Kotaku: PS3

Sony To Debut EyeToy Play 2 At Leipzig

Luke Plunkett — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 01:30:00 MDT

According to VG247, part of Sony's Leipzig press conference (at least, one of the parts we don't already know about) is to be devoted to an unveiling of the "next generation of EyeToy". Seeing as the successor to the EyeToy peripheral - the PlayStation Eye - is already out, we'll presume they're talking about a next-gen sequel to EyeToy Play, the game that came bundled with the original PS2 camera. We'll also presume it'll be taking advantage of all those neat features we've been shown over the past few months. And be subsequently excited. But remember, until David Reeves takes to that stage later today, chalk this one up as a rumour.

GC08: “Next gen” EyeToy game to be revealed in Sony presser today [VG247]

Japanese Retailer Teases Xbox 360 Final Fantasy XIII

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 MDT

Yes, yes, we know. Square Enix has confirmed Final Fantasy XIII on the PS3 for Japan only. While it's multi-platform in North America and Europe, there's been no official announcement of the Xbox 360 getting that title there. That doesn't stop this Japanese retailer from teasing the possibility of an Xbox 360 version of the game being released. A prophecy of things to come or merely wishful thinking? YOU DECIDE.

No, wait. SQUARE ENIX DECIDES. Hit the jump for a close-up of the store made box art.

The box says in big characters:
"And at last

That game...!?"

Xbox360をプッシュするお店が増え始めたようです [はちま起稿]

New Killzone 2 Multiplayer Trailer

Luke Plunkett — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 22:30:00 MDT

Fresh from the Games Convention in Leipzig, which hasn't yet kicked off, but from which trailers are already spilling forth. This one - for Killzone 2 - is very easy on the eye (always great to see "real" action from a game so far off), but is also remarkable for its pioneering achievement: it's the first trailer we can remember to go beyond the usual simulated in-game footage and use simulated in-game multiplayer chatter.

Unless You're Nintendo, Game Consoles Are Expensive

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 22:00:00 MDT

At the Games Convention Developers Dave Perry from Earthworm Jim developer Shiny Entertainment stated that Sony lost more money selling PS3 at a loss than it made during the five years of PlayStation 2 peak sales. That figure is estimated as being in the US$3 billion ballpark. The data that Perry cited came from DFC Intelligence. Not taking a stance on the "console war", Perry was using this data to point out how much of an investment Sony was putting in the PS3.

Microsoft also has lost a lot of money on the Xbox 360 — that Red Ring of Death clusterfuck cost the company a billion dollars. Microsoft lost $4 billion on the original Xbox, and Sony, of course, was in the red with the PS2 for the first few years it launched. Seems like only Nintendo has this making-money-on-game-consoles schtick down.

Sony Has Lost More on the PS3 Than it Made on PS2 [1up via The Escapist]

Home To Get Age-Restricted Areas

Luke Plunkett — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 21:20:00 MDT

Home looks nice enough, but it also looks a little...bland. I can wander around aimlessly playing games in my living room, I don't need to log onto my PS3 to do it! But an adults-only section? That sounds much more enticing. Home boss Peter Edward has told ICGamers that, while there won't be any such areas when the service first launches, "in the long-term, we expect to see them". Don't go expecting some kind of Second Life-ish wang fest, however, as adult areas are more likely to introduce things like gambling and 18+ movie trailers. No reason it can't go the other way, either - if Sony can restrict access to areas of Home based on a user's age, they can just as easily create kids zones crammed to the brim with over-excited 11 year-old boys and junk food commercials.

PlayStation Home will include adult-only areas [ICGamers]

BioShock Brings Challenge Rooms to PS3, Coming Oct. 21, Oct. 24

Brian Crecente — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:13:07 MDT

2K Games masterpiece Bioshock hits the Playstation 3 in North America on Oct. 21 and internationally on Oct. 24, Take-Two announced today.

Developed by 2K Marin, 2K Boston, 2K Australia and Digital Extremes, the Playstation 3 version of the game includes new content that "augments and extend the experience in exciting ways."

"We are proud to introduce 2K Games' showcase title, BioShock, to an entirely new audience," said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. "With the addition of the new Add-On Game Content we are able to extend the award-winning adventure while maintaining the perfect harmony that millions of players around the world have fallen in love with."

New features include a Survivor difficulty mode, trophy support and add-on game content. The PS3 version also gets Challenge Rooms, by way of downloadable content after launch, which requires gamers to "utilize the knowledge and skills they have learned while traversing the halls of Rapture."

Make sure to check back this week when we get a chance to check out the first Challenge Room in person at the Games Convention in Leipzig.

2K Games Announces Release Date for BioShock® for PLAYSTATION®3 System
Genetically enhanced PLAYSTATION 3 system version of BioShock to debut in North America on October 21

New York, NY – August 19, 2008 – 2K Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), announced today that BioShock® for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system will be available at retailers in North America on October 21 and internationally on October 24. Developed by 2K Marin, 2K Boston, 2K Australia and Digital Extremes, BioShock for the PLAYSTATION 3 system contains all-new content that augments and extends the experience in exciting ways.

Headlining the list of new features is the inclusion of the Survivor difficulty mode, Trophy support and the addition of all-new Add-On Game Content. Created exclusively for the PLAYSTATION 3 system version of BioShock, the Challenge Rooms will test the mettle of new and seasoned gamers by requiring them to utilize the knowledge and skills they have learned while traversing the halls of Rapture. The first Challenge Room will be viewable by appointment at Games Convention 2008 (CCL, Level 0, A02/1 + A02/2) from August 20 to August 24 and will be available for download shortly after launch.

