News - August, 2012

Friday31st Aug 2012

  • Talking Point What Grand Theft Auto Can Learn from Sleeping Dogs

    Chinatown wars

    Grand Theft Auto IV is the undisputed king of the open world crime drama, but it’s not perfect. The game’s vibrant city setting and unorthodox cast set it apart from the genre’s many pretenders, but also help to hide its numerous gameplay flaws. The recently released Sleeping Dogs may not be able to topple its progenitor’s...

  • News Nariko and Sir Daniel Attack PlayStation All-Stars

    Celebrate good times

    As previously rumoured, both Nariko and Sir Daniel Fortesque will be joining the cast of PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale. Developer SuperBot Entertainment confirmed the news overnight as part of another exclusive GameSpot gameplay trailer. You can catch the characters in action below. Nariko, who found fame in Ninja...

  • News Zen Pinball 2's Plants vs. Zombies Table Rises Next Week

    Try to resist

    Zen Studios’ mysterious PopCap-themed pinball table is based on Plants vs. Zombies, the developer has finally announced. The evergreen arena – playable at PAX Prime 2012 this weekend – will focus on the same botanical battle you’ve come to love, with the added impact of giant silver balls. The table will launch alongside Zen...

  • News Square Enix Updates Final Fantasy Versus XIII's Status

    Still in development

    Square Enix has offered a small update on the oft-delayed Final Fantasy Versus XIII. Speaking at a Final Fantasy anniversary event in Tokyo overnight, company gaffer Yoichi Wada noted: "I cannot say any more than, 'We are making Versus!' Please wait a little longer." Meanwhile, a brochure for the event (embedded to the right)...

  • News Bethesda Still Struggling with Dawnguard DLC on PS3

    No solution in sight

    Bethesda has warned that The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim’s Dawnguard DLC pack may never release on PlayStation 3. The content launched on Xbox 360 earlier this year, prompting the developer to release a statement noting that it was having difficulties with the PS3. Those issues are ongoing according to the company’s community...

  • News Nariko and Sir Daniel Line Up in New PlayStation All-Stars Videos

    Here comes a new challenger

    Sony has released a couple of new PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale videos, focusing on fresh arrivals Nariko and Sir Daniel Fortesque. The characters are currently on display on the PAX Prime 2012 showfloor, where the platform holder is giving the game a massive push. According to a

  • News Double Dragon: Neon Lights Up PlayStation Plus Next Month

    Brotherly love

    Double Dragon: Neon is set to plant a punch squarely on the jaw of all North American PlayStation Plus members next month, when the title joins the service’s Instant Game Collection. That means all premium members will be able to hook up with the original dudebros Billy and Jimmy without needing to spend a penny. Pretty neat, huh?...

  • Rumour Killzone Trilogy Flanking PS3

    To Helghan and back

    A product page for a new PS3 compilation named the Killzone Trilogy has been uploaded by Amazon France. The eagle-eyed editors over at The Sixth Axis spotted the listing, which includes a 24th October release date. The French arm of online retailer Amazon has been responsible for a number of high-profile leaks this year,...

  • News Kojima Productions and Platinum "Clash All the Time" Over Metal Gear Rising

    From conflict comes perfection

    Speaking in a recent interview, Kojima Productions' Yuji Korekado has admitted that his company and Platinum Games have clashed several times during the production of Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance. However, far from presenting these tussles as a negative thing, Korekado was quick to point out that the process has...

  • News Splinter Cell: Blacklist Goes Ghost in New Trailer

    Shadow man

    Splinter Cell: Blacklist isn’t the action exclusive experience previous trailers have portrayed. This brand new footage shows the same sequence from E3 and GamesCom, but with a much more subtle approach. That sound you can hear is thousands of Splinter Cell fans all simultaneously breathing a huge sigh of relief.

  • News World Tekken Federation Access Bundled with Latest Game

    What the...?

    Tekken Tag Tournament 2’s elaborately named social network tie-in, World Tekken Federation, won’t cost you a penny to access – assuming you purchase a copy of the upcoming game. The online destination will allow you to link up your PlayStation Network account and peruse gameplay statistics in real-time. It’ll launch alongside...

  • News Insomniac Games' Overstrike Becomes Fuse

    Amped up

    Insomniac Games has renamed its debut multiplatform project to Fuse. The title – which debuted at last year’s E3 as Overstrike – has been overhauled since its initial unveiling. A new screenshot is embedded to the right. Gaffer Ted Price confirmed the news during a PAX Prime keynote earlier today. He pointed attendees to Fuse’s...

  • News Giant Sparrow Brings The Unfinished Swan to Life

    Gut wrenching

    This brand new The Unfinished Swan trailer is so effortlessly macabre that it gave us goosebumps. Its purpose is to introduce the King – the curious monarch behind the PSN exclusive’s striking world – but we couldn’t help but get choked up over the comparison between the protagonist and his deceased mother’s unfinished...

Thursday30th Aug 2012

  • News Hideo Kojima Reveals Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes

    Stunning sequel

    Hideo Kojima has marked Metal Gear’s 25th anniversary with a customary bang, announcing a brand new entry in the series named Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes. Attendees at an overnight birthday bash were wowed by a real-time gameplay demo which showed protagonist Big Boss infiltrating a rain-drenched compound, before offing a...

  • Talking Point Could Apps Transform Vita's Fortunes?

    Or are they an unnecessary distraction from the console's primary function?

    As much as it pains us to admit it, the PlayStation Vita isn't in the best shape at present. The console is struggling to convince players that it is worth its lofty price point, and rivals such as Nintendo's 3DS and smartphone platforms like iOS and Android are stealing...

  • News Team Bondi Reveals PlayStation 4 Title Whore of the Orient

    Period piece

    Controversial L.A. Noire developer Team Bondi has risen from its resting place to announce a brand new PlayStation 4 title named Whore of the Orient. The game was rumoured some time ago, but has now been officially confirmed on the developer's website. The game itself is set in Shanghai in 1936, and promises to explore "the most...

  • News Kaz Hirai Claims PlayStation Vita Is Meeting Sales Targets

    But lagging behind in some regions

    Recently appointed Sony overlord Kaz Hirai has pointed out that the PlayStation Vita is performing near expectations globally, but that it's "trending behind in certain territories". Earlier this month, the platform holder revealed that the system had sold 2.2 million units worldwide. While Hirai wouldn’t reveal...

  • News Columbia Pictures Signs Up Metal Gear Solid Movie

    Big screen

    Columbia Pictures has snapped up the rights to produce a movie based on Kojima Productions’ wildly popular Metal Gear Solid franchise. Announced at an anniversary event overnight – which also played host to the reveal of a new game – the flick will be produced by Avi Arad of Spider-Man fame. It’s unclear how much involvement...

  • Competition Five Copies of Foosball 2012 Up for Grabs

    Twist and shout

    We’ve teamed up with the fine folks at Grip Games to dole out five copies of the recently released Foosball 2012 to a handful of lucky readers. The top-notch PlayStation 3 and Vita title boasts a bevy of cross-platform features, in addition to an engaging single-player campaign and robust multiplayer component. Our Foosball 2012...

  • News Raiden Rises in PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale

    !

    Sony’s followed up yesterday’s unfortunate leak with confirmation of Raiden’s inclusion in PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale. The Metal Gear cyborg is described as a “close-ranged fighter who is capable of building tremendous amounts of AP with various combos and juggles”. He takes advantage of a unique chain-attack system that lets...

  • News Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Firing into Eurogamer Expo

    Oh my CoD

    Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 is the latest title to be added to the already bulging Eurogamer Expo line-up. The title’s multiplayer component will be fully playable at the show, which is set to take place at Earls Court in London between 27th September and 30th September. The blockbuster joins a bevy of other playable gems, including...

  • News God of War: Ascension Cuts Europe on 15th March

    Rise against

    Sony has finally announced the release date for God of War: Ascension in Europe. The title will slash onto store shelves on 15th March, just three days after its North American launch. The brutal action adventure will be available in two limited edition flavours. The unimaginatively titled Special Edition will include the game, a...

  • News Borderlands 2 Season Pass Offers Four DLC Packs for $30

    Good deal

    Borderlands 2 will receive at least four DLC packs between release and next summer, publisher 2K Games has announced. Each expansion will cost you $9.99, or you’ll be able to purchase all four up front as part of the title’s season pass. That will set you back a discounted $29.99. Season pass holders will be able to download the new...

  • News Spec Ops: The Line Developer Dislikes the Title's Multiplayer

    Waste of money

    Spec Ops: The Line has a genuinely moving single-player campaign – but its multiplayer component is frustratingly formulaic. In fact, not even the game’s lead designer Cory Davis likes it, describing its inclusion as a “waste of money” to Polygon. He explained that the outsourced extra was a financially motivated...

Wednesday29th Aug 2012

  • News Sony Bookmarks Dragon Fantasy: Book II for PS3 and Vita

    Page turner

    Sony has secured Muteki Corporation’s throwback RPG Dragon Fantasy: Book II for PS3 and Vita. Unlike its 8-bit iOS predecessor, the sequel takes inspiration from the 16-bit era. The game promises Mode 7-style visuals, upgraded audio and a new combat system. It will also boast a four-player multiplayer mode where players can...

  • News PlayStation All-Stars Beta Attacks Europe Next Month

    Crossover chaos

    European gamers will finally get access to the PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale beta next month. The limited public test is set to take place from 11th September until 18th September. Unlike the North American trial, it will be playable on both PS3 and Vita. In order to gain access to the beta, you’ll need to register your...

  • News LittleBigPlanet Vita Is Finally Finished

    Up, up, up

    Swedish studio Tarsier has completed work on LittleBigPlanet Vita. The company announced the news on its official blog this afternoon, declaring that “the stage is set for you to play, create and share levels on the go to your heart’s content”. Sony will now begin manufacturing the game ahead of its 19th September release date in...

  • News Take a Closer Look at CoD: Black Ops 2's Care Package

    So much stuff

    Call of Duty: Black Ops 2’s recently announced Care Package limited edition is so big that it takes two people to pick it up. The bundle comes brimming with content, including a working Quadcopter and more. If you’d like to know what's in the box, watch Treyarch studio head Mark Lamia proudly reveal everything in the trailer below...

  • Store Update 29th August 2012 (Europe)

    Brace yourself

    It’s another disappointing European PlayStation Store update we’re afraid, with Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and The Walking Dead: Episode 3 both missing. Making up for the frustration are Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD, Dungeon Twister and Rock Band Blitz. Feel free to stamp your feet in the comments section belo

  • Store Update 28th August 2012 (North America)

    Take your pick

    It’s another stellar week on the North American PlayStation Store, with plenty of content vying for your attention. New arrivals include The Walking Dead: Episode 3, Rock Band Blitz, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD and Lights, Camera, Party!. Let’s not waste a moment. PS3 Full Games: Recor

  • News Ratchet & Clank: QForce Beta Opens to EU Plus Members

    Full frontal assault

    If you’re a European PlayStation Plus subscriber, we recommend booting up your PS3 right away. Sony has launched a Ratchet & Clank: QForce beta which will be available to premium members for a “limited time only”. The beta features a single-player tutorial, a ranked competitive mode for up to four players, and...

  • News Raiden Thunders into PlayStation All-Stars

    Whoops

    GameSpot has accidentally uploaded a video confirming Metal Gear Solid’s Raiden for PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale. The accompanying footage shows the controversial protagonist slashing up Ratchet, Sackboy and Spike in an Uncharted themed arena. The character is described as a combo-heavy fighter with a specific emphasis on air...

  • News Mercia: Fractured Realms Stumbles into PlayStation Home

    Level up

    Mercia: Fractured Realms is set to travel into PlayStation Home this week in North America. The ambitious endeavour aims to deliver a full-scale free-to-play role playing game within the virtual world. We’ve heard some pretty great things about this, so you might want to go and check it out. The game can be played in single-player or...

  • News Sony Serves Up Sports Champions 2 on 31st October

    Be the best

    Sports Champions 2 will move onto European store shelves on 31st October, publisher Sony has announced. A North American release date was confirmed last week. The PlayStation Move sequel boasts a variety of events, including boxing, skiing, bowling, tennis, golf and an updated version of archery. It will also allow you to design your...

  • News Lights, Camera, Party! Freshens Up PSN This Week

    Really strange

    You’d be forgiven for assuming that this Lights, Camera, Party! launch trailer is a family affair – but we’d encourage you to keep watching through to the end. Proceedings take a surreal twist right around the 1:30 mark. The game itself aims to be equally daft, promising 50 bonkers mini-games that take full advantage of the...

Tuesday28th Aug 2012

  • News Vita Firmware v1.80 Locks Memory Cards to Single Account

    Rage quit

    Sony has coaxed the Internet into another fit of misplaced vitriol this evening, by a plugging a workaround that allowed users to change PSN accounts with a single memory card. The platform holder declared prior to release that the system would only be compatible with a single account, but clever users found a simple way to overcome the...

  • Rumour Crash Bandicoot Could be Spinning into PS All-Stars

    Loose proof

    Crash Bandicoot may seem like an obvious addition to PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale, but the character’s complicated ownership has cast doubt over his inclusion. Despite being considered the platform’s mascot in the PSone days, third-party publisher Activision actually owns the rights to the wacky protagonist. That’s a...

  • News Vita Firmware v1.80 Adds Touch Controls to PSP Games

    New ways to play

    The PlayStation Vita’s latest firmware update comes bundled with a bevy of hidden features. Amongst them is the ability to assign touch controls to PSP games. We’re not quite sure what the purpose of this addition is, but we suppose someone will find a use for it. After all, more options are always better than less. You can...

