Tag: Sony - Page 288
News Sony Cuts Losses, PlayStation Sales Tumble
Ups and downs
It looks like the appointment of Kaz Hirai has worked wonders for Sony. The recently recruited president promised to decrease losses when he took over the role in April last year, and he’s done a decent job. The company as a whole recorded a net loss of ¥10.8 billion ($115 million) for its fiscal third quarter ending 31st December,
Rumour PlayStation 4 Will Retail for $399.99
Magic number
Sony seems to have learned its lesson about insane price points. According to GamesIndustry.biz, the manufacturer is planning to sell its next console for around $399.99. The figure comes courtesy of Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun, which understands that the console will cost ¥40,000 in its home region. That translates to about $427...
News Kratos Will Kill a Kitten If You Ignore This God of War Bundle
Think about it
Wannabe deities will be able to augment their shrines with a limited edition God of War: Ascension hardware bundle this March. The package – currently only announced for British-based worshippers – includes a 500GB Classic White PlayStation 3, a copy of the game, and a limited edition DualShock 3. The controller sports the same...
Talking Point What's the Problem with PlayStation Marketing?
Creating buzz
Everything seems to go wrong when you’re going through a rough patch. Sony learned this lesson in the hardest way possible with the launch of the PlayStation 3. “The next-generation doesn’t start until we say so,” former PlayStation president Kaz Hirai declared. But the promise of great things wasn’t enough to make up for the...
News Yes, Bentley's Hackpack Does Include Trophies
Binary bling
Seeing as the mini-games from the recently revealed Bentley’s Hackpack are already included on the full retail release of Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time, we encouraged you to exercise caution before picking up the cheap and cheerful title yesterday. But product manager Cristian Cardona has now
Rumour Evolution and Guerrilla to Debut PS4 Projects on 20th February
Exercise caution
You see that big rumour tag at the top of your screen? Colour it in with a shocking pink marker pen and set it on fire, because this is the very definition of a speculative piece. Still, we couldn’t resist sharing the latest gossip regarding Sony’s rapidly approaching 20th February press conference, and we think that you’ll...
News Sony Hires Google Chrome Marketers, Dumps Deutsch
Advertising overhaul
The timing couldn’t be more perfect. As the industry erupts with concerns regarding the commercial prominence of Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time – out today in North America in case you’d forgotten – Sony has announced that it has ditched its existing advertising agency and hired the firm responsible for Google Chrome’s...
News Insert Coins into the PlayStation Home Arcade App This Week
Retro games on the go
As spotted late last year, a new application is heading to the PlayStation Vita that will allow you to take your PlayStation Home arcade cabinets out and about with you. The free download – set to release in both Europe and North America this week – features full cross-buy compatibility, meaning that any titles you’ve...
News Bentley's Hackpack Breaks Out Sly Cooper's Mini-Games
Turtle target practice
One of the best things about Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time – as evidenced in our recent preview – is the title’s constant desire for variety. The campaign is practically bursting with different gameplay mechanics, and you’ll be able to sample some of those for yourself courtesy of a new cross-platform application...
News Celebrate PS Vita's Birthday in Style with European Sale
This is living
It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost a year since the PlayStation Vita first hit store shelves. In honesty, it’s been a turbulent 12 months for the platform, but there’s been no shortage of great games. In order to celebrate the system’s growth, Sony has announced a brand new European sale, set to run for a period of...
News Guardians of Middle-Earth Free for NA PS Plus Subscribers
Irkwood
North America’s slightly less exciting PlayStation Plus offering continues to play catch up to its infinitely superior European counterpart this week with the addition of Guardians of Middle-Earth, the Monolith developed MOBA that stars characters from J.R.R. Tolkien’s dreary universe. Maybe if you pretend that you're excited about this,...
News Sony Severs Ties with PlayStation All-Stars Developer
Walking away
Despite the likelihood of a sequel seeming fairly high, Sony has confirmed that it has ended its relationship with PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale developer SuperBot Entertainment. The platform holder confirmed the news in a press release earlier this evening, adding that its Santa Monica studio will continue to support the release...
News The Last of Us' Clickers Make the Most Terrifying Noises Ever
Tick tock
It turns out that there is a sound that topples One Direction’s latest record in the awful audio stakes. Sony has released a brand new two minute gameplay video from The Last of Us, which introduces a fresh enemy type known as Clickers, advanced infected beings which are blind and basically bloody terrifying. They use echo location...
