News - 2012, Week 43
Sunday28th Oct 2012
News Grand Theft Auto V Posters Reveal Spring 2013 Release
Not long
Grand Theft Auto V will launch in ‘Spring 2013’, according to a photograph of some leaked promotional posters. The displays – presumably intended for retail – show some new artwork, alongside the pest control image that was released last week. Game Informer magazine is set to run
News Twisted Metal Explodes onto the PlayStation Store Next Week
Sweet tooth
Those of you gunning for some destruction this Hallowe'en may be excited to learn that Twisted Metal is coming to the PlayStation Store as a digital release. The top-notch reboot will launch on 30th October in North America for $39.99. If you’re still not sure whether heavy metal and exploding cars are quite your thing, check out our...
Saturday27th Oct 2012
News Purchasing Assassin's Creed III and Liberation Unlocks Bonus Content
More for your money
You were probably going to purchase both Assassin’s Creed III and Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation anyway – but Ubisoft has announced an added incentive to affirm your decision. If you link up both games, you’ll be able to play a converging mission as Connor on the PlayStation Vita. Furthermore, you’ll unlock the...
News Criterion: Need for Speed: Most Wanted for Vita Was Something That We Wanted to Do Internally
Stepping up
UK developer Criterion Games has revealed that it “wanted” to build the PlayStation Vita version of Need for Speed: Most Wanted. The handheld release – which is practically identical to its console counterpart – was developed in-house at the Guildford outfit, rather than being cast off to an external studio. “[Building Need...
Preview God of War: Ascension Is Familiar but Fantastic
Monster mash
Playing God of War: Ascension is a lot like riding a bike after a brief hiatus: for a few fleeting moments the gameplay feels foreign, but then everything clicks into place. Sony Santa Monica’s fourth outing in Greek mythology bashes you over the head with the many combos you’ve spent years perfecting, and then it invites you to...
News Follow the Way of the Mercenary with DUST 514
Complex combat
Free-to-play might mean “social games” to some developers – but not CCP Games. The upcoming DUST 514 is easily one of the most complex releases in the pipeline for PlayStation 3, and it won’t cost you a penny to play. This brand new trailer talks you through the process of getting set-up and prepared for battle. The level of...
Friday26th Oct 2012
News PlayStation 3 Owners Revolt Over Firmware Update 4.30
Predict a riot
As is so often the case online, people aren’t happy. The PlayStation 3’s latest firmware update arrived earlier this week with a couple of admittedly eyebrow-raising additions. Alongside the ability to check Vita Trophies on the console, the update also implemented SingStar into the XMB, and moved some of the key components of the...
News Crysis 2 Is Europe's Next Free PlayStation Plus Giveaway
Armed and ready
European PlayStation Plus subscribers anticipating more free games will be pleased to learn that the beautiful Crysis 2 has been confirmed as the next addition to the service's Instant Game Collection. The extraordinarily pretty sandbox shooter will be offered at no extra cost to subscribers from 7th November. The game sees you take...
Preview Sitting Behind the Wheel of GRID 2
Test drive
Ask any racing fan what their favourite gaming experience has been over the past five years, and there’s a good chance that Codemasters’ Race Driver: GRID will rank at the sharp end of their list. Since its release in 2008, GRID has developed something of a cult following, thanks in part to its strong racing heart and fine damage...
News The Original Syphon Filter Was Heavily Inspired by GoldenEye
Stealth stalwarts
If you play Syphon Filter today, you may wonder what all the fuss was about. But back in 1999 – when the PSone title first released – it was ground-breaking. Not only did the first-party title depict a more contemporary plot (featuring spies, shady terrorist networks, and programmable viruses), but it also took a more realistic...
News Uncharted: Golden Abyss Wins Best Handheld Game Gong
True treasure
Uncharted: Golden Abyss was the best handheld game of 2012, according to the Golden Joystick Awards. The swish event – which took place in London this afternoon – honoured Sony Bend’s excellent PlayStation Vita adventure ahead of Super Mario 3D Land and Kid Icarus: Uprising. We reckon the Nintendo Life guys might
Rumour Amazon Outs PlayStation All-Stars Steelbook
Commemorative piece
UK retailer GAME may have a selection of unique PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale covers available for pre-order, but Amazon’s steelbook looks even more enticing. The custom packaging – which has not been officially confirmed by Sony – shows a slick silver cover with the faces of 11 of the title
News Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault Reveals All from 27th November
Hanging out
PlayStation’s most popular Lombax will lay himself bare this winter, when Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault arrives in North America on 27th November. The fun size adventure will be available from both retail outlets and the PlayStation Store for $19.99. It’ll support full cross-buy compatibility, meaning you’ll only need...
