PlayStation

PlayStation Move ‘Sorcery’ Story Trailer, Does It Hold Up?

by Sohrab Osati | Apr 24, 2012 | 14 comments

With the long awaited PlayStation Move game, ‘Sorcery’ set to launch in about a months time, Sony has finally revealed the games box art (pictures above) and released an all new story line trailer which helps set the world and mood for the game. Players will grab their magic wands (PlayStation Move controller) and play as Finn, the sorcerer’s apprentice, and Erline, his magical cat who must go on a magical adventure to save the world.

Originally shown over two years ago, Sorcery has changed quite a bit from the original vision when the game went dark for nearly a year, leading some to speculate that the ambitious PlayStation Move enabled game for the PS3 had been canceled. Instead, Sony and the team at Santa Monica Studios were working on stream lining the games storyline which would allow gamers to jump into the magical world faster. As Brian Upton, Creative Director at Santa Monica Studios put it:

Finn’s backstory – where he came from, how he became an apprentice – was pared down because it was getting in the way of kicking off the action. There was a whole sub-plot about a guild of fame-hungry rival sorcerers that just got dropped. And, as other elements fell away, Finn and Erline’s relationship moved to center stage.

Skype Lands on PS Vita, Lets You Video Chat Mid-Game

by Sohrab Osati | Apr 24, 2012 | 0 comments

Quite possibly the most requested app for the PlayStation Vita, Skype, which is now owned by Microsoft, is an app that Vita owners have wanted since launch date. Sony, who is no stranger to Skype, currently offers the video chatting service on the PlayStation Portable (PSP), Xperia smartphones, tablets, and on a range of Bravia televisions which require you to purchase a separate camera. This, of course, made Skype on the Vita a no-brainer which not only houses a more powerful processor than Sony’s line of televisions and the PSP. These all require the purchase of a separate camera, unlike the PS Vita, which comes with a front- and rear-facing camera.

Earlier this month, we reported on rumors which pegged the video chatting service to arrive on the Vita by month’s end. This application is available on all platforms, including the Mac and PC, which in turn allows you to video chat with nearly an unlimited pool of people. Now, the wait is over with the free app arriving later today on the handheld which will allow you to make video calls to any other Skype-enabled device. Let’s talk app capabilities.

GameStop Drops PS3 Price by $50, Now Only $199

by Allegra Osati | Apr 20, 2012 | 23 comments

Does GameSpot know something we don’t know? While game retailers tend to place outlandish dates on barely announced games without any real knowledge on the matter and offer highly fanboyish opinions to customers who walk in, due to their own personal views, they get things right here and there. This is especially true when it comes to gaming consoles and price drops where retailer like GameStop, Target, and Walmart get information weeks in advance so that they may market and print their store flyers. With the PS3 well into its 5th year on retail shelves, I’ve always had the inkling that at this year E3, Sony would drop the price of their Blu-ray playing, 3D gaming machine by another $50 and down to the magical $200.

God of War 4 vs. Heavenly Sword 2 (poll)

by Sohrab Osati | Apr 19, 2012 | 10 comments

Now that the cat is out of the bag and it has been revealed that Sony’s surprise blockbuster title is God of War: Ascension, a prequel to all the other God of War games, the question that we ask you is, are you happy with the announcement? Looking at across the board, it’s hard to find anyone dissatisfied with such news, especially seeing how all five previous God of War titles have been met with critical acclaim. Still, some were hoping for a Heavenly Sword sequel, a PS3 exclusive launch game which was developed by Ninja Theory, the folks behind the new DMC game and Oddessy: A Journey to the West. And while getting to control Kratos once again will be a bloody good time, a new entry to GoW is a no brainer in terms of financial incentive for Sony and quality game for gamers so a surprise Heavenly Sword 2 game would have been a more left field choice which truly deserved a sequel, especially after the games ending. So weigh in on our poll and share your thoughts with us, after the jump.

Sony Begins Free ‘Open Beta’ for PlayStation Suite SDK

by Sohrab Osati | Apr 19, 2012 | 0 comments

Sony has moved one step closer on their ambitious Android plans which evolves introducing PlayStation to a whole new host of users out there. Available now as a free download to any would be developer for Android, the PlayStation Suite SDK allows you to create games which utilize physical and touchscreen controls for certified devices which include the PlayStation Vita, select Sony’s Xperia smartphones and both Sony Tablets. Sony’s vision for PlayStation Suite has always been to expand the PlayStation brand in hopes that those who find value in the content will trickle back to the main machines like the Vita and the PS3. Due to this vision, the PlayStation Suite SDK is not limited to just Sony devices and other Android handset makers are able to apply for certification for the program which would allow their device to also gain access to the games and content made for the SDK.

