News - 2012, Week 42
Sunday21st Oct 2012
News Redesigned PlayStation Store Finally Opens in the UK
Better late than never
Sony has finally launched the revamped PlayStation Store in the UK. The updated digital storefront was originally scheduled to arrive on 17th October, but was delayed due to slow loading and bugs. We’ve now had a chance to test out the new look, and it definitely seems to organise content in a much more cohesive manner...
News New BioShock Infinite Trailer Should Put Your Concerns to Rest
Jaw dropping
If BioShock Infinite has had a troubled development, then this trailer sure makes all of the sweat and tears look worthwhile. As promised, developer Irrational Games has released the first footage of the first-person adventure in months – and it looks absolutely incredible. Throughout the 90-second short you’ll glimpse intense...
Saturday20th Oct 2012
News Need for Speed: Most Wanted Supports the Move Racing Wheel
Turning a corner
Need for Speed: Most Wanted developer Criterion loves trying out new technology, so we’re not particularly surprised by the studio's decision to support the PlayStation Move Racing Wheel for its upcoming release. The crazy contraption can be used to control the car (obviously), but it also takes advantage of some of the device's...
Preview Hitting Some Winners with Sports Champions 2
Down the line
The furore surrounding the introduction of new motion peripherals back in 2010 meant that the excellent Sports Champions got lost in the shuffle. Sony pushed the mini-game compilation as the first must-have title for the PlayStation Move, but post-release discussion almost always centred on the title’s technology rather than the game...
News Cryptic PlayStation Video Teases 'The Arrival'
Detective time
Sony’s released a follow-up to last week’s mysterious The Reload trailer. The 23-second short – entitled The Arrival – still points to a 23rd October announcement, but it features a few more clues to go on. For starters, the secretary is spotted typing a message in Ratchet & Clank’s Lombax language. Translated, the...
News PlayStation Store Revamp Postponed in North America
Not a surprise
Those of you in North America will be forced to stick with the classic blue version of the PlayStation Store for the time being. Following the disastrous roll-out of the new storefront overseas, Sony has decided to postpone the release of the revamp in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Brazil. Eric Lempel explained that an...
News LittleBigPlanet Karting Has a Plot (Apparently)
Paper thin
Where do we go to complain about false advertising? We were informed that this brand new LittleBigPlanet Karting trailer would include plot information, but it features nothing of the sort. Sure, there’s a quick quip from narrator Stephen Fry about the Omniverse being in danger again – but then it switches to footage of Sackfolk...
Friday19th Oct 2012
News Your Weapons Can Prestige in Call of Duty: Black Ops 2
XP out of your ears
The secret behind Call of Duty’s success is its ability to reward you for everything you do. Even when you’re losing, you always feel like you’re achieving something – and the upcoming Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 aims to take that to the next level. Not only will you be able to Prestige as a player in the Treyarch...
News Check Out Kazuma Kiryu Driving a Taxi in Yakuza 5
A to B
One of the many side-activities in Yakuza 5 – alongside Virtua Fighter 2 and, er, snowball fighting – will allow you to put protagonist Kazuma Kiryu behind the wheel of a taxi. The brand new Japanese developer diary embedded below shows the mode in action, as the former Tojo Clan chairman weaves in and out of traffic on two wheels and...
News Yes, Sonic the Fighters Is Coming to the PSN
Don't shoot the messenger
Following weeks of speculation, SEGA has finally confirmed that Sonic the Fighters is coming to the PlayStation Network. As predicted, the terrible arcade fighting game will release alongside fellow Model 2 titles Virtua Fighter 2 and Fighting Vipers. You’ll be able to purchase all three games for ¥800 (roughly $10) in...
News Hitman: Absolution Lets You Live Your Wildest Cosplay Dreams
Chicken suit
Square Enix may be advertising Hitman: Absolution as a gritty stealth action game – but that’s just to get the hardcore gamers on side. In actual fact it’s a fancy dress simulator, allowing you to concoct all manner of wacky outfits. Don’t believe us? Just watch the trailer embedded below. The sequel's set to infiltrate the...
News Sleeping Dogs' Nightmare in North Point DLC Is Coming for You
Smiley cat
We’re not sure whether to laugh or cry. Square Enix has released the first trailer for Sleeping Dogs’ upcoming Hallowe’en themed expansion, Nightmare in North Point – and it features a devilish feline foe named Smiley Cat. Y’see, in life Big Scar Wu was a high-rolling gangster. But when he was murdered by the Sun On Yee and fed...
