: Long Road Ahead is in submission with our first party partners and we are anxiously awaiting a release date to be confirmed. We...
News DICE Quadruples Official Battlefield 3 Server Count
Big ears
DICE has listened to the complaints of Battlefield 3’s rabid fanbase – and deployed a bunch more official servers as a result. Quick matches will still drop you into the first available server – rented or otherwise – but if you input the word “DICE” when searching, you’ll be able to locate all of the official lobbies...
Thursday23rd Aug 2012
Review Sleeping Dogs (PlayStation 3)
Triad and tested
For a product dubbed Sleeping Dogs, United Front Games’ debut open world adventure is decidedly grisly. The former True Crime follow-up – unceremoniously whacked by publisher Activision in 2011 – was resurrected by Square Enix earlier this year, promising much needed sustenance ahead of Grand Theft Auto’s as-of-yet undated...
Rumour PlayStation 4 Will Support 4K Resolution
Purrdy
The PlayStation 4 will support 4K resolution, according to a report on BGR. The website claims that the Japanese giant is betting big on the technology now that 3D has failed to invigorate the market. It is already selling 4K Blu-ray players, and will introduce a compatible 80-inch XBR LED television set soon. The PS4 will presumably form...
News Ragnarok Odyssey Scoops Slick Mercenary Edition
Pretty packaging
Upcoming PlayStation Vita RPG Ragnarok Odyssey will be getting a special edition in North America. The so-called Mercenary Edition will include the game, alongside an art-book, soundtrack and set of playing cards. The bundle will set you back $49.99, which is just $10 more than the standard edition. Ragnarok Odyssey is an action...
News Yakuza 5's Dance Battles Sound Absolutely Incredible
Bust a move
When SEGA announced Kazuma Kiryu’s adopted daughter Haruka Sawamura was going to be a playable character in upcoming PS3 exclusive Yakuza 5, we pondered how the mild mannered teenager was going to play. We figured the former Tojo Clan chairman might have taught her the art of self-defence, but worried that fighting didn't suit her...
News Heavenly Sword 2 Concept Art Infiltrates the Internet
Twing twang
You’ve got more chance of being struck by lightning than playing a Heavenly Sword sequel, but there was a time when a follow-up was in development. This concept art produced by Sony’s Cambridge studio shows the origins of the series’ successor, which had planned to pit protagonist Nariko against the Raven King and his gang...
News Sony Patents Interactive Commercials for PlayStation
Uh oh
The next time you criticise the Xbox 360’s dashboard for being inundated with advertisements, you might want to stop and count your blessings. Sony has patented a new interactive commercial scheme that shows users playing branded mini-games on PlayStation consoles. The patent flags the DualShock 3 controller, PlayStation Move motion...
News Tombi! Jumps onto European PSN on 5th September
At last
European gamers will finally get to play MonkeyPaw Games’ digital re-release of Tombi! on 5th September, Joystiq has revealed. The PSone Classic launched in North America earlier this year. Tombi! is one of the most anticipated PSone Classics of all time, so we daresay a lot of you will be snapping this one up. Let us know if you're...
News New Dishonored Trailer Comes Out of Hiding
The essence of invisibility
Stealth gameplay in Bethesda’s upcoming Dishonored promises to be a bit more engaging than simply studying guard patterns. Instead you’ll need to take into account sound, peripheral vision and cover. Blowing out candles and peaking around corners will give you an advantage over your pursuers – assuming you’ve got...
News Closure Could Still Illuminate European PlayStation Store
Light the way
Quirky black and white PSN puzzler Closure could still release on the European PlayStation Store, developer Tyler Glaiel has revealed. The indie hit released in North America earlier this year, but has been missing overseas ever since. "The PS3 EU version is missing because it was taking far too long to get the details for that worked...
