PlayStation 3

BioShock PS3 dated

Karl B. — 2008-08-19T23:39:50-07:00

2K Games has made BioShock's PS3 release date public. The "genetically-enhanced" version of the game will become available for the Sony console on October 21 in North America. International release is on October 24.

Among the new stuff that the PS3 version of BioShock offers are Trophy support and a new difficulty mode called Survivor where enemies are tougher and Vita-Chambers heal less.

BioShock for PS3 will also feature exclusive new Challenge Rooms, the first of which will be previewed at the 2008 Games Convention in Leipzig and will be available for download shortly after BioShock launches.

Batgirl playable in LEGO Batman: The Videogame

Mabie A. — 2008-08-19T19:01:40-07:00

Who else will be playable in Warner Bros. Interactive's oober multiplatformer Lego Batman: The Videogame (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PSP, Wii, DS, PC)? Why, Batgirl of course!

Okay, so she may not hold as much qualifications as, say the Penguin or Joker. She is, after all, but the daughter of Commissioner Gordon in costume. BUT. She does have access to all of the caped crusader's gadgets.

How'd she get in his top secret closet? We don't really know. What matters is she can borrow stuff from Batman, and that makes her more than just qualified in our books for her to be playable.

Now here's hoping she can use the gadgets properly and not crash the bat mobile on the sidewalk as she attempts to parallel park.

Leipzig Games Convention 2008: Resident Evil 5 gameplay trailer

Mabie A. — 2008-08-19T16:34:57-07:00

The Leipzig Games Convention is definitely gearing up for its opening day tomorrow, and we're just positively beaming with excitement for the new assets and details that will be raining down upon us on our much-awaited games.

This one here, for example, is a video trailer of Capcom's Resident Evil 5 (PS3, Xbox 360) for this year's Leipzig Games Convention. It's looking absolutely terrifying, with a lot of gun-blasting and wall-breaking to escape the lethal arms of the zombies.

And... correct me if I'm wrong... but, are those zombies riding on motorbikes??? Wow, they've really gotten more intelligent -- and thereby more dangerous. Or then again, maybe they're not really zombies, they're just brainwashed people.

Either way, I wouldn't want to be stuck anywhere near them. It's just not healthy, I imagine.

Buy: [Resident Evil 5 (PlayStation 3), (Xbox 360)]

Eve of the Leipzig Games Convention: setting up the booths

Isaac C. — 2008-08-19T08:57:51-07:00

Leipzig is looking pretty spiffy this year, and I'm really looking forward to it, considering how much of a downer E3 turned out to be. Anyway, the good folks at 1UP have posted a new bunch of photos from the site of the Leipzig event as the booths are being set up for the big shebang tomorrow.

My personal favorite are the promotional figures for Lego Batman made up entirely of Lego blocks. Several major booths worth of noting is the not-little-but-big LittleBigPlanet booth, Blizzard's World of Warcraft, Age of Conan, Tomb Raider: Underworld, and Mirror's Edge. You can see who else is coming to the show by clicking on the pics below.

For more pics from the site, follow the source link below. As expected, there's no sign of Nintendo, who has decided to go on a roadshow rather than join the rest of the group.

Sacred 2: Fallen Angel screenshots: warriors of Ancaria

Isaac C. — 2008-08-19T08:20:00-07:00

After a long period of silence from Ascaron's Sacred 2: Fallen Angel (PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3), we get a new batch of screenshots for you, showing off the game's environment, creatures, mounts and some rather curvy warriors.

Won't be long now until the game's release - for the PC at least. The game will be out next month for the PC, but Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 players will still have to wait until November for the console versions.

At any rate, the screenshots are here now, so enjoy!

