PlayStation

Hotline Miami 2 May Be Coming to PlayStation 4, Vita in 2014

by Brien Bell | Aug 15, 2013 | 6 comments

The indie movement at PlayStation has been a sight to see as of late. The commitment by Sony Computer Entertainment to independently developed, non-AAA, self-published games has been almost unparalleled in the console scene–though some credit can be given to the Xbox Live Indie Games early in the current generation for bringing titles like Geometry Wars front and center. But with last year’s incredible indie contingent of games like Closure, Tales from Space: Mutant Blobs Attack, Skullgirls, Telltale’s The Walking Dead, Sound Shapes, The Unfinished Swan, and Journey, it’s hard to deny that there are some amazing games being brought to Sony systems from smaller devs.

One of the most unique games to come to the PlayStation 3 and Vita this year has been Hotline Miami. With its slick 80’s synth soundtrack and brutal top-down combat, Hotline Miami is another indie darling that’s found a home on PlayStation devices. And if an updated (and then removed) description on the YouTube teaser for Dennaton Games‘ follow-up, Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number is any indication, their presence on Sony devices will continue to be felt next year on the PS Vita and PlayStation 4.

God of War II Director Returns to Sony Santa Monica, Plans to “Rock The Free World”

by Brien Bell | Aug 14, 2013 | 0 comments

God of War is one of the biggest franchises in PlayStation’s stable. Kratos has dominated sales charts on the PlayStation 2 with God of War and God of War II, the PSP with God of War: Chains of Olympus and God of War: Ghost of Sparta, and the PlayStation 3 with God of War III and God of War: Ascension. The team at Sony Santa Monica has created a juggernaut both in terms of gameplay and mass market popularity, a feat made more impressive by the fact that each iteration of the series has been directed by someone different. Whether it’s series creator David Jaffe, Ready at Dawn co-founder Ru Weerasuriya, or art director Stig Asmussen, each person at the helm of the seminal Sony series has brought a new and personal take on the Spartan warrior’s tale. Now, one of those directors is back at Santa Monica and ready to astound the PlayStation faithful once again.

Sony Releases New PS3 ‘pay-per-view’ Live Events Viewer App

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 14, 2013 | 0 comments

If you’ve been raising your cord cutting initiative but haven’t been able to fully commit due to pay-per-view events from WWE and UFC to name a few then listen up. Sony has released a new and free app for the PlayStation 3 that will help you end your cable subscription. The new Live Events Viewer app gives PS3 owners the capability to subscribe to pay-per-view events like this Sunday’s WWE SummerSlam without any cable subscription. While the app itself is free, you will still have to pay the normal fees that apply with the event. Sony hopes to expand the apps content with concerts, races, and more.

Tiny Brains Announced As PS4 Launch Title, Playable at PAX Prime

by Brien Bell | Aug 14, 2013 | 2 comments

PAX Prime 2013 is coming soon, and studios are busy putting together their best possible showings. With this comes some great announcements, like this one from Spearhead Games, a Montreal-based indie studio made up of former Assassin’s Creed and Dead Space developers. Tiny Brains, a co-op action puzzle game, has been confirmed as a launch title for the PlayStation 4.

According to the press release, Tiny Brains “challenges players to escape a mad scientist’s nefarious puzzles as one of four mysteriously powerful lab rodents.” Tiny Brains will be coming to other platforms this fall, including Steam and possibly Xbox Live Arcade. If you’re coming to PAX in Seattle, you’ll be able to play Tiny Brains (with a DualShock 4!) at booth 6305. If you can’t make it, look for a hands-on preview from the show floor right here at Sony Rumors, and check out the latest screenshots of this cute puzzler:

DuckTales Remastered Has No Platinum Trophy, Not Coming to PlayStation Vita

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 14, 2013 | 3 comments

Rey Jimenez, Producer of DuckTales Remastered at Capcom, recently sat down with the PlayStation Blog to talk about the classic game. While giving you plenty of reasons to buy the game, Jimenez also revealed a few interesting details like why the game would not feature a Platinum trophy when asked by a reader:

If we put a platinum trophy, there wouldn’t be enough points left for any other trophies. We did consider it for a short time though.

When asked further about it, Jimenez went on:

We looked into it, but there just wasn’t enough points to allocate. Different size games are allotted a different amount of points. We only have 315 points.

Jimenez is talking about the notion that depending on the scope and length of each game, Sony awards the title with a certain set of points which break down the trophy values and DuckTales Remastered simply did not fit the bill.