News Need for Speed: Most Wanted Launch Trailer Starts Its Engine
Ear plugs
Ignore the atrocious audio and this Need for Speed: Most Wanted launch trailer is half decent. It shows a slew of high performance sports cars drifting around city streets, and generally causing mischief for the local constabulary. The game’s due out next week on PlayStation 3 and Vita. Yeah, it’s that time of the year, isn’t it?
News PlayStation Plus Contributing to Increased PSN Sales
Stellar strategy
Not every PlayStation platform is selling brilliantly at the moment, but PSN sales are through the roof. SCEA executive John Koller believes that some of that success can be attributed to the presence of the PlayStation Plus subscription program. “Since E3, we’ve seen a significant rise in PlayStation Plus adoption and we’ll...
News Submit Your Most Cherished Memories to Remember Me
Past and present
If you want the world to know about that time you won your city’s local hot dog eating contest, Capcom is giving you the unique opportunity to share your achievement. It’s launched a competition for upcoming PlayStation 3 adventure Remember Me that will see your most cherished memories incorporated into the game. All you need to...
Thursday25th Oct 2012
News PlayStation Vita Sales Struggling in Europe, PS3 Well on Top
Good news and bad news
Nintendo tends to be the best source for PlayStation sales information in Europe – and its latest financial report has delivered once again. But while there is good news for Sony’s flagship platform in the region, it’s off-set by some disappointing numbers for the PlayStation Vita. According to figures released as part...
News Check Out Metal Gear Rising's Slick Special Edition
Style guide
You’ll be able to purchase Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance in a variety of guises in Japan next year. Konami has announced that the title – which will launch as a PS3 exclusive in the region – will be available in vanilla, Premium Package, and Premium Package Konami Style editions overseas. The Premium Package will set you back...
News PlayStation All-Stars Has an Attainable Platinum Trophy
Bling, bling
You should be able to earn a Platinum Trophy in SuperBot Entertainment’s upcoming mascot mash-up, PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale. The full roster of digital trinkets have emerged on Exophase, and aside from a couple of toughies, they look perfectly achievable. For starters, you’ll earn a Bronze Trophy for beating the Arcade...
News Hell Yeah! Wrath of the Dead Rabbit DLC Gets Nostalgic
Welcome to the Fantasy Zone
What’s better than a shamed dead rabbit hell-bent on revenge? A bunch of forgotten SEGA protagonists hell-bent on revenge, of course. Developer Arkedo has released a couple of new DLC packs for Hell Yeah! Wrath of the Dead Rabbit this week, which implement a slew of classic character skins. Amongst the famous faces are...
News New Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Trailer Is the Ultimate Tease
Blink and you'll miss it
We’ve tolerated teaser trailers for a while now – but this Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 video really takes the biscuit. It’s five seconds long, for goodness' sake. Don’t look at us like that – it’s a slow news day, ok? The game's due out next month. You'll need to pre-order at a participating retailer in order to...
News Tales of Hearts R Being Recited on PlayStation Vita
Once upon a time
Those of you that have been begging for more RPGs on the PlayStation Vita will be excited to learn that Namco Bandai has announced Tales of Hearts R for the handheld. The remake of the former Nintendo DS exclusive will include fresh story events, full voice acting, and a new character named Calcedony Arkham. It’ll also be...
News Unsurprisingly, Assassin's Creed III Is the Most Pre-Ordered Title in Ubisoft's History
Trend setter
Here’s a shocker: Assassin’s Creed III is the most pre-ordered title in Ubisoft’s history. The enormous PlayStation 3 adventure has already more than doubled the pre-order tally achieved by last year's Assassin’s Creed: Revelations – Ubisoft’s previous record holder. "Pre-orders for Assassin’s Creed III at GameStop are...
News These Exhibits from iam8bit's PS All-Stars Event Are Fantastic
Fan service
As you probably read earlier this week, swanky video game production company iam8bit hosted a special PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale event in Los Angeles overnight. Alongside getting their hands-on the final version of the mascot mash-up, attendees also got to peruse a Royal Armoury of weapon replicas. On loan from the game's...
News Test Your Might Against Dishonored's Dunwall City Trials
Shadow man
Reckon you’ve got the best of Dunwall’s royal guard? You’ll be able to put your confidence to the test this December with Dishonored’s first expansion pack, Dunwall City Trials. The add-on includes “10 Challenge Maps” that will examine your skill against waves of enemies, time-trials, and a “gravity-defying run of drop...