News Anarchy Reigns Attacks Western Store Shelves Early Next Year
At last
That ear shattering roar you just heard was editor Damien McFerran celebrating the long overdue release date announcement for “groundbreaking multiplayer brawler” Anarchy Reigns. SEGA's just sent us word that the title will launch on 8th January in North America and 11th January in Europe. The Platinum Games developed fighter sparked...
News Delve Behind the Magic of Wonderbook: Book of Spells
Witchcraft and sorcery
Having got our hands on Wonderbook: Book of Spells recently, we’re eagerly anticipating the release of the full game. The PlayStation Move-enhanced magic ‘em up takes excellent advantage of Sony’s new book peripheral, pulling you into a fantasy world courtesy of augmented reality technology. It’s designed with children...
News Sony Is Slashing 2,000 Jobs in Japan
Cost cutting
Sony has announced that it will cut 2,000 jobs in Japan via an “early retirement” scheme. The Next Web notes that the cuts are set to affect the company’s head office the hardest, with 20 per cent of employees set to depart by the end of the year. The move will apparently save the manufacturer a whopping ¥30 billion (roughly $378...
News New Assassin's Creed III Trailer Tells Desmond's Tale
This is your life
If you’re not fully up to date with the Assassin’s Creed series, you might appreciate this brand new trailer. Narrated by William Miles – modern-day protagonist Desmond Miles’ father – the three-minute video recaps the events leading up to Assassin’s Creed III. It summarises the stories of Altair and Ezio, before...
News Rockstar Wants Your Feedback for Grand Theft Auto V
Finding friends
Rockstar Games requires your assistance for Grand Theft Auto V. The secretive developer has posted a new blog entry on its official website, pleading for your feedback on the title’s Crews system. “Whether it’s suggestions for competitive in-game Crew features in Multiplayer, new ways to manage and recruit, ideas for enhancing...
News Germinator Offers an Infectious Twist on a Puzzle Classic
Highly contagious
Creat Studios has promised to contaminate the PlayStation Network with a brand new title. The prolific publisher has announced Germinator, an unhygienic take on the match-three puzzler. Unlike other titles, the digital release sees you slotting together germ types in order to create enormous microbes. Push them too far and...
Thursday18th Oct 2012
Review Resident Evil 6 (PlayStation 3)
Go West
Most people would agree that Resident Evil: Code Veronica was the last truly scary title in Capcom’s survival-horror series. Ever since the closing credits rolled on that Dreamcast classic way back in 2000, the popular view is that the franchise has been gradually getting more Westernised, and slowly shedding the foundations of the genre...
Review Derrick the Deathfin (PlayStation 3)
Not-so-great white
It’s always unfortunate when a game shows a massive amount of promise and ultimately falls short, but in the case of Derrick the Deathfin it’s almost criminal. The game is stunningly beautiful and the amount of care that Different Tuna’s invested into development is evident from the start, but unfortunately the rest of the...
News Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified Developer Changes Name, Focuses on Mobile
Dramatic turn of events
You’ve officially tarnished Nihilistic Software’s name to the point where the studio has had to completely rebrand. The Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified developer announced this morning that it is renaming itself to nStigate. The stud
News Ubisoft Extricates Assassin's Creed III: Liberation Trailer
Fight for your right
Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation’s protagonist Aveline may just be the most interesting main character in the stealth series so far. Not only does her gender introduce some interesting narrative and gameplay ideas, but we love the way that developer Ubisoft Sofia hasn’t overplayed her sexuality. She is a strong and...
News Redesigned PlayStation Store Launch Temporarily Postponed
Utter disaster
Yesterday’s European PlayStation Store re-launch did not go according plan. Following a catastrophic roll-out marred by slow loading and bugs, the platform holder has decided to delay the release of the new digital storefront in some territories for the time being. “The phased launch of the new PlayStation Store has been...
News Give PlayStation Themed Gift Cards This Christmas
Santa's sack-boy
Christmas cards can be pretty bland. You either get chilly winter themes, or those corny designs with jokes that were funny about five decades ago. Thankfully, the fine folks over at GamerPrint.co.uk have come up with a way of fusing video game references into their line of festive greetings cards. The A6 designs pay homage to...
News Mysterious PlayStation Video Teases 'The Reload'
What does it all mean?
Sony has uploaded a mysterious video to its YouTube channel teasing something called The Reload. The video looks frightfully familiar to the Michael commercial that debuted last year – it even features the same actress – so we’re going to assume that this is another advertisement of some kind. According to the conclusion...
