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October 1st, 2013, 02:03 Posted By: wraggstervia http://emu-russia.net/en/
Super Nintendo emulator for Sony PSP has been updated. Changes:
- Support PSP Go (Rev.24);
- Support my VHBL (Rev.24);
- Automatic O/X button swap (Rev.24);
- Used GCC 4.6.2 to compile (Rev.24);
- Selectable savedata directory (Rev.24).
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October 1st, 2013, 02:09 Posted By: wraggstervia http://www.emucr.com/
PPSSPP Git (2013/09/30) is compiled. PPSSPP is a fast and portable PSP emulator for Android, Windows, Mac, and Linux, written in C++.
PPSSPP Git Changelog:
* Merge pull request #3998 from Kingcom/Debugger
More tab changes
* -use tab control class for left tabs
-add a way to hide tab titles
-accelerator for GEDebugger
* glDrawRangeElements seems to cause problems in monster hunter?
* Merge pull request #3967 from raven02/patch-17
Quick fix FF4 CC missing title text in framebuffer-to-memory mode
* Merge pull request #3909 from raven02/patch-5
Return SCE_KERNEL_ERROR_ILLEGAL_PRIORITY when priority < 0 * Merge pull request #3929 from raven02/patch-10 Delay as sas core for sceP3daBridgeCore * Merge branch 'patch-16' of https://github.com/raven02/ppsspp into raven02-patch-16 Conflicts: UI/GameSettingsScreen.cpp * Merge pull request #3985 from Kingcom/Debugger Better disassembly resizing * -use TabControl for bottom tabs -show/hide bottom tabs with ctrl+x * Merge pull request #3916 from shenweip/patch-6 Use a separate latch for osk dialog. * Merge pull request #3992 from unknownbrackets/savestates Add rewind functionality only (no UI) * Warning fix. * Savestates now work okay between git versions. * Make save/load fail strings more consistent. * If loading state fails, rewind instead of reset. * While unthrottled, checkpoint rewind less often. * Add basic support for rewinding (not enabled.) * Merge pull request #3996 from unknownbrackets/net-minor Fix reporting's net shutdown as well * Fix reporting's net shutdown as well. * Better check for blendmode * Use EXT_blend_minmax when available. Minor tweaks. * Merge pull request #3991 from unknownbrackets/dmac Implement sceDmacTryMemcpy(), improve sceDmacMemcpy() * Mostly implement sceDmacTryMemcpy(). * Add errors and rescheduling to sceDmac*. The functionality seems pretty straight-forward. * Merge pull request #3994 from unknownbrackets/bezier Swap render targets when drawing spline/beziers * Swap render targets when drawing spline/beziers. * Merge pull request #3990 from unknownbrackets/texcache Rehash textures a bit more often when static * Cut down texcache cap to 512. This will make textures rehash 4x more often if they seem to be static. Previously, 2048 for a 30 fps game meant 69 seconds before it would notice a change. This is really long for fonts that get missed sometimes. This takes that down to 17.5 seconds. Still quite a while, but something a normal person is much more likely to wait for. Hopefulyl won't hurt performance much normally. * Fix texcache rehash backoff. If a texture was reused (with other textures in between) several times per frame, it would be rehashed more frequently than it should be. Also tries to avoid rehashing several textures on the same frame if they do not change. * Merge pull request #3989 from unknownbrackets/savestates Avoid clearing some caches on save/load state * Separate a quick interface to savestate to memory. * Avoid clearing the jit cache on savestate. Downside: saving state could "fix" some issues with games detecting jit, which won't happen anymore. However, it's now faster to savestate. * Don't clear the GPU caches on savestate, just load. And maybe it's not even fully necessary on load... * Merge pull request #3987 from DanyalZia/patch-14 Do not use tilt to control function in non-windows * Update GameSettingsScreen.cpp * Update Config.cpp * Only use tilt to control function in mobile * Only use tilt to control function in non-windows * Merge pull request #3986 from thedax/updateFFMPEG FFMPEG: Add x86 Linux support. * Update ffmpeg submodule. * Update CMakeLists.txt for x86 ffmpeg. * Make the ARM stuff build on clang so we can later get the unit test to work there. also fixes the build. * Linux buildfix (a bit blind.)
October 1st, 2013, 02:11 Posted By: wraggstervia http://www.emucr.com/
rpcs3 Git (2013/09/29) is compiled. rpcs3 is an open source PlayStation 3 (PS3) emulator for the Microsoft Windows. Current versions can run only small homebrew for PS3. Developers are planning to make it to emulate PS3 on its speed in the near future.
rpcs3 purpose:
- Make PS3 developers easily test their apps and homebrews on PC without crashing their PS3 or moving their apps from PC to PS3.
- Just playing PS3 games on your PC and have fun! ( In the future )
rpcs3 Git Changelog:
* Merge pull request #7 from AlexAltea/master
Some modules updated / improved & New dummy modules
* Small issue fixed
October 1st, 2013, 02:12 Posted By: wraggstervia http://www.emucr.com/
PCSX Reloaded r87334 is compiled. PCSX-Reloaded is a fork of the PCSX-df Project, a PlayStation Emulator, with support for both Windows and GNU/Linux operating systems as well as several bugfixes/improvements.
PCSX Reloaded SVN Changelog:
Constraints change.
Explicitly set the path on the OS X versioning script
October 1st, 2013, 02:19 Posted By: wraggstervia http://www.emucr.com/
Jpcsp SVN r3402 is compiled. JPCSP is the most advanced PlayStation Portable(PSP) emulator, allowing you to play your PSP games on a PC. Even though Jpcsp is written in Java, it can already reach 100% PSP speed on a lot of commercial games... and the emulator performance is constantly increasing. Jpcsp takes full advantage of dual-core processors, matching the PSP dual-core architecture. Even a quad-core can give a small performance improvement by leaving free CPU cores for the Java JIT Compiler and the graphics cache.
Jpcsp SVN changelog:
Updated sceAtrac3plus based on test results from pspautotests (mainly error
- sceAtracReinit
- sceAtracGetBufferInfoForResetting
- sceAtracGetAtracID
- sceAtracSetData
- sceAtracDecodeData
- sceAtracGetSecondBufferInfo
Updated sceAtrac3plus based on test results from pspautotests (mainly error
- sceAtracReinit
- sceAtracGetBufferInfoForResetting
- sceAtracGetAtracID
- sceAtracSetData
- sceAtracDecodeData
- sceAtracGetSecondBufferInfo
Added missing NIDs in sceJpeg.
Updated sceAudio based on test results from pspautotests (mainly error
- sceAudioOutputBlocking
- sceAudioOutputPannedBlocking
- sceAudioOutput2Reserve
- sceAudioSRCChReserve
- sceAudioSRCOutputBlocking
Updated sceVaudio based on test results from pspautotests (mainly error
- sceVaudioChReserve
- sharing the same channel with sceAudioSRCxxx
Updated sceSasCore based on test results from pspautotests (mainly error
- __sceSasSetVolume
Updated sceMp3 based on test results from pspautotests (mainly error
- sceMp3GetSumDecodedSample
Updated sceCtrl based on test results from pspautotests (mainly error
- sceCtrlSetSamplingCycle
- sceCtrlSetSamplingMode
- sceCtrlSetIdleCancelThreshold
Some games do have a lot of NOP's in a GE list.
Updated pspctrl.PBP test application to display results of sceCtrlReadLatch.
Fixed sceCtrlReadLatch based on test results using pspctrl.pbp.
This might help applications having unresponsive button press.
October 1st, 2013, 16:20 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Upcoming PS3 title BEYOND: Two Souls will be officially premiered tomorrow, Wednesday 2nd October, at the Rex Cinema in central Paris. And you'll be able to watch the event right here on PlayStation Blog.
The event will begin with an exclusive 30 minute screening of footage from the game in the 2,000-plus seater cinema, followed by a panel discussion featuring writer/director David Cage, cast members Ellen Page, Willem Dafoe and Kadeem Hardison, and soundtrack composer Lorne Balfe.
The livestream will begin at around 8.00pm BST/9.00pm CET, so make sure you're here in plenty of time.
For more information on BEYOND: Two Souls, head over to the official game page . And if you have any questions, please just ask away below.
October 1st, 2013, 16:50 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Greetings, mercenaries. Our motivation for the release of Uprising 1.5 was to do whatever we felt necessary to improve the chances of new players making it past Day One of playing DUST 514. The first step was to consider what sort of players we were aiming at, and decide which teaching approach to take.
Our target audience is, for the most part, gamers who are familiar with other console first-person shooters and want to try something a little more interesting. This led us to focus primarily on teaching the differences between DUST and other FPS games, rather than trying to teach people, for example, what a gun is and how to move around.
To accomplish this, we considered two major approaches: instruction-driven and objective-driven. An instruction-driven approach ensures that players are clearly shown what to do at each point along the way. Commonly this means highlighting every interaction, locking out everything else, and ensuring that every single step is explained. An objective-driven approach, by contrast, tends towards giving players goals to complete, and telling them just enough to let them figure out how to complete it.
Ultimately, we decided to go with an objective-driven approach. With the assumption that our players are mostly familiar with the genre, we can be more confident that they'll be able to complete the objectives.
DUST is also a fairly dense and free-form game, so people who are likely to stick with it in the long term are assumed to be more likely to find an objective-driven approach a good fit. And objective-driven tutorials are a safer long-term investment in a continually-changing game like DUST, since they're much less sensitive to changes in UI, mechanics, etc.
With the approach decided, we discussed what we wanted to teach, and settled on three core things for this release:
Joining a battle
This is not rocket science, obviously, but we need to be sure that players can do this before anything else. While working out the best experience, we decided that it's better having the Neocom open by default, rather than closed, since this makes the available options more obvious for new players and reduces button-presses for everyone. You'll still be able to cancel into the MQ from the Neocom, but wherever we used to default to the plain MQ view, we now show the Neocom instead.
Creating a new fitting
This is one of the big things that sets DUST apart from other games, but in order to be effective it needs to be understood at an early stage. We teach the very basics: open Dropsuit Fitting, create a new fit, and make the fit valid by adding a weapon. Again, we've made some usability enhancements to the UI here, such as adding tips in the blank panes, to smooth out the experience.
Training a skill
Again, in DUST this is fairly different from most other games, and really needs to be understood early on. Here we're just prompting people to open Skills, pick any skill, buy it, and train it to level 1. We didn't find much to fix with the UI here, beyond changing the "Train" button to read "Purchase" when you don't own the skill.
The biggest thing that we're not teaching is how to use the Market. It's obviously pretty important, and something we want to address in a future release, but we didn't feel confident that we could deliver an effective tutorial for this release in the time available and with the current UI.
Beyond deciding on the specific instructions, we also needed to produce the surrounding systems to support it, and a good UI to convey it to players.
When your new character logs in for the first time (don't worry, this won't run on existing characters), you'll be greeted by an introductory pop-up, and then shown the "New Objective" screen for the first task.
Here you can see pretty much what you need to know: what the goal is, what the individual suggested steps are, and what you'll get for completing it. The rewards for this release are mostly militia gear, intended to get the players into the groove rather than give them a big power boost; the most expensive thing we're handing out is probably the 1-day active booster in the final stage.
Once you've digested that, pressing "Continue" will animate the screen down to the bottom corner, where it'll settle as an always-on-top reminder of your overall goal and your next step.
This location was picked as it has the fewest conflicts with existing UI, so it shouldn't ever get in the way of anything. It's persistent and on-top but it's not restrictive in any way, so you're free to ignore it for as long as you like.
As you follow the steps, they'll complete, scroll off the UI, and be replaced by the next step. Steps where you're doing something permanent (such as creating a fitting or buying a skill) are saved on the server, while steps that involve opening a UI element are not. This should ensure that anyone interrupted by accidental disconnect or the like picks up again on their next login in a sensible way.
Once you complete your objective, you'll be shown the "Objective Complete" screen at the next sensible opportunity (e.g., not in the middle of a battle). This nicely-animated screen lets you know that you've successfully completed your objective, and been given your reward.
Selecting "Continue" will then load the "New Objective" screen for the next objective, and so on until you've completed the whole tutorial. There's one final pop-up to wrap up, and then you're done.
That's pretty much it. Simple and straightforward and – hopefully – comprehensible. The system is designed to be extensible (it's actually using the same back-end system as the daily bonus), so we're well positioned to add to it in future, but for now we're pretty happy with what we're shipping.
Feedback in the comments as usual!
October 1st, 2013, 18:20 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Let's face it; it's hard to make something that is truly the best in its respective field – especially so in a world as populated as guitar.
When the Ubisoft team at Studio San Francisco set out to completely revamp Rocksmith, that was our goal – to make Rocksmith the unquestionable fastest and best way to learn to play guitar or bass. It was, with no exaggeration, a massive undertaking that took years to complete despite the product's core engine already existing from the original iteration.
Now, only a month out from the release of the all-new Rocksmith 2014 Edition, we confidently feel that goal was achieved. It would be easy for us to proudly boast about all the improvements, changes, and innovations that make Rocksmith truly remarkable, but we'd rather let some familiar faces do that for us. We let credible, established guitar players, teachers, and researchers try out Rocksmith 2014 Edition and give us their feedback.
Check out what Jerry Cantrell – Alice in Chains' lead guitarist/vocalist, Marty Schwartz – the #1 Online Guitar Teacher, Brendon Small – creator of Metalocalypse and Dethklok, Jim Rosenberg – President of Epiphone Guitars, and more think of the all-new Rocksmith 2014 Edition:
The experts have weighed in and their reviews are unanimous – Rocksmith flat-out works. Whether your fingers have never touched strings, you're an on-again-off-again journeyman, or a seasoned player, Rocksmith will help you quickly learn or hone your skills on both guitar and bass. We're not bashful to say it, in fact we're damn proud – Rocksmith 2014 Edition is THE fastest way to learn guitar.
Rocksmith 2014 Edition will be available for Playstation 3 on 25th October.
October 1st, 2013, 19:01 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Hey, PlayStation nation. Yesterday, we gave you the first glimpse at Destiny's box art. Today, we've got a new trailer for you to check out, and an announcement we're really excited about: the Destiny beta! But, before you rush off don't forget to check out our new trailer, featuring a destination we're super excited about… the Moon!
The fight to take back all that has been lost begins here. Only we can decide our Destiny. Only we can Become Legend.
To be one of the first gamers to play Destiny, all you have to do is pre-order a copy of Destiny at a participating retailer. Check out the official Destiny site for details.
October 1st, 2013, 19:40 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
A new set of tables will be available for download in Star Wars Pinball and Zen Pinball 2 in just two weeks! Last week we unveiled details on the Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi table. Next up, check out the details on the Starfighter Assault table, due to launch on 16th October.
The biggest Star Wars space battles come to life on the Star Wars: Starfighter Assault pinball table. You must choose to support the Rebel Alliance's Fleet or the Galactic Empire's Armada as they complete missions while dodging turret fire and destructible ramps!
As missions are completed, you will earn Fleet Upgrades that can be spent to upgrade the fleet, fighters and turrets. In addition, you will be able to advance the rank of their pilot as they progress through the table!
The table includes legendary Starfighters like the X-wing and TIE fighter, along with iconic vessels like the Millennium Falcon and the Death Star II.
There is a third table in the pack, some guy named Darth Vader… maybe you've heard of him? We'll pay tribute to the Dark Side very soon, so stay tuned to the PlayStation Blog for first looks.
October 1st, 2013, 19:50 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Later today, the next system software update for PS3 (version 4.50) will be available. We've added some great features and improvements to make downloading system updates and Web Store purchases more convenient for all PSN users. In addition, we've made it easier to move games, movies and other content from your PS3 to PS Vita with wi-fi data transfer.
Check out some of the new enhancements you'll find when you update your PS3 to version 4.50:
Auto download of system software updates has been expanded to support all PSN users.Auto download support of purchases made on the Web Store will be made available to all PSN users.New options for trophy privacy settings allow users to set which trophies are visible.Data can now be transferred from PS3 to PS Vita using wi-fi and ethernet connection.
Let us know what you think about all the new features in the comments below.
October 1st, 2013, 20:21 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Home will briefly be offline from 8.00am BST on Wednesday 2nd October for routine maintenance. Here's what to expect after the update…
Home Tycoon – 1 year anniversary
Celebrate Home Tycoon's 1-year anniversary with new events and promotions from Hellfire Games every week in October! Kick off Week 1 by submitting your best city in the City Showcase contest to win Gold Coins and a featured spot in the City Navigator! See Facebook.com/HomeTycoon for details on how to enter.
Game Mechanics – Seaclyff
The SeaClyff Retreat and SeaClyff Clubhouse are state of the art with automatic doors, an advanced built-in stereo that lets you control where the music is being played, a hot tub, 4 floors, two balconies, floor to ceiling windows, a functioning kitchen and bathroom, and so much more!
Chinese Costumes
Show off your legs with the Mini Mandarin Dress, drape yourself in gold with the Mandarin Suit, and choose the perfect style of facial hair to top it all off with the Facial Hair 6-piece Set! A near and a far piece are available in each style to help you find one that best suits your face! Clothe yourself in splendor with these vivid, new items!
Doctor Costumes
Featuring the doctor's quintessential white coat and stethoscope, this set has it all! The women's set includes a head mirror, white doctor's coat and skirt, and doctor's slippers. The men's set includes a head mirror, white doctor's coat, trousers, and doctor's slippers. So put on your white coat, your patients are waiting!
This week sees the release of the very first selection of MorphMasks. These items allow you to mix and match with all your favourite clothing choices. Hide from your friends with the Commando mask, spar with your friends with the Ninja mask or even dine with your friends in the Tuxedo mask.
3D Printer
Great new additions await you this week in the 3D Printer. Now you can enjoy the complete MyBathroom set in a beautiful pale wood. The perfect set for the light and airy feel.
SnapBack Bundles
Worn atop one's head, these Snapback caps offer a number of angles at which they might sit. The bundles themselves contain eight different variations, each with its own position allowing you to wear them in whatever fashion you desire!
Look cool in the Ice Boss Shorts and White Austin Shirt for men. Try on the exquisite Off Black Sweet Amor Mini Skirt and the Off Black Breakdown Hoodie for women.
Cabaret Cutie
Virtual Life is a cabaret, old chum, or so the saying (sort of) goes. Lockwood's latest outfits recall a time when young women dreamed of high-kicking their way to fame in the chorus line, or belting out hits on Broadway.
Gimme an L… Gimme an O… Gimme a C… Okay, that's going to take too long. Let's just skip to the good bit: The new peppy cheerleading anims and colourful pom poms will have you brimming over with team spirit. Shake those pom poms like you mean it!
Colour changing contact lenses
Ever feel like your friends don't pay you enough attention? Well, you can ensure they're all eyes and ears with the latest Gift Machine accessories.
Gift Clothing
A range of mix and match separates is added to the Gift Machine today. Guys have the choice of a preppy knitted pullover and shirt, emo-inspired admiral jacket, casual cargo jackets and a number of v-neck tees and distressed jeans in various colours. Ladies have some cheerful polka dot cardigans, v-neck tees, stylish shirt-dresses or comfy slouch cargo pants. Start adding to your wishlist now!
Romantic Gestures
Whether you're in a relationship, looking for love, or just an aspiring actor, sometimes you need to show the world what a romantic soul you are. The Gift Machine offers you a variety of poses and gestures to demonstrate the rivers of passion that flow within!
Atom Republic – Sneakers
Buy all of Atom Republic's sneaker designs in a single bundle, and get the exclusive animated sneakers, with a pulsating neon streak in the sole cycling through all colours!
Toylogic – Vegan Fashion
With the hats carved out from vegetables and plant-based berets, this new line up of hats and berets is one unique vegan fashion. How about going for a new look this season by embracing the abundance of Mother Nature with these veggie items?
PS Talent – NOOB AWAY!
This powerful propellant allows you to deliver a temporary mist that kindly sends a pestering noob a signal that you'd rather be left alone. USE ONLY AS DIRECTED. DIRECTIONS FOR USE: Hold NOOB AWAY! firmly in your hand. Point spray nozzle at target and hold for several seconds avoiding face and eyes. Depress nozzle and wait for results (avoid laughing), repeat as necessary. FOR IN-GAME USE ONLY!
LOOT – Premium TVs
Watch full length movies, TV episodes, live shows and more with your friends in PlayStation Home! The LOOT Entertainment On Demand TV is now available in Gold, Platinum and Diamond editions. (Note: Due to contractual and rights agreements, some EOD channels are nation specific. Crackle content is ONLY available in United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Australia.)
That's all for now. See you in PlayStation Home!
October 1st, 2013, 23:50 Posted By: wraggsterI admire the detail and artistry that has gone into the creation of Los Santos a great deal. Rockstar has pushed two ageing consoles to their technical limits, and GTAV gets so much right; the shootouts, the countless incidental gags and details, the heists, the weight of the cars escaping from the authorities is as thrilling as it has ever been. And the myriad idle pleasures in the game evoke a sense of place unlike any other GTA, whether you are wandering its streets, taking a selfie, getting a stupid haircut, pootling around on a bike or simply gazing out across the games glistening vistas.Its highs are a confluence of technical achievement and game design which, as we said in our GTAV review, sends an intimidating message to the rest of the industry. Beat that.And yet when GTAV disappoints, it really disappoints. The misogyny, the cliched characters and the cringeworthy dialogue. Tedious, lengthy missions which require you to operate a crane or do an endless ****ing yoga routine or drive from A to B enduring a volley of aimless NPC chatter.Im playing GTAV as I suspect most people are a two or three all-too-brief half hour sessions midweek, a snatched hour or two at the weekend. So firing up GTAV to progress through the main story has become a game of chance will the next half an hour be a brilliant, explosive guns-and-helicopters romp across Los Santos, or a dreary spot of enforced busywork? Will it give me reason to admire Rockstars work or end up feeling vaguely ashamed of myself?
October 2nd, 2013, 00:07 Posted By: wraggsterSony has confirmed that the European version of Beyond: Two Souls is missing content found in the US release.
The cause is the same as that which led to the censorship of The Last of Us in the region Sony is fearful of irking sensitive European censors. Specifically, the platform holder wanted to ensure the game would be eligible for a PEGI 16 rating.
There are only two amends between the EU and US versions of the game, amounting to about 5-10 seconds of gameplay thats not been removed, just edited slightly to be in line with a PEGI 16 rating, product manager Ross Alexander said on the PlayStation blog.
For Beyond we wanted to make the game available to as many people as possible, hence applying for a PEGI 16 rating. The 5-10 seconds I mention above would have upped our rating to a PEGI 18, so it made perfect sense to make these two VERY minimal changes to get our planned 16 rating.
I can assure you that this does not affect the games story at all, and that if you didnt know these scenes had been amended, you wouldnt even notice.
Beyond: Two Souls will be released on PS3 on October 11th.
October 2nd, 2013, 00:17 Posted By: wraggsterResearch firm Superdata says microtransactions and DLC for Rockstar's latest could generate $206 million in first year on sale
With today's (admittedly rocky) launch of Grand Theft Auto V's microtransaction-equipped GTA Online mode, Take-Two has taken the first steps to monetizing its blockbuster game's player base well beyond the $60 retail price point. Digital goods research firm Superdatatoday revealed its projections for the success of that effort, saying it expects Take-Two to bring in $206 million of additional digital sales in the game's first 12 months.
About $165 million of that total is expected to be taken up by downloadable content packs. While Rockstar hasn't fully detailed its DLC strategy yet, Superdata's figure assumed two add-on releases within the next year. The remaining $41 million will be accounted for by microtransactions, sales of virtual currency that can be used to purchase new equipment within the game.
Over an expected five-year lifespan, GTA V was projected to bring in $93 million in microtransactions, and $344 million for DLC purchases for a digital sales of secondary content total of $437 million. While considerable, it would still fall far short of the game's retail haul. Take-Two confirmed that GTA V generated more than $1 billion in sales in its first three days on sale.
Superdata noted that the microtransaction model is still unproven for major retail releases, and said the player base for GTA V may still be unfamiliar with the practice. Additionally, because the microtransactions will be optional tools to speed up progress rather than hard and fast roadblocks to progress, Superdata expects a smaller percentage of players will wind up being converted to purchasing customers than would be seen in a typical free-to-play hit.
"This isn't the game's next billion dollars, as some have supposed microtransactions will make Take-Two," Superdata said, adding, "It is, however, a successful foray into the microtransaction world for a console title. Games like Borderlands 2, though with an admittedly smaller player base, saw just over $10M in total digital content revenues in its first year."
October 2nd, 2013, 00:42 Posted By: wraggsterSony's next-generation console may be nearing its launch date in some parts of the world, but the Japanese company isn't forgetting about its aging PlayStation 3 just yet. With an update that's due to roll out in the next few hours, the PS3 will no longer limit automatic firmware downloads to PlayStation Plus subscribers, a definite plus for non-paid PlayStation Network users. What's more, version 4.50 also brings additional privacy settings to trophies and the ability to transfer data from the PS3 to PS Vita via a WiFi connection. It may not be the beefiest of updates, but sometimes keeping things short and sweet is just what the doctor ordered.
October 2nd, 2013, 00:50 Posted By: wraggsterIf you're already looking for a more worthy Grand Theft Auto 5 adversary than a computer can generate, here's the dirt: you can now play it online. Whether your battleground of choice is PlayStation Network or Xbox Live, only a "small title update" should be required to get online. Of course, that is assuming the game's servers can handle the load. With over 16.5 million copies already in circulation Day 1 connectivity could land somewhere near the Sim City end of the scale, and Rockstar's Social Club backend has already experienced some strain loading up pictures and stats from the single player edition. Assuming everything goes to plan however, players should be creating their avatars, forming online crime syndicates and visiting each other's houses.
The Content Creator tool that will let players design their own heists is one of the features scheduled to launch later this fall, for more details on what is available right away, check out this blog post. Access appears to be open on both PlayStation Network and Xbox Live, although we're already seeing reports of connection issues and "Rockstar cloud servers are not available right now" on both sides.
Update: Rockstar says it's aware of day one connection issues that its "trying to stabilize ASAP." Joystiq points out some have reported save file issues with their single player game after trying to hop online, so you may want to make a backup save, or just wait for the issues to subside before diving in. Check out the official list of known multiplayer issues here.
October 2nd, 2013, 12:28 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Hi everyone! I'm very happy to announce that today we have two sales coming your way with some great savings off a whole range of different games to keep everyone entertained!
First up, we've got together with our friends at Warner Bros and Disney Interactive to bring you savings across a range of LEGO titles!
Secondly, look out for our Out of Control Sale with savings on titles such as Doctor Who: The Eternity Clock, Devil May Cry HD Edition and Sleeping Dogs.
These deals will go live as soon as the store has updated later today, Wednesday 2nd October. Enjoy!
LEGO SALE:PS3 Titles:LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean
Was €19.99/£15.99/AU$24.95, now €11.99/£9.69/AU$17.95
Not available in Bulgaria, Hungary, Qatar
Additional 10% off for PS Plus members
LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes
Was €29.99/£19.99/AU$39.95, now €19.99/£15.99/AU$24.95
Additional 10% off for PS Plus members
LEGO The Lord of the Rings
Was €39.99/£29.99/AU$49.95, now €24.99/£19.99/AU$29.95
Additional 10% off for PS Plus members
LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7
Was €9.99/£7.99/AU$14.45, now €3.99/£3.19/AU$5.85
Not available Croatia, India, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, Turkey, Ukraine, UAE
Additional 10% off for PS Plus members
DLC:LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes – 5 Heroes Pack
Was €1.39/£1.15/AU$2.05, now €0.75/£0.59/AU$1.05
Additional 10% off for PS Plus members
LEGO The Lord of the Rings Middle-earth Character Pack 1
Was €1.99/£1.59/AU$2.95, now €0.99/£0.79/AU$1.45
Not available in Croatia, India, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Ukraine, UAE
Additional 10% off for PS Plus members
LEGO The Lord of the Rings Middle-earth Character Pack 2
Was €1.99/£1.59/AU$2.95, now €0.99/£0.79/AU$1.45
Not available in Croatia, India, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Ukraine, UAE
Additional 10% off for PS Plus members
Middle-earth Weapons and Magical Items Pack
Was €2.99/£2.39/AU$4.35, now €1.49/£1.19/AU$2.15
Not available in Croatia, India, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Ukraine, UAE
Additional 10% off for PS Plus members
LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7 – 5 Spell Pack
Was €1.99/£1.59/AU$2.95, now €0.75/£0.59/AU$1.05
Not available in Poland, Russia, Ukraine
Additional 10% off for PS Plus members
PS Vita titles:LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean
Was €9.99/£7.99/AU$14.45, now €5.99/£4.79/AU$8.85
Additional 10% off for PS Plus members
LEGO Batman: The Videogame
Was €19.99/£15.99/AU$29.95, now €9.99/£7.99/AU$14.45
Not available in Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, India, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, Russia, Slovenia, Turkey, Ukraine
Additional 10% off for PS Plus members
LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes
Was €24.99/£19.99/AU$32.95, now €19.99/£14.99/AU$24.95
Additional 10% off for Plus Members
LEGO The Lord of the Rings
Was €29.99/£24.99/AU$39.95, now €19.99/£14.99/AU$24.95
Additional 10% off for PS Plus members
LEGO Legends of Chima Laval's Journey
Was €39.99/£34.99/AU$54.95, now €19.99/£14.99/AU$24.95
Not available in Norway, New Zealand, Russia
Additional 10% off for Plus Members
LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7
Was €24.99/£19.99/AU$32.95, now €19.99/£14.99/AU$24.95
Not available in Kuwait and Qatar
Additional 10% off for Plus Members
Out of Control Sale:Naughty Bear Panic in Paradise
Was €14.99/£11.99/AU$21.95, now €7.99/£6.49/AU$11.75
Additional 10% off for Plus Members
Doctor Who: The Eternity Clock
Was €9.99/£7.99/AU$14.45, now €7.99/£6.49/AU$11.75
Not available in Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, Ukraine, UAE
Additional 10% off for PS Plus members
Bionic Commando Rearmed
Was €9.99/£7.99/AU$14.45, now €4.99/£3.99/AU$7.35
Additional 10% off for PS Plus members
Bionic Commando Rearmed 2
Was €14.99/£11.99/AU$21.95, now €5.99/£4.79/AU$8.85
Additional 10% off for PS Plus members
Bionic Commando Rearmed 1 and 2 Bundle
Was €12.99/£9.99/AU$18.45, now €6.49/£5.19/AU$9.55
Additional 10% off for PS Plus members
Age of Booty
Was €9.99/£7.99/AU$14.45, now €4.99/£3.99/AU$7.35
Not available in Bulgaria, Hungary, Qatar
Additional 10% off for PS Plus members
Devil May Cry HD Collection
Was €29.99/£19.99/AU$39.95, now €14.99/£10.99/AU$17.95
Additional 10% off for PS Plus members
Street Fighter 2 Alpha 2
Was €9.99/£7.99/AU$14.45, now €4.99/£3.99/AU$7.35
Not available in Bulgaria, Hungary, Qatar
Additional 10% off for PS Plus members
Wolf Of The Battlefield: Commando 3
Was €9.99/£7.99/AU$14.45, now €4.99/£3.99/AU$7.35
Not available in Bulgaria, Hungary, Qatar
Additional 10% off for PS Plus members
Was €19.99/£29.99/AU$24.95, now €4.99/£3.99/AU$7.35
Not available in Bulgaria, Hungary, Qatar
Additional 10% off for PS Plus members
Death Track: Resurrection + Anarchy: Rush Hour
Was €14.99/£11.99/AU$21.95, now €7.49/£5.99/AU$11.05
Not available in Bulgaria, Hungary, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, Ukraine
Additional 10% off for PS Plus members
Earthworm Jim HD
Was €9.99/£7.99/AU$14.95, now €4.99/£3.99/AU$7.35
Not available in Bulgaria, Hungary, Qatar
Additional 10% off for PS Plus members
Altered Beast
Was €4.49/£3.69/AU$6.65, now €2.49/£1.99/AU$3.65
Not available in Bulgaria, Hungary, Qatar
Additional 10% off for PS Plus members
Eat Them!
Was €7.99/£6.49/AU$11.75, now €2.99/£2.39/AU$4.35
Additional 10% off for PS Plus members
Twisted Metal
Was €24.99/£19.99/AU$36.95, now €14.99/£11.99/AU$22.17
Additional 10% off for PS Plus members
Sleeping Dogs Digital Edition
Was €19.99/£15.99/AU$24.95, now €9.99/£7.99/AU$14.45
Not available in Germany
Additional 10% off for PS Plus members
Saints Row 2
Was €19.99/£15.99/AU$24.95, now €9.99/£7.99/AU$14.45
Additional 10% off for PS Plus members
Saints Row 2 Ultimate Edition
Was €19.99/£15.99/AU$29.95, now €12.99/£9.99/AU$18.45
Additional 10% off for PS Plus members
Saints Row: The Third
Was €29.99/£19.99/AU$39.95, now €14.99/£10.99/AU$17.95
Additional 10% off for PS Plus members
Saints Row: The Third- The Full Package
Was €49.99/£39.99/AU$69.95, now €24.99/£19.99/AU$29.95
Additional 10% off for PS Plus members
Gotham City Impostors
Was €14.99/£11.99/AU$21.95, now €7.99/£6.49/AU$11.75
Additional 10% off for PS Plus members
October 2nd, 2013, 13:05 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Hi there, Magic fans! I hope you already had the chance to check out Magic 2014 – Duels of the Planeswalkers. Well, now you can explore even more new planes, fight new enemies and face new challenges with the Magic 2014 Expansion.
You haven't heard about Magic 2014 yet? Well, let me give you a few more details.
In this latest instalment of the game you can prove yourself in combat against Chandra Nalaar—a fiercely independent Planeswalker with an affinity for fire and quick temper—then battle your way through the planes to face the mysterious villain trying to pull Chandra's strings. Watch the game play trailer to find out more.
The game has any easy to use tutorial so even if you've never played before you'll learn the basic rules in no time. If you are already familiar with Magic you will enjoy the new Sealed Play game mode in Magic 2014, as well as the cool Sliver creature cards.
Key Features:
10 decks; each with cards to unlock250+ cards unlockable through gameplaySingle player Campaign across the planes of Shandalar, Ravnica, Alara, Innistrad and Zendikar; plus 11 revenge matches4 Deadly opponents, including the Planeswalker Chandra NalaarMultiplayer modes; including Two-Headed giant and custom gamesSealed Play Mode; introduces deck building10 puzzling challenges
And the Magic 2014 Expansion will include even more great new features:
Five New Playable Decks
Unlock 280 unique cards over multiple battles.New Campaign Levels
Battle through six new single-player campaign levels, exploring the planes of Ravnica and Kamigawa.Five New Challenges
Fiendish puzzles to test strategic thinking.Unlock Items
Unlock new persona portraits, achievements and trophies, and more.
The Expansion Pack is available for £3.99 through the PSN store.
So, what are you waiting for? Ignite your Spark and become a Planeswalker! To find out more about Magic: The Gathering you can visit our official website, or join us on Facebook. See you soon!
October 2nd, 2013, 16:30 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Leading the way this week is rain, the stunning new adventure from Japan Studio. Explore a rain-soaked city as a boy only visible when the rain runs off him. Solve intricate puzzles and experience an atmospheric adventure in this unique title.
Elsewhere, there are basketball superstars in NBA 2K14, as well as a new entry in the popular strategy RPG series, Disgaea. You'll also find the Battlefield 4 beta, F1 2013, Atomic Ninjas for PS3 and PS Vita (Cross-Buy goodness enabled) and a demo for David Cage's upcoming Beyond: Two Souls, to name but a few. Enjoy!
New PlayStation Network content Content may be added or removed, or move dates – please stay tuned to your weekly Store Update for the most up to date listings. Listed savings are approximate, based on SRP excluding Special Offer pricing and should be considered as a guide only.
PS3 games
Price: £9.99/€12.99
Atelier Meruru Plus
Price: £31.99/€39.99
Availability: Not available in Russia
Atomic Ninjas (Trial available) (Cross-Buy)
Price: £7.99/€9.99
Availability:Not available in Australia, New Zealand
Battlefield 4 beta
Price: Free
Availability: Not available in Kuwait, Luxembourg, Qatar, Saudi Arabia (PS Plus only for Germany)
Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness
Price: £39.99/€49.99
Availability: Not available in Russia
F1 2013 (available from 4th October)
Price: £49.99/€59.99
F1 2013: Classic Edition (available from 4th October)
Price: £59.99/€69.99
Flashback (Trial available)
Price: £7.99/€9.99
Girlfight (Trial available)
Price: £6.49/€7.99
Availability: Not available in New Zealand, Russia, South Africa
Ms. Germinator Bundle
Price: £7.99/€9.99
Availability: Not available in Australia, New Zealand
NBA 2K14 (available from 4th October)
Price: £49.99/€59.99
Skydive: Proximity Flight
Price: £15.99/€19.99
Availability: Not available in Australia, New Zealand
PS3 demos (Free)
Beyond: Two Souls demo
Availability: All (PS Plus only in Germany)
PS Vita games
Atomic Ninjas (Cross-Buy)
Price: £7.99/€9.99
Availability:Not available in Australia, New Zealand
PS3 DLC Alien Spidy
Between A Rock And A Hard Place
Prices: £1.99/€2.49
Availability: Not available in Denmark, South Africa, Turkey, Ukraine,
F1 2013: Classic Edition Upgrade Bundle
Prices: £11.99/€14.99
Hatsune Miku Project Diva F
Extra Characters
Prices: £1.99/€2.49
Injustice Gods Among Us
Man Of Steel – Zod
Prices: Free
Lost Planet 3
Assault Pack (£2.39/€2.99)Freedom Fighters Pack (£2.39/€2.99)Map Pack 1 (£3.99/€4.99)Map Pack 2 (£3.99/€4.99)Map Pack 3 (£3.99/€4.99)Punisher Pack (£2.39/€2.99)Survival Pack (£3.99/€4.99)
Magic 2014 Duels of the Planeswalkers Expansion
Prices: £3.19/€3.99
Blue Diamond Jewelry Collection (£19.99/€24.99)Gold Jewelry Collection (£3.99/€4.99)Platinum Jewelry Collection (£7.99/€9.99)NBA 2K14 – Spanish Commentary Pack (£3.99/€4.99)
Saints Row IV
Commander In Chief Pack
Prices: £2.39/€2.99
Availability: Not available in Australia
Sing Star
Soft Cell – Tainted LoveNaked Eyes – (There's) Always Something There To Remind MeSalt N Pepa – Push ItEllie Goulding – Starry EyedPitbull feat. Chris Brown – International LoveDuke Dumon Feat. A*M*E – Need You (100 Percent )
Prices: £1.15/€1.39 each
The Bureau: Xcom Declassified
Light Plasma Pistol (£0.79/€0.99)CodeBreakers (£2.39/€2.99)
The Pinball Arcade (cross-buy)
Pro Table Pack 17 (£6.49/€7.99)Table Pack 17 Pro Upgrade (£3.19/€3.99)Table Pack 17: Terminator 2: Judgement Day (£3.99/€4.99)
PS Vita DLC Atelier Meruru Plus
Mushroom Princess Swimsuit & Small Straw Hat
Prices: £2.39/€2.99
Availability: Not available in Russia
The Pinball Arcade (cross-buy)
Pro Table Pack 17 (£6.49/€7.99)Table Pack 17 Pro Upgrade (£3.19/€3.99)Table Pack 17: Terminator 2: Judgement Day (£3.99/€4.99)
October 2nd, 2013, 18:01 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Hey everybody! This is Jakub from Grip Games. Our long-awaited multiplayer action platformer Atomic Ninjas is finally cutting its way to PS3 and PS Vita on the PlayStation Store today, with cross buy and cross save, for £7.99/€9.99.
We have spent the last year developing Atomic Ninjas with a goal of creating the most entertaining 2.5D multiplayer action platformer and we honestly believe that we succeeded. And you will be able to see for yourself very soon.
For those of you who are not yet familiar with Atomic Ninjas, it is a hilarious 2.5D action platformer with a focus on multiplayer matches, online or local split-screen. But single player mode is also present, including vicious ninja-bots!
The most important gameplay feature is that you won't be able to directly kill your opponents. Instead, you have to use the arenas themselves to get rid of the competition. Who needs guns, when you have lava, acid pools and laser walls? Your goal is to push other ninjas into these environmental hazards and, of course, stay out of them yourself. That creates a completely new twist on gameplay, where you have to outmanoeuver and outsmart your opponents.
To help you with this task, there is an arsenal of ninja weapons. Punches, shurikens and ninja ropes, but also more "atomic" stuff like rockets, telekinesis and super-abilities, which can make you invulnerable, super-fast, invisible, etc. Each weapon brings its unique play style with it – from aggressive head-on punches, to more defensive, long-range telekinesis. You can use invisibility and hiding spots for a stealthy approach, or you can wreak havoc.
There are seven Atomic Ninjas to unlock a pick from. Each has his own personality, taunts and starting weapons. Check the trailer to get acquainted with all of them. Among the gameplay modes you can find Deathmatch, Capture the flag, Treasure hunt, Domination and also team-based modes.
Atomic Ninjas is, most of all, a really hilarious game. It's not just its comical look and audio, but the overall gameplay is incredibly "feel good" and entertaining. There is no shortage of intense fights and situations, but it all makes you laugh, rather than feel tense. It's a game that you can play for a few minutes to kill some time or to spend tens of hours while mastering it and unlocking all its secrets.
Needless to say, we are very proud of Atomic Ninjas and we cannot wait to see your reactions when you get to play it. Atomic Ninjas launches for both the PS3 and PS Vita, and players on both systems are able to play against each other. Cross Buy is supported, so purchasing one version lets you download the other one for free. Finally, a free trial is available, so you will be able to try a few matches before buying the game.
If you want to find out more about Atomic Ninjas, be sure to visit the official website, as well as our Facebook and Twitter. And now, we all at Grip Games are starting up our PS3s and Vitas to play against you online, to enjoy the brief few hours when we won't get our behinds handed to us by you in our own game. See you all online!
October 2nd, 2013, 19:50 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
The team at Bungie is hard at work on Destiny, a vast and dangerous adventure that pierces the depths of the galaxy, tasking players with the defense of humanity. Bungie just recently revealed the cover art for Destiny, showcasing the awe-inspiring Guardians in all their cloaked glory. And yesterday, the beta was formally announced. It's been a busy week.
With so much talk of Destiny in the air, you might have a few questions about this sci-fi, multiplayer shooter. That's why we submitted your inquiries to Bungie's Community Manager DeeJ, so he could shine a light in the black of space.
Read on for tons of details from DeeJ himself, including how easily you can drop into public events with other players, and what sorts of ways you can customise your Guardian.
What does Destiny do that is unique? What is revolutionary that sets it apart? (@Zarshark)
DeeJ: Destiny casts you in the role of the iconic hero, and sets you on an epic journey filled with heart-pounding action within in a living world filled with adventure. You'll cross paths with other brave heroes on their own quests – story, cooperate, and competitive – and they'll know exactly how powerful and awesome you are just by looking at the gear you've earned.
How many players can team up in Destiny? (@Tra_Royal)
DeeJ: Our core cooperative nucleus is the Fireteam – a group of three Guardians bound together by blood (and netcode). But whether you're going it alone, of linked up with a Fireteam, you can still encounter other Guardians as you tackle the larger challenges that you'll find in public events. There's no telling how many people you might have to work with to defeat the most dangerous enemies. Of course other modes like competitive multiplayer, or Raids, will feature player counts well above three, but we're not talking about those quite yet. Stay tuned!
How does joining a public event work? (@bo_srwa_w_fnila)
DeeJ: To join a public event, all you have to do is get within range, and open fire. No lobbies. No loading screens. The frontier is open, and filled with encounters you can join, or skip right past on your way to something you've deemed momentarily more important.
Will there be PvP? (@LazySigh)
DeeJ: Yup! We're already thumping each other's skulls in studio-wide playtests, battling other Guardians for glory, bragging rights, and rewards. All the gear you earn in competitive multiplayer can be taken into other modes, too (and vice versa)!
I like to play games solo often – how much can I do alone? (@jaydawg6958)
DeeJ: Ah, the proverbial Lone Wolf. You can experience Destiny's story as a party of one, assuming you're that much of a badass. Destiny will never require you to team up with other people in campaign missions. You will see other players along the way, but you can choose to ignore them. That said, we think you'll find that playing with other Guardians is quick, painless, and a ton of fun. It's always your choice though.
How deep does the customisation go? (@jaydawg6958)
DeeJ: All the way down to your bones! Well, maybe not that far, but Destiny will be what you make of it. All of the weapons and gear you can earn in Destiny can be customised – some more than others, but the goal is to let every player tell a story through the gear and abilities they've earned and wear. You create a character, pick a class, gender, and race, and then you customize the way you look and fight by completing missions, defeating enemies, or maybe just by exploring the world.
How big is the world map? Really excited! (@knox140)
DeeJ: Bigger than anything Bungie has ever built. We no longer have mission designers, but world designers instead. They're building places worth visiting, exploring, and reclaiming from your enemies.
We're excited, too! We can't wait to see what you'll do when you get in there. We'll be watching!
What kind of endgame things are you planning on implementing to keep this world alive after players have finished? (@hell_razorX)
DeeJ: We're creating a world you'll want to visit again and again, and it will evolve and change right alongside you. We're going to fill it up with activities that we think will satisfy a lot of different types of players, or even the different moods you have. That might mean something really challenging on the cooperative front, like a Raid. It might mean that amazing exotic Sniper Rifle that you've been drooling over for the last few months. It might even mean the new twist we've put on the as-yet-unrevealed gametype that makes it feel new and different.