BioShock is a narrative-driven action experience that allows players to do the impossible as they journey through an amazing, immersive and terrifying world. Caught between powerful forces and hunted down by genetically mutated citizens, the player will come to grips with the mysterious and fascinating world of Rapture, a distinct Art Deco underwater utopia gone mad. BioShock not only challenges players' capacity to adapt and survive, but brings to question their values and relationships with the inhabitants of Rapture. With smart and adaptive AI, no encounter ever plays out the same way twice, while numerous customization options provide gamers with an experience that adapts to their playing style.

BioShock for the PLAYSTATION 3 system will be available at North American and international retailers on October 21 and October 24, respectively, and is rated M for Mature by the ESRB. Available now on Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system and Games for Windows® platforms, BioShock was the recipient of more than 50 Game of the Year awards from well-known outlets such as the Associated Press, Game Informer and Paste Magazine.

For additional details, visit www.bioshockgame.com.

About Take-Two Interactive Software

Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a global developer, marketer, distributor and publisher of interactive entertainment software games for the PC, PLAYSTATION®3 and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Xbox 360® and Xbox® video game and entertainment systems from Microsoft, Wii™, Nintendo GameCube™, Nintendo DS™ and Game Boy® Advance. The Company publishes and develops products through its wholly owned labels Rockstar Games, 2K Games, 2K Sports and 2K Play, and distributes software, hardware and accessories in North America through its Jack of All Games subsidiary. Take-Two's common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO. For more corporate and product information please visit our website at www.take2games.com.

All trademarks and copyrights contained herein are the property of their respective holders.

Kids Win Big At The PlayStation AM JAM Tour

Jim Reilly — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 08:20:00 MDT

What were you doing when you were 13 years old? Me? I can't recall, but I was probably spending most of my time playing Magic: The Gathering and painting my 40K miniatures. But I know for a fact I wasn't skateboarding or riding my BMX bike. Maybe it's the Tony Hawk generation finally growing up. I don't know. But at least Sony is trying to help the child obesity epidemic in America by holding a country-wide tour to showcase the best in youth action sports. It just wrapped up this week and, apparently, "hundreds" turned out for this. What did the winners receive for their hard work and effort? Why, video games of course!

This year’s PlayStation AM JAM winners included:

Skateboarding (14 years and up): Timmy Knuth of Melbourne, Florida;

Skateboarding (13 years and under): Ryan Thompson of Katy, Texas ;

Skateboarding Vert: Ben Hatchell from Manassas, Virginia;

BMX: Trey Jones from Apopka, Florida.

The PlayStation AM JAM finals winners received $5,000, a scholarship to Camp Woodward and/or Woodward West facilities for the entire 2009 season, a PLAYSTATION®3 system, and a PlayStation® prize pack (worth an approximate value of $5,600). Past winners of the PlayStation AM JAM have continued on to become professional athletes in their respective sports, including Mike Spinner, Dave Bachinsky and Evan Smith.

Anyone want to guess what $5,600 worth of Playstation stuff could be? Go here to see more pictures and movies from this event.

The 5,000 Square-Mile Racing Game

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 07:00:00 MDT

Developer Codemasters is unveiling multi-plat title FUEL at the Leipzig GC. What's FUEL? It's a racing game, so big that it deserves ALL CAPS. It's hailed to have the "largest racing environment to appear in gaming — ever." The game supposedly has a 5,000 square-mile playing area with "no boundaries". Up to 16-players race it out in D.I.Y. cars through places like Nevada's Grand Canyon. The game boasts a full day-and-day cycle and even features a weather system with tornados, thunderstorms, snowstorms and sandstorms. Hope it looks and plays as promising as it sounds.

Codemasters unveils FUEL [Eurogamer]

More New (High Quality) Final Fantasy XIII, Versus XIII Images

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 06:00:00 MDT

Yesterday we posted scans from Famitsu PS3 of Final Fantasy XIII and Final Fantasy Versus XIII. The quality on some of them was not very good! (Though, some of them were high quality scans.) Today we bring you high quality scans — with some new stuff peppered in. Like the armpit of FFXIII heroine Lightning. Just check that out and the gallery below. High quality, baby!

New high quality Final Fantasy XIII and Versus XIII screenshots [Forever Fantasy Thanks, Ram!]

SOCOM Confrontation Closed Beta Pics

Luke Plunkett — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 01:30:00 MDT

There's a SOCOM Confrontation closed beta party going on right now. And you're not invited. Bummer. Ah well. No rule against sticking your head in through the window and sneaking a peek, is there? These (blurry) pics come courtesy of a friendly neighbourhood tipster, and show...well, a bunch of stuff we're sure hardcore SOCOM buffs will appreciate.

Famitsu Apologizes For Last Remnant PS3 Date Flub

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 01:00:00 MDT

Upcoming Square Enix The Last Remnant is coming to the Xbox 360 on November 20th. After launching first on Microsoft's game console, it'll be released on the PS3 and for PCs — those dates are TBA. Well, they were. Seems that in a recent Famitsu PS3, the magazine announced the PS3 version as November 20th as well. Hey, that's the same day as the Xbox 360 release!