News Journey Awarded Top Gong at GameCity 2012
Deserving winner
Thatgamecompany’s exceptional PlayStation Network exclusive Journey took home the second GameCity Prize last night, when it was selected from a shortlist that included Catherine and Mass Effect 3. "I really like the goal of GameCity, to get people to notice games and talk about games, particularly for people who don't encounter...
Wednesday24th Oct 2012
Review Super Monkey Ball: Banana Splitz (PlayStation Vita)
Tasty treat
Super Monkey Ball: Banana Splitz almost represents a return to form for this troubled series. Returning to the original's simplicity, it recaptures a lot of the charm and magic from when the series first rolled into our hearts over 11 years ago. Indeed, its sickeningly cutesy aesthetic is as delightful now as it's ever been. But this is...
News Demon's Gaze Is PlayStation Vita's Next Big Dungeon Crawler
Hot off the press
Famitsu magazine is always a bubbling hot-pot of new video game announcements, and this week’s edition is no different. The Japanese gaming bible has raised the curtain on a new PlayStation Vita dungeon crawler named Demon's Gaze. The title is in development at Experience Inc, who is best known for making PSP adventure Students...
News Orgarhythm Boogies onto the PlayStation Vita
Shake it, shake it
Patapon fans disappointed by the lack of tactical rhythm action on the PlayStation Vita may find themselves drawn to Orgarhythm, an incredibly difficult to spell real-time strategy title from Acquire. The game – available now from the North American PlayStation Store – encourages you to tap, slide and drag your finger to the...
News 300's King Leonidas Charges into God of War: Ascension
Prepare for glory
If you pre-order the upcoming God of War: Ascension from US mega retailer GameStop, you’ll be given the unique opportunity to play as 300’s King Leonidas. The burly warrior will be selectable in multiplayer, and will come complete with iconic red cape, helmet, and armour. You’ll also get to use the character’s trademark...
Store Update 24th October 2012 (Europe)
The finished swan
There’s plenty in this week’s European PlayStation Store update to keep your bandwidth busy. Just like overseas, there’s an impressive selection of PlayStation Vita content, including Super Monkey Ball: Banana Splitz and Street Fighter X Tekken. The PS3 side’s not too shabby either, with both Killzone HD
News New Grand Theft Auto V Artwork Should Exterminate Your Impatience
Rent-a-robber
Grand Theft Auto V is getting a full blow-out next month, promises publisher Rockstar Games. Until then, you’re going to have to make do with this brand new artwork. It shows a couple of robbers disguised in pest control gear. We reckon those massive assault rifles might blow their cover, though. The hotly anticipated open-world...
Store Update 23rd October 2012 (North America)
Vitality
Who said there were no PlayStation Vita games? This week’s North American PlayStation Store update introduces five new titles alone. Amongst the fresh arrivals are Super Monkey Ball: Banana Splitz and Street Fighter X Tekken. PlayStation 3 players have no shortage of new titles to look forward to either. This week sees the release of The...
News Free Resident Evil 6 Update Shuffles onto PS3 This December
Back from the brink
The free Resident Evil 6 update that was the cause of much controversy earlier this month will crawl onto the PlayStation 3 in mid-December, publisher Capcom has announced. The complimentary download will include the crushing ‘No Hope’ difficulty level, in addition to co-op for Ada Wong’s campaign. Capcom is taking the...
News Killzone HD Conquers the European PlayStation Store Today
Sons and daughters of Helghan
We know this is old news to those of you overseas, but the original ‘Halo killer’ is set to release on the European PlayStation Store later today. Killzone HD re-masters the original PlayStation 2 title in glorious high-definition – and it’s arriving just in time to rain on Halo 4’s Doritos-powered parade...
News Naughty Dog Issues Uncharted 3 Multiplayer Update
Restored treasure
Naughty Dog has rolled out a brand new multiplayer update for Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception which makes some widespread changes to the title’s recently introduced tournament system. For starters, there are a slew of new rewards to unlock in the competitive mode, including a Fireball M9 and Biker Jacket. The developer has also...
News THQ Fashions 30th October Launch for Darksiders 2 DLC
Hellish hearth
Death will reign once again this Hallowe’en, when THQ deploys Darksiders 2’s second big chunk of DLC. The cryptically titled Abyssal Forge will be available on PlayStation 3 from 30th October in North America. Those of you living overseas will have an extra day to prepare for the apocalyptic arrival, when the content appears on...