  • News PlayStation Vita v1.80 Firmware Update Is Available Now

    Mild controversy

    As promised, Sony has launched the latest firmware update for the PlayStation Vita. The hotly anticipated refresh brings with it PSone emulation as well as a slew of other improvements. Unfortunately, you can count the number of officially supported classics on two hands in North America. SCEA’s list of compatible titles may...

  • News PES 2013 Scores Champions League Themed Metallic Cover

    Prestigious

    Pre-orders of PES 2013 in North America will come with a UEFA Champions League metallic cover, publisher Konami has revealed. We suppose it’s a bit strange for Europe’s premier club competition to be featured on the front of a US release, but we suspect that anyone buying PES in North America will be familiar with the competition. If...

  • News Watch Naughty Dog's The Last of Us from a Grimy Bathroom

    On the throne

    If you’re attending PAX Prime in Seattle this weekend, you’re almost certainly going to want to spend several hours queuing to see The Last of Us. As opposed to ushering you into a bland theatre, Naughty Dog will instead guide you into a gloomy bathroom modelled after the one in the title’s debut trailer. Pretty neat, huh? Those...

  • News Call of Duty: Black Ops 2's Limited Editions Are Excessive

    Awesome, though

    Activision’s decided to give the bulging Borderlands 2: Ultimate Loot Edition a real run for its money. It’s announced a couple of Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 special editions, both of which are brimming with in-game content and goodies. The 'Hardened Edition' features the game, a steelbook case, soundtrack, challenge coins and...

  • News Journey Art Book Scales Your Coffee Table Next Month

    Bound in blood

    Journey will be making one final excursion next month, when The Art of Journey travels onto shelves across the globe. The hardcover book – penned and designed by art director Matt Nava – features images from the game, and discusses the influences and ideas behind its development. It also includes in-game 3D models, which can be...

  • News Evil Cole Electrifies PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale

    New challenger

    Bog-standard Cole MacGrath will not be the only supercharged fighter to appear in SuperBot Entertainment’s upcoming mascot mash-up, PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale. Speaking at the GameStop Managers Show in San Antonio this afternoon, the developer also confirmed the inclusion of Evil Cole as a playable character in the game...

  • News The Walking Dead: Episode 3 Stumbles onto PSN Today

    Surprise

    When developer Telltale Games said it was bringing The Walking Dead: Episode 3 to PSN “soon”, what it really meant was “very, very soon”. The studio has revealed that the next entry in its popular episodic series will hit the North American PlayStation Store later today. Unfortunately, the European release is in limbo once again...

  • News Zombies Shuffling into Call of Duty: Black Ops 2's Nuketown

    There goes the neighbourhood

    Call of Duty: Black Ops’ idyllic Nuketown map is set to be overrun by zombies in the shooter’s upcoming sequel. Developer Treyarch Tweeted the embedded image to the right, teasing the undead’s imminent arrival. It’s unclear whether the zombies will be reserved to those who obtain the Nuketown 2025 map via...

  • News UK Sales Charts: Sleeping Dogs Dispatches Darksiders II

    Let 'em lie

    Hotly anticipated sequel Darksiders II was unable to displace the excellent Sleeping Dogs on this week’s UK sales charts. The Square Enix published open-world adventure enjoyed a second week at the top of the charts, after debuting in pole position just over seven days ago. It wasn’t all bad news for troubled publisher THQ however,...

  • News Assassin's Creed III Trailer Takes to the Seas

    Hydrophobia

    It’s a testament to the sheer scale of Assassin’s Creed III that its naval combat system is considered a side-mission. This brand new trailer – narrated by creative director Alex Hutchinson – outlines some of the features of the mode, including the dynamic weather system, which is able to transform calm waters into deadly...

Monday27th Aug 2012

  • News Sony Pictures Registers Slew of Console War Movie Domains

    No, really

    Your arguments with Microsoft and Nintendo fans could soon become the inspiration behind a blockbuster movie. Sony Pictures has registered a slew of Console War movie domain names through the brand protection company Mark Monitor. Fusible reports that Sony Computer Entertainment has nothing to do with the registrations, suggesting that...

  • News Tomba! Will Be Playable on Vita from Tomorrow

    Dream come true

    Import specialist MonkeyPaw Games will be bringing a handful of its PSone Classics to North American Vitas tomorrow, the company has told Joystiq. The compatibility will coincide with the handheld’s hotly anticipated 1.80 update, which promises to augment PSone emulation alongside a slew of other improvements. Supported classics...

  • News Lollipop Chainsaw Ships 700,000 Units Worldwide

    Record breaker

    Grasshopper Manufacture is no stranger to commercial failure, but it looks like the studio has finally secured a timely hit. The Japanese developer has declared that it has shipped over 700,000 copies of Lollipop Chainsaw worldwide, making it the most successful title in the company’s history. Studio gaffer Suda 51 and Japanese...

  • News Team ICO Loses More Key Personnel

    The last man standing

    The employee in charge of production on both ICO and Shadow of the Colossus has left Sony Computer Entertainment. Kenji Kaido shared the news on Twitter, declaring: "This August, I left Sony Computer Entertainment.” He added that he has no immediate plans, aside from a long summer vacation. It’s unclear whether Kaido has...

  • News Tekken Tag Tournament 2 Trailer Details Pre-Order Bonuses

    All laid out

    Namco Bandai has released a brand new Tekken Tag Tournament 2 trailer outlining the fighter’s various pre-order bonuses. If you’d rather not get distracted by the presenter’s sultry pout, the offers include two new characters, a Snoop Dogg stage, four exclusive music tracks, and a set of revealing costumes. The bonuses vary...

  • News DICE Issues Battlefield 3: Armored Kill DLC Release Date

    Ready for deployment

    PlayStation 3 owners will get the first opportunity to cut through Battlefield 3’s upcoming Armored Kill expansion pack. The content – which includes several new vehicles and a handful of maps – will hit the PlayStation Store on 4th September for Premium members. Vanilla players will be able to join the action on 18th...

  • News Borderlands Fires onto PlayStation Plus Next Week

    Happy now?

    North American PlayStation Plus subscribers will get the opportunity to shoot some skags next week, when Borderlands is added to the service’s Instant Game Collection. That's not a bad way to get hyped for the shooter's impending sequel. Other upcoming offers include discounts on Daytona USA and Greed Corp next week. Meanwhile, Space...

Sunday26th Aug 2012

  • Review Papo & Yo (PlayStation 3)

    Waking the monster

    On its face Papo & Yo is a tale of boy and monster, of frogs and fruits, but beneath its fantastical scenario lurks a subtle maturity that goes beyond the reach of many games. It's a story devised to mirror designer Vander Caballero's own struggles in a family that bore the burden of addiction, under an alcoholic patriarch,...

Saturday25th Aug 2012

  • Review Retro/Grade (PlayStation 3)

    Back to the Front

    Take everything you know about playing video games and throw it out of the window, because everything about Retro/Grade is backwards. Literally. While developer 24 Caret Games calls it a shooter in reverse, at its core Retro/Grade is a rhythm game and a darn fine one at that. Innovative mechanics wrapped up snugly in an envelope...

  • News Capcom: Fans Are Warming to Dante's New Look in DmC

    We'll see

    Fans are warming to DmC’s re-imagined Dante, according to Capcom’s Alex Jones. The protagonist’s makeover prompted rabid followers to pepper developer Ninja Theory with death threats upon the title’s initial unveiling, but the publisher reckons the outrage is now finally beginning to die down. "There was always going to be people...

  • News Dead Island: Riptide Rises at PAX Prime

    Shuffling into sight

    The sequel to Techland’s violent vacation simulator Dead Island will make its public debut at PAX Prime next weekend, publisher Deep Silver has announced. Senior creative producer Sebastian Reichert will be on hand to debut exclusive footage of the mysterious follow-up, Dead Island: Riptide. Deep Silver will also be flaunting...

  • News Stuff Yourself with New Naughty Bear: Panic in Paradise Trailer

    Ready, teddy, go

    We’re not sure anyone expected a Naughty Bear sequel, but considering the promise of the original game, we’re secretly glad that Naughty Bear: Panic in Paradise exists. The digital download’s aiming to “deliver a dramatically enhanced experience”, and judging from the tweaks featured in this brand new trailer – it just...

  • News Mass Effect 3: Leviathan Trailer Takes a Dip

    Under the sea

    BioWare sure knows how to put together a good Mass Effect 3 trailer. We didn’t have a whole lot of interest in the title’s upcoming Leviathan expansion pack, until we saw this short video which shows protagonist Commander Shepard taking a trip beneath the ocean. The content’s due out on 28th August. Let us know if you're going...

  • News Soul Sacrifice Aims to Challenge You in Painful Ways

    Surrender yourself

    As its name so eloquently elaborates, Soul Sacrifice will force you to surrender your body or belongings for power. This dynamic, according to creator Keiji Inafune, has the potential to create interesting conversations between players. "When you're playing together with your friends, it could be entertaining because it creates a...

Friday24th Aug 2012

  • News Dead or Alive 5's Facebook Integration Seems Misjudged

    Share something

    Tecmo Koei wants your friends and family to know that you enjoy watching unrealistically beautiful women kicking the crap out of each other. Its upcoming PS3 brawler Dead or Alive 5 will include full Facebook integration that will allow you to share fighting records with your friends. Naturally, we’re a little bit anxious about...

  • News Persona 4: Solid Gold Edition Stretches Your Wallet This Fall

    Not actually solid gold

    These days, we tend to roll our eyes at publishers’ so-called limited editions – but this Persona 4: Solid Gold Edition is actually, y’know, limited. Atlus claims that it will only be producing 10,000 of the shiny bundles, which will retail for $69.99 in North America. Appropriately, the package will feature a variety...

  • News Psychonauts Launches on PSN Next Week

    Naut but good news

    Double Fine’s memorable PlayStation 2 adventure Psychonauts is coming to the North American PlayStation Store on 28th August, platform holder Sony has announced. The unhinged adventure will launch as a bog-standard PS2 Classic, so don’t expect any fancy visual upgrades or Trophy support. There’s no word on a price tag just...

  • News Fresh Grand Theft Auto V Screenshots Take Flight

    Swing low

    Rockstar’s released yet another batch of Grand Theft Auto V screenshots, this time focusing on various vehicles from the game. One image shows a bi-plane hovering over a tranquil river, while another depicts a helicopter being targeted by a crook. There’s also a shot of a sports car engaged in a high-octane police chase, and a picture...

  • News ToeJam & Earl Is Almost Certainly Jammin' onto PS3

    Don't take a vacation

    Achievements for SEGA’s spunky 16-bit adventure ToeJam & Earl have casually strutted online, pointing to the Rogue-like’s imminent arrival on digital platforms. The trinkets follow a slew of rumours pegging the extraterrestrial escapade for PS3 release. The publisher's keeping its plans zipped for now, but expect an...

  • News PES 2013 Secures Licensed Brazilian Teams

    Hooray?

    Who cares about the Premier League, La Liga and Serie A when you’ve got 20 officially licensed Brazilian teams? That’s the positive attitude Konami’s being forced to adopt for PES 2013, noting that the addition of teams like Corinthians and São Paulo helps to create “the most authentic soccer experience available on the market”...

  • News Star Wars 1313 Takes a Trip to the Underworld

    Going underground

    It’s hard not to raise an eyebrow over LucasArts’ treatment of Star Wars 1313. The game has already featured on magazine covers here in the UK, but it doesn’t actually have a platform attached to it yet. Is it a PlayStation 3 game or next-generation? The publisher won’t say. Instead, it’s decided to release the in-depth...

  • News Troubled Uncharted Flick Loses Grip Once Again

    Give it up

    Sony’s ill-fated Uncharted movie project has hit another stumbling block, according to a report on Variety. The website claims that recently appointed director Neil Burger (Limitless) has quit the adaptation, leaving the film without anyone at the helm. Burger follows in the footsteps of previous director David O. Russell (The...

  • News The Walking Dead: Episode 3 Is Finished and Coming Soon

    Rise from your grave

    Telltale Games has confirmed that the next episode in its critically acclaimed The Walking Dead series will release very soon. Chatting with IGN, a company representative explained: “Episode Three: Long Road Ahead is in submission with our first party partners and we are anxiously awaiting a release date to be confirmed. We...

  • News DICE Quadruples Official Battlefield 3 Server Count

    Big ears

    DICE has listened to the complaints of Battlefield 3’s rabid fanbase – and deployed a bunch more official servers as a result. Quick matches will still drop you into the first available server – rented or otherwise – but if you input the word “DICE” when searching, you’ll be able to locate all of the official lobbies...

Thursday23rd Aug 2012

  • Review Sleeping Dogs (PlayStation 3)

    Triad and tested

    For a product dubbed Sleeping Dogs, United Front Games’ debut open world adventure is decidedly grisly. The former True Crime follow-up – unceremoniously whacked by publisher Activision in 2011 – was resurrected by Square Enix earlier this year, promising much needed sustenance ahead of Grand Theft Auto’s as-of-yet undated...

  • Rumour PlayStation 4 Will Support 4K Resolution

    Purrdy

    The PlayStation 4 will support 4K resolution, according to a report on BGR. The website claims that the Japanese giant is betting big on the technology now that 3D has failed to invigorate the market. It is already selling 4K Blu-ray players, and will introduce a compatible 80-inch XBR LED television set soon. The PS4 will presumably form...

  • News Ragnarok Odyssey Scoops Slick Mercenary Edition

    Pretty packaging

    Upcoming PlayStation Vita RPG Ragnarok Odyssey will be getting a special edition in North America. The so-called Mercenary Edition will include the game, alongside an art-book, soundtrack and set of playing cards. The bundle will set you back $49.99, which is just $10 more than the standard edition. Ragnarok Odyssey is an action...

