Talking Point Does the PS4 Need 4K Resolution?
A question of perspective
News Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 DLC Adds New Maps Next Month
Plus, fresh firepower
Feature Castlevania's Gory PlayStation Bloodline
We take a look back at the Sony history of Konami's famous franchise
News - 2013, Week 02
Sunday13th Jan 2013
News Who Wants to Peruse Another Bonkers PS Move Patent?
Urgh
Sony is more prolific with patents than Mario Balotelli is with controversy. Following last week’s divisive anti-used games registration, the platform holder has now concocted an updated PlayStation Move set-up that uses the current controller’s light-tracking technology in conjunction with sound detection to provide greater “depth”...
News Andrew McCutchen Hits a Home Run in MLB 13 Cover Vote
Bringing it home
Don’t expect any hard hitting commentary in this story – we know as much about baseball as we do embroidery. Still, we daresay a handful of you will be delighted to discover that Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen has won MLB 13: The Show’s cover poll. The player garnered over 100,000 votes in the title’s...
News Disgaea 2 Cursing PS2 Classics Come 22nd January
Prinny's pleased
Popular PlayStation 2 strategy RPG Disgaea 2: Cursed Memories is descending onto the North American PlayStation Network later this month, publisher NIS America has announced. The game – which first released in 2006 – will set you back just $9.99 when it arrives on 22nd January. As a straight port of the PS2 original, we’re...
Saturday12th Jan 2013
Feature Castlevania's Gory PlayStation Bloodline
We take a look back at the Sony history of Konami's famous franchise
Konami’s Castlevania series may have established its reputation on Nintendo consoles, but in recent years it has branched out to find commercial and critical success on other systems, most notably the PlayStation line of consoles. With Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 looming...
News Mark Your Territory with Huge Dead Space 3 Collector's Edition
Sorry, no Plasma Cutter
If you’ve played either of the original Dead Space titles, then you'll know exactly what happens when you come into contact with the Marker. As such, we recommend steering clear of the recently announced Dead Space 3 ‘Dev Team Edition’ as it includes an 8-inch replica of the strange, pointed artefact. The package also...
News It Looks Like Resident Evil: Revelations Is Coming to the PS3
Dead good news
Remember when we wrote a report about a rating for Resident Evil: Revelations on the PlayStation 3? Well, evidence of a console port of the former Nintendo 3DS exclusive has intensified this afternoon, courtesy of a leaked batch of Xbox 360 achievements. The digital trinkets seemingly confirm the existence of the title, noting th
News Alien Breed Infects the PS3 and Vita Next Month
They're coming out of the walls
Not content with its recent PlayStation Mobile port, Team 17 has announced that its retro run-and-gun arcade blaster Alien Breed is coming to both the PlayStation 3 and Vita next month. The British studio – which is best known for its anthropomorphic annelids – is aiming to take advantage of various cross-platform...
News God of War: Ascension Rewards Brave Beta Testers with Gear
Gift from the Gods
If you’re currently participating in the God of War: Ascension beta, then your efforts will not go unnoticed. Sony Santa Monica has promised to bestow all contributing warriors with a package from the heavens. Rewards include a set of steely championship armour and an exclusive blood-stained sword. We would have preferred a...
News The Tide Is High in Exclusive Far Cry 3 DLC Next Week
Is it going to be your number one?
As promised, the PlayStation 3 exclusive ‘High Tides’ add-on for Far Cry 3 will wash up on the PlayStation Network next week. The expansion will add two new chapters to the tropical shooter, which conclude the narrative of the title’s enjoyable co-op campaign. It’s been produced by multiplayer focused...
News Sumioni: Demon Arts Inks European Vitas Next Week
Feels like some kind of brush
Almost a year after its original debut in North America, publisher XSEED has announced that it's drawing its beautiful PlayStation Vita puzzle platformer Sumioni: Demon Arts onto European shores. The title puts you in control of a demon named Agura, who is empowered by his ability to paint. Using different brush...
Friday11th Jan 2013
Hardware Review Sony Pulse Wireless Headset
Audio extravaganza
While a great many of us are more than happy to experience game audio through a gigantic set of speakers that tickle your intestines every time a bass line drops, the reality for most players is that they can’t be keeping the neighbours up all night with their entertainment pursuits. Some kind of headphone-based alternative is a...