News Pre-Order Jet Set Radio's Original Beats
Yappie feet
Those hoping to get a good night’s sleep will do well to avoid Jet Set Radio’s soundtrack. The official record is currently up for pre-order on iTunes and Amazon ahead of its 18th September release date. The 17-track soundtrack includes all of Hideki Naganuma'
News DICE Deploys Double XP for Battlefield 3 Subscribers
Double down
DICE has announced an exclusive double XP weekend for Battlefield 3 Premium subscribers. The promotion’s set to run from 25th August until 26th August, but if you do some viral marketing for publisher EA you’ll be able to unlock some extra time. There’s more information available on the Battlefield Blog, which you can find through...
Wednesday22nd Aug 2012
News Sony Shuts Down WipEout Developer Studio Liverpool
No, no, no
Sony has shut down legendary WipEout developer Studio Liverpool. The unfortunate news was originally revealed on the GRCade forum, but has since been confirmed by a slew of staff on Twitter. The British outfit – which originally started life as Psygnosis – has been in business since 1984. Sandy Lobban, an audio lead at the developer,...
News Get Rough and Ready with Yakuza 5's Tojo Clan
Avoid these men
SEGA has released a batch of images of some of the members of Yakuza 5's Tojo Clan, including series veterans Goro Majima and Daigo Dojima, as well as three new characters Yuu Morinaga, Masato Aizawa and Minoru Aoyama, which you can see in the screenshots section below. Goro Majima, also known as 'Mad Dog Majima', made his debut in...
News Sony's LiveAction AR Will Blow Your Mind
The future
Sony’s been meddling with augmented reality for years, and this brand new LiveAction AR trailer shows just how far the company's come. The footage shows a poster being scanned with a smartphone, only for a lady inexplicably dressed as a schoolgirl to climb out of the display and pose for a photograph. It’s really creepy, but the...
Rumour Studio Liverpool Was Working on WipEout for PS4
Hard to swallow
Famous PlayStation developer Studio Liverpool was working on a WipEout title for PlayStation 4, Eurogamer.net reports. The game was described by sources as being “dramatically different” to previous titles in the series, though specifics are unlikely to ever be revealed. The website continues that the game had been in...
News Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational Is Coming to PS3
Greener on the other side
And so it starts. Sony has announced that it will be porting the PlayStation Vita version of Hot Shots Golf to the PS3. The re-release – which is currently only confirmed for Japan – will launch with the same name as its handheld counterpart. In this instance, that’s Minna no Golf 6. The console version will support...
News You'll Probably Want to Play This 16-Bit Version of Borderlands
Time traveller
Gearbox has stepped up Borderlands 2’s marketing campaign with this ace 16-bit demake of the original game. The top-down browser-based rendition features everything you’ve come to expect from the series, including sick loot drops and plenty of fire-power. You can play the game through here. Just remember to keep a spreadsheet...
News Rockstar Serves Up New Grand Theft Auto V Screens
Anyone for tennis?
You can always count on Rockstar to turn the day upside down. The publisher has released another batch of Grand Theft Auto V images this afternoon, this time focusing on leisure activities such as tennis and parachuting. If you missed the last set of screens, you can find them through here. There's still no date attached to the...
Store Update 21st August 2012 (North America)
Brace yourself
This week’s North American PlayStation Store update more than makes up for the dry spell in recent weeks. The refresh is brimming with content, including highlights such as Transformers: Fall of Cybertron, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Way of the Samurai 4. Take a deep breath, and check out all of the content below. PS3...
Store Update 22nd August 2012 (Europe)
Counter strike?
This week’s European PlayStation Store update is actually a humdinger, but it’s offset by the unfortunate absence of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. Still, there’s plenty of other content to look forward to, including Deep Black, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure HD and Retro/Grade. Let’s get sweaty. PS3 Games:
News SunFlowers Lights Up PlayStation Vita This Fall
Growing pains
If you’ve been yearning for some more bitesized software on the PlayStation Vita, then The Game Atelier’s SunFlowers should keep you occupied until PlayStation Mobile launches later this year. The colourful arcade title sees you attempting to grow flowers by shooting sun rays through passing clouds. Nail your timing and you’ll...