October 2nd, 2013, 20:48 Posted By: wraggsterAs Grand Theft Auto Online went live this morning, players have reported a host of problems with the game.
It seems GTA Onlines servers are struggling to cope with the demand from eager gamers. Some report failed login attempts and game freezing, while other are experiencing progress loss issues.
Rockstar has confirmed that it is looking into a bug that appears to crash the game for some users when trying to enter the first race.
Grand Theft Auto Online went live this morning via 59MB Xbox Live and 39MB PlayStation network download.
Last week, Rockstar confirmed that GTA Online would include microtransactions, but said they won't help players out-rank others, unlike Diablo 3's auction houses.
October 2nd, 2013, 22:26 Posted By: wraggsterPeripherals firm A4T has secured the rights to create its range of official PS4 accessories.
The firm will launch headsets, storage cases, charging docks, and accessories for the PlayStation Camera and DualShock 4 controllers on November 29th the launch day of PS4.
The new range will launch under the 4Gamers brand.
Were very excited to be there at launch, reinforcing our already substantial offering of PS3 and Vita products, said A4T co-founder Bill Stirling.
Sony Europes peripherals business manager Judy Ward added: In 2008, A4T and SCEE established their partnership, and throughout this time we have seen many high-quality, innovative 4Gamers branded products.
We are confident that the success will continue with the launch of A4Ts new PS4 line-up in Q4 this year.
October 2nd, 2013, 22:29 Posted By: wraggsterA new PS3 firmware update has extended the ability to enable automatic downloads to non-subscribers of PlayStation Plus.
Previously PS+ members were able to have their consoles automatically download both system updates and software purchases made in the online version of the Sony Entertainment Network website.
Now all PS3 owners are able to do the same once firmware versions 4.50 has been installed.
Users are also able to specify the times of day at which automatic downloads will kick in.
There have also been some changes made to the PS3/Vita data transfer process, allowing exchanges to be made over Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
October 2nd, 2013, 22:33 Posted By: wraggsterSony Worldwide Studios boss Shuhei Yoshida is, in many ways, the gamer's gaming executive. Enthusiastic and personable, he juggles the responsibility of managing Sony's software output with a willingness to constantly engage with gamers on Twitter, where his rapid, honest responses to questions about PlayStation have probably earned Sony more goodwill and positive headlines than any carefully formulated PR plan could ever hope to. He's also responsible for driving the company's engagement with indie developers and small studios, and often seems to be part of an engaging double-act with Vita and PS4 system architect Mark Cerny - the two faces of Sony's reinvention and resurgence.
Yet Yoshida's ebullience can't disguise the magnitude of the challenges Sony faces. PS4 may be riding high on a wave of goodwill, but gamer affection for PS Vita hasn't translated into sales - and Sony itself, the parent company, remains deeply troubled, so much so that powerful American investors in the firm have called publicly for it to be broken up in order to shed unprofitable divisions.
GamesIndustry International sat down with Yoshida in at Sony Studios Japan's offices in Tokyo in the weeks after the Tokyo Game Show to discuss all these challenges and more. Today, we publish the first half of that interview - covering PlayStation Vita, Vita TV, mobile strategy and the intriguing notion that the diminutive Vita TV might find itself built into future devices from other Sony divisions as well.
Check back tomorrow for the rest of the interview - where we'll tackle PlayStation 4, the competition from Xbox One, indie engagement and, of course, the eternal question: where is The Last Guardian?
Q: How was Tokyo Game Show for you? Did you get a good response?
Shuhei Yoshida: For us, the SCEJ press conference event was the big thing in terms of announcing information about PS4 for the Japanese market, and introducing the new PS Vita and Vita TV. It was a huge thing. TGS is an important event, of course, but in terms of business strategy and new product introductions, that was already done a week before. We wanted many people to come to TGS, so we announced all the things that you could try at TGS, prior to TGS.
"Whether it's portable or it's console, it doesn't matter. If people see the games that they want to play, they'll go and purchase that hardware"
TGS is a consumer-focused show, compared to something like E3 - E3 is trade, so we can do the announcements during the show, but TGS is a consumer show. We make sure that people know what they can expect when they visit TGS.
I'm very happy that so many people visited TGS. The PS4 area was huge - lots of kiosks had to stop distributing the tickets for their game trials. I felt sorry for people who were there but were a bit late in the day and couldn't try the games that they wanted. In terms of reaction, it was very very positive. As for PS Vita TV, that's something we were able to keep close to our chest until the announcement, and it's been getting quite good reactions as well. I'm very happy about the reactions.
Q: PS Vita TV is Asia-only at the moment - you still have no plans for North America or Europe?
Shuhei Yoshida: I don't think we are saying that we have no plans - we have no plans that we can discuss!
Q: What do you see as the difference between the Asian market and the North American or European market that makes PS Vita more sensible for Asia but not for those other markets - at least at the start?
Shuhei Yoshida: Vita TV is a very versatile device. There are so many different things that that small device can do, and there are quite distinct usage and distinct consumer targets that we can pursue. The market situation is very different between Japan and the Western market in terms of whether it's a portable market, whether it's a console market... Especially the situation with Vita in Japan right now is quite healthy. Lots of new titles have been announced and we're launching the new hardware here first. The messaging and the targeting have to be carefully planned - that's why we decided not to go global with one message. We'll tailor our message and focus first on the Japanese market where the Vita is most active.
Q: You mentioned that the portable market and the home market are differently balanced in Japan compared to the West - I've seen figures saying that around 65% of games sold in Japan this year are portable games. Why is that? Is it something that you think will happen in the West as well?
Shuhei Yoshida: There are many ways that can be explained - many factors contribute to it. To me, the biggest thing is what games are available in each market. This may be a bit counter-intuitive, but whether it's portable or it's console, it doesn't matter. If people see the games that they want to play, they'll probably go and purchase that hardware whether it's portable or console. When you look at the most popular titles in Japan now, they're more often found on a portable platform. It's completely different in the US and Europe - the most popular franchise there was just released a few days ago, GTA V, and that's a console title.
"Vita TV is quite a low barrier of entry compared to a console. We're targeting a casual audience that perhaps used to play games back when games were more popular in Japan"
Of course, there's also a difference in the lifestyles. You live in Japan now - I don't know how big a mansion you live in in Tokyo [laughs], but if you want to throw a home party, it's a bit challenging here in Japan, right? People like to get together somewhere outside, and games like Monster Hunter on portable hardware are very convenient for that. There's also the long commute. Everyone here spends hours on trains and portable devices are very popular to play games on.
Because I lived in the USA, I don't know about people in Europe - but American people love large TVs. They love playing big titles on big screens and getting people to their home, throwing parties... It just fits with their lifestyle, I think.
Q: Thinking about that lifestyle side of things - you're thinking about consumers who already own a PS Vita now buying a Vita TV so that they can just continue those experiences when they get home? Do you think you'll also get people who don't own a Vita already using it as a new way into games?
Shuhei Yoshida: In Japan, we've got two distinct consumers in mind - and I believe we're crafting messaging for the launch of Vita TV which caters to two different groups. One is a more casual audience. Because of the price and size of the console, the Vita TV could be a nice entry product for people who want to try Hulu or Tsutaya TV or many other video services that haven't quite caught on in popularity in Japan compared to the western market.
For the launch of PS Vita TV, our hardware teams approached many TV services companies who haven't created services on PS3 or PS Vita as yet, but targeted the launch of Vita TV to make their video services available. The primary usage for those groups, at under $100, is to enjoy movies and TV shows using these services - and on top of that, if you're interested, it can play games as well, games like PS1 emulated games. There are lots of great games like the Final Fantasy series there for around 600 Yen ($6). It's quite a low barrier of entry compared to a console. We're targeting a casual audience that perhaps used to play games back when games were more popular in Japan, around the PS1 days, but have kind of moved on to some other things - but still like to watch movies and so on.
"Talking about cloud gaming, all you need is a screen, the ability to decode and take input from a controller and send it back to the server. All kinds of hardware can do that. There's even interest from other hardware manufacturers"
That's one group. The other group is people who own PS Vita, and when PS4 launches, people who own PS4 can connect Vita TV to services that they're enjoying. What's most exciting to me is that PS Vita TV signifies a new way of thinking for us at SCE - a new way to define the PlayStation platform. Rather than a platform being tied to each individual console hardware, we are trying to shift what "PlayStation" means onto the services side. So, if you already own PS Vita and have purchased maybe 20 digital games, the chances are that maybe 10 of them will work on PS Vita TV and you can just download them without any additional cost. Just by buying the hardware, if you own a PS Vita you can enjoy what you already own - you've already bought into the PlayStation digital ecosystem, and by adding another hardware device you can just expand the usage.
That's pretty exciting, but that's nothing new for other kinds of content on other platforms like iOS and so on. In a sense we're trying to catch up, but on the PlayStation we are so focused on games - we believe that that's something quite unique in this very crowded market.
Q: It feels like a continuation of the network strategy that you started with PS Plus.
Shuhei Yoshida: Absolutely, yes.
Q: I own a PS3, I have PS Plus - I'm bound to buy a Vita sooner or later because I have free Vita games piling up...
Shuhei Yoshida: Already, yes! So that's why we're bundling three free months of PS Plus service with the launch of PS Vita TV. People will see that with the PS Plus service they can get these games, and they can enjoy them on PS Vita TV or on PS Vita itself, if they were to buy another piece of hardware.
Q: You said that Vita TV is a new way of thinking for SCE; is it also something that you want to push out to the rest of Sony? When I look at a tiny box like that, with all the innards of a powerful console, for under $100 - I can't help but think that that should be inside every Bravia TV and Vaio PC next year.
Shuhei Yoshida: What's exciting about PS Vita TV for the future is, of course, that once the cloud gaming services are started this is a very easy, low-entry product that will let you enjoy libraries of hundreds of games without downloading or any storage. SCE is now much closer to other parts of Sony - Kaz Hirai took over Sony, and our headquarters office is now inside the main Sony building.
It's a very strange feeling; you know, I used to work for Sony, a long time ago, around 17 or 18 years ago. I was a Sony employee, for the electronics company. When I joined the launch of PlayStation 1, I quit Sony and became an employee of Sony Computer Entertainment - and moved to the Aoyama area, because SCE was incorporated there. I never imagined that I'd come back to the Sony headquarters building, many years later - but now Kaz' strategy is that gaming is one of the three pillars of Sony's electronics business. Kaz is pushing that with the tagline "One Sony"... It's interesting, so many companies are using "One"... Anyway, with the One Sony strategy, there are lots of interactions among engineers, among product planning people, between Sony Computer Entertainment and the different parts of Sony. That's great, so, to your question of whether we're "pushing"... Rather, they're coming to us! They'd really like to work with us and we'd like to work with them.
"Many big decisions at SCE had to get approval from Sony headquarters. I was very scared, seeing these interactions - some people had no idea how video games work"
There are so many things we could do, but we have limited resources. We have to take one step at a time. Especially talking about cloud gaming, all you need is a screen, the ability to decode video and take input from a controller and send it back to the server. All kinds of hardware can do that - so there's a lot of interest from the Sony side to working with us. There's even interest from other hardware manufacturers, because Gaikai used to be independent before SCE acquired them. They already had relationships and business discussions ongoing with other major hardware manufacturers around the world.
We're trying to figure this out, but even covering the PlayStation products' different hardware is an engineering challenge. It's a matrix of what content to serve from the server, what devices to serve to and what area in the world to cover - because we need servers close to the market, since latency is so important. These three things, it's a puzzle; we have to figure out which order makes most sense. The current strategy is that the first step is to launch in the USA, to launch with the PS3 content first, because there's a great library already, and to target devices like PS4 and PS3 first, along with PS Vita close afterwards. Then we'll expand along all of those three different axis - that will include other product lines.
Q: You mentioned One Sony, Kaz being in charge... When Kaz took over, there was a feeling that this was PlayStation taking over Sony.
Shuhei Yoshida: That's a western way of saying it, maybe. The eastern way of saying it is... Well. I was very very afraid, to be honest, when Kaz was one of the candidates. The electronics business and the video game business are very different - market strategy, business models, it's all very very different. Because I've been a part of the management group of SCE headquarters I'd had a chance to have some interactions with Sony executives at that time. Some people understood. Other people had no idea! And they were in a position to say yes or no to investment - our business plans, investments, the acquisition of Gaikai, many things like that. Many big decisions at SCE had to get approval from Sony headquarters. I was very scared, seeing these interactions - some people had no idea how video games work. If they had the final say, we'd have to spend extra effort to explain and educate them. Kaz being on top is so... Relieving!
October 3rd, 2013, 00:02 Posted By: wraggsterGTA Online's microtransaction features have been disabled as part of Rockstar's effort to tackle widespread server issues.
Connection problems continue to plague the online portion of GTA V as millions of gamers overwhelm the servers since its launch on Tuesday.
While Rockstar's efforts are ongoing, the firm has issued an update to confirm that microtransactions have been disabled temporarily.
"For the time being and until we have been able to get everybody access to GTA Online and things are running smoothly, we have disabled the option of purchasable GTA$ cash packs," confirms Rockstar.
"Players can however keep on earning GTA$ by pulling off Jobs and other profitable gameplay activities rather than purchasing cash packs."
The firm has also said that a networking issue affecting PS3 users has been resolved. "For PlayStation 3 users, a PlayStation Network server issue was detected that was limiting the amount of possible concurrent users," it explains. "This was preventing most players from accessing GTA Online altogether and as of this morning, that problem was resolved."
The developer is also working on issues with players not being able to complete the tutorial mission, and other stability issues. "We are identifying these issues now and are working to restore stability for users as soon as possible," said Rockstar.
The developer said earlier today that it is "working around the clock" to address issues affecting GTA Online, after having warned players before launch that the service would likely suffer the natural teething problems.
Rockstar has listed nine known issues with GTA Online, but it has yet to acknowledge claims from some users that their single player save file has been deleted since going online.
We recommend creating backups of your single-player save files to a USB memory stick before trying to play GTAO.
October 3rd, 2013, 01:42 Posted By: wraggsterThe age of smartphones, inexpensive apps and free-to-play models are an undeniable challenge to portable game systems, a key Sony executive has said for the first time.
Shuhei Yoshida, the head of Sony Worldwide Studios, is one of the only high-profile games executives to publicly suggest that smartphone sales cannibalise the portable games business.
"I was asked during the Tokyo Game Show how badly this [mobile] hurts portable gaming consoles, and my answer was - quite. Quite badly. There's no question," Yoshida said in an interview with GamesIndustry International.
Senior games executives often shrug off the influence of mobile games. In July 2011, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata said mobiles have not hindered the popularity of portables. PlayStation America boss Jack Tretton, meanwhile, has previously said the premium experience of core games will shield it from the mobile business.
"If I open a movie theatre next door [to a theatre] and start charging 50 cents per ticket, but I'm showing you things I filmed with my camcorder, I don't think it's a threat to the theatre charging $13 per ticket," Tretton claimed.
"It's about people having reasonable expectations. I don't think we're training people to pay $5 for games. The cream always rises to the top."
Yoshida appears to have bucked the trend of executives publicly avoiding discussion on the influence of mobile games. When asked directly how much the mobile sector has challenged sales of Vita, he replied: "That's a really big part of it".
"The price point... We were very excited to be able to launch PS Vita for $250, that was our target pricing - under $300, because you have to buy a memory card. But people already own smartphones, right? They're paying lots of money to own smartphones - it's subsidised but they're paying back through a monthly subscription, two years of paying $80 every month, for example. That's a lot of money they're already spending.
"So for them, that's already committed - and in order for them to play games on a smartphone, incremental investment is almost zero. It's hard to compete with zero price, which is also why the free-to-play model makes sense for casual players."
The Vita's global sales performance is unclear - Sony now hides that specific data from investors. The system launched in December 2011 and, by July the next year, had sold about 2.2 million units.
Yoshida also stressed that mobile games was not the only contributing factor to Vita's disappointing sales performance.
"In terms of the installed base, compare it to 3DS - the 3DS is doing much better," he said.
In August Sony announced an official Vita price cut, one month before it was revealed that Sony was developing a lighter and less expensive model. The PlayStation business has yet to announce when it will ship the new Vita systems across Europe and the US.
"The new PS Vita is slimmer and lighter, easier to hold, has some internal memory from the get-go, so it's a bit more value," said Yoshida.
"But the important thing is to continue to provide great games and game experiences. The games can come not only from PS Vita's dedicated games - Vita and PS4 are designed with each other in mind, to connect to each other.
"If you own a PS4, you can play PS4 games via remote play, and once we start the Gaikai service, you'll be able to play PS3 games on PS Vita. We continue to add our services on PlayStation, and for PS Vita, the enjoyment and the sources of games will expand, not just from PS Vita dedicated games."
October 3rd, 2013, 01:43 Posted By: wraggsterSony has detailed this week's European PlayStation Store content update.
This weeks highlights include the Battlefield 4 beta, Rain and the Beyond: Two Souls demo. Digital releases include NBA 2K14, F1 2013 and Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness.
PS3 gamesAtelier Meruru Plus - £31.99/39.99Atomic Ninjas (Cross-Buy) - £7.99/9.99Battlefield 4 beta - FreeBeyond: Two Souls demo - FreeDisgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness - £39.99/49.99F1 2013 - £49.99/59.99 (available from Oct 4)F1 2013: Classic Edition - £59.99/69.99 (available from Oct 4)Flashback - £7.99/9.99Girlfight - £6.49/7.99Ms. Germinator Bundle - £7.99/9.99NBA 2K14 - £49.99/59.99 (available from Oct 4)Rain - £9.99/12.99Skydive: Proximity Flight - £15.99/19.99
Vita gamesAtomic Ninjas (Cross-Buy) - £7.99/9.99
PS3 DLCAlien Spidy - Between A Rock And A Hard Place - £1.99/2.49F1 2013 - Classic Edition Upgrade Bundle - £11.99/14.99Hatsune Miku Project Diva F - Extra Characters - £1.99/2.49Injustice Gods Among Us - Man Of Steel Zod - FreeLost Planet 3 - Assault Pack (£2.39/2.99), Freedom Fighters Pack(£2.39/2.99), Map Packs (three at £3.99/4.99 each), Punisher Pack(£2.39/2.99), Survival Pack (£3.99/4.99)Magic 2014 - Duels of the Planeswalkers Expansion - £3.19/3.99NBA 2K14 - Gold Jewelry Collection (£3.99/4.99), Platinum Jewelry Collection (£7.99/9.99), Blue Diamond Jewelry Collection(£19.99/24.99), Spanish Commentary Pack (£3.99/4.99)Saints Row IV - Commander In Chief Pack - £2.39/2.99The Bureau: Xcom Declassified - Light Plasma Pistol(£0.79/0.99), CodeBreakers (£2.39/2.99)The Pinball Arcade (Cross-Buy) - Pro Table Pack 17 (£6.49/7.99), Table Pack 17 Pro Upgrade (£3.19/3.99), Table Pack 17: Terminator 2: Judgement Day (£3.99/4.99)
Vita DLCAtelier Meruru Plus - Mushroom Princess Swimsuit & Small Straw Hat - £2.39/2.99The Pinball Arcade (Cross-Buy) - Pro Table Pack 17 (£6.49/7.99), Table Pack 17 Pro Upgrade (£3.19/3.99), Table Pack 17: Terminator 2: Judgement Day (£3.99/4.99)
PS3 Sing StarSoft Cell - Tainted Love - £1.15/1.39Naked Eyes - (There's) Always Something There To Remind Me- £1.15/1.39Salt N Pepa - Push It - £1.15/1.39Ellie Goulding - Starry Eyed - £1.15/1.39Pitbull feat. Chris Brown - International Love - £1.15/1.39Duke Dumon Feat. A*M*E - Need You (100 Percent ) -£1.15/1.39
October 3rd, 2013, 01:45 Posted By: wraggsterSony has launched two new PlayStation Store sales offering big savings on PS3 and Vita titles in the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.
The first sale cuts the price of a number of Lego games, while the second set of discounts, entitled Out Of Control, is a general sale offering money off a variety of PS3 titles.
Here's the full list of offers, which will go live later today alongside the regular weekly PS Store update. It's not yet clear how long the sales will run for, but CVG has reached out to Sony for confirmation. PS Plus members also get a further 10 per cent off all sale prices.
LEGO sale - PS3 titlesLEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes
Was 29.99/£19.99/AU$39.95, now 19.99/£15.99/AU$24.95
LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7
Was 9.99/£7.99/AU$14.45, now 3.99/£3.19/AU$5.85
LEGO The Lord of the Rings
Was 39.99/£29.99/AU$49.95, now 24.99/£19.99/AU$29.95
LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean
Was 19.99/£15.99/AU$24.95, now 11.99/£9.69/AU$17.95
LEGO sale - Vita titlesLEGO Batman: The Videogame
Was 19.99/£15.99/AU$29.95, now 9.99/£7.99/AU$14.45
LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes
Was 24.99/£19.99/AU$32.95, now 19.99/£14.99/AU$24.95
LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7
Was 24.99/£19.99/AU$32.95, now 19.99/£14.99/AU$24.95
LEGO Legends of Chima Laval's Journey
Was 39.99/£34.99/AU$54.95, now 19.99/£14.99/AU$24.95
LEGO The Lord of the Rings
Was 29.99/£24.99/AU$39.95, now 19.99/£14.99/AU$24.95
LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean
Was 9.99/£7.99/AU$14.45, now 5.99/£4.79/AU$8.85
LEGO sale - DLCLEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes - 5 Heroes Pack
Was 1.39/£1.15/AU$2.05, now 0.75/£0.59/AU$1.05
LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7 - 5 Spell Pack
Was 1.99/£1.59/AU$2.95, now 0.75/£0.59/AU$1.05
LEGO The Lord of the Rings Middle-earth Character Pack 1
Was 1.99/£1.59/AU$2.95, now 0.99/£0.79/AU$1.45
LEGO The Lord of the Rings Middle-earth Character Pack 2
Was 1.99/£1.59/AU$2.95, now 0.99/£0.79/AU$1.45
LEGO The Lord of the Rings Middle-earth Weapons and Magical Items Pack
Was 2.99/£2.39/AU$4.35, now 1.49/£1.19/AU$2.15
Out Of Control saleAge of Booty
Was 9.99/£7.99/AU$14.45, now 4.99/£3.99/AU$7.35
Altered Beast
Was 4.49/£3.69/AU$6.65, now 2.49/£1.99/AU$3.65
Bionic Commando Rearmed
Was 9.99/£7.99/AU$14.45, now 4.99/£3.99/AU$7.35
Bionic Commando Rearmed 2
Was 14.99/£11.99/AU$21.95, now 5.99/£4.79/AU$8.85
Bionic Commando Rearmed 1 and 2 Bundle
Was 12.99/£9.99/AU$18.45, now 6.49/£5.19/AU$9.55
Was 19.99/£29.99/AU$24.95, now 4.99/£3.99/AU$7.35
Death Track: Resurrection + Anarchy: Rush Hour
Was 14.99/£11.99/AU$21.95, now 7.49/£5.99/AU$11.05
Devil May Cry HD Collection
Was 29.99/£19.99/AU$39.95, now 14.99/£10.99/AU$17.95
Doctor Who: The Eternity Clock
Was 9.99/£7.99/AU$14.45, now 7.99/£6.49/AU$11.75
Earthworm Jim HD
Was 9.99/£7.99/AU$14.95, now 4.99/£3.99/AU$7.35
Eat Them!
Was 7.99/£6.49/AU$11.75, now 2.99/£2.39/AU$4.35
Gotham City Impostors
Was 14.99/£11.99/AU$21.95, now 7.99/£6.49/AU$11.75
Naughty Bear Panic in Paradise
Was 14.99/£11.99/AU$21.95, now 7.99/£6.49/AU$11.75
Saints Row 2
Was 19.99/£15.99/AU$24.95, now 9.99/£7.99/AU$14.45
Saints Row 2 Ultimate Edition
Was 19.99/£15.99/AU$29.95, now 12.99/£9.99/AU$18.45
Saints Row: The Third
Was 29.99/£19.99/AU$39.95, now 14.99/£10.99/AU$17.95
Saints Row: The Third- The Full Package
Was 49.99/£39.99/AU$69.95, now 24.99/£19.99/AU$29.95
Sleeping Dogs Digital Edition
Was 19.99/£15.99/AU$24.95, now 9.99/£7.99/AU$14.45
Street Fighter 2 Alpha 2
Was 9.99/£7.99/AU$14.45, now 4.99/£3.99/AU$7.35
Twisted Metal
Was 24.99/£19.99/AU$36.95, now 14.99/£11.99/AU$22.17
Wolf Of The Battlefield: Commando 3
Was 9.99/£7.99/AU$14.45, now 4.99/£3.99/AU$7.35
October 3rd, 2013, 01:47 Posted By: wraggsterSony has announced a PlayStation 3 firmware update due to go live this afternoon.
The download will bring the system's software version to 4.50 and include a number of features previously only available to PlayStation Plus subscribers.You can now transfer data from PS3 to PlayStation Vita using either Wi-Fi or an ethernet connection, Sony detailed on theEU PlayStation blog.Trophies can also now be hidden in your privacy settings to choose which awards are visible.And all users will now be able to auto-download purchases made via the web version of the PlayStation Store. Subsequent system software updates can also now be auto-downloaded. Handy!
October 3rd, 2013, 15:01 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Hello Gran Turismo fans
I am very happy to reveal news today that will be incredibly exciting for our Antipodean racing fans and hopefully equally thrilling for petrol heads the world over.
Australia's Mount Panorama Circuit also known as Bathurst will be coming to Gran Turismo 6 very soon.  The circuit is famous for being the showpiece race within the Australian V8 Supercar Championship.
Set over 6.2 kilometres it is a challenging, undulating circuit set to provide a stunning new addition to an already mouth-watering line up of new tracks and cars for GT6 when it launches in December.
Speaking of the new circuit, here's what Kazunori Yamauchi, the Gran Turismo creator and President of Polyphony Digital Inc had to say.
"We are very pleased to be able to include Bathurst in our expanded selection of race tracks available in Gran Turismo 6.  Since its inception 15 years ago, Gran Turismo has listened to fan feedback and added extra features so that we now offer 1200 cars and 33 circuits from all across the world. It seems only right that the legendary Mount Panorama circuit is included as fans will now have a chance to drive one of the toughest tracks out there. Described by some as Australia's very own Nürburgring, this is a formidable track that will provide an exciting new challenge for PlayStation gamers."
A new, rather hypnotically beautiful trailer gives a glimpse as to what we can expect from the Bathurst circuit when GT6 hits the shelves this winter
Gran Turismo 6 will be released 6 December and is available to pre-order now with a host of pre-order goodies depending on your retail destination of choice.  More news on Bathurst can be found on gran-turismo.com and more GT6 news will be incoming very soon.
October 3rd, 2013, 16:20 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Hey guys. We hope you're excited for Ratchet & Clank: Nexus. Everyone here at Insomniac has been working really hard to bring you Ratchet and Clank's latest adventure, and we're happy to announce that it will be available in-stores and online on 13th November, 2013!
An epilogue to the Future games (Tools of Destruction, Quest For Booty, A Crack in Time), Ratchet & Clank: Nexus is packed with an all-new story, an all-new arsenal, and all-new gadgets – and it's only €29.99.
Some of you have asked us why we made a shorter Ratchet game. The truth is, we relished this ability to tie a bow on the PS3 era of Ratchet with a shorter title. All of us love the Ratchet universe – and after 12 years developing the series, it feels like a very close friend.
We have a lot of stories to tell, some longer, some shorter. This one felt just right. It's a very polished self-contained return to the Ratchet adventures of yore. It's impactful, too; filled with planet-hopping, guns blazing, joke-cracking Ratchet & Clank, and events happen here that will change Ratchet forever. Think of it as a small epic.
Another question we get asked a lot is how Ratchet & Clank games get created. We unearthed this excellent VHS promotional tape all about the Insomniac Gamatorium, detailing the process. Check it out:
We've also been asked if we'll be offering a pre-order bonus for Nexus. We're happy to reveal that we will have a pre-order bonus at participating retailers. Ratchet's Pyronox Armor is inspired by Gadgetron's popular Infernox Armor. This lightweight durable suit is for the fashion-conscious adventurer. Besides granting a 5% damage-reduction, it also all-but guarantees "Best-Dressed" awards at high-school reunions.
That's all for now. The wait for more classic Ratchet & Clank is almost over! As always, keep up with the latest R&C news on eu.playstation.com or Insomniac Facebook and Twitter accounts.
October 3rd, 2013, 18:21 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
While being part of a small independent studio like Supergiant has its share of challenges, it's got a lot of advantages going for it, too. For instance, one of the ironic differences I've experienced going from a very big game studio to a very small one is that things can often move a lot faster when there aren't too many people around to say "no."
This simple fact is core to our creative process at Supergiant. We like quickly coming up with, and trying, new ideas all through development. If you can loop through that kind of process quickly enough, it can start to produce great results, while the many inevitable failed experiments are easy to move on from, having taught you something.
Let me tell you about one unexpected example from recent months, involving a little trick we decided to try on a whim with the DualShock 4, when we first got our hands on it.
The story of our game, Transistor, revolves around this woman called Red, who winds up with an extraordinary weapon that, among its mysteries, is able to speak to her.
When we tested early versions of the game on our friends, everybody noticed the voice, but not everybody could tell where it was coming from or who exactly was speaking. This was an important problem for us to solve, as there's a fine line between feeling intrigued by the mystery of a thing, versus feeling bewildered.
So we started trying different things. We iterated on the introductory moments a bunch of times, until we felt like we had a scene that set up the relationship between these characters as clearly and succinctly as possible. We also developed a cool bit of tech that makes the Transistor flash in sync with the voiceover coming from it.
This flashing effect not only helps our main character stand out amid the colourful futuristic scenery, but because of it you instantly infer that the voice you're hearing must be coming from that weird computer sword Red's carrying around. We finally felt like we'd solved the who's-talking problem. Then we started playing with the PS4 controller, and we had another idea.
See, among its many features, the DualShock 4 has this light bar on it, which can be programmed to display just about any colour. When Sony revealed the controller, they suggested this light bar could have a variety of uses, such as visually distinguishing between four players in a cooperative game and stuff like that. Sony didn't suggest it could be used to indicate when an extraordinary weapon of unknown origin was speaking to you. We soon found, however, that the light bar works really well for that. We got it to match the exact turquoise hue of the in-game weapon, and the flashing effect was in perfect sync. When I played with this for the first time, it felt a little more like the Transistor was right there in my own hands.
Nevertheless, it's a subtle enough feature so we didn't really play it up. We don't like talking about our games in terms of specific features anyway, plus we wanted to see if anyone would even notice. And sure enough, when we showed Transistor at PAX Prime recently, dozens of people who played it mentioned to us that they caught that little detail, and how cool they thought it was.
Our use of the light bar took nothing more than a quick conversation and maybe a couple of hours of engineering time. But to me it's a microcosm of our development process. If we can pull together little touches like this spontaneously and often, then Transistor will be filled with them. And I feel strongly that the small stuff in games – those fun and interesting little details you notice in your favourites – are just as important as the big stuff. It's what gives the best games their distinctive character and personality, and it's the stuff you end up remembering long after you've finished playing.
When you see a game like Transistor, know that it's not the product of some grand vision or massive design document, where we mapped out every detail on paper and then spent the rest of the time building from a meticulous blueprint. It's a much more fluid and intuitive process, a feedback loop of listening to the game and responding to what we think it needs over a long period of time, where a hundred thousand micro decisions eventually form the finished work. I love that we found opportunities to apply our process even to things like a light bar on a controller.
You know what? The controller has a speaker on it, too. We're looking into that.
Feel free to check up on us at any time at
@SupergiantGames on Twitter. Transistor is scheduled to hit PS4 early next year.
October 3rd, 2013, 19:21 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Did any early birds among you stay up the week before last to watch the Tokyo Game Show keynote? If you did, you'll have seen Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios President Shuhei Yoshida take to the stage to unveil the new PlayStation App, launching alongside PS4 later this year.
In general terms, the new app allows you to take the PlayStation experience with you when you're away from your console. You can stay in touch with, friends, compare trophies, view friends' activity (including recorded or live-streamed gameplay on PS4) and access all the latest PlayStation Blog news.
I caught up with Yoshida-san immediately after the show, and asked him to expand on exactly what gamers can expect from PlayStation App later this year.
"It's an application that anyone can download for free on iOS and Android devices," he explained.
"There are a variety of things you can do with it. You can connect to your PlayStation profile, and send messages – even voice messages – to friends between your smartphone and PS4.
"A friend on PS4 can also send out an invitation for a multiplayer game, which you can then check on the App, and you can also purchase PS4 games from PlayStation Store. Your game will immediately start downloading while you're away."
PlayStation App will also offer 'second screen' gameplay features on enabled titles. For example, during the TGS presentation Yoshida-san showed how the app interacts with THE PLAYROOM – he drew a picture of Knack on his smartphone's touch screen and then pushed it into the PS4 game on his TV, allowing the game's bot characters to play with the item he'd created.
"There are many big publishers creating their own apps for their games, like Watch_Dogs or Battlefield, and that's great," he added.
"But smaller developers can use PlayStation App to connect to PS4 and load an application, like drawing software for example, so that you don't have to download and install a specific app on your smartphone. It's open to all PS4 developers to use."
We'll have a more in-depth look at PlayStation App in action nearer launch, but for now check out the screens for a glimpse of the interface.
October 3rd, 2013, 23:55 Posted By: wraggsterDont call Metrico a puzzle platformer. We hate the term, says Digital Dreams lead designer, Geert Gene Nellen, through clenched teeth. There are a lot of puzzle platformers. We try to avoid [the term] but youve said it and now its too late.Metrico is a Vita-exclusive action puzzler, then. The quiet highlight of Sonys independent games booth at Gamescom 2013, in Metrico every step must be measured and considered against the environment. How you move affects the shape of the world: bar charts rise and fall based on your movements across the X axis, peaks and troughs form as you climb the Y axis, and the world is reshaped based on your movements.Quickly, the game introduces new rules. Perhaps moving right appears to raise a platform by a single percentage point with each step, but the platform quickly grows too high to reach. So how can the player move right without affecting the statistics?I feel some puzzle platformers are a bit gimmicky, says Nellen. Theyre cool, but we have the feeling that Metricos mechanics are just a little bit different than [those in] other games. I dont like us to be put in a box and I hope it stands out that way
and also aesthetically. People associate [data representation] with Excel sheets, PowerPoint presentations and boring stuff, but they can be beautiful, so why not make a game with infographics?
October 3rd, 2013, 23:56 Posted By: wraggsterSCEs VP and managing director for the UK and Ireland Fergal Gara exudes an easy kind of confidence as we sit down to discuss PS4s launchplan. UK preorders are strong, stock will be tight but shouldnt be too scarce and Sony continues to present itself as the peoples platform holder. Here, we quiz UK boss Gara on the PS4 and Xbox Ones launch line-up, discoverability on PS4, stock concerns and how itll be positioning PS3 once its successor arrives.In our latest issue Phil Harrison says Xbox One is winning the games race. How do you feel about your software line-up going into launch?I feel incredibly strong about our set of games. Id pick out a few things that are quite significant first of all were bringing to market the only FPS that is developed only for the next generation in Killzone Shadow Fall. Were bringing out the first demonstration of a truly socially connected game in Drive Club and were also launching with 18 digital titles roughly half of which are independent titles on day one or certainly in the weeks around launch.Actually Id pick out another one which is the most hotly anticipated next gen game at the moment, Watch Dogs, and of course that comes with a significant PlayStation difference both on PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4. And then if we look down the line Id pick out Destiny as a title thats enormously anticipated and again well have exclusive experiences to PlayStation.So while respecting the view of others we feel very confident in our line-up both at launch and beyond. I think we set our stall out very effectively as a broad church, that is, were for big publishers and were for tiny publishers and everything in between. I think right from day one well be illustrating that there are many games and experiences coming out that are PEGI 3 and 7 rated ranging from Knack and FIFA to the Playroom experience, which is a great example of what the PlayStation camera and DualShock 4 controller together can do. So yeah, were feeling in pretty good shape.
October 4th, 2013, 00:16 Posted By: wraggsterEsteemed Japanese weekly games magazine Famitsu has awarded Rockstars Grand Theft Auto V an esteemed 40/40 review rating.
GTA V becomes the 22nd game to receive top marks from the mag, Polygon reports, and only the second one that was developed outside of Japan the first being Bethesdas The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
"Despite the fact it's popular worldwide, GTA5 never takes the easy way out and continually tries to challenge itself," one reviewer wrote.
"I'm amazed at how it succeeds at this, and the fixes for issues gamers bought up with the last game make this a seemingly flawless package. It's really almost too fun."
Another added: "The overwhelming sense of reality in this city and the people living in it is more complete than the previous game. The graphics are beautiful, of course, but more than that, the setting and story makes you feel that the characters have real outlooks on their lives, which is amazing.
The fun of switching between three heroes as you play adds a sense of strategy that hasn't been in the series before; each character brings a different atmosphere to the missions, making it almost feel like three experiences in one."
October 4th, 2013, 14:20 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
As many of you will know from our livestream of the event, Beyond: Two Souls had a grand premiere in Paris earlier this week. Stars Ellen Page, Willem Dafoe and Kadeem Harrison joined David Cage and around 2,000 guests at the magnificent Grand Rex theatre, for a screening of the first 40 minutes of the game, followed by a panel discussion.
We're hoping to put the whole event on YouTube soon for anyone who missed it, but in the meantime we've put together a short movie to give you a quick taste of how it all went down.
We're less than a week away from launch now – look out for plenty more on the game as the big day approaches.
October 4th, 2013, 17:20 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
All games are the product of individual creators, and while it's occasionally hard to see it, all are duly imbued with the personalities of the artists that first breathed life into them. As anyone who's played it will hopefully appreciate, this is no more true than it is with PS3 platformer Puppeteer. Japan Studio's sublime adventure drips with charisma, character and passion for the medium.
With its launch last month now disappearing into the rear view mirror, we stopped by creator Gavin Moore's Tokyo office recently to find out how such an idiosyncratic and personal project got made, and what it's like having to let go and hand it over to the game-buying public after three years of hard work.
Read on for some fascinating insight into the creative process, and for an exclusive glimpse at some never-before-seen artwork from the game. Oh, and if you haven't found the time to play it yet, I urge you to do so! It's one of the year's finest.
So, after three years of development, Puppeteer is finally on the shelves. What's your primary emotion right now?
Gavin Moore: Pride. It's probably one of the only games that I've made in 21 years that I' m not just going to put in a box in the attic. It's actually going to go into my game collection.
And I'm proud of this team and what they did. It was a very difficult game to get off the ground in the first place. We're in a market of sequels, and shooters, and the GTAs of this world. It was just refreshing that Sony gave us that chance, and that we actually did it, and we did it in time, and we got it out before PS4 launched!
Is it hard waving goodbye? There must be a Kutaro-shaped void in your life, I'd imagine…
Gavin Moore: It is to an extent. When you make a game, it's very much like being a parent. You conceive it, you bring it into the world and then, over time, it grows. Then they take on a life of their own as they progress through the development cycle.
About a year ago you could feel it becoming an unruly teenager. It was fighting us and wanted to go its own way. We had to compromise with it and make sure it was working properly. And then it comes of age and you send it out into the world. It's pride mixed with a smidgeon of sadness.
What was the atmosphere like in the office as the first reviews started to arrive?
Gavin Moore: We were checking Metacritic for the first ones to come in, and we got some incredibly high ones, but then you watch your score go down a bit as different ones come in, and it goes up and down, and up and down, and you get really nervous about where it's going to end up.
Overall, the reviews have been incredibly positive. What's more interesting to me though are the user reviews. Going on Twitter and searching for Puppeteer and seeing people rave about it, or lurking on message boards.
I thought the little in-jokes and nods to other games were really fun. How did they come about?
Gavin Moore: That actually happened because I was working with PDSG (Product Development Support Group) in the US. They were helping us out doing the demo movies. I went to San Diego to meet them all, and I said "Look, this is my idea of what it should be, but we're making games, so have some fun, and if you have ideas, put them in."
That was a shock to them, as they work on the service side of the industry where they have directors telling them "You're going to do exactly what I say, and nothing more." So they had a blast.
One guy goes "Gavin, can we put an inFAMOUS reference in there?" And I went "Oh god… Well, we are trying to strive for Monty Python, so let's do it." And that opened the flood gates. As soon as I put that in we went back and started writing things into the game.
Now that you have a little distance from the game, is there anything specific that you wish you could change?
Gavin Moore: I might change the difficulty. Make it harder. We could have made the single player game rock hard. Like, frustratingly hard. Old school Ghosts 'n' Goblins hard. Or put in some kind of difficulty option in there to allow that. But then again, if you're not going to get to the end, then there's no point me making it. That's a difficult choice to make.
Another thing I didn't think about was stuff like timed runs and leaderboards. We should have put those in there. I was thinking it wasn't that sort of game, but a lot of people are saying that it would have been fantastic if we had done that.
What would your son have thought of the game if you had made the game much tougher?
Gavin Moore: He would have put the controller down and walked away, because it becomes frustrating.
So you made the right call!
Gavin Moore: I think so!
Is there a stage or a sequence that you're particularly proud of?
Gavin Moore: Act 6 Curtain 1. Or Act 7 Curtain 1. Oh, I don't know. All of it? There are so many things I love about it. I love the fact that the boss battles are old school, with patterns you have to learn. I love the design of the characters and the way they're all so different. I love riding on the back of the dragon on Mr Pink who's going off on one of his diatribes – that's a great scene for me. It's just packed full of stuff and we had so much fun making it that it's really difficult to pick stuff out.
It was really interesting playing with my son. We'd play a section and he would be like "This is great!" And then we'd play the next part and he'd go, "No, this is my favourite part!" And as the game progressed it was, "No, no, no, this is my favourite!"
He finished Act 6 and I said "Let's take a break, we've been playing for a while – but you have to give me a score," So he said "Oh okay – 100 out of 100 – it's really good Dad." Then the next day we play again and we finish it, and the credits roll. His name is in there in the 'Special Thanks' section and he's jumping up and down with joy. Just imagine being a nine year old boy and having your name in the credits of a game. So I say "So, now you've finished the game, I need a final score." He goes "200! My name is in the credits!"
Maybe you should put journalists' names in there next time!
Gavin Moore: Yes! Next time!
You say your son is loving the game. Is he on track for the Platinum?
Gavin Moore: I don't think I can clear the Platinum on it, let alone my son! It's 58 Bronzes, two silvers and a gold. It's ridiculous. You have to do stuff like kill 1,000 grubs and save a 1,000 souls. Or find every Giant Moon Stone Shard – that's the difficult one. We don't tell you where any of those are.
It was interesting seeing your original concept video a few weeks ago. Are you surprised how different – or how similar – the final game turned out?
Gavin Moore: As I said before, games take on a life of their own, and that's the way this one went. We made that concept video to get the game green-lit. Japan saw it and loved it, but went, "That's going to take quite a bit of money, so you're going to have to show it to America and Europe and see if they buy into it too." So we did, and they both went, "Stunning. Gavin, that's an incredible idea. But it's too Japanese. It's niche."
So I went away and cried for a bit. We came back as a team and talked about it, and that's when we decided to mix the Western influences I have from my side and the Japanese influences from my team's side. But it actually switched around. I was putting in Japanese references because of my love for Japanese culture, and they were trying not to put in Japanese references as they thought it was boring, so they were trying to add Western ideas. It was a really interesting mix.
But if you look at it, the concept stayed true. It stayed in the theatre, it moved the same, you had the scissors, you were a puppet, there was a narrator. Which is interesting, because I can't think of many games that I've worked on that have done that.
Really? Of all the games you've been involved with, this is the one that changed the least from concept to completion?
Gavin Moore: Definitely. I've been doing this for 21 years. I remember the original concept for The Getaway – it was totally different. It started out as a racing game around a city, and then it changed into a gangster romp with a full story, and before we knew it we were photographing the whole of London.
I always felt the Puppeteer concept was a good one, and that it was fresh. It took a little bit of time to explain the idea to the team, but once they were into it and had worked out the systems, they really got into it.
Making Puppeteer must have been a heck of a journey. Is it hard picking yourself up and getting yourself pumped for the next thing?
Gavin Moore: Completely the opposite – it's easy for me. I already have another idea in my head, with another story that actually came to me on my European press tour recently. I already have some character sketches that I'm working on.
To stop being a creator is much harder than starting again. As you can see, we're sitting here in Tokyo, on the 14th floor of the Sony building and all my staff are off on their holidays. But I'm not! My boss is going "Gavin, when are you going to take your holiday?" I really don't need to. It's nice and quiet. I can think and get on with what I need to do.
I really want to start on the next thing. Because the reaction has been really positive and a lot of people have enjoyed it, I want to get the next one out so that they can have fun again. That's what I love doing – making sure people have fun.
October 4th, 2013, 18:03 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Two very different games have been on my mind this week, and for the same reason: Beyond: Two Souls, which received its Paris premiere this week, and rain, which launched on PSN, both feature very atypical protagonists. The former boasts a young, grounded, believable female in its central role; the latter puts you in the shoes of an invisible boy. Both are a far cry from the broad-shouldered male archetypes we see so often elsewhere in the medium.
However, the first thing that struck me when playing both games was not how unusual their leads are, but how enjoyable and engaging it was to play games offering such fresh perspectives and engaging characters. Whether you personally enjoy either game if/when you play them is another discussion, but it's undeniable that both titles take you places you'll never have been before.
With that in mind, this week's debate topic: who is your favourite videogame protagonist, and what is it about their character or design that make them so memorable? In short, what makes a great lead character?
Your prize this week? The five most thoughtful responses claim a download voucher for the uniquely atmospheric rain, on PS3. Good luck!
