News - 2012, Week 41
Sunday14th Oct 2012
News Soon It Won't Cost You a Penny to Humiliate Yourself in SingStar
Money, money, money
It looks like Sony’s karaoke series SingStar is going free-to-play. A cryptic message displayed in the franchise’s Viewer application – which previously allowed you to browse DLC, but not actually play any of it – notes that the service has been discontinued, but adds that "the complete SingStar experience will be...
Saturday13th Oct 2012
Review Dishonored (PlayStation 3)
Rat race
Dishonored doesn’t have much time for modern video game conventions. Arkane Studios’ delectable steam-punk romp does away with unnecessary multiplayer components, multi-million dollar set-pieces and tutorial missions that last almost as long as the campaign itself. At times, its complete disregard for expected standards can be to its...
News Sackboy and Big Daddy Are Rivals in PlayStation All-Stars
David and Goliath
Every crossover fighting game needs a nonsensical narrative, and PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale is certainly no exception. While developer SuperBot Entertainment has been reluctant to share details about the mascot mash-up’s plot, it has revealed that each character will have a rival. And, according to a recent issue of...
News The Last of Us Graphic Novel Depicts Ellie's Origins
Calm before the storm
Naughty Dog’s teamed up with Dark Horse to create a graphic novel series based on upcoming PlayStation 3 survival horror, The Last of Us. The prequel will focus on protagonist Ellie’s life before the adventure, and will be penned by designer Neil Druckmann and Rachel Edidin, who previously contributed to Valve Presents: The...
News Metro: Last Light Focusing Spotlight on Single-Player
Light the way
Developer 4A Games has decided to scrap Metro: Last Light’s multiplayer component, opting to concentrate its resources on creating an exceptional single-player campaign instead. The competitive mode was revealed shortly after the game’s initial announcement – a move that the studio feels was “probably a mistake”. "Throughout...
Friday12th Oct 2012
Review FIFA 13 (PlayStation 3)
Champions League
Compared to reality, FIFA 13 is pure; an uncompromised look at all the thrills that football entails, wrapped in a stylish package that wouldn't look out of place on television. Mercifully it remains focused on the core of football, free of the scandal that so often overshadows the sport presently. There are no faked injuries or...
News Pick Up a 12GB PlayStation 3 Super Slim for Under £160
Every little helps
Those of you eagerly anticipating an opportunity to enter the third place will be delighted to learn that UK supermarket Morrisons is selling the brand new 12GB PlayStation 3 Super Slim for just £158 in-store today. Elsewhere, Toys ‘R’ Us is bundling the system alongside a copy of FIFA 13 for a competitive £179.99 in-store...
News Sony: Trophies Are Coming to PlayStation Mobile
Bling, bling
PlayStation Mobile released with a deluge of delicious content earlier this month – but none of its launch titles boasted Trophies. Sony has since admitted that incorporating the rewards system is a top-priority for the platform's team, alongside proper leaderboard integration. "It's coming," Senior Manager of Mobile Content...
News Enormous Mass Effect 3 DLC Targets PSN Next Month
T'Soni way to go
Mass Effect 3’s biggest expansion to date Omega will arrive on 27th November in North America, developer BioWare has announced. The $14.99 add-on will see protagonist Commander Shepard re-united with ousted Omega matriarch Aria T'loak, as the duo aim to retake the contested space station from Cerberus control. According to...
News Yakuza 5's Club SEGA Expanding with Virtua Fighter 2
"Maybe I'll play some"
Yakuza 5 is taking a step closer to its spiritual predecessor Shenmue by incorporating playable Virtua Fighter 2 cabinets into its Club SEGA arcades. The fighter will be available in its 2.0 and 2.1 revisions, providing a tantalising treat for fanatics who can tell the difference between the versions. Other arcade cabinets...
News September NPD: Hardware Sales Jump, Borderlands 2 Explodes
Christmas is coming
Average weekly sales of both the PlayStation 3 and Vita increased in North America throughout September, suggesting renewed momentum heading into the holiday season. As has become a recurring theme, the Xbox 360 was the best selling console for the month with 270,000 units sold. Unfortunately, Sony doesn't share specific hardware...
News Sony Signs Up Horror Veterans for Until Dawn
Alone in the dark
The script for Sony’s pulpy PlayStation Move exclusive Until Dawn will be penned by indie horror veterans Larry Fessenden (The Last Winter) and Graham Reznick (I Can See You). Speaking during a New York Comic-Con panel overnight, executive producer Pete Samuels noted that the duo will help to give the game “the scares you...