  • News Yakuza 5's Dance Battles Sound Absolutely Incredible

    Bust a move

    When SEGA announced Kazuma Kiryu’s adopted daughter Haruka Sawamura was going to be a playable character in upcoming PS3 exclusive Yakuza 5, we pondered how the mild mannered teenager was going to play. We figured the former Tojo Clan chairman might have taught her the art of self-defence, but worried that fighting didn't suit her...

  • News Heavenly Sword 2 Concept Art Infiltrates the Internet

    Twing twang

    You’ve got more chance of being struck by lightning than playing a Heavenly Sword sequel, but there was a time when a follow-up was in development. This concept art produced by Sony’s Cambridge studio shows the origins of the series’ successor, which had planned to pit protagonist Nariko against the Raven King and his gang...

  • News Sony Patents Interactive Commercials for PlayStation

    Uh oh

    The next time you criticise the Xbox 360’s dashboard for being inundated with advertisements, you might want to stop and count your blessings. Sony has patented a new interactive commercial scheme that shows users playing branded mini-games on PlayStation consoles. The patent flags the DualShock 3 controller, PlayStation Move motion...

  • News New Dishonored Trailer Comes Out of Hiding

    The essence of invisibility

    Stealth gameplay in Bethesda’s upcoming Dishonored promises to be a bit more engaging than simply studying guard patterns. Instead you’ll need to take into account sound, peripheral vision and cover. Blowing out candles and peaking around corners will give you an advantage over your pursuers – assuming you’ve got...

  • News Tombi! Jumps onto European PSN on 5th September

    At last

    European gamers will finally get to play MonkeyPaw Games’ digital re-release of Tombi! on 5th September, Joystiq has revealed. The PSone Classic launched in North America earlier this year. Tombi! is one of the most anticipated PSone Classics of all time, so we daresay a lot of you will be snapping this one up. Let us know if you're...

  • News Closure Could Still Illuminate European PlayStation Store

    Light the way

    Quirky black and white PSN puzzler Closure could still release on the European PlayStation Store, developer Tyler Glaiel has revealed. The indie hit released in North America earlier this year, but has been missing overseas ever since. "The PS3 EU version is missing because it was taking far too long to get the details for that worked...

  • News Pre-Order Jet Set Radio's Original Beats

    Yappie feet

    Those hoping to get a good night’s sleep will do well to avoid Jet Set Radio’s soundtrack. The official record is currently up for pre-order on iTunes and Amazon ahead of its 18th September release date. The 17-track soundtrack includes all of Hideki Naganuma'

  • News DICE Deploys Double XP for Battlefield 3 Subscribers

    Double down

    DICE has announced an exclusive double XP weekend for Battlefield 3 Premium subscribers. The promotion’s set to run from 25th August until 26th August, but if you do some viral marketing for publisher EA you’ll be able to unlock some extra time. There’s more information available on the Battlefield Blog, which you can find through...

Wednesday22nd Aug 2012

  • News Sony Shuts Down WipEout Developer Studio Liverpool

    No, no, no

    Sony has shut down legendary WipEout developer Studio Liverpool. The unfortunate news was originally revealed on the GRCade forum, but has since been confirmed by a slew of staff on Twitter. The British outfit – which originally started life as Psygnosis – has been in business since 1984. Sandy Lobban, an audio lead at the developer,...

  • News Get Rough and Ready with Yakuza 5's Tojo Clan

    Avoid these men

    SEGA has released a batch of images of some of the members of Yakuza 5's Tojo Clan, including series veterans Goro Majima and Daigo Dojima, as well as three new characters Yuu Morinaga, Masato Aizawa and Minoru Aoyama, which you can see in the screenshots section below. Goro Majima, also known as 'Mad Dog Majima', made his debut in...

  • News Sony's LiveAction AR Will Blow Your Mind

    The future

    Sony’s been meddling with augmented reality for years, and this brand new LiveAction AR trailer shows just how far the company's come. The footage shows a poster being scanned with a smartphone, only for a lady inexplicably dressed as a schoolgirl to climb out of the display and pose for a photograph. It’s really creepy, but the...

  • Rumour Studio Liverpool Was Working on WipEout for PS4

    Hard to swallow

    Famous PlayStation developer Studio Liverpool was working on a WipEout title for PlayStation 4, Eurogamer.net reports. The game was described by sources as being “dramatically different” to previous titles in the series, though specifics are unlikely to ever be revealed. The website continues that the game had been in...

  • News Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational Is Coming to PS3

    Greener on the other side

    And so it starts. Sony has announced that it will be porting the PlayStation Vita version of Hot Shots Golf to the PS3. The re-release – which is currently only confirmed for Japan – will launch with the same name as its handheld counterpart. In this instance, that’s Minna no Golf 6. The console version will support...

  • News You'll Probably Want to Play This 16-Bit Version of Borderlands

    Time traveller

    Gearbox has stepped up Borderlands 2’s marketing campaign with this ace 16-bit demake of the original game. The top-down browser-based rendition features everything you’ve come to expect from the series, including sick loot drops and plenty of fire-power. You can play the game through here. Just remember to keep a spreadsheet...

  • News Rockstar Serves Up New Grand Theft Auto V Screens

    Anyone for tennis?

    You can always count on Rockstar to turn the day upside down. The publisher has released another batch of Grand Theft Auto V images this afternoon, this time focusing on leisure activities such as tennis and parachuting. If you missed the last set of screens, you can find them through here. There's still no date attached to the...

  • Store Update 21st August 2012 (North America)

    Brace yourself

    This week’s North American PlayStation Store update more than makes up for the dry spell in recent weeks. The refresh is brimming with content, including highlights such as Transformers: Fall of Cybertron, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Way of the Samurai 4. Take a deep breath, and check out all of the content below. PS3...

  • Store Update 22nd August 2012 (Europe)

    Counter strike?

    This week’s European PlayStation Store update is actually a humdinger, but it’s offset by the unfortunate absence of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. Still, there’s plenty of other content to look forward to, including Deep Black, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure HD and Retro/Grade. Let’s get sweaty. PS3 Games:

  • News SunFlowers Lights Up PlayStation Vita This Fall

    Growing pains

    If you’ve been yearning for some more bitesized software on the PlayStation Vita, then The Game Atelier’s SunFlowers should keep you occupied until PlayStation Mobile launches later this year. The colourful arcade title sees you attempting to grow flowers by shooting sun rays through passing clouds. Nail your timing and you’ll...

  • News Square Enix to Reveal Future of Lightning Saga Soon

    She was just a wish

    Square Enix is set to reveal a new direction for the Lightning saga on 1st September, the publisher has announced. The so-called Lightning saga consists of two games already: Final Fantasy XIII and Final Fantasy XIII-2. Together the titles have sold over 9.6 million units. It’s not entirely clear what the Japanese publisher is...

Tuesday21st Aug 2012

  • Review Darksiders II (PlayStation 3)

    Dawn of the Death

    If your brother was imprisoned, accused of a crime that you're certain he didn't commit, you'd probably do everything within your power to clear his name and support his plight. Except most peoples' crimes don't involve invoking the apocalypse and extinguishing mankind from existence. And most people don't have the Grim Reaper for...

  • News New Cover Stars Line Up for FIFA 13

    Rooney on the bench

    Manchester United and England talisman Wayne Rooney has been dropped from the UK cover of FIFA 13. It’ll be the first time in seven years that a FIFA game has launched without the striker on the box. Instead, he’ll be replaced by Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi, Manchester City keeper Joe Hart, and, er, Arsenal winger Alex...

  • News Metal Gear Rising Vita Cut Loose Due to Power Limitations

    Sharp pain

    Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance is not coming to PlayStation Vita because of hardware limitations, according to creative director Yuji Korekado. It may be the most powerful handheld on the market, but it’s still not competent enough to deal with Revengeance’s complex cutting technology. “As of now we aren’t considering a Vita...

  • News Ghost Recon: Future Soldier DLC Swoops PSN Next Month

    Birds of prey

    Ghost Recon: Future Soldier’s second DLC pack Raven Strike will fly onto the PlayStation Store next month, publisher Ubisoft has announced. The expansion pack will be available on 11th September in North America and 12th September in Europe. Raven Strike is pitched as "a throwback to traditional Ghost Recon gameplay”. It will...

  • News DUST 514: Neocom Details Enter the Atmosphere

    Never stop playing

    DUST 514: Neocom is not a PlayStation Vita version of CCP Games’ upcoming free-to-play shooter – but it is an interesting idea nonetheless. The application will allow you to interact with various elements of the PS3 game, including load-outs, messages and more. While the download won’t necessarily feature any gameplay, it...

  • News Sony Adds New Deals to European Summer Sale

    Counting the pennies

    With the school holidays coming to an unfortunate close, Sony has announced the final batch of offers being added to its expansive European Summer Sale. Discounted titles include Alice: Madness Returns, GoldenEye 007: Reloaded and many more. Feel free to peruse the full list of promotions in the space below. And, as always, let...

  • News EU PlayStation Plus Subscribers Invited to DUST 514 Beta

    Extraction point

    Those of you yet to get a private invitation to the DUST 514 beta will be given the opportunity to go hands-on tomorrow, when developer CCP Games opens up the multiplayer test to European PlayStation Plus subscribers. Premium members will also get the chance to purchase the recently released Mercenary Pack at a discounted price...

  • Rumour PopCap Games Struck By International Layoffs

    Hmm

    It looks like yesterday’s hastily prepared Plants vs. Zombies 2 announcement may have been cover for some more sinister happenings at PopCap Games. The Bejeweled developer has been struck by a series of international layoffs, according to comments made by Duke Nukem creator George Broussard. Apparently, the company's entire Dublin studio has...

  • News Spec Ops: The Line Refreshed with Co-Op Multiplayer Mode

    Phone a friend

    If the harsh realities of war are proving too much for you to face alone, you’ll soon be able to tackle them with a friend. Publisher 2K Games has announced that it’ll be launching a free update for Spec Ops: The Line later today, which adds a brand new two-player co-operative mode to the game. The complimentary mode will consist...

  • News Prey 2 Removed from Bethesda's Website

    Logical explanation

    The drama surrounding Prey 2 has reared its ugly head once again – this time due to the fact that the delayed title has been removed from Bethesda’s recently revamped website. "Since we had already announced it wasn't coming out this year, we simply didn't think it'd be appropriate to include it on the new site launch," Pete...

  • News Uncharted 3: Game of the Year Edition Hits Europe Next Month

    Worthy of its name

    The game of the year edition of Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception is set to climb onto European store shelves on 19th September, publisher Sony has announced. The repackaged title will include the original game, alongside four classic skin packs, two additional co-op multiplayer modes and six different multiplayer maps. There's no...

Monday20th Aug 2012

  • Reaction Criterion's Setting an Example to All Vita Developers

    Doing it properly

    Criterion’s enthusiasm is infectious. “We’re going to make the best racing game on Vita this year,” an excitable Alex Ward told IGN last week. And judging from the reaction to Need for Speed: Most Wanted's first showing, it’s going to take some beating. Unlike the vast majority of other developers, the Guildford-based...

  • News Sony Executive Laughs Off PS3 Super Slim Rumours

    Sly devil

    Ask Sony Computer Entertainment Europe gaffer Jim Ryan about the recently leaked PlayStation 3 Super Slim and he’ll spin you a yarn. “Which new PS3?” he told CVG when quizzed on the subject, before laughing the question off and moving on. Asked again about the hardware’s absence during the company’s GamesCom 2012 press...

  • News DmC: Devil May Cry Box Art Unveiled

    Misery guts

    Get ready demon-slashing fans, Capcom has revealed DmC: Devil May Cry's official box art and Amazon pre-order bonus goodies. Senior Capcom Community Manager, Chris Antista, also hinted that an Official Capcom Store exclusive item will be announced soon. Amazon will be offering the "Bone Pack" DLC which will "transform Dante's Shotgun,...

  • News PlayStation Vita Has Sold 2.2 Million Units Since Launch

    Don't overreact

    Sony has sent the cynics and naysayers into overdrive this evening by confirming that the PlayStation Vita has sold just 2.2 million units worldwide. The figure was originally quoted by PlayFront.de, but has since been confirmed by Joystiq. "The latest figures we've released for Vita (as of June 30th) are 2.2 million sales...

  • Rumour Bethesda Scouting Boston Area for Fallout 4

    Red shift

    Bethesda is supposedly researching Boston for Fallout 4, an anonymous tipster has revealed. The spy said on Reddit: “The rumours are true, Fallout 4 will take place in Boston. In case you haven’t heard, Bethesda has recently been scoping out and researching Boston. They also have a strong connection to MIT [Massachusetts Institute of...

  • News Rockstar Releases Brand New Grand Theft Auto V Screens

    Unexpected, as always

    Oh Rockstar, you bunch of sly old dogs. We were just about to take a detour to the kitchen to prepare a scrumptious toasted sandwich, but now we've had to change our plans. See, the publisher's just updated its official website with a selection of farm-fresh Grand Theft Auto V screens – one of which shows a wannabe Bradley...

  • News Injustice: Gods Among Us Will Solve DLC Compatibility Issues

    A real Boon

    NetherRealm Studios gaffer Ed Boon has promised to solve Mortal Kombat’s frustrating compatibility issues with upcoming brawler Injustice: Gods Among Us. The company’s previous effort did a poor job of ensuring all players had the appropriate data to make the online component work, but Boon has promised that its super hero mash-up...