A goof apparently, as Famitsu is running a correction, stating that the release date should read "TBA". Famitsu also adds: "To our readers and all concerned parties, we deeply apologize for any trouble this may have caused. We hope you accept our apology and correction."

ムック･ファミ通PS3 Vol.XIII掲載　PS3版『ラストレムナント』発売日の御詫びと訂正 [Famitsu via my game news flash]

All PS3 Music Peripherals Will Kind Of Work Together

Jim Reilly — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:20:00 MDT

Is there anything more annoying than having to buy all these expensive music games only to find out that some instrument peripherals aren't compatible with the other games? I mean, who has room for two or three drum sets? Well, it looks like we're one step closer to complete harmony on that front as Sony made an announcement on their official blog today stating all instruments for the upcoming PS3 versions of Rock Band 2, Guitar Hero: World Tour, and Rock Revolution will be compatible with each other.

For the most part, this means that the titles with musical peripherals will work with the other’s software.

A few specific examples include: Guitar Hero: World Tour’s guitars and drums will work with Rock Band 2 and Konami’s Rock Revolution software.

And yes, you guessed it, Rock Band 2’s guitar and drum set will work with Guitar Hero: World Tour and with Rock Revolution.

Conversely, Rock Revolution’s drum set will work with both Guitar Hero: World Tour and Rock Band 2.

In addition, Guitar Hero: World Tour and Rock Band 2 will both support the SingStar microphones.

Did you get all that?

Obviously some games have certain features that can't be used with other controllers, but Sony also stated they are working on compatibility between the Guitar Hero and Rock Band games currently on the market.

PS3 Music Peripheral Compatibility Update

Feel Like Watching Some Resistance 2 Gameplay Footage?

Luke Plunkett — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 07:20:00 MDT

Hey, beta testers of the world. If you can get your shit together enough to get into a beta, then decide to film it, then post said film on the internet, do you think you could manage to, uh, actually film it? So we can see at least half the screen? That'd be awesome. Thanks (though to their credit the second vid, after the jump, does a much better job of things).

[thanks everyone who sent these in!]

New Final Fantasy XIII, Final Fantasy Versus XIII Images

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 02:00:00 MDT

The most recent issue of Japanese game magazine Famitsu PS3 has loads of details about upcoming Square Enix titles Final Fantasy XIII and Final Fantasy Versus XIII. As we previously posted, the FFXIII demo will be longer than Advent Children and will be on a regular Blu-ray disc. FFXIII will have a party battle system, and the story is being written so that each character apparently seems like the protagonist (instead of simply a supporting character). The magazine features around 20 new screenshots of Final Fantasy XIII, apparently real time, too. There are real-time screens of Versus XIII. It seems that the clothing and the cars in Versus XIII have been tweaked and look different. AT TGS, we can supposedly look forward to the name of the prince and the heroine being announced. Click through the gallery below — there are some high quality Final Fantasy Versus XIII scans. (The FFXIII aren't so high quality.)

Famitsu PS3 [NeoGAF via Forever Fantasy]

Final Fantasy XIII Demo Will Last More than Two Hours

Owen Good — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 09:00:00 MDT

PlayStation Universe reports that Famitsu magazine reports that the PS3-exclusive Final Fantasy XIII demo will clock in at more than two hours, which is longer than the CGI movie bundled with it, Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children Complete. The bundle releases March 2009.

The demo will be on a separate disc (ah ha! Blu-Ray has its limitations too ya know!!!!) The demo will be based on the opening to the game, naturally. Wouldn't be smart to spoilerize everything. Two other tidbits, I'll fess up and say I have no clue what these mean so I'll just quote verbatim: "One of the female characters, refered to as 'Pigtails Girl', has been through some tough times." And "Mr. 33CM's real name is based off of weather as well."

Final Fantasy XIII Demo to Last Over 2 Hours [PlayStation Universe]

Ratchet & Clank: To be Continued in 2009

Owen Good — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 17:00:00 MDT

1Up's played Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest for Booty (drops next week on the PlayStation Network) all the way to the end, and got the above teaser screen. Insomniac has said nothing, but it's doubtful they'd tease anything other than a full retail release this far out. 1Up notes that it looks like Insomniac will be switching between Resistance and Ratchet titles every other year which is definitely pulling its weight for the PS3.

Ratchet & Clank Continue the Quest in Fall 2009 [1Up]

We ("We" Being "Not Japan") Get Valkyria Chronicles In November

Luke Plunkett — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 22:30:00 MDT

Ah, Valkyria Chronicles. Like World War II, if history's bloodies conflict had instead been played out through a children's colouring book. Japan's already enjoying it, but when can we expect a Western release? November. That's when. Specifically, it'll be out on November 11 in the US, while Sega have confirmed with us it'll be out in Europe sometime in November as well. As a token of your gratitude for waiting, while the game has been faithfully localised, you'll have the option of playing through with the Japanese language track, should that be more your kind of thing.

Valkyria Chronicles comes out in November with voiceover options [Siliconera]

Capcom Still Has "Ace Up Its Sleeve" For Bionic Commando

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 22:00:00 MDT

And not any ace, says Bionic Commando producer Ben Judd in his ear wax shirt, but a "fucking ace". At a small event for the launch of Bionic Commando: Rearmed, Judd said that the downloadable title was doing way better than it had been targeted. "There were people at Capcom who told me not to make this game," Judd said. While BC:R is doing well, Judd says that it won't do nearly as well as the upcoming 3D version, which has apparently gotten a recent control tweak to make the game less frustrating. "Store retail games always do better than downloadable games," he added. As Judd goes off to Sweden to oversee developer GRIN's finishing of Bionic Commando, he stated:

We still have a fucking ace up our sleeve. It's an ace, a fucking ace... At TGS (Tokyo Game Show), the Capcom booth stage is going to make people's balls pucker up. It's going to be big.

