News - 2017, Week 40

Monday9th Oct 2017

  • Review JYDGE (PS4)

    Dreddful?

    JYDGE is a top-down, twin-stick shooter not too dissimilar to Hotline Miami. You take on the role of what can only be described as a knockoff Judge Dredd, who is tasked with dishing out justice with his gavel gun. The entire game is level based: each one set in a different location where the criminals have gathered hostages or stock piles...

  • News Gran Turismo Sport Plays the Nostalgia Card for UK Commercial

    History lesson

    Gran Turismo Sport’s marketing onslaught is starting to ramp up in the UK, and one cool commercial that’s running on social media (and potentially TV as well?) is this nostalgic look back at the brand's evolution. It basically runs through the years to the beat of the franchise’s iconic honk, ending with a quick look at the...

  • Push Play Top of the PS4 Pops – Issue 6

    Rock 'n' roll

    Coming off such an extraordinary month for game music in August means September was a little underwhelming by comparison, but that doesn’t mean there was nothing worth paying attention to. Some big names released this past month, and brought some significant music with them. And some lesser known titles brought great music into the...

Sunday8th Oct 2017

Saturday7th Oct 2017

Friday6th Oct 2017

  • News Some Savvy Publishers Are Now Using Trophies to Sell Ads

    I'm lovin' it

    2K Games never misses an opportunity to make a little extra cash on the side – just take a look at the microtransactions situation in NBA 2K18. But it may have hit rock bottom with WWE 2K18, selling the description and icons of a couple of its Trophies to KFC and Snickers respectively. Yes, that’s right – it’s quite literally...

  • Review FIFA 18 (PS4)

    Bang in form

    Surprise surprise, FIFA 18 is another rock solid entry in EA's footie sim series. Why wouldn't it be? It feels like the developer pretty much nailed its formula years ago, and ever since, it's just tweaked and added things little by little with each annual instalment. This year's title is no different. It looks better, it plays better,...

  • News The Witcher 3 PS4 Pro Patch Provides Resolution Boost, but Hurts Framerate in Places

    Not quite perfect

    That update that CD Projekt Red initially said it wouldn't release is now available to download. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt's latest patch adds PS4 Pro support, providing a lovely boost in resolution if you're playing the game on Sony's supercharged system. Digital Foundry reports that the difference in image quality is reasonably...

  • Weirdness Telltale Has Really Gone and Cocked Up This Time

    Mistakenly uses image of assassinated Russian ambassador

    The new episode of Telltale’s Batman is genuinely one of the best chapters it’s put out in months, but Houston we have a problem. Eagle-eyed gamers have noticed an out-of-place asset in the title: the body of an assassinated Russian ambassador. We’re not going to host the images here...

  • Poll Are You Still Playing Destiny 2 One Month Later?

    Still going, Guardian?

    Destiny 2 launched one month ago today, but is it still dominating your gaming time? Bungie's latest had a big launch -- you couldn't avoid hearing about it for weeks -- but it seems to have dropped off for a lot of people. We're sure it's still incredibly popular, but it's safe to say that the honeymoon period is over. As...

  • News Bungie Wants to Know What You Want from Destiny 2's First Expansion

    More of everything?

    We feel like Destiny 2 got off to a good start, but as with the first game, we're now seeing a lot of complaints floating around the 'net. The most popular criticism seems to be that the sequel's endgame just isn't compelling enough. Once again, we're seeing dedicated players polish off just about everything that the release has...

  • News Star Wars Battlefront 2's Beta Is Now Free for Everyone By the Way

    We Finn you'll wanna try it

    You can now try out Star Wars Battlefront 2 for free on the PlayStation 4 – you don’t even need to have pre-ordered the title to get access. The download weighs in at 15.3GB and can be snagged through here; EA’s billing it as its biggest ever beta,

  • PlayStation Store Sales Charts Destiny 2 Doesn't Disappoint

    But still can't topple FIFA 18 in Europe

    With Destiny 2 sales down at retail, Bungie’s sequel needed to put in a big performance on the PlayStation Store – and, well, it topped the PlayStation Store sales charts for North America in September. But in Europe it was toppled by an even bigger brand: FIFA 18 shot straight to the number one in the...

  • News Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite's Monster Hunter Slays from 17th October

    Black Panther and Sigma also arrive

    So, was Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite’s DLC done months ago? That’s the pervading rumour surrounding Capcom’s clumsily constructed brawler – and given how quickly Monster Hunter, Black Panther, and Sigma are being added in, we tend to believe it. Regardless, all three characters will be made available...

  • News Classic Call of Duty Map Carentan Returns in WWII

    But only if you buy the Season Pass

    The war-torn French town of Carentan has featured in multiple historical Call of Duty titles over the years – and it will return once more in the forthcoming Call of Duty: WWII. Those of you who cough up for the bootstrapped shooter will land the classic map as a bonus – it seems that Activision’s the only...