Tuesday23rd Oct 2012
Review Dead or Alive 5 (PlayStation 3)
Looks can be deceiving
Dead or Alive 5 is nothing if not utter nonsense. Tecmo Koei has had seven years to stuff its flashy fighting series full of gibberish, and it’s delivered. Unfortunately, it’s forgotten to fully advance the combat systems at the heart of the experience along the way – and the sequel feels like a half-step as a result...
News SingStar Is Being Integrated into the XMB for Free
System level
The next PlayStation 3 firmware update will not only allow you to view your PlayStation Vita Trophies on the console, but it will also integrate SingStar at a system level. Sony’s immensely popular karaoke franchise will be integrated into the XMB, allowing you to boot up the title without ever needing a disc. Furthermore, the...
News Medal of Honor: Warfighter's Day One Patch Is Essential
Good grief
Day one patches are typically reserved for minor fixes, but Medal of Honor: Warfighter takes things to a whole new level. The game's last minute software update – available today alongside its North American release – fixes a slew of single-player and multiplayer bugs, including teensy issues such as “unresponsive controls”. The...
News PlayStation All-Stars Come to Life in New Short Film
They're only as good as you are
Sony’s marketing department often gets criticised for not going far enough to promote PlayStation’s impressive stable of software – but you can’t really fault this initiative. In order to advertise SuperBot Entertainment’s upcoming mascot mash-up PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale, the company has created a...
News Family Guy Returns to the Multiverse on 20th November
Our sides are splitting already
Sometimes a video game comes along that escapes our expertise. Family Guy: Back to the Multiverse is one such title. It’s not that we don’t understand the mechanics behind the Activision published third-person adventure. No, the big problem is that we’d rather swim through a landfill in our underwear than watch...
News PlayStation Network Hacking Lawsuit Tossed Out
Justice at last
Last year’s PlayStation Network hack proved a torrid time for Sony’s platform – but it was worsened by the knee-jerk reactions from some corners of the press. Cast your minds back to the hazy days of April 2011, and you’ll recall headlines regarding credit card fraud, identity theft, and more. In reality, while there was no...
News Ally with Zeus in This New God of War: Ascension Trailer
By the Gods
Before you begin playing God of War: Ascension’s multiplayer beta, you’ll be forced to face some fairly challenging decisions, like which Olympian you’ll align yourself with amidst the brutality of battle. Yeah, that choice is tougher than today's Countdown Conundrum, isn't it? To ease your decision, this brand new trailer details...
News PS3 Exclusive Assassin's Creed III Missions Expose Benedict Arnold
Turncoat
If you purchase Assassin’s Creed III on the PlayStation 3 next week, you’ll be invited to foil the plot of legendary traitor Benedict Arnold. The four-mission story-arc involving one of the most treacherous double agents in history will be exclusive to Sony’s platform – and will be included for free with vanilla versions of the...
News God of War: Ascension Beta Causes Chaos This Winter
Best served cold
PlayStation Plus subscribers will be invited to follow in the foot-steps of their favourite Greek warriors this winter, when the God of War: Ascension beta finally arrives on the PlayStation Store. The multiplayer test will allow you to sample the competitive side of Sony Santa Monica’s sequel without needing to sacrifice a...
News Wish Studios Dreaming Up New IP Prototype for PlayStation
Upon a star
Brighton-based independent developer Wish Studios has announced that it’s working on a prototype for a brand new PlayStation IP. The outfit – which is led by former DC-UK and Mr. Dreamcast editor Caspar Field – is keeping the details of the project under wraps, but reckons it has “enormous potential”. SCEE’s Mick Hocking...
News Sports Champions 2 Is Serious Business According to This Ad
Have you got what it takes?
The Olympics may be over – but there’s an even more exciting sporting event about to take place in your living room. Sony has released the European television spot for Sports Champions 2, and it takes things pretty seriously. We’re not a big fan of obviously silly advertisements like this, but at least it raises a...
News Assassin's Creed III Launch Trailer Rises Ahead of Release
Viva la revolution
Doesn’t time fly when you’re having fun? It only seems like yesterday that Assassin’s Creed III was very first announced, and now it’s on the cusp of release. This brand new launch trailer won’t really tell you much about the game – but it will certainly get you in the mood for next week’s hotly anticipated launch.
Monday22nd Oct 2012
Review WRC 3: FIA World Rally Championship (PlayStation 3)
Third time lucky?
WRC 3: FIA World Rally Championship is certainly an improvement over last year's title. The presentation has been greatly enhanced, with the menus and audio more reminiscent of its contemporaries. Meanwhile, the in-game visuals show far more fidelity with improved detail and lighting. However, there're still some glaring issues...