Terms and conditions
October 4th, 2013, 19:41 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
These are exciting times for Battlefield fans and everyone at DICE! Today, 4th October, we are releasing the Battlefield 4 open beta on PS3, and we want you all to join. Simply by taking part in the beta, you will help us test the servers, online functionality, and gameplay to make sure the launch on PlayStation 3 come 1st November goes as smoothly as possible.
In the open beta, you'll be able to play both the classic Conquest mode and Domination mode, which you might recognise from Battlefield 3: Close Quarters (it's basically a faster and tighter version of Conquest with more emphasis on infantry combat). The map on offer is Siege of Shanghai – you might recognise it from E3 where we first unveiled it and where the public got their very first hands-on with the game. Now, we want to bring that experience, complete with game-changing Levolution events like the big skyscraper collapsing down or setting off car alarms, to all of our fans on PS3. It's you, the player, triggering these moments.
We are also looking to our fans to provide valuable feedback on the overall gaming experience. This is in every sense a true beta, so your feedback will be used to fix, tweak, and adjust the game both for launch and during the extensive support that we will give the game once it's live.
How to find and download the Battlefield 4 Open Beta
All players on PS3 will be able to find and download the Battlefield 4 open beta by going to the PlayStation Store and searching for "Battlefield 4″. You will find the open beta as a downloadable item on the Battlefield 4 Title Page. Note that it can take some time before all players in Europe will be able to see the item, even after it has been published.
Don't start empty-handed on next-gen
Start playing Battlefield 4 on PS3 and bring everything you've unlocked to PS4. If you're interested in making the jump to Next-Gen, we want to make it as easy as possible for you to bring your multiplayer progression from Battlefield 4. Since Battlefield 4 will release on 1st November and 29th November on PS4, we have put a number of features in place that will help you make the jump without losing any of your progress.
Upgrade to Next-Gen for €9.99/£9.99
Simply put: If you start playing Battlefield 4 on PS3 and later decide to move up to PS4, you can bring your multiplayer stats and all of your unlocks as you make the transfer to the next-gen Battlefield! Also, if you've become a Battlefield 4 Premium member, your Premium membership will transfer across from PS3 to PS4. This way, you don't have to start empty-handed when you go next-gen.
Finally, we appreciate that a lot of fans will want to start playing on PS3 and then buy Battlefield 4 on PS4 as well. For all of our fans who are ready to do this, Sony have put a program in place where you can buy Battlefield 4 on PS3 (on disc or a digital copy), and then later buy Battlefield 4 on PS4 for only £9.99/€9.99. You can learn more about this program in this post.
Welcome to the open beta
That's it for now. We're excited to let everyone in on the open beta, and we're eager to hear your feedback. If you have any questions or comments on the open beta or the transfer options from PS3 to PS4, let us know in the comments below and we'll do our best to answer.
See you on the Battlefield!
Learn more about the Battlefield 4 open beta
October 5th, 2013, 11:30 Posted By: wraggsterPS4s smartphone companion app will offer a host of extra functionality for owners of the console.
As well as being the gateway for second screen gameplay options available with certain PS4 titles, it will also allow users to communicate with folk on their PSN Friends list and remotely activate downloads.
Its an application that anyone can download for free on iOS and Android devices, Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios president Shuhei Yoshida told thePlayStation Blog. There are a variety of things you can do with it.
You can connect to your PlayStation profile, and send messages even voice messages to friends between your smartphone and PS4. A friend on PS4 can also send out an invitation for a multiplayer game, which you can then check on the App, and you can also purchase PS4 games from PlayStation Store. Your game will immediately start downloading while youre away.
So far Knack, Watch Dogs and Battlefield 4 have been confirmed to use second screen functionality in their PS4 versions, although Yoshida added that the platform holder is opening up the app for all developers, including indies.
Smaller developers can use PlayStation App to connect to PS4 and load an application, like drawing software for example, so that you dont have to download and install a specific app on your smartphone, he added. Its open to all PS4 developers to use.
October 5th, 2013, 11:31 Posted By: wraggsterThe three stars behind GTA V protagonists Franklin, Michael and Trevor have justified the violence in Rockstars hugely successful game.
Grand Theft Auto V is an 18-rated game, for good reason. And if that isnt sufficient to keep it from the hands of kids then fingers should be pointed at parents, not the games industry, according to the voice of Franklin Shawn Fonteno.
"People already have it in their mind that GTA is for kids because it's a game," he told PC Advisor. "Then they hear about the violence and they're instantly going to attack because it's a game.
Now, if it was a movie it would be a different story and these same people would be out there supporting it. GTA V is like a movie. Once they get the game in their hands, they'll see. It says it big as day Mature. It's not for the kids to go get. It's for Mature audiences only. If kids get it, then that's on their parents."
Steven Ogg, who voices violent lunatic Trevor, admitted to frustration at what he sees as the injustice of how the game has been treated by some parts of the press.
"The hypocrisy drives me crazy," he said. "It just sets the wrong focus. Why not talk about gun control? Why not talk about parenting? Why not talk of lack of family values? There are so many other things to talk about. Look at what's on TV. There's a lot of intense stuff out there. Video games are just an easy scapegoat.
Ned Luke, who voices troubled family man Michael, argues that those who are keen to criticise the game should first play it so they can understand it in context.
"Anyone who has any conception at all about the games and hasn't played them should go play the games before they open their mouths," he insisted. "The biggest misconception is that it glamorizes violence. It really doesn't.
If you look at my character, Michael, he's rich, but he's a miserable man. Even in the commercials you see that. This is a guy who's struggling with his life's decisions.
"If you want to take something out the game, take out of it that here's a guy who loves his family, who's kind of lost. He's trying to hold it together. He's trying to become a good guy, but he can't. He just has all these demons that he's battling. It's the struggle. Take that and look at how he loves his family even though he wants to kill them and that's what it is. Look for the relationships. Look for the humour. Look for the irony and the satire in the game.
October 5th, 2013, 11:33 Posted By: wraggsterRockstar North has revealed a team of 1,000+ developers worked on Grand Theft Auto V.
In an interview with sister-site Develop, studio president Leslie Benzies confirmed the monster team that worked on what has since become the fastest selling game in UK history.
"It's probably more, much more," said Benzies. It takes 1,000 people to make a game, thats a requirement.
And thats because of the size of the thing, we are modelling at such a minute detail. Once upon a time the car models have four moving parts. Now there are 15 alone in a cars retractable roof. The detail is ten, twenty times greater than GTA IV, so it takes ten, twenty times more people."
Benzies also confessed that this now global production process across all of Rockstar's studios has led to teams working on fellow titles.
"We dont want 1,000 in one place, he added. Thats the way we work now everyone works on GTA, or Red Dead, and so on, then we move on to the next thing, says Benzies.
October 6th, 2013, 00:21 Posted By: wraggster ShopTo has begun contacting PS4 pre-order customers offering them the chance to upgrade to the "Mega Bundle".ShopTo is selling the bundle, which includes a PS4, Killzone: Shadow Fall, two DualShock controllers and the new PlayStation Camera, for £449.86, just a few pence cheaper than GAME."ShopTo is pleased to announce that we have started sending out e-mails to the lucky customers who are eligible to swap to the PS4 'Mega Bundle'," reads a statement on theShopTo website. "So keep an eye on your inbox."If you don't receive an e-mail today all is not lost! We're sending in batches and more will become available as swap offers are rejected."UPDATE 2: As Eurogamer revealed yesterday, retailers have begun alerting those who pre-ordered a PlayStation 4 about the new official bundle options that are available to them.First off the bat is GAME. It's offering an upgrade to the PS4 mega bundle, which includes the console, Killzone Shadow Fall, a second DualShock 4 controller and the PlayStation Camera for £449.99 - that's £21 more expensive than an Xbox One.Yesterday Sony UK boss Fergal Gara told Eurogamer he expected retailers to sell the bundle for £10 either side of Microsoft's Xbox One UK price, so GAME's offer comes in a little expensive.Also available is a PS4 with Killzone bundle for £399.99, and a PS4 with Watch Dogs, also for £399.99. The PS4 on its own costs £349 in the UK.We expect other retailers will update their customers in due course. If you receive an email about this, let us know in the comments below, and we'll add the various prices.UPDATE 1: Sony has revealed new detail on its Killzone Shadow Fall PlayStation 4 bundle, which will actually be available in two different flavours.You can get a PlayStation 4 console and physical copy of the game for 439 (roughly £369, final RRP TBA), as well as the PS4/Killzone/Camera/Extra DualShock 4 variant mentioned below, which will cost 499 (roughly £420).Sony told Eurogamer earlier today at EGX 2013 that the bundle would be available for around a tenner either side of Xbox One's basic £429 offering.
ORIGINAL STORY: Sony will release the eye-catching PlayStation 4 bundle leaked on Amazon last month in the UK, Eurogamer can exclusively reveal.In August Amazon France listed a PS4 bundle that includes a number of extra items for the same price as Xbox One in Europe.The bundle costs 499 - the same as Microsoft's European Xbox One price - which translates to around £427. In the UK the Xbox One costs £429.Included in the box is a copy of PS4-exclusive launch title Killzone Shadow Fall, two DualShock 4 controllers and the PlayStation Camera. Internally Sony calls this the "mega bundle".That's compared to Microsoft's offering, which includes FIFA 14 when you pre-order the bundle, Kinect and an Xbox One controller.Bought separately, the bundle's contents would cost £503 when purchased together from Amazon at time of publication (£349 for the PS4 console, £55 for the PlayStation Camera, £54 for a second DualShock 4 and £45 for Killzone: Shadow Fall). That's roughly a £70 saving."I can officially confirm that the answer is yes [Sony will bring the bundle to the UK]," Sony UK boss Fergal Gara told Eurogamer today at the Eurogamer Expo."It'll be similarly benchmarked in euro equivalent. PlayStation 4 is £349 and 399, so it will be the same equivalent."It will be no more than a tenner either way [of the Xbox One £429 UK price] depending on what conversation rate we use on the given day."Sony will announce several new PS4 bundles tomorrow, Eurogamer understands. The company has told UK retailers to alert those who have pre-ordered PS4 that they now have the option to upgrade to one of these."It [the mega bundle] is in limited volume, and therefore it is probably going to go mainly to current pre-order customers, then follow-up volume may well be post-Christmas," Gara added."But there are other bundles that also represent incredibly good value. It's not just about having a good base price. We want to offer value in every way we can."Starting yesterday, our retail partners are contacting their pre-order customers in order, so starting with the first, working up to when they run out of that special bundle, saying, we now have clarity on exactly what PlayStation 4 bundles we have to offer for day one. Would you like option A, B, C or D?"Everybody who has pre-ordered in the expectation they're getting just the PS4, including the DualShock 4 and the headset - the basic configuration. But as we've worked through the details and worked through the options we've come up with some great bundle offers. And it is only fair the first people in the queue get first chance to get that."It's a brilliant thing to do for the gamer. In theory there could be some free on day one, but I think it's unlikely, because the people in that queue are going to say yes please."
October 6th, 2013, 00:24 Posted By: wraggsterQ Entertainment's monster-collecting Vita game Destiny of Spirits will enter a beta test phase on October 24. The free-to-play RPG has players engaging in turn-based combat with their upgradable minions, which players can trade or lend to others.
The game encourages players to bring their Vitas with them while traveling, as the system's location-tracking tech is used to unlock spirits with every trip. The global beta program, which allows players to collect every spirit and access every location in the Destiny of Spirits, will end November 1.
October 6th, 2013, 00:36 Posted By: wraggsterAmazon has many of the announced E3 PS4 games available for pre-order including:
Watch DogsDestinyMad MaxKillzone Shadow FallBattlefield 4PLUS MORE
Check it out: Amazon PS4 Pre-order ListSony's official message right now is that 15 games will be available as physical Blu-ray releases at the PS4's launch:
NBA 2K14 (Visual Concepts, 2K Sports)Call of Duty: Ghosts (Infinity Ward, Activision)Skylanders Swap Force (Vicarious Visions, Activision)Need for Speed: Rivals (Ghost Games/Criterion Games, EA)Battlefield 4 (EA DICE, EA)Madden 25 (EA Tiburon, EA)FIFA 14 (EA Canada, EA)NBA Live 14 (EA Tiburon, EA)Killzone: Shadown Fall (Guerilla Games, Sony)Driveclub (Evolution Studios, Sony)Knack (SCE Japan, Sony)Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (Ubisoft, Ubisoft)Watch Dogs (Ubisoft, Ubisoft)Just Dance 2014 (Ubisoft, Ubisoft)LEGO Marvel Super Heroes (TT Games, Warner Bros. Interactive)
October 6th, 2013, 11:10 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Greetings gamers. I do hope you've all had a good week, and managed to squeeze in a little gaming here and there. Still maintaining an unhealthy relationship with GTA? I feel your pain.
If you've been too absorbed to stay abreast of development here on PlayStation Blog, then please do see below for an a la carte catch-up reading menu. Highlights? A beefy look back at Puppeteer with creator Gavin Moore; big new trailers for Destiny and Assassin's Creed 4, an early preview of the new PlayStation App with Shuhei Yoshida; two new Store sales and a new Gran Turismo 6 track unveiling.
Right, back to Los Santos. See you back here on Monday!
Video Store update: Fast & Furious 6, After Earth, moreDestiny box art revealed for PS3 and PS4Rain arrives on PS3 this week, see the new trailerNew Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag trailer – The HeistLittleBigPlanet update: All the latest community news and levels!DUST 514 – A new player experience introduced with Uprising 1.5Rocksmith 2014 Edition: the fastest way to learn guitarDestiny beta incoming, new trailer takes us to the moonStar Wars Pinball: Balance of the Force release date confirmedUPADTE: PS3 system software update v.4.50 launches this weekPlayStation Home update: Celebrate Home Tycoon's 1st anniversary!New PS Store sales: save on LEGO titles, Saints Row, Devil May Cry HD, moreMagic 2014 – Duels of the Planeswalkers Expansion Pack available todayPlayStation Store update: Rain, NBA 2K14, Battlefield 4 beta, moreAtomic Ninjas launches on PS3 and PS Vita today!Destiny – your questions answeredGran Turismo 6 – Bathurst track unveiledRatchet & Clank: Nexus release date confirmed!Transistor and the secrets of DualShock 4Shuhei Yoshida shows off the new PlayStation AppEllen Page and Willem Dafoe talk Beyond: Two Souls at the Paris premierePuppeteer: Japan Studio on taming its "unruly teenager" and handing Kutaro over to gamersWeekend Debate: What makes a great lead character?Join the Battlefield 4 open beta, help us make the game betterHow Beyond: Two Souls has moved on from Heavy Rain – interview
October 6th, 2013, 12:02 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
At first glance, Beyond: Two Souls and Heavy Rain seem to have more in common than not. Both games focus on intricate narratives and deep character development, highlighted by cutting-edge performance capture and dazzling digital sets.
But on closer examination, Beyond: Two Souls, which launches exclusively for PS3 on 11th October, is a wholly unique creation with no obvious analogue. For one, its sweeping story focuses on one character instead of four. Beyond: Two Souls spans an entire lifetime as it follows the trials of protagonist Jodie Holmes (Ellen Page) and her constant companion, Aiden, an invisible entity with incredible powers. For another, it features a radically different, more direct gameplay style compared to Heavy Rain.
In our new interview, Quantic Dream co-CEO Guillaume de Fondaumiere discusses the differences between the team's two latest projects, and the daunting scope of the story. Listen in for his insight on the game design process, and how Quantic Dream infused player-driven choices into a story-driven experience.
In Beyond: Two Souls, players jump between different periods of Jodie's life, piecing together the story while controlling both her actions and those of Aiden. And Jodie's life hasn't been easy.. Exposed to psychological experiments at a young age, and hurled through adulthood by desperation and heartache, this woman has seen more danger than most. But she hasn't seen it alone. Aiden has been connected to her since birth, and will share in her 15-year journey through Beyond: Two Souls.
Beyond: Two Souls promises to push the limits of interactive storytelling as Jodie hunts for answers. Help her unravel the mystery surrounding her connection with Aiden, and what lies beyond life itself.
October 7th, 2013, 12:01 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Hi there PlayStation Blog readers! I hope you had a great weekend. I am very excited to announce the update for Video Store this week.
The Hangover Part III
It's been two years. Phil, Stu and Doug are happily living uneventful lives at home. The only member of the Wolfpack who's not content is Alan. Still lacking a sense of purpose, he has ditched his meds and given in to his natural impulses in a big way – until a personal crisis forces him to finally seek the help of his three best friends. It's the epic conclusion to an odyssey of mayhem and bad decisions, in which the guys must finish what they started by going back to where it all began: Las Vegas. One way or another… it all ends here.
Available in Australia from 9th October to rent or buy, priced AU$6.99/AU$19.99. Available in the UK in November.
The Purge
If you could commit any crime without consequences, what would you do? From the producer of Paranormal Activity and Sinister, comes an inventive thriller that dares you to survive the most dangerous night in America – The Purge – when all crime is legal for 12 hours. When an intruder breaks into James Sandin's (Ethan Hawke) gated community during the yearly lockdown, he begins a sequence of events that threatens to tear a family apart.
Available now to buy in the UK from £11.99. Available in Australia at the end of October.
More movies available on https://store.sonyentertainmentnetwork.com
Own movies for £5/$8 – Now available on PlayStation Store
Visit our new price £5/$8 room and pick up fantastic blockbuster movies at super low prices!
October 7th, 2013, 15:23 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Armature Studio is proud to announce our next game for PS Vita, Injustice: Gods Among Us Ultimate Edition, is hitting stores on 29th November.
When developing Injustice on Vita, our primary goal was to make sure it could hold its own next to its console counterpart.
The PS3 version has beautiful lighting, destructible environments, and – most importantly – 60 FPS fighting. We worked tirelessly to bring this experience to the handheld, and pulled out all the stops to push the PS Vita as hard as we could to make all of the above happen.
In addition to all of this, we've included ad-hoc multiplayer, traditional multiplayer over wi-fi, and touch controls to Story Mode and various S.T.A.R. Labs Missions.
Also, since this is the Ultimate Edition, the game will include all downloadable content that was released for the console edition.
Our friends at NetherRealm Studios made such a wonderful game in Injustice: Gods Among Us. We're just happy to be able to use our experience on prior PS Vita projects to take what they did and spare no expense in creating a version of the game that allows people to play it on the go.
We hope you enjoy the game when it launches next month!
October 7th, 2013, 15:23 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Time once again to take a look at the PlayStation Store charts for the past month across the PAL region. The runaway success story for September should come as a surprise to no one. Grand Theft Auto 5 dominated the PS3 chart, breaking The Last of Us' record to become the biggest ever digital release on the platform.
Over on PS Vita, Killzone Mercenary ruled the roost, beating out a fistful of new entries, including The Walking Dead and Rayman Legends.
Take a look at the full charts below, and do let us know what your contributions were!
PS3 games:Grand Theft Auto V (New)FIFA 2014 (New)Grand Theft Auto IV (2)Diablo III (New)Payday 2 (1)Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Future Soldier (RE)Farming Simulator (New)Zone of the Enders HD Collection (RE)PES 2014 (New)Sniper Elite V2 (RE)
PSN games:Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse (New)DuckTales: Remastered (1)Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons (New)Journey (2)Jetpack Joyride (7)Magic 2014 — Duels of the Planeswalkers (6)Terraria (8)Spelunky (New)Call of Juarez: Gunslinger (3)Crazy Taxi (RE)
PS Vita games:Killzone Mercenary (New)The Walking Dead: The Complete First Season (New)Real Boxing (New)Rayman Legends (New)Fruit Ninja (2)Total Recoil (8)LittleBigPlanet (1)Spelunky (6)Hotline Miami (4)Lone Survivor: The Director's Cut (New)
PS one and PS2 Classics:Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (1)Silent Hill (RE)Crash Bandicoot (2)Crash Bandicoot 3 Warped (3)Vagrant Story (RE)Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back (4)CTR: Crash Team Racing (5)Parasite Eve II (RE)Final Fantasy VII (6)Spyro The Dragon Trilogy (7)
To find out how things lined up across the pond, head on over to the US PlayStation Blog for a full rundown.
October 7th, 2013, 15:41 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
It's hard to believe this week marks the one year anniversary of Dishonored's release. It's been rewarding to see so many people 'get' the game Arkane set out to develop. And it's wonderful and very humbling to see the game win numerous Game of the Year accolades (and be able to release a "Game of the Year Edition"), but there's even more satisfaction in hearing fans embracing the fiction and emergent gameplay.
When Arkane was making the final push on finishing the game, their building excitement to see the game in the wild was palpable – like children on Christmas Eve. Visions of YouTube speed-runs danced in their heads. They weren't disappointed. Launch day and the months that followed provided endless entertainment – seeing the variety of ways players took on the role of Corvo – non-lethal playthroughs, absolutely brutal and literally unthinkable killer moves, and everything in between. Amazing cosplay, fan fiction, and fan art provided icing on the cake. You guys really like The Outsider J
What's that? You haven't played Dishonored yet? You missed all the DLC? Well, this week you can fix that and pick up the newly available Game of the Year Edition – available in stores and digitally on PlayStation Store. In addition to the award-winning original release, you'll also receive:
The Knife of Dunwall
In The Knife of Dunwall, take on the role of Daud, the legendary assassin who killed the Empress. After assassinating the Empress, and forever changing the fate of Dunwall, you embark on a search for redemption. Gain access to Daud's new weapons, gadgets and supernatural abilities as you traverse through parts of Dunwall yet unseen, including the city's whaling center, Rothwild Slaughterhouse, and the heavily guarded Legal District.
The Brigmore Witches
Continue your journey as the legendary assassin, Daud, in The Brigmore Witches. This conclusion to Daud's story will put you at odds with warring gang factions and the dangerous Brigmore witch coven. Journey through undiscovered locales within Dunwall, including Drapers Ward and the Brigmore Manor, where you will be met with supernatural forces that test the limits of your new weapons and abilities.
Dunwall City Trials
In Dunwall City Trials, experience Dishonored's flexible combat system, stealth gameplay, and distinct settings in a whole new way as you make your way through 10 distinct maps that feature a variety of challenges. Put your stealth, combat and mobility skills to the test as you clear demanding objectives, unlock new achievements and secrets, and climb up the global online leaderboards.
Void Walker's Arsenal
With the Void Walker's Arsenal add-on pack, gain access to four content bundles previously available only through pre-ordering Dishonored. These bundles offer unique character bonuses, additional bone charm slots and more.
Whether it's your first time playing the game, or you're catching up on content you missed, we hope you enjoy all the contents included in the GOTY edition. Until the next time!
October 7th, 2013, 16:02 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
In Destiny of Spirits on PS Vita, building powerful spirits and working cooperatively with other users will be the key to progress successfully in the game.
We're excited to announce that there will be a beta trial available to PS Vita users who are PlayStation Plus subscribers for Destiny of Spirits running from 24th October through to 31st October! If you haven't signed up for PS Plus yet, this will be a good time to join!
The goal of this Beta is to get feedback on the overall game experience so that we can make Destiny of Spirits the best it can be. We would greatly appreciate your participation! You can provide your feedback via a survey which will be available during the Beta. More information regarding this will be posted on PlayStation Blog when the Beta trial starts.
Today, I'd like to talk about summoning and breeding spirits as well as different items that can be used to help maximise your game progress in Destiny of Spirits:
Summoning Spirits
If you feel your party doesn't seem quite strong enough, try summoning a new Spirit! You can summon Spirits using Destiny Orbs and Summoning Stones and gather more allies. Summoned Spirits are added to your Spirit Collection and can be added to your party at any time.
Renting Supporter Spirits
A supporter is a Spirit that you borrow from another Spirit Master. By borrowing a supporter, you can bring a powerful Spirit into battle. And if that Spirit belongs to a friend, you can reap the benefits of the Spirit's support skill.
Spirits Points, Summoning Stones and Destiny Orbs
After you finish a battle, you can get Spirit Points and Summoning Stones. This world contains three types of magical substances: Spirit Points, Summoning Stones, and Destiny Orbs.
Spirit Points are mainly used to merge and rent Spirits. Summoning Stones are mainly used to summon Spirits. Destiny Orbs are the most powerful magical substance in this world, and they aren't easy to come by. You can get powerful Spirits by using Destiny Orbs for Advanced Summoning and Limited-Time Summoning. They can also be used to restore the HP of your Spirits, bring defeated Spirits back into the battle and control time.
Log in bonus
You will receive some in-game gifts such as Destiny Orbs and spirits from the development team every day during the test. So log in every day and receive the gifts in your mailbox to your advantage!
Game events
There will be some familiar PlayStation faces available for Advanced Summoning during the beta, so don't miss the opportunity to add them to your party!
Raid boss event will begin from 26th October and you will encounter these spirits below in your game. They are all powerful and defeating them may be challenging. Try defeating them and add them to your party!
We're very excited for the Beta test and we hope you will join us to in the world of Destiny of Spirits!
October 7th, 2013, 19:20 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
For this week's Community Highlight we're taking a look at the work of one of our most regular contributors to the LittleBigPlanet Update that is constantly producing a stream of great video content and hosting the ever-popular Contraption Challenges.
I'm talking of course about Chimpanzee and his Rocket Cheetah blog!
If you're a regular reader of the LittleBigPlanet Update, then you will have probably seen some of his great LBP activities and we thought it was about time that we took a moment to thank Chimpanzee for all of his amazing contributions to the LittleBigPlanet community!
Chimpanzee is just one of the many video creators within the LittleBigPlanet community though and we want to hear from the rest of you!
So if you run your own LittleBigPlanet YouTube Channel or have a favourite video channel that you're constantly visiting, be sure to get in touch in the comments below or tweet us at @LittleBigPlanet to tell us all about the great LittleBigPlanet videos that you want us to see and share with the community!
Speaking of videos! It's time to take a look at the new LittleBigPlanet 2: Team Picks! This week you will have a blast with the appropriately named Blastworks that will see your Sackboy or Sackgirl guiding missiles throughout a factory with their trusty Grappling Hook. Only brave Sackfolk need apply!
by Holguin86
FreeStyle Snowboarding
by Smokey-_-Jones
You can find these levels and oh so much more in the latest LittleBigPlanet 2: Team Picks!
We have a fantastic new adventure for you in the LittleBigPlanet PS Vita: Team Picks with Indigo, a simply breath-taking adventure that sees you travelling across this titular planet and discovering all of the amazing life and wonders that it beholds!
by ZedCOcoZza
You can have this level ready to play by heading over to LBP.me Vita and queuing up the new LittleBigPlanet PS Vita: Team Picks!
We always love to see exciting new LittleBigPlanet levels, so if you have any great levels to share with the community or some stunning videos that show off your favourite levels and creations, then be sure to tweet them to us @LittleBigPlanet.
October 7th, 2013, 19:52 Posted By: wraggsterSony has said that console exclusivity is ultimately unproductive for both console makers and developers.
In a surprisingly frank talk at the IndieCade Festival in Los Angeles, Sony Computer Entertainment Americas VP of publisher and developer relations Adam Boyes accepted that that console exclusivity can drive console sales, but claimed that it does not benefit either party in the long-term.
Right now exclusives are just a way for [console makers] to brag louder, said Boyes, as Gamasutra reports. Nobody gains from exclusivity in perpetuity.
Boyes compared the console makers to car dealerships, where independent developers act as top-end car mechanics capable of refining the machines performance and bringing real innovation to the platforms. And long-term exclusivity does not fit in with this model in his view.
Developers now have the option to deliver on a huge number of platforms, Boyes added. We want developers to be successful.
And this drive to be successful, he said, is what leads almost unavoidably to multiplatform publishing.
Sony has been frequently courting independent developers in recent months to bring fresh content to its PlayStation platforms. At IndieCade, the PS4-maker was exhibiting host of indie titles which are making their way to PS3, PS4 and PS Vita, including Aban Hawkins & the 1001 Spikes, Blacklight Retribution and Contrast (pictured).
Furthermore, Develop has teamed up with SCEE to host a series of developer open days in London, the first of which begin today. Follow Develop on Twitter for live updates and look out for our report later this week.
October 7th, 2013, 20:10 Posted By: wraggsterEXT Los Santos DayTheres a series of trucks parked in a rough circle. Like a ritual. A meet. Its silent. There are torn up bodies all around. One is breathing. Barely. Theres a bag of money on the gravel, among the spit and the dirt. Our hero picks up the bag. His troubles begin
This is a very specific scene from Grand Theft Auto V, not tied to the main story and therefore not guaranteed to cross your mind as anything of major importance as you cruise Los Santos over the coming days, weeks, months. In fact, its actually a very meticulous recreation of a pivotal scene from the Coen Brothers No Country For Old Men, and anyone familiar with the films opening will immediately identify the homage.
October 7th, 2013, 21:35 Posted By: wraggsterOnline retailer Simply Games has confirmed to MCV that its PS4 pre-order upgrade plan has not been forced upon it by Sony.
The company has been contacting customers who have pre-ordered a PS4 telling them that they must upgrade to a more expensive bundle to secure their machine.
We are aware of some fairly major inaccuracies that have been reported on various web sites, Simply Games director Neil Muspratt told MCV. Whilst this is very regrettable, we have taken the decision not to get involved with internet speculation, rumours and untruths.
We can confirm that ours is largely a retailer-lead initiative and on site we have listed a combination of Sony bundles and our own PS4 bundle offers. By and large these offers have been very well received, to the point at which our launch allocation has now all been sold through.
Sony, meanwhile, has confirmed to MCV that the PS4 upgrades being offered by retail partners are not mandatory.
We value our consumers and offered the bundles precisely to give them choice and value. And the key word there is choice, Sony UK told MCV. We have not nor would we ever force people to buy one of these instead. Sony is not and would not force anyone to buy something they don't want.
Since the announcement of these bundles we have been asking retailers to reach out to their pre-order customers to give them the choice of taking a bundle (which hadn't been announced when they placed their original pre-order).
We continue to work closely with our retail partners to ensure we offer this choice against the challenges of managing demand and inventory in the climate of amazing excitement and unprecedented demand for PlayStation 4.
October 7th, 2013, 21:35 Posted By: wraggsterWarner has announced Injustice: Gods Among Us Ultimate Edition for a number of formats.
One of them is PS4. Not on the list, however, is Xbox One. Also missing is Wii U, despite the fact that the original version of the game was released on Nintendos machine.
High Voltage is developing the PS4 release, which will make use of the systems console-specific features like the controller touchpad and video sharing. The new PS Vita version, developed by Armature Studio will do much the same, introducing touch controls and wi-fi multiplayer.
The Ultimate Edition includes all of the original releases DLC, offering characters such as Batgirl, General Zod and Mortal Kombat star Scorpion.
Injustice: Gods Among Us Ultimate Edition will be released on PS4, Vita, PC, Xbox 360 and PS3 on November 29th.
October 7th, 2013, 21:39 Posted By: wraggsterRockstars Grand Theft Auto V has not just been breaking records on the High Street.
The PlayStation Blog has confirmed that the digital version of the game available for £49.99 on the PlayStation Network has broken the previous sales record enjoyed by The Last of Us to become the biggest ever digital release on the platform.
It may well have been helped, of course, by the fact that the game continues to be relatively hard to come by in some areas.
Also note that the game achieved these sales success despite plenty of talk online about the alleged technical failings of the PSN release allegations that Rockstar has refused to acknowledge from the off, incidentally.
What also remains unclear is exactly how many copies sold on PSN. Does the fact that FIFA 14 a game that costs £59.99 to download or less than £39.99 I shops was second in the PSN chart this week suggest that sales still remain relatively small?
October 7th, 2013, 21:52 Posted By: wraggstervia http://www.made-by-bacteria.com/foru...p=31730#p31730
Here's my first PlayStation 2 portable. This is being entered in the build off. Good luck to other contestants!
Ag-85 polycase
5amp 7.4v batteries
4 inch 4:3 screen
dualshock 2 controller
PS2 slim 79001 motherboard
It plays games off of a usb drive
Internal free mcboot memory card
October 7th, 2013, 22:21 Posted By: wraggsterWhen is Sony's PlayStation 4 mobile app coming to Android and iOS? That's still unknown, but apparently it'll arrive on Sony's own PlayStation Vita handheld in the "next update." That's according to SCE Worldwide Studios head Shuhei Yoshida answering questions on Twitter (as per usual). He also refers to the app as "PS4 Link" -- in previous sightings, the software was referred to as the "PlayStation App."
As for when the next update arrives on Vita that's another unknown, though we'd expect as much before the PS4's November 15th retail launch. Sony says the app will enable browsing your friends list and messaging players, watching and sharing streamed gameplay clips, and more -- it also stands to reason that Vita's version of the app will enable Remote Play functionality, though we'll have to put it to the test later this year when Sony's new game console arrives at Engadget HQ.
October 7th, 2013, 22:27 Posted By: wraggsterAn online retailer has come under fire for informing customers who pre-ordered PS4s that they must now pay between £415 and £470 in order to stay in the pre-order queue for launch day.
Since October 3, SimplyGames has sent emails to customers who pre-ordered PlayStation 4 consoles stating they must upgrade their purchase in order to retain their allocated unit.
According to games website PixelEnemy, the online store is also guaranteeing a system on launch day if two or more standalone consoles are purchased. Those who ordered the basic £350 unit, however, will lose their place in the queue unless they upgrade.
Those affected will need to spend at least £415 for an unofficial bundle, with other packages climbing to £470 in price. Eurogamer, which has published an image of the enforced upgrade choices, shows that some bundles contain unofficial dual-charging cables - confirmation that this bundle has been assembled by the retailer and not likely delegated by Sony.
SimplyGames' decision to hold allocated stock at ransom has sparked outrage on the official European PlayStation forums. Users have pledged to never do business with the retailer again.
"Will never order a single thing from them," reads one of the first comments.
Unverified information published elsewhere suggests that CentreSoft, a distributor that has previously delivered stock to SimplyGames, is forcing the retailer's decision by only supplying bundles.
It is not confirmed that CentreSoft still works with SimplyGames, and it is not believed that any other CentreSoft retail partner is enforcing pre-order upgrades, meaning that the accusation appears unfounded.
Sony has also been accused in the matter. It is alleged that, further up the supply chain, the PlayStation 4 manufacturer has supplied more bundles and less standalone systems than previously anticipated. In a statement sent to CVG, Sony denied these claims:
Sony is not and would not force anyone to buy something they don't want. We value our consumers and offered the bundles precisely to give them choice and value. And the key word there is choice.
We continue to work closely with our retail partners to ensure we offer this choice against the challenges of managing demand and inventory in the climate of amazing excitement and unprecedented demand for PlayStation 4.CentreSoft was unavailable for comment. An employee told CVG that the company has no media relations workers. SimplyGames has not responded to requests for comment, and it does not appear to have a working office number.
Sony MD Fergal Gara previously told CVG that it was still a possibility that all launch day PS4 stock could be met in the UK, thanks in part to high production yields and favourable allocation.
October 7th, 2013, 22:28 Posted By: wraggsterTeam Ico's PS2 classic Shadow of the Colossus will be available at no additional cost to US PlayStation Plus subscribers from Tuesday, October 8.
The game was re-released with enhanced HD visuals for PS3 in 2011, and has the player do battle with a series of giant Colossi in an attempt to resurrect a loved one.
Sony previously confirmed a list of new Instant Game Collection titles in October, including Sine Mora (Vita), Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning (PS3), Poker Night 2 (PS3) and Hotline Miami (PS Vita/PS3, Cross-Buy).
This week's PS Plus Update also adds a list of new game discounts on titles including the Crash Bandicoot series, Tony Hawks Pro Skater, Transformers games and more.
Check out the fill discounts list on the US PS Blog.
October 7th, 2013, 23:02 Posted By: wraggsterInjustice: Gods Among Us Ultimate Edition is, according to Warner Bros, "the comprehensive version of the 2013 best-selling fighting game franchise".
It will include the original game and all downloadable content (a total value of £79), and will retail for £49.99 on PS4, PS3 and Xbox 360, and £29.99 for Vita and PC. North American pricing has yet to be confirmed.
The DLC included features extra characters Lobo, Batgirl, General Zod, Martian Manhunter, Zatanna and Scorpion. More than 40 extra character skins and 60 S.T.A.R. Labs Missions are also now available from the start of the game.
The North American version will also come with the game's soundtrack featuring an exclusive track from Jane's Addiction titled 'Another Soulmate'.
It also marks the debut of the game on PS4, Vita and PC. According to Warner Bros:
"Remastered for next-gen technology by High Voltage, the PS4 system version will feature Touchpad functionality, video sharing and streaming, and will link to players' PlayStation Network Feed page during match wrap-ups and pause menus. High Voltage is also bringing the PC version of the game to hungry fans.
"The PS Vita version, which is adapted for the handheld experience by Armature Studio, will feature touch controls for mini-games in the story mode and S.T.A.R. Labs Missions, Ad-hoc and Wi-Fi multiplayer, collectible hero cards, and all DLC released to date."
In CVG's Injustice review, we said: "Injustice: Gods Among Us isn't a game that's built to last. Short-term exhilaration turns to long-term ennui once the giddiness of its morality-bending world wears off, and for us that make the experience one to pick up in the sales - unless you're utterly Bat-mad. All the same, while it lasts, this is crackingly overblown entertainment."
Injustice: Gods Among Us Ultimate Edition will be released on November 12 in North America and November 29 in Europe.
October 8th, 2013, 14:50 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Hey folks. We had such a good time showcasing Velocity 2X at the Eurogamer Expo, we'd like to share our experience with you!
First of all, we managed to find the courage to jump on stage to talk about Velocity 2X in a Developer Session. For those who missed it, we talked about how we've approached making a PS Minis game desirable for PlayStation 4.
Then it was time to hit the show floor to give players a preview of the game!
The Velocity 2X booth at Eurogamer Expo!
Velocity 2X takes everything that worked in Velocity Ultra and applies it to a side scrolling platformer too!
360 shooting on foot using PS Vita/PS4 dual sticks!
That's right, in Velocity 2X you can get out of your ship to run around on foot. You can also teledash through obstacles and throw a personal teleporter to reach high ledges and solve puzzles!
Take aim and throw a telepod to reach high ledges and solve puzzles!
Kai can teledash through walls, ceilings and floors in Velocity 2X.
We've also revealed the new enemy in the series, the evil Vokh! They are massive, fast and tricky to defeat because of their advanced shield technology! However, as you'll see from the gameplay video below, Kai's teledash creates a spacetime warp that disrupts their shield temporarily; allowing you to get some cheeky shots from behind, #winning!
Of course, once you've taken down the bad guys on foot, you can jump back in your Quarp Jet and continue your mission in flight.
Everything you see here is pre-alpha, which means there's still a LOT of work to do, but as you can see the game is shaping up nicely with a really fresh art style and some dazzling visual effects like anamorphic lens flare, bloom, light refraction and dynamic environment lighting!
Next stop, particle effects!
Our booth was busy throughout the show which lasted four days. Lots of people came back each day to try and beat their scores, dragging their friends with them!
We also learned lots from watching people play, such as making the telepod throwing easier, and we've also decided to remove the lives system. Now you can squash your ship at the bottom of the screen or jump onto boiling hot heaters as many times as you like. You won't get many gold medals though, and we think that is punishment enough
We also found that the game was a hit with male and female players, as well as young and old. Broad appeal for an indie game! Yay!
We think part of the appeal is our awesome female character, Lt. Kai Tana. Here is Jack Hamilton, the chap who gets to draw Kai for a living:
We hope you like what you see folks, and until next time please follow us on Twitter @FuturLab and visit the official site for more information.
October 8th, 2013, 15:42 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Hi everyone, Ando Yota here. Sorry we kept you all waiting!
Malicious, the full on 3D action game that puts you in control of the Mantle of Cinders is reborn on PlayStation Vita tomorrow (priced €12.99/£9.99), packed full of new features!
While Rebirth retains the frantic, short-burst gameplay, freedom of movement and fantasy setting of the original game, it also boasts a new "Rebirth" chapter with new levels, new bosses and new moves! All the original game modes are also available, complete with the worldwide leaderboard.
For the more fashion conscious, we also have created an exclusive "Red Coat" Imperial/Cowboy costume, also available for purchase tomorrow for €0.79/£0.69.
We hope that you will all enjoy Malicious Rebirth, reborn for gaming on the go, out Wednesday 9th October on PlayStation Store!
October 8th, 2013, 16:01 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Hello again PlayStation Blog readers! Tomorrow is the day you've all been waiting for – Worms Revolution Extreme launches for PlayStation Vita, meaning you can now keep your Worms army mobile. You can download Worms Revolution Extreme for your PS Vita via PSN for just £11.99/€14.99!
Worms Revolution Extreme includes all the content of Worms Revolution plus the three DLC packs (Mars, Funfair and Medieval Tales) that were previously released are all included in this one, complete handheld Worms package. That makes for one extensive single player campaign including a whopping combined total of 72 missions and puzzles!
Unlock different worm classes to play as, pick from the Soldier, Scientist, Scout and Heavy and make a team of your choosing taking into account each classes' pros and cons. Get ready for hilarious chain reactions which are enhanced by the addition of dynamic water, water weapons and exploding physics objects!
Already made lots of progress in Worms Revolution? Then take advantage of the Cross-Save functionality to carry on your save game progress on the PlayStation Vita!
There's also a really fun multiplayer mode for up to four players which can either be played locally, pass-and-play on the same Vita, or you take your battle global as you fight against players from across the world!
Aside from the main game modes we've added in some really cool features which utilise some of the awesome functionality that the Vita brings. We've added in a new cross-gifting Treasure Mode which enables you to link up with your friends who have a PS3 system (or vice versa). Beat these 10 side objectives in either offline versus or online battles to receive a key and connect to a friend's PlayStation 3 system with the corresponding chest to unlock the treasure!
Take advantage of the PS Vita's touch screen controls to quickly select your weapon from the panel for swifter goes, you can also pan and zoom the camera using the touch screen, or stick to classic button controls if you prefer! We've also added in the option to use the rear touch pad to control your aiming reticule when taking shots at enemy invertebrates.
We hope you'll have fun with this ultimate handheld version of Worms and we'll hopefully see some of you out there on the online battlefield!
October 8th, 2013, 16:41 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
You drift towards a pastel island where everything sings as you pass.
The sky begins to darken and something in the distance catches your eye…
I'm Ed Key, one of the developers of Proteus along with composer David Kanaga. Proteus came out for the PC and Mac in January 2013 and had a fantastic reception from Edge, Eurogamer, IGN and many more. For something that started out as a weird experimental project between me and David, this was pretty mind-blowing, and it's even crazier to now have the chance to bring it to PS3 and PS Vita with some brand new features that take advantage of Sony's hardware.
Proteus is something like a constantly-remixing ambient album in the form of an immersive island world. It's all about a particular feeling of wandering through nature alone, taking it in and getting pleasantly lost. Maybe it's a little bit about magic and mortality too. Don't expect tasks and scores and checklists – perhaps Proteus lurks somewhere on the shady fringes of what it means to be a game.
With the PS Vita and PS3 version we've been adding new ways to engage with – and remix – the world. Previously, all Proteus islands were purely random, but on PS Vita, you can now choose to generate an island based on your current geographical location and on both platforms you can generate an island for the current date.
Both features have a chance of generating an especially "wild" island with various tweaks and twists. The island at my house, for example, has weird purple sea, green sky in the evening and some pleasant (but still very purple) inland lakes.
We've also added a way for users to interact with the environment using the back touch screen, and we'll be talking more about this closer to release.
Curve Studios is doing a fantastic job bringing the game to PlayStation, adding a lot of love and polish along the way. Playing it hand-held on the Vita's bright OLED screen is so nice, as is the experience of playing it a on big television through the PlayStation 3. We've had a very positive response to the PlayStation version from people I've shown it to, and I'm happy to quote a friend here and say that it's the best version of Proteus there's ever been!
October 8th, 2013, 17:01 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Hello PlayStation community! We've been releasing free updates for Soul Sacrifice for the past five months. It's bittersweet for us to share that tomorrow's big 1.30 update, which adds 16 challenging new quests, will be the final one. Make sure you update your game to version 1.30 when the Store updates on Wednesday!
Unlike some of the previous updates, there's no need to download unlock keys from PlayStation Store to start playing the 16 new quests.
After installing the update, simply go to Read Journal > Mad Chronicle > Inside Avalon > Avalon Pacts > Forgotten Pacts to play the new quests. You will see "Hour of Pure White" and "Hour of Blackness" added to the section. Game progress to a certain point may be required.
The final 16 quests are all difficulty level 10! You'll be tasked with facing challenging boss characters you may have come across before. Will you be up for the thrilling rematches, or will they get the best of you?
Thank you all for your support on Soul Sacrifice over the past several months. We hope you will enjoy the final quests and continue to enjoy the world of Soul Sacrifice on PlayStation Vita!
October 8th, 2013, 18:01 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Tomorrow sees the launch of BEYOND: Two Souls across Europe, except for the UK, where it arrives on Friday. And in anticipation of that, today we have our launch trailer.
It's been an exciting journey since this title was unveiled back at E3 2012. Earlier this year the game was honoured with an official selection by the Tribeca Film Festival, and at E3 and Gamescom this year we gave media and fans the chance to trial the game for themselves, and see the advances in both storytelling and gameplay made by Quantic Dream since their last title Heavy Rain.
Last week the demo went live on PlayStation Store, featuring two full levels from the game. If you haven't downloaded it yet, I'd recommend you do so. And also last week we hosted the world premiere of the game at the Grand Rex Theatre in Paris, including a panel discussion featuring writer/director David Cage, lead actors Ellen Page and Willem Dafoe, and soundtrack composer Lorne Balfe.