No NFL Sunday Ticket for PS3 This Season, is Microsoft to Blame?

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 13, 2013 | 6 comments

For two years, PlayStation 3 fans have been able to enjoy NFL Sunday Ticket by purchasing the service from DirecTV via a native app. While DirecTV customers would get a discount on the monthly for the highly desired service, anyone with a broadband access to get in on the NFL action though they would have to pay more. Now, according to Sony, the app which allowed you to watch any NFL game in session will no longer be available to PlayStation 3 owners this season though we assume he means indefinitely. Though Sony didn’t comment further on the matter, the reasoning behind it seems clear. Microsoft.

PlayStation Store Update (08-13-13)

by Trevor Rodenberger | Aug 13, 2013 | 2 comments

Welcome to the PlayStation Store update for August 13th, 2013. The update this week is packed full of great content. Leading the way is the highly anticipated DuckTales Remastered. This retro classic comes to the PS3 with updated graphics, voice acting, and a brand new story.

The highly popular mobile game, Fruit Ninja, slices its way to the Vita this week. Vita owners are now also able to take advantage of a PlayStation Vita Japanese Games Sale. Soul Sacrifice, Gravity Rush, and Touch My Katamari are just a few of the titles discounted this week.

Finally, PlayStation Plus users will be receiving Runner2 for free along with a discount on the Tomb Raider Digital Edition Bundle. Keep reading to see a complete list of content available on the PlayStation Store this week!

Would You Buy a PS4 and PS Vita for $499? (poll)

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 13, 2013 | 2 comments

Over the weekend, reports began to spread that Sony is looking to bundle the PlayStation 4 ($399) and PlayStation Vita ($249 Wi-Fi, $299 3G) for $499, essentially making the Vita cost $100. This makes sense on many fronts, seeing how the PS4 and PS Vita will share a lot of compatibility between each other like using the Vita as a second screen app. More importantly, the Vita will have full Remote Play compatibility with the PS4, allowing you to stream those games to the powerful handheld via your houses Wi-Fi or over the internet so marrying the two via a bundle seems like an appropriate action. Equally, for those who might be put off by the Vita’s higher price tag, $100 might no longer be a stumbling block for them. It’s unclear if such a deal does take place, which PS Vita model would be offered. So if this holds true, would you take the plunge and purchase a PS4/PS Vita bundle?

Gaming With Heather: inFamous and the Test of Time

by Heather Atkinson | Aug 11, 2013 | 6 comments

If you caught last week’s article, you know I mentioned my huge backlog of PlayStation games. I didn’t go into too much detail, but the unfortunate truth is that they are not all Indie games. Some games in my backlog are pretty major first party PlayStation 3 titles. Yes, Sarah has inspired me to admit to my shame as well. So this week I am finally getting around to playing inFamous, but I seem to be several years too late.

I’m sure you’re wondering if there is such as thing as too late with such acclaimed PlayStation 3 titles. I think there very well is, and I’m definitely having a hard time adjusting my mindset. With the PS4 right around the corner, some of these games have not stood the test of time as well as others. This is especially true with games in a series for me, and sometimes it’s easier to start with the most recent. Some people may cringe at the idea of playing a series out of order. I think it isn’t for everyone, but it can definitely give you that push you need in order to actually make it through the first games.

PS4 Share Button Features, Game DVR Won’t Require PlayStation Plus

by Brien Bell | Aug 9, 2013 | 1 comment

This may become known as the year of the point/counterpoint in console gaming. When Sony does one thing, Microsoft does another. When Microsoft announces something, Sony comes out with a video on why that’s crazy, and then Microsoft reverses position entirely. Here at SonyRumors, we love a good console war, but it’s got to stop at some point, right? I mean, is there anything left to go back and forth on?

Apparently so. On Wednesday, Microsoft revealed that the game DVR features of the Xbox One will only be available to customers that have subscribed to Xbox Live Gold. Skype and Smart Match, the online multiplayer matchmaking service designed to keep you playing with friendly competitors, will also be exclusive to Gold subscribers. Naturally, PlayStation fans began to wonder whether or not Sony’s next-generation device would also lock game sharing behind a pay wall; after all, the PS4 finally followed Xbox’s lead in making multiplayer dependent upon a PlayStation Plus subscription.

