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August2010
First Impressions Dead Nation on PlayStation 3
Housemarque don't need a new title to prove that they're the masters of the PSN dual-joystick shooter
We've put more hours into Super Stardust HD than we care to imagine, so it was with lofty expectations we checked out the studio's latest zombie driven PSN endeavour - Dead Nation. The first thing you notice about the PSN download - due later this...
First Impressions Sports Champions on PlayStation 3
Admittedly, Sports Champions has about as much charm as a limp sock
But having got hands-on time with the compilation's table tennis game, we're not sure it matters. That's because PlayStation Move works; this is not a device playing on empty promises and faked lifestyle commercials - it does what Sony have always said it will: track your movements...
July2010
First Impressions Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days on PlayStation 3 Demo
Is it any good?
Kane & Lynch is a franchise that will long be marred by the controversy that took place outside of the product. The original game was a bit of a mess, with poor shooting mechanics taking centre stage in an interesting, but under-developed piece of fiction. Despite that, you'd be forgiven for thinking a sequel wasn't necessary...
First Impressions Patapon 3 on PlayStation Portable Demo
What better than banging drums alone? Banging drums with friends, of course
Patapon 3's come out of nowhere. A short countdown clock on SCEJ's website culminated in a montage appearance from the drum 'em up. Now, just a few weeks after E3, we've all got our hands on the next entry in Japan Studios' Patapon franchise. And unusually for a handheld...
June2010
First Impressions E3 2010: Yakuza 4 on PlayStation 3
Yakuza is a franchise firmly fixed in familiarity
Of the three Yakuza games that have launched on the PlayStation in the past, not much has changed. Yakuza 4 hasn't changed much either - instead it's tweaked one pivotal element that separates it from its predecessors. Here, Kazuma Kiryu is no longer the lead protagonist - instead he shares that...
First Impressions E3 2010: inFamous 2 on PlayStation 3
Shocked
Perhaps the most fitting word to describe our reaction to the new-look Cole in inFamous 2. The once gruff-voiced egg-head with electric powers had seemingly been replaced by the cover-star of the next Skate game - a brusque, handsome looking extreme sports star who Sucker Punch describe as being "inspired by Tony Hawk". Beyond the...
First Impressions E3 2010: Journey on PlayStation 3
thatgamecompany's flower made us feel empowered like no other game
There's a moment, nearing the end of the game's relatively short campaign, where you guide your team of petals up an angled high-way. That moment is unlike any other we've ever experienced in a video game - there's a sensation of pure, unbridled freedom. It touches on pretense, but...
First Impressions E3 2010: Everybody's Tennis On PSP
Playing Everybody's Tennis as though it's Virtua Tennis will leave you lying on your arse, racquet in hand
This is much simpler than that, but it requires adjustment if you've spent years on SEGA's flagship tennis franchise. Unlike said titles hold and release mechanics, hitting the ball here is all about getting into position and tapping a button...
First Impressions E3 2010: Twisted Metal on PlayStation 3
Twisted Metal is one of the oldest, most recognisable PlayStation franchises out there
Despite being shunned aside by bigger franchise power-houses in PlayStation's history (the likes of Gran Turismo, Final Fantasy and Metal Gear Solid), Sony's E3 press conference spelled out quite categorically that Twisted Metal is truly back in bombastic style...
First Impressions E3 2010: Gran Turismo 5 on PlayStation 3
It's taken half-a-decade, but Polyphony Digital are now just months away from lifting the lid on their masterpiece; Gran Turismo 5 launches this November
With a budget so high even Kazunori Yamauchi won't disclose, and attention to detail so cute you can see the individual screws of its roster's door panels - Gran Turismo 5, like its predecessors,...
May2010
First Impressions LittleBigPlanet 2 on PlayStation 3
Media Molecule are describing LittleBigPlanet 2 as a "hand-made arcade"
But exactly what can players expect from Sackboy's latest foray onto Playstation 3? We've scoured the 'net to bring you this no-nonsense feature list of what to expect from 2010's biggest game. There's a new story tying Sackboy's adventures in previous games into...
April2010
First Impressions FIFA World Cup 2010 on PlayStation 3 Demo
It's probably impossible to make a commercial flop when you've got an official license adorning the package of your product
Particularly when it's a game based on the massive event that is the World Cup. But EA's turned over a new leaf in recent years, taking a new found interest in the quality of the products they release. As such, the FIFA video...
March2010
First Impressions 3D Dot Game Heroes on PlayStation 3
The first thing you need to know about 3D Dot Game Heroes: it's totally safe for you to go out and pre-order the game right now
We've seen enough to know that this Legend Of Zelda-invoking parody is going to be worth every penny of your money. Delivered with a wink and a nod, everything about 3D Dot Game Heroes invokes nostalgia, and it does so...