BEYOND: Two Souls really does represent a huge step forward in interactive storytelling and shows how developers can truly blur the line between video games and cinema. It's a unique experience – with gripping performances delivered in full performance capture by Ellen and Willem, unparalleled cinematic presentation, and a powerfully emotional and thrilling story which branches off in different directions based on your choices and actions. If you're a fan of great storytelling, this is an experience not to be missed.
We hope you enjoy the game when you pick up your copy this week, and that you'll continue the conversation around your experience with your friends, both offline and online. Every person is going to have a different experience with this game, in part because of how many variations the story can take, but also because key moments of Jodie's life will resonate in different ways with each person. By living Jodie's story, you'll help create your own. Enjoy!
October 8th, 2013, 18:20 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
We've got a bunch of Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag announcements for you this week PlayStation Assassins! Let's get right to it with the announcement on our single-player DLC: Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag: Freedom Cry!
Over the course of AC4, you will get to know the Jackdaw's Quartermaster Adewale very well… but in the upcoming downloadable episode Freedom Cry, you will lead him from despair to victory! Captain Edward Kenway knows Adewale to be a trusty and capable deck officer, but what mysterious circumstances led him to the brash and brutal life of a pirate?
You'll get a peek in AC4, but you'll get the full story along with what comes after Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag: Freedom Cry! View the video below to learn the incredible backstory…
This forthcoming DLC episode in the saga of AC4 will deliver the following features:
An Imposing Assassin: In addition to being an exceptional sailor and pirate, Adewale has become the master of several types of melee weaponry and commands the will to use them.Fight Slavery in 18th Century Haiti: Journey to exotic Port au Prince and rebuild the Maroon resistance using skills honed by Assassin training and fueled by a hunger for justice.All Fear Captain Adewale: Adewale commands the Experto Crede, a daunting brig you'll be able to customize and strengthen into the terror of the slave trade in the Caribbean!
Purchase the Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag Season Pass and get Freedom Cry at no additional cost as well as exclusive ship customisations for Edward Kenway's Jackdaw, extra single-player missions, weapons, costumes and collectibles… not to mention new characters in AC4′s multiplayer too! All offered at a reduced price.
And finally, we have a video highlighting the awesomeness of working with a great partner like PlayStation, particularly when it comes to creating exclusive content like the Aveline missions for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4! Watch AC4 Game Director Ashraf Ismail discuss the fruits of our close cooperation with PlayStation…
Aveline has quickly become a fan favorite, so we're delighted to be able to bring more of her story exclusively to PlayStation consoles!
Defy oppression in Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag!
October 8th, 2013, 19:10 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Home will briefly be offline from 8.00am BST on Wednesday 9th October for routine maintenance. Here's what to expect after the update…
Beyond: Two Souls in PlayStation Home
Play the interactive mini game via the Home Square and watch how you become an entity enabling you to find hidden orbs. This will reward you with exclusive Beyond: Two Souls content, featuring quotes that feature in the game.
Underground Mononoke Race
Can you escape from the Ushi-oni? Great Edo of Nippon's Underground Mononoke Race is here! Deep beneath the streets of Great Edo lays a mysterious cavern. Those who carelessly enter, beware!v The Ushi-oni appears! Will you make it back to the surface and live to see the light of day once more?!
Defend Edo
Introducing the Lancer class for Operation: Defend Edo! Wielding a massive sword and shield, the new Lancer class is ready to overwhelm the opposition! Clad in plate armour, the Lancer holds steady, guarding against his enemy's attacks until he finds a gap…and strikes! The Lancer's strength is a perfect match for the Great Blue Centipede now marching through Edo.
Autumn Outfits
With the new Jacket and Scarf Outfit Set, autumn has never looked so good! For women, this set features sunglasses, a jacket with scarf, a pencil skirt with or without stockings, and high heels. For men, the set includes sunglasses, a jacket with scarf, chino pants and arabesque-pattern shoes.
Pride Collection
Pride Festivals around the world are a mesmerising sight and do so much to promote equality for the LGBT community. Flamboyant costumes and a welcoming atmosphere are a staple of the Festivals and parades. For the first time in Home we are bringing the Pride Collection of clothing and an LMO!
BoxBeats: Horror
Perfect for all of your personal spaces at this time of the year. BoxBeats: Horror comes with a variety of different spooky sounds to creep your visitors out!
Possessed Fridge/Freezer
The question you will be asked the most when your guests see these two mysterious items in your apartment will be; "what is in there?" Feel free to answer that question, if you can!
Atom Republic – Personal Transporters
The Personal Transporter LMO will let you explore Home at top speed! This slick and modern vehicle comes in 5 different finishes: chrome, gold, black, red and white.
Hellfire Games – Home Tycoon
Home Tycoon's 1-year anniversary celebration is going on all month in October, with fun events and promotions each week! This week, drive for FREE in Home Tycoon during Free Test Drive Week, October 9-16!
Toylogic – Floral collection
Included in this collection are various types of floral corsages that can go with any of your outfits. Browse through the wide variety of floral creations and find your favourite one!
Acorn Meadows Park Update
Ever wanted to get a coffee for that special someone or buy your friend an ice cream? Well now you can! This week there's also a brand new way to rent the pedal boats. You can rent them as normal or you can now use Acorns to purchase a locomotion version of the boat which will grant you unlimited access in the same way as the bikes! Lastly a 3D Printer has been added to the path opposite the Picnic Stall, have a look!
The third instalment of the exciting new Element clothes and skateboard LMO's launch this week, not to be missed!
This week brings the second selection of MorphMasks to Home. With six new masks for both male and female, there's even more choice for your party attire needs.
Pretty Pink Bundle
Show your love of all things pink with the Pretty In Pink Value Bundle, which includes the cute Cupcake Dress, Hot Pink Bikini, Pink Butterfly dress, and Pink Orchid Superhero outfit.
Cabaret Cutie
Virtual Life is a cabaret, old chum, or so the saying (sort of) goes. Lockwood's latest outfits recall a time when young women dreamed of high-kicking their way to fame in the chorus line, or belting out hits on Broadway.
Drop Science – Price Drop
WAIT! STOP! Drop Science Time! (That didn't work as well as we thought) anyway, YES, that's right we have just one more Boom-Boom-Shake-the-room bit of excitement to unleash on you! Huge price drop on the Drop Science Subway Pack!
Gimme an L… Gimme an O… Gimme a C… Okay, that's going to take too long. Let's just skip to the good bit: The new peppy cheerleading anims and colourful pom poms will have you brimming over with team spirit. Shake those pom poms like you mean it!
Colour changing contact lenses
Ever feel like your friends don't pay you enough attention? Well, you can ensure they're all eyes and ears with the latest Gift Machine accessories.
The Nightmare Yacht
Even the undead fall in love. And this Halloween, Lockwood invite you to attend the double wedding of the century. Two crumbling couples, walking skeletons Vinny and Ginny, and zombie love birds Cezar and Catrina will tie the knot aboard a creaking, nightmarish yacht!
Codeglue – Fall Collection
These new hot dresses are perfect for the Home user that loves to combine clothing from their wardrobe. The dresses are split into a top and skirt and can be combined with glasses, boots, a purse, bracelets and a ring.
That's all for now. See you in PlayStation Home!
October 9th, 2013, 00:25 Posted By: wraggsterThe single player component of Battlefield 4 will feel quite different from what was offered in Battlefield 3, DICE has said.
"We got a lot of feedback from the Battlefield 3 single player, DICE creative director Lars Gustavsson told CVG. Based on what we intended to deliver the team did a great job, but given that it's a Battlefield product there were a lot of expectations that it would be more open
"What we promised ourselves [with Battlefield 4] was to unify the product more, so we infused a lot of the things from multiplayer from being able to use your squad into multiplayer, so now you can use them in single player to engage enemies.
First and foremost we're opening up the encounters more to give you the freedom to decide how to tackle them, whereas in Battlefield 3 it was more 'pick up that one and kill that one', which I can agree is not the most exciting way. Players want to feel smart doing what they're doing.
We do single player because we want to and we've learned a lot while doing it, and I think we have a great story to tell."
October 9th, 2013, 12:22 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Hi guys! My name is Daniel Krauß from bitComposer Games and over the past 10 months we´ve been working together with Peter Nagy and his team from GamesFarm on Air Conflicts: Vietnam, the third title of the Air Conflicts series.
After taking the series to Europe and the Pacific, we're now transporting the player to a completely new and underrepresented scenario. Besides, we have to admit that as Kilgore said in Apocalypse Now – we love the smell of the napalm in the morning…
So, what is Air Conflicts: Vietnam all about?
Get into your jet or helicopter and witness the Vietnam War through eyes of our main character Joe Thompson. Fly over jungles, mountains and lowlands in a huge array of different aircraft from the Vietnam era, both fixed wing and helicopters. Experience the story of Joe as a pilot – leader of a squadron of men with varied talents and traits, all of whom you control – and of Joe as a family man – a son, a husband, a father; a moral man who comes to question his patriotism and sense of duty as the horrors of the Vietnam War unfold.
It may be an Arcade experience at heart but we keep it real when it comes to historical accuracy. Air Conflicts: Vietnam is focused on some of the most famous battles of the Vietnam War, presenting them from Joe's perspective as a pilot in the US Navy. We've striven to present the game from various angles, showing both sides of the Vietnam coin. However, it is the story of one pilot and his family back home – a story describing the influence of war on all involved; both the good and the bad.
Challenge yourself in dogfights against the supersonic MiGs of the NVA, deploy troops and support them from the mounted gun of your UH-1 Iroquois, and fly top secret missions to interrupt the supply lines of the infamous Ho Chi Minh Trail. Defend yourself from the unrelenting AA of the enemy forces, search out and rescue your lost comrades before they fall prey to the Viet Cong, and aid in the evacuation of civilians and military personnel in the last days of the war and the eventual fall of Saigon.
Air Conflicts: Vietnam launches on 16th October for PlayStation 3, via PlayStation Network, priced £31.99/€39.99.
October 9th, 2013, 13:01 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
For the uninitiated, PlayStation All-Stars Island is a free downloadable app for smartphone and tablets that features PlayStation-inspired games based on the Uncharted, Gravity Rush and LittleBigPlanet series, among others. In conjunction with the app, we're offering some great savings on related titles in our new, aptly named, PlayStation All-Stars Island sale.
Check out the discounts below – they go live when PlayStation Store updates later today and run until 15th October 2013. PlayStation Plus members receive an additional 10% discount on all savings!
Was €14.99/£10.99, now €10.04/£7.36
inFAMOUS 2
Was €19.99/£15.99, now €12.99/£10.39
Not available in Turkey
inFAMOUS Collection
Was €34.99/£28.49, now €19.94/£16.23
Was €14.99/£10.99, now €10.04/£7.36
Not available in Bulgaria, Hungary, Qatar
LittleBigPlanet 2
Was €14.99/£10.99, now €10.04/£7.36
PlayStation All-Stars: Battle Royale
Was €19.99/£15.99, now €12.99/£10.39
Uncharted: Drake's Fortune
Was €14.99/£10.99, now €10.04/£7.36
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
Was €14.99/£10.99, now €10.04/£7.36
Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception (GOTY edition)
Was €24.99/£19.99, now €19.99/£15.99
PSP/PS Vita:LittleBigPlanet (PSP)
Was €7.99/£6.49, now €3.99/£3.24
Not available in Bulgaria, Hungary, Qatar
Gravity Rush
Was €14.99/£11.99, Now €10.04/£8.03
LittleBigPlanet PlayStation Vita
Was €14.99/£11.99, now €11.99/£9.59
Uncharted: Fight for Fortune Complete Edition
Was €8.99/£7.29, now €6.02/£4.88
Uncharted: Golden Abyss
Was €24.99/£19.99, now €14.99/£11.99
October 9th, 2013, 15:20 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Drakengard fans, rejoice! We're proud to announce that Drakengard 3 is coming to PlayStation 3 in digital format next year.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Drakengard series, and it's been seven years since the launch of Drakengard 2. Producer Takamasa Shiba is back to bring you along on another incredible and twisted journey.
Never played the original Drakengard? What many people don't know about Drakengard 3 is that it's actually a prequel, and leads up to the events of the original Drakengard. Perfect for existing fans of the series – and newcomers too!
For all those Square Enix music fans, renowned Composer Keichi Okabe, who scored Nier, joins the Drakengard family, and crafted a beautiful soundtrack for this game. I have to say, the music in Drakengard 3 is amazing. Certainly for me, it's one of the highlights of the trailer! Excited? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Drakengard 3 is slated for a digital release next year exclusively on the PS3, and you can pre-order now at the Square Enix store.
Oh, and remember to follow Drakengard on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates!
October 9th, 2013, 15:31 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
This week on PlayStation Store, take on action-packed boss battles in Malicious Rebirth. Malicious Rebirth adds a new sequel episode to the PS3 original, featuring new enemies to encounter and destroy. Now you'll be able to enjoy short bursts of boss mode type action on the go.
Sticking with the theme of destruction, Team-17 brings Worms Revolution Extreme to PS Vita. The first appearance for the franchise on the handheld, it retains the series' classic gameplay, with an extensive single player campaign to play through and of course, online multiplayer!
Ending the week's round up, there's still the Out of Control and Lego sales to get involved with if you haven't already, and a new All-Stars Island sale with even more stuff on offer. Come back next week where we'll have another round of discounts to share.
New PlayStation Network content Content may be added or removed, or move dates – please stay tuned to your weekly Store Update for the most up to date listings. Listed savings are approximate, based on SRP excluding Special Offer pricing and should be considered as a guide only.
PlayStation Plus Worms Crazy Gold – 75% off for PS Plus members (ends Tuesday 22nd October 2013)
PS3 games
Air Conflicts: Vietnam
Price: £31.99/€39.99
Availability: Not available in Croatia, India, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, Ukraine, UAE
Battle Of Tiles Ex (trial available)
Price: £9.89/€12.49
Availability: Not available in Australia, New Zealand
Dishonored Game Of The Year Edition (available from 11th October)
Price: £29.99/€39.99
Availability: Not available in Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Russia, Ukraine
Orc Attack (Trial available)
Price: £7.99/€9.99
Availability: Not available in Russia
Pinballistik Aliens'n'Cowboys
Price: £2.39/€2.99
Availability: Not available in Australia, New Zealand
Price: £11.99/€14.99
Spongebob Squarepants: Plankton's Robotic Revenge (available from 11th October)
Price: £29.99/€39.99
PS Vita games
Malicious Rebirth
Price: £9.99/€12.99
Worms Revolution Extreme
Price: £11.99/€14.99
PS mobile Dark Quest
Price: £3.39/€4.29
Zen Accumulator
Price: £2.59/€3.29
PS3 DLCCastle CrashersCan't Stop Crying PackLegend Of The Blacksmith PackCan't Stop Crying PackLegend Of The Blacksmith PackThe Pink Knight Pack
Price: £1.59/€1.99
Availability: Not available in Bulgaria, Hungary, Qatar,
Dead Or Alive 5 Ultimate
Intimate Ayane CostumeIntimate Kasumi Costume
Price: £1.59/€1.99
Availability: Not available in Russia
Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness
Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness – Fuka & Desco (£2.39/€2.99)Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness – Legacy Pack (Free)
Availability: Not available in Russia
Dust 514
Dust 514: Tactical Edition
Price: £15.99/€19.99
Dynasty Warriors 8
Base Theme 1 (£1.59/€1.99)Base Theme 2 (£1.59/€1.99)Japanese Voice Option (Free)New Weapon Pack 1 (£1.59/€1.99)New Weapon Pack 2 (£1.59/€1.99)New Weapon Pack 3 (£1.59/€1.99)New Weapon Pack Set 1 (£3.99/€4.99)
Availability: Not available in Russia
Injustice Gods Among Us
The Arrow Skin
Price: Free
Tales Of Xillia
Idolmaster Costume Set
Price: £5.49/€6.99
Zombie Driver HD
Tropical Race Rage
Price: £2.39/€2.99
Availability: Not available in Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Russia, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine
PS Vita DLC Malicious Rebirth
Imperial Uniform
Price: £0.65/€0.79
Sale Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen
Bitterblack Armor Pack (£1.19/€1.49)Edit Options (£0.79/€0.99)Fighter Ring Set (£0.39/€0.49)Mage Ring Set (£0.39/€0.49)Rift King Pack (£1.99/€2.49)Rift Knight Pack (£0.39/€0.49)Rift Queen Pack (£0.79/€0.99)Strider Ring Set (£0.39/€0.49)
Price Drops Die!Die!Die! (PSVita) – £2.39/€2.99
October 9th, 2013, 16:03 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Zen Studios pays tribute to the Dark Lord of the Sith in a special Darth Vader tribute pinball table, releasing next week on PlayStation Network for PS3 and PS Vita (Cross Buy) in the new Star Wars Pinball: Balance of the Force pack. You can download the tables in Zen Pinball 2, or in the stand alone Star Wars game for £7.99/€9.99.
Experience the power of the Dark Side as you flip your way through the biggest moments in Lord Vader's life, packed with his most memorable quotes and scenes from the beloved Star Wars films.
Star Wars fans will be treated to an authentic Darth Vader experience, as the entire table lives and breathes a highly stylized Darth Vader atmosphere complete with iconic lines from the films and Darth Vader's Meditation pod!
If you missed the posts talking about the other tables in the pack, be sure to check them out on the PS Blog.
Episode VI – Return of the JediStarfigher Assault
See you on the leaderboards!
October 9th, 2013, 17:01 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
In an age of horror games with carefully crafted scares and incredibly detailed environments, Zombie Studios is trying something new with its upcoming horror game, Daylight. Players awake inside an abandoned hospital, with only the light of their cellphone to guide them through the thick black. But unlike other horror games, Daylight changes every time you play.
To better understand Daylight, and the scares within, we asked Zombie Studios Creative Director Andre Maguire to explain how the game came together and why procedurally generated scares give the horror genre a shot in the arm. Maguire also tells us about developing on PS4, and what inspired the team members in their creative process.
Daylight is tentatively scheduled to launch in early 2014.
What inspired the team at Zombie Studios to develop a hardcore horror title like Daylight, especially following successful first-person shooters such as Blacklight?
Andre Maguire: We love the horror genre, and we wanted to try and create a game that would be scary every time you played it. We knew that we had something special with Unreal Engine 4, and the ability to procedurally generate environments and scary content, so it just made sense. What scares people is the unknown, and with this game, you really never know what's lurking around the next corner.
What's it like developing for PS4? What opportunities does PS4 provide that you can't get elsewhere?
Andre Maguire: Developing for PS4 is amazing – combined with UE4, it's the perfect match. The controller is incredibly high quality, which is great for a first-person game experience. We're finding that players just feel that much more connected to the game world with it, which is great for horror.
The Share feature is fun, too. Players can capture their best scares in Daylight and share them out to their friends with a touch of a button. We're excited by how it's all coming together.
What's your take on the current state of horror games, and how do you see Daylight adding to the genre?
Andre Maguire: The procedural creation of content in Daylight is where we're trying something new for the genre. This approach allows for a massive amount of replayability, without feeling like you're experiencing the same scary moments over and over. This is another reason why it's so cool to develop for PS4. The additional horsepower has opened up quite a few opportunities for us!
Is it challenging to create procedurally generated worlds, especially in a genre where controlled scares are so critical? How does the team maintain control of the tension?
Andre Maguire: The procedural environment actually helps us quite a bit in terms of tension. A core part of the gameplay will be to learn the layouts of the environments, which will be different every time. Combine that with the story and characters we're developing, and the tension is going to shoot through the roof.
What did the team learn from past projects that applies to the development of Daylight?
Andre Maguire: Zombie Studios has been developing games for nearly 20 years now. There's a ton of experience to draw from and really, every project has been invaluable in terms of developing our process and making better and better games. Daylight is the culmination of all that experience.
How does the main character's cell phone fit in during play? How does it influence the rest of Daylight's design?
Andre Maguire: Daylight is a modern-day game, so we thought the cell phone made sense. Initially, the cell phone functions like you'd expect, but, later, it becomes much more significant in terms of gameplay. It'll be used as a light source, a way to map out the environments, and as a communications device. It's going to fit nicely with the procedural environments in Daylight.
What were the team's experiences working alongside writer Jessica Chobot? How did that collaboration come about?
Andre Maguire: Jessica is awesome! The partnership started kind of by accident. We needed a writer, and she was interested in doing a next-gen horror. After a few discussions about tone and how we were going to go about the gameplay, it seemed like a great fit. We put together a prototype and she put together a story treatment, and it just worked.
Does the team have a "favorite" horror game that they look to for the best scares?
Andre Maguire: Certainly the Silent Hill games were awesome; the System Shock and BioShock games were amazing as well. Horror games that have great "world stories" in addition to the character stories are always a plus. It may be fair to say we skew a bit more toward the psychological horror side of things in terms of our preferences. We love so many horror games though – it's difficult to choose just one.
October 9th, 2013, 19:04 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Hello PlayStation Blog! It's been awhile. How are we all? Today I wanted to share with you a short film we put together at an Assassins Creed IV: Black Flag event we had special access to last month, including some more information on exclusive PlayStation content for the game.
I was lucky enough to enjoy a good stint of gameplay on PS4, including multiplayer, and it didn't disappoint. With the added graphical detail on PS4, the single player story mode is totally immersive, offering a huge open pirate world for you to plunder.
What I found most impressive was how the story links into actual historical events, delving deep into real pirate culture and folklore. And the online play? So. Much. Fun.
Check out the video for a closer look, and stay tuned – we'll have a few more clips coming your way in the next few weeks too, including something slightly different!
October 9th, 2013, 21:30 Posted By: wraggsterDesire to ship console without a graphics chip pushed it back an entire year
A flawed ambition to ship PlayStation 3 without a graphic processing unit was a major reason for the consoles year-long delay, fresh interviews with Sony staff have revealed.
Speaking to IGN, members of Naughty Dog, said that PS3 was intended to launch in 2005, but the Sonys hardware team lead by Ken Kuturagi originally wanted the systems Cell chip and SPUs to handle its entire graphics processing.
We had started this ICE [Initiative for a Common Engine] team with the intent of developing some core technology that could be shared amongst all the first parties, back at the end of Jak II, said an unnamed source.
We thought, okay, Jak 3 will come out that was 2004 and then wed have another year. Then wed get our PS3 game out.
Naughty Dog soon got Amy Hennig, creator of Uncharted series, involved to start coming up with ideas for the new console. But with the system delayed, she worked on Jak 3.
Jak X, the studios last PS2 game, was only supposed to be a stopgap before it moved on to after the entire [PS3] was delayed by a year.
For a while, [PS3 had] no GPU, it was going to run everything with SPUs, the source said.
Sony poured at least $400 million into the development of the Cell processor. For sometime, the companys ambition, another source said, was for PS3 to go without a GPU at all; Cell was expected to do all the heavy lifting.
The ICE team proved to Japan that it was just impossible. It would be ridiculous. Performance-wise, it would be a disaster. Thats why they finally added the GPU, closer to the end.
PlayStation 3 was revealed for the first time at E3 2005 in Los Angeles. By that point, Sony had struck a deal with Nvidia to supply its console with a GPU and plans for a 2005 launch were abandoned, leaving Microsoft to get a head start with Xbox 360.
Another source added: I think that the hardware guys focused too much on getting the [Sonys proprietary processor] CELL working that the GPU project [for PlayStation 3] ultimately fell behind.
October 9th, 2013, 21:58 Posted By: wraggsterRockstars GTA V has only been on sale for just over three weeks but the game has already claimed seven world records.
The PS3 and Xbox 360 epic sold 11.2m units in its first day, generating revenues of $815.7m/£511.8m. It hit $1bn/£624.25m after just three days.
In the process it has beaten previous record holders Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, The Avengers and Avatar.
"GTA totally deserves to be recognized as an icon of modern British culture, and we're thrilled to be able to feature the game in the record books, Guinness World Records editor-in-chief Craig Glenday said.
Gaming is no longer a niche hobby, as GTA V has proved, and how exciting that it's taken on the might of Hollywood and won! I'm also doubly proud as a Dundonian to welcome this home-grown series back into the Guinness World Records book.
Here are its seven records in full:
1. Best-selling action-adventure video game in 24 hours
2. Best-selling video game in 24 hours
3. Fastest entertainment property to gross $1bn
4. Fastest video game to gross $1bn
5. Highest grossing video game in 24 hours
6. Highest revenue generated by an entertainment product in 24 hours
7. Most viewed trailer for an action-adventure video game
October 9th, 2013, 22:12 Posted By: wraggsterBetween creating Marble Madness and helping design the PlayStation 4, Mark Cerny has seen the process of making games transform time and again over his career. And while the growing popularity of independently developed games is bringing some development team sizes back to where they were when he first started, Cerny told the parallels between the two eras pretty much end there.
"It is absolutely not like us back in those days," Cerny said when asked if current indie studios reminded him of his early years. "So Atari was one-person teams, or two-person teams. But because it was coin-operated games, there was dedicated hardware, and those cabinets cost $3,000."
As a result, there was a huge amount of infrastructure built up around each game, Cerny said, with multiple levels of management tracking and green-lighting the work from a single programmer. Developers were similarly stifled at Sega, where Cerny worked on games like Kid Chameleon and Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
"If you look at what we were doing at Sega, that was, in some sense, I hate to say it, shovelware," Cerny said. "It was one programmer, one designer, three months, and you just shipped it. And the quality was low and they didn't care. That is so far from what we call indie today, which is a labor of love and you never know when it will be done. It'll be done when it'll be done, when it achieves the creator's vision."
As system architect for the PlayStation 4, Cerny was also asked about any misconceptions regarding the soon-to-launch system that he would like to clear up.
"John Carmack came out recently and said that the [Xbox One and PS4] console hardware seems to be about the same level of performance," Cerny said. "I think that probably the power of the PS4 is a little bit underappreciated there in that statement. But you have to take it from John Carmack's perspective. This is a man who builds spaceships, right? So from his perspective, he's 20 years out in the future looking back, and they all kind of look the same."
Cerny didn't seem to take the slight too personally, calling Carmack a "true genius," citing his work on engines as evidence of an "unbelievable" level of vision.
October 9th, 2013, 22:37 Posted By: wraggsterThe $100 difference between the Xbox One's $500 launch price and the PlayStation 4's $400 launch price comes down to Sony's PlayStation 4 Eye: the motion and voice-sensing peripheral that acts very much like Microsoft's Kinect. Apparently Sony intended on including the Eye with its PS4 at launch this November, but word came from on high at Sony Computer Entertainment that the console needed to keep its $400 asking price and not lose "too much" in the process (the console, at $400, is being sold at a loss).
SCE president and group CEO Andrew House doesn't see the Eye's exclusion as an issue for PlayStation, though, as he told Business Spectator, "the vast majority of the audience that we speak to tells us that their primary wish is for the full controller interface and there's not necessarily a huge emphasis being placed on camera interaction." House said he could see SCE "adjust messaging" on the Eye in due time, but it remains to be seen how much users demand the Eye as part of the PS4 hardware bundle. Somewhat bizarrely, the console comes with a copy of PS4 tech demo The Playroom, much of which employes the Eye (see a lengthy walkthrough in video form below).
Regardless, the difference in strategy here is one major distinction between two game consoles that are, in many ways, extremely similar. Microsoft's taken an "all-in" approach with its new version of Kinect, risking a higher initial price for the ubiquity that including Kinect brings. Considering the company sold over 24 million of its standalone motion-sensing camera on Xbox 360, we're anxious to see what including Kinect in the box will mean for Xbox One sales.
October 9th, 2013, 22:55 Posted By: wraggsterThe discounts, which cover Uncharted, Infamous and LittleBigPlanet games, as well as Gravity Rush and PlayStation All-Stars: Battle Royale, will run until October 15.
PS3:infamous, Was 14.99/£10.99, now 10.04/£7.36inFAMOUS 2, Was 19.99/£15.99, now 12.99/£10.39, Not available in TurkeyinFAMOUS Collection, Was 34.99/£28.49, now 19.94/£16.23LittleBigPlanet, Was 14.99/£10.99, now 10.04/£7.36, Not available in Bulgaria, Hungary, QatarLittleBigPlanet 2, Was 14.99/£10.99, now 10.04/£7.36PlayStation All-Stars: Battle Royale, Was 19.99/£15.99, now 12.99/£10.39Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, Was 14.99/£10.99, now 10.04/£7.36,Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, Was 14.99/£10.99, now 10.04/£7.36Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception (GOTY edition), Was 24.99/£19.99, now 19.99/£15.99
PSP/Vita:LittleBigPlanet (PSP), Was 7.99/£6.49, now 3.99/£3.24, Not available in Bulgaria, Hungary, QatarGravity Rush, Was 14.99/£11.99, Now 10.04/£8.03LittleBigPlanet PlayStation Vita, Was 14.99/£11.99, now 11.99/£9.59Uncharted: Fight for Fortune Complete Edition, Was 8.99/£7.29, now 6.02/£4.88Uncharted: Golden Abyss, Was 24.99/£19.99, now 14.99/£11.99
October 9th, 2013, 22:59 Posted By: wraggsterProteus will release for PlayStation 3 and PS Vita later this month boasting new features exclusive to consoles.
Originally released for PC and Mac in January, Proteus is a procedurally generated exploration game which, according to co-creator Ed Key, "lurks somewhere on the shady fringes of what it means to be a game."
The Sony editions were announced in July and will come with new features. For the PS Vita version, users can generate a world based on their current, real world geographical location.
Meanwhile, both the PS Vita and PS3 versions can generate islands based on the current date, taking into account weather conditions.
The port will also implement the PS Vita's backpad, though more details on how the functionality will work will be revealed in the near future.
If you're curious to know more about Proteus, CVG's own senior citizen correspondent Gamer Gran reviewed the game.
October 9th, 2013, 23:07 Posted By: wraggsterOne of co-op RPG/brawler Dragon's Crown's most disappointing features is that it doesn't allow cross-play between its PS3 and Vita versions. Well that shouldn't be a problem for long as publisher Atlus just revealed that it's adding this feature in an update due "very soon."Unfortunately, it's only confirmed the update in North America and Japan - where it's already live. But the fact that it's in development for the English-language version shows a lot of promise for European shores. I've reached out to Atlus to see what I can find out about Europe receiving this too and will update if I get confirmation either way.Our Martin Robinson wasn't incredibly fond of Dragon's Crown. He admired the co-op experience it turned into on harder settings once he'd unlocked online multiplayer and a robust move set, but questioned its decision to bury this content 15 or so hours into the game. "It's a chaotic logic that tries to justify a 15-hour trawl to reach something that resembles the breezy engagement of the scrolling brawler - a genre that, let's not forget, has its roots in 20-minute sessions fueled by 50p coins," he wrote in his Dragon's Crown review.That being said, he realised he was an outlier, and fans of the genre may still enjoy it. "Some people absolutely love it, and I can see why," he added in a comment. "For me it had its moments, but I wasn't particularly pleased with having to wait so long to get to them. Definitely worthwhile if you're curious, and it shows off the Vita better than anything else."
October 9th, 2013, 23:13 Posted By: wraggsterHitbox Team's score-attack platformer Dustforce is heading to Xbox 360, PS3 and Vita this January, publisher Capcom has announced.House of leaves.
The console version will cost 9.99 / $9.99, and the PS3/Vita ports will support cross saves and crossplay, meaning players on each Sony platform can play with each and transfer their saves back and forth. Curiously, Cross-Buy isn't mentioned, so it's unclear if buying it on one Sony platform unlocks it on the other. We're looking into it, but wouldn't hold our breaths.The console version of Dustforce will feature over 50 stages, up to four-player multiplayer and online leaderboards. Additionally the Vita port will have ad-hoc support, while the PS3 version will sport replay saves."It's hard not to admire the pat precision of the controls or deny the transcendent joy of a high-ranking run," wrote EG-contributor Marsh Davies in his Dustforce review. "Those with an addiction to high scores will love the many hours they spend smashing themselves repeatedly against the levels' pitiless design."
October 10th, 2013, 12:03 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
It's already been a big October for football gamers. First came the release of FIFA 14, sending footie fans into long nights of button smashing as they got to grips with the latest edition of everyone's favourite football game.
The next big news for FIFA players was FIFA's announcement that the FIFA Interactive World Cup 2014 Grand Final (the official gaming equivalent of the real thing) is heading to Brazil at the same time as the 2014 World Cup. That's right, for the first time ever, the virtual and real world cups will come together for one massive celebration of football, Brazilian style.
If previous editions of the FIWC are any indication (the tournament has been officially recognised by the folks at Guinness Records since 2011 as the biggest global gaming event), you can expect at least 2.5 million online gamers standing in the way of you and a seat at the 2014 Grand Final in Rio de Janeiro.
How do I qualify for a spot in Brazil?
The FIWC 2014 comprises six separate one-month-long online qualification seasons. Players compete in the FIWC14 Online Game Mode of FIFA 14 (the game mode is only available on the PlayStation 3). At the end of each season, three players qualify for the Grand Final.
Two qualify through the traditional online leaderboard and the third seat – in a new addition to the tournament – is handed to the player with the best win-loss ratio for the season. The new seat is called the 'Community Qualifier' and is an attempt to reward top-class players full of quality but pressed for the quantity of time and games it takes to top the overall leaderboard.
Last year's winner, Bruce Grannec, faces off against Kumi, the FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 mascotSo whether you're a dad, mum, student in full-blown exam mode, or a working professional with a limited amount of time to unwind on your PS3, the Community Qualifier gives you a fair shake at winning a seat in Brazil. The Community Qualifier game minimum is only 30 matches. That's only one FIFA 14 match a day for one season.
Joining the 18 players that qualify online for the 2014 Brazil Grand Final are the defending champion and a national champion from the host nation.
Grand prize
While the World Cup experience promises a big draw for the 2014 tournament, the Grand Prize is still where most gamers find their motivation for the effort and intensity of the FIWC. The tournament winner walks away with $20,000 and a trip for two to the FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala.
At the Gala, the FIWC champion gets to meet their football idols, shake their hands, share some words and take some photos. And, of course there's even the chance to squeeze in a game or two of FIFA at the Gala against a football legend.
FIWC 2012 Champion Alfonso Ramos almost lost his nerve at the last Gala while having a go backstage against Gerard Pique on FIFA. What caused the usually cool Spaniard – and first ever two-time FIWC champion – to get the shakes? The likes of Lionel Messi strolling up next to him to watch the game. Trust La Pulga to put the fear on both virtual and real footballers.
Fancy a go on FIFA against someone like Messi? Win the FIWC14 Grand Final during the FIFA World Cup, and you could get the chance at the next Ballon d'Or.
October 10th, 2013, 15:11 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Amidst a flurry of snow and the lazy trundle of passing airships, Strider Hiryu blazes across the screen, cutting down any and all that stand in his way. This classic ninja hero returns in Strider, a rebirth of the side-scrolling classic made famous in late '80s arcades. The new Strider, which launches in early 2014 for PS3 and PS4, enhances the fast-paced spectacle of the original with HD visuals, while preserving the frantic combat and momentum that long-time fans will fondly remember.
Set in a dark and oppressed future, the world suffers under the tyranny of Grand Master Meio, the complete ruler of the planet. Players control Strider Hiryu, along with his indestructible Cypher weapon, in order to terminate Meio and restore balance to Earth's governments. As the youngest Special-A Class recruit in the Strider program, Hiryu catapults into this mission, empowering players with a variety of eye-searing attacks.
Strider is a side-scrolling action platformer, set on one sprawling map. Similar to other RPG-influenced side scrollers, like Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, Hiryu advances through the campaign by defeating enemies, vanquishing bosses, and collecting new power-ups that enable you to further explore once-sealed secrets.
Despite its open-ended nature, Strider pushes players along at a breakneck pace, as Hiryu leaps and swings his Cypher about as fast as you can push the attack button. Enemy units fall to pieces in the face of Hiryu's weapon, and plowing through troops creates a satisfying rush that's almost as thrilling as the visual spectacle of it all.
The pace accelerates with the presence of a combo meter at the bottom of the screen, which builds as Hiryu dispatches his foes. Fill it, and Hiryu enters a rage state, improving his already devastating attacks.
As you advance in Strider, Hiryu learns new techniques to employ against Meio's forces, including a sliding dash and a reflect skill for his Cypher, which returns incoming fire towards enemy units. The Cypher will also feature elemental upgrades, like an explosive charge that sets Hiryu's unfortunate opponents ablaze.
Click here to see the full gallery
Of course, Strider wouldn't be complete without a few bosses to cut down to size. For example: climb up a mechanical serpent as it sails through the snowy air, dodging pulses of electricity and homing missiles. Nothing our trusty Strider Hiryu can't handle – and he looks good doing it!
Strider is launching early next year for PS3 and PS4 on PlayStation Store. Capcom is targeting full 1080p visuals and 60 frames per second for the PS4 version, which can only make Hiryu's high-speed mission all the better.
October 10th, 2013, 16:01 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Continuing to bring you the hottest videos all under one roof, VidZone has got yet another cracking bunch of new videos for you this week as well as another well-deserved Hall Of Fame inductee who is Queen of the Jungle. Read on for more info on this week's update!
Artist of the Week: A$AP Rocky
A$AP Rocky is quickly becoming one of hip-hop's hottest properties and so we've awarded him VidZone's Artist Of The Week spot. Check out his latest video for 'Fashion Killa' which sees the rapper do a spot of shopping with his famous pal Rihanna. And check out all his other videos incl. 'Wild For The Night' Ft. Skrillex.
Here are a few other highlights in the Featured Zone this week…
Avicii – Centre StageEminem – Artist SpotlightMGMT – VidZone RecommendsEDM2 – Electronic Dance Music 2 (UK IE)
Zone highlights
Here are the highlights from the hottest Zones…
Pop Zone
Hall Of Fame – Katy Perry
Katy Perry releases her hugely anticipated new album Prism in a couple of weeks which means she more than deserves to be inducted into VidZone's Hall Of Fame. Watch her brand new video 'Roar' and all her chart-topping hits incl. 'Firework', 'Part Of Me', 'California Gurls' and more!
Alternative Zone
Greatest Hits – The Killers
The Killers release their greatest hits album Direct Hits in November and so we're giving fans a head start with our Greatest Hits playlist dedicated to the Las Vegas stars! Watch new video' Shot At The Night' and all their previous hits incl. 'Mr. Brightside', Somebody Told Me' and more.
Arcade Fire – Artist Spotlight (All ex. AU)White Lies – Artist FocusLorde – One To Watch (UK IE)Diplo – Must See Video
Maximum Bass Zone
Artist Focus – Chase & Status
Latest Videos
Check out our great selection this week…
James Arthur – You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You (Pop)The Killers – Shot At The Night (Alternative)John Legend – All Of Me (RnB)Chase & Status – Count On Me (Maximum Bass) EXPLICITBritney Spears – Work B**ch (Party) EXPLICITFall Out Boy – Love, Sex, Death (Rock)J. Cole – Crooked Smile (Hip-Hop) EXPLICIT
As always, please keep in touch with the following fun ways to communicate. We read everything and love your comments so don't be shy!
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/VidZoneTwitter – http://twitter.com/VidZoneGoogle+ – https://plus.google.com/107359012918224788979YouTube – http://www.youtube.com/vidzoneOfficial VidZone Site – www.vidzone.tvIssues – Email firstname.lastname@example.com – Email firstname.lastname@example.com
October 10th, 2013, 18:20 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
There has been a huge amount of discussion across the media about the inner workings of PlayStation 4 since its unveiling back in February. You've heard about how much memory it holds, what graphics chips it uses, how many GB of storage it boasts, and so forth. And in many cases, system architect Mark Cerny has spoken candidly about why these decisions were made.
However, there are of course two sides to hardware design: a system's innards, and its exterior, and until now there hasn't been too much talk about the latter. Duly, last month I spoke with Tetsu Sumii, the chief designer of the UX Platform Design Group – the man responsible for PS4′s external appearance – to learn a little bit more about the design principles behind the new system.
"When we started the product design for PS4, we didn't start by thinking about what the shape would be. It was more about how we were going to create a new brand identity through the product," he explains.
Without offering details, Sumii tantalisingly admits that his first concept was "totally different" to how PS4 has eventually ended up. That said, his core philosophy for what the PS4 should be remained consistent and is clearly evident in the bold, striking lines and contours of the launch model.
"I just wanted to make a simple object for the living room. Sometimes products are a little too exaggerated. It should be simple. That's my thinking," he states.
Moreover, Sumii-san explains that he put emphasis on ensuring the machine looked good from every angle, whether gamers chose to display it flat on its belly or upright in its stand.
"I think about the horizontal, not just the vertical," he says. "I think about the 360 degree view. The reverse should be beautiful too."
While PlayStation heritage certainly wasn't thrown out the window (veteran PlayStation gamers might be able to spot some PS2 DNA in PS4′s look), it's a brand new hardware generation, and accordingly warranted a fresh approach. Sumii-san, who joined the project from Sony's mobile phone division and is a newcomer to console design, duly brought with him a new perspective.
"One of my tasks is to create one single PlayStation identity. I wasn't just thinking about the console but also about the DUALSHOCK 4 Wireless Controller, the DUALSHOCK 4 Charging Station, the Vertical Stand, the Mono headset, PS Vita – everything," says Sumii-san.
"I think the PlayStation brand image needs to be changed a little bit, as it's a new console, and we have to show what we're pointing towards for the future. So I thought it should be one of the most smart, cool, and intelligent products from Sony. Not just from Sony Computer Entertainment but the company as a whole."
"This should be one of the best, coolest, most sophisticated products we've created. That's what we were striving for," he reiterates.
Handling the striking, compact PS4 hardware immediately after our brief conversation, it's hard to disagree that he's pulled it off. And with launch now less than two months away, it's not long until you'll get to decide for yourself.
October 10th, 2013, 23:21 Posted By: wraggsterRemoval of camera from bundle also gives the console the 'magic price point', CEO says
Sony has decided against including the next-gen PlayStation Camera in the initial PS4 bundle offering, CEO Andrew House has confirmed.
A piece on Business Spectator reveals Sonys reasoning behind the decision is based on keeping the price down at $399, as well as minimising losses on each system sold.
Sony previously wanted to include the camera at the $399 retail price point, but pressure to focus on competitive pricing proved to be too much for the hardware maker.
The camera will still be sold separately for $59.99.
House also notes that a camera bundle could still be an option in the future, stating that Sony may "adjust messaging" regarding the camera at some point down the road.
Microsofts Xbox One will include a Kinect camera sensor with every console and, at $499, runs $100 above the cost of the PlayStation 4.
October 10th, 2013, 23:36 Posted By: wraggsterAgreement with local school forces students into internships or risk losing credits
Unpaid interns are being forced to help build the PlayStation 4 at Foxconn plants, claim reports in the Chinese media.
Games in Asia cites The Oriental Post for the news, which comes after previous revelations about poor working conditions and a rash of suicides at the company best known for producing iPhones.
The report claims that students at the Xi'an Institute of Information Engineering are required to take unpaid internships at Foxconn's Yantai plant or lose six course credits effectively blocking them from graduation.
The program is part of an agreement between the institute and the tech manufacturer which the school publicly recognizes and promotes, but students claim they're being forced into jobs that have no relation to their field of study.
The report claims one finance and accounting major was set to work glueing the parts of the PS4 together, while another wound up spending his days peeling off protective plastic and placing stickers.
One computer science major was tasked with putting the console's cords and instruction manual in the box.
These students said that their hours were the same as those of the regular workers, the difference being they go unpaid.
Foxconn says that all its workers are voluntary and it has no interest in keeping them from leaving if they so choose.
The Xi'an Institure of Technology was asked if it received an agent's fee for providing the workers, but declined to comment, stating only that the program was legal.
Sony has not yet issued a statement about the allegations.
This isn't the only time a console manufacturer has been caught up in a Foxconn scandal. The company was found to be employing teenagers to build the Wii U, a practice which Ninetendo was able to stop when it investigated.
October 11th, 2013, 00:06 Posted By: wraggsterRockstar reckons its latest Grand Theft Auto V patch will finally resolve the issue causing lost characters, items and progress in Grand Theft Auto Online.
Available now on both Xbox 360 and PS3, the patch also addresses a host of other niggles with the Online game, although Rockstar says that a problem relating to saving vehicles in the cloud persists, with a fix separate fix incoming.
Always remember to save your game before leaving GTA Online, otherwise you may lose any progress since your last save this can be done by exiting back to Single Player through the pause menu, the studio said.
Until downloading the title update above and in order to minimize the chances of any further data loss, if at any point you receive the message Rockstar Cloud Servers are unavailable please do not either select the Retry option or create a temporary Character to play GTA Online. Instead, you should exit to GTAV Story Mode and try entering GTA Online again through the menu in Story Mode.
Here are the fixes in full:
Fixes multiple issues causing character deletion or other loss of progressFixes issues causing infinite loading, infinite sky cams, and missing interface options between jobsFixes an issue causing the "replay" option to be locked out on certain jobsFixes an issue where a player would become stuck in the mod garage when respraying a Sanchez motor bikeFixes an issue where the Player became stuck inside Los Santos Customs during Online tutorial flow.Fixes an issue causing the loss of guns and ammoFixes issues causing GTA races ending early because of players spawning too far aheadFixes issues in Last Team Standing where sessions would not progress past the lobbyFixes issues with network errors when joining Last Team Standing using Quick JobAdded clarifications around when a player is using a temporary character in GTA Online during Rockstar Cloud server outages
Adjusts the monetary penalty for being killed in a One on One match
October 11th, 2013, 00:08 Posted By: wraggsterMany UK consumers who have pre-ordered a PS4 are now being offered the opportunity to upgrade to one of Sonys bundles.
Those who ordered the solus PS4 bundle including the console and a controller for around £349.99 are now being contacted by the likes of Amazon, GAME and ShopTo.
