31
Aug
Posted in PS3 Reviews, Ps3 News by Jeff Rubenstein |
I’ve been busy with shooting interviews at PAX today, but now that I’ve got the chance to catch up, I just wanted to share an update on the SOCOM Confrontation public beta that was posted earlier today on SOCOM.com. Here’s the word straight from SCEA’s Seth Luisi:
Hi folks,
Well, I’ve got some good and not so good news. The good news is that we are still on track to delivering a kick-ass experience come October. The bad news is that because we are working so hard to ensure the final product is fantastic, we’ve decided to push back the Public Beta date just a few days in order to bump up the experience even more. So, the new launch date for the Public Beta is now Friday, September 5th (QORE members will start the following Friday, September 12).
The other good news is that we are not cutting down the length of the Public Beta one bit. It will still run for a full month - from 9/5 to 10/5 - so you and your clanmates can still practice as long as you want and then be ready to go for the full game later in October.
Myself, my team and Slant Six are burning the midnight oil to ensure this game is the best it can possibly be for you guys. We completely understand it’s hard to wait when you haven’t had a chance to play it yet but, rest assured, the wait will be worth it. If you haven’t done it already, you can pre-order the game from GameStop® in the US to get into the Public Beta (EB Games™ for our brethren to the North). Make sure to bring along 2 extra friends once you register and get the email promo code from us; that code will let them in too. You’re not going to get another Public Beta out there that will give you and your squad-mates so much access.
Best,
Seth
For the latest updates on the public beta, and everything SOCOM, keep an eye on SOCOM.com.
30
Aug
Posted in PS3 Reviews, Ps3 News by Jeff Rubenstein |
I hope you’re reading this from a Seattle-area hotel room, or on your iPhone on the way to the Washington State Convention & Trade Center. I really do. Penny Arcade Expo 2008 is now underway, and tens of thousands of you will finally be able to get their hands on games that have been for Press Hands Only at E3 and Games Convention Leipzig.
The PlayStation PAX booth improves upon our awesome Comic-Con setup by adding twelve Resistance 2 stations, playable WipEout HD, Savage Moon, Crash Commando and a number of Resistance Retribution-equipped PSPs. Take a look as I give you the quick tour:
Now I know that many (well, most) of you can’t make it to Seattle by Sunday - so here’s how you can get involved in the PAX action. Tomorrow I’ll be talking with the development teams on Resistance 2 and inFamous. What should I ask them? Comment below.
I conducted an interview with Joel DeYoung of Hothead Games (Penny Arcade Adventures) earlier today using only your questions, and you’ll see the results of that next week.
Oh, and here’s the link to enter to win a free PS3 that I mentioned in the video. Good luck!
29
Aug
Posted in PS3 Reviews, Ps3 News by Grace Chen |
Hi again! The weekend’s here – time for your weekly update of new movie & TV shows on the PLAYSTATION Store.
This week we’ve added new video content from the following television series:
- American Dad, Season 1
- Ben 10: Alien Force, Season 1
- Burn Notice, Season 1 & 2
- Crime 360, Season 1
- Futurama, Season 1 & 2
- Galaxy Railways, Season 1
- MADtv, Season 13
- Rescue Me, Season 4
- The First 48, Season 7
- The Unit, Season 2
- Til Death, Season 2
- Xam’d: Lost Memories, Season 1
We’ve also added the following feature films to the Store:
- Alien 3
- Be Cool
- Blade Runner - Director’s Cut
- Broken Arrow
- First Sunday
- From Hell
- Garden State
- Garfield
- Hide And Seek
- I Heart Huckabees
- Independence Day
- Just Married
- Kinsey
- Memento
- Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow
- Pee-wee’s Big Adventure
- Planet Of The Apes
- Police Academy 7: Mission to Moscow
- Predator 2
- Prom Night
- Robots
- Rocky II
- Romeo + Juliet
- Saw
- Sideways
- Sphere
- Superman III
- Swimfan
- Taxi
- The List
- The Ninth Gate
- The Other Boleyn Girl
- Thirteen
- Toy Soldiers
- Uptown Girls
- Vegas Vacation
- Vertical Limit
- Woman On Top
And, finally, here are our top 20 movie and top 20 TV downloads for the week:
29
Aug
Posted in PS3 Reviews, Ps3 News by Noam Rimon |
I’ve got some good news and some okay news. We’ll start with the okay part. We’re still pushing some paperwork on Life with PlayStation — so hold tight just a bit longer. Now on to the good news, the Life with PlayStation application is looking great and to quench some of the curiosity around what it’s all about, here’s what I can share today.
We’re going to offer this as a free service that will be easily accessible directly from the XMB. Life with PlayStation will feed live content to your PS3 with updates on news and weather on a visually stunning and interactive global map. Imagine being able to wake up to your PS3 to see if you need to pack an umbrella for the day. Or just relax as you listen to your favorite tunes while reading up on top news from around the world.