First Impressions Just Cause 2 on Playstation 3 Demo
At first we were a little disappointed with Just Cause 2
It's a game we've been following closely here at PushSquare, namely because the original was somewhat of a flawed gem. Getting hands-on time with the recently released demo is the first time we've had a chance to play Just Cause 2 here at PushSquare towers, and honestly it didn't leave the...
February2010
First Impressions Yakuza 3 on Playstation 3
It took about, ooh, five minutes
We were excited. We've wanted to play Yakuza 3 for a long, long time and finally we got to go hands-on. It took about five minutes and then it dawned on us. "Dude, we're playing Yakuza 3." SEGA's hesitation to release Yakuza 3 in the West rings loud in much of the game's design. This is Japanese, and it...
First Impressions Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing on PS3
It's just typical isn't it?
You wait four or so years for a great Mario Kart clone on your platform of choice and then two come along at once. Modnation Racers looks to have all the makings of a great kart racer, and then some; though we are concerned with the some of the performance issues that were apparent in the beta. Sonic & SEGA All-Stars...
First Impressions Half-Minute Hero on Playstation Portable
Half-Minute Hero is brilliant
The most off-putting thing about any RPG is the blank canvas at the start. A mountain of literature and 50 hours of your life lay in front of you, and you ask yourself "Is this going to be worth it?" Half-Minute Hero does away with the doubt, condensing each "universe" into 30-seconds. A cross...
January2010
First Impressions Modnation Racers on Playstation 3 Beta
Picture the scene: we're bombing it through a barren environment
It's one of the higher-rated tracks, crafted by the hands of a budding race-course designer. We're dressed as Kratos from the God Of War franchise, driving in the Ghostbusters car. Both are works of art in there own right, rated five stars by the community. The Joker's just in front of...
First Impressions MAG on Playstation 3
Patience, endeavour, team-work, intrigue - all words associated with Zipper Interactive's MAG; a wrought 256-player first person shooter stacked with the anticipation of simply delivering its namesake: massive action
It cannot be denied, MAG does exactly what it says on the tin; but only if you're willing to put in the effort it insists for payback...
December2009
First Impressions Bayonetta on Playstation 3
After the amount of negative press surrounding Bayonetta on the Playstation 3, we went into SEGA's port of Platinum Games' latest brawler expecting the absolute worst
Perhaps this was the agenda of the press all along. By instilling the harshest of negativity into the consumer's mindset, the game can't realistically ever look as bad as they claim...
November2009
First Impressions God Of War III on Playstation 3
Dude, Kratos is really, really angry
Obviously writing about trailers, demos and collector's editions here on PushSquare, we knew a lot about God Of War III. But nothing could prepare us for actually going hands-on with the game. Santa Monica's latest in Sony's biggest pie is brutal. The first thing God Of War III wants you to notice is the detail...
September2009
First Impressions SOCOM: Fireteam Bravo 3 on PSP
The SOCOM franchise has been moderately successful in its conversion to the PSP
SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 3 looks set to continue that trend with solid co-operative gameplay and interesting mission set-ups. We recently got our hands on one of Fireteam Bravo 3's single player campaign missions ahead of the game's November launch and these...
First Impressions MotorStorm: Arctic Edge on Playstation Portable
You may not be a MotorStorm fan, but MotorStorm: Arctic Edge should be an exciting title regardless of your tastes; namely because it starts the onslaught of excellent Playstation Portable content
We've never been quite so inundated with PSP content. And that's exciting. Probably the biggest compliment you can pay to MotorStorm: Arctic Edge is that...
First Impressions Beaterator on Playstation Portable
Developed in collaboration with monster pop producer Timbaland
Almost coming out of nowhere, the PSP announcement of Rockstar's Beaterator has been met with mixed response, namely from the elitist whose desire is to criticise the game's figurehead, Timbaland. At the end of the day though, whether you want to rise above elitism or not, it's instantly...
First Impressions MAG on Playstation 3
With Zipper Interactive's ambitious multiplayer first-person shooter leading the line for Sony's 2010 exclusive romp, we take a quick look at the world of MAG and give you an idea of what to expect from the massive online shooter
Dynamic multiplayer. The biggest selling point for MAG is its unique server achitecture that allows 256 players to...
First Impressions Gran Turismo PSP on Playstation Portable
Gran Turismo PSP will lead the line for the PSP Go early this October, going as far as being bundled with European copies of the PSP Go
We take a quick look at the game's main features ahead of its release next month. A wealth of content. Gran Turismo PSP is set to be a big title, despite its portable nature. The game will cram over 800 cars and 35...