There are typically three alternatives on offer a machine bundled with either Killzone Shadow Fall or Watch Dogs for around £399.99 or a mega bundle including Killzone, a second DualShock 4 controller and the PlayStation Camera for around £449.99.
Customers who have yet to be contacted should just sit tight most retailers are working their way through their pre-order lists in the order in which they were placed.
Theres no suggestion that any of the retailers named above are telling customers that the failure to upgrade will result in the loss of their order.
October 11th, 2013, 00:16 Posted By: wraggsterLondon-based Leyton Orient may be sitting top of League One, but thats no thanks to EAs FIFA 14 according to the clubs owners.
Metro reports that Orient had won eight successive games at the beginning of the season right up until the release of FIFA 14, since which they have failed to win a single league match.
As a result players have been banned from playing the game on matchdays a fact made all the more delicious when you realise that FIFA 14 is the clubs away shirt sponsor.
[The players] got stuck into the new FIFA 14 game and at times even played as themselves against Oldham in preparation for the match the following day, the clubs communications manager Jonny Davies stated.
The staff were quick to implement a no FIFA on a matchday rule, however. The gaffer suspects several hours playing football on a video game is not conducive to a good performance in the real thing.
October 11th, 2013, 00:48 Posted By: wraggster Asda is selling the PS4 Mega bundle for an attractive £439 - that's just £10 more than an Xbox One.The PS4 Mega bundle includes a PS4, Killzone: Shadow Fall, two DualShock 4 controllers and the PlayStation Camera.There's a catch, though. As an Asda employee who notified Eurogamer of the offer this afternoon pointed out, the bundle is only available to those who pre-ordered the console before 5th August and use a code, which will be sent out soon.Asda is selling all three official PS4 bundles: PS4 with Watch Dogs, PS4 with Killzone (both £385 each), and the aforementioned Mega bundle. The 5th August pre-order cut-off applies to them all.
UPDATE 4: And now Amazon has begun emailing PS4 pre-order customers offering them the chance to upgrade to a range of bundles.Customers are being contacted in the order in which they placed their PS4 pre-order and given a choice of the bundles, or they can keep their existing console order.The cut-off date to take advantage of the upgrade offer is 16th October 2013. You can of course keep your existing order for the PS4.Like other UK shops, Amazon is selling the PS4 "Mega Bundle", which includes a PS4, two DualShock 4 controllers, the PlayStation Camera and a copy of Killzone: Shadow Fall for £449. The available bundles are onAmazon.co.uk.UPDATE 3: ShopTo has begun contacting PS4 pre-order customers offering them the chance to upgrade to the "Mega Bundle".ShopTo is selling the bundle, which includes a PS4, Killzone: Shadow Fall, two DualShock controllers and the new PlayStation Camera, for £449.86, just a few pence cheaper than GAME."ShopTo is pleased to announce that we have started sending out e-mails to the lucky customers who are eligible to swap to the PS4 'Mega Bundle'," reads a statement on theShopTo website. "So keep an eye on your inbox."If you don't receive an e-mail today all is not lost! We're sending in batches and more will become available as swap offers are rejected."UPDATE 2: As Eurogamer revealed yesterday, retailers have begun alerting those who pre-ordered a PlayStation 4 about the new official bundle options that are available to them.First off the bat is GAME. It's offering an upgrade to the PS4 mega bundle, which includes the console, Killzone Shadow Fall, a second DualShock 4 controller and the PlayStation Camera for £449.99 - that's £21 more expensive than an Xbox One.Yesterday Sony UK boss Fergal Gara told Eurogamer he expected retailers to sell the bundle for £10 either side of Microsoft's Xbox One UK price, so GAME's offer comes in a little expensive.Also available is a PS4 with Killzone bundle for £399.99, and a PS4 with Watch Dogs, also for £399.99. The PS4 on its own costs £349 in the UK.We expect other retailers will update their customers in due course. If you receive an email about this, let us know in the comments below, and we'll add the various prices.UPDATE 1: Sony has revealed new detail on its Killzone Shadow Fall PlayStation 4 bundle, which will actually be available in two different flavours.You can get a PlayStation 4 console and physical copy of the game for 439 (roughly £369, final RRP TBA), as well as the PS4/Killzone/Camera/Extra DualShock 4 variant mentioned below, which will cost 499 (roughly £420).Sony told Eurogamer earlier today at EGX 2013 that the bundle would be available for around a tenner either side of Xbox One's basic £429 offering.
ORIGINAL STORY: Sony will release the eye-catching PlayStation 4 bundle leaked on Amazon last month in the UK, Eurogamer can exclusively reveal.In August Amazon France listed a PS4 bundle that includes a number of extra items for the same price as Xbox One in Europe.The bundle costs 499 - the same as Microsoft's European Xbox One price - which translates to around £427. In the UK the Xbox One costs £429.Included in the box is a copy of PS4-exclusive launch title Killzone Shadow Fall, two DualShock 4 controllers and the PlayStation Camera. Internally Sony calls this the "mega bundle".That's compared to Microsoft's offering, which includes FIFA 14 when you pre-order the bundle, Kinect and an Xbox One controller.Bought separately, the bundle's contents would cost £503 when purchased together from Amazon at time of publication (£349 for the PS4 console, £55 for the PlayStation Camera, £54 for a second DualShock 4 and £45 for Killzone: Shadow Fall). That's roughly a £70 saving."I can officially confirm that the answer is yes [Sony will bring the bundle to the UK]," Sony UK boss Fergal Gara told Eurogamer today at the Eurogamer Expo."It'll be similarly benchmarked in euro equivalent. PlayStation 4 is £349 and 399, so it will be the same equivalent."It will be no more than a tenner either way [of the Xbox One £429 UK price] depending on what conversation rate we use on the given day."Sony will announce several new PS4 bundles tomorrow, Eurogamer understands. The company has told UK retailers to alert those who have pre-ordered PS4 that they now have the option to upgrade to one of these."It [the mega bundle] is in limited volume, and therefore it is probably going to go mainly to current pre-order customers, then follow-up volume may well be post-Christmas," Gara added."But there are other bundles that also represent incredibly good value. It's not just about having a good base price. We want to offer value in every way we can."Starting yesterday, our retail partners are contacting their pre-order customers in order, so starting with the first, working up to when they run out of that special bundle, saying, we now have clarity on exactly what PlayStation 4 bundles we have to offer for day one. Would you like option A, B, C or D?"Everybody who has pre-ordered in the expectation they're getting just the PS4, including the DualShock 4 and the headset - the basic configuration. But as we've worked through the details and worked through the options we've come up with some great bundle offers. And it is only fair the first people in the queue get first chance to get that."It's a brilliant thing to do for the gamer. In theory there could be some free on day one, but I think it's unlikely, because the people in that queue are going to say yes please."
October 11th, 2013, 13:20 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Hi everyone! It's that time again where I have the pleasure of announcing the upcoming goodies coming your way courtesy of PlayStation Plus. We have a couple of huge PS3 games this month as well as two PS Vita classics to keep you entertained as the nights start to draw in!
New PlayStation 3 games:
First up this November we have Konami's masterpiece Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance. Set four years the events of Metal Gear Rising 4: Guns of the Patriots, you must take up the role of Raiden, a cyborg who confronts the private military company Desperado Enforcement. Developed by the crack team at Platinum Games, this is one of the wildest, most entertaining pure action titles of this console generation.
Next, we've teamed up with our friends at Capcom for a title I'm personally very excited about: Remember Me.
The setting is Neo-Paris, 2084. Personal memories are now digitised, bought, sold and traded. You take on the role of Nilin, a former elite memory hunter with the ability to break into people's minds and steal or even alter their memories. After her escape from prison, Nilin embarks on a mission to recover her identity, helped by her last and only friend.
New PS Vita games:
First up for PS Vita we have the beautiful Oddworld Stranger's Wrath. In this HD re-invention of the Oddworld Inhabitants classic, you take on the role of a bounty hunter who tracks Oddworld criminals in an attempt to raise money for an unexplained surgery that he needs to survive. Don't miss out on this one – you're in for a treat.
And last but certainly not least, MotorStorm RC. Featuring high-speed radio-controlled car racing through visually stunning micro-versions of all four MotorStorm worlds, RC comes loaded with content. See you online.
As usual our PS Plus members will also get some great discounts over the next few weeks so make sure you keep an eye on PlayStation Blog for regular updates, including some huge savings on Street Fighter X Tekken DLC, Worms Crazy Golf and Alien Breed.
In summary
Leaving PS Plus:
23rd October: Far Cry 323rd October: Mafia 223rd October: Spec Ops The Line (NBA 2K13 in UAE)23rd October: Street Fighter X Tekken23rd October: Touch My Katamari
Entering PS Plus:
23rd October: Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance23rd October: Remember Me23rd October: Oddworld Strangers Wrath23rd October: MotorStorm RC
If you are not currently a Plus member, visit our PlayStation Plus site to find out more about the service. Here you'll learn all you need to know about a one year subscription to the Instant Game Collection all for a one-off payment of just £39.99/€49.99.
Remember, if you've not got access to your PS3 or PS Vita then you can also buy through our online store.
October 11th, 2013, 15:40 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Hi, I am Thomas Grip, creative director at Frictional Games, an indie studio based in Sweden. We have been crafting horror games since 2006 and are probably most famous for having created Amnesia: The Dark Descent. Previously, we have only developed for PC, but this time our new title will be released for PS4 as well!
The last three years we have been working on a game called SOMA. All of that time, this project has remained a secret and it is a great relief to finally be able to talk about it. The game is by far the most ambitious and thrilling project we have ever undertaken.
So what exactly is SOMA? Briefly stated it is a sci-fi horror game played from a first person perspective. You are not a space marine though, but a normal, and very exposed, person trapped in a nightmarish world. SOMA is a game about exploration, survival and immersing you inside an interactive narrative.
That short description does not really do the game justice though. In order to properly explain why I am so excited we need to dig a little bit deeper.
In all of our previous games the setting and themes have been by-products. We started with the core gameplay and then created high level aspects that fit with that. While a lot of good can come from this approach, it makes it very hard to approach tougher subjects.
SOMA is meant to be a proper sci-fi game, and to get that right we couldn't let the themes be an afterthought. My favorite works of sci-fi are the ones that use fantastic worlds to probe important issues in a way that down-to-earth settings just cannot. Great sci-fi authors like Asimov, Dick and Heinlein all do this. We want to give SOMA this quality as well.
The subject that SOMA will discuss is consciousness. Personally, I find it the most profound questions that it is possible to ask. "How can the feeling of subjective experience arise from a chunk of flesh?" Exploring this further takes us to questions such as "Can machines be conscious?" and "Do we have free will?" It quickly gets very disturbing and is ideal for a futuristic horror setting. It is the kind of sci-fi that we want to make.
From the start, we knew that this could not just come through background story or dialog. We want you to PLAY through this. It must be an integral part of the gameplay and not just fluff.
Part of this comes through the game's monsters. You will encounter a number of strange creatures, each an embodiment of an aspect of our themes. In order to survive the journey, you need to understand how they work and in the process take on extremely unsettling subjects.
Our goal is for SOMA to not just be another carnival ride of cheap scares. It is meant to chill you at the core and confront you with questions about your very existence.
To track the development more closely, follow us on Twitter or check our blog. A lot more strange things will emerge before our 2015 release.
October 11th, 2013, 16:23 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
With New York Comic Con just around the corner, I'm swinging by to let you know more about the upcoming PlayStation Vita release of The Amazing Spider-Man from Activision, a hand-held version of the original PlayStation 3 title.
For those of you new to the series, The Amazing Spider-Man takes place after the events of the movie and features a new, original story. It mixes all-out, freeform brawls and stealth-based, stalk-and-strike challenges with a fast-paced momentum that puts Spidey front and center in the action.
If you caught the game when it first swung around on PlayStation 3, you already know The Amazing Spider-Man gives you free reign over the isle of Manhattan, a bustling and beautiful open world teeming with sights to see, citizens to aid and colossal bosses to rip down.
The PS Vita release of The Amazing Spider-Man is a virtual playground in your pocket, maintaining that same spirit of the console edition while adding new energy through the Vita's special features.
Tying it all together is the Web Rush system, slowing down time in a heartbeat and opening up a variety of superpowered combat and movement actions on-the-fly. That unparalleled sensation of soaring above New York, stringing up an unsuspecting thug with a Web Strike or somersaulting clear of an incoming attack feels even more natural now thanks to the responsive, touchscreen controls the Vita brings to Web Rush, allowing for quick and precise decisions with the tap of a finger.
Peter Parker's smartphone plays an integral part in how you interact with the city around you, and the Vita's unique form reinforces these elements. The pinch-and-zoom support afforded by the Vita's multi-touch capabilities makes navigation a breeze, allowing you to effortlessly drag around the mini-map, set waypoints and track your bearings, just like you would with a real smartphone's map app. And the Vita's gyroscopic functionality lets you snap front-page photos by aiming the device like an actual camera, zooming in and out with a simple touch.
We're thrilled to be able to deliver a modern Spidey experience to Vita owners. The Amazing Spider-Man comes out later this year and makes a great package for Spider-Fans on-the-move. Look out for more news soon!
October 11th, 2013, 16:40 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
With today's release in the UK and Ireland, BEYOND: Two Souls is available now all across Europe.
To celebrate the launch, today we've got our TV ad to show you. Hopefully many of you will have seen this on TV or in cinemas locally but if not, here it is above:
If you've already bought the game, we hope that you're enjoying it. And if you're still thinking about it, download the demo from PlayStation Store now.
October 11th, 2013, 16:58 Posted By: wraggsterCompensation scheme for affected users expected to be rolled out by the end of the month
Rockstar is set to give each Grand Theft Auto Online player $500,000 of in-game currency as compensation for its server issues.
The deposits will be made in two payments, each of $250,000, and only applies to GTA Online players who have played the game during October.
The developer said it hoped separate payments would help keep in in-game economy balanced.
No specific date for the scheme has been set, but Rockstar hopes to start the compensation packages by the end of the month.
For players who experienced cloud server errors, connection issues, and lost game progress and characters in these first days of GTA Online, we hope this GTA$ helps to facilitate a fresh start or makes your continued life in Los Santos and Blaine County extra sweet, read a statement from the studio.
Servers for GTA Online had struggled under the weight of the sheer number of players during its opening week. A number of PS3 players had been unable to connect to online servers, while players on both Sony's console and the Xbox 360 were not able to access the tutorial missions.
Rockstar also disabled microtransactions as it attempted to deal with the problems.
A recently released update has helped solve some of the problems however, and Rockstar will be hoping its latest scheme will win back some player trust in its GTA V online multiplayer.
October 11th, 2013, 17:02 Posted By: wraggsterStudents in mandatory internships at Foxconn are paid, but program has dubious educational value
Sony has responded to allegations that unpaid interns were being forced to help build the PlayStation 4 in Foxconn factories.
Previous reports claiming that Chinese students were being forced to work as part of a program with Xi'an Institue of Technology proved to be a bit exaggerated, as although the students were forced to work night and overtime shifts they were paid just like regular workers.
Sony has been quick but careful in responding to the allegations, pointing out that it has a policy that lays out the sort of behavior it expects of its manufacturing partners.
The Sony Group established the Sony Supplier Code of Conduct in June 2005 with the expectation of every supplier agreeing and adhering to the policies of the Sony Group in complying with all applicable laws, work ethics, labour conditions, and respect for human rights, environmental conservation and health and safety, Sony told Develop sister site MCV in a statement.
We understand Foxconn fully comprehend and comply with this Sony Supplier Code of Conduct.
Though the company, which has also run into trouble over its treatment of workers building Apple devices and Nintendo's Wii U, isn't guilty of forcing students into unpaid positions, Foxconn admitted that the interns were having to work nights and overtime in violation of company policy.
Immediate actions have been taken to bring that campus into full compliance with our code and policies, reinforcing the policies of no overtime and no night shifts for student interns, even though such work is voluntary, and reminding all interns of their rights to terminate their participation in the program at any time, the company told Quartz.
It's unclear how the confusion over whether or not the students were paid began. The original sources were Chinese, so it could be the result of mistranslation, but that falls short when it's considered how many dual language sites reported the news.
Foxconn admits it's struggling to deal with China's shrinking workforce, and that it has several other similar programs throughout China.
The company claims the idea is to provide the students with the opportunity to gain practical work experience and on-the-job training that will support their efforts to find employment following their graduation.
This isn't an iron defense, since the interns aren't doing anything that directly relates to their majors but simply filling assembly-line positions.
The young generation dont want to work in factories, they want to work in services or the internet or another more easy and relaxed job, Foxconn founder Terry Gou told the Financial Times.
Many workers are moving to the services sector and, in the manufacturing sector, total demand is now more than supply.
One question remains to be answered that of the involvement of China's educational institutions in such programs.
While Foxconn maintains the students are free to leave, the students claim that the school-backed program is enforced by a six-credit penalty for dropping or refusing the internship which could prevent them from graduating.
October 11th, 2013, 17:20 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Hello PlayStation Blog readers! I'm delighted to announce Surge Deluxe for PS Vita!
Surge was originally released on PlayStation Mobile and was well received by press and gamers, who took to the leaderboards (and NeoGAF) to show off their skills.
Surge Deluxe is FuturLab's response to feedback received from top players on those leaderboards (and from the NeoGAF community). They demonstrated a deep understanding and appreciation for Surge that was way beyond anything we could have anticipated!
If you're new to Surge, check out this . The simple block-chaining and screen clearing mechanics gradually reveal their tactical depth as special blocks get added to the mix. Advanced players will not just vent pressure to stay in the game, they'll utilise the vents at critical times to multiply their scores and create massive clearance combos.
So what can you expect from Surge Deluxe?
New Combiner block!
Our research has shown that Multiplier blocks are the most sought after for achieving big scores, but they rarely dropped in the right colour or at the right time. We've removed the colour requirement on the Multiplier block now and added a new Combiner block that allows players to create their own Multipliers. If you're quick and careful enough you can create 5x, 6x, 7x and higher multipliers for use in strategic play!
New Chain Linker block!
The Chain Linker block allows you to connect different coloured chains together. Simply connect a chain of blocks to the Chain Linker, and then connect to any other coloured block to create a bridge between colours!
The whole chain is converted to the same colour so you can use as many of these blocks as you can find to create MASSIVE chains!
Surge Deluxe is 100% colour blind friendly!
I'm colour blind and acutely aware of the frustration that comes from trying to discern and match colours in games like Surge. FuturLab received a whole host of requests for a colour blind-friendly version of the game, and with Surge Deluxe we'll deliver just that.
Now each colour is represented by a shape, and we've made sure that you only have to glance at two blocks to know whether they are a match or not. I'll have to find another excuse for being beaten on the leader boards…
Scoring system reworked for top level play!
When Surge was created, a score of around 4 million points was the highest FuturLab had achieved internally. When released to the public, the 10 million mark was broken within days.
The posts on NeoGAF from players competing for the top spot changed from talk about tactics and maximising scores, to discussing the restrictive scoring system. Their feedback was enormously helpful and we've used it to improve gameplay. The scoring system in Surge Deluxe has been redesigned to reward better players, increase the score spread, and remove any grinding. So thanks NeoGAF, this one is for you!
PSN Trophies and Leaderboards
Of course
Even More Community Requested Features
Puzzle Mode, Best Clearance Score Leaderboard and Unlockable Backgrounds have also made their way into Surge Deluxe! What can we say, we like making our fans happy J
Awesome Soundtrack
Those of you familiar with our games will know that we have a three pillar approach to quality; gameplay, visuals and music are all equally important to us, regardless of scale.
We've had such fun working on the Velocity games with Joris de Man – the award winning composer who made his name on the Killzone series – that we've brought him onboard for Surge Deluxe too!
So without further ado, let me present 'Pressure Playa' by Joris de Man; eight and a half minutes of bleepy, bouncy, bad-ass FuturLectro bliss!
We are aiming to release Surge Deluxe by early 2014. You can keep up to date
with FuturLab by signing up to the website newsletter at http://www.futurlab.co.uk, by following @FuturLab on Twitter, or by following me personally @FuturLabQuality.
October 11th, 2013, 18:21 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
So, by my count, we've got seven weeks left until PS4 arrives. Ready? I know I'm not. I've got an enormous PS3 backlog to plough through before my shiny new next-gen machine takes up residence beneath my TV. Rayman Legends, GTA5, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, BEYOND: Two Souls… the list goes on. And that's before I even consider mopping up trophies on games I've already polished off. Quite frankly, it's scary.
Your debate topic then: what do you still want to do on your PS3 before PS4 arrives?
What games have you got left to finish? Which Platinums do you need to pick up? Is there a title you're waiting to play – say, Dark Souls 2 – before you dive into next gen? Let us know below.
As a reward for your efforts, I'm going to go and make that backlog even less manageable. I've got a super-limited edition media kit for BEYOND: Two Souls to offer to the 10 most entertaining and/or thoughtful responses, featuring a copy of the game, an animation cell and a lavish hardback art book in a deluxe sleeve. Best Weekend Debate giveaway ever? Best Weekend Debate giveaway ever. Good luck!
Terms and conditions
October 11th, 2013, 20:51 Posted By: wraggsterSony has confirmed that PS4 will offer limited headset chat compatibility at launch.
Game Informer has learnt that the console will not support chat functionality with Bluetooth headsets. That includes Sonys own Pulse range of headsets.
A future update will add support for chat over Bluetooth, as well as chat over third party USB or digital optical headsets. Fortunately, the console will come with an included headset that plugs into the DualShock 4 and will support chat from the off.
Its an identical situation to that seen with Xbox One, although owners of Microsofts machine will also have the option of using Kinect for chat.
October 11th, 2013, 21:00 Posted By: wraggsterYou probably could've guessed, but the retail box for the PlayStation 4 rocks the same blue and white color scheme Sony's been employing for some time now. That box and the packaging for the DualShock 4, its charger, the PlayStation 4 Eye, and the console's vertical stand (yes, seriously) were all revealed on PlayStation Europe community manager Chris Owen's Twitter account earlier today, and they all look like pieces of one big family.
A handful of DualShock 4 flavors are on display, from classic black to "Wave Blue" and "Magma Red," and everything looks just about how we'd expect given the last eight months of introducing the PS4. The only bizarre standout -- the vertical stand -- is, well, it's a silly hunk of plastic that keeps the PlayStation 4 vertical. We've got high hopes that 3D printing enthusiasts the world over will print more creative (and less costly) versions for us to use.
October 11th, 2013, 21:53 Posted By: wraggsterIf you were planning to use a PlayStation Pulse headset with your PS4 at launch, Sony has some bad news. Until there's a system update "in the future" (still time to fix it before November, guys!) you won't be able to use any of the firm's USB headsets with the PlayStation 4, the company told Game Informer. However, any headset that uses a TOSlink cable to feed audio data -- meaning, most cans over $100 -- will still work. You won't be able to use said headphones or Bluetooth to chat, although Astro said it will patch the former in later. Apparently, if you want the PS4 experience to be as or more talkative than the PS3's, you'll have to resort to the pack-in earbud kit.
October 11th, 2013, 22:01 Posted By: wraggsterMercenary Technology will be handling the Vita port of the PS3 and Xbox 360 release from last July. As detailed on the PlayStation Blog, this handheld version will have a few unique touchscreen features.For one, the Web Rush mechanic - in which you slow down time to select grapple points - will be available via touch screen if that's your bag. Additionally, Spidey's phone will be controlled like an actual smart phone, so you'll be able to drag maps, set waypoints, and pinch to zoom in as you would a real map app. You'll also be able to snap in-game photos by using the platform's gyroscopic controls. All things considered these sound like pretty minor additions - and who knows how much spectacle it'll lose on a handheld - but the phone implementation does sound pretty clever, if not wholly necessary.The Amazing Spider-Man received lukewarm reviews upon its console release last summer. Our Dan Whitehead found it laid the blueprint for a great Spider-Man game, but it felt unfinished. "If Beenox had been allowed the time to build on that foundation - to add more life and colour to Spidey's world, to construct more compelling reasons to explore and develop your abilities - then it could have earned the adjective of its title," he said in his The Amazing Spider-Man review, where he noted that it had more in common with the first Assassin's Creed than the Arkham games it so wanted to be.
October 11th, 2013, 22:03 Posted By: wraggsterDue in early 2014, Surge Deluxe is a riff on the match-three genre, but instead of sliding tiles next to each other you use the negative space to connect currents between like-coloured blocks.Unlike the original Surge, this Deluxe variant won't make multiplier blocks colour-specific. Instead, the new Combiner block can be used to create your own multipliers. Also new is the Chain Linker block that can be used as a conduit to link together two different coloured chains.Another new addition to Surge Deluxe is it'll be colour-blind friendly by making the different coloured blocks different shapes as well.Furthermore, Surge Deluxe will sport Puzzle Mode, Best Clearance Score leaderboards, unlockable backgrounds, a new soundtrack by Velocity and Killzone composer Joris de Man, and a revamped scoring system."The posts on NeoGAF from players competing for the top spot changed from talk about tactics and maximising scores, to discussing the restrictive scoring system. Their feedback was enormously helpful and we've used it to improve gameplay," explained Futurlab's Dave Gabriel on the PlayStation Blog. "The scoring system in Surge Deluxe has been redesigned to reward better players, increase the score spread, and remove any grinding."
October 11th, 2013, 22:07 Posted By: wraggsterAfter months of delays stemming from licensing issues and last-minute bug fixes, the PSP UMD version of MonkeyPaw's Class of Heroes 2 began shipping out this week to buyers who pre-purchased the game earlier this year.
Previously the subject of a failed Kickstarter campaign, Class of Heroes 2 was later released as a physical and digital combo pack via online pre-order. The Acquire-developed first-person dungeon crawler, which features a localization by Working Designs veteran Victor Ireland and his studio Gaijinworks, premiered as a downloadable PlayStation Network game in June.
The UMD version of Class of Heroes 2 was delayed while Gaijinworks sorted out licensing issues relating to its opening theme song, which the studio has since replaced with an English-language track. An updated version of Class of Heroes 2, which fixes a widely reported alchemy recipe bug, among other gameplay tweaks, will hit the PlayStation Network on October 15.
Gaijinworks' Ireland recently hinted at plans to "squeeze out at least 3-4 more PSP RPG titles (and offer them as physical+digital sets) before we're done with the platform," though specific titles have not been announced. The studio willgauge interest in a Class of Heroes 3 release starting in January.
October 11th, 2013, 23:19 Posted By: wraggsterCapcom's five-in-one "Essentials" bundle is now available at retailers, such asAmazon and Best Buy. The package includes five games for $60: Resident Evil 6,Super Street Fighter 4, Devil May Cry 4, Dead Rising 2 and a download code forMega Man 10.
First announced in late July, both the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of the bundle come with a Capcom-branded drawstring bag, which is a good place to stash the achievements and trophies you print out after earning them in each game. We're not the only ones that do that, right?
October 11th, 2013, 23:26 Posted By: wraggsterSony Computer Entertainment Europe has announced November's batch of PlayStation Plus content.
Subscribers will be able to download Metal Gear Rising: Revengeanceand Remember Me on PS3 for free from October 23. On the same day,Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath and MotorStorm RC will be made free to download on Vita.
Leaving PS Plus:
Far Cry 3Mafia 2Spec Ops The Line (NBA 2K13 in UAE)Street Fighter X TekkenTouch My Katamari
Entering PS Plus:
Metal Gear Rising: RevengeanceRemember MeOddworld: Stranger's WrathMotorStorm RC
Sony will use the PS4 launch this November to make a number of significant changes to its PlayStation Plus subscription service.
PS4 owners will be required to subscribe to PS Plus in order to play online multiplayer, which isn't the case on PS3 or Vita.
The thinking behind the decision to charge customers for online multiplayer on PS4 was explained to us by Sony Worldwide Studios president Shuhei Yoshida in June.
October 11th, 2013, 23:58 Posted By: wraggstervia http://pdroms.de/
Rockbot is a Megaman fan game with level editor.
* Highly improved artificial inteligence
* Several new enemies
* New logos for Upperland and Mega Mans 25th anniversary
* Game over when lives goes under zero
* Several corrections and improvements in editor
* Parabole function for jumps ad projectiles
* Higher time for enemies and bosses invencible time after hit
* Higher damage taken by player
* Positioning use float points for exact diagonal to a point
* Selection between Rockbot and Betabot is done only on new game
* Better credits on ending
* Better graphics from our new partner Hunter Trammell
* Better speed on Playstation 2 and PSP
* Better stage backgrounds
* Bigger initial stage size
October 12th, 2013, 01:24 Posted By: wraggstervia http://wololo.net/2013/10/11/vhbl-on...ame-announced/
I lost count on how many PSP usermode vulnerabilities have been found by distinct hackers and announced here over the past 18 months, but I think were at about 12 by now.
We announced a few weeks ago that several hackers have ported VHBL to Vita firmware 2.61 by now. Japanese dev 173210 has been nice enough to share his own port with us. The exploited game he uses is unfortunately only available on the Japanese PSN. So youll either have to create a Japanese account on your vita to get access to his hack, or wait patiently for our next release.
As a reminder, VHBL is a homebrew loader running inside the PSP emulator on the Playstation Vita. It lets you run PSP homebrews, including several emulators (SNES, NES, GBA, etc
), but will not let you run PSP isos, let alone pirate PS vita games. Read on for details and the name of the game.
In order to run, VHBL relies on vulnerabilities in official PSN games. You need a legit copy of the exploited game in order for the exploit to trigger. Do not ask if this will work on an iso of the game (it wont), or if we can make the exploit work for your favorite game instead (exploits do not magically exist in all psp games).
In general, Sony is extremely fast to remove the exploited games from their store (in general less than 48h), this has been so far their way of mitigating the threat that 8 bits emulators represent for their business, so if you are interested in VHBL, better get the game now.
Disclaimer and compatibility
We are not distributing the hack right away, it will be distributed in a few days (we typically wait for Sony to remove the game from their store, but this is not set in stone). It means youll have to trust us that this is real, buy the exploitable game, and wait for the files. It goes without saying, but neither me nor 173210 are making money when you buy the game, and VHBL comes with no guarantee whatsoever. You are buying a PSP game on your own free will, so dont blame us if VHBL does not work as expected for you. To give you an idea, 173210 has published recently a list of compatible/non compatible homebrews for his exploit.
Now that youve read and agreed to the above, heres the name of the game:
Jikkyu Powerful Pro Yakyu 2012 Ketteiban(実況パワフルプロ野球 2012決定版)
What you want is the PSP version of the game!!!
October 12th, 2013, 01:34 Posted By: wraggsterThe revision 3404 of the emulator jpcsp was released and built. Here are the download links:
windows-x86-32: http://rapidga...x86-32.7z.html
windows-x86-64: http://rapidga...x86-64.7z.html
linux-x86-32: http://rapidga...x86-32.7z.html
linux-x86-64: http://rapidga...x86-64.7z.html
macosx: http://rapidga...macosx.7z.html
check out the Live Downloads section for more builds
October 13th, 2013, 00:05 Posted By: wraggsterAfter seven months and several content drops, Sony Santa Monica has announced it has ceased development of download content for God of War: Ascension.
Community strategist Aaron Kaufman explained in a statement that today marks the end of work on DLC for the March-released game, as the studio's "primary team" begin its transition to "other projects".
"Since the release of God of War: Ascension last March, we have supported Multiplayer with a vast amount of DLC - from new weapons and maps, to our brutal 1v1 mode, a fan-driven cape contest, new marks, and more," said Kaufman. "Even the Gods could not have predicted the level of popularity and impassioned connection to our Multiplayer mode driven by the PlayStation Nation."
God of War 2 writer and director Corey Barlog recently returned to Sony Santa Monica, six years after leaving the studio.
The director has confirmed work on a mystery new project at the studio, for which he is "putting together a team", but held off revealing specifics on the game.
Ascension players can, however, expect one more title update, with the team "currently working on balance improvements that will tune-up all the Allegiances," explains Kaufman. The update is targeted for release this month.
God of War: Ascension will also be released in digital form via the PlayStation Store on October 15 in US, he went on to confirm. Other regions will "follow soon after". All DLC will also be discounted upon the digital version's release.
The God of War: Ascension Soundtrack will be made available as a free download for all on PSN for a limited time only - details yet to be confirmed.
And finally the game will host a Double XP Weekend from October 18 to October 21 worldwide.
October 13th, 2013, 00:07 Posted By: wraggsterFrictional Games, the developer behind horror title Amnesia: The Dark Decent, has revealed its new project, 'Soma'.
Billed as a first-person sci-fi horror, the game is headed to PC and PS4 in 2015, and the first footage has been released via a new trailer and screenshots.
"For the last three years, we have been working on a game called SOMA," said creative director Thomas Grip. "All that time, this project has remained a secret - it's a great relief to finally be able to talk about it. This game is by far the most ambitious and thrilling project we have ever undertaken."
And Grip explains, Soma "is a sci-fi horror game played from a first person perspective. You are not a space marine though; you're a normal, very exposed person trapped in a nightmarish world.
"SOMA is a game about exploration, survival and immersing you inside an interactive narrative."
He goes on, "Our goal is for SOMA to not just be another carnival ride of cheap scares. It is meant to chill you to your core, and confront you with questions about your very existence."
October 13th, 2013, 11:02 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Hey there folks. What better way to banish the mid-Autumn blues than by catching up on a week of action-packed PlayStation news? This week we had big game reveals (Drakengard 3, SOMA, Surge Deluxe), the PlayStation Plus November reveal, a beta announcement for intriguing PS Vita RPG Destiny of Souls, new Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag videos, and much, much more.
Check out the full list below, and feel free to fire any questions at me that you might have. Enjoy your Sunday!
Video Store update: The Hangover pt. III, The Purge out this week PlayStation Store charts, September: GTA5 and Killzone Mercenary take top honours Injustice: Gods Among Us Ultimate Edition coming to PS Vita next month Destiny of Spirits beta coming soon to PS Vita Dishonored's Game of the Year Edition launches this week LittleBigPlanet update: New LBP videos and team picks! Velocity 2X takes over Eurogamer Expo – new screens and video Malicious Rebirth hits PS Vita tomorrow Worms Revolution Extreme launches PS Vita assault tomorrow Proteus coming to PS3 and Vita in October with geographically-generated islands Soul Sacrifice 1.30 update – over a dozen new quests added! BEYOND: Two Souls launches on PS3 this week, see the launch trailer Assassin Creed IV Black Flag: Exclusive PlayStation content showcased, DLC plans detailed PlayStation Home update: Play the Beyond: Two Souls mini-game inFAMOUS, Uncharted, Gravity Rush, LBP titles discounted this week Drakengard 3 is coming to PS3 in 2014 PlayStation Store update: Malicious Rebirth, Worms Revolution Extreme, more Star Wars Pinball: Balance of the Force – Darth Vader table showcased Daylight on PS4 shakes up horror with procedurally-generated scares A deeper dive into the world of Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag – exclusive video FIFA Interactive World Cup is heading to Brazil 2014 Strider – hands-on with Capcom's rebooted side-scroller VidZone update: Get all the hottest new clips A$AP! Meet Tetsu Sumii, the man behind the look of PS4 PlayStation Plus in November: Metal Gear Rising, Remember Me, more
The Amazing Spider-Man swings onto PS Vita Sci-fi horror SOMA coming to PS4, from the creators of Amnesia: The Dark Descent BEYOND: Two Souls available now, check out the TV spot Powered-up puzzler Surge Deluxe announced for PS Vita Weekend Debate: What's left on your current-gen bucket list?
Top Tips: rain – If you keep getting caught out in rain, check out these helpful tips for this haunting PlayStation 3 adventure from game producer, Noriko Umemura. Demo Guide – BEYOND: Two Souls – Find out how to survive your first encounter with this gripping and unpredictable action thriller on PS3. Game Talk: BEYOND: Two Souls – Go even deeper into the powerful PS3 action thriller with an exclusive interview with Ellen Page, Willem Dafoe and David Cage. Walking the red carpet with BEYOND: Two Souls – Take a peek behind the curtain of the BEYOND: Two Souls premiere in Paris. Game Talk – Batman: Arkham Origins – Batman is back and coming to PlayStation on 25 October 2013; we caught up with creative director Eric Holmes to find out about the caped crusader's origins.
This week PS4 o'clock looks into PS4 pre-orders, plus new controller info and PS4 app info.Find out more about the making of The Last Of Us with Naughty Dog's art director Erick Pangilinan.First up on the GTA 5 front: get a head start with GTA Online's best paying missions – the highest cash & RP payouts by level.Then there's these 10 GTA online beginner's tips to help you make money & level up fast.And finally here are 9 GTA 5 secrets & Easter eggs you don't need 100% completion to see
October 13th, 2013, 22:49 Posted By: wraggsterAs gamers gear up for the release of the Xbox One and the PS4 in November its not just the consoles themselves that theyre looking to get their hands on theres also an array of gaming accessories coming out that retailers can stock.
The line-up of first party accessories are looking strong and I am confident that we will see excellent sales during the peak period, Gem Distributions head of category, Jonathan Sutherland, told PCR.
The third-party accessories, particularly the Turtle Beach XO headsets, also look excellent and I am sure they will perform well.
Gem offers various Xbox One accessories, including two Turtle Beach headsets at £100 and £150, a wireless controller for £45, a chat headset for £20 and a Play & Charge kit for £20, with the kit and a controller bundled for £60. For driving fans after a racing wheel, Gem offers the Thrustmaster T80 RS for the PS4, costing £90 for both the standard version and the DriveClub edition, and the Thrustmaster TX Ferrari 458 Italia Edition for £350 on the Xbox One. Players who prefer to fight can instead grab the Mad Catz Arcade Fightstick.
Chris Bradley, Meroncourts e-commerce and creative marketing manager, commented: Accessories will always be important to gamers, as they look to upgrade, add to or enhance their gameplay so we need to match and exceed their needs with these products before they even realise they want them.
Heres a quick look at some of the hottest Xbox One and PS4 accessories gamers will be eager to get their hands on in Q4:
Thrustmasters T80 DriveClub Edition steering wheel is the first to be created specifically for the PS4. Named after the upcoming PS4 racing game DriveClub, the wheel features 11 action buttons, multi-directional D-pad and wheel-mounted shifters, as well as a large pedal set.
The PS4 DualShock 4 wireless controller features a new multi-touch and clickable touchpad. The feel, shape and sensitivity of the dual analog sticks and trigger buttons have been improved to provide a greater sense of control.
Sonys PS4 Camera can be combined with the DualShock 4 wireless controllers light bar, enabling it to precisely track a players position in the room. It has two high-sensitive cameras with 85-degree diagonal angle views. Features include navigational voice commands to control the PS4s user interface and facial recognition of players.
Turtle Beachs XO headset range is built specifically for use with Microsofts Xbox One and offers surround-sound quality audio. The headsets are fully compatible with the consoles multimedia services, meaning players can chat in-game using party chat or make video and audio calls on Skype.
Microsofts Xbox One wireless controller features over 40 improvements to the Xbox 360s award-winning wireless controller. The controller has new impulse triggers and streamlines thumbsticks, D-pad and contours for improved precision and comfort whether youre driving, shooting or just navigating through menus.
The official Xbox One Play and Charge kit features a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery pack and charging cable. Using the kit, controllers are fully charged in under four hours so users can say goodbye to disposable AA batteries. The kit can recharge your wireless controller while you play and even when your console is in standby.
October 14th, 2013, 02:41 Posted By: wraggstervia http://wololo.net/2013/10/13/vita-ha...tn-v-4-so-far/
The biggest event on the PS Vita hacking scene so far was Total_Noobs release of his TN Hen for Vita, almost a year ago. Naysayers can keep saying this is not good enough, but his hack brought a full PSP CFW to the Vita, meaning support of dozens of emulators, hundreds of PSP homebrews and utilities, plugins, and (need I mention it?) psp isos
including support for games you love that will never be available on the PSN Store for obscure contractual reasons.
People whove tasted the joy of using TN Hen on their Vita have had a hard time giving it up in order to upgrade. A while ago, Total_Noob announced he would be back with another PSP Kernel exploit (and HEN) running on the Vita of course. He eventually stated that he would wait for the PS4 to be available before he would consider a release. His goal was clear: make sure the Vita firmware you will be stuck on to enjoy his exploit will also let you use your Vita with the PS4.
Today, with the PS4 release approaching, what do we know about the upcoming TN-V ?
Most likely, it will have all the features you typically expect from the type of tool: psp iso support, plugins, homebrews, etc
Total_Noob however mentioned a while ago that the extra ram support has been disabled in recent Vita firmware updates (so well probably be limited to 32MB instead of 64MB
for some homebrews this can be a big deal, but in general this shouldnt be too much of an issue)
Total_Noob will not release this before the PS4, for the benefit of the scene, he is waiting for a useful Vita firmware update
TN-V 4 will not be a silver bullet. It will rely on a PSP kernel exploit, that Sony will probably patch easily with a firmware update. People who want to keep the hack will have to basically renounce the many online features of the Vita. Tough choice, probably, but if youve enjoyed TNs work before, and knowing that there arent that many psp kernel exploits around, you know youll consider it
TN-V 4 will not magically let you pirate Vita games.
Total_Noob aims at making his work compatible with as many usermode exploits as possible. People who have had access in the past to our previous Ninja releases will most likely have a chance to get TN-V 4 to replace their current VHBL install, assuming the community does its job: Total_Noob has asked us to help porting his work to the existing exploits, here.
I believe, if things are timed right, that TN-V 4 could even be compatible with the Vita TV
theres no reason to believe the Vita TV would have a firmware too different from that of the Vita.
Stay tuned for a release date!
October 14th, 2013, 02:57 Posted By: wraggstervia http://emu-russia.net/en/
Sony Playstation emulator for Windows has been released. Changes:
- cd/help: added notes on sub-cpu mainloop/response/priority/timing/queue/flags
- cd/emu: simplified 1st/2nd/3rd response slots (instead overcomplicated queue)
- debug: optional IRQx logging to tty window (plus detailed cdrom INTxx info)
- cd/emu: emulates exact filter/realtime handling for adpcm and data sectors
- cd/help: added notes on data/adpcm sector filtering/delivery on cdrom-reading
- cd/help: added almost perfect xa-adpcm zig-zag-interpolation formula/tables
- cd/help: added note on unitialized six-step adpcm interpolation counter
- cd/help: added flowchart for using sound map mode (with random 3-slot caution)
- cd/emu: emulates 8bit xa-adpcm decompression (unlike normal 4bit xa-adpcm)
- cd/emu: emulates xa-adpcm zig-zag-interpolation (37.8 to 44.1kHz resampling)
- cd/emu: bugfixed xa-adpcm (did destroy sixstep "extra_offhold" inside of lop)
- cd/emu: emulates newly discovered MotorOn command (and its various errors)
- cd/help: added some basic notes and waveform example for xa-emphasis feature
- cd/emu: emulates invalid xa-adpcm filter=4..15 and invalid shift=13..15 values
- cd/emu: added basic soundmap emulation (works at least to play one 900h unit)
- cd/help: added notes on invalid xa-adpcm filter=4..15 and shift=13..15 values
- spu: bugfixed cd.audio.capture buffer (is NOT affected by cd.audio volume)
- cd/help: added notes on newly discovered secret_unlock feature (command 5xh)
- cd/myth/help: eliminated "Standby" myth (actual function of cmd 7 is MotorOn)
- cd/help: added notes on peak bytes for Play+Report (and incomplete GetQ peak)
- cd/help: added details on purpose/function of all cdrom test commands
- cd/help: discovered more test commands (supported on older PSX consoles only)
- cd/help: added specs for CXA1782BR cdrom servo amplifier registers
- cd/help: added specs for CXD2510Q cdrom signal processor registers
- cd/help: added specs for CXD2545Q cdrom combined servo + signal processor
- cd/help: added specs for CXD1199BQ/CXD1815Q cdrom decoder/fifo registers
- cd/help: added specs for MC68HC05 on-chip I/O Ports (and their usage in psx)
- cd/help: added notes on GetID's ATIP byte, and on POS0 flag in sub_func 21h
- cd/help: removed nonsense sub_function numbers from ancient cdinfo.txt
- cd/help: added info on some formerly unknown CD-XA bytes (in the LEN_SU area)
- cd/help: added subheader CI coding info bits (adpcm emphasis and 8bit/sample)
- cd/help: added notes on more cd-xa fields in primary volume descriptor
- poc/help: added some pocketstation details (LED, mirrors, exceptions, etc)
- help: added notes on PU-7 chipset (different cdrom/spu/gpu/cpu/bios chips)
- bios: added patch_uninstall_early_card_irq_handler_efficient (thanks shendo)
- gui: setup uses asia-compatible TabControl instead of unreliable PropertySheet
- dma3/cdrom and dma6/otc: treats len=0 as length=10000h words (=256 kbytes)
- cdrom data fifo: uses [800h-8] or [924h-4] as padding-byte after sector end
- gui: fullscreen mode preserves real aspect ratio (padded with black border)
- gui: fullscreen mode moved to context menu (instead of old setup option)
- gui: created mouse-shape-less No$helpClass (avoid flickering mouse pointer)
- debug: supports MC68HC05.ROM bios loading (16.5K) (for disasm at 50001000h)
- debug: re-arranged gte registers in iomap (fixed overlapping text fields)
- debug: added dummy-mappings: 50000000h=mc68hc05 memory/mc68hc05 disassembler
- debug: added dummy-mappings: 60000000h=vram, and 70000000h=spu-ram
- debug/help: added disassembler and specs for mc68hc05 cpu (cdrom coprocessor)
- spu/help: corrected spu-irq description (irq9 does trigger also on spu-dma)
- credits: big thanks to psxdev.ru for cdrom 68hc05 sub-cpu decapping
File: Download
News source: http://nocash.emubase.de
October 14th, 2013, 03:01 Posted By: wraggstervia http://emu-russia.net/en/
Super Nintendo emulator for Sony PSP has been updated. No changes info available.