Street Fighter movie producer confirms simultaneous launch with Street Fighter 4 in 2009

Charles D. — 2008-08-19T05:02:47-07:00

It seems like 2009 will be the year for Capcom's Street Fighter to shine as both Street Fighter 4 (PlayStation 3, Xbox 360) and the Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li movie will be making a simultaneous debut this coming March. In an interview conducted by GameDaily BIZ, movie producer Patrick Aiello talks about some of the nuances from the upcoming movie, as well as how the big screen adaptation will differ from the popular video game franchise.

Aiello explains that the upcoming Street Fighter movie will be a reset for the series, much in the same way that Batman Begins restarted the movie franchise. While the both the game and the movie will share the same release date, they will share very little similarities apart from the familiar characters.

The producer confirmed that both the game and the movie will be released next year in March. 2009 also marks the 20th anniversary of the Street Fighter franchise, so expect a year filled with fast and furious fighting action when the time finally comes.

If you're interested in reading the full transcript of the interview, you can check it out on the source site, accessible through the Via link below.

EA Partners to work with Grasshopper and Epic on new action titles

Charles D. — 2008-08-19T01:35:19-07:00

Video gaming minds from the East and the West have recently joined forces to deliver to us some interesting action titles in the near future. Electronic Arts signed a partnership with Grasshopper Manufacture and Epic Games during its Bay Area showcase event, revealing a few new projects in the works for the new studio.

EA Partners will publish a new "action-horror" title to be produced by Resident Evil creator Shinji Mikami and directed by designer Goichi "Suda51" Suda. Unfortunately, Suda51 was rather tight-lipped about the project and apologized for the lack of details regarding the upcoming title.

The new game will released for the PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Wii. Q Entertainment also helped bridge the deal between Grasshopper and EAP.

Epic Games on the other hand will be concentrating on a new action title for the PC, Xbox 360 and PS3, based on a new IP similar to Painkiller. Coincidentally, they will be working with the developers of the said game, People Can Fly, who also worked on the PC version of Gears of War.

Famitsu issues correction on The Last Remnant PS3 release date

Mabie A. — 2008-08-18T21:48:12-07:00

Whoopsie there! Website Famitsu.com has issued a correction earlier today pertaining to the published release date of Square Enix' The Last Remnant. In the Famitsu PS3 Vol.XIII DKΣ3713 EX.Report, a special Japan-only magazine published by Enterbrain Mook, The Last Remnant for the PS3 was enlisted as having a release date of November 20.

Actually, this release date is intended for the Xbox 360 version and not for the PlayStation 3. So when is the PS3's launch? Sadly, it's still holding a TBA tag, both in Japan and other territories. We're getting thrown a bone, though. The special publication from Entertain is full to the brim with new details on Final Fantasy XIII, as well as the other titles from the recently-concluded much-ado'd DKΣ3713 event.

Given this, we're sure there'll be more mouth-watering details to come, so stay tuned for those.

Tomb Raider: Underworld Dangerous gameplay video

Mabie A. — 2008-08-18T19:31:15-07:00

It's a wonderful world of adventure out there, indeed. Especially if you've go treasures to find and with hot chick Lara Croft keeping you company.

But it's bound to be dangerous as this Dangerous gameplay trailer from Eidos Interactive's Tomb Raider Underworld (PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, DS) clearly shows. Yes, some tombs are not meant to be disturbed. But it's just too danged tempting not to discover them, even more so when it could be you discovering yourself.

Confused much? This video provides for some rather interesting sneak peek at the action awaiting Lara in this latest installation of her world-famous adventures. Who found it nice to see Lara once again? And sounding like herself, too? Could there be another Lara in the game? Are we going to see a good-Lara, bad-Lara storyline here?

Hmm... bipolarity has never been this sexy. You know what to do. Click and play. Tomb Raider Underworld drops November 11, 2008.

Pachter's nth take on Take-Two-EA takeover: T2 negotiating level down, EA with friendly terms

Mabie A. — 2008-08-18T18:00:58-07:00

Analyst Michael Pachter is looking into the future once again. His take on the never-ending take-over dance between Electronic Arts and Take-Two? EA will be friendly with its terms, and Take-Two will lose its leverage.