  • News Plants vs. Zombies Sequel Grows onto Consoles Next Year

    Over the prune

    Quirky tower defence smash hit Plants vs. Zombies is getting a follow-up next year, developer PopCap Games has announced. The studio is currently sprinkling Miracle-Gro onto the secretive sequel, but couldn’t resist confirming the exciting news. The game will feature more plant and zombie types than ever before. It’ll also boast...

  • News Sleeping Dogs Lies Atop UK Sales Charts

    True crime

    Sleeping Dogs has displaced former frontrunner London 2012 in the UK sales charts race. The title’s position will certainly rub salt into the wounds of previous publisher Activision, who canned the project in 2011 over fears it wouldn’t sell. The company’s executives will be dining on a hearty slice of humble pie tonight, we...

  • News Tokyo Jungle Confuses PSN Next Month

    Unleash the beast within

    Japan Studio’s utterly baffling PSN adventure Tokyo Jungle will hit the European PlayStation Store on 26th September, publisher Sony has revealed. The mid-week release date suggests that the title will launch as a digital exclusive, unlike Japan where it was also available at retail. That should probably come as a surprise...

Saturday18th Aug 2012

  • Review Spec Ops: The Line (PlayStation 3)

    “Death toll – too many”

    Imagine this: somewhere in the seemingly endless sands of Dubai, two innocent civilians are being held at gunpoint, along with an informant holding delicate information that you desperately need. But you’re not the only one in pursuit of this vital data, and the hostages’ lives are being bartered for it. Looking...

  • News Sports Champions 2 Smashes onto PS3 on 30th October

    Ace

    Sony has announced that it will serve up Sports Champions 2 on 30th October in North America. The PlayStation Move-powered compilation will boast a handful of new sports, including tennis, golf, skiing, bowling and boxing. It’ll also feature an updated version of archery. Unlike the previous Sports Champions, you’ll now be able to create...

  • News Dollar Dash Robs PSN Blind This October

    Money, money, money

    Candygun Games’ whimsical multiplayer thief simulator Dollar Dash is set to empty your pockets this October, publisher Kalypso Media has announced. The four-player title sees you making use of “extravagant weapons” in order to collect fat stacks of cash. The game boasts plenty of customisation options, allowing you to...

Friday17th Aug 2012

  • News Team Ninja Wants Ryo Hazuki in Dead or Alive 5

    "I see"

    When Ryo Hazuki is not searching for sailors, playing Lucky Hit, or ignoring the advances of countless beautiful women – he’s fighting. And Dead or Alive 5 director Yosuke Hayashi reckons that would make him a perfect fit for the upcoming arcade brawler. Asked by VG247 if he had any dream cameos in mind, Hayashi responded: “I’d say...

  • News Amanita Draws Machinarium onto PSN Next Month

    Twisted

    Macabre point-and-click adventure Machinarium will finally stumble onto the PlayStation Network next month, Sony has revealed. Ross McGrath teased the news in a recent PlayStation Plus update post, stating that September would see “two new titles” added to the premium service. A forthright commenter suggested that the two titles could...

  • News Sony Confirms That It's Still Backing 3D Technology

    Delving a little deeper

    Sony Computer Entertainment Europe executive Jim Ryan has confirmed that the company is still backing 3D, even if it rarely touches upon the technology these days. "I wouldn't read too much into its omission," he told CVG. "We spoke about it at E3 two years ago and everyone put their glasses on for the first time, and the...

  • News Beyond's Visual Presentation Will Blow Your Mind

    Good grief

    Quantic Dream’s upcoming PlayStation 3 exclusive Beyond will probably be remembered as the best looking game of the generation. This brand new gameplay footage may not be direct-feed, but the quality of the visual presentation shines through. There’s a scene where protagonist Jodie Holmes looks directly into the camera, and the detail...

  • News Learn About Some of the Titles Coming to PlayStation Mobile

    Weird and wonderful

    PlayStation Mobile is mere months away from release – and Sony has a batch of launch titles to prove it. Upcoming experiences include Aqua Kitty, an action title that sees an army of milk-mining kittens overcoming their fear of water to go hunting for the white stuff under the sea, and Frederic: Resurrection of Music, a rhythm...

  • News Pre-order Persona 4: The Golden for This Jazzy Vita Skin

    Shine get

    You’ll be the talk of the town with this sizzling Persona 4: The Golden skin. Atlus has announced that all pre-orders for its upcoming PS2 re-release will be rewarded with the sparkly system sticker embedded to the right. The skin will ship with eight exclusive wallpapers that match the sticker’s design. You’ll be able to unlock...

  • News Cast Your Eyes On Ni No Kuni's Magical GamesCom Trailer

    Excitement levels increasing...

    Namco Bandai has released a new GamesCom trailer for Level 5 and Studio Ghibli's upcoming video game collaboration, Ni No Kuni: The Wrath of the White Witch. Two demos of Ni No Kuni have been showing at this year's Gamescom: 'An Errand for Father Oak' and 'Eruption Interruption', the first of which Push Square was...

  • News Check Out Ten Minutes of Splinter Cell: Blacklist Gameplay

    Out in the open

    Splinter Cell: Blacklist couldn’t be more predictable if it tried. Don’t get us wrong, the game looks good – but we can’t say we were surprised to see this narrated mission end with a UAV sequence. Remember when that was considered a revolutionary gameplay mechanic? Yeah, us neither.

  • News Impressive Intro for Tekken Tag Tournament 2 Revealed

    It's rather snazzy

    Namco Bandai has released the opening cinematic for its upcoming PS3 brawler, Tekken Tag Tournament 2. While plots have never been the focal point of any beat 'em up, this video serves as a reminder for why we're fighting in the first place: to win the coveted Tekken Tag Tournament. The sequel's due out next month on PS3.

  • News EA Announces Impressive Eurogamer Expo Line-up

    In the game

    The Eurogamer Expo is quickly becoming the hottest ticket in town – and it’s about to get a whole lot hotter. Publisher EA Games has announced its intent to crank up the temperature with a slew of playable PS3 titles, including FIFA 13, Need for Speed: Most Wanted and Dead Space 3. There’ll also be a side order of Medal of Honor:...

  • News Anomaly: Warzone Earth Targets PSN on 29th August

    Death from above

    Anomaly: Warzone Earth will explode onto the European PlayStation Network on 29th August, developer 11 Bit Studios has told Joystiq. The title will arrive in North America at some point in September. The PSN version of the popular real-time strategy title adds local co-op and a new human unit called the Chainer. Exciting stuff,...

Thursday16th Aug 2012

  • Review Sound Shapes (PlayStation Vita)

    Don't stop the beat

    Ever since we first played Sound Shapes last year, we've not been able to shake off the feeling that something special was inbound. And here it is. Sound Shapes is inventive, imaginative and creative. It melds music, visuals, simplistic gameplay and robust creation tools into a package that's exactly the sort of game that Vita...

  • News Criterion's Developing Need for Speed: Most Wanted for Vita

    Uncompromised port

    Need for Speed: Most Wanted on the PlayStation Vita is a direct port of the PS3 game, developer Criterion has announced. Normally that would sound like a derogatory statement – but in this instance, it’s an incredibly impressive feat. “Everything from the ‘TV game’ is here on the small screen,” Criterion’s Alex Ward...

  • News Recognisable Developers Flock to PlayStation Mobile

    Microgames

    Despite being designed for bedroom programmers and indie outfits, a host of recognisable names have signed up to take advantage of Sony’s innovative cross-platform initiative, PlayStation Mobile. Notable publishers include Team 17, SEGA, THQ and Tecmo Koei. The big names will be accompanied by an array of smaller developers, including...

  • News Transformers: Fall of Cybertron Trailer Is Delightfully Dramatic

    Why throw away your life so recklessly?

    If you haven’t played the demo for Activision’s upcoming Transformers: Fall of Cybertron, you should probably rectify that. We were big fans of previous outing War for Cybertron, but this takes everything to the next level. It marries the nostalgia of its predecessor with a much more compelling gameplay...

  • News Shuhei Yoshida: It's Too Early for a Vita Price Cut

    Staying put

    Sony Worldwide Studios president Shuhei Yoshida has ruled out a PlayStation Vita price-drop this year. Speaking with Eurogamer.net, the affable executive noted that engineers are working hard to decrease the manufacturing cost of the platform – but admitted that it’s too early to reduce the system’s price tag. "People like cheap...

  • News EA's Frank Gibeau Has Seen the PlayStation 4

    Lucky chap

    Privileged EA Labels president Frank Gibeau has set his eyes upon the PlayStation 4. The outspoken executive announced the news during an otherwise laborious GamesCom keynote about free-to-play business models and, ahem, Command & Conquer. No doubt he needed a means to attract the attending audience’s wandering attention...

  • News Media Molecule's Also Working on a Second Project

    Pulling back the curtain

    Unbelievably attractive PlayStation Vita exclusive Tearaway is not the only title in development at UK outfit Media Molecule. Indeed, the company's announced that a small team of 15 are working on the papercraft adventure while the rest of the studio focuses its attention on another unannounced project. Did someone say...

  • News There's Some Killer Synth Bass in This E.X. Troopers Trailer

    Syncopated sounds

    Lost Planet 3 looks alright – but Japanese-only spin-off E.X. Troopers looks better. And as this brand new trailer proves, it sounds better too. The fresh footage shows off the anime adventure’s rich anime art style, and sets it to a chunky synth bassline packed with offbeat octaves and slides. Sadly, there’s still no word of...

  • News LBP Karting Will Support Sackboy's Existing Wardrobe

    Dressed to impress

    We already know that LittleBigPlanet Vita will support Sackboy’s extensive backlog of outfits and accessories – but upcoming kart racer LittleBigPlanet Karting has remained an overlooked exception. Well, until now that is. Sony has officially confirmed that the majority of LittleBigPlanet and LittleBigPlanet 2 costumes will be...

  • News Beyond's Script Is 2,000 Pages Long

    How many words is that?

    We thought our University dissertation – which clocked in at just under 200 pages for all four of you curious – was a whopping hunk of content, but it turns out that David Cage is the master of racking up a word count. The ambitious writer has revealed during a GamesCom panel that upcoming PS3 exclusive Beyond’s script...

  • News Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time Sneaks into 2013

    Polish period

    You won’t be playing Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time this Christmas, developer Sanzaru Games has announced. The game has been pushed into 2013 – but it's getting a bunch of new features to make up for it. First up is PlayStation Vita cross play. While we already know about the game’s cross save functionality, the title will also...

  • News Just Cause 2 and Borderlands Latest EU PS Plus Giveaways

    Queue 'em up

    Lost amongst the hustle and bustle of GamesCom 2012, Sony has announced that it has refreshed the PlayStation Plus section of the European PlayStation Store. Subscribers will now be able to download Borderlands and Just Cause 2 for free, with huge savings on both of the titles’ DLC packs. There are also 20% launch discounts on both...

Wednesday15th Aug 2012

  • Reaction PlayStation Vita Is Back in Play

    Drumming up hype

    Sony evidently heard the criticism to its lacklustre E3 showing earlier in the year. SCEE executive Jim Ryan’s declaration that the first hour of its GamesCom 2012 PlayStation press conference would be devoted to the Vita was proof enough. For perhaps the first time in the history of the brand, the platform holder shrugged aside...

  • News Ratchet & Clank Make Their Debut on PlayStation Vita

    Full frontal assault

    Sneakily teased during Sony’s GamesCom 2012 press conference last night, Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault (or Ratchet & Clank: QForce as it's known in Europe) is firing onto PlayStation Vita. The title will take advantage of the platform holder’s new cross buy initiative, meaning you’ll get both the PS3 and...

  • News Soul Sacrifice Continues to Look Absolutely Disgusting

    Urgh, gross

    Upcoming Vita exclusive Soul Sacrifice has not been toned down since its previous public airing. Sony has released a brand new trailer which shows a lady summoning a web of blades from inside her body. It’s brutal, revolting, and totally bloody awesome. Feast your eyes on the horror below – if you dare.

  • Store Update 14th August 2012 (North America)

    Wake me up before you go-go

    Papo & Yo makes its long awaited debut on the PlayStation Store this week. The ambitious puzzle platformer tells the tale of a young boy named Quico and his best friend monster. It’s joined by PS2 title Shinobi, and a new YouTube application. Feast your eyes on the great block of text below for all of the incoming...

  • News DONTNOD Details Sony's History with Remember Me

    Drifting away

    French upstart DONTNOD Entertainment and Capcom have only recently joined forces on Remember Me. The two met up last year following a fall out with Sony. As we’d rumoured at the time, the cyberpunk title was going to be a PlayStation 3 exclusive. But that, of course, fell through. "The Sony deal was signed February 2010 and ended a...

  • Store Update 15th August 2012 (Europe)

    Beat shapers

    Sound Shapes finally arrives on the European PlayStation Store this week, alongside anticipated indie favourite Papo & Yo. They’re joined by PSone cult classic Alundra and Test Drive: Ferrari Racing Legends. Let’s get down to business, shall we? PS3 Games: Papo & Yo Papo & Yo is a Puzzle-Platforming Adventure that...

  • News Shuhei Yoshida Teases Imminent Gran Turismo 6 Details

    Sooner than expected

    Details about the next Gran Turismo title aren’t far away, Sony Worldwide Studios president Shuhei Yoshida has confirmed. Chatting with VG247, the affable executive explained: “Kazunori seems to have started talking about it, so I won’t be surprised to hear more about their plans, our plans, on future Gran Turismo rather...