Download Attached
October 14th, 2013, 03:09 Posted By: wraggstervia http://www.aep-emu.de/
hpsx64 ist ein neuer experimenteller Playstation Emulator für x64 basierte Betriebssysteme. Ein früher Build für Windows ist im Source Download des Emulator mit enthalten.
Full Program Name: Highly-Experimental Playstation Simulator x64
Program Author: TheGangster
Platforms: Windows 64-bit
hps1x64 - Playstation 1 simulator
Status: In development - Pre-initial Source code and binary release - Development/Testing usage only
Current Version:
v012 - pre-initial release 12 - CD fixes, DMA fixes, COP2 fixes. Improved compatibility.
Older Versions:
v011 - pre-initial release 11 - improved XA, Timer overhaul, SIO/PAD fixes, CPU fixes. Improved compatibility.
v010 - pre-initial release 10 - SPU/LSA fixes, CD fixes (getparam, sector reads), COP2 delay slot fix, Auto Pause fixes, DMA2 fixes. Improved compatibility.
v009 - pre-initial release 9 - MDEC Overhaul. GUI fixes, CD fixes, SPU fixes. Improved compatibility.
v008 - pre-initial release 8 - Auto Pause implemented, GPU fixes, CD fixes, SPU fixes. Improved compatibility.
v007 - pre-initial release 7 - Disk change support, CDDA fixes, GPU fixes, COP2 fixes. Improved compatibility. Improved accuracy.
v006 - pre-initial release 6 - R3000A fixes. COP2 fixes. SPU fixes. CD fixes. improved compatibility.
v005 - pre-initial release 5 - improved speed, improved compatibility, improved accuracy
v004 - pre-initial release 4 - reverb support, dithering support, improved speed, improved compatibility
v003 - pre-initial release 3 - improved compatibility, bin/img/iso/cue/ccd/sub support, memory card support, joystick support, preliminary sound support.
v002 - pre-initial release 2 - improved compatibility, improved speed, improved accuracy. If something is not working, try enabling analog first thing.
v001 - pre-initial release - only use this version if you intend to test or evaluate progress
v000 - pre-initial evaluation only release
October 14th, 2013, 12:21 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Hi there everyone. I hope you had a great weekend. I'm very excited to announce the update for Video Store this week.
World War Z (Extended Version)
Former United Nations employee Gerry Lane (Brad Pitt) is called upon to help stop a chaotic pandemic that has decimated populations around the world. Even more action unfolds in the unrated cut with intense new footage not seen in theatres.
Available now to buy in the UK, priced from £11.99. Available from 16th October in Australia, priced AU$19.99.
The Internship
Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson team up to crash the digital world in this laugh-out-loud buddy comedy that clicks! In an attempt to reboot their obsolete careers, old-school salesmen Billy McMahon (Vaughn) and Nick Campbell (Wilson) talk their way into the prestigious internship program at Google's state-of-the-art campus — where the competition is as intense as it is hilarious!
Available to buy now in Australia, priced AU$24.99. Available in the UK at the end of October in the UK.
More movies available on https://store.sonyentertainmentnetwork.com. Enjoy!
October 14th, 2013, 18:20 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
The first thing you learn in this industry is how hard everyone works. Whether the project is a $100 million blockbuster or a smaller niche title, dozens of people across many different teams – programmers, artists, designers, composers, writers, testers, producers, marketers, and more – spend months if not years of their lives carrying out a thousand different tasks. Some of those tasks are wildly creative, others bureaucratic and mundane, but it takes all of them together to deliver a game into players' hands.
On Valhalla Knights 3, I was a latecomer. I joined up in early September, when most of the hardest work had already been done. Most of my contributions have been on the bureaucratic side this time around, working with other XSEED members, the game's developers, and our friends at Sony to get everything ready for the game's release.
To put my work on this project in RPG terms, think of the design phase as exploration, the programming phase as combat, and my work as the part where you open up the menu and juggle stats and equipment for an hour and a half. Maybe not always as fun or exciting as the rest of the game, but you need that part set up right before you can win.
For me, the highlight of the project was the day the game was officially certified for release. I'm the guy who got to tell the developers the game was done, that we were clear to launch in Europe on 23rd October (you heard it here first!), and that all their work had finally come together. I could almost hear them cheer from across the ocean.
So what exactly have they been working on all this time? We've gotten a few questions about what's in the game, and I wanted to go over them in detail here.
What's the multiplayer like?
In the competitive online mode, your seven-character party faces off against an opposing player's seven-character party. Each of the two players begins the match in their own "locker room," so to speak, equipping and preparing their respective parties. Once both players enter the arena, their parties rumble until one wipes the other out.
As with the main game, each of the two players directly controls one party member at a time, shouting out orders to the rest and switching between them at will. The winning player receives arena points, which can buy new gear and goodies from the arena prize shop. Those prizes, in turn, carry over into both single player and multiplayer.
The original Japanese version of the game only featured an ad-hoc version of this mode, but the North American and European versions both include full online versions over PlayStation Network. We've also added leaderboards, as well as a specialised matching system that keeps track of your greatest rivals. North American players will even be able to play people in Europe, and vice versa. No co-op, unfortunately, but the competitive mode fits better with the game's design.
How hard of a game are we talking about?
Tough, but fair. The game expects you to outfit your team with the best available equipment, keep stock of your items, and pay attention to a quest's difficulty rating. It'll warn you when things are about to get tough, and it won't often try to trap you or trick you. All the same, save often, and resist the temptation to take "just one more fight" before you go back and heal up. (You can teleport back to base with a consumable Return Card, and can dash everywhere you go with a well-timed button press.)
To help keep things fair, we've slightly increased the XP rewards for early encounters and lowered the prices of basic healing potions. That's to keep new players from falling into a death spiral, where they lose all but their last guy, can't afford resurrections, and can't survive enough fights with just the one guy to grind for the resurrection money.
What else is coming over from the Japanese version?
Most of the free additional content from the Japanese version has been packed into the game. There were a couple of licensed crossover cameos in the Japanese version, such as a costume from Fate/Stay Night, that didn't make it across the Pacific, but the rest of the free content (including the Tight Bikini Armor, various… outfits for the hostesses, several bonus quests, and extra options for player character customisation) is there.
October 14th, 2013, 21:12 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
It's time for your weekly LittleBigPlanet Update and we have a brand new DLC release and a fabulous collection of Team Picks for you to play. So let's take a look at just what LittleBigPlanet and the community have been up to this week!
Arabic Costume Minipack coming this week!
Sackboy is quite the globetrotter and is already accustomed to so many of the world's people and cultures and today we have something special for our ever-growing multi-cultural PlayStation community with this brand new Arabic Costume Minipack that adds a couple of new costumes to his ever-expanding collection of cultural wear.
In fact there's already so many countries and cultures represented in Sackboy's wardrobe from the historic to the modern day that we would love to hear which are your favourite outfits so far and if there's any other traditional cultural wear that you think should be represented in LittleBigPlanet, be sure to mention them in the comments below.
We have a trio of great games to showcase in the LittleBigPlanet 2: Team Picks including a challenging retro space adventure in Astro Lander and a nail-biting survival challenge in Steamed. Both of these games are sure to keep you on your toes, so try to shoot for the high score in both of them!
Astro Lander by ShadowFlareX
Casino Rush by bigsurf77
Steamed by cyclist67You can find this level and oh so much more in the latest LittleBigPlanet 2: Team Picks!
We always love to see exciting new LittleBigPlanet levels, so if you have any great levels to share with the community or some stunning videos that show off your favourite levels and creations, then be sure to tweet them to us @LittleBigPlanet
October 14th, 2013, 23:19 Posted By: wraggsterAt this very moment, an armada of ships are heading to docks around the world.
Laden with shiny new PS4s and Xbox Ones, they are fresh from the factory line and ready to roll out at retailers in next-gen console launch countries.
But heres the thing very few people know exactly how many will turn up on time. One boat or two? How many are set aside for which territory? When will the next wave arrive?
Variables like this put recent concerns from smaller retailers about PS4 stock into a very clear context.
Claims of allocations and pre-orders matter not when it comes to an inevitably oversubscribed launch like this. Retailers were always getting X per cent of Y.
And yet some retailers still (overenthusiastically) guaranteed customers they can have part of value X when they never knew the real number in the first place.
Meanwhile, Sony adding a bunch of bundles to the range on shelves (on shelves in theory PS4s looking like a guaranteed sell-out) is an understandable attempt to add more value to the equation.
Value to margins, value to what gamers are getting, value for retailers managing customer expectations.
That makes it pretty tricky to judge or condemn anyone involved in the chain here.
A chain where everyone from format-holder to distributor via retailer is effectively the middleman in ensuring that consoles go from factory to living room, and reinvigorate the market.
October 15th, 2013, 00:34 Posted By: wraggsterThe new PlayStation Vita 2000 model can be charged using micro USB - a non-proprietary standard used on many mobile phones.
Sony Worldwide Studios president Shuhei Yoshida tweeted the news on Sunday evening, stating: "You'll be happy to know PS Vita 2000 can charge with a smartphone charger with micro USB".
The original version of the Vita - the only model currently available in Europe and North America - uses a unique charging cable provided by Sony.
The redesigned Vita was announced at the Tokyo Game Show in September and launched in Japan on October 10. Western release dates have not been announced.
Priced at 19,929 yen (£128 / $200 USD), the new model is 20 per cent thinner (15mm) and 20 per cent lighter (219g) than the original Vita.
Although the new Vita's five-inch LCD panel replaces the original's OLED display, a Sony exec has claimed the LCD screen will not be of inferior quality.
October 15th, 2013, 00:40 Posted By: wraggsterOnline retail giant Amazon has reduced the basic PS4 bundle down to £385, making it the first major seller to list the unit at the price recommended by Sony.
Two console-and-game bundles, one with Killzone Shadow Fall and the other with Watch Dogs, have been lowered in price from £390 to £385.
A Sony representative has told CVG that, for these official bundles in particular, the recommended retail price is £385. However, many retail outlets, such as GAME, are still selling the SKUs for £400.
Amazon has slashed the price of the PlayStation 4 Mega Pack down from £450 to £430, undercutting many of its competitors. The retailer, like many others, is also offering customers a package of additional bundles which represent a bigger saving overall.
Why the retailer can afford to make these savings is a complex issue. Amazon UK paid £2.4 million in corporate taxes last year despite making £4.3 billion in sales. The company insisted that it was acting within the law, but its contributions to the UK became part of a nationwide debate on tax avoidance measures.
Sony has set a PS4 release date of November 29 across Europe and November 15 in the US. Microsoft's Xbox One will be released in between those dates, on November 22.
October 15th, 2013, 01:07 Posted By: wraggsterSquare Enix has unveiled Kingdom Hearts 2.5 HD Remix for launch on PlayStation 3 next year.The release follows hot on the heels of last month's Kingdom Hearts 1.5 HD Remix and similarly contains a number of extras.Included is Kingdom Hearts 2 Final Mix - previously released on PS2 and exclusive to Japan - plus PSP title Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix and the HD remastered cinematics of Kingdom Hearts Re:coded.The compilation is confirmed for global release with a vague 2014 date, but we're checking with Squenix in the UK now for more specific local plans.Today's announcement comes as the Kingdom Hearts series passes a lifetime total of 20 million copies sold worldwide. We're not taking the Mickey.
October 15th, 2013, 10:23 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
With Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag looming only a few weeks away, it is time to give you a better picture of what exactly you will be fighting for. Without further ado, take a look at our brand new trailer showing off Captain Edward Kenway's journey
 As you can see, Edward undergoes some significant changes throughout the course of his story, and those changes are what drive the sweeping adventure found in AC4BF. Because you'll not only get one of the most entertaining and exciting pirate simulators to date, you'll also get another chapter in the Assassin's Creed saga, and all the intrigue and conspiracy that goes along with it. Join us as we quest for treasure, found a pirate empire and blast a bloody swath through the West Indies and history itself.
Defy the odds in Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag WORLDWIDE on 29th October!
October 15th, 2013, 12:06 Posted By: wraggsterHabib presents his Custom Firmware 4.50. Tortuga Cove and Beggars do not recommend using a custom firmware that has not been tested extensively. If you install this firmware is at your own risk.
New / fixed: [1.01] - Built from Firmware 4.50 - Options "INSTALL PACKAGE FILES" and "app_home" - Compatible with REACTPSN - Bypass checks "CoreOS ECDSA" - Patch LV2 support for "PEEK / POKE" - Patch LV1 for supporting the "PEEK / POKE" - Patch to disable LV1 LV2 protections - It can launch 4.50 signed up games - Can be installed from anywhere that Custom Firmware - Can be installed since the official 3.55 - Can be installed on console YLOD software - Added patches no Blu-ray/BlueTooth - Added patches REACTPSN offline - Improved system stability - Support PSP REMASTER - QA Flag activated automatically if already activated 3.55 - Removal of restrictions Remote Play - Enabling ScreenShot during a game - MD5: 7C50FB0081F56354ED3B4496CCB93A46 [1.0] - MD5: 282DC0334DDD72E42374ED3EE5161197 [HABIB 999 DG] - MD5: 93F0D83B25462C855FCC37C13C96A8D1 Thank Shakin for information. Official Site: tortuga-cove.com
October 15th, 2013, 12:07 Posted By: wraggsterThe Cobra team has its output 1.5 update it a few days ago with a new way to explore its backups, but now she is working hard on the update 1.6 will include new options such as the need not to eject the disc or turn off the console.
The team shows us a video explaining how the browser. You can see it in action in the categories "Games" and "Video." This was made from a beta firmware 1.6 which according to the team should be releaser in less than a week. She enjoys to tackle his opponent, ODDE E3 Pro, designating it as poorly designed and require a hardware modification with resistors and capacitors in the end not having a fully automated option on 25xx and 3xxx, the user would have to re -Insert the disc into the drive manually. official website: cobra ode.com
October 15th, 2013, 12:07 Posted By: wraggsterIris Backup Manager is a mod based on HermesManager PSLIGHT, Tiny3D, PS3Soundlib and OpenPS3FTP.
New / fixed: 2.51 - Support for Custom Firmware 4.46 - Update the Chinese language and added Portuguese - Access the menu from "Select + Start", controlled by the parental control 2.52 - Support for Custom Firmware 4.50 - Fixed 80010009 error with a 4.50 games Iris Backup Manager Website: gitorious.ps3dev.net
October 15th, 2013, 12:08 Posted By: wraggsterThe revision 3405 of the emulator jpcsp was released and built. Here are the download links:
windows-x86-32: http://rapidga...x86-32.7z.html
windows-x86-64: http://rapidga...x86-64.7z.html
linux-x86-32: http://rapidga...x86-32.7z.html
linux-x86-64: http://rapidga...x86-64.7z.html
macosx: http://rapidga...macosx.7z.html
check out the Live Downloads section for more builds
October 15th, 2013, 14:04 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
"It will be scandalous if 4A Games doesn't immediately release it as free DLC for the game…"
These were the words that sparked the idea, appearing as they did alongside the winning submission to a 'Metro: Last Light Design a Weapon' competition that had been arranged by a New Zealand website, GamePlanet.co.nz.
The winner was Alexandre Bannwarth, a first year design student at the Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. His entry was the clear stand out – a revolving, multi- barrelled shotgun made from old bicycle parts. It was expertly designed, beautifully presented, but crucially it looked like it might actually work…
The hand-made weapons in Metro 2033 and Metro: Last Light were designed by 4A Games' co-founder and Creative Director, Andrew 'Prof' Prokhorov – a self-confessed gun enthusiast with a background in engineering. All of Prof's designs, from the stubborn, overheating 'Bastard' to the pneumatic 'Tihar' are based on sound mechanical principles, and could conceivably function in the real world.
Alexandre's Multi Barrelled Bicycle Shotgun represented a new, meticulously detailed blueprint for exactly this kind of weapon.
Prof loved it. He agreed it was mechanically sound, and technically possible. Incredibly, it looked like we could make this happen…
We contacted Alexandre, who agreed to let us use the design (and was understandably thrilled that his work might actually appear in the game). He provided extensive notes on his design to assist the studio…
"While designing a weapon for the Gameplanet competition I tried to stay in the spirit of the Metro setting and create a simple but efficient weapon that could be manufactured and operated with minimal training, with as few machined parts as possible and made mostly out of easily scavenged elements," wrote Alexandre.
"While contemplating where the basic parts for a firearm could be salvaged from (barrel, frame, trigger, stock etc.) the bicycle ended up being a perfect fit. The frame itself could realistically be sawed and welded back together to form a basic firearm, the hollow cylindrical bars of older bicycles could be used as barrels, or any metal pipe of the right size. The brake handles could be turned into a rudimentary trigger and the seat might offer some sort of recoil absorption."
In total, it took 4A about 200 man hours to get the weapon into the game.
Our original hope had been to release the weapon as a free, stand-alone piece of DLC – it would then appear throughout the single player campaign, either carried by certain enemies and/or available to purchase at the various trading posts along the way. Unfortunately, 4A weren't able to work this into the campaign without a lot of additional effort, and we just didn't have the time to do this.
Instead, we were able to add the weapon to the 'Shooting Gallery' and 'AI Arena' components of the Developer Pack DLC – a gun range/challenge arena where every weapon, in every configuration is available to test.
The weapon also appears in the 'Chronicles Pack' DLC (available from today) – featuring three original solo missions, the Chronicles Pack invites players to step into the shoes of some of Metro: Last Light's enduring characters in gripping plotlines that run parallel to Artyom's story.
Discover how Anna, the unflinching Polis Sniper, tried and failed to rescue Artyom from the Reich forces in the ruined botanical gardens. Put the irrepressible Pavel's deadly skills and ingenuity to the test as he attempts to escape the Bandit Lair beneath Venice. And guide Khan and Ulman through the forgotten, haunted tunnels of Polyanka in a chilling supernatural tale that reveals a dark secret from Khan's mysterious past …
4A Games would like to thank Alexandre for his contribution, and wish him all the best as he pursues his career in the world of design.
October 15th, 2013, 15:02 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Our first DLC for The Last of Us launches tomorrow when the PlayStation Store updates. Want to see it in action now? Here it is:
You can buy the Abandoned Territories Map Pack for £7.99/€9.99 stand-alone or, if you're looking for a great value, the map pack is included in the £15.99/€19.99 The Last of Us Season Pass. We recently detailed our future plans for all Season Pass DLC and the 75% savings you'll get by purchasing one. The Season Pass will be available for a limited time so grab it via the PlayStation Store or at your local game retailer today.
We've also patched certain aspects of the game. In fact we re-doubled our patch version 1.04 efforts decided to skip straight to 1.05. You can hear about the major changes via Patch 1.05 in this video:
If you want to see all changes with Patch 1.05, here's our list. Patch 1.05 will be rolling out globally over the next 24 hours.
Abandoned Territories Map Pack DLC
DLC playlist added for each game type. This includes both the retail maps and the DLC maps, but the DLC maps should appear much more frequently in the vote.
Fixed an issue where players on the winning team would occasionally get fully crafted items or machetes from caches, while players on the losing team would get incorrect items.Players should no longer get comeback weapons (pre-crafted molotovs / bombs / purchase weapons) when they are winning by more than a small margin.Fixed the consistency of comeback weapons spawning- there should be less comeback weapons in close matches and more consistent spawning in severely unbalanced matches. Once a player receives comeback weapons, however, they will not receive them again until a certain amount of progress has occurred in the match.2×4 Spawning logic has been adjusted in Supply Raid and Interrogation:
Fixed a bug where it would occasionally be impossible for a player to receive a 2×4 in a game.Reworked the initial 2×4 spawning logic to make the first 2×4 spawn a bit later to balance the escalation of the match.Lowered the overall number of potential 2x4s that could spawn in a match by including weighting based on match progress.The additional hit on modded melee weapons has been moved from Brawler Level 1 to Level 2, and the health gain from melee hits moved from Level 2 to 1.Added a Parts bonus for late joiners, based on when you join a match in progress. This bridges the gap between players who started from the beginning of the game and might have a Parts advantage over the late joiner.When late-joining beyond the first 2 minutes that match will no longer count towards any clan progress or missions.Fixed an issue on Checkpoint and Lakeside that had locations where some items could not be picked up.Made a fix to prevent players from being able to climb the tilted flag pole on the High School map.Fixed an issue with level graphics dropping out on The Dam.
Interrogation Mode Fixes
Games no longer end in ties unless both teams are on the same section of the unlocking process. If one team has more interrogations than the other, that team will win the match.The additional parts bonus for winning by a large margin is only awarded when the lockbox is fully unlocked. Otherwise only the standard win bonus is awarded.Killcard now correctly describes whether your character was executed or interrogated.Fire on the ground (from a Molotov) now damages the player when they attempt to unlock the lockbox and will properly interrupt the unlock process.Sounds have been added to the Interrogation animationFixed a bug where the end-of-match music was not playing in Interrogation mode.
Technical Fixes
Intro speech should no longer occasionally be heard twice at the start of the gameA flashing exclamation mark will be shown on DLC option for when new items are added
Single player:
Tweaks to a couple of art assets in the game.
That's just the start as we're already working on the next patch. For now, hop online, enjoy the new maps and let's all endure and survive. See you online!
October 15th, 2013, 16:50 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Squawk! This not-so-angry bird is Kalle Mäkinen, a producer from Rovio Entertainment, and I'm here to write a few lines about our latest release in the Angry Birds world.
Angry Birds Trilogy for PS Vita will be released on PlayStation Store on 16th October in Europe, priced €39.99/£34.99. Our PS Vita-owning fans have been waiting a long time for this game, so we have decided to delight them at the best possible way we can: releasing the ultimate Angry Birds package!
Angry Birds Trilogy has three award-winning Angry Birds games in one: Angry Birds, Angry Birds Seasons and Angry Birds Rio. There are over 700 levels to play and some totally new features, like making your own Angry Birds tunes! We have optimised the gameplay for PS Vita and enhanced the graphics – Angry Birds has never looked and felt this good in your pocket before!
When Angry Birds was released, it became an international phenomenon after just a few months on sale and the number one paid application of all time. We managed to bring something big to the world; a story of birds and pigs that people loved regardless of their age. We are really happy to invite PS Vita gamers to join our flock!
We hope that you'll also love the new version of our dearest. The birds are waiting for you, so get your slingshot ready for those Bad Piggies! If you want to know what we are up to in the future, join our flock in Facebook and Twitter to hear more!
October 15th, 2013, 18:02 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Home will briefly be offline from 8.00am BST on Wednesday 16th October for routine maintenance. Here's what to expect after the update…
Nostalgic University Days
Feeling nostalgic for your student times? Not anymore! This week sees the launch of a university personal space where you can have fun conversation with your classmates. It includes two large classrooms, a store, a long hallway, desks and chairs, music and science rooms and much more! You can also change the lighting and time of day. Invite your friends to enjoy the bustling university life!
Gym uniforms and colourful track suits
The Gym Uniform Set brings back memories of gym class and features a wide collar short-sleeve shirt, shorts, and school slippers. Also up for grabs are the Sweat Jacket and Jogging Bottoms, sold separately. Better hurry. The bell just rang, and gym class is starting!
Tuscan Villa
Enjoy a day in the countryside at your elaborate Tuscan Villa. This two-room lodging has a swanky living room connected to an outdoor porch and patio. To make things better, we've added an indoor swimming pool in the very next room. This is the perfect place to lay out and get to know your guests better. Reward yourself and your friends with an exclusive Tuscan Villa Pizza furniture item, only available in the Tuscan Villa Apartment. Visit the Open House version for a limited time.
Helffire Games – Home Tycoon
Home Tycoon's anniversary celebration continues with game's biggest sale to date! This week ONLY save a massive 40% on the VIP 1600 Gold Coin Pack in the Home Tycoon Train Station shop! Prepare for the upcoming New Heights update and permanently boost your Worker cap by 15 with the VIP Pack while it's hot. Hurry, the sale ends 22nd October!
Something wicked this way comes… A special edition of the Serenity Plaza public space is being overtaken by werewolves and vampires for the Halloween season!
For a limited time only, get the most terrifying spaces in Home for a terrifyingly good price: Cutteridge Estate, Cutteridge Estate Clubhouse, the Cutteridge Estate Ghost Stories expansion and much more are now on sale!
Prehistoric Valley
When museum curator Anton Lindles received a crate containing a model Tyrannosaurus Rex for her latest exhibition, he got way more than he bargained for. Not only was the Tyrannosaurus Rex alive, the crate contained a dimensional portal to a lush Prehistoric Valley populated by cave people and dinosaurs! Get your crate from Lockwood and see what surprises await.
Body Popping
Like Cabbage Patch kids and the Rubik's cube, Body Popping was a distinctly eighties craze. Try your hand at some old school moves with the Body Pop Dance Pack!
Cabaret Cutie
Finally releasing this week the Cabaret Cutie outfits! The ruffled dress is available in red, violet or blue, and there's a suitably short and sassy hairstyle to match. To truly embrace the diva that lurks within, there's an animation pack including attention grabbing poses fit for a Bombshell or Prima Donna!
IF Formal
In space, no one can hear you party, making it the perfect venue for soirees and shin digs. In recognition of the fact that canapés and vol-au-vents are as important to space age socialising as teleporters and com screens, Iron Fusion have created some futuristic party wear: Cabbage patch and running man with all the aplomb of a galactic council elder in these stylish outfits.
Fitness Pole – Pop Up Locomotion
Show off to all your friends with this fantastic locomotion. When you stand idle, a pole will shoot out of the ground and you will put on a show of your strength and agility.
Nightmare Clothing Collection
Terrify your friends with these chilling new clothing and LMO's. The Werewolf and The Mummy are some really freaky characters! Combine them with some of the creepy walk LMO's and scare everyone around you!
Spuno'ween: Spumpkin Heads & Spunling Ghosts
Madmunki release the Spumpkin Clothing bundle: A Spumpkin head as a full body suit with a range of animations (including a Scare emote) and a Spumpkin head as, well – just a head. Also for Halloween we have the Spunling Ghost Full body Suit, and if you come along to our Spuno'ween Party on the 31st you may be able to find yourself our exclusive Spuno'ween reward LMO!
Toylogic – Ethnic Fashion
This week there is a new lineup of gorgeous ethnic fashion items with an Asian taste. The selection comes in five different colours and includes a collection of ethnic boots and hairstyles!
Aquatic Animal Avatars
There are loads of great new Animal Avatar LMO's in the 3D Printer this week. With the new Aquatic Animal Avatars you can turn into a friendly Dolphin or pierce the waves as a majestic Marlin. Halloween is fast on the way, so it's the perfect time to change into a Black Cat and find yourself a witch:
This week there is another collection of coloured and patterned masks for both men and women. With Halloween a little under a month away, masks such as Alien and Killer Clown would go great with any costume ideas you might have!
There are exciting new additions to the Billabong catalogue this week. The beautiful Cool Wip Beach Strollz Dress, the Off Black On the Rocks Dress or the Dark Marine Spinner Tank Top for men are only some of the new clothes!
Snapback Bundles
The second Snapback set offers a choice of Black and Orange caps either straight out of the box or detailed with years of wear and tear. The bundles contain a number of hats that offer you a variety of ways and angles they can be worn.
That's all for now. See you in PlayStation Home!
October 15th, 2013, 19:22 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
The Last of Us has reached its four month anniversary! To celebrate we're working with We Love Fine to hold a fan art design contest for The Last of Us. If you've survived Joel and Ellie's journey by now, you likely have some compelling ideas about certain aspects of the game you'd like to see in the real world. We want to see those ideas! Enter into the design contest and your design could be featured on future The Last of Us merchandise. The submission period will start tomorrow so get inspired and you might win some really cool prizes!
The Submission period will run from 8:01am BST on 15th October 2013 until 7:59pm BST on 12th November 2013. You can submit up to five designs in total. Eight days after submissions close a rating period starts in which all our fans can rate each entered design. Taking those ratings as a way to bubble favorites up to the top, once 17th December hits we'll start the final judging period.
In conjunction with We Love Fine, we'll be judging submissions based on artistic merit and how true it is to the brand and the spirit of the game. We'll have guest judges Ashley Johnson (Ellie) and Troy Baker (Joel) as well as Neil Druckmann (Creative Director) and Bruce Straley (Game Director) who will be selecting winners for special prizes categories. Head over to We Love Fine to see what those prizes are and read more about the contest. All winners will be posted on We Love Fine on 16th January 2014.
We're really, really looking forward to your entries as we've seen some amazing, really talented fan art already. Get ready and good luck!
October 16th, 2013, 00:11 Posted By: wraggsterRelease date for all platforms moved to spring 2014 as publisher continues development
Watch Dogs has been delayed until next year, Ubisoft has announced.
The publisher said it did delayed the title to continue development and add further polish, as it did not want to compromise on quality.
The news will come as a shock to many as the open world title looked set to become one of the biggest releases of the year.
The title had been scheduled for release on November 22nd, just over a month away.
Our ambition from the start with Watch_Dogs has been to deliver something that embodies what we wanted to see in the next-generation of gaming. It is with this in mind that weve made the tough decision to delay the release until Spring 2014," read a statement from Ubisoft.
"We know a lot of you are probably wondering why now? We struggled with whether we would delay the game. But from the beginning, we have adopted the attitude that we will not compromise on quality. As we got closer to release, as all the pieces of the puzzle were falling into place in our last push before completion, it became clear to us that we needed to take the extra time to polish and fine tune every detail so we can deliver a truly memorable and exceptional experience."
In a separate announcement, Ubisoft has also announced upcoming racing title The Crew has been delayed. The game had been scheduled for release during the current fiscal year, but has now been pushed until April onwards.
As a result of the delays, Ubisoft has altered its dropped its sales forecasts for the financial year by over $400m to around $995m.
The publisher also expects an operating loss of between $40m and $70m, having expected to report income between $110m and $125m.
"Our long term goal is to win the next generation," read a statement Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot.
"The tough decisions we are taking today to fully realise the major potential of our new creations have an impact on our short-term performance. We are convinced that, longer term, they will prove to be the right decisions both in terms of satisfaction for our fans and in terms of value creation for our shareholders. We are building franchises that will become perennial pillars of Ubisoft's financial performance. In a context of growing successes for mega-blockbusters, the additional time given to the development of our titles will allow them to fulfill their huge ambitions and thus offer players even more exceptional experiences.
"Fueled by strong momentum for PlayStation 4 and XboxOne, calendar 2014 will see the return of growth to the console market. Combined with the quality of our line-up and our strong financial situation, this growth will allow us to achieve record operating income in fiscal 2014-15 and 2015-16."
October 16th, 2013, 00:17 Posted By: wraggsterBut game development framework will not be free on Sonys next-gen console
A port of the MonoGame development framework is coming to PS4.
The open source engine based on the Microsoft XNA 4 Framework has already come to iOS, Android, Mac, Linux and Windows 8.
Nintendo recently brought the software on side for Wii U, a move that appears to be geared towards making the console more attractive to independent developers.
MonoGame is being ported to Sonys new system using Xamarins Mono for PS4 port.
Tom Spilman of Sickhead Games is spearheading the PS4 version, and previously handled the Windows 8 port of MonoGame.
But while MonoGame is free its current platforms, the framework will be a paid for application on PS4, due to the proprietary nature of console development. Costs have not yet been determined, as the porting team said it is too early to predict.
Developers interested in the PS4 offering will need to be part of Sonys Console Developer Programme. Developers can register their interested with MonoGame by contacting monogameteam [at] gmail [dot] com.
Current ports of MonoGame will remain free.
October 16th, 2013, 00:25 Posted By: wraggster"Until now Sony has done a pretty good job of keeping future Playstation 4 owners happy. But last week they finally hit a rock when Game Informer posted an article about headset compatibility. At launch, USB headsets that work with the PS3 won't work with the PS4. Sony says that eventually there will be a system update that addresses the problem but for now, even your Sony-branded USB headset won't work. If you use a Bluetooth headset (as most PS3 owners do) the news is even worse. Bluetooth headsets will not be supported and no update is planned to address this. ITworld's Peter Smith isshedding a tear for his $250 Turtle Beach PX5 headset."
October 16th, 2013, 00:40 Posted By: wraggsterUbisoft has unexpectedly moved the release date for Assassins Creed IV: Black Flag forward on current-gen machines.
The game will now land this month on Tuesday October 29th on PS3 and Xbox 360. It had originally been planned to hit those formats on November 1st.
The game will still arrive on PS4, Xbox One, Wii U and PC on November 22nd meaning yes, it will be out for PS4 a week before the machine is actually available and will arrive alongside the Xbox One at launch.
October 16th, 2013, 12:03 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Hi everyone! It's that time of year when the nights start to creep and the ghosts and ghouls come out from their dark corners. If that's not enough to send a shiver down your spine then why not check out the Horror Sale starting today at PlayStation Store!
Here you will find up to 75% off some of the most terrifying games to have ever graced our screens, including Siren Blood Curse, Deadly Premonition: Director's Cut and inFamous: Festival of Blood.
These games will go on sale from Wednesday 16th October. What are you waiting for? Are you too scared?
PS3 games: Deadpool
Was €59.99/AU$89.95/£49.99, now €34.79/AU$52.17/£28.99
DOOM 3 BFG Edition
Was €39.99/AU$49.95/£29.99, now €14.79/AU$18.48/£11.09
Additional 25% discount for PS Plus members
Dead Rising 2 Off The Record (Not available in Germany)
Was €14.99/AU$17.95/£10.99, now €8.99/AU$10.77/£6.59
Additional 15% discount for PS Plus members
Devil May Cry HD Collection
Was €29.99/AU$39.95/£19.99, now €14.99/AU$17.95/£10.99
Additional 15% discount for PS Plus members
PixelJunk Monsters
Was €4.99/AU$7.35/£3.99, now €2.49/AU$3.67/£1.99
Additional 25% discount for PS Plus members
Was €2.99/AU$4.35/£2.39, now €0.98/AU$1.43/£0.78
Additional 25% discount for PS Plus members
I Am Alive
Was €14.99/AU$21.95/£11.99, now €7.49/AU$10.97/£5.99
Additional 25% discount for PS Plus members
Monsters (Probably) Stole My Princess (Not available in Bulgaria, Hungary, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, Ukraine)
Was €3.99/AU$5.85/£3.49, now €0.99/AU$1.46/£0.87
Additional 25% discount for PS Plus members
Was €12.99/AU$18.45/£9.99, now €4.93/AU$7.01/£3.79
Additional 25% discount for PS Plus members
Deadly Premonition: Director's Cut (Not available in New Zealand)
Was €39.99/AU$49.95/£29.99, now €19.99/AU$24.97/£14.99
Additional 25% discount for PS Plus members
House of the Dead 3 (Not available in Germany)
Was €5.99/AU$8.85/£4.79, now €2.99/AU$4.42/£2.39
Additional 25% discount for PS Plus members
House of the Dead 4 (Not available in Germany)
Was €7.99/AU$11.75/£6.49, now €3.99/AU$5.87/£3.24
Additional 25% discount for PS Plus members
The House of the Dead: OVERKILL Extended Cut (Not available in Bulgaria, Germany, Hungary, Qatar)
Was €19.99/AU$24.95/£15.99, now €7.99/AU$9.98/£6.39
Additional 25% discount for PS Plus members
The House of the Dead Bundle Pack
Was €24.99/AU$36.95/£19.99, now €9.99/AU$14.78/£7.99
Additional 25% discount for PS Plus members
Wonder Boy in Monster Land
Was €4.49/AU$6.65/£3.69, now €1.97/AU$2.92/£1.62
Additional 25% discount for PS Plus members
inFamous: Festival of Blood
Was €9.99/AU$14.45/£7.99, now €6.99/AU$10.11/£5.59
Additional 10% discount for PS Plus members
Was €7.99/AU$11.75/£6.49, now €4.95/AU$7.28/£4.02
Additional 10% discount for PS Plus members Siren Blood Curse (Not available in Bulgaria, Hungary, Qatar)
Was €12.99/AU$16.95/£10.99, now €7.01/AU$9.15/£5.93
Additional 10% discount for PS Plus members
Siren Blood Curse Chapter One – The Siren's Call (Not available in Bulgaria, Hungary, Qatar)
Was €9.99/AU$14.45/£7.99, now €5.99/AU$8.67/£4.79
Additional 10% discount for PS Plus members
Siren Blood Curse Chapter Two – No Refuge (Not available in Bulgaria, Hungary, Qatar)
Was €9.99/AU$14.45/£7.99, now €5.99/AU$8.67/£4.79
Additional 10% discount for PS Plus members
Siren Blood Curse Chapter Three – Nest of Devils (Not available in Bulgaria, Hungary, Qatar)
Was €9.99/AU$14.45/£7.99, now €5.99/AU$8.67/£4.79
Additional 10% discount for PS Plus members
Siren Blood Curse Chapter Four – The End is the Beginning (Not available in Bulgaria, Hungary, Qatar)
Was €9.99/AU$14.45/£7.99, now €5.99/AU$8.67/£4.79
Additional 10% discount for PS Plus members
PS Vita: LIMBO
Was €12.99/AU$18.45/£9.99, now €4.93/AU$7.01/£3.79
Additional 25% discount for PS Plus members
Obscure: The Aftermath (Not available in Bulgaria, Hungary, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, Ukraine)
Was €14.99/AU$21.95/£11.99, now €5.99/AU$8.78/£4.79
Additional 25% discount for PS Plus members
October 16th, 2013, 13:03 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Everyone likes Cross-Buy games and everyone likes sales, so here's the best of both in our Cross-Buy sale!
Get your paws on the bloody, addictive Hotline Miami for just £3.24, or maybe don your luchador mask and grab Guacamelee for £6.19 (that's less than a London day travel card!) There's plenty to grab to fulfil your desire to play on the couch, or on the move so hop onto PS Store later today when sale kicks off (alongside the Horror sale).
Alien Breed
Was €7.99/£6.49, now €3.51/£2.85
Additional 25% discount for PS Plus members
Was €12.99/£9.99, now €8.05/£6.19
Additional 10% discount for PS Plus members
Hotline Miami
Was €7.99/£6.49, now €3.99/£3.24
Additional 25% discount for PS Plus members
Hustle Kings Complete
Was €12.99/£9.99, now €8.05/£6.19
Additional 10% discount for PS Plus members
The Jak and Daxter Trilogy
Was €29.99/£19.99, now €20.09/£13.39
Additional 10% discount for PS Plus members
Knytt Underground
Was €9.99/£7.99, now €4.99/£3.99
Additional 25% discount for PS Plus members
Pinball Arcade
Was €9.99/£7.99, now €4.99/£3.99
Additional 25% discount for PS Plus members
Ratchet & Clank: QForce (PS Vita)
Was €14.99/£11.99, now €10.04/£8.03
Additional 10% discount for PS Plus members
Sound Shapes
Was €12.99/£9.99, now €8.05/£6.19
Additional 10% discount for PS Plus members
Stealth Inc: A Clone in the Dark
Was €9.99/£7.99, now €7.99/£6.39
Superfrog HD
Was €7.99/£6.49, now €5.99/£4.86
Additional 25% discount for PS Plus members
Top Darts
Was €7.99/£6.49, now €3.99/£3.24
Additional 10% discount for PS Plus members
When Vikings Attack
Was €9.99/£7.99, now €5.99/£4.79
Additional 10% discount for PS Plus members
When Vikings Attack Special Edition
Was €12.99/£9.99, now €7.01/£5.39
Additional 10% discount for PS Plus members
Sound Shapes DLC:
'80s Sound Pack
Was €0.99/£0.79, now €0.49/£0.39
Additional 10% discount for PS Plus members
8-Bit Sound Pack
Was €0.99/£0.79, now €0.49/£0.39
Additional 10% discount for PS Plus members
Acoustic Sound Pack
Was €0.99/£0.79, now €0.49/£0.39
Additional 10% discount for PS Plus members
Car Mini-Album and Entity Pack
Was €1.49/£1.19, now €0.74/£0.59
Additional 10% discount for PS Plus members
Drum Kits Sound Pack
Was €0.99/£0.79, now €0.49/£0.39
Additional 10% discount for PS Plus members
Dubstep Sound Pack
Was €0.99/£0.79, now €0.49/£0.39
Additional 10% discount for PS Plus members
Cross-Buy through PS3 only Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time(PS3)
Was €29.99/£19.99, now €20.09/£13.39
Additional 10% discount for PS Plus members
October 16th, 2013, 13:12 Posted By: wraggsterSony has admitted before that software pricing has been an issue for Vita, but todays release of Angry Birds Trilogy suggests that the problem is far from solved.
Rovios release, which includes Angry Birds, Angry Birds: Seasons and Angry Birds: Rio arrives on PSN today. And it will cost £34.99.
On iOS Angry Birds costs 69p. Seasons costs 69p. Rio is free. Thats £1.38 for almost the same content (note, of course, that the Vita versions do contain a few extras not found on smartphone).
Shell out a total of £3.45 and you can also throw in Angry Birds Space, Angry Birds: Star Wars and Angry Birds: Star Wars II as well.
If there were a counter-argument it would be this how much did you pay for that iPhone? Another way of asking this is how much are you still paying for that iPhone? If youre on a current model, maybe £600? Compare that to the £150-£200 you paid for your Vita and youre still in pocket.
October 16th, 2013, 13:15 Posted By: wraggsterNews of Ubisofts Watch Dogs delay would likely have been greeted through gritted teeth by a large number of retail workers.
Having spent lots of time over the last two weeks convincing customers who have pre-ordered a PS4 to upgrade to a Watch Dogs bundle, they now face the prospect of contacting them yet again and figuring out what can be offered in substitution.
In the US Amazon has told customers that theyll keep their PS4 pre-order, stating: All orders for the Watch Dogs PlayStation 4 bundle will keep their place in line and we will fulfil the PlayStation 4 (without the Watch Dogs game) in accordance with your current delivery estimate.
We are working on adjusting these orders and will update you as soon as we know more."
GameStop has told Polygon, meanwhile, that customers can either change to an alternative bundle (possibly at a different price) or stick with it and receive the game when it eventually comes out.
UK retail has yet to announce its plans.
October 16th, 2013, 13:16 Posted By: wraggsterSony has opened up digital pre-orders for a pair of PS4 launch titles on PSN and the Sony Entertainment Network online store.
PlayStation's Twitter account announces PS3 owners now have the ability to reserve PS4 digital downloads of Crytek's free-to-play shooter Warframe and SCE Japan's action game Knack.
Knack is listed at $59.99, while Warframe is of course being offered for free.
It's a bit perplexing why Sony chose to offer pre-orders for a microtransactions-based title like Warframe, but one would assume committing to it would place a user near the front of whatever download queue might form on launch day.
PlayStation 4 and both titles launch on November 15th.
October 16th, 2013, 15:21 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
It has been a while since we made a post on the PlayStation Blog, so I thought I would give an update about what we are working on.
The Witness takes place on an island full of puzzles. The island is an open world; you can go anywhere you want, and the game does not try to force you into a linear path. For the past couple of years, we have had the island mostly built in a gameplay sense, and we were trying it out, moving things around, developing location concepts, tweaking puzzles. At this point, most of that stuff is figured out, so we are now going through all the areas of the island and detailing them.
What we learned in this process is that the island is in fact very big, for a place where you carefully visit every location during gameplay! Correspondingly, for a small independent team like ours, detailing this huge space is a lot of work!
Just the other week, we played through the game from start to finish, to get a fresh perspective and to see everything that is here (because when you are working on a small piece of a game for a long time, it becomes very easy to get tunnel vision and to see only that small piece).
Originally I had meant to design an eight-hour game, but The Witness is more like 25-40 hours depending on how much you play (some of the game is optional!). I suspect this is the biggest and most intricate world ever built for a puzzle game (someone get a consultant from the Guinness Book to verify that!)
On the tech side, we are working on making the game run with a smooth and solid frame rate, and making the graphics look as nice as possible, and ensuring that the streaming system loads things quickly. We wrote our own engine for this game, so on the one hand, it means we get to do a lot of work; but on the other hand, it means we have precise control and can tweak it carefully until it is the highest-quality experience we can deliver.
We look forward to giving you an excellent game!
October 16th, 2013, 16:03 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
TellTaleGames are at it once more with an all new episodic series based on the Fables comic book series (from DC Comic/Vertigo). The Wolf Among Us – Faith is the first of a five part series from the same team that gave us The Walking Dead. You won't need to have read the comic as the game precedes the events in the first issue. So jump straight into a new game where your choices will affect the story.
Vanillaware. It may not be a name many know, but you should definitely be able to identify their games. Last Friday saw the release of Dragon's Crown (developed by Vanillaware, of course) and this week there's another drop dead gorgeous treat in Muramasa Rebirth. Muramasa is a 2D sidescrolling action RPG with gorgeous hand drawn artwork that really stands out on the Vita's screen.
Check the rest of this week's line-up below, as well the Cross-Buy and Horror sales that begin today.
New PlayStation Network contentContent may be added or removed, or move dates – please stay tuned to your weekly Store Update for the most up to date listings. Listed savings are approximate, based on SRP excluding Special Offer pricing and should be considered as a guide only.