Review 007 Legends (PlayStation 3)
The Spy Who Bored Me
With the new James Bond film Skyfall out next month, you might expect this year's 007 game to be all about the present — instead, Eurocom digs into the franchise's rich legacy, updating some of Bond's more memorable moments for the modern era. With the successful reimagining of GoldenEye, Eurocom proved that they know their...
News Upcoming PS3 Firmware Update Will Finally Let You Browse Your Vita Trophies
Pet peeve
For the most part, the PlayStation 3 and Vita experience is beautifully intertwined – but Trophies have remained an issue since launch. While you can view your PS3 trinkets on the handheld console, it’s impossible to do the reverse. Thankfully, that’s set to change later this week. Sony’s announced that a new PS3 firmware update...
News BioShock Infinite Pre-Orders Secure Industrial Revolution Puzzle Game
Cross promotion
If you pre-order BioShock Infinite at a participating retailer, you’ll receive two games for your trouble. Alongside the main PlayStation 3 release, you’ll also scoop an invite to try out a standalone PC puzzle title called BioShock Infinite: Industrial Revolution. The browser-based game – developed by indie outfit Lazy 8...
News Corpse Party: Book of Shadows Spooks PSP This Winter
Cuddle up
The sequel to Team GrisGris’ outstanding PlayStation Portable exclusive Corpse Party is coming to the PlayStation Network this winter. Corpse Party: Book of Shadows features a collection of eight self-contained scenarios set in the shadowy Corpse Party universe. “[The sequel is] divided into eight chapters, each of which tells its own...
News The Walking Dead's Collector's Edition Is Surprisingly Large
Puddle of blood
If you haven’t played Telltale’s outrageously popular The Walking Dead series yet, then you might be tempted to nab the title at retail. If you do decide to pick it up, you’ll be able to do so in standard or collector’s edition flavours. The former will include the full season on disc for $29.99, while the latter will bundle...
News Assassin's Creed III Will Conclude Desmond's Story
Pieces of Eden
Following on from last week’s Assassin’s Creed III recap trailer, publisher Ubisoft has revealed that the hotly anticipated sequel will “wrap up” modern day protagonist Desmond Miles’ tale. Chatting with – whisper it – Official Xbox Magazine, lead designer Steve Masters revealed: “What we’re trying
Interview Crash Lab's Steve Ellis On Developing For PlayStation Mobile
Former Rare staffer talks about working with Sony on bite-sized games
Sony recently launched its PlayStation Mobile service along with a selection of games that includes Twist Pilot from UK studio Crash Lab, which was founded by former employees of Rare. We spoke to Crash Lab's Managing and Technical Director Steve Ellis about developing for the...
News Sony Releases Third Mysterious PlayStation Teaser Trailer
Crossover chaos
It’s a brand new day, so that means it’s time for a fresh PlayStation teaser. Following on from last week’s The Reload and The Arrival videos, Sony has quietly uploaded a third trailer to its YouTube channel entitled The Aftermath. Once again, the video is rich with subtle PlayStation references, including Sly Cooper’s cane...
News Insomniac Games' Ted Price Talks Fuse for 18 Minutes
Turning the tide
Insomniac Games is not used to being met with cynicism when it announces a new project, but that’s exactly what it faced when it re-revealed Fuse earlier this year. Boasting a more generic art-style than its conceptual predecessor Overstrike, the game was not well received. Fortunately, the former Sony exclusive developer is...
News UK Sales Charts: FIFA 13 Blocks Skylanders' Charge
Holding on
FIFA 13 managed to keep its competitors out of the net for a fourth time this week, once again finishing first in the UK sales charts. Competition was fierce from Activision’s Skylanders: Giants, but the multiplatform phenomenon wasn’t strong enough to topple EA Sports’ soccer sim from the top of the list. We think that accolade’s...
News iam8bit Hosting Stylish PS All-Stars Jamboree This Week
Fire starter
Trendy video game production company iam8bit is hosting a one-night only PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale event in Los Angeles this week. Those that attend the show will be able to get their hands on the final version of SuperBot Entertainment’s mascot mash-up, as well as secure limited edition t-shirts and posters. In addition,...
Most Read
News PlayStation Vita Sales Struggling in Europe, PS3 Well on Top
News Purchasing Assassin's Creed III and Liberation Unlocks Bonus Content
News Criterion: Need for Speed: Most Wanted for Vita Was Something That We Wa...
News Demon's Gaze Is PlayStation Vita's Next Big Dungeon Crawler