Talking Point Does It Matter if the PS3 Overtakes the Xbox 360?
Console combat
According to sales estimates released by the International Data Corporation earlier this week, the PlayStation 3 is now the second-best selling console of the generation. The research firm predicts that Sony surpassed the Xbox 360 in global shipment figures this December, putting the platform ahead of Microsoft’s machine for the...
News Square Enix Promises Final Fantasy X HD Answers Soon
Dry your eyes
Don’t worry, Square Enix has not cancelled Final Fantasy X HD. Well, not yet anyway. Responding to a fan request on Twitter, the company noted that “the world will get answers” about the hotly anticipated PlayStation 3 and Vita port soon. It’s the first time that the title has been mentioned since February, when producer Shinji...
News Velocity Ultra Warps onto PS Vita with New Visuals and Trophies
We chat to FuturLab to find out more
Velocity, the undisputed king of the PlayStation Minis catalogue, is getting a full PlayStation Vita overhaul later this year. After a solid month of teasing, Brighton-based developer FuturLab has warped through the stratosphere to confirm the existence of
News What Would You Sacrifice for This God of War DualShock 3?
Midas touch
God of War: Ascension is a big deal. As the latest entry in one of PlayStation’s best selling franchises, it’s little wonder that the platform holder is preparing lots of merchandise to accompany the title’s impending March release. The latest gizmo to enter the arena is this rather fetching DualShock 3. Look closely and you’ll...
News LittleBigPlanet 2: Extras Edition Swings onto PlayStation 3
The one that you want
If you’re still yet to fully embed yourself in the creative landscape of LittleBigPlanet 2, then Sony has a tantalising proposition for you in the guise of the upcoming Extras Edition. The upgraded retail package will not only come equipped with the original adventure, but will also boast a bevy of burlap bonuses for you to...
News December NPD: Black Ops 2 Dominates Disappointing 2012
The future's bleak
Staying consistent with the rest of 2012, December served up another year of decline for the North American video game industry. Despite pulling in a whopping $3.2 billion during the festive window, sales were still down 22 per cent over last year’s $4.10 billion. The year as a whole drooped by a similar margin, scooping just...
Thursday10th Jan 2013
Review Super Crate Box (PlayStation Mobile)
In the box seat
Super Crate Box is a dangerous game. Previously released on Flash, iOS, and Steam, it's a twitch platformer-cum-shooter that preys on compulsion. If you dare to open the box on a lazy day, don't expect to close it again for an hour. And developer Vlambeer knows it. You run about a single screen level trying to grab as many crates as...
Review Aqua Kitty: Milk Mine Defender (PlayStation Mobile)
Make mine milk
Well, our knowledge of the origins of milk has been put out to pasteurise. It turns out that it doesn't just come from mammals; it's also a resource that swirls around deep inside Earth, as precious as – but presumably twice as tasty as – oil. Aqua Kitty: Milk Mine Defender has you descend deep below the sea to defend the brave...
News Muramasa DLC Adds Four New Character Scenarios
Ever wanted to play as a two-tailed cat lady?
Back in September, Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu revealed that the PlayStation Vita port of Muramasa: The Demon Blade would be receiving a brand new batch of DLC for its Japanese launch on 28th March. However, other than the content's title – 'Genroku Kaikitan' – very little was disclosed about...
News Report Puts PlayStation 3 Ahead of Xbox 360 in Global Shipments
Knock out
It’s been a long time coming, but it looks like the PlayStation 3 has finally overtaken the Xbox 360 in global shipments. A new report by the International Data Corporation – spotted by GamesIndustry.biz – estimates that PS3 figures reached 77 million units this past December, a tally greater than the Xbox 360’s still impressive 76...
News The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct Stalks the PS3 in March
Dead soon
The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct may have looked a little rough in its recent fan-edited trailer, but that’s not stopping publisher Activision from releasing the game in less than three months time. The company has announced that the Terminal Reality developed first-person shooter will infect store shelves on 26th March in North...
News Capcom Arcade Cabinet Turning Back Time in Japan
Acceptable in the 80s
We’ve never quite understood the fascination with using modern hardware to emulate ancient experiences, but it’s big business – and now Capcom is looking to get into the lucrative market. Chatting in the latest issue of Famitsu magazine, the publisher has revealed Capcom Arcade Cabinet, a free application for the...
