Talking Point Could Apps Transform Vita's Fortunes?
Or are they an unnecessary distraction from the console's primary function?
News - 2012, Week 35
Saturday1st Sep 2012
Review JoJo's Bizarre Adventure HD Ver. (PlayStation 3)
Stands, but doesn't deliver
“Bizarre” is definitely an accurate descriptor of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure HD Ver. Not only does it encapsulate the themes and design of the 2D fighter’s source material, it also sums up the decisions that went into the rerelease of the 1999 Dreamcast title. It’s a mixed bag with an eyebrow-raising price point...
Sunday2nd Sep 2012
News Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes Debut Trailer Revealed At PAX
Showing off FOX Engine
On Thursday Hideo Kojima, creator of the Metal Gear Solid series, revealed his upcoming title, Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes. Today, he has teased us with a ten minute gameplay trailer, sure to get Metal Gear fans excited. While the footage was shown running through a PC, Kojima has stated that the specs are comparable to...
Saturday1st Sep 2012
News Retailers Break Resident Evil 6 Release Date
Too good to stay on the shelves?
Polish retailers are already selling copies of Resident Evil 6 – despite the game not officially releasing until 2nd October. A lucky gamer managed to get hold of an early copy, and posted a picture of his spoils on the Internet to prove it. It's not uncommon for retailers to break street dates overseas, but we've...
News Square Enix Reveals Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII
Back for more
At an anniversary event in Japan overnight, Square Enix revealed Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII. The title – which was teased several weeks ago – will pick up directly after the events of Final Fantasy XIII-2, and will conclude protagonist Lightning’s story arc. Once again, you’ll take control of the flame haired...
News Dead Island: Riptide Continues the Holiday from Hell Next Year
Stay at home
The last thing you want when you escape from a tropical island inhabited by the undead is to get shipwrecked on the same infected archipelago during your daring escape – but that’s exactly what happens in Dead Island: Riptide. The spin-off – not sequel – will feature the same four survivors from the original game, as they’re...
Friday31st Aug 2012
Talking Point What Grand Theft Auto Can Learn from Sleeping Dogs
Chinatown wars
Grand Theft Auto IV is the undisputed king of the open world crime drama, but it’s not perfect. The game’s vibrant city setting and unorthodox cast set it apart from the genre’s many pretenders, but also help to hide its numerous gameplay flaws. The recently released Sleeping Dogs may not be able to topple its progenitor’s...
News Nariko and Sir Daniel Attack PlayStation All-Stars
Celebrate good times
As previously rumoured, both Nariko and Sir Daniel Fortesque will be joining the cast of PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale. Developer SuperBot Entertainment confirmed the news overnight as part of another exclusive GameSpot gameplay trailer. You can catch the characters in action below. Nariko, who found fame in Ninja...
News Zen Pinball 2's Plants vs. Zombies Table Rises Next Week
Try to resist
Zen Studios’ mysterious PopCap-themed pinball table is based on Plants vs. Zombies, the developer has finally announced. The evergreen arena – playable at PAX Prime 2012 this weekend – will focus on the same botanical battle you’ve come to love, with the added impact of giant silver balls. The table will launch alongside Zen...
News Square Enix Updates Final Fantasy Versus XIII's Status
Still in development
Square Enix has offered a small update on the oft-delayed Final Fantasy Versus XIII. Speaking at a Final Fantasy anniversary event in Tokyo overnight, company gaffer Yoichi Wada noted: "I cannot say any more than, 'We are making Versus!' Please wait a little longer." Meanwhile, a brochure for the event (embedded to the right)...
News Bethesda Still Struggling with Dawnguard DLC on PS3
No solution in sight
Bethesda has warned that The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim’s Dawnguard DLC pack may never release on PlayStation 3. The content launched on Xbox 360 earlier this year, prompting the developer to release a statement noting that it was having difficulties with the PS3. Those issues are ongoing according to the company’s community...
News Nariko and Sir Daniel Line Up in New PlayStation All-Stars Videos
Here comes a new challenger
Sony has released a couple of new PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale videos, focusing on fresh arrivals Nariko and Sir Daniel Fortesque. The characters are currently on display on the PAX Prime 2012 showfloor, where the platform holder is giving the game a massive push. According to a
News Double Dragon: Neon Lights Up PlayStation Plus Next Month
Brotherly love
Double Dragon: Neon is set to plant a punch squarely on the jaw of all North American PlayStation Plus members next month, when the title joins the service’s Instant Game Collection. That means all premium members will be able to hook up with the original dudebros Billy and Jimmy without needing to spend a penny. Pretty neat, huh?...