August2009
First Impressions Dead Nation on Playstation 3
Nowadays, zombie games aren't getting the attention they used to
We think it's probably fair to say we're all a bit fed up of them right? But, what if a newly announced zombie game was confirmed to be in development by Super Startdust HD developers, House Marque. Yup, thought that would catch you. Essentially, Dead Nation is very much Super Stardust...
First Impressions Mini Ninjas on Playstation 3
Mini Ninjas is a curious title
Coming from IO Interactive (synonymous with dark titles such as Kane & Lynch) it totally shuns the policy of dark and foreboding for something a little more family friendly. Mini Ninjas is a bright, anime-inspired title with an underlining family flare. The game opens on a ninja-training village where you're...
First Impressions Wet on Playstation 3
If Wet takes its core mechanics and continues to make them interesting over time, the Grindhouse setting will do more than enough to make this game a memorable arcade shooter
The best thing about Wet is that it knows exactly what it is. It's not trying to redefine arcade shooters, but at the same time it's blissfully aware it needs to change things...
First Impressions Colin McRae: DiRT 2 on Playstation 3
Irritating capitalization aside, Colin McRae: DiRT 2 looks and plays like an absolute dream
From the solid handling, to the impressive damage modelling and quirky presentation, we're itching to try out more. The first thing we noticed about Colin McRae: DiRT 2 was the interesting colour palette. The game has a rather quirky, pseudo-cartoon look to...
First Impressions Supercar Challenge on Playstation 3 Multiplayer
Staggeringly for a Playstation 3 exclusive, Supercar Challenge is not hyped beyond belief
We've all experienced the hype for Killzone 2, LittleBigPlanet and inFamous come and go. We're currently in the process of screaming in anticipation for Gran Turismo 5 and Uncharted 2: Among Thieves. But Supercar Challenge we can sum up in one single phrase we...
First Impressions Batman: Arkham Asylum on Playstation 3
Batman: Arkham Asylum has a hard task to live up to
Hyped as the definitive super-hero game this generation early into its development, the game has always had a hard task ahead of it. With a number of delays to ensure quality behind it, Batman: Arkham Asylum is finally gearing up to release. Can it ever live up to the hype? From what we've played,...
July2009
First Impressions Ratchet & Clank: A Crack In Time on Playstation 3
The game is said to be the conclusion of the "Future" trilogy
The continuation of Insomniac Games' popular Ratchet & Clank franchise, A Crack In Time is the third entry into the series on Playstation 3 and follows on from the plot-line served up in Tools Of Destruction and Quest For Booty. We take a look at some of the things you can expect...
First Impressions Gran Turismo PSP on Playstation Portable
Somewhat of a shock announcement during Sony's E3 2009 conference, Gran Turismo PSP had been rumoured for many, many years but never materialised
Gran Turismo 4 Mobile was announced as one of the flag-ship titles of the original PSP but dropped off the radar. Set to commemorate the launch of the PSP Go this October 1st, Gran Turismo PSP will provide...
First Impressions Split/Second on Playstation 3
Coming from the Brighton based development studio behind PURE, there's a substantial amount of hype behind Black Rock Studio's action-racing title Split/Second
The game had an impressive E3 showing, surprising many journalists with its quality and cinematic nature. We take a quick look at the Disney published racing game that set to bring action to...
June2009
First Impressions Hydrophobia on Playstation 3
Hydrophobia could well end up as being one of the more innovative titles of this generation
Billed as a "survival-adventure" title by developers Dark Energy Digital - the team behind the excellent Inferno Pool - Hydrophobia uses an innovative new water based engine that will see players dynamically control H20 in order to complete puzzles...
First Impressions Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (Multiplayer Beta) on Playstation 3
We've read the comments everywhere: Uncharted 2: Among Thieves doesn't need multiplayer
Ever since our blow-out coverage of the multiplayer portion to Naughty Dog's super impressive third-person shooter the scepticism has been apparent. Thus, we're pleased to console those with milling anxiety - take our word for it; you're going to want to play the...
May2009
First Impressions Rock Band Unplugged on Playstation Portable
Rock Band Unplugged is essentially a compilation of the following parts: the concept of the Playstation 2's Amplitude, a rock-and-roll background and the system-selling name of Rock Band
Oh, and there's not really any electronic music either. Hell no, commercial rock all the way. Ahem. Kicking it with Jimmy Eat World's "The Middle" (we can...
First Impressions Heavy Rain; Digesting Everything We Know
Heavy Rain is our most anticipated game of the year
Our hype builds from the tid-bits we've seen in the past, the concept art and our undying love for Fahrenheit. But what of Quantic Dream's latest noire thriller? We investigate everything you need to know about this Winter's hottest Playstation 3 exclusive: Heavy Rain will have four playable...