News Let's Fish Hooks Footage of Feisty Angler Jamie
Reely good
Let's Fish: Hooked On's lead character Jamie may not look dressed for the sport, but the teenage sensation is actually a keen angler. Fuelled by her rivalry with the busty Kano and her lust for the dreamy Ryuji, the feisty fisher uses her partially unbuttoned Daisy Dukes and poorly placed Band Aids to win carp catching competitions all...
News A Connecticut Town No Longer Wants To Buy and Burn Your Copies of God of War
The town's M-rated games sigh in relief
Remember when we reported that a Connecticut town was offering $25 vouchers to families who handed over their violent video games to be incinerated in a drive that was due to take place on 12th January? Well, that's not happening any more. A spokesperson from the SouthingtonSOS has told Polygon that the group...
News Sony Cutting the Ribbon on US Web-based PS Store This Month
Automatic downloads in the pipeline
Sony is aiming to launch the web-based version of the PlayStation Store in North America later this month. The platform holder introduced the digital shopping destination in Europe late last year, but now it’s looking to invite overseas gamers to the uber-useful online plaza. Chatting with CNET, Sony Network...
News Gran Turismo 5 Lands Its Own Reality TV Series in the UK
Launching in February on ITV4
Forget about Dancing on Ice, Britain’s Got Talent, and the X-Factor – there’s a new ITV reality show in town. Sony has announced that it’s teaming up with the UK broadcaster to air a six episode television series based on its GT Academy competition. The programme will depict the plight of six Gran Turismo 5...
News Siren Sets Its Sights on the North American PlayStation Store
No looking back
You’ll be able to see the world from a new perspective next week, when Studio Japan’s punishing PlayStation 2 survival horror Siren spooks the North American PlayStation Store. The brutal stealth title – which was actually remade for the PS3 in 2008 – finds you stranded in a remote village named Hanuda, which is infested by...
News Far Cry 3 Makes the Madness Mobile with Companion App
Island insanity on the go
Feel like you've accomplished everything Rook Islands has to offer in Ubisoft's latest first-person frenzy, Far Cry 3? What about the competitive multiplayer and co-op modes? To keep things feeling fresh, the publisher has released a brand new companion application for the shooter on iOS and Android – and best of all,...
Wednesday9th Jan 2013
Talking Point Does the PS4 Need 4K Resolution?
A question of perspective
As expected, Sony’s CES press conference focused heavily on 4K resolution. Like 3D before it, the manufacturer spent the majority of its showcase demonstrating a new line of Bravia televisions that will attempt to drive the standardisation of the burgeoning format. The company also touched upon re-mastered Blu-rays, video...
Review Fuel Overdose (PlayStation 3)
Burnt rubber
What's not to love about the indie game scene and its current revival? From the phenomenal success of Angry Birds to truly brilliant tales like Journey and The Walking Dead, it's nice to see that inspiration and clever ideas can sometimes trump vast amounts of money and celebrity voice actors. As such, we were really looking forward to...
News Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time Prepares for the Ultimate Heist
Like taking candy from a baby
It’s not easy being a master thief, you know? You need a sharp tongue, a cunning plan, and a wardrobe of great disguises. This brand new Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time trailer demonstrates the lot, as the series’ band of friendly heroes embark on a mission to rescue Rioichi Cooper from the captivity of the evil El...
News Is There a New Fallout Sequel on the Horizon?
We certainly hope so
Sometimes it can be tough to keep your mouth shut. Projects leak all of the time thanks to loose lips – it’s what keeps our job interesting. But you’ve got to give credit to Fallout 3 voice actor Erik Todd Dellums: at least he checked first. Posting on Twitter late last night, the voiceover artist – best known for his...
News Corpse Party: Book of Shadows Sets a Spooky Date
Be very, very afraid
Corpse Party: Book of Shadows, the sequel to the scariest game that we’ve ever played, will haunt your PlayStation Portable and Vita from 15th January in North America, publisher XSEED has confirmed. The nightmare simulator will set you back just $19.99, which sounds pretty reasonable to us. A European launch will follow, but...