Other benefits of the open beta include a PC-based simulator, test and debug tools and of course eventual application submission. The full application is expected to go live some in late 2012 where developers who are running the open beta will need to once again sign a new contract and pay for an annual subscription for continued access. After the jump, your chance to comment, read the official press release, and find the download link.

God Of War: Ascension Trailer And Art Leaked

by Jan Hutchings | Apr 18, 2012 | 20 comments

A product page found on Amazon pretty much reveals Sony’s upcoming “Surprise” game announcement and it’s called God of War: Ascension. As well, the trailer was leaked earlier today and instantly went viral. Well, it wasn’t so much a surprise since most people thought God of War as soon as Sony released the teaser poster.

The leaked trailer doesn’t show any gameplay, but proceeds to tell us that this new game is a prequel of sorts. A time before Kratos became the Ghost of Sparta, and even before the Chains of Olympus. However, the trailer’s art and narration does tell us that the game will be as bloody and as violent as before, only with a Kratos that’s not bound to the God’s will.

Perhaps it tells the story of his past adventures as the Spartan warrior before madness and obsession with victory consumed him, prompting him to make the deal with Ares the God of War. We’ll find out more from Sony soon. For now check out the trailer after the break.

More Battlefield 3 Expansions Incoming

by Jan Hutchings | Apr 18, 2012 | 13 comments

(Originally published on JTM Games)

Since its release, EA and DICE’s Battlefield 3 has amassed over 12 million players with billions of hours played online. In an ongoing commitment to bring players more ways to battle, EA is readying three more expansions DLC’s that offer new modes, weapons, maps and more starting with Close Quarters (June), Armored Kill (Fall), and End Game (Winter).

So far Battlefield 3′s first DLC pack Back to Karkand has been met with strong sales, with players eager to return to four classic Battlefield series maps re-imagined with the powerful Frostbite 2 engine. (Strike at Karkand, Gulf of Oman, Wake Island and Sharqi Peninsula).

Learn more about the upcoming Battlefield 3 DLC Packs after the break.

Battling in destructible corridors of the Ziba Tower level in Close Quarters.

Up next in June is Battlefield 3: Close Quarters, where every one of the maps feature infantry-only battles. Close Quarters aims to put players into the thick of firefights with tight level design as well as a focus on vertical gameplay. Almost everything in the environments can be shot, blown up, or destroyed, intensifying each combat situation and keeping every player on his/her toes.

Conversely, Battlefield 3: Armored Kill will focus on vehicular battles that have become Battlefield’s signature over the years. Armored Kill will feature new tanks, ATV’s, artillery, jeeps, and other vehicles. In addition, DICE has said that the included maps are going to be huge; including the biggest map in Battlefield series history. Expect all-out vehicular mayhem with Battlefield 3: Armored Kill releasing Fall 2012.

Finally, Battlefield 3: End Game is set to release in the Winter of 2012. However, EA and DICE are keeping the DLC’s information a closely guarded secret. Could it be a continuation of the single player campaign? Or could it be more co-op levels?

Playstation Store Update (04-17-2012)

by Chris Quibol | Apr 18, 2012 | 22 comments

This week’s Playstation Store update has a couple of huge titles for everyone to enjoy, particularly the first home release of arcade shooter House of the Dead 4 on Playstation 3 and the release of Disgaea 3: Absence of Detention on the Playstation Vita. Short on cash this week? You can download a demo for physics-based pinball game Stardrone Extreme for PS Vita or free Vita app Paint Park, which lets players create and share sketches and drawings.

Playstation Plus members are also treated to exclusive early access to the beta for Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Future Soldier, as well as a free download of Frogger Returns and 30 percent off House of the Dead 4.

Also available this week are downloadable content for Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception and a full download of Dead Rising 2: Off the Record for PS3.

Hit the jump to see the rest of this week’s Playstation Store update.

Skype Coming to PS Vita by Months End?

by Sohrab Osati | Apr 17, 2012 | 14 comments

While the PS Vita launched with a healthy of important apps which include Twitter, Facebook, Foursquare, and Flickr, the no brainer Skype was no where to be heard. Unlike the PSP which requires the purchase of a front facing camera which already has Skype, the PS Vita features a front and rear facing camera, right out of the box. So it seemed strange that the predecessor handheld would have access to such an app while the new and much more powerful Vita would not. Now, word has it that a Skype app could be headed to the PlayStation Vita by months end.