News Square Enix to Reveal Future of Lightning Saga Soon
She was just a wish
Square Enix is set to reveal a new direction for the Lightning saga on 1st September, the publisher has announced. The so-called Lightning saga consists of two games already: Final Fantasy XIII and Final Fantasy XIII-2. Together the titles have sold over 9.6 million units. It’s not entirely clear what the Japanese publisher is...
Tuesday21st Aug 2012
Review Darksiders II (PlayStation 3)
Dawn of the Death
If your brother was imprisoned, accused of a crime that you're certain he didn't commit, you'd probably do everything within your power to clear his name and support his plight. Except most peoples' crimes don't involve invoking the apocalypse and extinguishing mankind from existence. And most people don't have the Grim Reaper for...
News New Cover Stars Line Up for FIFA 13
Rooney on the bench
Manchester United and England talisman Wayne Rooney has been dropped from the UK cover of FIFA 13. It’ll be the first time in seven years that a FIFA game has launched without the striker on the box. Instead, he’ll be replaced by Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi, Manchester City keeper Joe Hart, and, er, Arsenal winger Alex...
News Metal Gear Rising Vita Cut Loose Due to Power Limitations
Sharp pain
Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance is not coming to PlayStation Vita because of hardware limitations, according to creative director Yuji Korekado. It may be the most powerful handheld on the market, but it’s still not competent enough to deal with Revengeance’s complex cutting technology. “As of now we aren’t considering a Vita...
News Ghost Recon: Future Soldier DLC Swoops PSN Next Month
Birds of prey
Ghost Recon: Future Soldier’s second DLC pack Raven Strike will fly onto the PlayStation Store next month, publisher Ubisoft has announced. The expansion pack will be available on 11th September in North America and 12th September in Europe. Raven Strike is pitched as "a throwback to traditional Ghost Recon gameplay”. It will...
News DUST 514: Neocom Details Enter the Atmosphere
Never stop playing
DUST 514: Neocom is not a PlayStation Vita version of CCP Games’ upcoming free-to-play shooter – but it is an interesting idea nonetheless. The application will allow you to interact with various elements of the PS3 game, including load-outs, messages and more. While the download won’t necessarily feature any gameplay, it...
News Sony Adds New Deals to European Summer Sale
Counting the pennies
With the school holidays coming to an unfortunate close, Sony has announced the final batch of offers being added to its expansive European Summer Sale. Discounted titles include Alice: Madness Returns, GoldenEye 007: Reloaded and many more. Feel free to peruse the full list of promotions in the space below. And, as always, let...
News EU PlayStation Plus Subscribers Invited to DUST 514 Beta
Extraction point
Those of you yet to get a private invitation to the DUST 514 beta will be given the opportunity to go hands-on tomorrow, when developer CCP Games opens up the multiplayer test to European PlayStation Plus subscribers. Premium members will also get the chance to purchase the recently released Mercenary Pack at a discounted price...
Rumour PopCap Games Struck By International Layoffs
Hmm
It looks like yesterday’s hastily prepared Plants vs. Zombies 2 announcement may have been cover for some more sinister happenings at PopCap Games. The Bejeweled developer has been struck by a series of international layoffs, according to comments made by Duke Nukem creator George Broussard. Apparently, the company's entire Dublin studio has...
News Spec Ops: The Line Refreshed with Co-Op Multiplayer Mode
Phone a friend
If the harsh realities of war are proving too much for you to face alone, you’ll soon be able to tackle them with a friend. Publisher 2K Games has announced that it’ll be launching a free update for Spec Ops: The Line later today, which adds a brand new two-player co-operative mode to the game. The complimentary mode will consist...
News Prey 2 Removed from Bethesda's Website
Logical explanation
The drama surrounding Prey 2 has reared its ugly head once again – this time due to the fact that the delayed title has been removed from Bethesda’s recently revamped website. "Since we had already announced it wasn't coming out this year, we simply didn't think it'd be appropriate to include it on the new site launch," Pete...