Rumour Killzone Trilogy Flanking PS3
To Helghan and back
A product page for a new PS3 compilation named the Killzone Trilogy has been uploaded by Amazon France. The eagle-eyed editors over at The Sixth Axis spotted the listing, which includes a 24th October release date. The French arm of online retailer Amazon has been responsible for a number of high-profile leaks this year,...
News Kojima Productions and Platinum "Clash All the Time" Over Metal Gear Rising
From conflict comes perfection
Speaking in a recent interview, Kojima Productions' Yuji Korekado has admitted that his company and Platinum Games have clashed several times during the production of Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance. However, far from presenting these tussles as a negative thing, Korekado was quick to point out that the process has...
News Splinter Cell: Blacklist Goes Ghost in New Trailer
Shadow man
Splinter Cell: Blacklist isn’t the action exclusive experience previous trailers have portrayed. This brand new footage shows the same sequence from E3 and GamesCom, but with a much more subtle approach. That sound you can hear is thousands of Splinter Cell fans all simultaneously breathing a huge sigh of relief.
News World Tekken Federation Access Bundled with Latest Game
What the...?
Tekken Tag Tournament 2’s elaborately named social network tie-in, World Tekken Federation, won’t cost you a penny to access – assuming you purchase a copy of the upcoming game. The online destination will allow you to link up your PlayStation Network account and peruse gameplay statistics in real-time. It’ll launch alongside...
News Insomniac Games' Overstrike Becomes Fuse
Amped up
Insomniac Games has renamed its debut multiplatform project to Fuse. The title – which debuted at last year’s E3 as Overstrike – has been overhauled since its initial unveiling. A new screenshot is embedded to the right. Gaffer Ted Price confirmed the news during a PAX Prime keynote earlier today. He pointed attendees to Fuse’s...
News Giant Sparrow Brings The Unfinished Swan to Life
Gut wrenching
This brand new The Unfinished Swan trailer is so effortlessly macabre that it gave us goosebumps. Its purpose is to introduce the King – the curious monarch behind the PSN exclusive’s striking world – but we couldn’t help but get choked up over the comparison between the protagonist and his deceased mother’s unfinished...
Thursday30th Aug 2012
News Hideo Kojima Reveals Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes
Stunning sequel
Hideo Kojima has marked Metal Gear’s 25th anniversary with a customary bang, announcing a brand new entry in the series named Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes. Attendees at an overnight birthday bash were wowed by a real-time gameplay demo which showed protagonist Big Boss infiltrating a rain-drenched compound, before offing a...
Talking Point Could Apps Transform Vita's Fortunes?
Or are they an unnecessary distraction from the console's primary function?
As much as it pains us to admit it, the PlayStation Vita isn't in the best shape at present. The console is struggling to convince players that it is worth its lofty price point, and rivals such as Nintendo's 3DS and smartphone platforms like iOS and Android are stealing...
News Team Bondi Reveals PlayStation 4 Title Whore of the Orient
Period piece
Controversial L.A. Noire developer Team Bondi has risen from its resting place to announce a brand new PlayStation 4 title named Whore of the Orient. The game was rumoured some time ago, but has now been officially confirmed on the developer's website. The game itself is set in Shanghai in 1936, and promises to explore "the most...
News Kaz Hirai Claims PlayStation Vita Is Meeting Sales Targets
But lagging behind in some regions
Recently appointed Sony overlord Kaz Hirai has pointed out that the PlayStation Vita is performing near expectations globally, but that it's "trending behind in certain territories". Earlier this month, the platform holder revealed that the system had sold 2.2 million units worldwide. While Hirai wouldn’t reveal...
News Columbia Pictures Signs Up Metal Gear Solid Movie
Big screen
Columbia Pictures has snapped up the rights to produce a movie based on Kojima Productions’ wildly popular Metal Gear Solid franchise. Announced at an anniversary event overnight – which also played host to the reveal of a new game – the flick will be produced by Avi Arad of Spider-Man fame. It’s unclear how much involvement...