When questioned further, Judd would not reveal what this ace was. Wonder what Capcom still has left to announce for Bionic Commando...

Thanks Jon for the iPhone pic!

No PS3 Price Cut At Leipzig

Luke Plunkett — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 20:20:00 MDT

Hoping for a PS3 price cut at Leipzig next week? Foolish optimist. There'll be no such thing, with SCEE's Nick Caplin telling Reuters "It's not going to happen. If you're coming for that you'll be disappointed". Might be disappointing, but not unexpected, as it fits with Sony's plan to reduce the cost of the machine on their end (so they can make some money back), not the cost of the machine on your end.

Sony plans no PS3 price cuts at Leipzig games fair [Reuters]

Overlord II - Now With 50% More Evil!

Stuart Houghton — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:40:00 MDT

Codemasters are to release a sequel to their 2007 minion-wrangling game Overlord that will pit the player-controlled title character and his chaotic army against an uptight, by-the-book Empire.

The original game challenged you to be either evil or really evil. This, apparently, was just not flippin' evil enough to satisfy developers Triumph.

Game director Lennart Sas told Eurogamer, "Now the choices are between lawful evil and chaotic evil, which usually translates to either enslaving the population or all-out scorched earth."

Major changes to the game include minions with proper names and personalities as opposed to just random flunkys. This will establish "relationships between master and underling" which frankly sounds a bit pervy. And evil. Definitely evil.

Codemasters unveils Overlord II [Eurogamer]

Dynasty Warriors 6 Coming To PC, PS2

Mike Fahey — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:40:00 MDT

Aren't you supposed to release the game on earlier-generation consoles and *then* release it on the more powerful ones? KOEI gets things ass-backwards, but PlayStation 2 stalwarts won't mind as the company announces Dynasty Warriors 6 for the PS2 and PC, due out November 18th. While the PC version will be similar to the original release, the PS2 game will ship as a massive two-disc collection, which includes the full original release along with new "Musou" mode stories, new weapons, five new stages and ten new scenarios.

Hit the jump for not one, but two galleries showcasing the graphical stylings of both versions of the game. Long live the PlayStation 2!

DYNASTY WARRIORS®6 COMING TO PLAYSTATION®2 AND WINDOWS-BASED PC ON NOVEMBER 18, 2008

KOEI to introduce its Tactical Action mega-hit to more platforms along with never-before-seen content exclusive to the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system

Burlingame, CA –- August 15, 2008 - KOEI, recognized worldwide as the premier brand of strategy and action games, today announced that the company is bringing its mega-hit Tactical Action game, DYNASTY WARRIORS®6 to PlayStation 2 and to Windows-based PC.

DYNASTY WARRIORS 6 will debut on PlayStation 2 as a massive two-disc collection action-packed with the full cast of playable characters and pulse-pounding scenarios of the original release, plus platform-exclusive content including never-before-seen “Musou” mode stories, incredible new weapons, five additional stages and 10 new scenarios.

DYNASTY WARRIORS 6 for PlayStation 2 will ship to retailers starting November 18, 2008, while the version for Windows-based PC will be available simultaneously and exclusively through digital download. The game is already in stores for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

About DYNASTY WARRIORS 6
Selling over 18 million units combined worldwide, KOEI’s award-winning DYNASTY WARRIORS series and SAMURAI WARRIORS series of Tactical Action games have become a global phenomenon.

Based on the epic novel, Romance of the Three Kingdoms, the genre-defining DYNASTY WARRIORS 6 depicts the massive battles ignited by the fall of the Han Dynasty when three rebellious states moved to overthrow the Emperor of China.

DYNASTY WARRIORS 6 delivers the unparalleled exhilaration of single-handedly destroying thousands of soldiers on massive fields of combat. Utilizing spectacular fighting techniques motion-captured from some of today’s leading stuntmen and stuntwomen in Asia, DYNASTY WARRIORS 6 immerses gamers in a truly cinematic kung-fu action adventure. The game’s lightning-fast fighting, intuitive combat system and breathtaking environments create an unparalleled gaming experience that pushes the limits of Tactical Action.

Created by KOEI’s Omega Force team, DYNASTY WARRIORS 6 is rated “T” (Teen – Violence) by the ESRB. DYNASTY WARRIORS 6 is for 1 to 2 players. Press can find assets (watermark-free) at gamespress.com. For additional information, visit www.koei.com/dw6.

