Tag: Sony - Page 316
News Smart As Puzzles PlayStation Vita Later This Month
Brain training
Sony’s slick handheld head-scratcher Smart As will fill the PlayStation Vita with plenty of mind-bending puzzles later this month, the platform holder has announced. The game – narrated by Monty Python legend John Cleese – will test your mental muscle with a host of challenges based on four key areas: Logic, Arithmetic, Language...
Talking Point Why Now Is the Right Time for the PlayStation Store Overhaul
Shopping spree
“Why now?” commented the chorus of critics following the announcement of Sony’s widely publicised PlayStation Store refresh earlier today. With the next-generation popularly predicted to kick-start in late 2013, the imminent arrival of the new storefront may seem somewhat mistimed – but it could also indicate that the...
News Redesigned PlayStation Store Launches from 17th October
Face lift
If you were getting tired of the PlayStation 3’s clunky old store-front, then we’ve got good news for you – the entire portal is getting a makeover from 17th October in Europe and 23rd October in North America. The overhauled look – announced at a London press event earlier today – will bring with it a host of new features and...
News Sony Refreshes Gaikai Website with Iconic PlayStation Imagery
It's happening
Sony’s keeping tight-lipped about its plans for cloud-streaming company Gaikai, but a new image on the latter’s website indicates that changes are taking place behind the scenes. The picture shows the recently acquired company’s logo surrounded by multiple PlayStation mascots such as Nathan Drake, Sackboy, Raiden and a Helghast...
News PlayStation 3 Surpasses 5 Million Sales in the UK
Best seller
The PlayStation 3 has sold more than 5 million units in the UK, platform holder Sony has announced. The news comes on the eve of the release of the new 12GB Super Slim system across Europe. The 500GB redesign launched on 28th September, prompting a 138 per cent boost in PS3 hardware sales throughout the UK. “This is another historic...
News Learn About The Unfinished Swan's Complex Soundscapes
Heart strings
Music is a pivotal part of all games – but it’s especially important in emotional tour-de-forces such as The Unfinished Swan. As such, developer Giant Sparrow invested an enormous amount of time into getting the audio right for its upcoming PSN exclusive. “We wanted the music to serve as a companion for Monroe and the player as...
News God of War Demo Ascends Alongside Total Recall Blu-ray
Cross marketing
Those of you that snap up the Director’s Cut edition of Total Recall on Blu-ray will be invited to play the epic God of War: Ascension single-player demo from E3 earlier this year. The movie itself will feature 20 minutes of bonus footage not shown in theatres, in addition to an alternate ending and over 1.5 hours of special...
News Four New Playable Animals Stalk Tokyo Jungle This Week
Killer croc
The roster of playable pets in Tokyo Jungle is set to expand by four this week, with the release of a fresh batch of DLC. New arrivals include the Crocodile, Giraffe, Kangaroo and Panda. Sony has also promised to give away a new wardrobe of outfits, though specifics are currently unannounced. If you’re still unsure about...
News Bridgestone Denies Use of Kevin Butler Character in Commercial
Shades of grey
The controversial Bridgestone commercial featuring Kevin Butler actor Jerry Lambert was aired three days after the star’s contract with Sony expired, according to a story on the Hollywood Reporter. However, the performer was bound by an “exclusivity clause” that prevented Lambert from providing his services to competing video...
News GAME Holds the Killzone Trilogy at Gunpoint in the UK
Retailer exclusive
First-person shooter fans hoping to get their fix of sci-fi action with the Killzone Trilogy will have to breach the purple gates of GAME in the UK, as the specialist retailer has secured exclusivity on the compelling compilation. The package will collate popular PS3 titles Killzone 2 and Killzone 3, alongside an HD version of...
News Sony: We've Invested Significant Resources into Kevin Butler
VP of Legal
Sony has responded to reports claiming that it is suing Bridgestone and advertising agency Wildcat Creek over a commercial starring Jerry Lambert – the actor famous for portraying Kevin Butler in a slew of different PlayStation commercials. In a comment released to VentureBeat, the publisher’s senior director of corporate...
News Sony Tosses a Price-Cut at MLB 12: The Show
Home run
MLB 12: The Show is widely considered to be the pinnacle of baseball gaming – and now you’ll be to sample it at a bargain bin price-point. With the end of the season in full swing, publisher Sony has dropped the price of its premium sports title to just $29.99 on PS3 and $19.99 on Vita. That means you’ll be able to test out the game's...