The Wedbush Morgan analyst has commented that he found it "somewhat surprising to us that EA agreed to change its offer from hostile to friendly." And although Take-Two may have reacted rather acrimoniously by calling EA's new offer as being "inadequate" and "opportunistic", he is certain that it does recognize the fact that it may very well be the last and only opportunity for the outcome of the take-over to be affected.

Pachter also observes that Take-Two's negotiating level has gone down and deteriorated, based on the recent press releases it's been sending out. Logically then, he believes that EA will eventually win out this prolonged round of acquisitions. Says he,

Notwithstanding Take-Two's posturing, we do not expect EA to be impressed with the presentation, which will include a 3-year release schedule and a list of cost control initiatives. We think that most of Take-Two's forward game schedule is fairly evident (EA should not be particularly surprised to learn that GTA 5 and BioShock 2 are planned), and think that its cost control initiatives, while impressive, will not sway EA to offer more, given the latter company's apparent intention to eliminate all Take-Two overhead anyway.

He also expressed their prediction that there can only be two potential outcomes to this whole take-over drama: 1) Take-Two negotiates a friendly deal with a price tag of something close to US 25.74, or 2) EA ceases the friendly act and goes back to hostile mode.

Not much of an option there, but, again, we'll just have to wait and see -- as we've all been doing the past how many months now. Come on EA and Take-Two. Wrap it up.

Related Take-Two - EA takeover articles:

Civilization Revolution pack-in DLC redemption rewards revealed

Victor B. — 2008-08-18T12:57:05-07:00

Depending on where you purchased your copy of Civilization: Revolution for the Xbox 360 or PS3, you may have picked up some extra goodies to go with it. 2K Games has opened up the site (external link) that allows you to redeem DLC codes for the game, and the goodies you'll get are based on the pack-in card you picked up when you bought Civilization: Revolution.

Here's the list of goodies you can pick up according to the store you purchased the game from AND the location of the stores involved in the promo:

GameStop/EB Canada:
Xbox 360 and PS3: Pack-in card redeemable online for a Voucher or Token code for Wonder & Artifact Pack: The Mythic. Included are: Ancient Wonder: Lighthouse of Alexandria, Medieval Wonder: Leaning Tower of Pisa, Industrial Wonder: Scotland Yard, Modern Wonder: SETI, Artifact 1: Camelot, Artifact 2: Tower of Babel

Target:
Xbox 360: Pack-in card redeemable online for a Token code for Wonder & Artifact Pack: The Eternal. Includes the following Wonders and Artifacts: Ancient - Trajan's Column, Medieval - University of Sankore, Industrial - Eiffel Tower, Modern - Cristo Redentor, Artifact 1 - Pharoah's Needle, Artifact 2 - Tesla's "Peace" Ray

Best Buy (US and Canada):
Xbox 360 and PS3: Pack-in card redeemable online for a Voucher or Token code for Wonder & Artifact Pack: The Iconic. Includes the following Wonders and Artifacts: Ancient - Coliseum, Medieval - Taj Mahal, Industrial - Statue of Liberty, Modern - Sydney Opera House, Artifact 1 - Terracotta Army, Artifact 2 -Sphinx

Sid Meier on Civilization Revolution length and console versions

Buy: [Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution (Xbox 360)]
Buy: [Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution (PS3)]

The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray player of choice is the PS3

Victor B. — 2008-08-18T09:10:33-07:00

These days, the recommendations of important companies and groups can carry a lot of weight in the technology industry. It should stand as good news, then, that the reference Blu-ray player of the Criterion Collection happens to be the PS3.

For those who haven't heard of it, the Criterion Collection is a company that releases what can be called "authoritative" versions of important classic and contemporary movies.

The Criterion Collection is also responsible for introducing certain aspects of contemporary DVD viewing that we now take for granted (such as developer commentary, letterboxing, and restorations of old or hard-to-find films). That said, expect the folks at the Criterion Collection to know their stuff when it comes to quality viewing.