News Latest PlayStation Vita Colour Is As Cold As Ice
Not willing to sacrifice, though
Sony’s trotting out another new PlayStation Vita colour in Asia next month. The chilly ‘Ice Silver’ design is set to release on 28th February in Hong Kong, with additional regions nabbing the hue in early March. “By continually releasing a vast library of exciting and attractive software titles, SCE is also...
News Which of These PS4 Controller Mock-Ups Is Your Favourite?
Input ideas
Sony is supposedly planning to debut a new controller alongside the PlayStation 4. While details about its size and shape are still under wraps, we do have a reasonable idea about what kind of new features the final device will include. According to both Kotaku and
Talking Point Could 2013 Be PlayStation's Best Ever Year?
Great expectations
Throughout the uncharacteristically barren first-party release schedule of 2012, it always felt like Sony’s attention was elsewhere. Twisted Metal, PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale, and Starhawk were all strong releases, but they felt like disposable distractions designed to fill the time ahead of the looming onslaught of...
News What Does Uncharted's Tenzin Have in Common with The Last of Us' Ellie?
Connected over a curry
Tenzin was one of the more interesting characters from Uncharted 2: Among Thieves. The Tibetan explorer couldn't speak a word of English, making his relationship with protagonist Nathan Drake pretty unique. However, according to an excellent feature on GameSpot, the character was originally conceived as a mute female, who...
News Take a Look at the PlayStation 4 Game That You'll Never Play
Got to getaway
No matter how longingly you stare at the artwork embedded within this article, the game’s never coming out. It was canned, alongside developer Studio Liverpool, back in late August 2012. The concept art – penned by industry veteran Darren Douglas – demonstrates a slew of dramatic heist scenes, which match up with rumours...
News God of War: Ascension's Live Action Trailer Is Touching
Ashes to ashes
People struggle to relate with protagonist Kratos’ anger issues, but we reckon that this God of War: Ascension live action trailer does a good job of explaining the character's emotional turmoil. The short – which is set to air during the online stream of the Super Bowl this weekend – shows the antihero clutching his daughter...
Rumour PS4 Will Allow You to Share Videos and Screenshots
Europe will be made to wait again
According to EDGE, the PlayStation 4 will allow you to share gameplay footage and screenshots on the fly. In a new report citing development sources, the British publication has hinted that the impending console’s refreshed controller will include a new button, allowing you to distribute your achievements and...
Feature Five Mistakes That the PlayStation 4 Must Avoid
Potential pitfalls
The PlayStation 4 will finally be announced on 20th February. Sony shocked the gaming industry with a mysterious trailer that teased the reveal last night, confirming that it will be hosting a PlayStation Meeting in New York City later this month. But while the imminent announcement is understandably exciting, there are a number...
News Catch the First 30 Minutes of God of War: Ascension
Spoilers, obviously
Sony Santa Monica’s been relatively quiet about God of War: Ascension’s single player campaign over the past year – but it opened up in dramatic fashion overnight. Polygon has posted a video featuring the first 30 minutes from the title. The drama never ends this week, does it? The extended clip – which obviously...
News Yes, Sony Will Announce the PlayStation 4 on 20th February
Event will be live streamed online
If last night’s unexpected teaser trailer didn’t make things obvious enough, sources have indicated that the PlayStation 4 will debut on 20th February. According to the Wall Street Journal, “people familiar with the matter” have hinted that the hotly anticipated next generation console will make its first...
News Sony Teases the Future, Will Almost Certainly Reveal the PlayStation 4 on 20th February
Pick up your jaw
Now that’s how you drop a bomb. Sony has announced that it will reveal the future on 20th February at a PlayStation Meeting in New York City. The event – set to start at 18:00PM EST – will almost certainly play host to the PlayStation 4. Are you following this? It’s actually happening. According to infamous industry analyst...
News Japanese Sales Charts: New Vita Titles Fail to Drive Hardware
Demon malaise
In the past, it’s been pretty easy to attribute the PlayStation Vita’s commercial woes in Japan to the platform's worrying lack of software. After all, whenever a new title has arrived, the system’s sales have almost always spiked. Worryingly, that wasn’t the case this week. Despite netting two major new releases in dungeon...