PS3 games
Dead Nation + Road Of Devastation
Price: £9.99/€12.99
Sanctum 2 (Trial available)
Price: £11.99/€14.99
Availability: Not available in Russia
The Wolf Among Us – Season Pass
Price: £15.99/€19.99
Availability: Not available in Germany, Russia
The Wolf Among Us
Price: £3.99/€4.99
Availability: Not available in Russia
PS3 demos (Free)
Lego Marvel Super Heroes
WRC 4 FIA World Rally Championship Demo
Availability: Not available in Russia
PS Vita games
Angry Birds Trilogy
Price: £31.99/€39.99
Availability: Not available in Australia, New Zealand
Crazy Market
Price: Free
Killzone Mercenary Art Book
Price: Free
Muramasa Rebirth
Price: £19.99/€24.99
PS Vita demos
WRC 4 FIA World Rally Championship Demo
Availability: Not available in Russia
PlayStation MobileFractopia
Price: £1.59/€1.99
PS3 DLCArmored Core: Verdict Day
Compatibility Pack 1
Prices: Free
Dead Or Alive 5 Ultimate
Halloween Costumes – £1.59/€1.99 eachCore Fighters Halloween Costume Set – £5.49/€6.99Costume Catalogue 4 – FreeTrick-Or-Treat Halloween Costume Set – £19.99/€24.99Ultimate Sexy costumes – £1.59/€1.99 eachCheerleader costumes – £0.79/€0.99 eachSanta's Naughty/Nice Girls – £1.59/€1.99 eachLil' Santas costumes – £0.79/€0.99 eachSwimwear costumes – £1.59/€1.99 eachHot Getaway costumes – £1.59/€1.99 eachDOA2 Music – £0.79/€0.99 eachDOA3 Music – £0.79/€0.99 each
Availability: Not available in Russia
Dragon's Crown
Character Narrative Voice Pack
Prices: £1.59/€1.99
Availability: Not available in Russia
F1 Classics: 1990S PackF1 Classics: Classic Track Pack
Prices: £6.49/€7.99
LittleBigPlanet 2 (Cross-Buy) (Monday 14th Oct)
Arabic Costumes Minipack
Prices: £0.79/€0.99
Pac-Man CE DX+
All You Can Eat Add-On Pack
Prices: £6.49/€7.99
Payday 2
Prices: £3.99/€4.99
Star Wars Pinball (Zen Pinball 2)
Star Wars Pinball: Balance Of The Force
Prices: £9.99/€7.99
The Last Of Us
Abandoned Territories Map Pack
Prices: £7.99/€9.99
PS Vita DLCLittleBigPlanet 2 (Cross-Buy) (Monday 14th Oct)
Arabic Costumes Minipack
Prices: £0.79/€0.99
Star Wars Pinball (Zen Pinball 2)
Star Wars Pinball: Balance Of The Force
Prices: £9.99/€7.99
October 16th, 2013, 16:03 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Hey, this is Nathan Gary over at Sony Santa Monica with some great news for PlayStation fans. For years, the team here at Santa Monica Studio has been pushing the boundaries of gaming with small innovative games. Now some of our best titles are making the jump to new PlayStation platforms, including PlayStation 4.
As some of you know from our previous announcement, thatgamecompany's Flower is coming to PlayStation Vita. Today I am happy to officially announce that it is also coming to PS4 and that both versions will launch in SCEE regions on Friday 29th November. Now this beautiful, meditative game can be experienced at stunning 1080p and 60fps.
I'm also excited to tell you that Sound Shapes, the ground-breaking musical platformer from Queasy Games, will also be joining Flower in the PS4 launch line-up on 29th November.
Flower isn't the only thatgamecompany title making its way to new places. We are also bringing flOw to PS Vita and PS4. This is the first game TGC released and the one that started it all. It will release for both PS4 and PS Vita on 29th November.
But wait, that's not all. Escape Plan, the dark, funny PlayStation Vita survival game from Fun Bits Interactive, will be making the jump to the big screen and will launch on PS4 on 29th November. We have spent a lot of time reworking the controls for the DUALSHOCK 4 and can't wait for you to get your hands on it.
Finally, the games above are all Cross-Buy titles, meaning if you buy it on one system, you'll be able to download it for free on any available system. Oh, and one more thing. If you have purchased these games previously on PSN, they will be available to you when they release on PS4 or PS Vita at no additional charge. Enjoy!
October 16th, 2013, 18:03 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
FuturLab and Curve Digital are delighted to announce that they are working to bring the critically acclaimed PlayStation Vita title, Velocity Ultra, to PlayStation 3 in full HD later this year. Brought to you by Curve's in-house development team, the PS3 version will run at full HD resolutions and retain all the features beloved by fans of the PS Vita version.
One of the highest rated PS Vita games of all time, Velocity Ultra is a mix of vertical shooter and puzzle game that blends elements of traditional spaceship shooters with a clever teleportation mechanic. It's all about speed, quick reflexes and fast decisions, set to a pumping electronic soundtrack.
The PS3 version of Velocity Ultra will share its trophies and leaderboards with the PS Vita version, so fans will be able to pick up the adventure in glossy HD and start chasing new highscores right away.
"I'm genuinely proud of what we achieved with Velocity Ultra." said James Marsden, Managing Director of FuturLab. "We poured our creative heart and soul into this game, and it's fantastic to be working with Curve to bring the game to more players."
October 16th, 2013, 18:20 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
There is a repeated theme in our upcoming game, Road Not Taken, which we announced here back in August. The characters in our little northern town have all lived their lives according to the same plan: first you go to school, then you get a job, then you fall in love and finally you start a family.
But life doesn't always work out that way.
I grew up expecting to live a very traditional Norman Rockwell-style life. We had a little house on a lovely winding road in rural Maine. I did well in school; checked all the official checkboxes. Then upon entering the real world, things fell apart.
On the job front, I've been through multiple careers. My "safe" job at a large stable employer — the sort of job many people dream about — well, that was an incredibly bad fit for me. I've joined sketchy start-ups that failed. And some that succeeded. I've been fired for idly drawing pictures of planes inserted into bums. I've been hired at double the salary because (as I learned later) I wore the right type of hat to the interview.
I live in a tiny condo in a big city, not a house in the suburbs. There is no yard or golden retriever. A bit later in life than the movies would have had me believe, I did stumble upon an amazing love. Back on track!
Then we found out that we can't have or adopt kids. It is complicated; all my various thoughts about this get tangled up with one another. I've now got a checkbox that will never be checked.
At this point, I feel pretty far off the golden path. And I've ended up with a lot of questions. Is it okay that I'm happy? Am I still a useful person? When I'm 87 years old with full blown dementia, who will sign my drooling shell into the retirement home?
Many of my friends are raising families. They are nesting in their perfect houses (with yards) and bonding over baby-induced sleep deprivation. Their conversations revolve almost exclusively around sleep schedules and potty training. It is like watching a whole different life veer away from me. I woke up one day and realised, "Hey, that really is not my future."
A surprising number of people I know are in a similar place. Their current life is not quite the simple arc they imagined it would be as a kid. Real arcs buckle and twist. I hope we are all richer for it.
So, back to Road Not Taken. It's a game that puts you in the shoes of a person who has fallen off the standard path. You live alone, outside the village, and every season a new storm arrives. The people of the village need you. There are tragedies and small delights. There are unexpected events and decisions.
You can try to live a perfect life.
Take care,
PS. I thought I'd take this opportunity to share a glimpse into Road Not Taken's relationship system which is inspired, in part, by games like Harvest Moon (see image, below.) As you play the game, you'll meet and develop connections with a variety of people. Like everything else in Road Not Taken, this will involve making choices and living with the results, some of which will be predictable, and some of which won't.
October 16th, 2013, 21:01 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Hey everyone. Ratchet and Clank Nexus, the duo's latest adventure, comes packed with classic platforming gameplay, an all-new story, and loads of new gadgets and weapons. Best of all, it will only set you back €29.99!
To sweeten the deal even more, we're including a free download of our first downloadable game from the Future saga – Ratchet & Clank: Quest For Booty. If you missed that adventure, you'll be able to check it out now for free. An option called Disc Benefits will automatically appear on your XMB once you have downloaded R&C Nexus from PS Store or inserted the disc in the console. You only have to select it and hit download. Easy!
With the game almost done, we're in the middle of working on a bunch of cool content that you'll see in the next few weeks leading to launch. Next up? A video showing off a good portion of Ratchet's arsenal, including some we haven't announced yet. To whet your appetite, I wanted to give you this little tease, showing off one of our fan favourite weapons. That's right – Mr. Zurkon is BACK, but this time he's bringing the family along.
One last thing before I head off. Unfortunately the game's EU release has slipped a week and it will now hit stores on 20th November 2013 (21st November in Spain; 22nd November in UK and Ireland).
That's all for now. As always, for all the latest on Insomniac and Nexus, be sure to follow us on Twitter and Like us on Facebook .
October 17th, 2013, 00:37 Posted By: wraggsterWatch Dogs publisher Ubisoft's shares have taken a big hit following news of the highly anticipated next-gen title's delay.
Games Industry reports the publisher's stock has dropped 22 per cent and is currently trading at just $2.27 a share.
The delay of the potential blockbuster isn't the only reason for the swift decline. Ubisoft was forced to lower its sales forecast by 30 per cent earlier this week due to Splinter Cell: Blacklist and Rayman Legends failing to meet sales expectations, as well as the firm having to delay its open-world racing game The Crew.
Watch Dogs delay from late 2013 to spring 2014 also has retailers scrambling to make good, now that the previously offered launch bundle with the PS4 is no longer an option.
October 17th, 2013, 00:38 Posted By: wraggsterPlayStation 4 demo kiosks have begun popping up across select US stores.
The PlayStation US blog announces that Sony Store, GameStop, Best Buy, Target and Walmart are rolling out kiosks today, with other participating retailers adding the fixture in the coming weeks.
Playable PS4 games include FIFA 14, Knack, Contrast, Octodad: Dadliest Catch, Super Motherload and Pinball Arcade.
The new DualShock 4 controller will naturally be on display as well.
Folks interested in locating a kiosk can do so through Sony's Experience PlayStation 4 site.
October 17th, 2013, 00:41 Posted By: wraggsterThatgamecompanys Flower and Flow will both be released on PS4, it has been confirmed.
It gets better, however those who have previously purchased the games on PSN will receive the updated PS4 versions for free. Sony says that theyll be available upon the machines launch on November 29th in Europe and November 15th in the US.
Both games are also getting a release on Vita.
As is the way with Thatgamecompany, both games are visually wonderful meaning that their arrival in 1080p and 60fps on PS4 is a great addition to the consoles line-up.
Queasy Games Sound Shapes has also been confirmed as a PS4 launch title along with former Vita exclusive Escape Plan. All four games will support Cross-Buy.
Theres even a video, which is right here. All they need to do now is announce a PS4 version of Journey and it will literally be like Christmas arriving early:
October 17th, 2013, 00:49 Posted By: wraggsterThose who have ordered the PS4 Watch Dogs bundle from GAME have been told that their console pre-orders are secure.
As many of you have heard Ubisofts Watch Dogs has slipped into spring 2014, to help make the game the best it can be for you, the company said on Twitter. We'd like to give you an update on what this means for your Watch Dogs and PS4 bundle pre-orders with us.
[Regarding] Watch Dogs software your pre-order will remain secure (both online and in-store) with us until day of release next year. [Regarding] Watch Dogs PS4 console bundles your PS4 remains secure for launch. We will be in touch with you all shortly to arrange an alternative.
Whether that alternative will be a solus hardware bundle or instead a console with an different choice of game remains to be seen.
October 17th, 2013, 01:44 Posted By: wraggsterThe Ratchet & Clank Nexus release date in Europe has been pushed back one week to November 20.
The game was originally set for an EU release of November 13. The US release, where the game is titled Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus, is unaffected, remaining on track for a November 12 arrival.
On a more positive note, developer Insomniac Games has confirmed that every copy of the new Ratchet & Clank entry will also get a downloadable copy of Quest for Booty free.
Priced at 29.99 / $29.99, the PS3 game will launch in stores and as a digital download from the PlayStation Store.
An epilogue to the Future games (Tools of Destruction, Quest For Booty, A Crack in Time), Into the Nexus is the first 'traditional' instalment in the Ratchet series since 2009's A Crack in Time.
Insomniac senior community manager James Stevenson says: "It's a very polished self-contained return to the Ratchet adventures of yore. It's impactful, too; filled with planet-hopping, guns blazing, joke-cracking Ratchet & Clank, and events happen here that will change Ratchet forever. Think of it as a small epic."
October 17th, 2013, 01:51 Posted By: wraggsterSony has detailed the latest content update for the European PlayStation Store.
This week's highlights include the long-awaited release of Muramasa Rebirth, the first episode of TellTale's The Wolf Among Us and a demo for Lego Marvel Superheroes.
Here's the full list:
PS3 gamesDead Nation + Road Of Devastation - Price: £9.99/12.99Sanctum 2 (Trial available) - Price: £11.99/14.99 (Availability: Not available in Russia)The Wolf Among Us - Season Pass - Price: £15.99/19.99 (Availability: Not available in Germany, Russia)The Wolf Among Us - Price: £3.99/4.99 (Availability: Not available in Russia)
PS3 demos (Free)Lego Marvel Super HeroesWRC 4 FIA World Rally Championship Demo (Availability: Not available in Russia)
PS Vita gamesAngry Birds Trilogy - Price: £31.99/39.99 (Availability: Not available in Australia, New Zealand)Crazy Market - Price: FreeKillzone Mercenary Art Book - Price: FreeMuramasa Rebirth - Price: £19.99/24.99
PS Vita demosWRC 4 FIA World Rally Championship Demo (Availability: Not available in Russia)
PlayStation MobileFractopia - Price: £1.59/1.99
PS3 DLCArmored Core: Verdict Day - Compatibility Pack 1 - Prices: FreeDead Or Alive 5 Ultimate - Availability: Not available in Russia
Halloween Costumes - £1.59/1.99 eachCore Fighters Halloween Costume Set - £5.49/6.99Costume Catalogue 4 - FreeTrick-Or-Treat Halloween Costume Set - £19.99/24.99Ultimate Sexy costumes - £1.59/1.99 eachCheerleader costumes - £0.79/0.99 eachSanta's Naughty/Nice Girls - £1.59/1.99 eachLil' Santas costumes - £0.79/0.99 eachSwimwear costumes - £1.59/1.99 eachHot Getaway costumes - £1.59/1.99 eachDOA2 Music - £0.79/0.99 eachDOA3 Music - £0.79/0.99 eachDragon's Crown - Character Narrative Voice Pack - Prices: £1.59/1.99 (Availability: Not available in Russia)F1 2013 - Prices: £6.49/7.99
F1 Classics: 1990S PackF1 Classics: Classic Track PackLittleBigPlanet 2 (Cross-Buy) (Monday 14th Oct)
Arabic Costumes Minipack - Prices: £0.79/0.99Pac-Man CE DX+ - All You Can Eat Add-On Pack - Prices: £6.49/7.99Payday 2 - Lootbag - Prices: £3.99/4.99Star Wars Pinball (Zen Pinball 2) - Star Wars Pinball: Balance Of The Force - Prices: £9.99/7.99The Last Of Us - Abandoned Territories Map Pack - Prices: £7.99/9.99
PS Vita DLCLittleBigPlanet 2 (Cross-Buy) (Monday 14th Oct) - Arabic Costumes Minipack - Prices: £0.79/0.99Star Wars Pinball (Zen Pinball 2) - Star Wars Pinball: Balance Of The Force -Prices: £9.99/7.99
October 17th, 2013, 01:55 Posted By: wraggsterOccasionally we find a deal too good to ignore and are compelled to spread the word. So we've decided we're going to start alerting you fine readers to any particularly juicy offers we spot on our adventures around the internet, starting with this rather irresistible PS Vita bundle.
Argos is offering Wi-Fi or 3G version of the PS Vita, an 8GB memory card, Killzone Mercenary and Virtua Tennis game for £139.99. In case you need telling: that's a very good offer.
To grab it head here and then scroll down to the special offers section. The offer is listed to end on October 22.
Personally, I adore my Vita, especially since I've acquired a PlayStation Plus membership which delivers monthly free games on top of discounts. Admittedly it's lacking in the bigger games, but I've sunk a stupid amount of hours into Persona 4 Golden, WipEout 2048 and Lumines: Electronic Symphony.
Where it really shines, however, is in the indie department; stuff like Thomas Was Alone, Hotline Miami and Guacamelee. Indie games are going to be a big focus for Sony going forward too, on top of all the back-and-forth with PS4. If you've been thinking about picking one up, this might be the time.
October 17th, 2013, 02:03 Posted By: wraggsterVelocity Ultra - FuturLab's Vita remake of its PlayStation Mini shooter/puzzle hybrid Velocity - will be coming to PS3 later this year in an enhanced HD port.This HD version is being published by Curve Studios, who handled the PSN ports of Lone Survivor and Thomas Was Alone. Velocity Ultra's PS3 content will remain the same as its handheld counterpart, and the two versions will share trophies and leaderboards with one another."I'm genuinely proud of what we achieved with Velocity Ultra," said FuturLab's managing director James Marsden (not to be confused with the X-Men and 30 Rock actor) on thePlayStation Blog. "We poured our creative heart and soul into this game, and it's fantastic to be working with Curve to bring the game to more players."For more information on Velocity Ultra, Eurogamer's YouTube editor Ian Higton caught up with Marsden to highlight what made the game so special. Additionally, the pair just reunited to take a look at Velocity's upcoming Vita sequel Velocity 2X.
October 17th, 2013, 02:18 Posted By: wraggsterThe cross-play update for Dragon's Crown is live. If you purchased Dragon's Crown on either PS3 or PS Vita, you'll find you can now install the update and play on the other system at no extra cost.
Dragon's Crown is a 2D beat-em-up developed by Japanese outfit Vanillaware, the same studio who brought us Muramasa Rebirth. In our review, we said it just might be Vanillaware's best game to date and "if you're committed to leveling up all six playable classes, you'll be playing Dragon's Crown for a long time to come."
October 17th, 2013, 02:19 Posted By: wraggsterThose that pre-ordered a PS4 launch bundle packaged that was slated to include Watch Dogs will still receive their consoles on time, Amazon reassured buyers. The news follows Watch Dogs' delay to spring 2014, along with a delayfor Ubisoft's racer The Crew.
In an update on the bundle's product page, Amazon noted that "all orders for the Watch Dogs PlayStation 4 bundle will keep their place in line and we will fulfill the PlayStation 4 (without the Watch Dogs game) in accordance with your current delivery estimate."
Amazon added that it is "working on adjusting these orders and will update you as soon as we know more." Stock for the launch-day bundles have come and gone, and include Killzone: Shadow Fall, Knack and Battlefield 4.
October 17th, 2013, 13:02 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
One of the most anticipated launches of the year – Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag – is coming to PlayStation on 29th October and, from launch, you'll be able to hear the soundtrack on Music Unlimited. Can't wait that long? Listen here to a collection of soundtracks from the rest of the Assassin's Creed series and get yourself in the mood for the arrival of Black Flag.
New Featured Playlists
In the 1990s Radiohead, Oasis, and Blur brought new life to the British scene while over in the U.S. Nirvana, Green Day and Beck crossed over into the mainstream charts. The Definitive 1990′s Alt Rock Hits is now live on the service, taking you back to the decade the brought you singles from Heart Shaped Box to Paranoid Android.
Kanye West's Star Making Collaborations is now available. We're going back to his early, pre-solo-stardom days when he was producing and rhyming for the likes of Jay-Z, Common, Janet Jackson and many more. What made Kanye a star? Find out here.
Streaming Exclusive! David Bowie "Love Is Lost (Hello Steve Reich Mix by James Murphy for the DFA)
The new David Bowie mix of "Love is Lost" (Hello Steve Reich Mix) by James Murphy will be exclusively available to streaming services from 11th October! That's right up until the launch of the 'Next Day Extra' album released in November, so check it out on the service now!
Still not a member? Not a problem…
Simply sign up here for your free 30 day trial here or download the Music Unlimited app, and listen to millions of songs with no ads on all your favourite devices.
October 17th, 2013, 15:22 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Focus Home Interactive and Frogwares studio are about to unleash the beginning of the end.
Magrunner: Dark Pulse is a first-person action puzzle game set in a cyberpunk reimagining of H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos!
The year is now 2048. A handful of young and brilliant citizens have been chosen by Gruckezber Corporation to join the Magtech training program for space exploration. Equipped with a special glove using Gruckezber's technology, the candidates must solve their way through a huge maze of challenge rooms by magnetically charging objects that attract or repel each other. But when an earthquake disrupts the training program what seemed to be the chance of a lifetime for the candidates becomes a descent into folly and cosmic horror.
Magrunner's game mechanics focus on manipulating magnetic polarity to solve environmental puzzles. There's immense potential for experimentation with polarities and the game provides a variety of triggers, effects, machines, and objects for your use.
You play as Dax Ward, one of the competitors selected to participate in the Magtech training program. Using your Magtech glove, you can power any other Magtech objects with different coloured charges. Objects charged with the same color attract each other while objects charged with different colors repel each other. This mechanic would prove its justice once you have three or more objects to interact with all attracting to each other.
Your goal is to navigate through each level using your brain and your Magtech glove. After an introduction to the basic game principles and elements, you face dynamic puzzles involving cubes, platforms, catapults, transformers, etc. Sophisticated physics puzzles require influencing scalable energy and minding the simple laws of kinetics. The difficulty builds so that you find yourself using speed, dynamism, the interplay of various forces, actions and reactions, etc. The basic magnetism mechanics expand to include many different mechanisms, some familiar and some entirely unexpected.
Magrunner starts at the Gruckezber Magtech Training facility, which was built specifically for the deep space exploration program. You are introduced to the protagonist and main characters: Gamaji, one of the first true mutants to appear in human society; Kram, who forged Gruckezber into the mega corporate powerhouse that it is today; Xander, who always wanted to "save the planet" and Cassandra, a dedicated reporter with a lust for "a great story". The initial levels display the sleek, clean high-tech nature of the training facility. A minor power fluctuation causes some concern as the lights flicker but when you find the first dead body, it's clear just how bad things have gone.
As the worlds of man and the mythos move closer, the atmosphere becomes broken down and eerie. Over the course of the next 20 levels, the facility turns into a death trap meant to undo the sealing of The Gate and allow Cthulhu to reclaim the world. Do not falter, for your very life is at stake and the fate of mankind is in your hands…
Magrunner: Dark Pulse will be available on 23rd October for download on PlayStation 3, priced €9.99/£7.99. We can't wait to hear what you guys think about the game!
October 17th, 2013, 16:21 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Welcome to the world of CastleStorm, a super genre mashup of 2D physics destruction mixed with tower defense brawler! The idea for CastleStorm came from fond childhood memories of building LEGO castles and then (of course) destroying them. If you want to know more about the inspiration behind the game and meet the team who created it, watch the developer diary here:
We know many of you have been waiting for CastleStorm to arrive on PlayStation, so today we are happy to announce the game is coming on 6th November for €9.99, with Cross Buy support. Pick up the game on PS3 and get it on PS Vita at no charge! For those of you who have not heard about the game, here is the scoop…
It's Knights vs. Vikings in CastleStorm, where medieval warfare meets 2D physics-based destruction! Controlling the battle in real time, players will harness the power of medieval artillery, manage a fearsome ground attack, and cast powerful spells! CastleStorm features a story-driven solo campaign, a custom castle editor, online multiplayer, co-op modes, and more. Building castles and knocking them down has never been so much fun!
For those of you who like to build and create, CastleStorm features a tower construction editor so you can construct your own custom castles that will be used in battle (including online multiplayer). Castles must be constructed wisely, as choices determine which types of troops and resources will be available during battle! Check out this video for a bit more info on proper castle building etiquette.
Multiplayer details
1 vs. 1 split-screen mode: Simply try and beat your opponent by bashing in their castle. Choose your side—the noble Knights or the ragtag Vikings—and then choose your arsenal of weapons wisely. Face off castle to castle and the first to completely demolish his or her opponent's castle wins! This mode is only available on PS3.Survival Co-op: Two players team up to fight off waves of enemies together! Assign one player to control the ballista and the other to control ground forces. Good timing and great aim are essential in Survival Co-op as friendly fire could be harmful to your own troops on the ground.Last Stand Co-op mode: Would you rather ditch the castle and do some hand-to-hand combat out in the battlefield? Check out the Last Stand Co-op mode where both players control a hero and battle wave after wave of enemies together! The object is to stay alive as long as you can, but remember, enemies can come from either side so be ready. Please note that we recommend using Wi-Fi on PS Vita when playing online multiplayer for the best experience.
Original Soundtrack by Waterflame (credits include Castle Crashers)! We invite everyone to listen to the soundtrack for free on YouTube
Multiple paths to victory means you get to choose how to defeat your enemy! Capture the flag, destroy their castle, or complete another predetermined level objective in order to claim victory. Each level features multiple objectives, each with their own rewards.
CastleStorm features an arsenal that would make any medieval warrior proud! Harness the power of medieval ballista weaponry, and launch an assortment of explosive weapons including Morningstars, Apple Grenades, Homing Eagles, and even flying sheep (yes, really!) to defeat an onslaught of enemies trying to capture your flag and destroy your castle. Deploy a fearsome ground attack of swordsmen, knights, and donkey riders in order to protect your castle games, and if all else fails, call upon powerful spells to help keep the enemy at bay. See you on the battlefield on 6th November!
October 17th, 2013, 17:02 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Hi everybody. Welcome to a nice autumn update for inFAMOUS Second Son. Sucker Punch Productions has been working hard on the game and we've been collaborating with them on two very special editions for next year.
However, before we get to that we're proud to reveal the final box art, with Delsin in all his smoke-power glory. Check it out above.
First up, the inFAMOUS: Second Son special edition. Grab your special edition copy of inFAMOUS: Second Son to get very own Delsin Rowe beanie hat and a bonus mission – Cole's Legacy.
But what is Cole's Legacy?
For one, it won't be available for purchase when the game launches. It's only available through these offers here. It's additional downloadable content you'll be able to play that uncovers what happened between the devastating events of inFAMOUS 2 and inFAMOUS Second Son.
Cole MacGrath's actions in New Marais set in motion a chain of events leading to the now forceful occupation of Seattle by the oppressive Department of Unified Protection. Cole's Legacy bridges this gap in time with a series of missions Delsin must complete, revealing unique insights into how the world of inFAMOUS Second Son came to be.
And for those of you who are looking for something to collect, we're delighted to bring you the inFAMOUS Second Son Collector's Edition!
The inFAMOUS Second Son Collector's Edition contains everything you need to get into the inFAMOUS universe. This beautifully designed edition contains a full copy of inFAMOUS Second Son, an exclusive cover, exclusive denim vest cover, a replica of Delsin's beanie, a set of badges, collector's coin, bottle opener and Cole's Legacy DLC.
We hope you've enjoyed all these offerings and found something you like. The Special and Collector's Editions will be gone pretty quickly, so be sure to order yours before the game comes out early next year, and don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more inFAMOUS content and news.
October 17th, 2013, 17:02 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Even though Tearaway is a single player game – a personal journey shared by you, and your little messenger friend, iota or atoi – we couldn't resist giving Tearaway players the chance to express themselves creatively. We've already talked at length about the oodles of papercraft models you can collect as you play through the game, but there are also in-game challenges that will allow you to personalise the world as you travel through it.
A squirrel who needs a new crown, a chap whose moustache has been stolen by crows, a pig that's too ugly… these are all examples of problems you'll be asked to solve through the cutting out of virtual paper shapes.
When the time comes to get crafty, you'll be presented with a virtual cutting mat, and a selection of coloured paper sheets. Using the pencil tool, you can trace a shape that you want to cut out using the front touch. If you make a mistake, you can erase your flawed pencil lines with the eraser tool, but once you're happy with the shape, hit the scissors icon to cut it out.
You can layer multiple sheets on top of one another, just like using real paper, and once you're happy with your decoration, you can save into your collection. Now you can use it to decorate certain things in the world, and bring a smile to unattractive pigs everywhere.
Most importantly of all, you can customise your papery messenger. You can remove any or all of their features and replace them with whatever you like, either choosing from a list of pre-made animated items such as eyes, mouths, and various shapes like hearts or stars, or you can make your own from scratch. The pre-made ones must be purchased with confetti, colourful paper fragments that you'll collect as you play, but making your own is free! We'll be working on releasing some extra decorations later down the road too.
The whole process is pretty similar to convincing someone to hold still whilst you glue paper all over their face, except you can also peel off their existing features too (eww). You can merely change atoi's smile, or you can make them look completely different. Our lead designer Rex decided to model the messenger below after himself, but check out these other examples to see some of the other weird anew wonderful things the team have been making recently.
Tearaway is out on 22nd November, and you can pre order now!
October 17th, 2013, 17:50 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Hi Everyone. We are very pleased to announce the launch of Killzone Mercenary patch 2.
Firstly, we need to start off with the bad news. You'll see that the patch size is similar to that of the previous patch and you will need a spare 1190MB in order to download it. When this new patch installs, the first patch will essentially be deleted, but you will need the extra space initially. This download is necessary in order to pave the way for future planned revisions to the game.
We are currently investigating solutions to reduce the overall size of the title and free up more of your valuable memory card space. We hope to be able to share more news on that work very soon
The main focus for patch 2 has been targeting some of the connectivity issues that have been experienced over the last month. We're hoping that many of you who were previously unable to connect into the community will now be able to enjoy the game to its fullest.
The other main area of work has been to provide a better distribution of respawn points across all game modes. The intention here is to give a better balance to the multiplayer games.
We've also addressed the issue that some of you were reporting with load-out slots not being unlocked, in addition to problems with the melee medal (which was always being awarded as a "bronze").
Finally, there are also a number of stability fixes, to address some of the crashes that have been reported.
Please note that our previous workaround information regarding connectivity is now redundant and it's recommended that any steps you may have followed in order to connect should now be reverted.
Getting everyone into games (and keeping them there) remains our number one goal on the Mercenary team. Given the myriad of network setups and usage patterns out there, we realise that issues may still arise. As such, we've now set up a poll to allow more detailed feedback to be given.
Please be assured that we monitor the forums regularly in an effort to focus our development towards the most common issues and requests.
We hope to be able to share more details on the next patch in the near future. For now though, please enjoy the patch 2 updates and continue to relay your feedback through the official forum.
October 17th, 2013, 21:40 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
We're excited to announce that Diablo III: Reaper of Souls on PS4 will be making its public debut at BlizzCon 2013!
In our action-packed single-player and same-screen co-op demos, players will explore the haunted streets of Westmarch as one of our five original classes, or test their mettle as the unyielding Crusader.
Attendees of the convention will also be some of the first in the world to take on Death itself using DualShock 4, armed with all-new social features and touch pad technology designed to help keep heroes on focused on what they do best: killing monsters.
Head on over to BlizzCon.com for panel schedules, event maps, hotel and travel information, forums, and more, and be sure to stay tuned to diablo3.com for all the latest news on Reaper of Souls.
For those of you who are BlizzCon-bound, we salute you! If you can't make the show in person, be sure to check out the Virtual Ticket which includes over 60 hour of HD footage so you can catch all the new details on Reaper of Souls at BlizzCon from the comfort of your home.
October 18th, 2013, 00:35 Posted By: wraggsterLoss of first-party racing title would bring PS4 launch exclusives to just two
Evolution Studioss PlayStation 4 racing game, DriveClub, may not be ready in time for the consoles US and European launch next month, new reports suggest.
An anonymous source told The Same Coin that DriveClub has been delayed until spring 2014, while someone familiar with Sony later told Kotaku that the report is true.
A further report from Polygon has added to this claim, with Sony rep confirming that DriveClub was not on display at a US preview event yesterday.
Unfortunately the DriveClub team did have some scheduling conflicts and they were not able to make it to the showcase today, an SCEA rep wrote in an email.
On Twitter, DriveClub design director Paul Rustchynsky responded to requests on the games status by saying: Unfortunately guys I don't have any new information on DriveClub to share. I've been out if [sic] the office for a week looking after my newborn!
The loss of of the social racing game will be a blow to PlayStation 4s launch, bringing the consoles list of retail exclusives to just two: Killzone: Shadow Fall and Knack. Xbox One on the other hand will have at least four exclusives, Dead Rising 3 and Forza 5 among them.
The launch line-up for both next-gen consoles received a shock upset earlier this week when Ubisoft delayed Watch Dogs, a hugely anticipated next-gen title, until spring 2014.
October 18th, 2013, 11:21 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
SCE Worldwide Studios and the team at Evolution Studios have made the difficult decision to delay the release of DRIVECLUB and DRIVECLUB PlayStation Plus Edition until early 2014. DRIVECLUB will be a truly innovative, socially connected racing game, but the team requires more time in order to deliver on their vision — and I'm fully confident the game will surpass your expectations.
This decision also affects PlayStation Plus members' Instant Game Collection for launch. To be clear, DRIVECLUB PlayStation Plus Edition will still be part of the Instant Game Collection when it is released. For the PS4 launch, in addition to Resogun, I'm pleased to announce that Contrast, the highly anticipated game from Compulsion Games will also be available to PlayStation Plus members for free as part of Instant Game Collection. If you're not aware of Contrast, it will whisk you away to a surreal vaudevillian, film-noir inspired reality full of performance, intrigue, shadow-play and drama. Please check out the trailer below. I'm sure you'll agree that it is unlike anything you will have played before.
We're also offering members access to an exclusive "Open Weekend" trial of Killzone Shadow Fall multiplayer on December 28-29.
We understand that the delay is disappointing news, but can assure you that the reason we have made this decision is to ensure that when DRIVECLUB launches, it will realize the next gen racing vision. And PlayStation 4 gamers will have no shortage of titles to play this year. At launch alone, we have Killzone Shadow Fall, Knack, Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag, FIFA 14, Call of Duty: Ghosts, Battlefield 4, to name but a few, as well as the incredible list of Indie games coming to PS4. A broad portfolio of games will be available on PS4 before the end of the year, and with games such as Infamous Second Son, The Order 1886, Destiny, Watch Dogs and now DRIVECLUB coming next year, the strength of the software line-up on PS4 is unprecedented.
DRIVECLUB is a really ambitious racing title and the game is looking stunning. The extra time we're giving the team means the visuals and overall experience are only going to get better. We can assure you that it will be worth the wait.
October 18th, 2013, 16:01 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Hello, everyone. With the PS4 launch just a few weeks away we've got some more exciting details to share on Knack.
Our goal with Knack was to deliver a different kind of experience for PlayStation fans at launch, outside of the realm of gritty shooters and mature action games. Knack harkens back to the golden days of Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon, with simple controls and fun yet challenging gameplay. So, who better to create a game like that than the very person that brought Crash and Spyro to life, Mark Cerny himself?
This game has a lot to offer, so I'm excited to be able to bring to you some new details on what you can expect when the game hits this November.
The story of course revolves around Knack, mankind's secret weapon against the goblin threat. After the goblins invade the human settlement, Knack sets out to find the goblin hideout and discover how the primitive goblins got their hands on advanced tanks and airships. While you always play as Knack, there are a lot of other characters who factor into the story:
Doctor - Knack's creator is a genius but can be moody and impetuous at times. He also raised Lucas since the boy's parents died, so he's pulling double duty as a father figure. Although he's not always good at it…
Ryder – Lucas' uncle is a brave adventurer and explorer who is invaluable to the mission to defeat the goblins.
Lucas – Very level headed for such a young age, and Knack's best friend.
Viktor – A billionaire industrialist who makes his fortune mining the ancient relics that provide power for electricity, machinery, vehicles and more. He brings his powerful robots on the expedition to discover more about the goblin threat.
Katrina – Viktor's head of security, she's tough and composed no matter what occurs.
Knack is made of these very same relics, and by absorbing more and more relics he can grow from his original 3-foot tall size to 6 feet tall, 15 feet tall, even 30 feet tall. On their way to the goblin hideout, Knack makes his way through an ice cave and, thanks to Lucas, discovers the ability to absorb ice, just like relics, to make himself bigger and stronger.
This changes up the gameplay in different ways. For example, once Knack makes it out of the cave, the ice starts to melt and he'll have to defeat tough enemies before he shrinks back down to a smaller size. Throughout the game, Knack will find he can absorb different kinds of materials, such as:
Metal Knack - Very tough and powerful (and my favourite), but being made of metal also means you're magnetic. Which can lead to some interesting problems!
Wood Knack - one of the biggest versions of Knack in the game. And while wood is easy to find, it does burn easily! That said, if you are on fire you can use that to access some extra areas…
The storyline will take players through a wide variety of gorgeous stages and environments, from caves to forests, castles to giant airships and more, all brought to life by the amazing artists at Japan Studio. And of course, no action platformer game would be complete without some challenging boss battles. Don't let the colorful graphics fool you—there's plenty of challenge to be found within the world of Knack.
There's a lot more to the story, which is told through about 90 minutes of fully mo-capped cinematic cutscenes (featuring some familiar voice acting talent). You'll learn more about the origins of the mysterious ancient relics that power everything in the world, including Knack. Deeper mysteries abound, but trying to harness the true power of the relics could threaten to put the whole world at risk.
We'll be back soon to talk more about the world of Knack, including how we're sharing the fun with our local 2-player co-op mode.
Watch for Knack to hit stores when the PS4 launches next month.
October 18th, 2013, 17:21 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Fire up Resogun, muffle out the world with a pair of killer headphones, and get lost in a flurry of bullets. This is the kind of shooter that demands a gamer's full attention, and it's the kind of demand worth giving in to.
Resogun, which launches alongside PS4 next month, marries the joy of chasing high scores with cutting-edge graphics tech. Like developer Housemarque's other downloadable games (Super Stardust HD, Dead Nation), picking up the controls only takes a few minutes. Move with DualShock 4′s left analog stick, fire with the right. Your ship has a boost attack, bombs, and a devastating overdrive attack — all executed with the triggers.
But getting caught up in the pounding, explosive flow of Resogun will inevitably lead to score chasing and an almost meditative state, as bullets coat the screen and explosions churn with the thump of the music. Resogun has killer sound design, which amps up the pace of each level — the perfect accompaniment to the sizzling visuals dominating the display.
Resogun is built with voxels (volumetric pixels), which means everything falls apart into little cubes after getting punched with enough lasers, before spilling and tumbling down the sides of the cylindrical stages.
Although play occupies a 2D plane, the levels loop around onto themselves. The player can see straight through to the other side of the stage, opening up a host of strategic possibilities for advanced pilots with an eager trigger finger (or thumb).
There's plenty of shooting to do in Resogun. Players can fire either left or right (echoing old-school shooters like Defender), but snagging power-ups can unleash extra blasts, homing lasers, and other screen-clearing attacks. To make matters more interesting, eliminating waves of enemies on a stage will free humans that have been captured in containment cells. Grab them, deliver them to an extraction point, and earn even more rewards.
Glancing at Resogun may inspire fear or concern within inexperienced gamers, but this game is designed to bring order to the chaos. Enemy ships follow patterns, and harmful bullets are color coded to give players all the information they need to dodge out of danger. Additionally, the ship features a thrilling boost move that roars like a motorcycle (if motorcycles are still used in end-of-the-world science fiction). This boost makes the ship invulnerable for a time, and ends with a spin attack for clearing out any pesky baddies lying in wait.
The stages themselves are a testament to Housemarque's artistic ability, with crackling electricity lighting up dark clouds, and gothic buildings that crumble in the wake of heavy combat. Prepare for huge boss battles, too, which take up massive sections of the level and require careful dodging — and an extra dose of firepower — to bring down.
Resogun promises to please anyone looking for a gorgeous shooter on PS4. Be ready to lose a lot of hours hunting for that high score, and saving humanity from certain doom.
October 18th, 2013, 18:20 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Our lovable Sackboy headed deep into the woods today and came across a strange collection of trees, each of which had a door with a strange carving on them… Sackboy opened one of the doors and stepped inside… What's this? What's this?
It's The Nightmare Before Christmas Level Kit and Sackboy has just unknowingly arrived in Halloween Town! This wonderfully dark level kit available next week for both LittleBigPlanet 2 and LittleBigPlanet PS Vita is chock full of new goodies just ripe for the taking for any Sackboy or Sackgirl that is brave enough to explore this creepy town!
That's not all though! Halloween Town just wouldn't be complete without meeting some of its most famous residents and you can even become some of these memorable characters with our new The Nightmare Before Christmas Costume Pack.
Thanks to Jack, Sally and the rest of the residents of Halloween Town, it's going to be the most fright-filled and fun Halloween ever on LittleBigPlanet!
So head on over to LittleBigPlanet.com right now for a sneak peek at all of The Nightmare Before Christmas goodies that will be available on the store next week!
October 18th, 2013, 20:40 Posted By: wraggsterThe PS4 will cost R$3,999 in Brazil or £1,143 when converted to pounds.
The price is over three times that of the PS4s UK price tag £349 and is made even more expensive for those actually wanting to play games on the console, with each title costing R$179, or £51.
The South American country isnt the first to be handed a hefty price for the PS4 Argentinians will have to cough up $1,100, or £680, to get their hands on the next-gen console.
Sony Brazil has explained that the consoles asking price is upped by the addition of the import fees and taxes, with the fees making up almost £800 of the extra cost.
It remains to be seen how many Brazilian gamers will be dedicated (or well-off) enough to buy the console when its released next month, but Sonys worldwide prospects seem promising for the PS4s launch, especially following the recent announcement by sales tracker NPD that the PS3 had outsold the Xbox 360 in the US for the first time in 32 months.
"The PS3s success this month was largely driven by sales of the PS3 Super Slim 500GB Grand Theft Auto V' bundle demonstrating how Grand Theft Auto V can shake things up on in hardware as well as software," said Liam Callahan from The NPD Group.
The launch of Grand Theft Auto V this September was a much needed shot in the arm for the entire industry. Overall retail sales across hardware, software and accessories were up 27 per cent versus September 2012, lifted by software sales of Grand Theft Auto V.
There was also an increase of over 50 per cent for combined Xbox 360 and PS3 software unit sales, which are now showing a positive trend year-to-date through September.
October 18th, 2013, 23:17 Posted By: wraggsterAlthough theres a certain amount of cryptic messaging to get past, it looks like EAs next-gen racer is looking impressive on PS4 - going by what critics have been shown so far.
Polygon reports that Need for Speed Rivals is a more visually impressive on PS4 than even on PC, although the console SKU is currently slightly more buggy
Added the site: We switched to the PS4 version and were surprised to find a game that looked even more impressive than its PC counterpart, with better texture detail, improved lighting on cars and sharper graphics overall.
A separate report on Videogamer adds that there will be 'subtle' graphical differences between all versions of Need For Speed: Rivals including the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 versions
A second, older Videogamer story quotes Ghost Games executive producer Marcus Nilsson as saying: What were seeing with the consoles are actually that they are a little bit more powerful than we thought for a really long time especially one of them, but Im not going to tell you which one.
But in reality, I think were going to have both those consoles pretty much on parity maybe one sticking up a little bit. And I think that one will look as good as the PC.
The site adds that when pressed Nilsson chose not to answer when asked whether he was referring to the PS4 version.
Note that EA has chosen to demo the PS4 and PC builds to the press but not the Xbox One code.
October 20th, 2013, 00:43 Posted By: wraggsterDo you remember Putty Squad? Funnily enough, I didn't - my dim recollection had it down as an Amiga game, but after checking Wikipedia (I'm a journalist, don't you know?) I discovered it never made it to that platform properly, and was only ever fully released on the SNES.Well if you felt like you were left out last time out, rejoice - there's a remake coming to various platforms next year, and Ian Higton got himself a look at the PlayStation 4 version. It's not the most impressive looking game, but then you probably weren't expecting it to be. Still, it shapes up nicely enough when compared to the original, something Ian's done using some video wizardry below.
October 20th, 2013, 11:01 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Hey there everybody. I don't know how the skies have looked where you all abide, but it's been a dismal autumnal week up here in the UK. Perfect time to catch up on some gaming before the big winter games rush begins, then. Let us know what you've been enjoying. Me? I took inspiration from the weather and finally got stuck into Rain. Perfect seasonal gaming, I'd say.
Back to the Blog though. It's been a frenetic week: two new Store sales; news of Flower, flOw, Sound Shapes and Escape Plan coming to PS4; a killer offer for folks picking up Ratchet & Clank Nexus next month, your first glimpse of the special editions for inFAMOUS: Second Son; and updates on The Witness, The Last of Us, Tearaway and Knack, among others. See the full reading list below.
Finally, a quick apology for the lack of a Weekend Debate. Alas, circumstances conspired this week. It shall return next Friday!
Video Store update: World War Z, The InternshipCelebrate the #BestofGT all this weekValhalla Knights 3 release date revealed for PS VitaLittleBigPlanet update: New Arabic Costume Minipack DLC!Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag trailer: Kenway's path from pirate to assassinHow a fan-designed "Bicycle Shotgun" made it into Metro: Last LightThe Last of Us – Abandoned Territories Map Pack and patch 1.05 available tomorrowAngry Birds Trilogy arrives on PS Vita this weekPlayStation Home update: Return to the Wonder YearsThe Last of Us fan art design contest starts tomorrowFlower, flOw, Escape Plan and Sound Shapes coming to PS4/PS Vita!Horror sale starts this week: Save on Siren Blood Curse, Dead Rising 2, moreBig savings on Cross Buy titles this weekThe Witness on PS4: "The biggest, most intricate world ever built for a puzzle game"PlayStation Store update: The Wolf Among Us, Muramasa Rebirth, moreVelocity Ultra is teleporting onto PlayStation 3 this yearHow unexpected life events inspired Road Not Taken on PS Vita/PS4Pick up Ratchet & Clank Nexus next month, get Quest for Booty freeMusic Unlimited update: Listen to the Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag soundtrackMagrunner: Dark Pulse channels H. P. Lovecraft on PlayStation 3CastleStorm is coming to PS3 and PS Vita next month!Tearaway's papery challenges and character customisationinFAMOUS: Second Son Collector's & Special Edition announcementKillzone Mercenary update goes live todayDiablo III: Reaper of Souls set to invade PS4DRIVECLUB updateA deeper look at the world of KnackLittleBigPlanet: The Nightmare Before Christmas Level Kit coming next week!