Sony Nasne Adds TV Tuner and 500GB of NAS to PS3

by Sohrab Osati | Apr 17, 2012 | 8 comments

To say that Japan gets all the cool PS3 add-ons would be an understatement. Much like Europe, Japan has much more liberal and advanced cellular, internet, and television networks which allow devices to do a whole lot more. Introduced a few years back, PlayTV and Torne for the PS3 allowed the gaming powerhouse to view and record television, making it a true multimedia machine. Both of these cool devices unfortunately never made it State side, due to our locked down policies. Now, Sony is releasing a new take on their Torne vision for the PS3 in Japan which adds a TV turner, 500GB of NAS, and DLNA streaming in new and stylish design.

Is the PS4 Getting Speech Recognition?

by Sohrab Osati | Apr 16, 2012 | 10 comments

The truth of it is, we don’t know a whole lot about the PlayStation 4, codenamed Orbis and even that could end not being the real internal codename. Despite some talk about how the PS4 might not play used games, there hasn’t been many new nuggets of information about the next generation console till now. According to a job posting by Sony Computer Entertainment America, the PlayStation makers are looking for members who will help “contribute to the voice recognition system and technologies for the PlayStation platforms.” With the PS3 well into its mid cycle, this leaves us only with the PS4.

PlayStation Vita Facebook Updated With Photo Uploading Functionality

by Jan Hutchings | Apr 16, 2012 | 0 comments

The relatively new Facebook app for PlayStation Vita just got it’s first update that brings the app to version 1.01. The update allows PS Vita users to upload their pictures onto Facebook with ease. Users can also tag pictures to the News Feed as well as Facebook Page and multi-language support.

PlayStation Vita Facebook App Version 1.01 newest features have been added:

Facebook Page support
Photo tags
Support of all system languages
Upload photo on News Feed and Wall

PSN Maintenance Scheduled For Today (April 16, 2012)

by Jan Hutchings | Apr 16, 2012 | 8 comments

Aw shucks, gamers won’t be able to access the PlayStation Network for most of today, Sony will be performing routine scheduled maintenance on the network on Monday, April 16th. It will start 6:00 am PDT / 9:00 am EDT and is supposed to last for 13 hours. Expect the service to return to working order around 7:00 pm PDT / 10:00 pm EDT.

During the PSN’s routine maintenance, PlayStation Network websites will be unavailable for access. As well, PS3 and PS Vita users will not be able to access the PlayStation Store, PlayStation Home, Account Management or play online-enabled games.

Matthew Harper, part of the recently-formed PlayStation Digital Platforms Community Management team has said that they will keep gamers updated throughout the entire process.

“We will continue to provide as much information as we can regarding any future maintenance we need to schedule.”

Once the maintenance begins, players will have to check the PlayStation Twitter feed for a notice when PSN is fully back online.

Sony Teases Upcoming Game (God of War IV?)

by Jan Hutchings | Apr 14, 2012 | 8 comments

Sony recently posted a photo to their Facebook page that teases a previously unannounced game for either the PlayStation 3 or the PlayStation Vita. While it may make sense that the photo is teasing God of War IV because God of War III’s story was about Kratos’ revenge against the gods, it may also be teasing a surprise sequel to other PlayStation franchises.

As seen on the image above, the tagline says “Will Vengeance Bring Redemption?” Thousands of PlayStation fans have come together and speculated a number of different titles including Spyro, inFamous, Red Dead Redemption, and others.

However, some keen-eyed fans have put forth a convincing argument that this teaser is for an upcoming sequel to the PlayStation 3-exclusive Heavenly Sword. The photo’s font theme matches Heavenly Sword’s cover text; in addition, the back of the case for Heavenly Sword says “Beyond Revenge Lies Redemption.”

Check out the image below and compare for yourself.

"Beyond Revenge Lies Redemption"

The game is set to be announced on April 19, 2012.

Discuss:

Any thoughts on what game Sony will announce on April 19th? A new God of War, Heavenly Sword, inFamous? Let us know your thoughts!

New Trailers for ‘Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch’ and ‘Resistance: Burning Skies’

by Chris Quibol | Apr 12, 2012 | 0 comments

Sony released trailers earlier today for a couple of highly anticipated titles, Playstation 3 JRPG Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch and Playstation Vita first-person shooter Resistance: Burning Skies. The Ni No Kuni trailer provides us with our first look at the game’s English voice acting, as well as a better understanding of the game’s story. The two minute trailer features a few of the game’s beautiful cutscenes from Studio Ghibli, popular for their work in films like “Spirited Away” and “Howl’s Moving Castle.”

The latest Resistance: Burning Skies trailer shows off a ton of the online multiplayer features available on the Vita-exclusive shooter, including weapon upgrades and customization. The trailer also features a ton of in-game multiplayer footage on each of the game’s six maps. Look for Burning Skies to release late next month, on May 29.

Check out both trailers for yourself after the break.