News Here's How to Claim a Free 30-Day PlayStation Plus Trial
You know you want it
News - 2012, Week 47
Saturday24th Nov 2012
News Sony Swatting PlayStation Vita Bugs with Firmware Update
Buzz off
Remember when Sony said that firmware updates would be less intrusive on the PlayStation Vita? Yeah, we didn’t believe them either. The platform holder is currently preparing a patch for the system’s most recent software refresh, which will fix issues pertaining to the automatic save upload function. While the update is due out soon,...
News PlayStation Vita Games Get Discounted on PSN Next Week
Glad tidings
Black Friday may be little more than a ruinous memory at this point, but that’s not stopping a fresh batch of discounts from flooding the North American PlayStation Store. Announced on the latest episode of the PlayStation Blogcast, Sony has revealed that a total of ten games will see their prices slashed as part of next week’s...
News Sony Promotes Western Titles at Japanese Gaming Event
Around the world in 20 games
When it comes to gaming tastes, Japan can be quite introverted. While it laps up franchises such as Dragon Quest and Monster Hunter, it tends to let the most popular Western brands languish on store shelves. That’s something that Sony’s aiming to change with its annual ‘World Game Project’, a consumer event which...
Friday23rd Nov 2012
Interview Trading Punches with PlayStation All-Stars' Seth Killian
Fighting talk
Since switching Capcom for Sony Santa Monica, lead game designer Seth Killian has been spending a lot of time with first-party upstart SuperBot Entertainment, where he’s been helping apply the finishing touches to PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale. We were lucky enough to catch up with the fighting game aficionado, where we grilled...
Review Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 (PlayStation 3)
Future warfare
Following the incredible performance of Call of Duty: Black Ops was always going to be a challenge. One of the most popular games in the series, it pulled the story to interesting new places and built upon the ever-great multiplayer; arguably, Treyarch out-did Infinity Ward at its own game. Direct sequel Call of Duty: Black Ops 2...
News Kat Has Some Unique Traversal Abilities in PlayStation All-Stars
But she's broken at the moment
Gravity Rush’s popular heroine Kat will boast some unique traversal techniques when she’s added to the roster of PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale as post-release DLC. Chatting with Push Square at a recent launch event in London, former Capcom employee Seth Killian told us that the loveable protagonist will be...
News Hatsune Miku Looks Really Scary in Yakuza 5
Kill it with fire
Don’t think that Kazuma Kiryu and crew are too tough for Hatsune Miku. SEGA’s announced that the fluorescent vocaloid pop star will make a number of cameos in the upcoming Yakuza 5. For starters, you'll discover snow sculptures of the character when you traverse Japan’s winter wonderlands. You’ll also be able to collect...
News Admit It, You Want This Glass DualShock 3
Parting gift
Jeff Rubenstein may have departed Sony Computer Entertainment America recently, but the social media wizard will always have something to remember his five years at the company with. In order to recognise his service, the platform holder has awarded the PlayStation Blog guru with a glass replica of the DualShock 3 controller. Not only...
Rumour Resident Evil: Revelations Spooking PS3
Check the spelling
Hot handheld shooter Resident Evil: Revelations could be about to make an appearance on the PlayStation 3, if a Korean ratings board is to be believed. The group has added an entry for the Nintendo 3DS exclusive which lists Sony’s home console as the platform, suggesting that publisher Capcom is considering porting the adventure...
News Far Cry 3's Dynamic World Looks Pretty Impressive
Fun and games
Far Cry 3 may not have had the most compelling of pre-release campaigns, but this brand new trailer tells you pretty much everything you need to know about the open world game. It highlights the dynamic nature of the interactive adventure, demonstrating the way in which fire and wildlife can help your cause. After all, there's nothing...
News 007 Legends Developer Eurocom Sheds a Chunk of Its Staff
The world is not enough
Legendary UK developer Eurocom has cut its workforce to just under 50 employees today. The studio – which previously employed over 200 people – has been forced to restructure after a decline in demand for console games. "Eurocom are undertaking a restructuring which I regret to say has meant we've made the majority of...
News Splash Damage on the Brink of Announcing New Title
Rule breaker
Teaser websites are typically reserved for the hubbub of E3, but Brink developer Splash Damage clearly couldn’t contain its excitement until summer. The company has uploaded a specially prepared countdown page pointing to 11:29AM on the 29th November. It’s unclear what the studio’s working on, but we’re eager to read your...