News Capcom Resurrects Darkstalkers for PlayStation Network
Back from the brink
Capcom’s cult classic fighting franchise Darkstalkers will make a comeback on the PlayStation Network next year, the publisher has announced. The forgotten favourite – famous for spawning a slew of cosplay costumes – will make its long awaited return as Darkstalkers Resurrection, a downloadable compilation featuring the...
News PSN Maintenance Planned for 15th October
It's been a while
The PlayStation Network will take a short break for scheduled maintenance starting 15th October, platform holder Sony has announced. We daresay the offline time will be spent preparing for the upcoming PlayStation Store overhaul. During the allotted period – scheduled to take place from 13:00PM BST through until 02:00AM BST the...
News PlayStation Vita Rental Service Takes Flight on Korean Airline
Sky high
Those of you travelling on Korean airline Jin Air will be able to turn your attention away from the turbulence to setting hot laps in MotorStorm RC. The travel company has announced that it’s opening a PlayStation Vita rental service for domestic customers. You’ll be able to secure a system for $5 from Incheon Airport. Each console...
Thursday11th Oct 2012
News Redesigned PlayStation Store Launches from 17th October
Face lift
If you were getting tired of the PlayStation 3’s clunky old store-front, then we’ve got good news for you – the entire portal is getting a makeover from 17th October in Europe and 23rd October in North America. The overhauled look – announced at a London press event earlier today – will bring with it a host of new features and...
Talking Point Why Now Is the Right Time for the PlayStation Store Overhaul
Shopping spree
“Why now?” commented the chorus of critics following the announcement of Sony’s widely publicised PlayStation Store refresh earlier today. With the next-generation popularly predicted to kick-start in late 2013, the imminent arrival of the new storefront may seem somewhat mistimed – but it could also indicate that the...
News God of War: Ascension's Collector's Edition Is Huge
Fit for a God
Sony’s shown off the first images of God of War: Ascension’s unnecessarily large Collector’s Edition. The $79.99 bundle includes an 8” statue of anti-hero Kratos, a premium steelbook case, a double XP multiplayer unlock, a DLC season pass, a copy of the game’s soundtrack, a dynamic theme, and an avatar pack. If you’d prefer...
News New Screens Prove That Final Fantasy XIV Is Still Coming to PS3
A realm reborn, indeed
Online MMO Final Fantasy XIV was originally set to release on the PlayStation 3 way back in 2010 – but after a disastrous PC launch, which essentially required publisher Square Enix to rebuild the entire game, the console port went missing for a while. Two years, to be precise. With the title’s A Realm Reborn overhaul on...
News Ragnarok Odyssey Strikes North American Vitas on 30th October
The bigger they are, the harder they fall
Anticipated PlayStation Vita action RPG Ragnarok Odyssey will attack on 30th October in North America, publisher XSEED has announced. The game will be available for $39.99 from retail outlets and the PlayStation Store, but a $49.99 Mercenary Edition will also be made available. The latter will bundle a...
News Grand Theft Auto V Graces December's Game Informer Cover
Green with envy
Andy McNamara is officially the luckiest man alive. The Game Informer editor revealed on Twitter earlier today that he’s currently in New York checking out Grand Theft Auto V for the magazine’s upcoming December issue. Could life possibly get much better? Unfortunately, additional details are being kept under wraps – but we...
News Sony Refreshes Gaikai Website with Iconic PlayStation Imagery
It's happening
Sony’s keeping tight-lipped about its plans for cloud-streaming company Gaikai, but a new image on the latter’s website indicates that changes are taking place behind the scenes. The picture shows the recently acquired company’s logo surrounded by multiple PlayStation mascots such as Nathan Drake, Sackboy, Raiden and a Helghast...
News Borderlands 2's Captain Scarlett Content Is Real, Coming Soon
No sign of the Mysterons
As previously rumoured, Captain Scarlett and her Pirate’s Posterior will be the first downloadable expansion for Borderlands 2. Er, we meant Pirate’s Booty... Obviously. The content will release next week on the PlayStation Store and will transport plunderers to a new location labelled Oasis. According to Gearbox gaffer...
News Don't Worry, Resident Evil 6's On-Disc DLC Is Free
Shut it, shrimpy
Pop down those pitch-forks and “Capcom Sucks” protest boards – the Japanese publisher has revealed that Resident Evil 6’s recently uncovered on-disc DLC will actually be free. According to the company, the complimentary content will be unlocked in an upcoming update. There will be paid DLC for the conflicted survival horror...