News Starhawk Developer Shrinks, Switches to iOS Development
Times are changing
We didn’t expect Starhawk developer LightBox Interactive to stay exclusive to Sony following the release of its most recent online multiplayer shooter, but we’re a little bit disappointed by the company’s decision to step away from console development altogether. Alas, company president Dylan Jobe confirmed overnight that...
News BioShock Infinite's Ultimate Songbird Edition Demands Your Attention
Humdinger
There’s nothing particularly original about this enormous BioShock Infinite collector’s edition, but it still somehow manages to look incredible. The premium bundle – entitled the Ultimate Songbird Edition – includes an amazing statue designed by Irrational Games’ concept artist Robb Waters, who previously brought characters such...
News Borderlands 2's Campaign of Carnage DLC Accidentally Outed
Trophies are the trouble
The next set of Borderlands 2 DLC has been leaked – and Trophies are the culprit yet again. Eagle-eyed players spotted the addition of a new expansion pack named ‘Mr. Torgue’s Campaign of Carnage’ added to the title's trinket roster, which corroborates rumours that first appeared earlier in the year. Torgue is, of...
News Aftermath Expansion Shakes Up Battlefield 3 Next Month
Pulling the ground from beneath your feet
Battlefield 3’s post-earthquake expansion pack Aftermath will launch on 27th November for PlayStation 3 Premium members. Vanilla players will have to wait until 11th December to get their hands-on the add-on. The anticipated DLC pack features four new maps set on the ravaged city streets of urban Tehran...
Wednesday17th Oct 2012
Review Retro City Rampage (PlayStation 3)
Copy right
In a generation where just about every game has some kind of serious story with complex characters, Retro City Rampage does a complete 180 and focuses on plain and simple goofy fun. The 8-bit styled game resembles the original Grand Theft Auto at first, but if you dig a little deeper, you’ll also find it pays homage to a handful of...
Review Joe Danger 2: The Movie (PlayStation 3)
Movie magic
Joe Danger is back, performing more death defying stunts with style and panache. This time, however, Joe has hit the big-time and has become a Hollywood stuntman. And with his new job comes new responsibilities; he's not just driving quad bikes and motorcycles anymore, instead he must master mine carts, snowmobiles, skis and even jet...
News Hitman HD Collection Trophies Sneak Online
Evidence mounts
For a franchise that’s all about stealth and concealment, developer IO Interactive is doing a shockingly poor job of keeping the Hitman HD Collection a secret. The PlayStation 3 compilation – which is all but confirmed at this stage – has been keeping the rumour mill warm for months, despite the uncharacteristic silence of...
News Analysts: PlayStation 3 Price-Cut Unlikely to Occur This Year
Stating the obvious
Many of us expected a price-cut when Sony announced the PlayStation 3 Super Slim at the Tokyo Game Show earlier this year – but that didn’t happen. In fact, the platform holder actually raised the price of its premium console in a number of regions. Analysts believe that’s where the system??
News Redesigned PlayStation Store Opens Its Doors in Europe
Queues cause chaos
This is all rather exciting, isn’t it? Depending on where in Europe you reside, you might already have access to the new PlayStation Store. We’ve been checking from our UK account all morning, but we still see the classic blue storefront. Apparently, Sony is in the process of rolling out the redesign across the continent as we...
News Uproar Brings Gang Warfare to PlayStation Home
Choose wisely
PlayStation Home just keeps getting better. Hot on the heels of Hellfire’s impressive business management simulation Home Tycoon, developer Lockwood has released Uproar – a fully-featured free-to-play third-person shooter with a gang theme. Upon loading the game for the first time, you’ll need to choose between two opposing...
News Cryptic SEGA Trailer Teases Incoming Announcement
Detective time
Where’s ex-editor James Newton when you need him? SEGA's released a brand new teaser trailer that’s had everyone in the Push Square office stumped. The cryptic short – entitled 2 x 5 – features lots of screaming and the sound of Sonic losing rings. If you listen carefully, you’ll also spot the “Get Ready” voice sample...
Store Update 17th October 2012 (Europe)
New look
This is the first European PlayStation Store update in a brand new home – and, well, at the time of writing things aren’t working too well. But let’s not let that get us down. Assuming you can overcome the slow loading and bugs of Sony’s brand new digital storefront, there’s a handful of tasty nuggets worthy of your attention. New...
Store Update 16th October 2012 (North America)
Digital domination
North America might not have a new PlayStation Store to dive into just yet, but it’s still got a whole heap of content to purchase. In truth, this week’s refresh isn’t quite as loaded as previous updates – but we suspect your wallet will appreciate the break. Highlights include 007 Legends, DOOM 3 BFG Edition and, er,...