DYNASTY WARRIORS 6 for Windows-based PC System Requirements
Minimum: Pentium® 4 1.6GHz, Windows XP/Vista, 512MB, 5GB or more of free space, 640×480 High Color enabled, 3D Accelerator with Hardware T&L and Pixel Shading supporting 128MB or more of VRAM, DirectX 9.0c+, DirectX 9.0c+ compliant, 16-bit stereo with 44KHz playback supported by Windows XP/Vista, keyboard

Recommended: Intel® Core™2Duo 2.4GHz, Windows XP/Vista, 512MB, 5GB or more of free space, 1280×720 True Color enabled, 16:9, 3D Accelerator with Hardware T&L and Pixel Shading supporting 128MB or more of VRAM, DirectX 9.0c+, DirectX 9.0c+, DirectX 9.0c+ compliant, 16-bit stereo with 44KHz playback supported by Windows XP/Vista, DirectX 9.0 compatible, 12-button gamepad

The following video cards have been tested and found compatible with the product.
ATI Radeon™: X1650, X1950, HD 2600, HD 3650
NVIDIA GeForce™: 7600, 7900, 8500, 8600, 9600

DVD Box Set Confirms Prison Break Game

Mike Fahey — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 09:40:00 MDT

An advertisement in the recently released season DVD box set for the Fox television series Prison Break confirms that there is indeed a game based on the show coming out in February for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Brash Entertainment, known for their movie adaptations like Jumper and Alvin and the Chipmunks, are working on the title. Kotaku first learned about the possibility of a Prison Break game during an interview last November with Robert Knepper, who plays T-Bag on the series.

"I don't think it's quite done, but I heard that on the wind last year that they were trying to do it," said Knepper. "You know the whole thing with an escape, they were working on a videogame where you plot your own escape from prison."

Brash plans Prison Break [Gamespot UK via Videogamer.com]

LittleBigPlanet, So Electric, So Gassy

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 07:00:00 MDT

Yes, we know that LittleBigPlanet will let players slight stuff on fire and BURN THINGS. But that's just fire. What about other elements? Or the weather? According to Media Molecule's Mark Healey:

You can set fire to pretty much anything, you can also make things ‘electrified’, or turn them to gas, which is very cool... By water, I assume you mean ‘real water’ that acts like real water does! This isn’t in the initial release, but we have some cool ideas for how to integrate it into a possible future DLC — of course, it will have a slight LBP twist to it... There is fog that you can tweak, and you could pretty easily fake a thunderstorm with the right sound effect objects and some ‘emitted’ rain drops or something.

Electrified? Gas? Possible water DLC? Tweakable fog?! Fake thunderstorms?! Woah.

Exclusive Interview with LittleBigPlanet Co-Creator Mark Healey [LBP Forums]

GTAIV Dated for Japan

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 03:00:00 MDT

While Japanese game shops have been importing GTAIV since its US release, The Land of the Rising Sun should be happy to know that Grand Theft Auto finally has a Japanese release date for the Japan language version. GTAIV for the PS3/Xbox 360 will be released October 30th, and it will be priced at ¥8,390 (US$76). Capcom will be doing the publishing honors.

PS3/Xbox 360用ACT『GTA IV』日本語版が10月30日発売決定 [Dengeki Online]

Guy With Gun: "Only PS3 Can Save My Family"

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 MDT

Just outside St. Louis, a man robbed an EB Games store a gun point (pictured). The man walked into the shop, picked out a game, and pulled a small handgun on the clerk. Here's the kooky part: He told the clerk that his family was being held hostage and needed a PS3 to set them free. Then, the man told the clerk to call the police after he left the store because his family needed help. Well, that's original. And crazy.

Police: Man Steals Playstation 3, Says It's to Save His Family [KSDK via PS3 Fanboy]

No Format Shifting For PlayTV

Stuart Houghton — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 18:20:00 MDT

US-based PS3 owners who were annoyed that Sony's PlayTV TV recorder won't be coming to NTSC-land can cheer up a bit. Sony has decided to redress the balance by making the PlayTV rubbish.

When we first heard about the PlayTV's ability to record TV while you played it sounded great and the decision to allow 'format shifting' of recordings to other devices was a real sea-change for the usually clenched Sony.

Sadly, it is back to tense-buttocked business as usual. Sony has announced that PlayTV owners will now only be able to stream recordings to a PSP using Remote Play. No reason, just because, although the usual concerns about intellectual property and loss of advertising revenue will doubtless be trotted out at some point.

Talk about snatching defeat from the jaws of victory...

PlayTV saved files no longer transferable [EuroGamer]

Grasshopper, Q Entertainment Sign With EA For New Horror Game

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:30:22 MDT

Electronic Arts announced today that it would be working with Grasshopper Manufacture, creators of distinctly Japanese fare like Killer 7, No More Heroes and Contact, on an untitled action horror game. EA Partners will publish the Shinji Mikami-produced, Goichi Suda-designed game on the PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii.

The press release, which does not provide a date for the game, notes that Q Entertainment, responsible for Lumines and Rez HD, helped broker the publishing gig and will be working with Grasshopper on the project. Insert fanboy squeal here, hit the jump for more details.

EA SIGNS PUBLISHING DEAL WITH GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE
Legendary Producer Shinji Mikami and Innovative Designer Suda51 Working with EA Partners on an All-New Action Horror Title

Redwood City, Calif – August 14, 2008 – Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced a publishing agreement with iconic Japanese development studio Grasshopper Manufacture. Under the terms of the deal, EA Partners will publish an all-new action horror game produced by Shinji Mikami and directed by innovative game designer Suda51.

The title is being developed for the PC, Xbox 360® video game system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Wii™.

“Grasshopper Manufacture is excited to work with EA Partners to bring our new title to gamers around the world,” said Goichi Suda, CEO of Grasshopper Manufacture. “They are a great partner who shares our commitment to quality and innovation while respecting our independence as a studio, which is very empowering.”

