News - 2013, Week 07
Sunday17th Feb 2013
Talking Point How Important Are Motion Controls to the PS4?
Move it
It wasn’t so long ago that the industry was obsessed with motion controls. Believe it or not, PlayStation Move and Kinect were the key topics of discussion in 2010, with both Sony and Microsoft locked in battle over the affection of the casual gamer. But while the PlayStation 3’s saucily shaped solution never quite managed to match the...
News Sony's 20th February Countdown Continues with PS3
Play beyond
Sony’s skipped straight past the PlayStation Portable in its ongoing ‘Evolution’ series, pointing its crosshairs at the PlayStation 3 instead. This video is less substantial than previous releases – presumably because the PS3 is still a very relevant product – but there’s still plenty of footage to get your taste buds...
News Bungie Deploys Destiny Details, Plots PlayStation 3 Debut
The next big thing
Few other developers could make a splash on the scale that Bungie has today. After years of speculation, the Bellevue-based studio has finally raised the curtain on Destiny, a persistent online first-person shooter that promises to change the landscape of the genre forever. And it’s firing onto PlayStation 3. Coming from the...
News Patapon 3 Marches to the PS Vita's Beat Next Week
Fever
PlayStation Portable’s popular rhythmic role-playing game Patapon 3 will become PlayStation Vita compatible in North America next week, Sony has announced. The snippet was confirmed on the latest episode of the PlayStation Blogcast, to the reception of chants across the globe. You know how it goes. As Joystiq rightly points out
News First Velocity Ultra Footage Looks Unsurprisingly Swish
Shooting for the stars
The fine folks at Eurogamer.net have finally managed to lure some footage of the upcoming Velocity Ultra out of developer FuturLab’s secret lair. The embedded video features a wealth of action from the full PlayStation Vita re-release, and even includes input from managing director James Marsden. The title’s set to take...
News God of War: Ascension's Demo Slays the PSN on 26th February
Blood lust
God of War: Ascension’s gruesome single-player demo will slash its way onto the PlayStation Network on 26th February in North America, the Gods have declared. European warriors will presumably have to wait until 27th February to get their gory mitts on the gameplay teaser. If you’re participating in the title’s Rise of the Warriors...
Saturday16th Feb 2013
Talking Point Why Gaikai Is Paramount to PlayStation's Future
Streaming solutions
Sony’s not enjoyed much financial success lately. The company has been bleeding money for years, primarily due to its diminished relevance in the consumer electronics sector. Where the Japanese giant was once considered the market leader, it’s been outmuscled by more versatile competitors such as Apple, Samsung, and even LG...
Rumour Gaikai Will Enable PS3 Streaming on PS4
Future proof
Backward compatibility has been a source of much deliberation on the PlayStation 4. The complex architecture of the current PlayStation 3 means that it will be practically impossible for Sony to emulate the system on its next generation console, leaving legacy support on the chopping block. However, the firm’s high-profile acquisition...
News Sony Regales Tales of the PS2 Ahead of PlayStation Meeting
Plus, a young Kaz Hirai
Sony’s released another entry in its ‘Evolution’ series, this time focusing on the PlayStation 2. The trailer includes a wealth of archive footage from the build up to the system’s launch, including a quote from one news reporter who claims that the console will be “the biggest thing to come along since TV was...
News Michael Pachter Predicts PS3 Price Cut At PlayStation Meeting
Dropping like a rock
Seasoned industry analyst Michael Pachter believes that a PlayStation 3 price-cut will be announced next week. Chatting with GamesIndustry.biz, the likeable executive predicted that the console’s cost will be slashed to $199.99 during Sony’s widely publicised 20th February press conference, presumably as a measure to...
Friday15th Feb 2013
News Naughty Dog: We're Ready for PlayStation 4, But It's Scary
Drake's quaking
Naughty Dog may be focusing its attention on upcoming PlayStation 3 exclusive The Last of Us at the moment, but there’s a good chance that the critically acclaimed studio is already working on Sony’s next generation hardware. The developer divided into two teams a few years ago, allowing it to work on multiple projects at once...
News Sony Counts Down to PlayStation Meeting with Evolution Trailer
Know your roots
Urgh, we can’t take anymore. Ever since Sony revealed its surprise PlayStation Meeting at the start of the month, we’ve been awash with rumours and speculation. But now that the 20th February is actually nearing, it’s all becoming too much to handle. And videos like the one embedded below aren’t helping our hype levels...
Review Fist of the North Star: Ken's Rage 2 (PlayStation 3)
Fist of the bore star
Sequels are generally a straight forward affair – or at least they have been this generation. Ideally, a sequel should remove or fix problems that plagued the first game, while adding new, polished content and improving core gameplay. With Fist of the North Star: Ken’s Rage 2, developer Koei’s job should have been a...