We’re also very excited to share that Life with PlayStation will be combined with our Folding@home project. What does this mean? While you’re tuned into Life with PlayStation, you’ll also be helping Stanford researchers cure diseases like Alzheimer’s and various types of cancer while Folding@home is running in the background.
We know you’re eager to check it out for yourself, so we’re working hard to get it in your hands. Stay tuned.
29
Aug
Posted in PS3 Reviews, Ps3 News by Jeremy Chubb |
A big moment in Burnout history is just around the corner.
We’re working flat out to bring you yet another free content pack for Burnout Paradise – and this one’s the Bike Pack!
If you missed our recent posts, we’re trying something new with downloadable content this year. We want to completely change the game we brought you back in January with regular game changing updates. That means more than just a couple of cars and a new level.
For the first time in a Burnout game, we’re bringing you motorcycles. We’ve already talked about the 2 bikes available from Day 1 and some of the bike-specific gameplay that’s on the way, but there’s more to this pack than that. We’re introducing night time to the streets of Paradise City and with it, some unique gameplay.
When the pack arrives, just head for the nearest Junkyard and pick one of the bikes – either the Nakamura Firehawk V4 or the Nakamura FV1100.
Here’s a map showing Paradise City and all the different events you can try – Race, Road Rage, Marked Man, Burning Route and Stunt Run. For the full run-down on how these work, check out the video on our website.
Selecting one of the bikes triggers a whole load of new gameplay – 70 new challenges, 38 new against-the-clock races (Burning Rides) and new “Road Rules” record times for 64 streets – it’s like a whole new game to play through!
And if that’s not enough, once the sun sets at 8pm, the game changes.
The lights on the bike switch on, the traffic thins out creating an all new environment for high speed racing and we trigger some night-specific gameplay – half of the new Burning Rides take place at night and are called Midnight Rides.
Here’s how the clock works:
From 8pm to 8am it’s night. We figured you’d want to decide how fast this comes around, so we made the clock customizable. You can easily switch between day and night and try out the different gameplay whenever you like. You can also control the speed of change – anything from 24 minutes to real-time (24hrs), if you’re up for an epic session!
If you play an online game, we automatically switch all players to the host time, fast forwarding through day or night as necessary. I swear you never get tired of seeing it!
We’ll be back with more next week – our final post before Bikes go live!
And as always, if you want more details, head to our own website – www.criteriongames.com
28
Aug
Posted in PS3 Reviews, Ps3 News by Grace Chen |
Hey, everyone. It’s time again for the PLAYSTATION Store weekly update.
Downloadable Games
The Last Guy ($9.99)
You are the chosen one, a zombie hero from the Himalayan mountains, and it is up to you to rescue the last survivors on Earth by leading them to safety through zombie-infested streets. Make your way through 15 detailed real-world cities, shown from a classic arcade style overhead view, and lead them to the Escape Zone before time runs out in this frantic, addictive game. Download the full game today!
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 605 MB
Add-on Game Content
Warhawk Fallen Star Pack ($7.99)
Download the Warhawk Operation Fallen Star Booster Pack today to experience the fast-paced action of Warhawk like never before! Infantry take flight with the fast and deadly Icarus Mk.1 Rocket Pack in the remote, forested Tau Crater battlefield, the crash site of an experimental Chernovan capital ship. Rejoin the unfriendly skies with Operation Fallen Star!
File size: 172 MB
Warhawk Booster Combo ($15.99)
Purchase three Warhawk Booster Packs for the price of two! Booster Combo includes the Warhawk Operation: Omega Dawn, Operation: Broken Mirror, and Operation: Fallen Star Booster Packs, which add an enhanced level of teamwork and strategy with new battlefields and vehicles.
File size: 446 MB
Rock Band
Build your Rock Band library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com.
- “She Does” - Locksley ($0.99)
- “Don’t Make Me Wait” - Locksley ($0.99)
- “Don’t Make Me Wait” - Locksley ($0.99)
- “All Over Again” - Locksley ($0.99)
- Locksley Pack 1 ($2.99) - includes: “All Over Again,” “Don’t Make Me Wait,” and “She Does” by Locksley.
File sizes: 13.5 MB - 22.3 MB (singles), 56.6 MB (track pack)
Game Demos (free)
NHL 09 Demo
Winner of seven sports video game of the year awards. Try the all-new Be A Pro mode - step onto the ice and play an entire career as you level-up and progress from the AHL to the NHL. Play the first true console sports MMO game, allowing you to assemble a team and play as yourselves in 6-on-6 online team play in the new EA SPORTS Hockey League. If you love sports video games, try this demo.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 0.98 GB
SOULCALIBUR IV Demo
Check out this demo of Soulcalibur IV to experience this renowned weapon based fighting game. With HD graphics, destructible armor, character customization and online vs. modes, Soulcalibur IV reinvents itself while also bringing STAR WARS guest characters, Darth Vader and his Secret Apprentice, to add to the fighting.