Enter: Shuhei Yoshida. Yes, the President of Sony Worldwide Studios [disclaimer: that’s the software side of things] who has given us some helpful tidbits in the past stepped in once more to give us the lowdown on just who could use the PS4’s Share button:

PlayStation Store Update (08-06-13)

by Trevor Rodenberger | Aug 6, 2013 | 3 comments

Welcome to the PlayStation Store update for August 6th, 2013. The update this week is packed full of great content. Leading the way is the beautiful hack and slash beat’em up Dragon’s Crown available for both PS3 and PS Vita. The brand new entry in the JRPG ‘Tales’ series, Tales of Xillia, also comes to the PS3 today with a day one discount.

The PSN Play promotion continues this week with the release of ibb & obb. There is only one week left to pre-order the final game in the promotion, Ducktales, so take advantage of this deal while you can!

Along with PlayStation Plus users receiving Hitman: Absolution for free today, there is a store-wide sale on content to celebrate Sound Shapes’ birthday. Keep reading to see everything else available on the PlayStation Store today.

PAX Prime 2013 Schedule is Out, and SonyRumors Will Be There! Oh, and Naughty Dog, PS4, and Others Too

by Brien Bell | Aug 6, 2013 | 0 comments

If you’re like me, you can’t wait for that first time you play a game you’ve been waiting for forever. Whether it’s a downloaded demo or at a friend’s house or tearing the seal off the jewel case at midnight of launch, that first experience is memorable. For an estimated 50,000 people, this year’s PAX Prime in Seattle, WA will be the first time they’ll get a chance to see and play the PlayStation 4. The Penny Arcade Expo takes place August 30 through September 2–Labor Day Weekend for our U.S. readers–and the SonyRumors team will be on the ground at the show to let you know all about the latest happenings.

Among the notable panels being presented at PAX is a postmortem on Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us by game director Bruce Straley and creative director/writer Neil Druckmann. “Pitching The Last of Us” will take place in the Pegasus Theater on Friday at 2:30pm; here are the details of what will be presented:

PlayStation Vita System Software Update 2.60 Now Available (updated)

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 6, 2013 | 1 comment

If you haven’t fired up your PlayStation Vita in the last 24 hours, then it’s time to do so as Sony has a brand new firmware update for the powerful handheld with a few nice additions. A great many of the enhancements revolve around not needing to connect your PS Vita to the PS3 or PC for content, like downloading previously purchased media from Sony’s music and video library. Instead, you will now be able to simply redownload the content be visiting the appropriate section on PSN. Nearly two weeks ago, Sony updated their ToS for Video and Music Unlimited, giving users access to download their content multiple times and bringing the service in line with other platforms like iTunes.

Other enhancements include easier access to Trophies, cloud saved files, and the web browser. After the jump, the full list of features from the PlayStation Vita system software update 2.60 awaits you.

Has the UK’s PS4 Release Date been Leaked? Not So Fast…

by Brien Bell | Aug 5, 2013 | 1 comment

There’s one thing on the mind of every PlayStation gamer this fall: when will the PlayStation 4 be coming out? When the console was announced in February, we were told Holiday 2013. At E3 in June, no further information was given — still set for Holiday 2013. Meanwhile, Microsoft announced at E3 that the Xbox One will be coming out (at least in the United States) in November. With gamescom and PAX and a number of other events on the horizon, the question of what the PS4’s launch date will be has become one on a lot of peoples’ minds, so of course people are checking local and online retailers for any glimmer or sign of a possible launch window.

This weekend, it seemed as though the folks at Toys ‘R Us in the United Kingdom would be the ones to let slip the most anticipated dates in gaming. IGN — among others, including UK site NowGamer and Britain’s Telegraph newspaper — picked up on a report from BT Games, which had reportedly confirmed that the Xbox One would be set to release on November 29, while the PlayStation 4 would launch two weeks later on December 13. The Xbox date still gets it into stores in the month of November–albeit only just slightly–while the mid-December PS4 release date would still fall in the Holiday window previously announced.

PlayStation Plus August Content Announced

by Trevor Rodenberger | Aug 5, 2013 | 2 comments

Are you ready for more information about free games and discounts? If so, you have come to the right place! The PlayStation Blog has announced all of the new content coming to North American PlayStation Plus subscribers for the month of August.

Hitman: Absolution brought the beloved franchise to the PS3 late last year and will be available to PlayStation Plus members starting tomorrow August 6th. Bit.Trip Runner2 headlines the remainder of the games that will be free later in the month.

Starting on August 6th, there will also be large discounts for EscapeVektor and many Rayman titles, so this is the time to check out these games if you haven’t already! Keep reading for the full list of free games and discounts.