  • News Sony Had to "Re-do" Work on The Last Guardian

    Debilitating headaches

    The Last Guardian is definitely still in development, Sony Worldwide Studios president Shuhei Yoshida has confirmed. "The team is still working on it very hard," he told Eurogamer earlier today. "There are certain technical issues they've been working on. That's the period of time when the game, looking from the outside,...

  • News 007 Legends Opts to Die Another Day

    License to kill

    Two more classic flicks have been added to 007 Legends’ nostalgic roster. Missions based on both Die Another Day and A License to Kill will be featured in the upcoming Eurocom shooter. Toby Stephens and Carey Lowell will reprise their respective roles. In addition to the announcement, publisher Activision released the brand new...

  • News Spy Hunter Races onto Vita This October

    Driven for speed

    Spy Hunter will drift onto the PlayStation Vita this October, publisher Warner Bros has announced. The portable reboot of the 1983 classic will see you assume the role of The Agent, and once again find you on the pursuit of bad guys in the amazingly equipped Interceptor. Visually the game’s looking weak, but as humongous fans of...

  • News Japan Studio's Latest Adventure Steps into the Rain

    The invisible made visible

    Few can touch Sony when it comes to artistic experiences at the moment. The platform holder is constantly breaking new ground with its experimental endeavours, and Japan Studio’s latest PSN exclusive Rain is no exception. Announced during the platform holder’s GamesCom 2012 press conference yesterday, the ambitious...

  • News EA Considering Cross Buy for Need for Speed: Most Wanted

    Yes, please

    EA Games has revealed that it's considering taking advantage of Sony’s recently revealed cross buy initiative for Need for Speed: Most Wanted. If adopted, the scheme will allow players to purchase the PS3 and Vita versions of the racer for a single fee. Naturally, we’re on board with this idea. “We’re taking it under...

  • News Don Your Shades for Sonic & All-Stars Racing Trailer

    Brightest stars

    This brand new Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed trailer is delightfully SEGA; the thumping soundtrack, perfect blue skies, and bright red fonts all ooze nostalgia. We suppose it’s appropriate considering the theme of the game. We're still not overly convinced by the terrible title, though.

  • News Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance Cuts PS3 on 19th February

    Razor sharp

    Konami has randomly stabbed a pencil into a 2013 calendar and concluded that Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance will release on 19th February in North America and Europe. Japanese gamers will get to experience Raiden’s latest adventure on 21st February. The date was accompanied by a new trailer, which, well, repurposes most of the footage...

  • News Sony Paints New The Unfinished Swan Trailer Online

    Beautifully simplistic

    Sony’s GamesCom 2012 press conference was laced with creative ideas yesterday, but one title that didn’t get an airing was The Unfinished Swan. Thankfully, the platform holder has taken the time to remind us about the indie adventure by releasing the striking trailer embedded below. Looks good, doesn't it?

  • News Smart As Bends Brains in This Brand New GamesCom Trailer

    Show off

    This video might look like a new Match.com commercial at first, but it’s actually a brand new trailer for upcoming Vita brain trainer, Smart As. The title’s due out later this year and promises plenty of face melting puzzles, in addition to narration from Monty Python icon John Cleese. Take that, Dr. Kawashima.

  • News Mass Effect 3's Leviathan Emerges on 28th August

    Reaper the rewards

    Mass Effect 3’s first proper single-player DLC will jet off on 28th August in North America, developer BioWare has announced. European players will be forced to wait until 29th August to get their hands on the content. The expansion pack promises to extend the space opera’s single-player campaign, setting protagonist Shepard...

Tuesday14th Aug 2012

  • News Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Multiplayer Ditches Kill Streaks

    Read all about it

    Developer Treyarch has already proven that it’s not afraid to deviate from the established Call of Duty rulebook. The studio made a big splash out of its decision to incorporate branching plot points and sandbox missions into Call of Duty: Black Ops 2’s single-player campaign – and it’s making similarly radical changes to...

  • News Capcom Reveals Remember Me for PS3

    Never forget

    This time last year there was rampant speculation that Sony was about to announce a brand new exclusive title from DONTNOD Entertainment. That game turned out to be a multiplatform project without a publisher called Adrift. Despite the silence of the French upstart over the past 12 months, Adrift has re-emerged this morning under the...

  • News First Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified Trailer Fires Online

    Burning skies

    Sony pulled a cheeky move during its GamesCom 2012 press conference earlier today, temporarily glossing over Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified before closing the show with an explosive debut trailer. Developed by Nihilistic Software – the studio behind Resistance: Burning Skies – the shooter promises to bridge the gap between...

  • News Dead Space 3 Spooks PS3 on 5th February

    Hide behind the sofa

    Dead Space 3 will shuffle onto PlayStation 3 on 5th February in North America, publisher EA announced during its GamesCom press conference this afternoon. A European release will follow on 8th February. Those that pre-order the title from participating retailers will automatically be upgraded to the Dead Space 3 Limited...

  • News Vita Firmware 1.80 Implements Home Screen Button Controls

    Smudge free

    PlayStation Vita’s next firmware update will allow you to navigate the system’s home screen without getting finger-prints all over your device. Sony has announced that it is implementing traditional button controls to the device’s hub area on 28th August, alongside PSone Classics support. Other improvements include the ability to...

  • News Watch PlayStation's GamesCom 2012 Press Conference Live

    Boom

    Sony’s GamesCom 2012 press conference is about to go live. As always we’ll be providing commentary on Push Square throughout the evening, but if you’d like to watch Andrew House and friends drop some bombs live – you can do so through here. Remember to keep a close eye on our Twitter account for reaction to every announcement. And let...

  • News Sony Launches Cross Buy Initiative for PS3 and Vita

    Buy one, get both

    During its GamesCom 2012 press conference this evening, Sony announced a new Cross Buy initiative for PlayStation 3 and Vita. The scheme works similarly to PSN titles like MotorStorm RC, allowing you to grab a selection of cross-platform titles for a single fee. The first games set to take advantage of the offer include...

  • News PSone Classics Expand Vita's Library on 28th August

    At long last

    The agonising wait for PSone Classics on Vita will finally draw to a close on 28th August, Sony has announced. A firmware update released on the aforementioned date will implement the sought after feature. Which classic titles are you planning on revisiting first? Let us know in the comments section below.

  • News Media Molecule Reveals Beautiful Vita Title Tearaway

    Spellbinding

    Media Molecule made an unexpected cameo during Sony’s GamesCom 2012 press conference this evening to announce Tearaway, a gorgeous new PlayStation Vita exclusive set in a papercraft world. The game features a cutesy protagonist named Iota – spotted in a promotional banner earlier today – and sees players embark on a 3D adventure...

  • News Sony's Japan Studio Announces Rain and Puppeteer

    Very welcome

    During Sony's GamesCom 2012 press conference earlier today, Japan Studio announced two new titles: Rain and Puppeteer. Rain is a gorgeous PSN exclusive puzzle platformer, which centres on "an invisible world revealed by Rain". The trailer features a young boy, who becomes invisible when trying to save a little girl. Yet when it rains,...

  • News PlayStation Plus Cloud Storage Capacity Extends to 1GB

    Room to breathe

    Sony announced that it's increasing PlayStation Plus' cloud storage capacity to 1GB during its GamesCom 2012 press conference earlier today. The confirmation – which was met by rapturous applause by the attending audience – adds another feather to the premium service’s already rather compelling cap. The initiative's cloud...

  • News New PlayStation Characters Debuted in GamesCom Banner

    New blood

    Sony’s released a promotional GamesCom image featuring a handful of characters yet to be announced. The newcomers – standing alongside a slew of recognisable PlayStation mascots – include a wooden chap with a pair of scissors, a crimson pixie, and a rectangular, leaf thing. The former looks like a Wonderbook character to us, while...

  • News Sony Confirms PlayStation Plus Is Heading to Vita

    Freebies and offers incoming

    PlayStation Plus is coming to the PlayStation Vita, Sony announced during its GamesCom 2012 press conference earlier today. While Sony was coy about the specifics of the service's implementation, Vita owners can look forward to the prospect of discounts and freebies in the not-so-distant future. It was also announced...

  • News Killzone: Mercenary Targets PlayStation Vita Next Year

    Behind orange eyes

    Arguably the most exciting moment during Sony’s GamesCom 2012 press conference earlier today was when Guerrilla Games’ logo flashed up on screen. The ensuing video featured two minutes of live-action melodrama interlaced with footage of the developer’s brand new Vita exclusive, Killzone: Mercenary. For the first time in the...

  • News Wonderbook Commits Brand New Franchises to Paper

    Brought to life

    There was a palpable irritation filling our Twitter feed when Sony started to discuss Wonderbook during its GamesCom 2012 press conference earlier today. But, by the time the company was done, we noticed a distinct change in tune – Wonderbook is cool, and it has the potential to sell gangbusters. Heck, even we’re sold. The...

  • News The Last of Us Gets Melancholy GamesCom Trailer

    Sky has turned grey

    On the whole, Sony’s GamesCom press conference was a determinedly joyful affair. The likes of Tearaway and Puppeteer were relatively cheerful, leaving the platform holder in need of something darker to restore the status quo. Thankfully, The Last of Us delivered the goods. Feast your peepers on the brand new trailer below and...

  • News Native YouTube Application Streaming onto PS3

    Broadcast yourself

    You’ll no longer have to wrestle with the PlayStation 3’s sluggish web based version of YouTube, because the system is getting its own native application. Polygon reports that the free download will support high-definition video, enhanced search functionality, and more. Apparently you’ll also be able to use a connected...

  • News Until Dawn Haunts PlayStation Move Next Year

    Are you afraid of the dark?

    As we correctly predicted, Sony officially revealed Until Dawn during its GamesCom 2012 press conference earlier today. The Supermassive Games developed PlayStation Move exclusive follows a group of high school classmates as they revisit a campsite to mark the first anniversary of their friends’ disappearance. As you...

  • News PS Plus Members Scoop God of War: Ascension Beta Access

    War with friends

    PlayStation Plus members will get the first opportunity to test out God of War: Ascension’s controversial multiplayer component when an online beta hits the PlayStation Network soon. Non-subscribers will be pleased to learn that there will be a “few other secret inroads” into the test, but you should probably just stump up for...

  • News New Combatants Sign Up for PlayStation All-Stars

    Filling up nicely

    Sony announced four new fighters for PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale during its GamesCom 2012 press conference earlier today. Ratchet & Clank, Dante, Spike and, of course, Sackboy will all be selectable characters when the mascot mash-up launches later this year. The newcomers were shown brawling on a stage taken from...

  • News Hitman: Absolution Features Asynchronous Multiplayer Mode

    Follow the leader

    Upcoming murder simulator Hitman: Absolution will feature an asynchronous multiplayer mode named Contracts, developer IO Interactive has announced. Inspired by the custom challenges created by fans of the previous games, the mode will allow you to direct your own scenarios by playing missions – and then upload your custom...

  • News GamesCom 2012 Takes Over PlayStation Home

    Social discovery

    If you’re not lucky enough to be soaking up the festive atmosphere in Cologne this week, Sony has concocted a novel solution. The platform holder has announced that it is bringing the excitement of GamesCom to PlayStation Home – and everyone’s invited. In addition to live streaming the PlayStation press conference in the Home...

  • News Battlefield 3 Premium Edition Deploys This September

    Locked and loaded

    EA’s firing an updated version of Battlefield 3 onto store shelves next month. The imaginatively titled Battlefield 3 Premium Edition will include the original game, in addition to a Premium Subscription which grants free access to the title’s various DLC packs. The Premium Edition will also include a “Multiplayer Head Start...

  • News Sleeping Dogs Staying Awake for at Least Six Months

    Counting sheep

    Square Enix has announced that it won’t let Sleeping Dogs lie, confirming at least six months of post-release content for the upcoming open-world adventure. A host of downloads will be available alongside the game’s North American launch later today, including the brilliant Retro Triad Pack, which includes "a killer old school...

  • News Resident Evil 6 Will Have an Online Stat-Tracking Service

    Unexpected

    Resident Evil 6 will be complemented by a free online stat-tracking service, publisher Capcom has announced. ResidentEvil.net will log data on your activities, and serve up a number of in-game rewards. The service will track your battle reports, details on the weapons you've used and more. It’ll also update your stats for Mercenaries...

  • News Former Irrational Games Art Director Joins Naughty Dog

    Wishing you Wells

    BioShock Infinite art director Nate Wells may have only just departed Irrational Games, but he’s already landed himself a new gig at award winning Uncharted developer Naughty Dog. Wells announced the news on Twitter overnight, but didn’t offer any specific details. It’s unclear whether he’ll be working on The Last of Us, or...

  • News Red Johnson's Chronicles Returns to PSN Next Month

    Swift turnaround

    The sequel to Lexis Numérique’s downloadable murder mystery Red Johnson’s Chronicles will arrive on PSN next month, the developer has announced. The follow-up – dubbed Red Johnson’s Chronicles - One Against All – will boast a new help system and improved animation. You can check out the adventure’s first trailer below...

Monday13th Aug 2012

  • News MotorStorm Series Sells Over 6 Million Units

    Road to victory

    Evolution Studios’ consistently compelling MotorStorm series has sold over 6 million units, Sony XDev Europe's Pete Smith has revealed. The executive cited the first-party developer as an example of a team with a clear focus during a panel at GDC Europe earlier today. The studio’s most recent title, MotorStorm RC, released on...