News Killzone: Mercenary Pre-orders Unlock Blackjack's Briefcase
Elite enhancements
If you’re eager to earn an early advantage on the battlefield, then you might want to consider pre-ordering your copy of Killzone: Mercenary. Online retailer Amazon.com has revealed that by registering your interest in the upcoming first-person shooter, you'll unlock Blackjack’s Briefcase, which boasts some beefy bonuses...
Talking Point Killzone: Mercenary Concludes a Killer Week for PS Vita
Back in the zone
It’s not been the best first year for the PlayStation Vita. Shunned in its home territory and disregarded overseas, the powerful portable has struggled to secure a foothold in the brutal video game market. But there have been signs this week that the system is not dead and buried yet, and while there’s still a long road ahead...
News God of War Legacy Bundle Is the Ultimate Gift from the Gods
True treasure
If you’re looking for an easy entry into the God of War series, then look no further than Sony’s enormous Legacy Bundle. The hardware package – due out on 12th March in North America – includes a 500GB ‘Garnet Red’ PlayStation 3 Super Slim, a copy of God of War: Ascension, a copy of the God of War: Saga (which features all...
News New Tearaway Trailer Takes a Tantalising Trip to Sogport
Ripped open
Media Molecule would like to introduce you to the sodden scenery of Sogport, one of the many environments that you’ll explore during your time with the upcoming PlayStation Vita exclusive, Tearaway. “Sogport is a mysterious island marooned in a deep sea of glue, and inhabited by some very fishy folk with a fearful obsession with the...
News Killzone: Mercenary Pays Out with Explosive Gameplay Trailer
Big bucks
Oh, this is good. Sony has released a brand new gameplay trailer for the upcoming Killzone: Mercenary – and it looks absolutely amazing. Just a reminder in case you’re skipping ahead to the video: this is a PlayStation Vita game. Alright, you can go ahead and watch it now, just make sure you scroll back up for all of the details...
Talking Point Will God of War's Super Bowl Commercial Score a Touchdown with Consumers?
Mass market
Update: Since publishing this story it's emerged that the God of War: Ascension commercial will only be shown during the Super Bowl's online stream. Last year the show attracted more than 2 million viewers, which is a far cry from the numbers of the conventional broadcast. Obviously, that lessens the impact of the discussion within –...
Feature Crafting the Contrasting Sounds of The Unfinished Swan
Secret gardens and synths
The Unfinished Swan is a blank canvas; an engrossing adventure open to interpretation and debate. It’s a title that’s defined by contrasts, be it the bold blobs of colour that paint your progression through the game’s otherwise vacant world, or the juxtaposed personalities of the protagonist and his counterpart, the...
News God of War: Ascension Slays the 2013 Super Bowl
Blood, sweat, and tears
As predicted yesterday, Sony has confirmed that it will be unchaining a brand new God of War: Ascension advert during this weekend’s Super Bowl. The latest teaser trailer focuses on protagonist Kratos’ wife and daughter, as an army of soldiers stomp through a nearby field. According to the conclusion of the short, more...
News Insomniac Frustrated Over Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault Vita Delays
In the dark
Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault was billed as a cross-buy title, but the PlayStation Vita version was delayed late last year. Sony promised that more information would be shared in January, but it’s almost February and we still haven’t heard a peep. In a
News Soul Sacrifice Saps Your Body and Mind from 30th April
Monster hunter
Enjoy your limbs while you’ve got them, because Sony has announced that it will conjure copies of Soul Sacrifice onto store shelves on 30th April in North America. The title will start slaying grotesque ogres on 1st May in Europe, with both regions securing digital releases on their respective dates. For the uninitiated amongst...
Rumour Could Cutter Be Making a Comeback in Uncharted 4?
"Need to top up my minutes"
Now that critically acclaimed first-party developer Naughty Dog has expanded into two teams, we can safely assume that the studio is working on a new entry in the Uncharted franchise. After all, the series still hasn’t reached its full commercial potential, and we suspect that there’s plenty that the ambitious...
News Sony Teases Game Day with Mysterious Trailer
What does it all mean?
Sony has added a mysterious trailer entitled ‘Game Day’ to its YouTube channel. The short shows a lady in classical garb strutting through a field, and closes with an open eye and 1st February date. It’s perhaps worth noting that the fonts, clothing, and sound effects all have a God of War-esque feel to them. We’re...