First Impressions inFamous on Playstation 3
inFamous is a game that has been somewhat swept under the carpet; lacking the fanfare attributed to Killzone 2 and marred by the never-ending comparison to Prototype
Despite the commentary of the outside world though, Sucker Punch have been quietly moulding inFamous into a game worthy of discussion and certainly deserving of gamer's attention...
April2009
First Impressions Uncharted 2: Among Thieves Multiplayer & Co-Op; Everything We Know
Probably the best kept secret in video games (read with a hint of sarcasm - Ed) is that Uncharted 2: Among Thieves has multiplayer
The upcoming follow-up to the 2007 smash, is readily preparing an open-beta for its multiplayer, to be included with copies of Sucker Punch's inFamous. While little was known about the type of multiplayer Naughty Dog...
First Impressions Red Faction: Guerilla on Playstation 3
The thing that was instantly apparent to us upon running Red Faction: Guerilla was a sense of arcade action
The game clocks killing sprees, rewards the destruction of entire buildings and has a very fast, ebbing pace to it. Which makes it really fun. That's not to say it's without it's draws though. While the action seems fast and fluid, the...
March2009
First Impressions The Wheelman on Playstation 3
We didn't think we were going to like The Wheelman
On paper it all just sounds a bit too, for want of a better word, simple. You drive around, smash up cars, snore-snore. And while we can't guarantee The Wheelman won't get repetitive, from what we've played we do think it's awesome. The latest game to feature actor Vin Diesel is a high-octane...
First Impressions Please Tell Us More About Playstation 3 Exclusive Heavy Rain
Back in the days of the Playstation 2, no game surprised us quite as much as Quantic Dream's "Fahrenheit" (or "Indigo Prophecy" in the USA)
A broodingly immersive release brimming with creativity and little in the way of cliche. Whilst the game took a turn for the worse in later chapters, it was in its attention grabbing opening that many hearts...
First Impressions Watchmen: The End Is Nigh on Playstation 3
There is much snobbery throughout the comic book universe that Watchmen shouldn't even be a movie, let alone a game
Thus, the development of the Watchmen game is one that has been viewed through the squinted eyes of the pretentious speech-bubble faithful. The team burdened with the responsibility, Deadline Games, have crafted a title of mixed...
First Impressions Wanted: Weapons Of Fate on Playstation 3
After initially being wowed by the stylish opening menu screen of Wanted: Weapons Of Fate, we were a little let down by the subpar graphics and the monotony of the gameplay
You can curve your bullets, hide behind cover and sneak up on enemies. And well, that's about all we got to experience really. Hopefully the game picks up a bit in the full...
February2009
First Impressions Resistance Retribution on Playstation Portable
We're big fans of the Resistance series
We thoroughly enjoyed the slow-paced gameplay of Fall Of Man and loved the scale of Resistance 2. Hearing that the series was making it's way to the PSP we were mildly excited but somewhat sceptical. How the hell can they port a game like Resistance to the PSP? It's been done with mixed response. Resistance...
First Impressions Killzone 2 Demo
We've played through the Killzone 2 demo seven times in the last couple of hours and in that time we've gone through a journey from unruly scepticism to raw admiration
If you've only played the demo once and have come away from those short few minutes of gameplay with a sour taste we urge you to replay a few times. This game takes time to...
First Impressions Resident Evil 5 on Playstation 3
Controls seem to be the staple mark of the Resident Evil experience
Ever since the Resident Evil 5 demo hit the XBOX Live last week hordes of Gears Of War-elitists got to put their trigger fingers to the test in the latest iteration of the popular survival horror franchise. Their response? "Sucks". Let's clarify that this was the general...
January2009
First Impressions F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin on Playstation 3
We're told that the original F
E.A.R.</a> was a good game. Told because we didn't actually play it. Apparently the series is a mix of sci-fi, horror and bullet-time. Given this list of cliches we were a bit sceptical dropping into Project Origin but, fear not, our worries have been temporarily quashed. F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin feels...
October2008
There's no denying the comparisons between Mirror's Edge and 1984
It's just a futuristic version. Let's face it - Orwell's vision didn't quite come true but if we look further into the future we can see the same ideals just in a different world. Orwell's vision is carried forward in Mirror's Edge where the government confines and censors information...
September2008
First Impressions Mega Man 9 On Playstation 3 Initial Thoughts & Opinion
Too damn hard
I do like these "spin off" T-shirts though. Guess where it only ships to?
First Impressions SOCOM: Confrontation BETA on Playstation 3 Thoughts & Opinion
I got into the SOCOM: Confrontation BETA today and I keep reminding myself that I have to take the game exactly for what it is, a beta
It's kinda hard though when the game in question is such a shambles that this particular blogger found it nigh-on impossible to even get in a game. We're talking 2 hours hopping screens and menus gave a return of one...