News Uncharted 3: Game of the Year Edition Hits Europe Next Month
Worthy of its name
The game of the year edition of Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception is set to climb onto European store shelves on 19th September, publisher Sony has announced. The repackaged title will include the original game, alongside four classic skin packs, two additional co-op multiplayer modes and six different multiplayer maps. There's no...
Monday20th Aug 2012
Reaction Criterion's Setting an Example to All Vita Developers
Doing it properly
Criterion’s enthusiasm is infectious. “We’re going to make the best racing game on Vita this year,” an excitable Alex Ward told IGN last week. And judging from the reaction to Need for Speed: Most Wanted's first showing, it’s going to take some beating. Unlike the vast majority of other developers, the Guildford-based...
News Sony Executive Laughs Off PS3 Super Slim Rumours
Sly devil
Ask Sony Computer Entertainment Europe gaffer Jim Ryan about the recently leaked PlayStation 3 Super Slim and he’ll spin you a yarn. “Which new PS3?” he told CVG when quizzed on the subject, before laughing the question off and moving on. Asked again about the hardware’s absence during the company’s GamesCom 2012 press...
News DmC: Devil May Cry Box Art Unveiled
Misery guts
Get ready demon-slashing fans, Capcom has revealed DmC: Devil May Cry's official box art and Amazon pre-order bonus goodies. Senior Capcom Community Manager, Chris Antista, also hinted that an Official Capcom Store exclusive item will be announced soon. Amazon will be offering the "Bone Pack" DLC which will "transform Dante's Shotgun,...
News PlayStation Vita Has Sold 2.2 Million Units Since Launch
Don't overreact
Sony has sent the cynics and naysayers into overdrive this evening by confirming that the PlayStation Vita has sold just 2.2 million units worldwide. The figure was originally quoted by PlayFront.de, but has since been confirmed by Joystiq. "The latest figures we've released for Vita (as of June 30th) are 2.2 million sales...
Rumour Bethesda Scouting Boston Area for Fallout 4
Red shift
Bethesda is supposedly researching Boston for Fallout 4, an anonymous tipster has revealed. The spy said on Reddit: “The rumours are true, Fallout 4 will take place in Boston. In case you haven’t heard, Bethesda has recently been scoping out and researching Boston. They also have a strong connection to MIT [Massachusetts Institute of...
News Rockstar Releases Brand New Grand Theft Auto V Screens
Unexpected, as always
Oh Rockstar, you bunch of sly old dogs. We were just about to take a detour to the kitchen to prepare a scrumptious toasted sandwich, but now we've had to change our plans. See, the publisher's just updated its official website with a selection of farm-fresh Grand Theft Auto V screens – one of which shows a wannabe Bradley...
News Injustice: Gods Among Us Will Solve DLC Compatibility Issues
A real Boon
NetherRealm Studios gaffer Ed Boon has promised to solve Mortal Kombat’s frustrating compatibility issues with upcoming brawler Injustice: Gods Among Us. The company’s previous effort did a poor job of ensuring all players had the appropriate data to make the online component work, but Boon has promised that its super hero mash-up...
News Plants vs. Zombies Sequel Grows onto Consoles Next Year
Over the prune
Quirky tower defence smash hit Plants vs. Zombies is getting a follow-up next year, developer PopCap Games has announced. The studio is currently sprinkling Miracle-Gro onto the secretive sequel, but couldn’t resist confirming the exciting news. The game will feature more plant and zombie types than ever before. It’ll also boast...
News Sleeping Dogs Lies Atop UK Sales Charts
True crime
Sleeping Dogs has displaced former frontrunner London 2012 in the UK sales charts race. The title’s position will certainly rub salt into the wounds of previous publisher Activision, who canned the project in 2011 over fears it wouldn’t sell. The company’s executives will be dining on a hearty slice of humble pie tonight, we...
News Tokyo Jungle Confuses PSN Next Month
Unleash the beast within
Japan Studio’s utterly baffling PSN adventure Tokyo Jungle will hit the European PlayStation Store on 26th September, publisher Sony has revealed. The mid-week release date suggests that the title will launch as a digital exclusive, unlike Japan where it was also available at retail. That should probably come as a surprise...