News Legendary Rare Developer Switches Xbox for PlayStation
Flying the first-party flag
You may not have heard of George Andreas, but you will almost certainly have played one of his games. The former Rare employee worked on a wealth of classics during his 16 year tenure at the UK studio, including Banjo-Kazooie, Donkey Kong 64, and even GoldenEye 007. But, after playing a pivotal role in the production of
News Sony Bundling 3 Month Bonuses with Annual PS Plus Subs
More for your money
It pays to be a PlayStation Plus subscriber these days – and there’s never been a better time to sign up. Sony has announced that anyone in North America that buys a 12 month membership between now and 4th March will get an extra three months absolutely free. That’s a generous bonus when you consider the sheer amount of...
News Sleeping Dogs Headlines Explosive Euro PS Plus Update
It's full of stars
European PlayStation Plus subscribers will be able to rest easy knowing that Sleeping Dogs is set to awaken the service’s bursting Instant Game Collection next month. Sony has announced that the critically acclaimed sandbox crime drama will be available for free from 6th February, leaving you with plenty of change to splash out...
News Killzone: Mercenary Breaches Polish Magazine Cover
Details deploying soon
Polish magazine PSX Extreme has released some brand new information about the upcoming PlayStation Vita first-person shooter, Killzone: Mercenary. According to the publication, the title is built upon the same engine as Killzone 3, meaning that it looks absolutely staggering. It’s thought that the release will rival
News Heavy Rain Composer Sadly Passes Away at 56
Leaves behind an incredible legacy
The composer best known for scoring Heavy Rain’s emotional soundtrack, Normand Corbeil, has passed away at 56. The sad news comes courtesy of 8bitfix.com, who reports that the musician was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in August of 2012. He lost the battle with the disease on Friday, 25th January. Corbeil has...
News Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time Demo Sneaks onto PS Plus
Not a sound
Living up to its namesake with perfect precision, a demo for Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time has sneaked onto the North American PlayStation Store. It’s actually been there for much of the week, but in true ninja fashion, we’ve only just spotted it. You’ll need to be a PlayStation Plus subscriber to download the sampler, though we’re...
News Sony's Latest PlayStation Vita Promotion Pays in Spades
Flex your marketing muscle
Sony’s latest PlayStation Vita promotion is prompting a bit of a backlash in certain corners of the web. The initiative – which launched in North America earlier today – encourages you to “convince your friends to buy” one of the consoles in return for $20 PlayStation Network credit and 1,000 Sony Rewards points...
News PlayStation 3 Super Slim Flashes Red and Blue in UK
Just like the police (minus Sting)
Those recently announced ‘Garnet Red’ and ‘Azurite Blue’ PlayStation 3 Super Slim consoles are set to light up UK store shelves on 15th February, platform holder Sony has announced. The systems will be available as part of a temporary run, and will come bundled with two matching DualShock 3 controllers and...
Rumour PlayStation All-Stars Developer Thumped by Layoffs
Heavy haymaker
PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale developer SuperBot Entertainment has apparently been struck by a round of layoffs. According to Insomniac Games designer Mike Birkhead, around 20 employees were released earlier today. “When it rains, it pours,” he said, presumably in reference to the recent slew of job losses at defunct...
Talking Point What if the PS4 Is Not Backward Compatible?
Legacy support
It’s ironic that Sony has had such a tumultuous time with backward compatibility of late. In the transition from the PSone to the PlayStation 2, the platform holder essentially set the expectation for the feature moving forwards – but it hasn’t always managed to uphold that standard in recent years. Initial models of the...
News Here's What Killzone Would Look Like If It Was Made of LEGO
Toys at war
Forget about all of the excellent LEGO crossovers that have come before – this is the one that we’ve been waiting for. 18-year-old model designer Joris Blok has constructed an army of Helghast soldiers out of LEGO, providing a sneak peak at Guerrilla Games’ blockbuster Killzone franchise in plastic form. Despite their somewhat...
News Sony Cuts the Ribbon on North American PlayStation Webstore
Form an orderly queue
After a string of promises, Sony has cut the ribbon on the browser-based version of the North American PlayStation Store. The online plaza allows you to peruse and purchase PlayStation Network content without having to wait for the new console application to load. Just think what you could do with those extra 30 seconds – the...
News God of War: Ascension Gifts Early Access to The Last of Us' Demo
Let the bodies hit the floor
Sony’s dialling up the death count to absurd proportions this March, by including early admission to The Last of Us’ gameplay demo with copies of the upcoming God of War: Ascension. Those of you with strong enough stomachs will be able to access the bloodshed courtesy of an icon included on the prequel’s main menu...