  • News Agent 47's Polishing His Pate Ahead of New Hitman Content

    Bald but back

    There’s new Hitman content on the way. IO Interactive has been through a turbulent time behind-the-scenes, breaking away from owner Square Enix just as its first season of assassination contracts were at peak popularity – but it seems like it’s got its proverbial in order, and is ready to reveal new content on 24th October. The...

  • News Psychonauts 2 Seems to Be Coming Along Nicely

    'Nauts to see here

    Psychonauts 2 is the impossible sequel that we often forget exists. But exist it does, as this ‘First Playable’ milestone that Double Fine has revealed evidences. Now, let’s be clear: the game is still some way away and this is all very much work in progress, but essentially the studio’s managed to collate enough content...

  • News Try PlayStation VR in Stores Around the United States

    200 retailers participating

    PlayStation VR is nearing its first anniversary, but not everyone has had an opportunity to experience virtual reality for themselves yet. Sony knows that the best way to sell its fledgling new format is to get eyeballs on the technology, and its bringing back its nationwide tour starting today through the holiday season...

Thursday5th Oct 2017

Wednesday4th Oct 2017

Tuesday3rd Oct 2017

  • Review Plague Road (PS4)

    Plague is the disease

    Are you brave enough to walk the Plague Road – a virtual path that will lead you through a strange 2D steampunk-ish world filled with illness, enemies, and treasure? You play the role of a lone masked doctor who is on a mission to try and save a city which is being eaten away from the inside by an all-consuming plague. Some...

  • Review The LEGO NINJAGO Movie Video Game (PS4)

    Brick breaker

    The LEGO franchise has been a dominant presence in the video game realm for a while now, but only recently has it begun dipping its toes into movies. The LEGO NINJAGO Movie Video Game combines both worlds, simultaneously debuting its ninja franchise on the big screen as well as the PlayStation 4. With well over a dozen games based on...

  • News PS4 Firmware Update 5.00 Is Finally Out Now

    Download it now

    After a particularly prolonged beta testing period, PlayStation 4 firmware update v5.00 has finally gone live. Weighing in at a meaty 374.7MB, the new system software doesn’t bring as many meaningful features as you may be anticipating. Some headlines include changes to the sub-account system, quality of life revisions to the Quick...

  • Review The Solus Project (PS4)

    Ever so lonely

    The Solus Project is a single-player survival exploration experience developed entirely in Unreal Engine 4. Earth has been destroyed and humans are now on the brink of extinction. You have been sent on a mission to find another planet that is inhabitable, but after years of exploration with no luck, you find yourself stranded and...

  • News Microsoft Is Trying to Keep PUBG Off PS4 for Longer

    Platform holder attempting to delay PlayStation version

    Sony is in discussions with Korean developer Bluehole to bring smash hit PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds to the PlayStation 4 – but Microsoft is also trying to delay that version of the game. In what is increasingly becoming a boardroom saga, you should already know that

  • Feature Detroit: Become Human Is Quantic Dream's Biggest Ever Game

    Sony XDev talks ambition and development

    You may have read our hands on impressions of Detroit: Become Human last week. The PlayStation 4 exclusive managed to win us over with its impressive visuals and suspenseful narrative, but we needed more. Thankfully, we got to speak to the producer of Sony XDev Europe, Jason Stewart, about the inspiration...

  • News Gran Turismo Sport Comes With a Free Copy of That's You

    Sure, why not?

    Sony really wants people to try out its PlayLink party game, That’s You. In addition to currently being free with PlayStation Plus, updated Gran Turismo Sport box art notes that you’ll also get a complimentary copy of the smartphone-powered social experience with Polyphony Digital’s flagship simulation racer. Well, this appears...

  • News October's Free PlayStation Plus Games Are Available Now

    Phantom pain

    October’s excellent roster of free PlayStation Plus games are available now in Europe – and should deploy in North America shortly. In case you missed the memo, the headline arrival this month is none other than Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain – an absolutely superb PlayStation 4 freebie. It’s accompanied by Amnesia:...

  • Feature The Promising PS4 Games of October 2017

    No horrors here

    We're now into the busy last few months of 2017, and that means big release season is upon us. September saw the launch of juggernauts such Destiny 2 and, er, Knack 2, but October's looking like a real blockbuster month in its own right. Let's take a look at its promising PlayStation 4 games, shall we? Battle Chasers:...

  • News PlayStation's Mobile Apps Updated Alongside PS4 Firmware Update 5.00

    Better language support and some new features

    There’s a new PlayStation 4 firmware update out – and there are fresh updates for Sony’s smartphone apps, too. First up, the PlayStation Communities app now supports landscape, animated GIFs, and a slew of new languages – including Czech, Greek, Hungarian, Indonesian, Romanian, Thai, and...

  • News PlayStation Chief Andrew House Leaves Sony After Over 25 Years

    John Kodera steps up

    Surprise! Andrew House has stepped down from his position as PlayStation president, with his deputy John Kodera taking the reins. The sudden change brings an end to a 25-plus year career at Sony, though the bearded businessman will hang around as director and chairman for a few more months before finally setting off into the...