News Smart As Puzzles PlayStation Vita Later This Month
Brain training
Sony’s slick handheld head-scratcher Smart As will fill the PlayStation Vita with plenty of mind-bending puzzles later this month, the platform holder has announced. The game – narrated by Monty Python legend John Cleese – will test your mental muscle with a host of challenges based on four key areas: Logic, Arithmetic, Language...
News PlayStation 3 Surpasses 5 Million Sales in the UK
Best seller
The PlayStation 3 has sold more than 5 million units in the UK, platform holder Sony has announced. The news comes on the eve of the release of the new 12GB Super Slim system across Europe. The 500GB redesign launched on 28th September, prompting a 138 per cent boost in PS3 hardware sales throughout the UK. “This is another historic...
Wednesday10th Oct 2012
Review NiGHTS into Dreams (PlayStation 3)
Love the NiGHT life
While SEGA’s offerings in recent years have been a varied assortment of peaks and valleys, there was a time when there was no disputing their quality. During the Saturn era Sonic Team put out several innovative games that defied genre conventions and immediately captured the hearts of the SEGA faithful. NiGHTS into Dreams has...
News Borderlands 2 DLC Explores Captain Scarlett's Booty
What about the Mysterons?
Borderlands 2’s first expansion pack will be entitled ‘Captain Scarlett and her Pirate’s Booty’, according to an updated Trophy list. We’re guessing that the content has absolutely nothing to do with the creepy 60’s sci-fi show, but would be absolutely delighted if it did. The expansion will add three new...
Store Update 9th October 2012 (North America)
The motherload
Forget about the slew of content starting to infiltrate physical shops – the PlayStation Store is the best place to be. This week’s North American update is absolutely brimming with new releases, including highlights such as Dishonored and Retro City Rampage. In truth, we could write a short thesis about the slew of games coming...
Store Update 10th October 2012 (Europe)
Best served cold
This week’s European PlayStation Store update can’t quite match the dizzying heights of its North American counterpart, but it’s still a bubbling pot of must-have content. Highlights include Dishonored, Joe Danger 2: The Movie and Derrick the Deathfin. Not a bad little selection by any stretch. Let's get down to bu
News Japanese Sales Charts: PlayStation 3 Sales Surge
Like a disease
A cavalcade of anticipated software – combined with the release of the new Super Slim hardware model – pushed the PlayStation 3's sales over 42k units in Japan this week. The bump still wasn’t enough to topple the unstoppable Nintendo 3DS, but it came within striking distance. Resident Evil 6 was the platform’s biggest new...
News Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Deploys with Double XP
Ready up
If you belong to the bizarre breed of gamers that just has to be first at everything, then you’re probably going to want to pre-order Call of Duty: Black Ops 2. Alongside exclusive access to the previously announced Nuketown 2025 map, you’ll also score double XP for all of your endeavours throughout the game’s launch weekend. That’s...
Interview Hello Games on Joe Danger 2: The Movie and PSN Delays
Torque of the town
For many, the Joe Danger franchise will forever be associated with PlayStation. After struggling to find a publisher, Guildford-based indie developer Hello Games signed up to Sony’s widely-publicised ‘Pub Fund’ scheme – a move which provided the studio with financial support in return for exclusivity. The game proved to be...
News God of War Demo Ascends Alongside Total Recall Blu-ray
Cross marketing
Those of you that snap up the Director’s Cut edition of Total Recall on Blu-ray will be invited to play the epic God of War: Ascension single-player demo from E3 earlier this year. The movie itself will feature 20 minutes of bonus footage not shown in theatres, in addition to an alternate ending and over 1.5 hours of special...
News BioShock Infinite Sets Sail Again Next Week
Columbia beckons
After a lengthy hiatus, BioShock Infinite is finally ready to step back into the limelight. Publisher 2K Games has casually updated the title’s official Facebook page, teasing the imminent arrival of a brand new trailer. Better yet, if you participate in a spot of viral marketing for the company, you’ll be able to help select...
News ToeJam & Earl Struts onto the PlayStation Network Next Month
Hum the bassline
ToeJam & Earl’s frantic hunt for spaceship parts will continue on the PlayStation Network next month, when the SEGA Mega Drive classic arrives on Sony’s digital storefront. The original Rogue-like will be joined by its less impressive side-scroller sequel, Panic on Funkotron. You’ll be able to purchase the funky...