Competition Five Copies of Foosball 2012 Up for Grabs
Twist and shout
We’ve teamed up with the fine folks at Grip Games to dole out five copies of the recently released Foosball 2012 to a handful of lucky readers. The top-notch PlayStation 3 and Vita title boasts a bevy of cross-platform features, in addition to an engaging single-player campaign and robust multiplayer component. Our Foosball 2012...
News Raiden Rises in PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale
!
Sony’s followed up yesterday’s unfortunate leak with confirmation of Raiden’s inclusion in PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale. The Metal Gear cyborg is described as a “close-ranged fighter who is capable of building tremendous amounts of AP with various combos and juggles”. He takes advantage of a unique chain-attack system that lets...
News Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Firing into Eurogamer Expo
Oh my CoD
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 is the latest title to be added to the already bulging Eurogamer Expo line-up. The title’s multiplayer component will be fully playable at the show, which is set to take place at Earls Court in London between 27th September and 30th September. The blockbuster joins a bevy of other playable gems, including...
News God of War: Ascension Cuts Europe on 15th March
Rise against
Sony has finally announced the release date for God of War: Ascension in Europe. The title will slash onto store shelves on 15th March, just three days after its North American launch. The brutal action adventure will be available in two limited edition flavours. The unimaginatively titled Special Edition will include the game, a...
News Borderlands 2 Season Pass Offers Four DLC Packs for $30
Good deal
Borderlands 2 will receive at least four DLC packs between release and next summer, publisher 2K Games has announced. Each expansion will cost you $9.99, or you’ll be able to purchase all four up front as part of the title’s season pass. That will set you back a discounted $29.99. Season pass holders will be able to download the new...
News Spec Ops: The Line Developer Dislikes the Title's Multiplayer
Waste of money
Spec Ops: The Line has a genuinely moving single-player campaign – but its multiplayer component is frustratingly formulaic. In fact, not even the game’s lead designer Cory Davis likes it, describing its inclusion as a “waste of money” to Polygon. He explained that the outsourced extra was a financially motivated...
Wednesday29th Aug 2012
News Sony Bookmarks Dragon Fantasy: Book II for PS3 and Vita
Page turner
Sony has secured Muteki Corporation’s throwback RPG Dragon Fantasy: Book II for PS3 and Vita. Unlike its 8-bit iOS predecessor, the sequel takes inspiration from the 16-bit era. The game promises Mode 7-style visuals, upgraded audio and a new combat system. It will also boast a four-player multiplayer mode where players can...
News PlayStation All-Stars Beta Attacks Europe Next Month
Crossover chaos
European gamers will finally get access to the PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale beta next month. The limited public test is set to take place from 11th September until 18th September. Unlike the North American trial, it will be playable on both PS3 and Vita. In order to gain access to the beta, you’ll need to register your...
News LittleBigPlanet Vita Is Finally Finished
Up, up, up
Swedish studio Tarsier has completed work on LittleBigPlanet Vita. The company announced the news on its official blog this afternoon, declaring that “the stage is set for you to play, create and share levels on the go to your heart’s content”. Sony will now begin manufacturing the game ahead of its 19th September release date in...
News Take a Closer Look at CoD: Black Ops 2's Care Package
So much stuff
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2’s recently announced Care Package limited edition is so big that it takes two people to pick it up. The bundle comes brimming with content, including a working Quadcopter and more. If you’d like to know what's in the box, watch Treyarch studio head Mark Lamia proudly reveal everything in the trailer below...
Store Update 29th August 2012 (Europe)
Brace yourself
It’s another disappointing European PlayStation Store update we’re afraid, with Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and The Walking Dead: Episode 3 both missing. Making up for the frustration are Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD, Dungeon Twister and Rock Band Blitz. Feel free to stamp your feet in the comments section belo
Store Update 28th August 2012 (North America)
Take your pick
It’s another stellar week on the North American PlayStation Store, with plenty of content vying for your attention. New arrivals include The Walking Dead: Episode 3, Rock Band Blitz, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD and Lights, Camera, Party!. Let’s not waste a moment. PS3 Full Games: Recor
News Ratchet & Clank: QForce Beta Opens to EU Plus Members
Full frontal assault
If you’re a European PlayStation Plus subscriber, we recommend booting up your PS3 right away. Sony has launched a Ratchet & Clank: QForce beta which will be available to premium members for a “limited time only”. The beta features a single-player tutorial, a ranked competitive mode for up to four players, and...