  • News US PlayStation Plus Subscribers Score Bloodrayne and Outland

    Bloody brilliant

    The gift that keeps giving, PlayStation Plus, is about to give a little bit more. Sony has taken to the PlayStation Blog to announce that both Bloodrayne: Betrayal and Outland will be given away to US subscribers when the PlayStation Store refreshes tomorrow. Premium members will also secure a 20% discount on anticipated indie adve

  • News John Cleese Lends His Larynx to Vita Exclusive Smart As

    Now for something completely different

    Sony’s snapped up Monty Python legend John Cleese for its upcoming social brain training title, Smart As. The inspirational comedian will act as a narrator for the game, adding witty dialogue designed to both encourage and goad you into improving your scores. “The decision to approach John to work on the...

  • Interview Grip Games - Foosball 2012

    Gripping stuff

    With Foosball 2012 now readily available on digital store shelves, we felt like it was an appropriate time to sit down with Grip Games’ Jakub Mikyska and have a good old chinwag about the origins of the PlayStation 3 and Vita exclusive. Tune in for chatter about net code, potential sequels and PlayStation Minis. Push Square: Hi,...

  • News Beautiful Crysis 3 CryEngine 3 Tech Demo Unveiled

    Featuring a truly magnificent toad

    A new trailer for Crysis 3 has emerged, showing off the amazingly detailed CryEngine 3. Crytech has used the trailer to point out some of CryEngine's effects such as "tessellated vegetation", "dynamic water volume caustics", "unlimited particle effects lighting" and "top secret tessellated toad tech". And believe...

  • News Battlefield 4 Sticking with Modern Warfare

    Zzzz

    Battlefield 4 will take place in modern times, DICE has confirmed. Specific details about the sequel are being kept under wraps for the time being, but general manager Karl Magnus Troedsson did confirm the time period during a GDC Europe panel earlier today. "We still want to stay in this genre, the modern day as it is. We feel this is a place...

  • News Warner Bros Constructs New LEGO Lord of the Rings Trailer

    Bricking it

    Warner Bros has kicked off GamesCom in style, releasing a brand new cinematic trailer for, er, LEGO Lord of the Rings. Yes, the bricks are back in town once again. In truth, the video’s clumsy overacting is actually kind of amusing. We still don’t give a toss about Lord of the Rings, though. The title's due out on PlayStation 3 and...

  • News Epic Games Now Fully Owns Bulletstorm Dev People Can Fly

    Big spender

    Video game powerhouse Epic Games has completed its purchase of Bulletstorm developer People Can Fly. The announcement follows the departure of three key staff at the Polish studio, including creative director and founder Adrian Chmielarz. "They left, they're going to do their own thing,” Epic Games’ Mark Rein told Joystiq. “They...

  • News Kazunori Yamauchi Coy About Gran Turismo 6 Details

    For good reason

    Speaking during Gran Turismo 5’s Asia Championship Event this weekend, Polyphony Digital head honcho Kazunori Yamauchi once again confirmed that a sequel to the simulation racing series is in development – but he stopped short of providing any specific details about the game. “If I carelessly say when it will be released,...

  • News UK Sales Charts: London 2012 Wins Third Gold Medal

    Simply the best

    London 2012 may have come to a stylish conclusion last night – we were particularly fond of Jessie J’s figure-hugging catsuit – but the success of the 30th Olympiad lives on courtesy of the UK sales charts this morning. SEGA’s decent athletics tie-in managed to hold onto its position at the top spot for a third week running,...

  • News Battlefield Franchise Celebrates Tenth Anniversary Today

    Happy birthday to you

    Swedish developer DICE is dusting off the party poppers and scoffing down the pink wafer biscuits as we speak: the studio is not only celebrating its 20th year in business, but also the 10th anniversary of its Battlefield franchise. Chatting at GDC Europe, general manager Karl Magnus Troedsson revealed that the first-person...

  • News Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD Grinds onto PSN on 28th August

    Learn to fly

    As promised, Activision has revealed that Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD will kickflip onto the PlayStation Network on 28th August in North America. We’re crossing everything that the European release isn’t too far behind. The game mashes up classic stages from the original two Tony Hawk titles. It launched on Xbox Live Arcade last...

  • Rumour PlayStation All-Stars Delayed Until 20th November

    Whoopsies

    SuperBot Entertainment’s upcoming PS3 and Vita mascot mash-up, PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale, may have been delayed. A featured article on the homepage of the PlayStation Blog notes that the brawler has been pushed back until 20th November in North America. Unfortunately, the full article – which we're assuming includes a reason...

Sunday12th Aug 2012

  • Feature What to Expect from PlayStation at GamesCom 2012

    Reading the stars

    It’s pretty obvious that Sony adores GamesCom. The mid-August timing of the show appears to play right into the platform holder’s plans, allowing it to cast the spotlight on its holiday campaign much more assuredly than at E3 earlier in the year. Previous announcements that have taken place at the German tradeshow include the...

  • News Jack Tretton Believes Vita Sales Are "Acceptable"

    Not sweating yet

    Sony Computer Entertainment America president Jack Tretton has stated that the PlayStation Vita’s sales are “acceptable”. Chatting with GamesIndustry.biz, the jovial executive admitted that he feels more comfortable about the console now than he did four months ago. “In this industry, you can't get too high or too low,...

  • News Guacamelee! Does Its Very Best Wii U Impression

    Dual screen

    Nintendo won’t be the only platform holder rejoicing in second screen technology this Christmas. Indie developer DrinkBox Studios has confirmed that it will be taking full advantage of PlayStation 3 and Vita connectivity for its upcoming Metroidvania adventure, Guacamelee!. "We're integrating the Vita as a PS3 controller for...

  • News Former Crysis 2 Writer Working for Guerrilla Games

    New blood

    Story has never been Killzone’s strongest asset. Despite the magnificent lore surrounding the series, developer Guerrilla Games has yet to really take advantage of it. Hopefully, new recruit Martin Lancaster can do a better job. The former Crysis 2 writer has updated his personal resume, citing an unannounced Guerrilla Games title as...

  • News Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD PS3 Details Incoming Next Week

    Announcement of an announcement

    Looks like Microsoft’s exclusivity deal with Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD has finally come to an end. Activision has announced that fresh details about the re-make will be revealed next week, and will be particularly exciting to players “of the Sony persuasion”. To accompany the tease, Activision also

Friday10th Aug 2012

  • Review Foosball 2012 (PlayStation Vita)

    Fun with the foos

    It’s not often that we get to take the game of foosball seriously anymore. As many carefree teenagers do, we went through a two month love affair with the table-top sport during our heady college days. But our dreams of a glittering professional career were promptly quashed when we were informed by our haughty peers that we had...

  • News Activision Talks Up Call of Duty Vita Ahead of Full Reveal

    True experience

    Sony may be struggling to secure third-party content for the PlayStation Vita, but the platform holder still has Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified to boast about. While the handheld spin-off is currently shrouded in mystery, publisher Activision has promised to share more details about the title at GamesCom – and it has insisted...

  • News Need for Speed: Most Wanted Trailer Teases Multiplayer Reveal

    Gearing up

    If 25-second trailers are your thing, this brand new Need for Speed: Most Wanted teaser should get you all hot under the collar. The animated short promises to fully expose the racer's multiplayer component at GamesCom next week – and that’s pretty much the sum of its contents. We suppose you could say that the video's designed to...

  • News Sony Abandons The Last Guardian Trademark

    Probably not a big deal

    Sony has abandoned the trademark for oft-delayed Team ICO sequel The Last Guardian. The hotly anticipated PS3 exclusive was first teased way back in 2008, but details have been conspicuously slender ever since. Worldwide Studios president Shuhei Yoshida reassured that the game was still in development earlier in the year...

  • News 007 Legends Scoops Nostalgic Pre-Order Bonuses

    Live and let buy

    Activision has revealed the handful of pre-order bonuses set to accompany 007 Legends onto store shelves later this year. Register your interest in the throwback shooter at Amazon and you’ll net the Nemesis Pack, which will augment your game’s multiplayer component with playable villains Jaws and Baron Samedi. Meanwhile,...

  • News New PlayStation All-Stars Videos Focus on Fat Princess and Sly

    Take your cake and eat it

    Sony’s released two more videos in its PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale strategy series. This time the spotlight is on Fat Princess and Sly Cooper – two of the more unusual fighters in the mascot mash-up’s celebrity roster. Speaking on the Play

  • News Jet Set Radio HD Tags PSN on 11th September

    Get some sleep

    SEGA’s confirmed that it will paint Jet Set Radio HD onto the PlayStation Store on 11th September in North America. PlayStation Plus subscribers will be given the first opportunity to crank up the volume, with vanilla PSN members invited to the party on 18th September. The re-mastered Dreamcast classic will set you back just $9.99...

  • News Explosive Joe Danger 2: The Movie Trailer Bursts Online

    Busy man

    Joe Danger may have made the best career change in his life. The likeable stuntman was just about getting by on his faithful dirt bike, but now he’s being signed up to star in a multitude of big-screen blockbusters. This brand new Joe Danger 2: The Movie trailer shows the disproportionate protagonist chasing criminals, riding mine carts...

  • News July NPD: NCAA Football '13 Sprints Straight to the Top

    Industry woes continue, though

    July proved to be another desperately disappointing month for physical video game sales in North America. Overall sales in the retail sector dropped by 20 percent year over year – bringing in just $548.4 million compared to $686.3 million the year prior. Hardware sales dwindled by as much as 32 percent, with a 23...

  • News Latest Starhawk Patch Adds New Complimentary Maps

    Cypress hill

    Lest you forget that Starhawk actually released this year, developer Lightbox Interactive has announced a new update for the PS3 exclusive. Set to release later today, the patch includes a cavalcade of gameplay fixes, in addition to a couple of brand new multiplayer maps. The maps are set on Cypress, the first planet where Rift Energy...

  • News Square Enix Fires Sleeping Dogs Launch Trailer Online

    Life in the fast lane

    Square Enix has released the launch trailer for upcoming open-world adventure, Sleeping Dogs. As you’d expect, it features a flurry of footage from the game – including fist-fights, car chases and scantily clad women. The title’s due out on 14th August in North America and 17th August in Europe. Check out the new footage...

Thursday9th Aug 2012

  • News Sony Struggling to Secure Third-Party Content for Vita

    Keep calm and carry on

    According to an Official PlayStation Magazine interview with the brutally honest Shuhei Yoshida, Sony is struggling to secure third-party support for the PlayStation Vita. The system's sales have stumbled since release – a factor which may be contributing to the uncertainty. “We’re having a more difficult time than we...

  • Rumour Plants vs. Zombies Shooter in Development

    What?

    Plants vs. Zombies may be known for its light hearted take on tower defence, but publisher EA is looking to transform the franchise into a shooter. A report by video game sleuth Superannuation notes that Need for Speed: The Run developer EA Black Box is working on the console conversion. A job listing on the developer’s website offers an...

  • News Sony Accidentally Outs More PlayStation All-Stars Fighters

    Whoops

    SuperBot Entertainment’s not having the best of luck with PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale. Having already had the entire contents of its roster leaked online, the developer has now accidentally updated its website a week too early. The eagle-eyed folks over at NeoGAF managed to nab a screengrab confirming both Sackboy and Raiden

  • News DUST 514 Beta Clashes with Eve Online This Month

    Boom

    CCP Games will be hoping nothing explodes when it moves the DUST 514 beta onto a standalone test server with hardcore PC MMO EVE Online later this month. The move – pencilled in for 21st August – will coincide with the beta’s latest update, allowing players of both games to communicate in real-time and exchange messages with each other...

  • News Vita's Facebook App Nets New Features

    What's on your mind?

    Sony’s released an update for the PlayStation Vita’s free Facebook app. The small download adds the ability to share your location, upload photos using the Vita’s cameras, and search for new friends. The app’s also been enhanced with various performance upgrades, resulting in a smoother experience. You can download the...

  • News Sony Signs Trio of Indie Titles for PlayStation Plus

    Bang for your buck

    Sony has snapped up indie titles Knytt Underground and Big Sky Infinity for PlayStation Plus, reports Eurogamer.net. The niche sequels will be joined by a third unannounced game as part of the platform holder’s PlayStation Plus Presents promotion. The label is designed to highlight the best indie experiences available on the...

  • News You'll Be Able to Play Taiko Drum Master in Yakuza 5

    Could this game get any better?

    Yakuza 5 has continued its pursuit towards ultimate epicness by announcing that Namco Bandai’s Taiko Drum Master will appear as a playable arcade cabinet within the open-world adventure. Arcade mini-games are no stranger to SEGA’s successful series, but this marks the first time that the publisher has teamed up...

  • News Hell Yeah! Rolls onto PS3 on 25th September

    Dangerously attractive

    Arkedo Studio’s acclaimed PSN platformer Hell Yeah! Wrath of the Dead Rabbit is set to take on the underworld on 25th September, a new trailer has revealed. A European release will follow on 3rd October. The game will cost $14.99. If you don’t know much about the SEGA published title, then, well, we wished we could help...

  • News Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee HD Details Stumbling into EG Expo

    First screenshot revealed, too

    Video game legend Lorne Lanning is set to make an appearance at this year’s Eurogamer Expo, organisers have announced. The Oddworld Inhabitants gaffer will present fresh details about Just Add Water’s upcoming Abe’s Oddysee HD remake during a developer session at the show. The panel’s set to kick-off at...

  • News Sweet Tooth Stars in New PlayStation All-Stars Video

    We all scream for ice-cream

    Twisted Metal’s antagonistic anti-hero Sweet Tooth is the latest fighter to be featured in Sony’s ongoing PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale video documentary series. In the accompanying blog post, lead combat designer Paul Edwards says that the character was designed with input from the Twisted Metal team –...