News Orgarhythm Taps Its Feet to the Beat from 23rd October
Kooloo limpah
For a platform that apparently has no games, there sure is a lot of content releasing for the PlayStation Vita right now. XSEED has just announced that its wacky rhythm strategy game Orgarhythm is set to join the party on 23rd October. The game will be available as a digital exclusive, and will cost $29.99. The release date adds yet...
News Learn About The Unfinished Swan's Complex Soundscapes
Heart strings
Music is a pivotal part of all games – but it’s especially important in emotional tour-de-forces such as The Unfinished Swan. As such, developer Giant Sparrow invested an enormous amount of time into getting the audio right for its upcoming PSN exclusive. “We wanted the music to serve as a companion for Monroe and the player as...
News There's Something Fishy About This Derrick the Deathfin Trailer
Codswallop
In order to celebrate the release of Derrick the Deathfin on PSN this week, developer Different Tuna has sent us this delightful little trailer. It shows the aquatic protagonist's origins as card and glue, before cutting to footage of the fish scoffing on other sea-life. Aww, so cute!
Tuesday9th Oct 2012
News Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified Will Not Feature Zombies
Not entirely unexpected
Zombies have become a staple of the Black Ops experience – but upcoming handheld spin-off Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified will not feature the popular undead survival mode. Speaking on his blog, Activision community manager Dan Amrich explained that the option was removed so that developer Nihilistic could focus on...
News Dishonored Launch Trailer Takes No Prisoners
Cut throat
If you haven’t already seen the piles of praise being tossed at Dishonored, then this launch trailer should get you up to speed. Between scenes of protagonist Corvo slitting unsuspecting throats, there’s a selection of lofty media quotes. We’re playing the title right now, and can confirm that it’s pretty good. We’re not willing...
News Bridgestone Denies Use of Kevin Butler Character in Commercial
Shades of grey
The controversial Bridgestone commercial featuring Kevin Butler actor Jerry Lambert was aired three days after the star’s contract with Sony expired, according to a story on the Hollywood Reporter. However, the performer was bound by an “exclusivity clause” that prevented Lambert from providing his services to competing video...
Rumour Sonic the Fighters Is Punching onto PSN
Groan
Awful arcade brawler Sonic the Fighters may be the next retro SEGA title to be ported to PSN. Prolific online super sleuth Superannuation teased the game’s imminent arrival on his Twitter feed, noting: “Sonic the Fighters getting a digital re-release suggests to me that SEGA is running out of Sonic games to re-release.” Those of you...
News Borderlands 2's Mechromancer Character Class Launches Early
Gaige your interest
Borderlands 2’s hotly anticipated fifth character class will release in North America later today – a whole week ahead of schedule. Gearbox gaffer Randy Pitchford announced the surprise arrival on Twitter overnight, prompting an immeasurable outpouring of gratitude from fans of the game. Those of you with a Premiere Club pass...
News PixelJunk and Lumines Developers Release New Record
Real time
Kyoto-based developer Q-Games may be best known for its work on the PixelJunk franchise, but the studio has been quietly expanding its portfolio into rock and roll over the past couple of months. Designed as a distraction to keep morale high during hectic coding sessions, the studio has formed a trip-hop supergroup known as The Electric...
News Four New Playable Animals Stalk Tokyo Jungle This Week
Killer croc
The roster of playable pets in Tokyo Jungle is set to expand by four this week, with the release of a fresh batch of DLC. New arrivals include the Crocodile, Giraffe, Kangaroo and Panda. Sony has also promised to give away a new wardrobe of outfits, though specifics are currently unannounced. If you’re still unsure about...
News 2K Games Deploys XCOM: Enemy Unknown Demo Today
Brains in gear
Those of you with an eye for the intricacies of futuristic warfare may be excited to learn that a demo for XCOM: Enemy Unknown is poised to arrive on the PlayStation Network in North America later today. European tacticians will have an extra 24 hours to swot up on Sun Tzu’s The Art of War, when the playable teaser targets overseas...
News Count the References in This Retro City Rampage Trailer
Old school
Watching this Retro City Rampage launch trailer is a bit like seeing your whole gaming life flash before you. The promotional video for the 8-bit open world adventure – due out on PS3 and Vita later today – is packed with so many throwback references that we actually lost count. Let us know how many you spot in the comments section...
News Hello Games: We're Not Planning Joe Danger 3 at the Moment
Starting over
Fictional stuntman Joe Danger may be packing away his crash helmet and knee-pads after the release of sequel Joe Danger 2: The Movie on PSN this week. In an exclusive chat with Push Square, developer Hello Games revealed that it's not currently planning a third entry in the downloadable series, because it wants to turn its attention to...