  • Game of the Month Top 4 PlayStation Games of September 2017

    Killer bears, lost light, super sequels, and a classic returns

    September was another good month for PlayStation gaming, making our staff vote a rather tense affair. Things are only going to get more and more heated as we move into the final few months of the year, so let's take the time to appreciate the relative calm before the storm. Bronze...

  • Review Expand (PS4)

    Rapid expansion

    Sometimes a game just doesn’t land regardless of its quality. Expand, an indie title from Chris Johnson and Chris Larkin, fits the bill. It hit Steam back in 2015 with relatively little fanfare, and the same seems to be happening again. This lack of buzz around the game says nothing of its quality, however, as it's actually rather...

  • News Dragon Ball XenoVerse 2 Powers Up with a Deluxe Edition on PS4

    All DLC included

    Bandai Namco has announced that it'll be releasing Dragon Ball XenoVerse 2: Deluxe Edition on PlayStation 4 later this year in Japan. As you'd expect, the package will include all of the game's downloadable content. That's a lot of lightning fast action to chew through. The Deluxe Edition launches on the 22nd November...

  • News Sony Flags Timed Gran Turismo Sport Demo for 9th October

    Transfer your progress to the full game

    Gran Turismo Sport is getting a four-day demo – and any progress you make during the sample period will carry through to the full game. Scheduled to run from 12:00AM PT on 9th October through 8:00AM PT on 12th October, you’ll be able to earn up to $1MM in-game credits in the demo to transfer into the final...

  • Store Update 3rd October 2017 (Europe)

    Calm before the storm

    Hold the phone – it’s a relatively quiet European PlayStation Store update. Well, to be clear there’s lots of stuff, but there aren’t the multitude of heavy hitters that we’ve become accustomed to in recent months. Highlights this week include, like, Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen and Battle Chasers: Nightwar. PS4...

  • News Destiny 2 Down For Another 4 Hours Today, European Players Aren't Too Happy

    Prime time downtime

    Destiny 2 will be down for another four hours today as Bungie once again takes the title offline and performs maintenance. This'll be the fourth time that the game has been taken down since it was released on the 6th September, so that's about one round of maintenance per week. These haven't been especially short downtime...

  • News Your Fart Can Be Featured in South Park: The Fractured But Whole

    Botty business

    In perhaps the most perfect but repulsive South Park: The Fractured But Whole marketing stunt yet, Ubisoft is running a competition that could see your, er, fart added to the game. As part of a The Voice spoof site, you’ll be able to upload your own raspberry ripple, with your target being to take your trump global. It’s a...

  • News Of Course ANTHEM Will Have a Beta Before Launch

    Why wouldn't it?

    ANTHEM, BioWare's big budget third-person shooter role-playing thing, will be getting a beta at some point before launch. The game's still a while away yet -- it's currently got a vague Fall 2018 release window -- but with projects like this, the developer is always going to be looking to the future and planning things out well in...

Monday2nd Oct 2017

  • Review Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen (PS4)

    The cycle repeats

    Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen was one of the standout action role-playing games of the last generation, with an emphasis on 'action'. Indeed, Capcom's Western fantasy-infused tale offered up a breathless combat system -- a deep and very customisable combination of light attacks, heavy blows, and special abilities. It was the...

  • News Sony Pledges Big PS4 Reveals for Paris Games Week

    Spectacular showing lined up

    Looks like Sony really is going to go hard at Paris Games Week – despite it taking place just a few weeks prior to PlayStation Experience in December. A new PlayStation Blog post notes that the platform holder will be making “big new game announcements and updates” in the French capital later this month. It sounds...

  • News Sony's Tweaking the PlayStation Move Motion Controller, Too

    Wand-erful

    In addition to tweaking the PlayStation VR headset, Sony’s also announced a host of revisions for the PlayStation Move motion controllers. While this information comes courtesy of the Japanese PlayStation Blog, it looks like the main tweaks include a transition to Micro USB for charging (the same connection as the DualShock 4 uses) and...

  • News Revised PlayStation VR Model Adds HDR Passthrough

    And improves cable management

    Sony will release a revised PlayStation VR headset on 14th October in Japan and later this year worldwide. The improved model makes adjustments to the core virtual reality experience based on user feedback, although it’s important to note that its functionality and features remain identical to the model that launched...

  • Review Morphite (PS4)

    Spaced out

    Morphite is an arcadey, first person space exploration game with procedurally generated planets, resource collecting, and upgradeable equipment. Sound familiar? Well, while it may sound a lot like No Man’s Sky, the similarities are really only skin deep. Play Morphite for a while, and you’ll find it’s trying to carve its own path...

  • News UK Sales Charts: FIFA 18 Bundles Do the Business for PS4

    Sony commands 60 per cent of sales

    Sony commanded a dizzying 60 per cent of launch FIFA 18 sales after snagging marketing rights to the soccer simulation. Last year it managed 53 per cent, so it’s actually improved its share of the spoils year-over-year. However, it’s worth noting that sales of the footie favourite are actually down 25 per cent...