News Sony Is Suing Bridgestone and, Erm, Kevin Butler
Bizarre twist
Switch off Match of the Day and replace that cup of cocoa for something stronger, because things are really heating up online. A handful of court documents have revealed that Sony is in the process of suing Bridgestone and advertising agency Wildcat Creek – which just so happens to be managed by Jerry Lambert, the actor best known...
News Sony: Gaming Habits Are Evolving at an Alarming Pace
Going through changes
The launch of PlayStation Mobile this week underlines Sony’s drive to keep its gaming brand relevant, according to UK gaffer Fergal Gara. The likeable executive was talking candidly with Eurogamer.net about the growth of the industry and the changes that are taking place. "Gaming habits are evolving at a hell of a pace,...
News The Unfinished Swan Starts Its Journey Later This Month
Once more with feeling
Giant Sparrow’s emotionally engaging debut The Unfinished Swan will paddle onto the PlayStation Network on 23rd October in North America and 24th October in Europe, the developer has announced. PlayStation Plus subscribers will unlock early access to the title on 16th October and 17th October respectively. The game will cost...
News Ken Levine Contributed Writing to PlayStation All-Stars
Who's the Big Daddy?
SuperBot Entertainment isn’t messing around with PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale. The brawler's roster might not appeal to everyone, but there’s no denying that each of the characters accurately capture the spirit of their original franchises. As such, it’s not particularly surprising to learn that Irrational Games’...
Preview Fumbling Through the Dark with The Unfinished Swan
Blind man's buff
It’s difficult to discuss The Unfinished Swan without drawing comparisons to Journey. Just like thatgamecompany, developer Giant Sparrow has been taken under the wing of first-party powerhouse Sony Santa Monica. Furthermore, it has signed a three game exclusivity deal with PlayStation. Indeed, the only noticeable difference...
News Resistance Collection Collates the Chimeran Invasion This Year
All Hale
You really can’t argue with the value proposition of some of these PlayStation 3 collections. Over the past couple of months, Sony has bundled up some of its best first-party games – and now Resistance is set to join the reasonably priced party. For just $39.99 you’ll be able to scoop up complete access to Resistance: Fall of Man,...
News FIFA 13 Tops European PSN Sales Charts
Tokyo Jungle starts strong
FIFA 13 was the best selling digital release in Europe last month – despite only being available for a handful of days. The soccer simulation was joined by Borderlands 2 and One Piece: Pirate Warriors, while Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD topped the PSN-only chart. Thankfully, the wacky To
News This Is What a PS3 Super Slim Looks Like Without Its Clothes
Pulled to pieces
The folks over at iFixit have a bizarre fetish for consoles without their clothes – and thankfully they’re eager to share it with the world. This time their ever-busy fingers have uncovered the internals of the brand new PlayStation 3 Super Slim, which is packing some tasty technology inside. The website notes that the system...
Preview Wonderbook: Book of Spells Makes Reading Magical
Muggle science
The outrage and controversy caused by Wonderbook: Book of Spells’ elongated E3 showing has made it difficult to discuss the augmented reality experience objectively. And yet here we have one of the most unique and commercially viable casual gaming products Sony has produced since the Eye Toy. The Harry Potter spin-off doesn’t have...
News Sony Launches PlayStation Mobile with Bumper Line-Up
Time wasters
This is all a bit exciting, isn’t it? Sony has essentially launched a new platform overnight. Sure, it might not come with a new piece of hardware – but PlayStation Mobile could provide a subtle hint at the future of the platform holder's handheld endeavours. The service is available right now in Japan, North America, Canada,...
News Escape Plan: Director's Cut DLC Tip-Toes onto PSN
The great escape
It’s impressive just how much post-release content developer Fun Bits Interactive has already produced for PlayStation Vita exclusive Escape Plan – but it’s not quite finished yet. The studio has announced a brand new expansion pack named Director’s Cut, which is set to release on the PlayStation Store this week. According...
News Resident Evil 5 and Bulletstorm Headline EU PS Plus Update
Embarrassment of riches
If you’re from North America, you might want to look away now. Sony has announced the European PlayStation Plus content schedule for October – and it’s absolutely brimming with attractive deals. First up, premium members will get free access to Arkedo’s Hell Yeah! Wrath of the Dead Rabbit. The insanely pretty...
News Sony Has "Nothing Against" a PS3 and Vita Bundle
Multiplatform
Sony’s not averse to bundling the PlayStation 3 with the Vita. Speaking with CVG, PlayStation UK managing director Fergal Gara explained that the company has "nothing against” the idea, and that, while there are currently no plans to produce it, the hardware compilation could feasibly hit store shelves as early as Christmas. He...