Not seen Contrast? Here's the latest screens & info on PS4′s newest free PS Plus gameFind a nice place with our GTA Online apartment & garage guide – prices, car capacity & views covered.Make *millions* in GTA 5 with our tips on how to make money on the stock market with Lester's missions.New info on Assassin's Creed 4′s 80 hours of PS4 gameplay including fresh mechanics and a new piratey homestead.Make fast money in GTA Online with the best car prices. It's not stealing if you don't get caught.
October 20th, 2013, 21:27 Posted By: wraggsterTim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas will become a nightmare before Halloween, thanks to an upcoming costume pack and level kit for LittleBigPlanet 2 and LittleBigPlanet Vita. Neither piece of DLC has a confirmed release date, but the PlayStation Blog and LittleBigPlanet website both claim we'll see SackSkellington (haa) and friends sometime "next week."
The costume pack includes everything you need to transform your Sackboy or Sackgirl into Jack Skellington, Sally, Dr. Finkelstein or Oogie Boogie. Meanwhile, the level kit will contain stickers, objects, a background and an interactive music track. We know it's probably "This is Halloween," and that "Oogie Boogie's Song" will forever be an underappreciated masterpiece, but what're you gonna do?
October 21st, 2013, 12:30 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Hi everyone! I hope you had a great weekend. I'm very excited to announce the update for Video Store this week.
This is the End (EARLY RELEASE)
While attending a party at James Franco's house, Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel and many other celebrities are faced with the apocalypse.
Available to buy in the UK now, priced from £11.99. Available in Australia in November.
From the creators of Ice Age comes the year's funniest, most exhilarating animated adventure. Transported to a magical world, a teenager is recruited to help the "Leafmen" save their world and ours from evil forest warriors. The whole family will love the astonishing animation and the all-star voice cast, which includes Amanda Seyfried, Beyoncé Knowles, Colin Farrell & Steven Tyler!
Available now in the UK to buy or rent, priced from £3.49/£8.99. Available in Australia to rent from 23rd October in Australia, priced from AU$5.99.
World War Z
Former United Nations employee Gerry Lane (Brad Pitt) is called upon to help stop the chaotic pandemic that has gripped populations around the world. Even more action unfolds in the unrated cut with intense new footage not seen in theatres. David Denby of The New Yorker calls World War Z the "most gratifying action spectacle in years!
Available to buy or rent in Australia from 23rd October, priced from AU$5.99/AU$22.99.
Available now in the UK, priced from £3.49/£11.99
More movies available at https://store.sonyentertainmentnetwork.com. Enjoy!
October 21st, 2013, 14:24 Posted By: wraggster
The game is only available in the Japanese Store, so I couldnt show it on my PS Vita.
I had to use my PSP for this video, sorry.
The exploits supports every PS Vita firmware, up to 2.61 (2.61 included), and can run a high compatibility VHBL.
The game is "Jikkyou Powerful Pro Yakyu 2012 Ketteiban" (Japanese: 実況パワフルプロ野球 2012決定版), it costs 4725 Yen (~45/50$) and is just available in the japanese PSN Store. Sorry Europe.
This VHBL was made by the developer "173210", which had help from qwikrazor (known from the 2.12 exploit). This VHBL has pretty high compatibility, since it can run several emulators, PSPFiler, Homers RIN and a lot of other emulators.
For more information visit those following websites.
Download: http://zload.net/v2/archives/file/?id...
More Infos: http://www.twitter.com/The_Zett
October 21st, 2013, 14:59 Posted By: wraggsterRogero is not finally retire. While many people have already released their Custom 4.50 and Rogero software patch for the Nand / Nor was updated so unofficial. Rogero presents his 4.50 Custom and flash software being updated.
WARNING make a backup of the console and its Nor / Nand before use.
's new / fixed: - Built from a 4.50 firmware with the least possible change - MD5: 152db658f8806b42f224d06ae0bbd91b Flash Tool 4.50 PS3 Official Site: tortuga-cove. com
October 21st, 2013, 14:59 Posted By: wraggsterThe team responsible for the first ODE PS3 updates its Windows software mainly to create its iso images. Indeed, ISOTOOLS application goes to the 1.33 version with some bug fixes as well as added extras.
Additions / Changes : - Fixed a bug when creating the IRD file from a disk - Fixed a bug where the application crash when visionage IRD files - Added the ability to select a network HDD with IsoMenuCreator The developers are telling us they will also look into another bug that consumes too many resources and is sometimes even crash the computer when using the IsoMenuCreator. 3k3y ISOTOOLS 1.33 Official website: 3k3y.com
October 21st, 2013, 15:16 Posted By: wraggstervia http://emu-russia.net/en/
New beta version of Sony Playstation 2 emulator for Windows has been released. Changes:
- GameDB: COP2 patch for Ace Combat Zero - The Belkan War (NTSC-U).
File: Download
News source: http://pcsx2.net
October 21st, 2013, 17:50 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
As Killzone Shadow Fall gears up for PS4′s 29th November launch in Europe, we caught up with Game Director Steven Ter Heide to get answers to your burning questions across single-player and multiplayer.
We reveal new details on co-op, dedicated servers, weapons, DualShock 4, and much more. Enjoy!
@ShawnMacLean: Is Killzone Shadow Fall a good entry point to the Killzone franchise? (source)
Steven Ter Heide: Absolutely! In many ways, Killzone Shadow Fall is a fresh start for the franchise — the game takes place some thirty years after the original Killzone trilogy, so most of the characters and story arcs from those games have passed into history. And while die-hard fans will appreciate the nods to earlier Killzone titles, no knowledge of the Killzone universe is required to get into the story.
@nick_serio: How long is the campaign? (source)
STH: Killzone Shadow Fall's campaign should last well over 10 hours for most gamers.
@DGuetta52: Will Killzone's campaign be co-op? (source)
STH: No, the campaign will not have a co-op mode. However, we're planning to release a separate Online Co-op Expansion Pack after launch; it will add a new wave-based game mode, in which up to four players take on hordes of enemies in special arena maps. For more information about the Online Co-Op Expansion Pack, please refer to our Season Pass announcement.
@LB_Ed: Any plans for split screen support? Playing a game has always been more fun locally then online. (source)
STH: We currently have no plans for split-screen support.
@Mr_Tom_B: Will Killzone Shadow Fall multiplayer run on dedicated servers, or peer to peer? Will there be peer-to-peer hosting at all? (source)
STH: We are running with dedicated servers to handle the transfer of data between clients.
@IronSir: How will the level system in multiplayer work? (source)
STH: We have a Challenge-based system, where completing one of the 1,500 Challenges will increase your rank by one. We will continue to add new Challenges after launch.
@MrFredchr: Why did you choose to remove XP and levels? (source)
STH: Levels are part of the game, as completing one of the 1,500 Challenges increases your rank. However, we felt XP was less about skill and more about time, so we designed a new system with a greater emphasis on skill.
@Fishrock123: Any news of vehicles in the multiplayer? (source)
STH: Killzone Shadow Fall multiplayer will not have any vehicles (such as Exoskeletons or Jetpacks) at launch. We wanted to ensure that player-created, custom Warzones work on all multiplayer maps, and the inclusion of vehicles would have introduced too many new variables and exceptions to guarantee this.
@BucktownzFinest: Since there are Warzones to join, does that mean there's no standard matchmaking? (source)
STH: Not sure what you mean by standard matchmaking, but when you select a Warzone, the game will then look for a suitable match to join.
@WilliamPeter417: How many weapons are available for customization for multiplayer mode? (source)
STH: Killzone Shadow Fall will have 22 weapons at launch, and pretty much all of them can be enhanced with various attachments.
@HamseD: Since all the weapons are unlocked, what about the attachments? (source)
STH: Attachments are not unlocked by default – you can unlock them by completing Challenges.
@TheWroster: How will the DS4 touchpad work in this game? (source)STH: For singleplayer we are using the touchpad to select the mode the OWL is in. It can be set into four different modes with quick swipes on the touchpad. For multiplayer, we use it to bring up menus.
@double_T_azn: Will there be more hand-to-hand takedowns than what we've seen in previous trailers? (source)
STH: We have a variety of melee moves, including combo kills where you take down two enemies in quick succession, or a dropdown melee. The dropdown is also available in multiplayer.
@double_T_azn: Will there be bonuses for transferring PS Vita saves for Killzone: Mercenary onto the PS4? (source)
STH: No, we have no plans for connectivity between Killzone: Mercenary and Killzone Shadow Fall.
@nurseman22: My question is: where have you been all my life? (source)
STH: Right here in the studio, working hard on Killzone Shadow Fall!
October 21st, 2013, 21:43 Posted By: wraggsterThe delays of Watch Dogs and DriveClub have had an unfortunate consequence for a handful of gamers in the US.
Kotaku reports that consumers who pre-ordered with the PS4 and Watch Dogs bundle or PS4 and DriveClub bundle with Target have not just seen their games cancelled theyve also lost their hardware too.
Adding insult to injury, Target has said it will re-open pre-orders for the machine later this week on a first come, first served basis.
The same thing has also happened to those who pre-ordered the retailers Xbox One Watch Dogs bundle.
The incident appears to be isolated, at least. On this side of the Atlantic both Amazon and GAMEhave told affected customers that their hardware is safe.
October 21st, 2013, 21:44 Posted By: wraggsterIts almost hard to believe that were rapidly approaching two decades since PlayStation burst onto the scene.
And in a stirring (for us old gamers out there) video Sony has wonderfully tapped into all of that nostalgia to show has times have changed since the debut of the first PlayStation back in 1995.
It shows how things have evolved for the typical (well, perhaps not so typical all the people in this video are prettier than any real people weve ever actually met) bedroom gamer in the last 18 years, beginning with a spot of Tekken on the PSOne all the way up to Killzone: Shadow Fall on the PS4.
PS4 arrives in Europe on November 29th and in North America on November 15th.
October 21st, 2013, 23:47 Posted By: wraggsterHotline Miami for PS3 and Vita will be the latest game added to the US Instant Game Collection with this week's PlayStation Plus content update.
The game will be available to download at no additional cost to US PS Plus subscribers from tomorrow, October 21, when the weekly PlayStation Store update is deployed.
The debut effort from indie studio Dennaton Games made waves in the indie scene following its PC launch last autumn before being ported to PlayStation earlier this year. It takes place in an alternative version of 1989 Miami with players murdering their way through the seedy underworld.
Sony has also confirmed a long list of new titles deeply discounted exclusively for PS Plus users, including The Last of Us, The Walking Dead and Dead Island Riptide.
Here's the full list:
Title (PS Plus price - Regular Price)
Alien Breed 2: Assault ($2.50 - $9.99)Alien Breed 3: Descent ($2.50 - $9.99)Alien Breed: Impact ($2.50 - $9.99)Alien Breed Trilogy ($5.75 - $22.99)Dead Island Game Of The Year ($5.00 - $9.99)Dead Island Riptide ($19.99 - $24.99)Dead Nation ($3.00 - $5.99)Dead Rising 2 Off The Record ($6.99 - $9.99)Plants Vs. Zombies ($3.75 - $7.49)Plants Vs. Zombies Ps Vita ($5.25 - $10.49)Pure Chess Halloween Chess Set ($1.19 - $1.99)Pure Chess Halloween Chess Set Ps Vita ($1.19 - $1.99)Red Dead Redemption And Undead Nightmare Collection ($13.99 - $19.99)Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare ($5.00 - $9.99)Resident Evil 4 HD ($5.59 - $7.99)Resident Evil 5 Gold Edition ($10.49 - $14.99)Resident Evil Code: Veronica X ($6.99 - $9.99)Resident Evil Revelations ($22.49 - $29.99)Sleeping Dogs + Nightmare In Northpoint ($11.24 - $12.49)The House Of The Dead Bundle ($7.50 - $14.99)The Last Guy ($2.00 - $3.99)The Last Of Us ($35.99 - $44.99)The Walking Dead 400 Days ($2.44 - $3.49)The Walking Dead Episode 2 ($1.25 - $2.49)The Walking Dead Episode 3 ($1.25 - $2.49)The Walking Dead Episode 4 ($1.25 - $2.49)The Walking Dead Episode 5 ($1.25 - $2.49)The Walking Dead Season Pass ($2.99 - $4.99)The Walking Dead Survival Instinct ($33.74 - $37.49)The Walking Dead: The Complete First Season (Vita) ($9.79 - $13.99)Zombie Apocalypse: Never Die Alone ($4.89 - $6.99)
October 21st, 2013, 23:54 Posted By: wraggsterPublisher 2K is going the Season Pass route with WWE 2K14 - its first stab at the IP since acquiring it from THQ earlier this year.Said Pass will cost £15.99 and covers three-and-a-bit lumps of DLC, which cost £6.99 if bought separately.It could go on forever.
The first lump, arriving November, includes a New World Order-themed extra wrestler pack (Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Macho Man Randy Savage, Syxx, Curt Hennig and Scott Steiner) and a cheaty Accelerator that unlocks everything in the game. That wrestler pack costs £6.99, and the Accelerator costs £1.59 (due out 1st November alongside the game). Wrestler The Giant - The Big Show, not Andre The Giant [thanks, The_B and kunadr] - is thrown in for free.The second lump, arriving December, is the WWE Superstars and Moves Pack (£6.99). This has extra wrestlers Fandango, Big E Langston, Brie Bella and Nikki Bella, plus 30 new moves and taunts. The Pack costs £6.99. Valet-slash-Diva Summer Rae is thrown in for free.The third lump, arriving January, has Jake 'The Snake' Roberts, and 'Ravishing' Rick Rude! Remember them? Bruno Sammartino and Dusty Rhodes are a part of the WWE Legends and Creations pack as well, as are 15 new Superstar customisation parts. Manager and wrestler Virgil is thrown in for free.If you opt for the £15.99 Season Pass you get all the above, some online badges plus Scott Hall and Kevin Nash in The Outsiders garb.WWE 2K14 arrives 1st November on PS3 and Xbox 360. It'll be interesting to see what impact 2K and its chequebook have had on the series - apparently developer Yuke's and WWE were both owed millions and millions of dollars by THQ.
October 21st, 2013, 23:56 Posted By: wraggsterMetal Gear series producer Hideo Kojima announced that Platinum Games'Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance will see a DLC-bundled PlayStation 3 re-release in Japan later this year.
Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance Special Edition includes the previously released "Blade Wolf" and "Jetstream" DLC packs, along with 30 VR missions, five alternate costumes, and a custom PS3 theme. The package will hit retail in Japan on December 5, and will also be available as a downloadable release on PSN.
Joystiq asked a Konami representative if the bundle is set for release stateside. We will share updates as they're available.
October 22nd, 2013, 00:07 Posted By: wraggstervia http://www.emucr.com/
PPSSPP Git (2013/10/21) is compiled. PPSSPP is a fast and portable PSP emulator for Android, Windows, Mac, and Linux, written in C++.
PPSSPP Git Changelog:
* Make Home in the game browser available on linux/mac/etc too.
Misc tweaks.
* Update lang again
* sceAtrac: Report occurences of multiple packets in one. Update native
with minor UI fix.
* Update lang
* Merge pull request #4275 from shenweip/patch-7
Draw default background when pic doesn't exist.
* Draw default background when pic doesn't exist.
* Merge pull request #4276 from unknownbrackets/linux-minor
Improve Linux flash0 path handling, fix __cpuidex() in some gccs
* Simplify __cpuidex().
Wasn't building 32-bit for me on Ubuntu.
* Use a better default font path on Linux/Mac OS X.
This way people don't have to copy to ~/.ppsspp/flash0.
The override in ~/.ppsspp/PSP/flash0 still works.
* Warning fix.
* The built-in draw2d shader doesn't need a version number specified
* Merge pull request #4267 from ufdada/master
Translating the Back and Toggle All Buttons
* Translating the Back and Toggle All Buttons
Correcting the Toggle all Button function (it was reverting the selection)
* Update native - fix #4269
* Merge pull request #4265 from adrian17/master
Common cleanup: Cleaned up Common.h and simplified MsgHandler
October 22nd, 2013, 00:11 Posted By: wraggstervia http://www.emucr.com/
PCSX Reloaded r87587 is compiled. PCSX-Reloaded is a fork of the PCSX-df Project, a PlayStation Emulator, with support for both Windows and GNU/Linux operating systems as well as several bugfixes/improvements.
PCSX Reloaded SVN Changelog:
Implement localization on some OS X strings, mainly those in the Hungarian locale.
I'll never be happy...
Some work on the Hungarian Translation for OS X.
October 22nd, 2013, 13:03 Posted By: wraggsterPrevious release doesn't justify work of port, says Criterion creative director
The Wii U and PlayStation Vita will miss out on another EA title thanks to poor sales, as Criterion creative director Craig Sullivan revealed that Need for Speed Rivals won't arrive on either platform.
EA said in May that it didn't have any titles in development for Nintendo's new console a position it has since softened and it's next generation Frostbite 3 engine hasn't been ported to either the Wii U or Sony's PS Vita.
"[Need For Speed Most Wanted] didn't really sell that many, in terms of the Wii U market," Sullivan told The Sixth Axis.
"We did a load of extra work on the Wii U version, and we had a lot of guys working on that stuff, you know?"
The news that Ghost Game's latest installment of one of EA's most popular franchises sounds like the AAA situation isn't improving for either platform.
"[Rivals] is going onto new hardware, and you have to work out where you focus your efforts," said Sullivan.
"The 200 people working on this game are only capable of making so much, and doing so many different versions of the game, so we had to go with where we think the biggest audience will be for the game."
Though the Vita hasn't done terribly well in attracting major third parties, a number of indie developers have seized on the platform as their own private playground.
As EA lets yet another major release slip by, consumers that shelled out for the handheld are more likely to pay for the smaller games that might have gone unnoticed in the shadow of triple-A marketing.
October 22nd, 2013, 13:08 Posted By: wraggsterIs it exciting that youre going to be able to use the PS4s new DualShock 4 controller with your PS3?
The internet seems to think so. As discovered in a Computer Spiele video below, the DualShock 4 seems to work on PS3 providing its plugged in.
There are some caveats, though. While the YoUTube user was able to play Urban Trial Freestyle without any problems other games were less successful FIFA, for example, seemed to be OK with the menus but failed to recognise commands in-game.
And obviously things like the touchpad dont work at all.
It was revealed earlier this month that the DualShock 4 will work on PCs to a certain extent.
October 22nd, 2013, 13:12 Posted By: wraggsterSony has responded to the inevitably poor consumer reaction to its recent announcement that the PlayStation 4 will cost the equivalent of nearly $2k when it launches in Brazil.
Polygon reports on a translated PlayStation Brazil blog posted by Sony Latin America general manager Mark Stanley, who details why the current price tag sits at R$3,999 for the region.
A chart on the import process was provided, with Stanley explaining that 63 per cent of the cost is "allocated to compensate for the fees and taxes that are applied to the product during [this] process."
Stanley also admitted that, as far as Sony is concerned, the present situation is bad for both sides of the table even offering up the idea of Sony manufacturing hardware in Brazil to avoid the heavy import costs as a possible solution.
[The price] is not good for our consumers, and it is not good for the PlayStation brand.
"We will continue dialogue with government agencies to help us reduce the heavy tax burden that gamers, retailers and Sony Computer Entertainment America must pay.
October 22nd, 2013, 15:02 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
BEYOND Touch is a free app available now for iOS and Android devices that allows you to play BEYOND: Two Souls using either a smartphone or tablet, instead of a DualShock controller.
You can play the entire game, in Solo mode or in Duo Mode, and control both characters using a simplified gameplay interface, specially designed for Touch Screen devices.
In Duo Mode, each player can independently select his controller. All combinations are possible; two DualShock controllers, one DualShock and one Touch Screen device, or even two Touch Screen devices.
Developer Quantic Dream designed the app to make BEYOND: Two Souls accessible to non-console gamers who don't feel comfortable using a DualShock controller. So for those of you who played Heavy Rain while your non-console gaming friends shouted out directions, now they can take part for themselves.
October 22nd, 2013, 16:01 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
I'm Luke, from XMPT Games: a small, five-person indie development studio based in Southampton, England. We've been together as a company for less than a year, and are best known for our PS Mobile release, Penguin Party.
We started XMPT Games because we all love playing games and we wanted to start releasing our own. We had all dabbled in various aspects of game development, and decided that it would be fun to see what we could create by working together. We love taking part in game jams – pitting our design, coding and graphics skills to the test against a time limit – so for our second PS Mobile title we decided to run our own internal game jam.
Picking the theme of the game ourselves just didn't seem in the spirit of game jamming, so we put out a request on our Facebook page for people to suggest topics around which we could base our game. We ended up with about 50 different responses, and the next day we threw all of the suggestions into a hat and picked one out at random. The winner was "Harmony".
After discussing a whole bunch of ideas, we eventually settled on the concept for Monster Hotel. The player would own and run their own hotel. It would be their responsibility to ensure that everything stayed harmonious, by keeping all of the guests happy.
Our core inspiration for the new game came from the dystopian document thriller, Papers Please. The idea that players are put under time pressure, whilst trying to balance an ever-growing set of requirements, really appealed to us. However, we were all too aware that our previous titles had always been turn-based. Therefore, we wanted to ensure that this one was far more frantic and fast-paced than anything that we had created before.
We worked solidly on the game for 48 hours, and when the dust had settled, we were left with a completed version of Monster Hotel.
It is a frenetic game, in which players must drag and drop the monsters in their hotel, using the touchscreen, so as to place them in rooms which match their various wants and needs. Each of the different monsters has a variety of personalised requirements. These range from wanting to be in a bedroom with blue walls, to wishing that they could go to the bar but still avoid another monster. Every so often, a monster will change what they want and the player will have to move them around.
As the number of monsters in the hotel grows, it becomes more and more difficult to keep everyone happy. Eventually, players will have to choose which monster to temporarily upset, in order to benefit the harmony of the overall hotel. If you can survive long enough to reach a high score, you can unlock larger hotels and new unique rooms. New monsters may even start appearing!
After the jam, we spent a few weeks polishing and testing the game for release. We added in some more unlockable rooms and monsters, and tweaked the scoring system by getting our friends to play the game and trying to work out what made it most fun.
Monster Hotel is now available for PlayStation Mobile, priced at £0.79/€0.99. You can also find more details about Monster Hotel on our blog and Facebook page, so please come visit us and get in touch if you're interested in this or any of the other projects that we're working on!
October 22nd, 2013, 17:02 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
To what lengths would you go to defend your home? That is the central question in this brand-new story trailer for Killzone: Shadow Fall.
On planet Vekta, where rival Helghast and Vektan factions are living side by side under an uneasy truce, the answer depends entirely on who you ask. To Chancellor Visari, leader of the displaced Helghast people, the Vektans are aggressors that must be kept in check by whatever means necessary. To Vektan Security Agency Director Sinclair, the biggest threat to peace is the very presence of the Helghast people.
Sinclair and Visari aren't the only ones at odds over their plans for planet Vekta. Behind the scenes, forces within each faction have begun warring and conspiring to further their own agendas. Some, like the extremist splinter group Black Hand, want to force an all-out civil war. Others, like Helghast intelligence operative Echo, are desperately trying to prevent it.
As Shadow Marshal Lucas Kellan, you must deal with the escalating hostilities before they envelop the entire planet – but you'll quickly discover that trust is a scarce resource on Vekta.
Killzone Shadow Fall's campaign mode features a tense, gripping storyline that takes you from the splendors of Vekta to the dark heart of the Helghast territory and far, far beyond. We hope this story trailer whets your appetite for the release of the game on 29th November – in the meantime, keep an eye on Killzone.com and PlayStation Blog for additional details about the story and the characters!
October 22nd, 2013, 17:40 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Hello guys! I know, I know! We're a bit late since our first post here promising a late summer release. But quality takes time, right?
Today at Seaven Studio we are feeling super happy (and super tired) as you can now enjoy our puzzle-platformer, Ethan: Meteor Hunter, available to download on PlayStation Store for PlayStation 3!
For €9.99/£7.99 you can play as Ethan who has a great power: telekinesia. He can pause time and move objects around in order to solve puzzles and get though 50 levels within three different worlds with dynamic use of physics giving multiple gameplay and solving possibilities: each player can find his own way of solving a puzzle or finding the fastest way to the end of a level!
Don't take my word for it! Ethan: Meteor Hunter has been finalist at the Develop 2013 Indie Showcase and at the Indium Game Contest 2013! It has also been said that 'Meat Boy fans will want to see this'…
I hope you will enjoy it and let us know what you think on our Twitter!
P.S. We have heard your wish to see a PS Vita version! We have now received our devkits, and are looking if something interesting is possible. We'll keep in touch!
October 22nd, 2013, 18:41 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Hey PlayStation Blog! This is Olga Ryzhko with Frogwares, and I get to tell you about our latest game, Magrunner: Dark Pulse, which is coming to your favorite console as we speak.
I'm not sure if you've heard, but Magrunner is a first-person action puzzle game. I'd say this is our humble attempt to experiment with puzzles and challenge your wits in a different way.
It was also a challenge for our wits! We consider ourselves (I mean Frogwares) to be quite experienced in puzzles and riddles; mainly due to 13 years of experience making Sherlock Holmes games, which are filled with puzzles. Some of you may have even played our latest one, The Testament of Sherlock Holmes on PS3.
However, we wanted to work on something that would expand on the games and puzzles we normally offer. We wanted to go further within the puzzle genre and explore some really dynamic puzzles, which is not really possible with the Sherlock Holmes games. Sherlock is quite the gentleman. He doesn't even run! And this is where Magrunner comes in.
Magrunner is based on reasoning, logic and thinking – this is where we put the word 'puzzle' into it. You are also going to shoot things, though you will not be gunning down nameless hordes of enemies, soldiers or zombies, but this is where the action part of the game pops in. This is our attempt to find the delicate balance between fun and challenge, between thinking and reacting.
Magrunner: Dark Pulse is an action-driven puzzle game that combines cosmic horror with a near-future cyberpunk world on the edge of destruction. I do not really intend to elaborate on the story, which is actually a very strong element of the game. It was quickly mentioned on my previous post and it is also explained on the Magrunner site, so you may want to check them out for more details.
You are playing Dax Ward: you are young, smart and talented, of course. I'd say you are also brave but maybe a little bit reckless. You have this Mag Glove that you built yourself – you are really talented – and you can influence or magnetically charge some objects with different polarities in order to interact with them one way or another. And your goal is to navigate through almost 40 levels using these magnetic properties.
With Magrunner we always start with very simple and basic mechanics and introduce the more complicated ones as you advance. This way you get a feel for the key elements throughout the game as you move on to the more sophisticated levels. Once we introduce the basic principles and elements of the game, we mix them up for some very dynamic puzzles. You are going to use platforms, both vertical and horizontal; you will play with a number of cubes of varying sizes size; and you can also influence scalable energy based on simple kinetics. With all of this, we expand the game mechanics in various directions, allowing for a huge variety of puzzles.
The interesting thing in Magrunner is that the main challenge is realising what you have to do and exactly when you need to do it. We tried to focus on the complexity of puzzle solving rather than the time you need to finish the level. Now please let us now if we succeeded.
Magrunner: Dark Pulse is available from tomorrow on PS3 for €9.99/£7.99 and I really hope you enjoy it.
October 22nd, 2013, 18:41 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag is about to launch on PS3, and in anticipation of this momentous event, we've created a brand new trailer to whet your appetite!
Along Edward Kenway's journey from ruthless pirate to lethal and dedicated Assassin, you'll meet a host of motley rogues including the deadly Anne Bonny and infamous Blackbeard. Take the helm of the Jackdaw and carve your fortune out of the savage and brutal West Indies in a seamless open world. Build your fleet, help found a pirate paradise and play a pivotal role in a revolution that challenged no fewer than three global empires!
Defy the rules in Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag WORLDWIDE on 29th October!
October 22nd, 2013, 18:41 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
After months of anticipation and hype, the wait is over: the all-new Rocksmith 2014 Edition is out this week, from 24th October!
Since its announcement at E3 this past June we've been inundated with questions and enthusiasm from gamers and guitarists alike about the new game. While the first Rocksmith was a successful in helping over a million people either learn guitar from scratch or refine their existing techniques, Rocksmith 2014 Edition is an entirely different beast. We've completely rebuilt the product from the frame up, improving all existing features and introducing amazing new ones. Check out our "How It Works" trailer, above, for the basics.
From 50+ new songs on disk to the ground-breaking Session Mode, Rocksmith 2014 Edition is the total package for learning or practicing guitar. We're so excited to see it hit shelves and everyone who worked on it is truly proud of what we've accomplished. Without a doubt, we can confidently say that Rocksmith 2014 Edition is THE fastest way to learn guitar or bass!
October 22nd, 2013, 19:13 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Home will briefly be offline from 8.00am BST on Wednesday 23rd October for routine maintenance. Here's what to expect after the update…
Pottermore at PlayStation Home – Halloween
Each year, as winter creeps in and the nights grow darker, the Great Hall at Hogwarts is transformed with fluttering bats and candle-filled pumpkins! Celebrate Hallowe'en with Pottermore at PlayStation Home!
Who knows what Dark magic has been performed within these walls? This centuries-old stately home is the perfect residence for the aspiring Dark witch or wizard.
Conceal your identity and inspire fear in a mask and hooded robes as worn by Lord Voldemort's followers.
Practise your charms in the Great Hall with exclusive, suitably spooky new levels. Charms at Hallowe'en is available for a limited time only!
With many fluttering bats and candle filled pumpkins, the Great Hall is decorated for the Hallowe'en feast!
Halloween Acorn Meadows Park
Hold on to your witch's hat as things are getting a little spooky down in Acorn Meadows Park. The park grounds have been decorated specially for Halloween, furnished with "The Wheel of Torture" Ferris wheel, candy cane and toffee apple concessions, Halloween items for sale from the Halloween Vendor and finally the Crypt; for all your scary costume needs.
Morphsuits Halloween
Have a look at the new selection of Halloween themed Morphsuits?! Slenderman, Dracula, Mummy, Werewolf and more!
This week there are new Element clothes and LMO's for both women and men. Check out also the latest skateboards, they will grant access to the Acorn Meadows Skate Park!
Halloween costumes
Lockwood offer you a range of delightfully spooky items to really get the ghoulish festivities going! If you are avoiding a certain someone at the party, with the Bat Swarm LMO you can go *POOF* and transform into a billion bats to get outta there! Perhaps you want something a little subtler? There are also spookily awesome contacts for the ladies and you can all have a boogie with our fantastically devilish Demonic Dances!
Mech Box
Lockwood's latest gift bundle takes one of the most popular gifts and makes it even more desirable. The Iron Fusion Vault features a top secret location, filled with a collection of 5 Iron Fusion suits with 4 exclusive new colour schemes.
Halloween outfits
Have you picked your Halloween costume yet? Be sure to check out Atom Republic's hilarious and gruesome creations, they're sure to get you noticed: the "Beheaded" outfit, the cunning "Gorilla Cage", the "Head on a Plate" costume or the "Zombie Walk" locomotion… you choose!
Monowheel LMO
Zoom around Home in style with the Monowheel LMO! This stylish and futuristic transporter comes in 5 different finishes: chrome, gold, black, red and white.
JAM Games – The Halloween Bake Collection
Read all about it! Read all about it! This week Mr and Mrs Gingerbread are back to strike fear into your neighbourhood! They have dusted off their Christmas frosting and have started a crumb-spree across Home in the Halloween Bake Collection!
Hellfire Games – Home Tycoon
It's Week 4 of Home Tycoon's Anniversary Celebration! Save 35% on the Hallowe'en Building Pack in Home Tycoon through October 31, and check out Home Tycoon's Facebook page for a preview of Home Tycoon: New Heights, coming soon! Winners from the Anniversary City Showcase contest will also be announced this week, so stay tuned to Home Tycoon on Facebook to see if you won!
Iconic Poses – Martial Arts & Dance
Become an Icon with these two pose packs from nDreams. Relive some Iconic dance poses with the Dance Pack and show off your martial arts skills with the Martial Arts Pose pack. Each pack includes three poses.
Flag Head Icons
Home is a mix of people and nationalities and what better way to show off your homeland than with the Flag Head icons from nDreams.
Hot Tubs
After the success of the Luxury Hot Tubs nDreams has created a few more in different styles in order for them to fit into any and all apartments. With 6 people sitting in at once, coloured lights and bubble switch this is the best Hot Tub in Home.
Bigyama – Futuristic Female
Bigyama are back! We had a quiet spell while bringing Quell Memento to PlayStation Vita but we've returned to release more items for PlayStation Home. Our first release is the Morocco outfit; a female only sci-fi styled clothing set. Check it out and let us know what you think.
Toylogic – Ladybug inspired accessories
The Ladybug Wings & Mitten set and Ladybug Antenna emulate the comical cuteness of the ladybug. The Fuzzy Boots, Giant Clover and Giant Tulip are also great items when used individually and they blend in well with any kind of style!
Granzella – Halloween 2013
Halloween arrives at the Glittering Sands Beach! There are wonderful Halloween gifts waiting for you, too.
Mischievous Imps
With horns on their heads, pointed tails, and devilish wings, on Halloween night the Mischievous Imps make their appearance, check out these new outfits from Granzella!
That's all for now. See you in PlayStation Home!
October 23rd, 2013, 00:08 Posted By: wraggsterSony Online Entertainment is planning a significant upgrade to DC Universe Online in preparation for the launch of PS4 next month.
Game Update 31 will offer a sweeping, game-wide graphical upgrade, a massive design effort to polish and re-master the core levelling game, and a host of technical work that prepares DCUOs underlying technology not only for launch on a next generation gaming console, but for a long future on it as well.
Textures will receive a notable boost on both PS4 and PC while in-game areas such as Centennial Park in Metropolis and Robinson Park in Gotham City have been completely rebuilt.
The update will roll out first on PC and PS3 at the beginning of next month while the PS4 version is expected to arrive within the consoles launch window.
Its been a lot of hard work in a short amount of time, but were thrilled to be one of the first free-to-play MMOs on this next generation gaming console, the games executive producer Larry Liberty said.
Its been a lot of hard work in a short amount of time, but were thrilled to be one of the first free-to-play MMOs on this next generation gaming console. This is without a doubt the biggest technical update we have ever done.
October 23rd, 2013, 00:54 Posted By: wraggsterSony Computer Entertainment experimented with a number of radically different form factors for DualShock 4, including one with a similar layout to Xbox 360's controller, according to Toshimasa Aoki, manager of the company's product planning department.
"At the very start, we were thinking of drastically changing the controller," Aoki told GamesBeat.
"We tried out new devices, changing the form factor. We'd start from there and then try to talk to the game teams and tweak toward what the best form would be to have for those new devices. So we made, I don't know, more than 20 prototypes. Some had no buttons, just touch panels. Some were rounded. All this crazy stuff."
Aoki likened one of the prototypes to the Xbox 360 controller, particularly with regard to the placement of its analogue sticks.
"We did test having the analogue sticks on top, since the Xbox has the left side on top [above the D-pad]," he said. "Especially from the shooter teams - we got feedback that that's what they wanted. They knew that consumers liked the 360 for shooters.
"[But having the two sticks symmetrical on the left and right sides] is kind of in our DNA. The prototype team, myself, and also the management team really felt that having this look is the PlayStation look, and we had to keep that."
Sony also created a prototype with both sticks placed at the top of the controller, a format which Nintendo would adopt for the Wii U Pro controller. "When Nintendo came out with that, we were like, 'Wow, that's just like our prototype!'," Aoki said.
Sony ultimately opted to abandon this prototype as it clashed with the now natural expectations players have when using a game controller.
"If we moved the X up there, it just breaks all the muscle memory," Aoki said. "The right hand mostly goes for both buttons and sticks, but the left hand stays on one or the other and usually doesn't switch around [between the left analogue stick and the D-pad]. That's why it's OK to switch around the left side. But switching the right side really breaks the gamer's experience."
Mark Cerny, lead system architect on the PS4 and designer of upcoming platformer Knack, previously said Sony's testing provided empirical evidence that having two joysticks together, as it has since the first DualShock, worked just as well as offsetting them.
"We made and tested a ridiculously broad style of controllers," Cerny explained, "and we would actually have people play games with them. And the current controller design came out of that. We did indeed conclude that the two joysticks on the same level works perfectly well. That did come out of our testing."
October 23rd, 2013, 01:20 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Halloween is rapidly approaching in Europe. We're celebrating by starting to roll out the initial batch of the multiplayer head items for The Last of Us multiplayer. First up are the Country Flag hats:
See our gallery for all the itemsComprising 22 items representing 22 countries, these hats are included as part of The Last of Us Season Pass. If you haven't purchased a Season Pass, it's a great deal with 75% savings over buying all DLC individually. If you'd rather buy these hats separately, they are available for €0.99/£0.79 each.
Apocalypse is the first community-run The Last of Us tournament ever. We're happy to lend support and provide prizing for it. Check out this fan created trailer promoting the tournament from community member and tournament organiser, Triplewreck:
Choose your faction and enter your best team of survivors. Apocalypse starts Friday, 25th October. Be on the lookout for more tournaments and more multiplayer head items in the coming weeks. See you online!
October 23rd, 2013, 01:44 Posted By: wraggsterIn its ongoing efforts to push players toward the PlayStation 4, Sony has added four new games to the PlayStation Network Store, all of which can be pre-ordered right now.
This initiative kicked off last week, as Knack and Warframe pre-order optionsappeared on the PlayStation Network Store. Today, these games are joined byAssassin's Creed IV, Battlefield 4, Call of Duty: Ghosts and Killzone Shadow Fall. Additionally, the PSN also offers pre-orders on the limited Gold Edition ofAssassin's Creed IV, as well as the Hardened Edition of Call of Duty: Ghosts. As you'd expect, these special versions cost more than their standard counterparts, but they also include physical bonus items for truly dedicated fans.
Alongside this news, Sony has also revealed that those who have already pre-ordered current generation versions of Battlefield 4, Assassin's Creed IV or Call of Duty: Ghosts can upgrade their pre-order to the PlayStation 4 iteration of those games for $10. You can find full details on how this process works by visiting Sony's upgrade page, or you can visit the Sony Entertainment Networkto place your pre-orders.
October 23rd, 2013, 01:49 Posted By: wraggsterTales of Symphonia Chronicles, the PS3 HD bundle of Tales of Symphonia andDawn of the New World, is coming to Europe and Australasia on February 28. The remastered RPG collection remains registered to arrive in North America sometime in "early 2014."
Namco Bandai also announced today the bundle's collector's edition is headed for Europe and Australasia, limited to 10,000 copies across both regions. It includes five Chibi Kyun Chara figures, a paperback novel chronicling (ho ho hoooo) the events between Symphonia and sequel Dawn of the New World, a soundtrack, and "special collector's packaging."
The same collector's edition was announced for North America earlier this month, limited to 15,000 copies across the region and priced $100.
October 23rd, 2013, 12:03 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
Hi everyone! Yes, we are bringing you some more horrifyingly good deals on some classic horror games and associated DLC. Grab up to 70% off selected titles, with additional savings for PS Plus members.
These deals start today, Wednesday 23rd October, and end on 6th November. What are you waiting for? Still too scared?
PS3 games:The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct
Was €59.99/AU$89.95/£49.99, now €29.99/AU$44.97/£24.99
Resident Evil Director's Cut (Not available in Bulgaria, Germany, Hungary, New Zealand, Qatar)
Was €9.99/AU$14.45/£7.99, now €4.99/AU$7.22/£3.99
Additional 15% discount for PS Plus members
Resident Evil Code: Veronica X (Not available in Bulgaria, Germany, Hungary, New Zealand, Qatar)
Was €19.99/AU$29.95/£15.99, now €11.99/AU$17.97/£9.59
Additional 15% discount for PS Plus members
Resident Evil: Chronicles HD Collection (Not available in Germany)
Was €26.99/AU$39.95/£21.99, now €12.95/AU$19.17/£10.55
Additional 25% discount for PS Plus members
Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles HD
Was €14.99/AU$21.95/£11.99, now €8.99/AU$13.17/£7.19
Additional 25% discount for PS Plus members
Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles HD (Not available in Germany)
Was €14.99/AU$21.95/£11.99, now €8.99/AU$13.17/£7.19
Additional 25% discount for PS Plus members
Resident Evil 2 (Not available in Bulgaria, Germany, Hungary, Qatar)
Was €9.99/AU$14.45/£7.99, now €4.99/AU$7.22/£3.99
Additional 15% discount for PS Plus members
Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (Not available in Bulgaria, Hungary, Qatar)
Was €9.99/AU$14.45/£7.99, now €4.99/AU$7.22/£3.99
Additional 15% discount for PS Plus members
Resident Evil 4 (Not available in Bulgaria, Hungary, Qatar)
Was €19.99/AU$29.95/£15.99, now €11.99/AU$17.97/£9.59
Additional 15% discount for PS Plus members
Resident Evil 5 Gold Edition
Was €14.99/AU$21.95/£11.99, now €8.99/AU$13.17/£7.19
Additional 15% discount for PS Plus members
Resident Evil 6
Was €29.99/AU$39.95/£19.99, now €20.09/AU$26.76/£13.39
Additional 10% discount for PS Plus members
Dead Island Game of the Year Edition (Not available in Germany)
Was €19.99/AU$24.95/£15.99, now €7.59/AU$9.48/£6.07
Additional 25% discount for PS Plus members
All Zombies Must Die!
Was €9.99/AU$14.45/£7.99, now €3.99/AU$5.78/£3.19
Additional 25% discount for PS Plus members
Burn Zombie Burn! (Not available in Bulgaria, Hungary, Qatar)
Was €7.99/AU$11.75/£6.49, now €3.51/AU$5.17/£2.85
Additional 25% discount for PS Plus members
Burn Zombie Burn! In Space… (Not available in Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, India, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, Slovenia, Turkey, Ukraine)
Was €2.99/AU$4.35/£2.39, now €1.49/AU$2.17/£1.19
Additional 25% discount for PS Plus members
Zombie Driver HD (Not available in New Zealand)
Was €9.99/AU$14.45/£7.99, now €4.99/AU$7.22/£3.99
Additional 25% discount for PS Plus members
Zombie Driver HD + Soundtrack Bundle (Not available in NZ)
Was €12.99/AU$18.45/£9.99, now €6.49/AU$9.22/£4.99
Additional 25% discount for PS Plus members
Zombie Tycoon II: Brainhov's Revenge
Was €9.99/AU$14.45/£7.99, now €4.99/AU$7.22/£3.99
Additional 25% discount for PS Plus members
Dead Nation
Was €12.99/AU$18.45/£9.99, now €8.05/AU$11.43/£6.19
Additional 10% discount for PS Plus members
Minis:Zombie Racers (Not available in Bulgaria, Hungary, Qatar)
Was €1.19/AU$1.75/£0.99, now €0.48/AU$0.71/£0.40
Additional 25% discount for PS Plus members
Zombie Tycoon (Not available in Bulgaria, Hungary, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, Ukraine)
Was €3.99/AU$5.85/£3.49, now €1.99/AU$2.92/£1.74
Additional 25% discount for PS Plus members
Alien Zombie Death (Not available in Bulgaria, Hungary, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, Ukraine)
Was €1.19/AU$1.75/£0.99, now €0.48/AU$0.71/£0.40
Additional 25% discount for PS Plus members
DLC:The Walking Dead: Walker Herd Survival Pack
Was €4.99/AU$7.35/£3.99, now €3.49/AU$5.14/£2.79
Resident Evil 6: Mode Bundle Pack
Was €9.99/AU$14.45/£7.99, now €2.99/AU$4.33/£2.39
Additional 15% discount for PS Plus members
Zombie Driver HD – Apocalypse Pack (Not available in Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey)
Was €2.99/AU$4.35/£2.39, now €1.49/AU$2.17/£1.19
Additional 25% discount for PS Plus members
Zombie Driver HD Original Soundtrack (Not available in NZ)
Was €4.99/AU$7.35/£3.99, now €2.49/AU$3.67/£1.99
Additional 25% discount for PS Plus members
October 23rd, 2013, 16:20 Posted By: PSPReviewHeres the latest news from the PSN Team:
First up this week, Batman: Arkham Origins, prequel to the great Arkham Asylum and Arkham City. Play as Batman in the earlier days of his crime fighting escapades. Gotham City is crawling with villains to take down and crimes to solve. Then there are assassins to look out for…
Please note the exclusive Knightfall DLC pre-order pack has been slightly delayed but will be available shortly. As a thank you for your patience the good folks at Warner Bros. will also be giving pre-order customers the Deathstroke DLC pack as part of your original purchase.
Once you're done with Arkham: Origins why not pick up Batman Arkham Origins Blackgate on PS Vita, where you'll get to find out more about The Dark Knight's past.
There's a whole host of other great games out this week, including Deus Ex: Human Revolution Director's Cut, a digital release for God of War: Ascension, Ethan: Meteor Hunter, Magrunner: Dark Pulse and tons more.
And if you're looking for savings we've got you covered. As well as our ongoing Halloween sale, you can also pick up top-drawer sports sim International Snooker at a discounted price of just £3.09/€4.02, down from £9.99/€12.99.
New PlayStation Network contentContent may be added or removed, or move dates – please stay tuned to your weekly Store Update for the most up to date listings. Listed savings are approximate, based on SRP excluding Special Offer pricing and should be considered as a guide only.
PlayStation PlusDark Souls II beta (begins Sunday 27th October from 7am-10am GMT)
Destiny of Spirits beta
PS Plus Discounts:
Alien Breed: ImpactAlien Breed 2: AssaultAlien Breed 3: DescentAlien Breed Triology
PS3 games
Alien Rage (Trial available)
Price: £11.99/€14.99
Batman: Arkham Origins (available from 25th October)
Price: £49.99/€59.99
BreakQuest Extra Evolution & StarDrone
Price: £6.49/€7.99
Availability: All
Cabela's African Adventures
Price: £31.99/€