Talking Point How Will the PS4's Controller Change the Way That We Play?
Input innovations
If anything was going to leak, it was always going to be the controller. Speculation regarding the PlayStation 4’s refreshed input device has been mounting over the past couple of weeks, with the rumours culminating in last night’s leaked image. Sources have since confirmed that th
News Tecmo Koei Undresses Dead or Alive 5 Plus Footage
Real knockout
Dead or Alive 5 Plus may not be garnering quite the same attention as Killzone: Mercenary and Tearaway, but it probably should be – and not just because it sports ladies in skimpy outfits. The portable fighter looks set to be a real technical masterpiece, boasting some seriously impressive visuals in this brand new gameplay trailer...
News Sony Mocks Microsoft with PlayStation Advertisements
Jump out
Oh, it’s on. Following Microsoft’s less than savoury comments regarding the PlayStation 3’s entertainment options yesterday, Sony has launched a brand new batch of text advertisements blatantly mocking its closest competitor. One commercial takes a direct swipe at the Xbox 360’s prolific ‘
Rumour Ex-Sony Employee Suggests The Last Guardian Is for PS4
Told you so
It looks like The Last Guardian may be a lock for the PlayStation 4 after all. A former BigBig Studios employee has hinted that the long overdue Team ICO exclusive has been in development for Sony’s next generation platform for “a long time now”. The speculation follows creative director Fumito Ueda’s broken silence earlier in...
News Microsoft: PlayStation 3 Doesn't Do Entertainment As Well As Xbox 360
Everyone knows it, apparently
Microsoft must be starting to feel threatened. The company has already predicted that mainstream consumers "won't know” about PlayStation’s upcoming next generation console announcement, and now it’s insinuated that the PS3 is a poor choice for entertainment options – despite it being
News Oh, Here's Another Photo of the PlayStation 4's Controller
Double shock
When it rains, it pours – and we’re in the middle of monsoon right now. Digital Foundry has managed to get its grubby mitts on another image of the PlayStation 4’s controller, which shows the prototype peripheral from an alternative angle. There’s not a whole lot of new information for us to garner from the picture, but it does...
News God of War: Ascension Allies with the History Channel
Thor for your money
Just in case you needed any more convincing about the commercial clout of God of War: Ascension, Sony has announced that it is teaming up with the History channel to bring an exclusive new weapon to the ancient adventure based on the upcoming TV show, Vikings. That’s right, for the first time ever, Greek and Norse mythologies...
News Hunker Down with This Resident Evil: Revelations Footage
Aim low
Series favourite Hunk is making a comeback in Capcom’s upcoming PlayStation 3 port of former Nintendo 3DS exclusive Resident Evil: Revelations, and here’s your first look at the character in action. This footage is taken from the game’s Raid mode, which sees you clearing out hordes of the undead in order to level up your character and...
News Leaks Bring Bungie's Date with Destiny Forward
Can't stop the flow
Bungie is expected to announce Destiny on 17th February, but it may have been beaten to the punch. Joystiq has got its hands on a couple of promotional posters, which show the game’s logo and lead characters. Apparently, the hoardings will be available from GameStop stores on Monday, presumably as rewards for pre-orders.
Thursday14th Feb 2013
Rumour PS4's Controller Will Sport Improved Triggers
Get a grip
The PlayStation 4’s controller will maintain the same general shape and style as the existing DualShock 3, but will boast a number of improvements according to a report on VG247. The publication states that the peripheral will include a touchpad on the front of the unit. The ‘Start’ and ‘Select’ buttons have apparently been...
Rumour Is This a Photo of the PlayStation 4's Controller?
Certainly looks like it
Destructoid has got its hands on what appears to be a photograph of a prototype controller for the PlayStation 4. The image matches up almost perfectly with recent rumours, showing a peripheral similar in shape to the DualShock 3 with a touchpad in place of the ‘Start’ and ‘Select’ buttons. It’s hard to get a good...
Talking Point What Will the Next PlayStation Be Called?
Name games
The number four is unlucky in Japan. The figure is pronounced “shi” in the land of the rising sun, which is the same as the word for death. As a result, many hospitals prefer to ignore the digit, skipping the integer when naming room and floor numbers. Furthermore, there are no seats with the numeral on passenger planes of the All...