News Spend $100 on PSN This Month and Get $20 Back
Makes sense
The PlayStation Network is on fire at the moment – but that’s not stopping Sony from coming up with fresh ideas to keep you spending this October. The platform holder has announced that if you spend $100 through its digital storefront this month, you’ll get $20 in credit back. That cash will have to be reinvested into the...
News PlayStation Plus Subscribers Score a Free Copy of NFL Blitz
Touch down
PlayStation Plus’ Instant Game Collection will be bolstered by the addition of NFL Blitz in North America this week, platform holder Sony has announced. The goofy arcade spin-off promises “an energetic, football gaming experience” that’s best played with friends. We suspect your appreciation of this update is going to hinge almost...
News Sony Opts Against Slashing the Vita's Price This Year
Staying put
Despite increasing pressure from the Nintendo 3DS and smartphones, Sony has decided not to drop the price of the PlayStation Vita this year. Speaking with Eurogamer.net, SCEUK managing director Fergal Gara explained that, while the company is considering a price-cut, it will not happen until next year. “We always aim to establish...
News CCP Games: DUST 514 Took Guts on Sony's Part
Uncharted territory
Few titles are as ambitious as CCP Games’ upcoming DUST 514. The PlayStation 3 exclusive intends to merge the universe between two disparate games – a feat which the Icelandic developer believes took real “guts on Sony’s part”. Asked what drew the studio to the PS3 in the first place, CCP’s Jon Lander told us: “It...
News Shuhei Yoshida Laments Limited Third-Party Vita Support
Hot pursuit
For the amount of stick the PlayStation Vita gets regarding its upcoming software line-up, there’s actually a lot of content to look forward to. Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation, Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified and Street Fighter X Tekken are all on the way before Christmas, with Killzone: Mercenary and
News PlayStation All-Stars' Full Launch Roster Has Been Revealed
Like it or lump it
If you were anticipating additional PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale character reveals in the weeks leading up to release, then it’s probably best to temper your expectations. Sid Shuman, of “farm fresh” PlayStation Blog fame, has stated on Twitter that the full launch line-up has been revealed. What’s interesting about...
News PS All-Stars Trailer Brings Backgrounds to the Foreground
Fever
Paying too much attention to the backgrounds of PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale in the heat of battle can cost you the match – but when you’re a spectator there really is plenty to see. Just like the game itself, each stage is a mash-up of multiple Sony franchises. And in this brand new developer documentary, game director Omar Kendall...
News PSP's Digital Comics Store Closes Its Doors Next Month
Click, click
Sony’s ill fated PlayStation Portable Digital Comics Store will shut down once and for all next month, the platform holder has announced. The company ceased updating the service last summer, but now it’s decided to close the category entirely. If you’ve previously purchased comics through the service, you’ll have until...
News We Recommend You Watch This Japanese PS3 Commercial
Surprise
Sony’s Japanese branch always releases the best PlayStation commercials – after all, it’s not been that long since the company opted to promote the Vita with the dulcet (and utterly irrelevant) vocal tones of Shigeru Matsuzaki. This brand new PS3 Super Slim spot isn't quite as catchy – but we urge you to stick around for its full...
News PlayStation Network Sales Explode, Plus Subscribers Double
Catching fire
When the PlayStation Network was hit by a disastrous hack attack back in early 2011, many assumed that it would spell the end for the digital platform. In actual fact, the exact opposite has occurred, with the storefront achieving its “highest transactional” quarter yet over the past three months. In short, consumers spent more...
News Sony's Initial Reaction to Tokyo Jungle Was Bad
The rest is history
Sony didn’t think Tokyo Jungle sounded like a great idea at first, according to director Yohei Kataoka. The developer was speaking with the European PlayStation Blog about the quirky adventure’s rise to success. Unsurprisingly, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. “[The initial reaction] was bad,” he revealed. “It wasn't...
News Take Tokyo Jungle on the Road with Remote Play
Pomeranian power
Soon you’ll be able to take your Tokyo Jungle progress on the go, when Sony patches the quirky Japanese adventure with Remote Play support. “We are preparing a PS Vita Remote Play patch for Tokyo Jungle NA and EU versions,” Worldwide Studios gaffer Shuhei Yoshida divulged on Twitter. “Please wait a bit for the release timing...