ESRB Rated T
File size: 878 MB
Game Videos (free)
SOCOM Confrontation Extraction trailer
File size: 71 MB (HD)
LittleBigPlanet Leipzig “Sackzilla” Trailer
File size: 77 MB (HD)
Motorstorm Pacific Rift Leipzig Trailer
File size: 288 MB (HD)
PAIN Trauma Mode Trailer
It’s time to show people who’s the real master of PAIN in this new mode included in the Amusement Park add-on environment. All you have to do is launch, hurt your character, and get a good score. Sounds simple enough, right? Yeah, well then your opponent has to hurt the same body part and outscore you. Simple rules, incredibly fun game play. Have a look, and get ready to TRAUMAtize!
File size: 54 MB (HD)
GT5 Prologue Play the Pros with Tanner Foust!
Go behind the scenes with the special ‘Play the Pros’ competition, featuring Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, aboard the PlayStation Experience Truck at X Games 14. This time around, five lucky fans got the chance to go head-to-head against drift and rally racing champion Tanner Foust in Gran Turismo 5 Prologue. Download this exciting video today.
File size: 172 MB (HD), 285 MB (1080)
Brothers in Arms: Hell’s Highway Machine Gun & Bazooka Video
Download now to watch machine gun and bazooka teams tear through your enemies.
File size: 7.48 MB (SD), 29 MB (HD), 37 MB (1080)
Brothers in Arms: Hell’s Highway Squad Gameplay Video
Download now to see how you can direct and lead your squad to conquer hell’s highway.
File size: 13 MB (SD), 50 MB (HD)
Facebreaker Audition Video #1
Leaked tapes from the Facebreaker boxer auditions show how the outrageous cast of Facebreaker got their gigs in the ring!
File size: 184 MB (HD)
Facebreaker Audition Video #2
Leaked tapes from the Facebreaker boxer auditions show how the outrageous cast of Facebreaker got their gigs in the ring!
File size: 159 MB (HD)
Facebreaker Audition Video #3
Leaked tapes from the Facebreaker boxer auditions show how the outrageous cast of Facebreaker got their gigs in the ring!
File size: 153 MB (HD)
Madden NFL 09 Gameplay Trailer
Continuing 20 years of innovation, Madden NFL 09 offers an unprecedented experience. From the life-like visuals to the innovative shadowing system to the new audibles, this game is unlike any other. Check out what the buzz is about in this video about the entire gameplay experience in Madden NFL 09.
File size: 68 MB (HD)
Madden NFL 09 Madden Moments Trailer
In Madden NFL 09, the Madden Moments feature puts you in one of several memorable scenarios from last season. Your goal is to successfully complete scenario set before you based on last season’s actual outcomes. Can you recreate and live up to last years most memorable Madden Moments?
File size: 66 MB (HD)
Madden NFL 09 Play Call Trailer
The Play Call screen now allows you to view the information you need without pausing the game. You are able to view player stats, replays, and tips. Challenges are also made in this screen. This feature allows you to see a lot of information at once without interrupting the flow of the game.
File size: 63 MB (HD)
Top Spin 3 Player Creator Trailer
Live the dream and get yourself in the game! Investigate immense new player creator technology in Top Spin 3, looking good has never been so easy.
File size: 69 MB (HD)
Movie and Blu-ray Trailers (free)
Quantum Of Solace Trailer
QUANTUM OF SOLACE continues the high octane adventures of James Bond (DANIEL CRAIG) in CASINO ROYALE.
File size: 26 MB (SD), 90 MB (HD), 136 MB (1080)
Prom Night Trailer
A suspenseful horror film! An obsessed murderer is viciously hunting down a beautiful girl on her prom night, killing anyone who gets in his way.
File size: 91 MB (HD), 89 MB (1080)
PS3 Wallpaper (free)
The Last Guy Wallpaper (x2)
Customize the background of your PS3 system with this new The Last Guy Wallpaper.
File size: 8 KB - 1.58 MB
PLAYSTATION Store for PC
Here is this week’s content release for the PLAYSTATION Store for PC. To download these games to your PSP, navigate to http://store.playstation.com. There, you’ll find descriptions of the content and directions on how to get started. For more on the PLAYSTATION Store for PC, please click here.
PSP Themes (free)
Cake Mania: Baker’s Challenge theme
PSP Wallpaper (free)
PSP Wallpapers Series 1 wallpaper (x3)
Hot Shots Golf Open Tee 2 wallpaper (x2)
Cake Mania: Baker’s Challenge wallpaper (x3)
Hope you enjoy!