News Microsoft Executive Plays Down Impending PlayStation Meeting
"Consumers won't know what's announced"
Ever since Sony promised to show us a glimpse of the future, Microsoft has been uncharacteristically quiet. However, in an interview with MCV published earlier today, Xbox UK executive Jon Grimes has suggested that most consumers won’t even know what’s announced during PlayStation’s upcoming
News Hungry Giraffe Munches PS Vita with Fresh Features
On the menu
After appearances on both PlayStation Minis and PlayStation Mobile, Laughing Jackal’s excellent endless runner Hungry Giraffe is heading to the PlayStation Vita for thirds. The upgraded re-release will boast a bevy of new features, including full Trophy support and online leaderboards. It’ll also implement a handful of new skins,...
News Touch Your Favourite Fighters in Dead or Alive 5 Plus
Your heartbeat next to ours
If you’ve always been eager to tickle Kasumi into submission, then Dead or Alive 5 Plus should be right up your alley. The portable PlayStation Vita remake features a brand new ‘Touch Fight’ mode, which allows you to attack opponents using simple taps and swipes of the touch screen. In this option, the action takes...
News Toshihiro Nagoshi Wants to Show Next Gen Yakuza This Year
Fighting fury
Fans of fisticuffs and dragon tattoos may be excited to learn that a next generation Yakuza title could debut as early as this year. Series producer Toshihiro Nagoshi teased in the latest issue of Dengeki PlayStation magazine [via Gematsu] that the recently released Yakuza 5 will probably be the last entry in the series on PlayStation...
News Take-Two Wrestles WWE License from Defunct THQ
Pinned down
Take-Two is half a tap away from taking control of the WWE license. A report published shortly after the untimely demise of former holder THQ had pegged the publisher as the new ringleader for the bizarrely popular franchise, but the firm's now issued an official statement confirming the news. "At this time, the agreement is pending...
News The Last of Us Waits in the Shadows Until 14th June
Picking its moment
Joel and Ellie’s terrifying tussle with the clickers has been put on hold until 14th June, developer Naughty Dog has announced. The Last of Us had been set to launch on 7th May worldwide, but in a message posted on the PlayStation Blog, c
Wednesday13th Feb 2013
News The Last Guardian Re-emerges Ahead of PlayStation Meeting
Perfect timing
You can call us 'Mystic Meg' if you like. We recently posted a story outlining why we expect Team ICO’s hotly anticipated arthouse adventure The Last Guardian to be re-revealed as a PlayStation 4 title – and creative director Fumito Ueda has added credence to our speculation in a message directed at fans
Store Update 12th February 2013 (North America)
Take a break
If your wallet's in need of a breather after the deluge of releases in recent weeks, then you're in luck – there's very little of note on offer in the latest North American PlayStation Store update. New arrivals include the handheld port of Rocketbirds: Hardboiled Chicken, the Twisted Metal Birthday Bundle, and PlayStation All-Stars...
Store Update 13th February 2013 (Europe)
Anarchy wanes
Much like in North America, there’s not a whole lot worth getting excited about in this week’s European PlayStation Store update. Anarchy Reigns, Aliens: Colonial Marines, and Germinator are all up for grabs on PlayStation 3, while R
Tuesday12th Feb 2013
Rumour Gearbox Wasn't Aliens: Colonial Marines' Lead Developer
Beep, blip
According to comments made up by an ex-Gearbox employee, the majority of Aliens: Colonial Marines was not built by the Borderlands developer. In fact, the game – which has been paraded around by gaffer Randy Pitchford and crew in the build up to release – was actually the product of TimeGate Studios, the developer behind the decent...
Talking Point Could the Current Xbox Rumours Work in the PS4's Favour?
Speculation wars
You probably shouldn’t believe everything that you read online. We’re in what’s commonly referred to in other industries as the ‘silly season’ right now, an exciting period of speculation where even the most ridiculous rumours take on heightened meanings. With new next generation platforms looming, everyone wants a piece...
News Sweet Tooth Celebrates Birthday with Twisted Metal Bundle
Squashed tomatoes and gloop
Twisted Metal’s excellent PlayStation 3 reboot is officially a year old this week, and Sweet Tooth is planning to commemorate the event by washing his polka dot pants. Apparently, they’ve got a bit messy over the past 12 months – we’ve told him to be careful where he squirts the strawberry sauce. While the killer...
News Would You Kindly Listen to This BioShock Remix Album
Sounds of the underground
How do you transform BioShock’s harrowing art-deco universe into something infectious? Well, if you’re voice actor turned remix extraordinaire Eddie Bowley, you take its most famous sound bites and arrange them into beats so catchy that not even Ayn Rand could resist tapping her disco feet. ‘Only Man’ is a full...
News Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance Is Having the Worst Day
Feelin' like a freight train
Ever had one of those days where everything seems to go wrong? Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance understands you. Y'see, the swashbuckling spin-off is being marketed as the perfect antidote to a particularly bad run of luck. But is it as effective as listening to Limp Bizkit on loop? You'll be able to find out for yourself...
News Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Starts a Revolution on 28th February
Something about being televised
Those of you with tickly trigger fingers will finally be able to sate your Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 cravings on 28th February, when the first-person shooter’s hotly anticipated ‘Revolution’ add-on unloads on the PlayStation Network. The content – already available on the Xbox 360 – will cost you $14.99, or...
News Guess Which Game Got the Most BAFTA Nominations
Yeah, you're right
In an announcement about as predictable as an episode of Columbo, BAFTA has revealed that thatgamecompany’s stunning PlayStation Network exclusive Journey has topped the nominations list for this year’s awards. The critically acclaimed title is up for contention in eight categories, including artistic achievement, original...
Monday11th Feb 2013
News Dead Nation 2 Concept Art Stumbles into Sight
Bullet to the brain
It seems like a sequel to Housemarque’s popular dual-joystick shooter Dead Nation was on the cards at one point. The official website of concept artist Amar Djouad features three pieces of artwork from the hypothetical follow-up, one of which includes dinosaurs. Sadly, according to the employee’s CGHub portfolio, the project...
Review Zombie Driver HD (PlayStation 3)
Rot gear
Guts, guns, and gasoline: it’s a match consummated in the underworld. At least it should be, but EXOR Studios’ matter-of-fact PlayStation Network racer Zombie Driver HD gets its wheels in a spin in some crucial areas. It results in a braindead isometric zombie slayer which sadly lacks the bite of its subject matter. You fill the...
First Impressions Is Bentley's Hackpack Worth Your Coins?
Firewall flattener
Sony’s sneaky Sly Cooper series has always enjoyed a wide array of mini-games. The emphasis certainly became more pronounced in later entries, with Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves dividing fans due to its hearty helping of side content. Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time – the fourth entry in the series – follows in its predecessor’s...
News Media Molecule Teases Next Project with Top of the Pops
It's a mystery
The online sleuths have certainly been slipping. Media Molecule's website has included a teaser page hinting at its next project for over six months now, but it's only just been discovered. The mysterious entry certainly isn’t hard to find. If you mosey your way over to the developer’s ‘Games’ page, you’ll spot a rather...
News Square Enix Strings Up Stunning Tomb Raider Footage
Survival instincts
Square Enix has released a brand new 11 minute gameplay video of Tomb Raider, complete with walkthrough narration from Noah Hughes, the title's creative director. The video – entitled 'Monastery Escape' – shows protagonist Lara Croft using the world to her advantage, as she stealthily snares enemies on her way across the map...
News UK Sales Charts: Dead Space 3 Unsettles Ni No Kuni
Wrath of the Necromorphs
Despite its controversial inclusion of microtransactions, Dead Space 3 has snuck to the summit of this week’s UK sales charts, giving previous frontrunner Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch an awful scare along the way. The spooked Level-5 and Studio Ghibli collaboration dropped all the way down into sixth, though...
News YouTube Application Broadcasts to European PlayStation 3s
Streaming solutions
Those of you in Europe will finally be able to waste your evenings watching videos of cute kittens instead of playing video games, as Sony has confirmed that it’s bringing YouTube to the PlayStation 3. The native application – already available in North America – will launch later today, and will allow you to browse...
News Closure Illuminates North American PS Plus This Week
Light the way
North American PlayStation Plus subscribers will be able to download Eyebrow Interactive’s intelligent PlayStation Network puzzle platformer Closure for free this week. The title – which sees you manipulating light sources to progress – will be added to the Instant Game Collection when the PlayStation Store refreshes tomorrow...
News This Is What Happens When Vikings Relax
Hairy holiday
Vikings don’t head to the seaside and sip on piña coladas when they want to relax. Instead, they do much the same as they would on a normal day – attack each other. The twist is that they embark on this antagonistic pastime in brand new locations, such as on golf courses, cruise ships, and, er, giant chess boards. Of course,...
News Journey Misses Out on Prestigious Grammy Award
The one that got away
Given the sheer amount of awards that Journey has scooped up over the past 12 months, we suppose it’s about time that the title stopped hogging the limelight. Despite being the first ever video game to be nominated for a Grammy award, Austin Wintory’s scorching score lost out to Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’ e
Most Read
News Naughty Dog: We're Ready for PlayStation 4, But It's Scary
News Sony Counts Down to PlayStation Meeting with Evolution Trailer
Talking Point How Will the PS4's Controller Change the Way That We Play?
Rumour Gearbox Wasn't Aliens: Colonial Marines' Lead Developer
Talking Point Could the Current Xbox Rumours Work in the PS4's Favour?