Store Update 8th January 2013 (North America)
Back in business
As the first proper update of 2013, this week’s North American PlayStation Store refresh is understandably quiet. The biggest new addition is Earth Defense Force 2017 Portable for the PlayStation Vita, though there is also the arrival of the digital version of Demon’s Souls to consume your attention (and patience). Shall we get...
Store Update 9th January 2013 (Europe)
Lights and sound
Auditorium HD finally makes its debut on the European PlayStation Store this week. The bizarre sensory experience originally launched in North America over two years ago, but now it’s finally available overseas. Other notable additions are few and far between, though you should keep an eye on SCEE’s New Year sale if you're in...
News Bloody Palace Turns DmC a Colourful Shade of Crimson
Sacrifices not necessary
Capcom heard your complaints about premium DLC. The publisher has announced that the first major add-on for Ninja Theory’s controversial Devil May Cry reboot won’t cost a penny. Dubbed ‘Bloody Palace’, the expansion will boast an additional mini-game in which Dante is forced to fight his way through 100 floors of...
News Don Your Sunglasses for New Muramasa Footage
Taste the rainbow
Phwoar, those folks over at Vanillaware sure like their colours, huh? This brand new trailer for the PlayStation Vita port of former Nintendo Wii exclusive Muramasa: The Demon Blade is more vibrant than a packet of Skittles. The title’s due out on 28th March in Japan. Sadly, there's still no word on a Western release.
News Retro City Rampage Pulls Up on the European PSN Next Week
Heist life
After what feels like an eternity, one-man developer Brian Provinciano has confirmed that Retro City Rampage will hijack the European PlayStation Network next week. That’s the 16th January if you want to mark your calendars. Go on, we’ll wait. The game boasts an additional month of development on top of the North American release,...
News Journey Clambers to the Summit of the PSN Charts
Magical trip
Not content with scooping our coveted Game of the Year award, Journey has also climbed to the peak of the North American PlayStation Network charts. The critically acclaimed exclusive brushed aside strong competition from Mass Effect and The Walking Dead to steal the top spot for the month of December. In Europe, the title fin
Tuesday8th Jan 2013
News Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 DLC Adds New Maps Next Month
Plus, fresh firepower
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2’s first DLC pack Revolution will target the PlayStation Network on 28th February. The add-on will include four brand new maps, a fresh zombies arena, a unique undead game mode, and an exclusive weapon. That’s quite a hefty offering compared to previous expansions. The added locations include...
News Kaz Hirai: PS Vita Sales Are on the Low End of Expectations
Looking to the long term
Speaking at a press event directly after the conclusion of last night’s CES showcase, Sony CEO Kaz Hirai admitted that PlayStation Vita sales are currently at the bottom end of the company’s expectations. “I would say it’s on the low end of what we expected,” he explained, adding that it takes time before a system...
News LEGO Marvel Super Heroes Assembles on PS3 and Vita
Coming together
If you were wondering where the next big LEGO game was going to come from, and the recently revealed Legends of Chima failed to prompt much of a response, then perhaps today’s announcement will succeed in securing your excitement. Warner Bros has confirmed that it’s teaming up with seasoned developer Traveller’s Tales yet again...
News Sony Bets the Bank on 4K Technology at CES
Through the looking glass
No, the PlayStation 4 was not announced during Sony’s widely publicised CES press conference in Las Vegas last night. But while the manufacturer failed to mention its range of PlayStation platforms in any meaningful capacity, it still offered a hint at what we can expect from its next console – and that’s 4K...
News Here's Your First Look at Tomb Raider's Multiplayer Mode
Uncharted addition
Assuming you’re patient enough to sit through a slew of developer interviews, you'll be able to get your first glimpse of Tomb Raider’s controversial multiplayer mode courtesy of the video embedded below. Unsurprisingly, the online add-on – in development at Eidos Montreal – looks like it’s taken more than a few ideas...
News Ni No Kuni Delayed Until 1st February in Europe
Wrath of the white witch
Our very own Katy Ellis is crying into her DualShock as we type. It turns out that publisher Namco Bandai has been forced to delay its upcoming PlayStation 3 exclusive Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White With until 1st February in Europe. The title had been expected on 25th January, but a logistical error has pushed it back a...