Wednesday8th Aug 2012

  • News Sony Reps Planning to Storm Anaheim, CA on 18th August

    Water balloons at the ready

    This year marks the 4th Annual Gathering of Video Game Legends at Westwood College in Anaheim, CA. The event is free to attend and features panels, workshops and even pitch sessions, but one event (you can view a complete list here) stands out in particular: Water Balloon Trebuchet. And while Water Balloon Trebuchet...

  • Store Update 8th August 2012 (Europe)

    Sour grapes

    This week’s lousy European PlayStation Network update would be forgivable if Sound Shapes had made it out on time overseas. As it happens, we’ve still got another week to wait before we can get our hands on the Queasy Games developed musical platformer. Grrr. Filling the gap is self-aware JRPG Hyperdimension Neptunia Mk2 and The...

  • News Konami Confirms Metal Gear Solid HD Edition Release Dates

    Tactical deployment

    Following on from the physical release of Metal Gear Solid HD Collection on PS3 and PS Vita, Konami has announced the release dates for the digital versions of the individual games. 21st August Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty HD Edition (PS Vita) Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater HD Edition (PS Vita) Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons...

  • News Zen Pinball 2 Bounces onto PS3 and Vita This September

    About flippin' time

    Zen Pinball 2 is set to launch onto the PlayStation 3 and Vita this September, developer Zen Studios has announced. The cross-compatible pinball platform will be free to download, with trials for all 26 of the title’s tables available from the offset. Those of you that already own the original Zen Pinball or

  • News Skyrim Version 1.7 Travels to PS3 This Week

    The long and winding road

    The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim will finally be updated to version 1.7 in North America this week. European players will have to wait an extra week, because, well, it’s customary on these shores, isn’t it? The patch implements a number of bug fixes, including “general memory and stability optimisations”. Unfortunately,...

  • News GRID 2 Races onto PlayStation 3 Next Year

    Told you

    Codemasters has confirmed what we’d already figured out – that GRID 2 is set to drift onto the PlayStation 3 next year. The hotly anticipated sequel has been in development for two years, and will take advantage of the most recent version of Codemasters’ excellent EGO Engine. The game’s debut trailer – embedded below – includes...

  • News You Should Probably Watch This Black Ops 2 Multiplayer Trailer

    Back to the future

    Haters may want to divert their attention elsewhere, because we’re about to say something positive about Activision’s upcoming Call of Duty: Black Ops 2. The publisher’s released the very first footage of the near-future shooter’s multiplayer component – and it actually looks really good. Freed from the shackles of the...

  • News Emotional Papo & Yo Launch Trailer Hides Online

    Different dimensions

    Isn’t it amazing how far PlayStation Network titles have come? The service was originally conceived as a means to host bite-sized titles such as Super Stardust HD, but has since blossomed into a viable platform for indie developers to realise their dreams. Papo & Yo is one such project, as this live-action launch trailer...

  • News Latest PlayStation All-Stars Video Jams with PaRappa

    Gotta believe

    Sony’s released the third video in its PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale strategy series. This time the short focuses on popular PlayStation hero: PaRappa the Rapper. In the accompanying blog post, combat designer Ray Shen explains that he spent a lot of time researching the character in order to cap

  • News Don't Worry, Sony's Streaming Its GamesCom Press Conference

    Dropping bombs

    Sony’s announced that it will be live streaming its GamesCom press conference online next week. The show will kick-off at 18:00PM BST on 14th August. It’ll be followed by a panel featuring Shuhei Yoshida (SCE), Kellee Santiago (ex-thatgamecompany), Alex Evans (Media Molecule) and Ian Dallas (Giant Sparrow). The platform...

  • Store Update 7th August 2012 (North America)

    Pull shapes

    There’s only one title you need to pay attention to as part of this week’s PlayStation Store update: Sound Shapes. In fact, we’re not even going to continue until you go and buy it. Go on – we’ll wait. Are you all done? Excellent, now we can tell you all about, er, Farm Frenzy 3 and Payday: The Heist’s DLC. What’s that?...

  • News Who Fancies Some Lumines: Electronic Symphony DLC?

    Raises hand

    Q Entertainment would love to make some DLC for Vita launch title Lumines: Electronic Symphony. Sadly, it doesn’t sound like publisher Ubisoft shares its enthusiasm. As such, the studio's taken to Facebook to drum up some interest in the hypothetical expansion. "Who wants some DLC?" the company asked on its p

  • News PlayStation All-Stars Will Support Arcade Sticks

    For show-offs

    It looks like developer SuperBot Entertainment is serious in its pursuit to ensure that PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale has a presence in the professional fighting game community. The upstart has announced on its Facebook page that the upcoming mascot mash-up will feature full support for arcade sticks. “We are happy to announce...

Tuesday7th Aug 2012

  • Rumour Mafia III Firing onto PlayStation 4

    Next generation looms

    The sequel to the atmospheric Mafia II is in development for PlayStation 4, according to a report on Eurogamer.net. The site claims that the sequel had been intended as a launch title for Sony’s next system (drool), but is now unlikely to hit that deadline. Developer 2K Czech is still rebuilding its team after layoffs last...

  • News Oddworld Titles Arriving on Vita "Very Soon"

    Save your moolah

    Quirky re-releases Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath HD and Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee HD will arrive on PlayStation Vita “very soon”, publisher Oddworld Inhabitants has announced on its Facebook page. "Both titles are coming to Vita very soon, we just need to get them finished up and through Sony QA before we can release them,"...

  • News Sound Shapes Makes Beautiful Music This Week

    The next best game ever

    As if you needed selling on Sound Shapes again, Sony has released a beautiful new launch trailer certain to send your pulse rate through the roof. So good. Sound Shapes is due out later today in North America and on 15th August in Europe. And, yes, we hate every single one of you in the US. Only joking. (Sort of.)

  • News Sony Expands EU Summer Sale with More Sizzling Deals

    Why go outside?

    Sony’s excellent European PlayStation Network Summer Sale is about to get a bit bigger. The platform holder has taken to the PlayStation Blog to announce the next batch of offers being added to the bumper promotion. Notable discounts include Shoot Many Robots for £3.99, Mad Riders for

  • News Take a Closer Look at Kratos and Radec in PlayStation All-Stars

    Gloves off

    The entire contents of PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale may have leaked online, but there’s still plenty left to learn about the game’s bulging roster. Filling in the gaps, Sony has released a brand new series on the PlayStation Blog providing in-depth strategy videos for each of the title’s big-name br

  • News Sony Trademarks Rain Ahead of GamesCom

    It's pouring

    Here’s a juicy tidbit to set you up for the day: Sony is working on a project called Rain. The platform holder registered a trademark for the mysterious title in North America last week – just days ahead of its GamesCom press conference. The title is unlikely to be associated with Heavy Rain, primarily due to the timing of the...

  • News THQ Shelves Guillermo Del Toro's inSANE

    Not exactly crazy

    In arguably the most unsurprising turn of events, THQ has ceased development on Guillermo Del Toro's inSANE and returned the rights to the Mexican director. The information was announced during THQ’s quarterly financial call overnight, in which the troubled publisher actually exceeded expectations. It recorded a net income of...

  • News Oh, Sony's Also Trademarked Until Dawn Again

    Coincidence?

    Hot on the heels of this morning’s Rain trademark, seasoned snoopers have also discovered that Sony has re-registered the rights to Until Dawn. The name has long been associated with a mysterious PlayStation Move survival horror project that first appeared in a demo reel almost three years ago. Sony’s expected to

  • News Assassin's Creed III Boasts an Extra Hour of Gameplay on PS3

    On the other foot

    Honestly, we’d rather Sony spent its money on first-party content rather than multiplatform games – but we’re so used to delayed DLC and missing content on PS3 titles, that we’re actually pretty pleased with this Assassin’s Creed III announcement. Following on from the promise of exclusive content at E3, Ubisoft has...

  • News Latest Uncharted 3 Patch Adds Tournaments and More

    Impressive stuff

    Naughty Dog’s announced a gigantic patch for Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception’s multiplayer component. The update – memorably dubbed version 1.13 – includes over 137 pieces of DLC, various gameplay fixes, and a new Tournaments mode. That’s all in addition to over 50 PlayStation Network Trophies. It's set to release later...

  • News LittleBigPlanet Karting Takes to the Track on 6th November

    Box car racer

    If you’re still lamenting the closure of the LittleBigPlanet Karting beta, then perhaps we can improve your mood with a release date. Sony's announced that Sackboy’s set to hit the road on 6th November in North America and 9th November in Europe. The platform holder’s also revealed pre-order bonuses for the imaginative racer. In...

Monday6th Aug 2012

  • News Sony Announces New PlayStation Collections for PS3

    Bumper bundles

    With the PlayStation 3 set to enjoy its most mainstream year yet, Sony’s dreamt up a cost effective way for newcomers to catch up with all of the content they’ve missed. The platform holder’s newly announced "Collections" line is designed to bundle together multiple classics into various affordable packages. Starting 28th...

  • News Hideki Kamiya's Not a Big Fan of PlayStation All-Stars

    Hush your mouth

    Outspoken Platinum Games developer Hideki Kamiya has kick-started the console wars once more, describing the upcoming PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale as a “rip-off” without “morals”. The Devil May Cry developer really tore into the title on Twitter overnight, prompting plenty of inevitable angry responses. We don’t...

  • News Yes, There's Going to Be Another BlazBlue Game

    We've lost count, too

    Developer Arc System Works certainly knows how to get the most out of its fighting franchises. The studio has announced another version of technical brawler BlazBlue, this time carrying the subtitle Chrono Phantasma. The arcade title features three new characters: Amane Nishiki, Bullet and Azrael. It will also boast improved...

  • News F1 2012 Pits You Against the Best in Champions Mode

    Have you got what it takes?

    Identifying that its F1 series can be a bit intense at times, Codemasters has announced a new quick play option for the upcoming F1 2012. Dubbed the Champions Mode, the feature will allow you to jump into a host of individual race scenarios against former champions. Think International Superstar Soccer’s challenge mode...

  • Rumour Prince of Persia Reboot Screenshot Revealed

    The secret's out

    A screenshot allegedly taken from an in-development version of Prince of Persia has emerged online. The image – which popped up on the official Ubisoft forums this weekend – offers a sneak peek at a project called Prince of Persia Zero 2. The title is supposedly related to a failed reboot set in the modern day. The image shows...

  • News Ubisoft Skipping Assassin's Creed III Beta

    Time sink

    Assassin’s Creed III might be one of the biggest games of the year, but Ubisoft has decided against launching a multiplayer beta for it. Speaking with – whisper it – XboxGameZone.co.uk, Ubisoft Annecy’s Damien Kieken explained that preparing betas can take a lot of time and resources away from the main game. He said: A...

  • News Metal Gear Solid 4's Trophy Patch Is Live

    Off the blocks

    Hear that? That’s the sound of a loaded pistol signifying the beginning of the great Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots Trophy race. As promised, publisher Konami has released the stealth title’s long awaited patch this morning, which clocks in at 516MB. The patch includes the anticipated Trophy set, in addition to

  • News LittleBigPlanet Smashes 7 Million Stages Milestone

    Dreams can come true

    Anyone that’s contributed to LittleBigPlanet’s gigantic 7 million stage roster should give themselves a humongous pat on the back. Go on, get on with it – we’ll wait. Feeling all warm and fuzzy inside? Good, let’s continue. Media Molecule’s revealed on its official blog that the milestone was reached just as

  • News EA Teases Competitive Multiplayer Mode for SSX

    Head to head

    It looks like a competitive multiplayer mode is sliding into SSX, even though publisher EA is taking forever to confirm it. The company released a teaser trailer for the “classified” mode over the weekend, showing at least five snowboarders diving out of the game’s starting helicopter at the same time. EA’s SSX reboot currently...

  • News UK Sales Charts: London 2012 Holds onto Gold

    Inspired

    SEGA’s decent London 2012 tie-in was never going to let Jessica Ennis and Mo Farah steal all the headlines this week, as it's held onto its position atop the UK sales charts for a second week running. Of course, it’s not especially surprising – the world has caught Olympics fever and, well, there’s nothing else coming out. Proving...

Sunday5th Aug 2012

  • News Namco Bandai Reveal Disappointing Sales for Soulcalibur V

    K.O.

    Namco Bandai has revealed its first quarterly financial report, sadly showing the disappointing sales of their latest update of the Soulcalibur series. On the 30th June, Soulcalibur V's sales were reported to be standing at 1.38 million copies. Soulcalibur IV accumulated 2.3 million sales in eight months, a million more units than Soulcalibur...

Saturday4th Aug 2012

  • Talking Point The Trouble with Trophies

    Status symbols

    Love them or loathe them, Trophies have become an important part of the PlayStation experience. Introduced in mid-2008 to muted fanfare, the digital trinkets have bloated in popularity over the past four years, promoting dedicated online communities and even minor gaming celebrities. But while the rewards look certain to play a...

  • News Metal Gear Solid 4's Platinum Trophy Is Going to Be Tough

    Set some time aside

    The race to Platinum the excellent Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots is going to be gruelling. Konami has revealed a partial roster of digital trinkets for the 2008 PS3 exclusive, and it includes some toughies like “Obtain all iPod tracks”. You’ll need to unlock every single one of the game's emblems to achieve that...

  • News You're Probably Going to Want This Gorgeous Ni No Kuni Case

    Suits you, sir

    If you’re not entirely sold on Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch’s uber-cool Wizard Edition, then perhaps you’ll be tempted by GameStop’s equally attractive steelbook. Simply pre-ordering the Level-5 RPG at the US mega retailer will reward you with the gorgeous box embedded to the right. Don’t fight it, you know you want...