Thursday22nd Nov 2012
Review Need for Speed: Most Wanted (PlayStation Vita)
Portable octane
Need for Speed: Most Wanted takes place in the beautiful city of Fairhaven where the most notorious street racers call home. As you attempt to make a name for yourself, you’ll have to climb your way up the list of most wanted drivers by earning speed points. To do this, you’ll have to prove that you have some serious chops behind...
News Here's How to Claim a Free 30-Day PlayStation Plus Trial
You know you want it
If those of you in the UK are feeling a little bit envious of North America’s outrageous Black Friday deals, we’ve discovered an offer that’s bound to improve your mood. In return for a few minor personal details, Sony is currently giving away free 30-day subscriptions to PlayStation Plus. All you need to do is visit this...
News This PlayStation Vita Deal Is Almost Too Good to Be True
Jaw dropping
North American readers might want to take a break from their turkey sandwiches and family rifts, because we come bearing good news. According to Polygon, you’ll be able to purchase a Crystal White PlayStation Vita with a copy of Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation and a 4GB memory card for a ridiculous $179.99 from Amazon.com later...
News North American Kids Want a PSP More Than a PlayStation Vita
Stocking fillers
Children aged between 6 and 12 in North America haven’t given up hope on the PlayStation Portable. In fact, the majority of them want one of the last generation handhelds more than the current PlayStation Vita this Christmas. A research poll conducted by Nielsen revealed that while 18 per cent of kids are hungry for a PSP this...
News Sony Slashes Music Unlimited Prices for PlayStation Plus Members
Just dance
PlayStation Plus really is the gift that keeps on giving. Not content with lavishing subscribers with dozens of free games every month, European members will now be able to secure a year’s access to Sony’s audio streaming service Music Unlimited for just £11.99. That represents a cool saving of £107.89. For those out of the loop,...
News Sony's Stocks Downgraded to 'Junk' By Credit Ratings Agency
Make believe?
Credit ratings agency Fitch has downgraded Sony’s stocks to ‘junk’ status, according to a report by the Financial Times. The firm dropped the conglomerate’s investment-grade score to BB-, indicating that the company is vulnerable to defaulting on debt. Fellow manufacturer Panasonic was reduced to BBB-. “This wasn't an easy...
News Someone Played Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 for 135 Hours in a Week
Urgh
What’s your longest gaming marathon? We bet it doesn’t come anywhere near Guinness World Record holder Okan Kaya’s personal best, who smashed the global record for the longest gaming session ever this week by registering a staggering 135 hours in Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 over seven days. Guinness World Record rules state that contenders...
News Resistance Collection Invades Retailers on 5th December
All Hale
Insomniac Games’ stellar first-person series will get another shot in the spotlight this winter, when Sony fires the Resistance Collection onto North American store shelves on 5th December. The compelling compilation will collate all three titles from the alternate history franchise, alongside five different DLC packs. The bundle will...
News Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD DLC Grinds onto PSN Next Month
Shove it
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD will receive a fresh helping of content next month, when Activision grinds out the title’s promised add-on pack on 4th December. The hotly anticipated $4.99 expansion will add three new stages to the spruced up re-release, including Airport, Los Angeles, and Canada. It will also incorporate the divisive Revert...
Wednesday21st Nov 2012
Review Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified (PlayStation Vita)
Black mark
Has there ever been a more maligned handheld title prior to release than Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified? Reviewers (not all by any means), unabashed and damning in early preview criticism, seemed primed to deliver literary blows to the PlayStation Vita itself with the first-person shooter's release, yet gamers posting user reviews...
Review F1 Race Stars (PlayStation 3)
Worth the pit stop?
F1 Race Stars is a game that makes clever use of its license. It takes all of the sport's real-world teams and drivers, and slaps them into a colourful karting game. But while the title initially appears tailor made for children, it quickly transpires that there's a lot more to the arcade racer. It’s clear that Codemasters has...
News Assassin's Creed III: Liberation Drags Vita Out of the Danger Zone in Japan
Kiss from a rose
It’s been a recurring theme that whenever software actually launches for the PlayStation Vita in Japan, the system gets a huge boost. That’s remained true this week, with Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation pulling the platform out of the danger zone. The handheld adventure was accompanied by a couple of new colours, which...
News Frobisher's Lost His Trophies and He Wants You to Find Them
Splendid
After months of requests on the PlayStation Blog, independent developer Honeyslug has finally announced that Trophies are being added to its mad PlayStation Vita application Frobisher Says. The trinkets will be available as part of a new patch, which is set to launch later today. If that wasn’t exciting enough, there’s also a new DLC...