“It is an honor for EA to sign Grasshopper Manufacture and help bring their new franchise to gamers worldwide,” said Frank Gibeau, President of the EA Games Label. “The roster of partners at EA is growing and the caliber of talent is outstanding. Grasshopper Manufacture is a world-class studio and, within the EA partner program, they stand alongside some of the world’s most revered independent studios.”

“Grasshopper Manufacture is one of the most daring and innovative independent studios in the world, and EA Partners is honored to be working with Mikami-san and Suda-san on this new project,” said David DeMartini, senior vice president and general manager, EA Partners. “EA Partners is a truly global resource for the world’s best independent developers, whether they’re in North America, Europe or Asia.”

The deal was brokered by CAA, in conjunction with Q Entertainment who will be working with Grasshopper Manufacture and EAP on the project.

For more information about Grasshopper Manufacture, please visit www.grasshoppermanufacture.com

For more information about EA, please visit our press Web site at http://info.ea.com

About Grasshopper Manufacture Inc
Grasshopper Manufacture Inc. is an independent interactive entertainment studio based in Suginami-ku, Tokyo. The studio was founded in 1998 by CEO Goichi Suda, who is known around the world for his distinctive style and innovative work as a game designer and scenario writer. To date, Grasshopper Manufacture has shipped 11 titles, including 2007’s breakout hit, “No More Heroes.” More information about GhM can be found on the internet at http://www.grasshopper.co.jp/

About Electronic Arts

Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is the world's leading interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the Company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers, cellular handsets and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EA SPORTSTM, EATM, EA SPORTS Freestyle TM and POGOTM. In fiscal 2008, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $3.67 billion and had 27 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA's homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.

EA, EA SPORTS, EA SPORTS Freestyle and POGO are trademarks or registered trademark in the U.S. and/or other countries. Xbox 360 is a trademark of the Microsoft group of companies and is used under license from Microsoft. “PLAYSTATION” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Wii is a trademark of Nintendo. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

PlayStation Store Update: Rearmed

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:40:15 MDT

This week's North American PlayStation Store update is led (and dominated) by Bionic Commando: Rearmed. The high-def remake of the NES classic is now available for PlayStation 3 owners, bringing with it a demo, gameplay trailers, wallpapers and themes. The Store also got a kick in the pants in the game video section, with new (aka "new") trailers for Madden, Mirror's Edge and, unfortunately, Vampire Rain. For the full list, hit the jump. Or attach your bionic arm to the nearest hyperlink and swing past it.

Games and Demos
Bionic Commando Rearmed ($9.99)
Street Fighter Alpha ($5.99)
Bionic Commando: Rearmed demo
1942: Joint Strike demo
NHL 2K9 demo
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2009 demo

Expansions and Add-ons
Rock Band downloadable tracks
* “Constant Motion" by Dream Theater ($0.99)
* “Aesthetics of Hate" by Machine Head ($0.99)
* “My Curse" by Killswitch Engage ($0.99)
* “Clouds Over California" by DevilDriver ($0.99)
* “Runnin’ Wild" by Airbourne ($0.99)
* “Sleepwalker" by Megadeth ($0.99)

Roadrunner Records Pack 1 ($5.99) - includes “Runnin’ Wild" by Airbourne, “Clouds Over California" by DevilDriver, “Constant Motion" by Dream Theater, “My Curse” -Killswitch Engage, “Aesthetics of Hate" by Machine Head , and “Sleepwalker" by Megadeth.

Game Videos
The Last Guy "Gameplay" trailer
Bionic Commando: Rearmed: The Making Of Part 3
Bionic Commando: Rearmed Launch trailer
Saints Row 2 – Gangs trailer
Vampire Rain Gameplay trailer 1
Vampire Rain Running Alley trailer
Legendary Behind the Scenes Teaser trailer
Madden NFL 09 Buzz Video
Madden NFL 09 Announcers Video
Madden NFL 09 Presentation Video
Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 : Fusion
Mirror’s Edge Story trailer 1
AST Dew Tour - Cleveland FMX Jam Session
AST Dew Tour - Cleveland Skate Thrills
AST Dew Tour - Cleveland BMX Highlights
AST Dew Tour - Hear it from Nyquist

Wallpapers and Themes
Bioshock theme
Bionic Commando: Rearmed themes
Bionic Commando: Rearmed wallpapers

Burnout Paradise Vrooming On To PSN

Stuart Houghton — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:00:00 MDT

If you missed Burnout Paradise on PS3 back in January, now is the time to get your open-world speed on as the racer hits the PlayStation Network.

The PSN edition — downloadable from the PlayStation Store — will come with all the recent patches and updates and will be able to download the 'Year Of Paradise' DLC that adds new vehicles (including motorcycles) and game modes.

The DLC will also bring a live news page containing updates about new content and multiplayer events.

Burnout Paradise should arrive this Autumn for $29.99.

Burnout Paradise [Criterion Games]

X-Blades Publisher Clarifies "Next Generation Consoles"

Mike Fahey — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 12:00:00 MDT

Apparently I jumped the gun a bit last February when I announced that SouthPeak Games was brining Gaijin Entertainment's Oniblade to the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC as X-Blades in late 2008. Turns out what the company really said was that they were brining it to the PC and next generation consoles, without mentioning any specifics, and I had just assumed they meant the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Now the company has sent out an official press release, clarifying exactly what they meant by next generation consoles.

Look for X-Blades this fall on the PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. Enjoy the new screens!