News Raiden Thunders into PlayStation All-Stars
Whoops
GameSpot has accidentally uploaded a video confirming Metal Gear Solid’s Raiden for PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale. The accompanying footage shows the controversial protagonist slashing up Ratchet, Sackboy and Spike in an Uncharted themed arena. The character is described as a combo-heavy fighter with a specific emphasis on air...
News Mercia: Fractured Realms Stumbles into PlayStation Home
Level up
Mercia: Fractured Realms is set to travel into PlayStation Home this week in North America. The ambitious endeavour aims to deliver a full-scale free-to-play role playing game within the virtual world. We’ve heard some pretty great things about this, so you might want to go and check it out. The game can be played in single-player or...
News Sony Serves Up Sports Champions 2 on 31st October
Be the best
Sports Champions 2 will move onto European store shelves on 31st October, publisher Sony has announced. A North American release date was confirmed last week. The PlayStation Move sequel boasts a variety of events, including boxing, skiing, bowling, tennis, golf and an updated version of archery. It will also allow you to design your...
News Lights, Camera, Party! Freshens Up PSN This Week
Really strange
You’d be forgiven for assuming that this Lights, Camera, Party! launch trailer is a family affair – but we’d encourage you to keep watching through to the end. Proceedings take a surreal twist right around the 1:30 mark. The game itself aims to be equally daft, promising 50 bonkers mini-games that take full advantage of the...
Tuesday28th Aug 2012
News Vita Firmware v1.80 Locks Memory Cards to Single Account
Rage quit
Sony has coaxed the Internet into another fit of misplaced vitriol this evening, by a plugging a workaround that allowed users to change PSN accounts with a single memory card. The platform holder declared prior to release that the system would only be compatible with a single account, but clever users found a simple way to overcome the...
Rumour Crash Bandicoot Could be Spinning into PS All-Stars
Loose proof
Crash Bandicoot may seem like an obvious addition to PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale, but the character’s complicated ownership has cast doubt over his inclusion. Despite being considered the platform’s mascot in the PSone days, third-party publisher Activision actually owns the rights to the wacky protagonist. That’s a...
News Vita Firmware v1.80 Adds Touch Controls to PSP Games
New ways to play
The PlayStation Vita’s latest firmware update comes bundled with a bevy of hidden features. Amongst them is the ability to assign touch controls to PSP games. We’re not quite sure what the purpose of this addition is, but we suppose someone will find a use for it. After all, more options are always better than less. You can...
News PlayStation Vita v1.80 Firmware Update Is Available Now
Mild controversy
As promised, Sony has launched the latest firmware update for the PlayStation Vita. The hotly anticipated refresh brings with it PSone emulation as well as a slew of other improvements. Unfortunately, you can count the number of officially supported classics on two hands in North America. SCEA’s list of compatible titles may...
News PES 2013 Scores Champions League Themed Metallic Cover
Prestigious
Pre-orders of PES 2013 in North America will come with a UEFA Champions League metallic cover, publisher Konami has revealed. We suppose it’s a bit strange for Europe’s premier club competition to be featured on the front of a US release, but we suspect that anyone buying PES in North America will be familiar with the competition. If...
News Watch Naughty Dog's The Last of Us from a Grimy Bathroom
On the throne
If you’re attending PAX Prime in Seattle this weekend, you’re almost certainly going to want to spend several hours queuing to see The Last of Us. As opposed to ushering you into a bland theatre, Naughty Dog will instead guide you into a gloomy bathroom modelled after the one in the title’s debut trailer. Pretty neat, huh? Those...
News Call of Duty: Black Ops 2's Limited Editions Are Excessive
Awesome, though
Activision’s decided to give the bulging Borderlands 2: Ultimate Loot Edition a real run for its money. It’s announced a couple of Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 special editions, both of which are brimming with in-game content and goodies. The 'Hardened Edition' features the game, a steelbook case, soundtrack, challenge coins and...
News Journey Art Book Scales Your Coffee Table Next Month
Bound in blood
Journey will be making one final excursion next month, when The Art of Journey travels onto shelves across the globe. The hardcover book – penned and designed by art director Matt Nava – features images from the game, and discusses the influences and ideas behind its development. It also includes in-game 3D models, which can be...