News Oh No, Sonic the Fighters Is Releasing Overseas
Bleurgh
Quick, cower behind your computer monitors, because the atrocious Sonic the Fighters is heading overseas. We think we’ve made our feelings fairly clear about the anthropomorphic fighter over the past couple of weeks, but just in case you missed them: this game is rubbish. The awful arcade release will be joined by the not-so-terrible...
News Jetpack Joyride Propels onto PSN This Week
The backpack you always wanted
Grab your crash helmet in anticipation, because Beatshapers is bringing Halfbrick’s mobile phenomenon Jetpack Joyride to the PlayStation Network this week. The title – which will be available on PlayStation 3, PSP, and Vita – sees you assume the role of down-on-his-luck salesman Barry Steakfries as he attempts to...
Store Update 20th November 2012 (North America)
Full of stars
You might want to grab a seat for this week’s North American PlayStation Store update, because it’s practically bulging with big new releases. Heavyweights include PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale, Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two, and the DOOM Classic Complete collection. Other notable arrivals include Sine Mora,
News Sony Paints t@g onto the PlayStation Store Today
Shape shifter
Don’t worry if you didn’t get invited to test out Sony’s augmented reality graffiti application t@g earlier this week, as the PlayStation Vita game is set to launch later today as part of the European PlayStation Store refresh. The title – which has been in development since before the handheld was actually announced – takes...
Store Update 21st November 2012 (Europe)
Playing favourites
How’s your appetite? We hope you’re starving, because just like overseas, this week’s European PlayStation Store update is overflowing with delicious morsels. Hot snacks include PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale, LEGO Lord of the Rings, and Epic Mickey: The Power of Two. The
Rumour Mirror's Edge 2 Is Currently in Production at DICE
Running rings
The hotly anticipated sequel to Mirror’s Edge is apparently in production at Swedish developer DICE. Ben Cousins, the general manager of ngmoco Sweden, revealed the tidbit in a Tweet posted earlier this afternoon. The executive stated: "It is general knowledge in the Stockholm dev scene that Mirror's Edge 2 is in production at DICE."...
News SEGA Punches a Yakuza 5 Demo onto the PSN Next Week
Heat action
Kazuma Kiryu and crew will spring back into life next week, when a demo for Yakuza 5 fights its way onto the Japanese PlayStation Store. The playable teaser – set for release on 27th November – will allow you to sample the game’s opening moments, letting you roam the streets of Fukuoka as the aforementioned Dragon of Dojima. The...
Tuesday20th Nov 2012
Review PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale (PlayStation 3)
Celebrity deathmatch
PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale is a lot like a box of chocolates that consists purely of almond-based treats. SuperBot Entertainment’s mascot mash-up cherry picks some of the sweetest moments from PlayStation lore and casts them inside a brawler so self-aware that you can’t help but smile while playing it. From the...
Review LittleBigPlanet Karting (PlayStation 3)
Stuck in the pit stop
Over the years, many developers have tried and failed to dethrone the Mario Kart series. This year, United Front Games has stepped up to the starting line, dishing out its very own blend of cardboard cut-out tracks and knitted karting chaos, all under the name of LittleBigPlanet Karting. However, despite high hopes, the...
News DOOM Classic Collection Targets the PlayStation Network
No sign of The Rock
If your trigger finger’s itching for some old-school first-person action, then the DOOM Classic Collection should catch your attention. The downloadable compilation – mentioned on this week’s episode of the PlayStation Blogcast among other places – will comprise DOOM, DOOM 2, and Final DOOM. The first two titles were...
News Sony Succumbs to Seasonal Madness with Insane PS3 Deals
Bandwidth buster
PlayStation 3 owners will have plenty to be grateful for this Thanksgiving, as platform holder Sony is preparing a throng of hot discounts to get you in the seasonal spirit. Starting today, you’ll be able to pick up a slew of PS3 Ultimate Editions from the North American PlayStation Store at up to 66% off (73% for PlayStation Plus...
News PlayStation Vita Firmware Update v2.00 Available Now
Be prepared
As promised, Sony has released the latest firmware update for the PlayStation Vita. The landmark software refresh – dubbed v2.00 – brings with it a bevy of new features, including PlayStation Plus compatibility and
News Bonkers Kissing Simulator Chulip Puckers Up for PS3
Mwah
Utterly insane PlayStation 2 snogging simulator Chulip is set to get a re-release, if an ESRB rating is to be believed. The loopy love ‘em up originally released in North America back in 2007 – almost five years after it first debuted in Japan. The adventure game – which was eventually brought overseas by Natsume – sees you stomping...