Joe Kane, the AV expert who designed the theater of Criterion Collection, also told CNET that Sony's console offers the best image quality among Blu-ray players out in the market.

Furthermore, the PS3 delivers its quality images using a cheaper cable. Instead of using a Monster-brand HDMI cable which costs US 275, the PS3 can use a much cheaper (at US 2) DVI Gear version to come out with the same quality visuals.

All in all, it's a shining recommendation for the console as a home entertainment system that goes far beyond the confines of plain old videogaming.

Survey: PS3's BD-playing popularity on the rise

Bangkok Post editorial criticizes Thai government's game crackdown

Victor B. — 2008-08-18T08:07:09-07:00

Via GamePolitics, we've learned that an editorial in the August 18 edition of the Bangkok Post was critical of the government's plan to crack down on videogames.

The editorial notes that, instead of showing concern for the victim of the recent stabbing incident, the reaction of the government "emphasised the huge gap between the real technology revolution and what the country's leaders appear to know about it."

The editorial continues,

First of all, it is most troubling that authorities and the media latched on so quickly and conveniently to the alibi of a confessed, vicious killer.

They were far too quick to accept the word of Mr. Polwat. He is an adult who told police he planned and carried out a reprehensible killing for a small amount of money. His claim that the video game Grand Theft Auto made him commit the crime sounds more like a novel legal defence than a credible motive. Tens of millions of people around the world play that game - tens of thousands in Bangkok.

The Bangkok Post also took notice at the Thai Government's list of Top 10 Violent Video Games, noting the fact that it was taken from a Detroit politician's list. Of the videogame ban, the Post added,

Such a ban is also self-defeating, since new games come on the market regularly. In any case, a police ban is only another business hitch to the video pirates and shop owners involved in underground distribution.

In the end, the Post editorial recommends that local authorities, as well as parents, "take a more serious approach to the changes technology is bringing to our society," and we quite agree with that assessment.

Dragon Age: Origins "just the beginning", game coming to consoles

Karl B. — 2008-08-18T04:57:28-07:00

BioWare has given a definite confirmation for the fate of Dragon Age: Origins. Yes, the spiritual successor to Baldur's Gate will indeed be coming to consoles.

This was confirmed by the Dan Tudge, the game's director and executive producer. A date has yet to be set, but as Tudge told Eurogamer, the Dragon Age: Origins will be on consoles "in the near future."

Tudge also revealed that the game is "just the beginning", saying that Dragon Age: Origins represents three key elements: the origins stories, the return to BioWare's roots, and the origins of the franchise itself.

E3 2008: BioWare reveals Dragon Age: Origins details

Possible Trophy patch for Elefunk?

Administrator — 2008-08-18T03:22:41-07:00

Seems the fine folks at UPS Blog It asked Elefunk developers, Big Head Games whether a Trophy patch for Elefunk was likely, to which the response was:

"We are in discussions with Sony about it but as usual with big companies it takes a bit of time to get approval."

Does Elefunk need Trophies? No, but the achievement-centric nature of the physics based puzzler lends itself quite nicely to the idea. If you haven't picked up Elefunk yet, be sure to try the free demo on PSN. If you're like me and are too thick to figure the puzzles out, there's still a morbid sense of satisfaction to be had building flimsy contraptions and sending the cute pachyderms marching off to their doom.

Thanks to SnakeEater on the NeoGAF forums for the translation.

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed demo hits PSN, Xbox Live this week

Karl B. — 2008-08-18T00:46:18-07:00

Hey Star Wars fans. Word has come around that the PS3 and Xbox 360 demos for Star Wars: The Force Unleashed will definitely be out this week. On August 21, to be exact.

The demo, which will be available on both PlayStation Network and Xbox Live, will feature one of the game's early levels. Players will have to hunt down the Jedi General Rahm Kota, who is laying siege to a TIE Fighter construction facility.

