Posted Aug 25th 2008 2:30PM by Andrew Yoon Filed under: News
Repeating its E3 performance, LittleBigPlanet took top honors at this year's Games Convention show as the "Best PS3 Game." At this point, we shouldn't have to explain exactly why it's so popular -- we're pretty sure you can see for yourself.
Another repeat winner took the crown for "Best PSP Game" -- Resistance Retribution. The upcoming Sony Bend shooter bridges the gap between the first and second games and does so in jaw-dropping style.
Finally, "Best Xbox 360 Game" went to Mirror's Edge ... which coincidentally enough, is also coming on PS3. See the full platform winners on GameDaily.
It's funny you should ask, because Joystiq just posted a hands-on report of Killzone 2's Multiplayer from Leipzig. So if you're as intrigued by this game as we are we suggest you check it out and see what they thought. By which, we mean us. All this third-person talk is starting to get a little confusing, so just click the link and be done with it.
Killzone 2 is shaping up to be an incredible game, and not just graphically. While we didn't originally expect the multiplayer to be a big draw for the game, it's definitely now the most exciting aspect. If Guerilla Games succeeds in giving us an awesome single player campaign too, Resistance 2 will have to make the most of its few months head start, because Killzone 2 has the potential to flatten it.
Ubisoft made quite an impression with its latest console footage of Far Cry 2. While we'd like to say that it's simply the gameplay that caught our attention, we'll admit that this is purely for the eye candy. We're impressed to see that the console version looks just as good as the PC. Word to Ubisoft, though: can we please have a little bit of color into this unusually bleak representation of Africa?
Although WipEout HD is a PSN download-exclusive game, it looks like it may be priced like a standard retail game. A snapshot of the game's Trophy screen shows a Platinum Trophy for the game -- one that's reserved for full retail games. Shorter, cheaper games on PSN, such as PixelJunk Eden, Super Stardust HD and PAIN, do not feature a Platinum Medal. However, full-priced retail games, such as Uncharted, do grant Platinum Trophies.
With this evidence, we can postulate that WipEout HD will be available for download for at least $30 (the cost of Warhawk, downloaded from the PLAYSTATION Store). SCEA still hasn't announced an official release date or price for the game, but rest assured that the news is forthcoming.
We're confused, Mr. Pete Smith, producer of upcoming platform-a-thon LittleBigPlanet. When we spoke to you during today's LittleBigPlanet breakdown session you said that "the game will have a global server." Now we hear that you told CVG something a little different. User generated content will be region locked? Normally we'd say "we're not sure who to believe" at this point, but seeing as both statements come from the same person, we're doubly confused.
Maybe you meant that the gameplay servers would be global. But what good is that if the people playing with each other can't access the same content? Will we be limited to playing with our foreign friends in one of the 50ish levels included on the game disc? Kind of defeats the point of the game, doesn't it? Sadly, we're not able to find out for sure until after the weekend, but rest assured we're actively looking to get confirmation either way.
Posted Aug 22nd 2008 4:30PM by Andrew Yoon Filed under: News
So, looks like Valve cannot ignore the success of the PS3 anymore. Gabe Newell, head of the critically acclaimed studio sparked a bit of controversy when he repeatedly attacked the PS3's difficult development architecture, calling it a "waste of time." His studio refused to work on a PS3 version of The Orange Box, leaving it to EA to do the eventual PS3 port.
However, it looks like the continued success of the PS3 has the studio taking back some of his words. "We're always evaluating what's happening in the marketplace and certainly something that's happening in the last couple of months is that Sony's managed to sell some boxes," said Doug Lombardi to CVG. "So whether or not you like developing for that platform, if they've got millions of people connected to that platform and buying their games you have to take it seriously."
While there's "zero chance" for a PS3 version of the upcoming zombie multiplayer game Left 4 Dead this year, there's now a "50-50" chance that it will happen some time next year. While we're fans of Valve's work, we're not entirely sure if the PS3 audience will welcome them with open arms.
Update: Huge mistake folks. The headline says Valve's Gabe Newell, when it was in fact, Doug Lombardi that made the comment. We apologize for the mistake -- the article has been corrected.
After watching the Killzone 2multiplayer trailer, we wondered how much more fun the game's online mode would be without your typical multiplayer douche. Well, now we can find out! The upcoming FPS will, indeed, feature bots. These will be fully customizable difficulty-wise, and can fill in for players either online or offline, allowing any Billy-No-Mates to enjoy a friendly match every once in a while.