Rumour Capcom's Planning a Mascot Mash-Up of Its Own
Fighters megamix
Industry attention may be laser focused on PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale this afternoon, but that’s not stopping Capcom from quietly formulating some crossover plans of its own. The company has filed a patent for a game named Fighters of Capcom, which suggests that it’s looking to leverage its impressive stable of...
News PlayStation Mobile Is Providing Publishers with New Avenues to Release Their Content
Covering all bases
PlayStation Mobile may be seen as Sony’s foray into the cheap and cheerful world of smartphone gaming, but it’s also allowing the platform holder to enter new discussions with traditional console publishers as well. Speaking on the latest episode of the PlayStation Blogcast, SCEA president Jack Tretton revealed that through...
News Turn Down Your Speakers for this Borderlands 2 DLC Trailer
Caps lock
We had hoped that developer Gearbox would take the opportunity to tone down Borderlands 2’s in-your-face humour with its latest DLC pack, but this brand new trailer proves that we’re bang out of luck. Mr. Torgue’s Campaign of Carnage – due out later today in North America, and tomorrow in Europe – is as irritatingly loudmouthed...
Monday19th Nov 2012
News Upcoming Vita Firmware Update Will Allow You to Browse the Web During Gaming Sessions
By popular demand
Being able to browse the web while in-game has always felt like a pipe-dream on any platform, but the PlayStation Vita’s upcoming v2.00 firmware update will finally make that fantasy a reality. Affable executive Shuhei Yoshida took to Twitter to confirm the news, announcing that the software refresh will transform the web browser...
News Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified Blows Up in the UK
Second biggest Vita launch ever
It may have only taken five months to put together, but Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified is already throwing its weight around the UK sales charts. The handheld spin-off shot straight into 16th position on this week’s best-sellers list, becoming the second biggest PlayStation Vita launch in Britain since the...
News Until Dawn Is Leveraging the Killzone Engine
True grit
Sony’s stunning Killzone franchise has always had a foreboding visual undertone to it, so it’s not particularly surprising to learn that Supermassive Games’ upcoming PlayStation Move exclusive teen horror title Until Dawn is being built on top of the first-person shooter’s incredible technology. Speaking during the latest episode...
News Sony Stamping Inboxes with Early Access to Vita App t@g
Unleash your inner Banksy
Sony is inviting PlayStation Vita owners to try out its upcoming GPS-based graffiti application, t@g. The platform holder is currently distributing early access voucher codes via email, so it’s worth diving into your inbox to see if you’ve been asked to sample the streetwise software. “Unleash your creative talent...
News Gravity Rush Costumes Sliding into LittleBigPlanet
Dusty?
Sony’s topsy-turvy handheld adventure Gravity Rush will soar into LittleBigPlanet this week, when a new costume pack launches for the popular first-party series. The outfits – featuring Alias, Unica, Raven, and, of course, Kat – will initially be compatible with LittleBigPlanet 2 and LittleBigPlanet Vita, but will be rolled out to Litt
News Sony Deals Uncharted: Fight for Fortune onto Vita This Winter
Plunder the pot
Nathan Drake is set to embark on a brand new adventure this December – in the form of turn-based card game Uncharted: Fight for Fortune. The upcoming PlayStation Vita title – which is in development at Sony Bend and One Loop Games – was leaked earlier in the year, when an errant software rating was spotted online. We suspect...
News Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault Delayed on Vita
We blame Captain Qwark
Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault will still adhere to Sony’s cross-buy initiative when it releases on the PlayStation Network next week – but unfortunately you won’t be able to redeem the PlayStation Vita version until January. Despite the best efforts of third-party developer Tin Giant, the portable port...
News UK Sales Charts: Black Ops 2 Shoots Straight to the Top
But it's not all good news
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 shot straight to the top of the UK sales charts this week, securing the biggest release of 2012 so far. However, the Activision published first-person shooter did not have enough ammunition to outpace any of its most recent predecessors, as it could only secure the fourth biggest British release...
Most Read
Review Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified (PlayStation Vita)
Interview Trading Punches with PlayStation All-Stars' Seth Killian
News Here's How to Claim a Free 30-Day PlayStation Plus Trial
News Upcoming Vita Firmware Update Will Allow You to Browse the Web During Ga...
News Kat Has Some Unique Traversal Abilities in PlayStation All-Stars
News Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified Blows Up in the UK