News Decipher the Meaning of Datura While Listening to Its Soundtrack
Forbidden fruit
Datura’s certainly not the most polished game of the year, but it’s arguably one of the more interesting ones. Writing on the PlayStation Blog, director Michal Staniszewski claimed that no one has fully uncovered the meaning behind the PlayStation Network exclusive just yet. “Every madness has its explanation, and Datura is no...
Competition Who Wants to Work for LittleBigPlanet Vita Developer Tarsier?
Hands in the air
LittleBigPlanet Vita developer Tarsier Studios is giving one budding creator curator the opportunity to work alongside its team on a fully-fledged piece of DLC for the handheld spin-off. Applicants will be competing for a month-long internship at the studio by building a unique mini-game and uploading it to the title’s servers...
News Watch Sony Unbox a Brand New PlayStation 3 Super Slim
Same old blood rush with a new touch
Just in case you’d forgotten, the new PlayStation 3 Super Slim hits North American store shelves today. The system comes equipped with a 250GB hard drive, a copy of Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception, a voucher for $30 of DUST 514 digital content, and a free 30 day subscription to PlayStation Plus. Of course,...
News Wonderbook: Book of Spells Conjures New PS3 Bundles
A kind of magic
Wonderbook: Book of Spells is brimming with potential. The augmented reality PlayStation 3 exclusive has the opportunity to tempt both hardcore Harry Potter fanatics and casual gamers alike – assuming Sony gets its marketing department in order. It’s made the first step by announcing that newcomers in Europe will be able to...
News Resident Evil 6 Kick-Starts Sony's Day 1 Digital Initiative
New beginnings
The most attentive amongst you may have noticed that Sony’s started to get really aggressive with PS3 digital downloads. Titles like Borderlands 2 and Sorcery have all launched on the PlayStation Store alongside their retail counterparts – and that’s going to happen a lot more in the future. Sony’s announced a new Day 1...
News Box! Open Me Fuses Co-Op Gameplay with AR Technology
Curiosity
Box! Open Me is an intriguing PlayStation Vita augmented reality game that tasks players to work together in order to unlock a series of increasingly complex boxes. This hands-on video shot by Joystiq at the Tokyo Game Show demonstrates the simple title in action, as two players work together to grapple with clasps, relay input codes and...
News PS Plus Subscribers Get Cheap Admission to the Tokyo Jungle
Wild thing
North American PlayStation Plus subscribers will be able to sample the feral future of Japan at a discounted price point, Sony has announced. Premium members will be able to snap up the hotly anticipated Tokyo Jungle at just $11.99 – a significant saving over the title’s standard $14.99 admission fee. Other upcoming offers include a...
News Sony Patents Biometric Player Identification Technology
Big brother
If you’re tired of inputting passwords and illegible CAPTCHA codes, then Sony has a solution that just might interest you. The platform holder has registered a patent for a technology that would allow various consumer electronics devices (including
News Sony Pledges PlayStation 3 Support Through 2015
Life in the old dog
If you’re thinking about purchasing your first PlayStation 3 this Christmas, but are worried that the content’s going to dry up the moment the next-generation starts: stop. Chatting with GameSpot, hardware marketing manager John Koller has promised that the PS3 will continue to be supported through at least 2015. "We're...
News Sony Streamlining PlayStation Mobile Ratings System
Easy peasy
Publishing a game on PlayStation Mobile won’t require developers to go through the same ratings rigmarole as normal console releases. Sony has devised a new system which allows studios to self-report content on a submission form. That saves the time and overhead required for a ratings board to check the content manually – meaning the...
News Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time Steals Your Wallet on 5th February
Pay day
European gamers will have to wait at least a month until they can get their hands on Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time. Sony has attached a 5th February release date to the light-fingered platformer in North America – and opted for an ambiguous March window in Europe. Honestly, we thought the days of waiting for flag-ship first-party titles were...
News The Last Guardian Is Absolutely, Categorically Still Alive
Developer confirms
In what’s quickly becoming a video game convention tradition, Sony has confirmed that The Last Guardian is still in development. This time it wasn’t Worldwide Studios president Shuhei Yoshida forced to revisit the topic, but a Japan Studio employee cornered by Kotaku at the Tokyo Game Show. "I give you my word that it...
News Soul Sacrifice Looks Absolutely Stunning in Motion
Hopeless wretch
It may not have the brand power of Monster Hunter, but that’s not stopping Soul Sacrifice from looking absolutely incredible. Sony has released two direct-feed trailers from the Tokyo Game Show demonstrating the four-player action title's spells, weapons, character customisation and controls. They’re not the most riveting...