X-BLADES TO SLASH ITS WAY ONTO MULTIPLE VIDEO GAME PLATFORMS THIS AUTUMN

Fearless Treasure Hunting Beauty To Fight Darkness On PLAYSTATION®3 Computer Entertainment System, Xbox 360 and Windows-Based PC

London, UK – August 14, 2008 – SouthPeak Games today announced that X-Blades will be available on the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft® and Windows-based PC when it releases later this year. Developed by Gaijin Entertainment in conjunction with TopWare Interactive, the anime-inspired X-Blades follows Ayumi, a brave and beautiful thrill seeker, whose obsession with hunting lost treasures lands her in a fight for her life.

"One of the greatest challenges we face with multi-platform games is how to deliver an equally fantastic experience across each platform," said John F. Kaiser, III, Producer at SouthPeak Games. "With X-Blades, we've taken time to ensure the same intense hack-and-slash gameplay is delivered seamlessly on all platforms."

Ayumi, a stunningly seductive yet tenacious heroine, travels the world hunting highly coveted artifacts. After finding an ancient treasure map she sets off on the most dangerous adventure she's ever faced and quickly finds herself outmanned and outgunned. Armed with only her fighting skill, magic spells, guns and blades, Ayumi must fend off rival treasure seekers, hordes of evil creatures and powerful dark forces in order to survive.

For more information on X-Blades check out www.x-blades.com.

Savage Moon Is A New Game For The PS3

Luke Plunkett — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 06:20:00 MDT

And that's all we know! Because all we know is that a rating for the game has turned up on the website of the Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle (ie the USK, ie Germany's classification board), it's got a 12 rating, it's only for the PS3, and it is, apparently, a military strategy game. Seeing as we've never heard of this before, odds are good that it's a PSN title. Odds are equally good that we'll be seeing it at some stage during Sony's lone ranger press conference at Leipzig next week.

Savage Moon [USK, thanks everyone who sent this in!]

Here's Your LittleBigPlanet Box Art

Luke Plunkett — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 04:30:00 MDT

I've got a bit of a rule when it comes to posting box art, since 90% of the time it's utterly unremarkable. If it's going up, it either needs to be for a big, big game, or it needs to be truly excellent cover art. It's lovely when - like in LittleBigPlanet's case - the two come together. Click through for a bigger version.

Exclusive: LittleBigPlanet UK packshot [Three Speech]

Patapon and Oblivion Get Budget Priced In Japan

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 04:00:00 MDT

Sony Computer Entertainment announced two new entries in its "the Best" series: Patapon for PSP the Best and Oblivion for PLAYSTATION 3 the Best. Patapon is out September 25th for ¥2,8000 (US$26) and Oblivion is out September 4th for ¥3,800 ($35). Wonder if you can get them cheaper used...

EyeToy Bringing "One-to-One" Motion Control Swordplay To PS2

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 18:40:00 MDT

Perhaps wanting to catch some of that crowd-pleasing lightning in a bottle from Nintendo's fabulous E3 2008 keynote, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe reps showed off EyeToy Play: Hero at the Edinburgh Interactive Festival. The PlayStation 2 game, revealed earlier this Spring, is touted as having one-to-one motion sensing, a phrase we've heard bandied about often since Nintendo revealed the Wii MotionPlus add-on.

UK site DarkZero wrote up the first-person sword swinging adventure game's on-stage demo, which utilized the fluorescent-green foam toy sword to interpret a player's motions. That NERF-life sword comes packed in with the EyeToy Play sequel.

SCEE London sounded pretty proud of themselves for developing the tech, but we'd actually seen it in an EyeToy game before. An early version of Harmonix's EyeToy Antigrav, a futuristic hoverboard game, was initially going to ship with bright green gloves to achieve the same effect. Ultimately, it didn't, depriving us of fingerless glove ownership (again).

Sony to have 1:1 motion-tracking sword game by Xmas [Dark Zero]

Criterion Snobs Love The PS3 (For Its Blu-ray Playback)

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 17:40:31 MDT

Film buffs know the Criterion Collection label for its foreign films, niche releases and attention to detail and film quality, but you may be a little bit surprised to learn that they opt for the PlayStation 3 when it comes to Blu-ray playback. Sure, the PS3 has been lauded for its Blu-ray capabilities, but Criterion approval will still have some of Sony's more smug hardware engineers and execs feeling good about themselves.

The label doesn't have any Blu-ray content commercially available yet — its planning to release classics like The Last Emperor, The 400 Blows and Bottle Rocket on the Sony approved format this fall. We wouldn't be surprised if at least one of the Criterion employees making corporate theater room decisions is using it off-hours to play some Metal Gear Solid 4 on their 123" screen.

Criterion Collection's reference Blu-ray player is a PS3 [Crave via Giz]

Tropic Thunder Movie Pimps Wii, Gaming

Brian Crecente — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:00:00 MDT

I just finished watching Tropic Thunder, not a laugh out loud movie but packed full of giggles. Robert Downey Jr. totally steals the show. He's quickly becoming my favorite actor. But on to my point. I couldn't help but notice two fairly large nods to gaming and one relatively sly one in the movie.

First and foremost are the two scenes with Ben Stiller talking to his agent. In both scenes, the agent, played by Matthew McConaughey, is wailing away at different mini-games in Wii Sports while talking on the phone with Stiller. He's playing on a pretty large screen in his office so there's no way you can miss it, so let's chalk that up as product placement.