  • News Darksiders II Comes Knocking in New TV Commercial

    At Death's door

    THQ might not have much money left in the bank, but it’s still got enough to plop a dramatisation of the apocalypse in between Coronation Street. This new Darksiders II television spot shows protagonist Death riding into oncoming traffic, while people run for their lives. We don’t know what’s wrong with them, really – the...

Friday3rd Aug 2012

  • Review Wizorb (PlayStation Minis)

    Castin’ a spell on Arkanoid

    It’s only been a few months since the internet was buzzing about the PS Mini service, because of the release of FuturLab’s fantastic title, Velocity. Well, Sony wants to keep the overlooked service on your mind with Tribute Games and Beatshapers’ latest release. Throwing the block-busting mechanics of old-school...

  • News Skyrim's Dawnguard DLC "Unsatisfactory" on PS3

    Long wait ahead

    Most developers have come to terms with the PlayStation 3’s unique architecture. Unlike at the start of the generation, it's now rare for a multiplatform title to perform significantly worse on Sony’s black box of tricks – but Bethesda’s The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim remains a notable exception. The title launched in a...

  • News Fresh Rambo: The Video Game Details Draw First Blood

    A war you won't believe

    It might be saving a full reveal for GamesCom, but publisher Reef Entertainment is clearly too excited to stay silent about its upcoming Rambo: The Video Game. In development at Polish studio Teyon, the title is pitched as a “fixed perspective, first-person shooter”, which sounds a lot like a fancy way of saying...

  • News Metal Gear Solid 4 Trophies Unlock on 6th August

    Historical moment

    Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots will finally get its heavily anticipated Trophy patch on 6th August, developer Kojima Productions has announced. The update will add 36 digital trinkets to the popular espionage title, alongside the ability to fully install the game. Are any of you planning on popping the sequel back into...

  • News JAW Promises Munch's Oddysee Update at GamesCom

    It's an odd world

    It sounds like UK developer Just Add Water is gradually getting closer to plopping Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee HD onto the PlayStation Store. Last time we heard from the studio, it was making sturdy progress with the modern makeover – and now it’s teasing a GamesCom announcement pertaining to the former Xbox exclusive. A...

  • News GRID 2 Trailer Teases 8th August Reveal

    Wheely good surprise

    We’d heard rumours that a sequel to Codemasters’ massively popular GRID series was in development, but we never actually expected it to be announced this morning. Out of nowhere, the British publisher has released a short teaser trailer with the slogan “the race returns”. All will be revealed on 8th August according to...

  • News UK Retail Software Sales Slump to Lowest Ever Tally

    Gulp

    Retail software sales in the UK smashed records last week – by sinking lower than they’ve ever sunk before. MCV reports that 394,688 games were sold during the seven day period, generating just £8.4 million. It’s not entirely surprising that the figures dipped so dramatically – the games industry is essentially on holiday, and...

  • News Bethesda Reveals Bumper Cast for Dishonored

    Trip the light fantastic

    Bethesda sure knows how to splash the cash on outrageous voice talent. The publisher has announced the cast-list for upcoming PS3 adventure Dishonored, and it’s practically bulging with Hollywood talent. Rocky Horror Picture Show legend Susan Sarandon will make her video game debut as Granny Rags, a mad old lady who’s...

  • News There's Also a New Weapons Pack Firing into Mass Effect 3

    Posh pieces

    The focus may have been on Mass Effect 3’s new single-player DLC during EA’s Summer Showcase last night, but developer BioWare’s also got some fresh new weapons in the pipeline. The no-nonsense Firefight Pack will augment your intergalactic arsenal with "two powerful new weapons and five bonus weapons" for use in Shepard’s...

  • News Rocksmith Drops the Bass on 14th August

    Slapping up a storm

    Budding musicians will get the opportunity to unleash their inner Les Claypool on 14th August, when Ubisoft adds bass to its PS3 training tool, Rocksmith. The $30 expansion promises to help beginner bassists to "improve their skills like 2-finger plucking, slapping, and popping with dedicated bass technique challenges, tutorial...

Thursday2nd Aug 2012

  • News Sony Silent About Vita Sales in Quarterly Report

    Sinking ship

    Sony has checked in with its latest quarterly sales report, and it doesn’t paint a particularly positive picture for the Japanese manufacturer. Sales in the games division – which is now reported under its own heading – plunged by a concerning 14.5 per cent year-on-year, contributing to an overall loss of ¥3.5 billion. Sony...

  • News Wonderbook is Sony's Big Christmas Focus

    Spellbinding

    Sony are hoping that its exclusive Harry Potter spin-off Wonderbook: Book of Spells will cast some serious magic over the holiday season — so much so that it's been pegged internally as PlayStation 3's big Christmas seller. In an interview with MCV, Sony Computer Entertainment UK boss Fergal Gara held Wonderbook up as one of the most...

  • News Sleeping Dogs Does Its Best L.A. Noire Impression

    Columbo's on the case

    There’s more to Sleeping Dogs than shootouts and car chases. This brand new trailer shows off one of the title’s detective missions, in which protagonist Wei Shen learns that a surgeon has been murdering innocent people for body parts. Throughout the operation you’ll need to masquerade as a policeman and doctor, before...

  • News LittleBigPlanet Touches Vita on 19th September

    So soon?

    If you’re desperate to get your grubby fingertips on Sackboy’s latest pocket-sized adventure – well, you actually haven't got long to wait. Sony's announced that LittleBigPlanet Vita is set to release on 19th September in Europe and 25th September in North America. That's only a few weeks away! In addition to the somewhat surprising...

  • News Japan's Getting Another Free PlayStation Vita Game

    This one has cat things

    The PlayStation Vita may be struggling to secure big software releases, but it’s certainly not lacking free-to-play games. Hot on the heels of yesterday’s Guardian Hearts Online announcement, GameArts has revealed yet another free title for the shiny new handheld. Picotto Knight is a four-player online side-scrolling...

  • News Way of the Samurai 4 Swipes Its Sword on 21st August

    Dig out your kimono

    Upcoming action title Way of the Samurai 4 is set to sneak onto the North American PlayStation Network on 21st August, publisher XSEED has announced. The quasi-historical samurai adventure will set you back $39.99, and will feature full Japanese dialogue alongside English sub-titles. The game promises plenty of customisation, an...

  • News Army of Two: The Devil's Cartel Explodes onto PS3 in March

    True bromance

    Hours ahead of its annual Summer Showcase, EA has officially announced Army of Two: The Devil’s Cartel for PlayStation 3. The Visceral Games Montreal developed sequel aims to re-imagine the occasionally juvenile franchise with a "more intense, mature, and grittier tone”. Powered by DICE’s stunning Frostbite 2 engine, the game...

  • News New Mass Effect 3 DLC Explores the Reapers' Origins

    Liara you excited?

    As promised, EA has revealed the first details about Mass Effect 3’s first full DLC expansion pack. Dubbed Leviathan, the single-player add-on promises to expand upon the events of the main campaign with “gripping and emotional storytelling, compelling new characters, powerful weapons and unique upgrades”. By playing the...

  • News Crazy Religious Cult Kicks Off Grand Theft Auto V Marketing

    Fact

    Grand Theft Auto’s shady religious group the Epsilon Program has updated its official website and Twitter account, suggesting that the marketing wheels are in motion for Rockstar Games’ upcoming sequel. The Epsilon Program – an obvious satire of real-life cult Scientology – was a large source of gags in PS2 title Grand Theft Auto: San...

  • News Check Out the Technology Powering Assassin's Creed III

    Breaking boundaries

    This Assassin’s Creed III trailer doesn’t really need a rousing cinematic score and dramatic voice over to make it seem impressive. No, it does that all on its own. It’s hard not to get excited over the upcoming sequel’s dynamic weather and naval combat. Oh, and did we mention that the game's able to render 2,000 unique...

  • News PlayStation All-Stars Beta Battles onto PS3 This Autumn

    Global gladiators

    If you weren’t one of the elite PSN members lucky enough to score a beta code to SuperBot Entertainment’s upcoming mascot mash-up, PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale: don’t panic. The developer has announced that it’s looking to expand the online multiplayer test soon, with more invites set to be dispatched in the coming...

  • News Look Out for a Mass Effect 3 Announcement Later Today

    T'Soni a few hours to wait

    Announcements of announcements – how do you like them? Publisher EA Games doesn’t care, as it’s promised to show something Mass Effect 3 related during its Summer Showcase event later today. What is it? We don’t know. The likeliest candidate is a new piece of single-player DLC, but we suppose anything’s...

  • News Trademark Teases Reality Racers for PlayStation Vita

    Silly sequel

    Funny but flawed augmented reality brawler, Reality Fighters, could be getting a follow-up, if a trademark discovered by Siliconera is to be believed. The website’s uncovered a Japanese registration for the title Reality Racers, which would imply that a motorised sequel to the eccentric Vita exclusive is on the horizon. If real, the...

Wednesday1st Aug 2012

  • News Dead Space 2 Spooks European PlayStation Plus Members

    Twinkle, twinkle

    While North American PlayStation Plus subscribers dive into the first two episodes of Telltale’s The Walking Dead series, European players will be offered an all expenses paid trip to the Sprawl. EA’s Dead Space 2 is this month’s primary Instant Game Collection update, replacing July's Deus Ex: Human Revolution. As well as...

  • News Get Your First Look at Resident Evil 6's Ada Wong in Action

    Scarlet woman

    Hot on the heels of this morning’s official announcement, Capcom has released the first footage of Resident Evil 6’s fourth protagonist in action. You can catch the lady in red herself, Ada Wong, strutting through a rain-soaked cemetery while spewing an internal monologue about hair conditioner and nail polish. Oh, who are we...

  • News Free Online RPG Guardian Hearts Online Strolling onto Vita

    Pay as you go

    Lumines Electronic Symphony developer Q Entertainment has announced that it's bringing its free-to-play RPG Guardian Hearts Online to Japanese PlayStation Vitas this month. The title – which is currently only available for mobile platforms – is “a sprite-based, command-driven RPG where you hire other players as your NPCs”...

  • News Grand Theft Auto III Re-Release Delayed on PlayStation Store

    Bad news for North Americans

    Yesterday was the day that North American PlayStation 3 owners should have been able to relive classic GTA title Grand Theft Auto III. We say should have been, because sadly the game failed to appear in the PlayStation Store weekly update. Sony has announced that this was due to music licensing problems. PlayStation...

  • News Yes, Ada Wong Will Be Playable in Resident Evil 6

    Femme fatale

    As if Resident Evil 6 wasn’t already packing enough content, publisher Capcom has announced that a fourth campaign starring Ada Wong will be unlocked once you complete the game. You’ll need to plough your way through all of Leon, Chris and Jake’s scenarios before unlocking the scarlet woman – an endeavour that the Japanese giant...

  • News Next Modern Warfare 3 Content Drop Scheduled

    Elite only

    We’re still struggling to wrap our collective heads around Activision’s baffling Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 DLC schedule, but at least we can confirm that the next batch of content for Elite subscribers is due out on PS3 on 16th August. The content drop includes a handful of new multiplayer goodies, including maps set on a...

  • Store Update 1st August 2012 (Europe)

    Slow and steady

    It’s another disappointing week on the European PlayStation Store, with very little to shout about. A demo for Activision’s upcoming Transformers: Fall of Cybertron leads the line, while there’s also the arrival of, er, Rock of Ages and Puddle to look forward to. Let’s-a-go... PS3 Games: Payday: The Heist Wolfpack

  • News Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed Gets Bonus Edition

    Splash wave

    You’re probably going to want the Bonus Edition for SEGA’s upcoming mascot mash-up, Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed. The premium package for the Sumo Digital developed kart racer includes an additional stage, character, and more. It’s the new circuit that’s getting our wheels in a spin, though. The OutRun Bay Track is...

  • News Check Out Sound Shapes' Level Editor in Action

    Wub, wub

    We suppose Queasy Games founder Jonathan Mak should be a master at his own game. Still, nothing can prepare you for this video of the industry legend pulling together Deadmau5 and Beck samples to create a brand new beat in the upcoming PS3 and Vita exclusive Sound Shapes. His rapid use of the rear-touch panel is truly a sight to behold...

  • News Easy Mode Swoops into Dragon's Dogma

    Dragon tamer

    Been having a bit of trouble with Dragon's Dogma? Are those direwolves proving a little too vicious? If so, don't worry — Capcom is releasing a patch that adds in an easier difficulty setting. On 6th August — in Japan at least — a title update will drop an easy mode into the options menu. It'll be accessible at any time, so don't...

  • News New Far Cry 3 Trailer Introduces Amazing Armed Scotsman

    "Ack no"

    We’re sure Ubisoft would rather we talked about the actual features of Far Cry 3’s co-op mode in this article, but we’re much more interested in the Scottish character. The pantomime pot-shot is one of the four playable protagonists in the team-based multiplayer component, alongside a moustachioed gent who’s been taking style advice...

  • News Battlefield 3 Premium Has Over 1.3 Million Subscribers

    Impressive numbers

    We thought the late announcement of Battlefield 3 Premium would seriously hinder its commercial impact, but it seems like the service has been a huge success for EA. Speaking at a financial conference overnight, the publisher revealed that the package has “over 1.3 million subscriptions”, which is a significant improvement...

  • News EX Troopers Boosts into Japan on 22nd November

    High octane

    Capcom’s fascinating Lost Planet spin-off EX Troopers is set to glide onto Japanese store shelves on 22nd November, the publisher has announced. There are currently no plans for a Western release of the intriguing anime-inspired PS3 title, which boasts co-op multiplayer and a gorgeous cel-shaded visual style. Yeah, we're pretty bummed...