28
Aug
Posted in PS3 Reviews, Ps3 News by Joel DeYoung |
Our philosophy at Hothead is to get our games on as many platforms as possible, so gamers can choose where to play them. I know lots of PLAYSTATION 3 fans have waited a long time to see the Penny Arcade game come to this platform. Looking back, I think it’s a shame that we weren’t able to release the PS3 version closer to the initial launch of the game. “Well, what happened?” you may ask.
What happened is that very late in development we realized that the version of the engine we licensed for this game didn’t really have the same chops on console that it did on Windows, Mac and Linux. Imagine essentially rewriting whole sections of the engine to capture the look and feel of Penny Arcade for each console – it added months to our release date! We had to make the tough decision to get the game done and out on fewer platforms, rather than delay the whole thing several months more.
Fortunately, we were able to resume work on the PS3 version right away after that, interspersed with our work on Episode Two. Our engineers and artists have been hard at work getting the PS3 version working just right. Rest assured that future episodes will ship in a more timely fashion, as we get better at porting the code and tweaking the engine. Plus, we have plans to support PLAYSTATION Network with other Hothead games for a long time to come.
The game’s classic comic book look and feel was so well-received when Episode One was first released, it was critical to us to retain that element in bringing the game to a new platform. It truly looks amazing with the PlayStation 3’s graphics, and should be well worth the wait – check out a little of it below:
The PS3 version is going to integrate with a bunch of features on the PLAYSTATION Network, including Score Rankings and the oft-requested Trophies. Plus, don’t forget that you’ll be able to customize your character to appear in both 3D and in the 2D cutscenes and that character (look, stats and inventory) can carry forward to future episodes! Last, but not least, the game supports full 1080p resolution. We’re putting the last touches on everything now for SCEA’s final approval and the game’s launch on the PSN this winter.
With the game looking so good, we’re excited to show it off at the Penny Arcade Expo this coming Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We’ll be demoing the game every day of the show at the Hothead Games booth (#1114) and conducting a panel where we answer any questions you have about the Penny Arcade game or about the PS3 version in particular. Plus, we’ll be giving away a signed PLAYSTATION 3 to one lucky PAX attendee at the panel, so don’t forget to stop by the Walrus Theatre on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. We look forward to seeing you there!
Even if we won’t see you at this year’s PAX, we’ve made arrangements to meet up with Jeff from the blog at the show for a video interview. If you have some specific questions you’d love to get answered, write them in the comments field below, and Jeff will ask me them right then and there.
Look for that interview next week and more updates on the game soon!
28
Aug
Posted in Uncategorized by |
It’s the last Thursday update of the summer for North American PSN Store.
North America
- Game Add-on
- Warhawk Fallen Star Pack ($7.99)
- Warhawk Booster Combo ($15.99)
- Rock Band
- Locksey Pack 1 ($2.99)
- She Does ($0.99 ea)
- Don’t Make Me Wait
- All Over Again
- Game Demos
- NHL 09 from EA Sports
- SOULCALIBUR IV
- Game Trailer
- SOCOM Confrontation Extraction
- LittleBigPlanet Leipzig “Sackzilla”
- Motorstorm Pacific Rift Leipzig
- PAIN Trauma Mode
- GT5 Prologue Play the Pros with Tanner Foust!
- Brothers in Arms: Hell’s Highway
- Facebreaker
- Audition #1
- Audition #2
- Audition #3
- Madden NFL 09
- Gameplay
- Madden Moments
- Play Call
- Top Spin 3 Player Creator
- Movie and Blu-ray Trailers
- Quantum Of Solace
- Prom Night
- Wallpaper
- The Last Guy Wallpaper (2)
Europe
- Game Demo
- The Last Guy
- NHL09
- Pipe Mania
- Game Add-on
- BUZZ Quiz TV
- Warhawk
- Operation: Fallen Star Pack
- Game Trailer
- Far Cry 2 E3
- Tom Clancy’s HAWX
- The Last Guy Launch
- Introducing Platinum on PS3 (400,000 units sold games)
Japan
- Downloadable Games
- The Last Guy
- Darius (PSP)
- A Hudsonsoft racing game (PS3 / PSP)
- A billiard game from argent (PS3 / PSP)
- A game from Athena (PS3 / PSP)
- A slot machin game from YAMASA / JASRAC (PS3 / PSP)
- A game from SE Mobile Online
Hong Kong
- Downloadable Games
- Ratchet and Clank: Quest for Booty
- Wolf of the Battlefield
- 1942: Joint Strike
- Game Add-on
- Vampire Rain
- Characters for Online Competition
- Additional Trial Mission #1
- HAZE: Domination Pack
- Warhawk
- Fallen Star Booster
- Booster Combo