News Upgrade Your Arsenal with Mass Effect 3's Latest DLC Pack
Be prepared
You’ll be able to reward Commander Shepard’s galactic antics with a new set of artillery this week. Mass Effect 3’s Groundside Weapons pack – available for $1.99 in North America – will augment humanity’s last hope with a slew of new firearms, including a Kishock Harpoon Gun and Acolyte Pistol. You’re going to need all the...
News Frobisher Says! Squashes the Toffs in North America Next Week
Deliver that pudding
Frobisher Says!, the PlayStation Vita’s weird and wonderful answer to WarioWare, will finally arrive in North America next week. From 23rd October you’ll be able to download the free application, and sample the title's 50 delightfully madcap mini-games. Highlights include washing an extraordinarily long sausage dog and...
News Take a Guided Tour of the New PlayStation Store
Better than actually using it
While the PlayStation Store redesign limps out across Europe, the North American PlayStation Blog has released an inside look at the new storefront. The video shows off all of the application’s new features, including intelligent search and content filtering. It all works a lot better in this trailer than it does...
Tuesday16th Oct 2012
Review Sonic Adventure 2 (PlayStation 3)
Shadow runner
Ever since the release of Crazy Taxi on the PlayStation Network, people have been asking SEGA to port the extremely popular Sonic Adventure 2 to PS3. Originally released in 2001, the game was not only one of the showcase titles for the Dreamcast hardware, but also an extremely innovative experience. Later the title would be ported to...
News PayPal Becomes a Payment Option for PSN in Europe
Add funds
If last year’s PlayStation Network hack has left you hesitant to share your credit card information with Sony, then you might be excited to learn that the platform holder has added a PayPal payment option to its website in Europe. The feature – which is currently available in the UK alongside a slew of other European countries –...
Feature Why PixelJunk Studio Q-Games Is Creating Trip-Hop During Its Lunch Break
Massive attack
For all the satisfaction that comes alongside creating video games, there are times when it can be a gruelling occupation. Thankfully, the Kyoto-based studio behind the PixelJunk series has happened upon an innovative means of maintaining morale throughout the day. For the past six months, Q-Games has been using its lunch breaks to...
News Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Trailer Deploys Delicious Future Tech
Back in black
We don’t care what anyone says: this Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 trailer is absolutely fantastic. The short video wastes no time showing off the title’s futuristic technology, with wing suits, remote-controlled spider drones, and plenty more on display. Come on, don’t fight it – you know you’re excited deep down. The game's due...
News Deadly Premonition: Director's Cut Spooks PS3 in 2013
Better late than never
We’re not sure whether this is good news or bad news, but Deadly Premonition: The Director’s Cut is officially coming to the PlayStation 3 next year. The polarizing survival horror title – which launched on the Xbox 360 in 2010 – will ship with a host of additional features, including HD graphics (?), an updated...
News Jet Set Radio Vita Runs Out of Spray Paint
Dreamcast classic delayed
You’ll have to wait a little longer before you can hum the bass line on the train, because SEGA has confirmed that it has pushed back the PlayStation Vita version of graffiti simulator Jet Set Radio. In a statement released to Push Square, the company revealed that the delay was due to “necessary development...
News Activision Equips 007 Legends with Exclusive PS3 Content
Shaken, not stirred
Activision’s movie mash-up 007 Legends will boast a couple of exclusive multiplayer characters on PlayStation 3, the publisher has announced. Those of you that purchase the first-person shooter on Sony’s system will be able to play as Skyfall characters Eve (played by the actress Naomie Harris in the movie) and Patrice (Ola...
News Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Trailer to Infiltrate England Qualifier
Soccer and shooters
Amidst the tension of England’s crunch World Cup qualifier against Poland this evening, Activision will debut a brand new Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 trailer. The video – which will be shown at half-time on ITV1 in the UK – promises a “world premiere” of something new. The publisher noted on Twitter: “Just had a sneaky...
News PS Move Support Confirmed for Deadly Premonition
Wand waver
Back when Deadly Premonition: The Director’s Cut was very first revealed, director Hidetaka “Swery” Suehiro promised that the PlayStation 3 re-release would feature full PlayStation Move support. However, today’s official announcement failed to mention the motion peripheral, leading us to suspect that the feature had been...