The demo also includes a tutorial on the Force Grip power, which will definitely be useful in the demo since Darth Vader has instructed his Secret Apprentice to leave no witnesses in order to, well, remain secret.

Keep checking back here for more Star Wars: The Force Unleashed updates.

Buy: [Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (Xbox 360), (PS3)]

Harry Potter videogame being "evaluated" due to movie delay

Administrator — 2008-08-17T22:59:00-07:00

How much grief must a muggle bear? Just days after news hit that Warner Brothers was pushing the release of the sixth movie in the septology into 2009 comes this quote from an Electronic Arts spokesman regarding the fate of the videogame adaptation:

We are making a great game that Harry Potter fans will really enjoy we are evaluating the impact of the movie date change,

The game isn't officially delayed yet. It's not unheard of for a tie-in to be released some time after the movie itself hits, but before? Unlikely. It's probably a safe bet that Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (the game) will also be pushed back to launch alongside the movie.

This isn't necessarily a bad thing, more time in the oven is generally good for the development of a videogame. Hopefully Half Blood Prince will be the better for it, the Potter games have always played it safe design wise and as a result ended up kind of middling. Order of the Phoenix was a step in the right direction, with its immersive, fully rendered and explorable Hogwarts Castle, fingers crossed that the dev team sees this as an opportunity to get even more ambitious.

Yes, I totally made up the word "septology".

disapparates

Street Fighter IV - Akuma cometh!

Administrator — 2008-08-17T21:21:46-07:00

It's been teased, now it's official. Perennial fan fave and master of assassination Akuma looks set to make an appearance in the next installment of Capcom's revered Street Fighter series, at least in the arcade version of the game.

According to Game Life, Akuma will (as of now) not be playable in the arcade version, instead he'll only show up as a boss to kick the snot out of you should be doing extremely well against the CPU.

Will Akuma show up on the home console versions? Almost certainly. Will he be playable? Most likely.

Leafy new Tomb Raider: Underworld screenshots

Administrator — 2008-08-17T06:47:50-07:00

If you have to ask why Ms. Croft is jump kicking a tiger, you're doing it wrong. Here are a bevy of thirteen screens showcasing butts, belts and lots of leafy greenage. November isn't a long way off, and Tomb Raider: Underworld is looking pretty darn good.

Better looking than Uncharted: Drake's Fortune? You decide.

FFXIII info from Famitsu! Demo details, gameplay, story etc.

Administrator — 2008-08-17T05:07:56-07:00

Hard to believe that three years on, news and information about Final Fantasy XIII is still ridiculously hard to come by. Square Enix seems to be content with drip feeding its legions of fans, teasing and tantalising. It's all fun and games till someone gets hurt, right?

On Final Fantasy XIII:

The FFXIII demo disc included with FFVIIACC (Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children Complete) will be a PS3 disc, it's not on a standard Blu-Ray movie disc.

The FFXIII demo will be from the opening part of the game, and will be longer than FFVIIAC (Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children). Note, Advent Children was 101 minutes long, that's one beefy demo!

FFXIII will definitely have a party battle system where you control each character as they switch turns, like in a normal Final Fantasy. It will not be like FFXII.

FFXIII's story is being written such that every single one of the main characters will feel like protagonists instead of just supporting characters.

On Final Fantasy Versus XIII:

The world in Versus XIII worships a Shinigami (a Japanese death god) and the Shinigami is designed by acclaimed Japanese illustrator, Yoshitaka Amano.

The cars and clothing seen in the trailers so far will probably change in design for the final game

The name of the prince and the heroine in Versus XIII will be revealed at TGS.

Sounds good to me, let's just cross our fingers and hope Square Enix gives us a a few morsels to tide us over till TGS.

Many thanks to duckroll of the NeoGAF forums for the translation.

PS. It still feels weird to tag this news under "Xbox 360" as well.