News Evil Cole Electrifies PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale
New challenger
Bog-standard Cole MacGrath will not be the only supercharged fighter to appear in SuperBot Entertainment’s upcoming mascot mash-up, PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale. Speaking at the GameStop Managers Show in San Antonio this afternoon, the developer also confirmed the inclusion of Evil Cole as a playable character in the game...
News The Walking Dead: Episode 3 Stumbles onto PSN Today
Surprise
When developer Telltale Games said it was bringing The Walking Dead: Episode 3 to PSN “soon”, what it really meant was “very, very soon”. The studio has revealed that the next entry in its popular episodic series will hit the North American PlayStation Store later today. Unfortunately, the European release is in limbo once again...
News Zombies Shuffling into Call of Duty: Black Ops 2's Nuketown
There goes the neighbourhood
Call of Duty: Black Ops’ idyllic Nuketown map is set to be overrun by zombies in the shooter’s upcoming sequel. Developer Treyarch Tweeted the embedded image to the right, teasing the undead’s imminent arrival. It’s unclear whether the zombies will be reserved to those who obtain the Nuketown 2025 map via...
News UK Sales Charts: Sleeping Dogs Dispatches Darksiders II
Let 'em lie
Hotly anticipated sequel Darksiders II was unable to displace the excellent Sleeping Dogs on this week’s UK sales charts. The Square Enix published open-world adventure enjoyed a second week at the top of the charts, after debuting in pole position just over seven days ago. It wasn’t all bad news for troubled publisher THQ however,...
News Assassin's Creed III Trailer Takes to the Seas
Hydrophobia
It’s a testament to the sheer scale of Assassin’s Creed III that its naval combat system is considered a side-mission. This brand new trailer – narrated by creative director Alex Hutchinson – outlines some of the features of the mode, including the dynamic weather system, which is able to transform calm waters into deadly...
Monday27th Aug 2012
News Sony Pictures Registers Slew of Console War Movie Domains
No, really
Your arguments with Microsoft and Nintendo fans could soon become the inspiration behind a blockbuster movie. Sony Pictures has registered a slew of Console War movie domain names through the brand protection company Mark Monitor. Fusible reports that Sony Computer Entertainment has nothing to do with the registrations, suggesting that...
News Tomba! Will Be Playable on Vita from Tomorrow
Dream come true
Import specialist MonkeyPaw Games will be bringing a handful of its PSone Classics to North American Vitas tomorrow, the company has told Joystiq. The compatibility will coincide with the handheld’s hotly anticipated 1.80 update, which promises to augment PSone emulation alongside a slew of other improvements. Supported classics...
News Lollipop Chainsaw Ships 700,000 Units Worldwide
Record breaker
Grasshopper Manufacture is no stranger to commercial failure, but it looks like the studio has finally secured a timely hit. The Japanese developer has declared that it has shipped over 700,000 copies of Lollipop Chainsaw worldwide, making it the most successful title in the company’s history. Studio gaffer Suda 51 and Japanese...
News Team ICO Loses More Key Personnel
The last man standing
The employee in charge of production on both ICO and Shadow of the Colossus has left Sony Computer Entertainment. Kenji Kaido shared the news on Twitter, declaring: "This August, I left Sony Computer Entertainment.” He added that he has no immediate plans, aside from a long summer vacation. It’s unclear whether Kaido has...
News Tekken Tag Tournament 2 Trailer Details Pre-Order Bonuses
All laid out
Namco Bandai has released a brand new Tekken Tag Tournament 2 trailer outlining the fighter’s various pre-order bonuses. If you’d rather not get distracted by the presenter’s sultry pout, the offers include two new characters, a Snoop Dogg stage, four exclusive music tracks, and a set of revealing costumes. The bonuses vary...
News DICE Issues Battlefield 3: Armored Kill DLC Release Date
Ready for deployment
PlayStation 3 owners will get the first opportunity to cut through Battlefield 3’s upcoming Armored Kill expansion pack. The content – which includes several new vehicles and a handful of maps – will hit the PlayStation Store on 4th September for Premium members. Vanilla players will be able to join the action on 18th...
News Borderlands Fires onto PlayStation Plus Next Week
Happy now?
North American PlayStation Plus subscribers will get the opportunity to shoot some skags next week, when Borderlands is added to the service’s Instant Game Collection. That's not a bad way to get hyped for the shooter's impending sequel. Other upcoming offers include discounts on Daytona USA and Greed Corp next week. Meanwhile, Space...