News Pressure Blends Steampunk with Car Combat Next Month
Under pressure
Pressure fuses a slew of different ideas together. The Chasing Carrots developed PSN title mixes steampunk with isometric racing and car combat. It actually looks pretty fun, too. In the game, you’ll control a steam-powered buggy, and attempt to chase down the evil Earl of Wellness, who has drained the local lake in order to...
News More BioShock Infinite Developers Depart on Sky-Lines
Job done?
That brand new BioShock Infinite trailer can’t come soon enough. Following rumours of a troubled development, a further two Irrational Games employees have departed the company. Both combat designer Clint Bundrick and AI lead Don Norbury have parted ways with the project, according to
News Arkedo Series Lights Up North American PSN Later Today
Taste the rainbow
If you’re a fan of the super stylish Hell Yeah! Wrath of the Dead Rabbit, then you might be eager to learn a little more about what developer Arkedo got up to before it hit the big time. The Arkedo Series – set for release later today on the North American PlayStation Store – should answer all of your queries. Jump,
Monday15th Oct 2012
Review The Unfinished Swan (PlayStation 3)
Paint by slumber
The Unfinished Swan starts with a blank canvas and a single stirring idea. Blinded by grief following the untimely passing of his mother, protagonist Monroe finds himself locked in a fantasy world littered with problems that mirror his own. Feeling purposeless without the guidance of his guardian, the orphan is forced to deduce his...
News Black Ops Declassified Has Been Built Specifically for Vita
Quick bursts
Nihilistic Software’s handheld shooter Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified has been built specifically for the PlayStation Vita, according to company CEO Robert Huebner. Speaking as part of an interview on Activision’s semi-official One of Swords blog, the executive explained that it was never the company’s intention to bring a...
News Cross-Controller Compatibility Coming to Street Fighter X Tekken
Touchy feely
Those of you that purchase the upcoming PlayStation Vita version of Street Fighter X Tekken will be able to use the handheld console as a controller for the PS3 game. The enhanced compatibility will allow you to use the portable’s touch-screen as an added input for the console release. Furthermore, fans of the fighter will be...
News Payday: The Heist Is This Week's North American PS Plus Swag
A real steal
North American PlayStation Plus subscribers will be able to pinch a copy of robbery simulator Payday: The Heist starting tomorrow, platform holder Sony has announced. The excellent co-operative shooter will be available at no extra cost for subscribers, alongside early access to the
News PlayStation All-Stars Beta Begins This Week for Plus Subscribers
Join the fight
Mascot mash-up madness will come early to PlayStation Plus subscribers this week, when the PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale public beta launches on 16th October in North America and 17th October in Europe. Vanilla account holders will be invited to join the crossover chaos on 23rd October in North America and 24th October in...
News This PlayStation Move Controller Turns Hot and Cold
In the game
It looks like Sony’s taken inspiration from Katy Perry for its latest controller patent. The platform holder’s most recent off-the-wall idea proposes a PlayStation Move-esque motion controller that could turn hot or cold depending on gameplay feedback. According to Kotaku, Sony’s got a slew of applications in mind for the
News UK Sales Charts: FIFA 13 Holds, Dishonored Sneaks into Second
Parking the bus
It’s going to take one hell of a release to displace FIFA 13 from the top of the UK sales charts. Fresh from defending the summit from Resident Evil 6 last week, the soccer simulation has now successfully fought off Bethesda’s critically acclaimed fantasy adventure Dishonored too. Despite being the most successful new IP of the...
News Ninja Theory's Devil May Cry Is Definitely Getting a Demo
Try before you buy
If you’re still on the fence over Dante’s new look in upcoming PlayStation 3 hack-and-slash reboot DmC: Devil May Cry, then you might be pleased to learn that the title’s getting a demo prior to its 15th January release date. Developer Ninja Theory confirmed the news at a New York Comic-Con panel over the weekend. The...
News Call of Duty Elite Bins Paywall, Introduces Season Pass Instead
Up and down
Activision has decided to remove the paywall from stat-tracking service Call of Duty Elite, making the supplementary service a free option for all Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 players. The catch is that you’ll now need to shell out for a Season Pass if you want access to all of the shooter’s DLC at a discounted price. The subscription...
News Nightmarish DLC Haunts Sleeping Dogs' Dreams from 30th October
Undead nightmare
Sleeping Dogs is set to get a rude awakening this Hallowe’en, when the game’s first story-driven DLC ‘Nightmare in Northpoint’ spooks the PlayStation Store. Similar to Red Dead Redemption’s extremely popular ‘Undead Nightmare’, the horror-themed add-on aims to “explore other aspects of Hong Kong cinema”...