Next comes this odd dialog that occurs about a third of the way through the movie with one of the characters trying to explain why Blu-ray won in the format war. His answer? Porn and video games. Porn backed it and Sony backed it with their~~... but he never quite says~~ PlayStation 3.

Finally, and this one is just odd, during the credits they show a bit player, a non-speaking part mind you, and when his name pops up it does so on a background riddled with old-school Space Invaders. Invader invades Tropic Thunder? Hells yeah!

Update: Nintendo tells me that the Wii Sports in the movie was indeed the product of some sort of deal between Nintendo and the movie studio.

Frankenreview: Madden NFL 09 (PS3)

Mike Fahey — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:30:00 MDT

It's that time of year again folks. Time for guys (and not a few girls) to don football jerseys declaring their allegiance, stock up on meat and chips, perhaps smear some of that black stuff under their eyes and then head over to the couch to obsessively play the latest game in EA's Madden franchise, Madden NFL 09. It's the 20th anniversary of their flagship sports title, and that should indicate that fans are in for something special. Has the series, often criticized for taking baby steps between installments, managed to deliver a truly special game to mark this milestone, or have they dropped the ball? Now with the post-game report, the assembled game critics of the internet.

GameDaily
To further assist your play style, EA added EA Rewind and EA Backtrack. Rewind allows you to erase a play in case you screw up with an interception or fumble. Cheaters are sure to squeal in delight over this addition, while devoted players will turn it off. Backtrack is more helpful, with Cris Collinsworth and Tom Hammond, the in-game announcers, breaking down certain plays to tell you what went right or wrong.

GameSpot
Just as there are plenty of good things to talk about with regard to 09's gameplay, there are some problems worth mentioning. Slants and crossing routes are exceedingly difficult to defend against. The linebackers who could snag almost any ball out of thin air last year were annoying, but so is watching a lousy QB and below-average tight end pick you apart like they're Peyton Manning and Dallas Clark. It's not all fun and games for QBs and receivers though. Quarterbacks will frequently overthrow passes in the flat so that they lead receivers right out of bounds or receivers will get stuck in an animation and, head to the sidelines, lose yards, or run right into a tackler.

Associated Press
One of the problems in a series with so much history is that it can be somewhat daunting to a newcomer. Many of the new features in "Madden 09" are geared toward helping the novice. For example, play selection can be as simple or as deep as you want it. At the easiest level, the computer will select your plays for you. Later on, you can arrange your playbook by play type (power run, quick pass) rather than by sometimes confusing formations like Z slant wide corner or double Z LB spy.

1UP
A perfect example of the upgrade: Beautifully realized snow games — a quantum leap from the pseudo-sleet that passed as powder in recent years (though why do footsteps stay in the snow, while tackled players leaves no trace?). The rivalry games (Giants vs. Cowboys or Jets vs. Patriots, for example) receive a different, more epic visual treatment than regular games, which seems a tad overdone — during a Broncos vs. Chiefs clash in the rain, the jerseys were so muddied and the lighting so dramatic that it was tough to tell the sides apart.

G4 X-Play
With EA owning the NFL license till 2012, they could have easily milked the franchise with minor tweaks and the occasional roster update till their deal expired. Madden NFL 09 actually reinvents the series with upgrades to previous modes as well as the introduction of new ones like Madden IQ, Online Leagues, and Madden Moments. The new commentating team, Backtrack replays, soundtrack, and improved graphics really packs that extra punch of realism making this game a must buy.

While I still haven't even opened my copy of Madden NFL 09, I've heard it's very nice.

PlayTV Gets Final U.K. Date, Pricing

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 07:00:00 MDT

PlayTV, Sony Europe's HDTV tuner & recorder for the PS3, has gotten a final release date for the UK. While it was previously announced that the unit would be released September, Sony announced today that PlayTV will be released September 19th for £69.99 (US$133). Originally, it was thought that PlayTV would retail for £80.

Play TV Release Information [ThreeSpeech]

The Face of PS3? Sackboy

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 06:00:00 MDT

People are excited about LittleBigPlanet. No wonder the game's being pushed to push PS3s. Says marketeer for LBP Mark Valledor:

We want LittleBigPlanet to lead the charge into a new genre of gaming and turn Sackboy into the next emblematic character for the PS3... We have coined 2008 'the year of the PS3', and are confident that with the launch of LittleBigPlanet we will continue to see the momentum build throughout the end of this year and on to the next... This is a very big title for us.

It really is. You think it'll move PS3s?

PS3's Future Rides on This Unlikely Superhero [Advertising Age via Eurogamer]

Still No Plans For A Siren Blu-Ray Rlease In The US

Luke Plunkett — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 02:30:00 MDT

Hope this story from last week didn't get your hopes up. Turns out that information - about a Blu-Ray release for Siren: Blood Curse in the Fall - was for European eyes only. You Americans, you're still in limbo, left only with the option of downloading the game and these helpful words from SCEA:

At this time, there is no Blu-ray Disc version planned for the North American market. Please note, however, that you are able to delete and then re-download episodes since the purchase is linked to your PSN account. The developers kept this functionality in mind knowing that the episodes were fairly beefy.

Hah. "No plans". Already, our favourite catchphrase of 2008! Of course, being a PS3 game it's not too hard to import it, so long as you don't mind the characters telling you to stick to the footpath, mind the grey-skinned chaps and use only aluminium weapons. Side note to publishers: more press statements need the word "beefy".

Still No U.S. Plans For Disc-Based ‘Siren: Blood Curse’ [MTV]