Additionally, vehicles are currently only available in the single player mode. Multiplayer vehicles will be patched in after the game is released. Also being patched post-launch is a co-op mode for the story. Whether this will be online or not, we're not entirely certain. Considering the long delay Killzone has suffered enjoyed, we're surprised this won't be included from the get-go. Perhaps we'll have to pay for it, but we're used to that by now, right? Be sure to check out our full Killzone 2 hands-on impressions, coming soon.
Update: Guerrilla has a history of making free DLC with Killzone: Liberation (PSP). They released an Infrastructure multiplayer mode and an extra single player level months after the game's release.
Posted Aug 22nd 2008 9:30AM by Andrew Yoon Filed under: News
It looks like the PS3 version of Alone in the Dark really is getting quite a significant revamp. A number of changes have been chronicled at Gamespot, with the game's major changes coming from the controls. Edward, the game's lead protagonist is now more agile, being able to move around in a quicker less "tank-like" manner. A new camera will make things easier to see -- expect players to die less frequently on the PS3 thanks to the easier controls and improved camera.
But that's not all. The innovative inventory system still returns, but players can now quickly select items with the D-Pad. Driving has also been far improved, with much more realistic suspension. Your female companion will scream directions during the much-too-confusing driving segments, assisting players greatly. Finally, the PS3 version will also get an added scene in the game's sixth act that takes place in the subway. "It involves a subway train, a large enemy, and lots of explosives--we'll say no more about it for now, for fear of spoiling it for you."
Will all these changes help improve the overall experience on the PS3? We're hopeful. Expect more before the game's release in November.
What happens when you get an opportunity to go eye-to-eye with Heavy Rain? Wet, mostly. But you also get spooked, shaken, and shocked (thought not necessarily in that order). Joystiq experienced it all at the Leipzig Games Convention, when they were given a demonstration of the game by developers Quantic Dream. If you've seen the teaser trailer from Sony's Press Conference, then you were probably as intrigued as we were. From what Joystiq is saying, we ain't seen nothing yet.
If Quantic Dream want to build hype for this game, they should release a walkthrough video of this creepy bonus level, pronto. We knew there was a reason Playboy named it their E3 Game Of The Show. Check out the full eyes-on piece over at Joystiq.
If you have a European PSN account, or you actually went to Leipzig, you may have seen these promotional trailers released by Sony promoting their upcoming line-up of games. We have three videos for you to see: one for PlayStation in general (above), one for the PSN, and one for Sony Online Entertainment's upcoming MMO games for the PS3. Enjoy!
It's been known for some time now that LittleBigPlanet will have Trophies, but we haven't actually seen them yet ... well, until now that is. The video after the cut witnesses the reluctant unlocking of four Bronze Trophies and a Silver one during a gameplay demonstration at Leipzig. For all the unduly converted Trophy junkies out there, these Trophies are titled: Forager, Sticky Fingers, Treasure Hunter, 2x Multiplier, and Booty Master (this is the silver one).
Personally, Booty Master takes the trophy naming prize for us. Is there a Trophy we can give to a Trophy? Anyway, knowing that the game is due out by the end of October, this little bit of info comes as a pleasant early taste of a fresh new accolade hunt that's soon to come. Check out the video, after the cut.
You should know by now that one of our most anticipated games this holiday season is Sega's upcoming PS3-exclusive SPRG, Valkyria Chronicles. Yet another English language trailer has been distributed at Leipzig, and while it doesn't reveal much new about the game, it does get the hype rolling yet again. The innovative mix of real-time movement and turn-based combat will have hungry PS3-owning JRPG fans craving for more.
Here's the first trailer released for FIFA 09, the newest iteration of the popular soccer franchise. The game is looking great, though some may complain the character models don't look enough like the actual players. You also won't have to wait long to try it out for yourself: the demo will be available from the PSN starting September 11st worldwide.
Furthermore, EA has announced a new "premium service" (meaning it might cost money) called adidas Live Season. This service will provide a weekly update for each player's stats according to their performance in real-life games from the launch of FIFA 09 to the end of the 2008-09 season. It will be only available for Barclay's Premier League, La Liga BBVA, Ligue 1, Bundesliga, Serie A and Mexican Primera Division.
Finally, there's a gameplay video and trailer, after the jump.
As expected, Savage Moon was revealed for PSN at Leipzig today. This download exclusive is a strategy game with a terrifying bug-infested twist. Players must try to protect an isolated planetary outpost from rampaging hordes of gigantic, ravenous space bugs. It's like Starship Troopers ... meets PixelJunk Monsters. See the very first ever screenshots here.
Oddly, there are no fat princesses in these new screenshots from Leipzig. There are only skinny princesses to be seen. A game named Fat Princess should at least have one new screenshots with an actual chubby royal in it. We guess they need more cake. Hear that? More cake!