News Del Toro Holding inSANE Talks with a "Big Company"
Gone mad
Famed director Guillermo del Toro's debut video game inSANE is not in development at THQ anymore for, well, obvious reasons. But that hasn’t stopped the high-profile movie maker from shopping the title around to other publishers, with one “very, very big company” purportedly showing interest in the project. "We are in talks with a...
News Remember Me Gift Wraps a Late Christmas Present
The one that you've been waiting for
As promised, Parisian developer DONTNOD Entertainment has released a brand new trailer for its upcoming PlayStation 3 action game, Remember Me. The footage focuses on Lara Croft sound-alike Nilin, as she attempts to conquer a goliath bald headed competitor known as Kid Xmas. Not a very menacing nickname, is it?...
Monday7th Jan 2013
News Sony Cancels Former LittleBigPlanet Developers' Vita Game
Mismatch of expectations
A team comprised of former LittleBigPlanet developers has turned to Kickstarter following the cancellation of its first PlayStation Vita project. Ambient Studios – which was founded in 2011 – had been working on a Sony-funded handheld title for a year before the platform holder decided to pull the plug. “We'd been...
Feature The Twelve Stories That Shook PlayStation in 2012 - Part Two
Stop press
While the big stories of 2013 are looming larger than a professional basketball player, we’re still not quite finished looking to the past. We’ve cranked up our DeLorean’s Flux Capacitor and set it on a crash course with the last twelve months, where we’ll be taking a look back at six more of the most scorching PlayStation stories...
News David Cage Dubs Beyond's Engine Switch "Totally Absurd"
Where there's no sense, there's no feeling
Heavy Rain developer Quantic Dream has officially gone mad. Chatting with Shack News, head honcho David Cage has admitted that creating a new engine for the upcoming Beyond: Two Souls was probably not the company’s best idea – but it went ahead and did it anyway. “Does it make sense from a company...
News Mega Man Titles Join Brutal North American PS Plus Update
Toughen up
You’re going to need skin as thick as a rhinoceros to cope with this month’s North American PlayStation Plus update. Not only will you be invited to brave the brutality of the God of War: Ascension beta, but you’ll also have the option to sample both Mega Man 9 and Mega Man 10 absolutely free of charge. We suspect that this is a...
News What Was Bizarre Creations Up to Before It Closed?
Making magic
Hands up if you've played Blur? Not many of you, huh? That’s a real shame, because the Bizarre Creations developed combat racer is one of our favourite titles on the PlayStation 3. Not only does it have a solid single-player campaign, but it’s also augmented with one of the slickest online components we’ve ever had the fortune to...
News THQ Franchises Available Individually, EA in the Running
Open your cheque book
Ever since creditors complained about THQ's quick sale to equity firm Clearlake Capital, things have gone from bad to worse for the embattled publisher. What initially seemed like a crafty way of protecting the company as on ongoing concern has quickly transformed into a bidding war for the firm’s most valuable assets – and...
News Dead Rising 3 Cinematic Spotted on Resume
Loose lips
People really need to be more careful about what they reveal on their LinkedIn profiles. Take rigging supervisor Jeremie Passerin: apparently he spent a chunk of 2012 working on a game cinematic for Dead Rising 3, but the title hasn’t been announced yet. Whoops. Of course, it’s not the first time that we’ve heard about a sequel to...
News Assassin's Creed III Bulks Up with New Multiplayer DLC
Working out
If you haven’t got tired of stabbing unsuspecting players in the back yet, then you might be excited to learn about Assassin’s Creed III’s latest batch of multiplayer DLC. The content – which will be available for free to Season Pass subscribers – will reward you with three extra maps and a handful of playable characters. It...
News The Walking Dead Has Sold an Incredible 8.5 Million Episodes
Shuffling success
Telltale’s excellent take on The Walking Dead may have been a surprise critical success, but it’s also been a huge commercial smash hit too. Chatting with the Wall Street Journal, co-founder Dan Connors has revealed that the series has sold a whopping 8.5 million episodes across multiple platforms. “At about $5 per episode,...
News UK Sales Charts: FIFA 13 Shoots to the Top of the League
Marching on
You can’t keep a good football game down for long. Despite being forced to sit out on the sidelines for the majority of the Christmas period, FIFA 13 has returned to the top of the UK sales charts. The soccer simulator knocked last week’s frontrunner Far Cry 3 into second position, while Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 remained in third...