News Backbone Entertainment Is on the Cusp of Closure
Troubling times
Port specialists Backbone Entertainment may be shut down, according to sources cited by IGN. The publication notes that the company is currently downsizing, with the hope that it will be able to continue to operate with a much “smaller” team. Of course, that won’t come as much comfort to the dozens of employees facing the chop...
Monday8th Oct 2012
Review New Little King's Story (PlayStation Vita)
Watch the throne
Our little king is all grown up. After rising to power in Wii's Little King's Story, New Little King's Story sees King Corobo lose his kingdom during one heck of a party. After escaping with a small cadre of loyal subjects, Corobo must prove once more why he deserves to rule by rescuing lands and princesses alike from the clutches...
Review LittleBigPlanet PS Vita (PlayStation Vita)
The whole world in your hands
Sony is often criticised for shrinking its home console franchises down to handheld size – but, despite the best efforts of its detractors, that commentary doesn’t always hold weight. Sackboy’s maiden craftworld campaign may have been animated by the DualShock 3, but LittleBigPlanet PS Vita is one of those...
News Sony: We've Invested Significant Resources into Kevin Butler
VP of Legal
Sony has responded to reports claiming that it is suing Bridgestone and advertising agency Wildcat Creek over a commercial starring Jerry Lambert – the actor famous for portraying Kevin Butler in a slew of different PlayStation commercials. In a comment released to VentureBeat, the publisher’s senior director of corporate...
News GAME Holds the Killzone Trilogy at Gunpoint in the UK
Retailer exclusive
First-person shooter fans hoping to get their fix of sci-fi action with the Killzone Trilogy will have to breach the purple gates of GAME in the UK, as the specialist retailer has secured exclusivity on the compelling compilation. The package will collate popular PS3 titles Killzone 2 and Killzone 3, alongside an HD version of...
News PS Plus Subscribers Score Free Copy of The King of Fighters XIII
Mai to go
North American PlayStation Plus subscribers will get to keep their fingers busy with The King of Fighters XIII this week, when the title is added to the service’s Instant Game Collection. The game promises a wealth of different gameplay modes, a refined engine, and 30 beautifully rendered fighters. And, yes, that monstrous roster does...
News EA Gothenburg Teases Next Generation Need for Speed
Bulking up
EA Gothenburg is recruiting for a new Need for Speed game, according to a post on its website. The Swedish studio, which was founded earlier this year, noted: "Would you like to work on a game in the Need for Speed franchise? We are hiring, and we are hiring a lot." Elsewhere, the company teased that it may be working on a...
News Guardians of Middle-Earth Travels to PSN in December
Make sure you Baggins it
Warner Bros’ poorly named PlayStation Network MOBA Guardians of Middle-Earth (sigh) will venture onto Sony’s digital storefront on 4th December in North America, the publisher has announced. A European launch will follow on 5th December, with a retail release planned for 7th December. In the UK, the digital title will...
News UK Sales Charts: FIFA 13 Defends Top Spot from RE6
Undead
Resident Evil 6 failed to topple FIFA 13 from the top of the UK sales charts this week. The soccer simulation maintained its position at the summit of the list, despite strong competition from the hotly anticipated survival horror shooter. Indeed, Capcom’s controversial adventure registered the fourth biggest UK launch of the year – but...
News Sony Tosses a Price-Cut at MLB 12: The Show
Home run
MLB 12: The Show is widely considered to be the pinnacle of baseball gaming – and now you’ll be to sample it at a bargain bin price-point. With the end of the season in full swing, publisher Sony has dropped the price of its premium sports title to just $29.99 on PS3 and $19.99 on Vita. That means you’ll be able to test out the game's...
News The Walking Dead: Episode 4 Shuffles onto PSN Tomorrow
Decisions, decisions
The penultimate episode of Telltale’s wildly popular The Walking Dead series will stumble onto the North American PlayStation Store tomorrow. Unsurprisingly, a European release date has yet to be confirmed – but the game is supposedly in submission with SCEE. If previous entries are anything to go by, don’t expect it to...
News PSN Platformer Ibb & Obb Postponed Until 2013
Time to find a friend
Despite originally being pencilled in for a release later this year, promising co-op platformer Ibb & Obb has been pushed back into 2013. Developer Sparpweed announced the delay on its Facebook page, pointing to the silly season of retail releases as the reason for its deferral. The studio will be using the additional...
