Saturday, January 31, 2009

Xbox, Nintendo & PlayStation make Top Social Brands list


The connection between a person and a commercial brand is sometimes enough to start fanboy wars, verbal tiffs and even six-round thumb wrestling matches. So, it should come as no surprise that social advertising consultant Vitrue created a list of the Top Social Brands of 2008. Oh, you'll be pleased to know that the gaming industry's "Big Three" (more like, The Only Three) all made the list. Why else would we be writing about it?

As far as social gaming brands go, Xbox came out on top at the #5 position, which was, interestingly enough, just ahead of the grande-non-fat-iced-latte-sugar-free-carmel Starbucks brand. Sony (the company, not just its gaming division) is listed at #9, Microsoft at #11, Nintendo at #13, PlayStation at the #15 position, and Sega (wow, really?) landed at #72. For whatever reason, a solo appearance by Wii, or even its sidekick, DS, was not to be found in the top 100.

We're not sure if the point of this list was to grant select fanboys bragging rights or not, but we ask that you please keep the verbal tiffs to a minimum and all thumb wrestling activities restricted to the playground.

(In case you were wondering, the ever-trendy iPhone claimed 2008's social brand crown.)

[Via Major Nelson]

Gametrailers - GTA IV: Lost and Damned Exlusive Johnny Trailer HD

Killzone 2 is the #1 bestselling game on Amazon


PS3Hype.nl writes: 'Earlier today you could read that Killzone 2 was selling many more copies after the good results of the Reviews. 24h later Killzone 2 sells even more!'
Read Full Story >>

PSP 2 Confirmed! Thanks To Sarcastic Gamer

http://sarcasticgamer.com/wp/index.php/2008/06/psp-2-confirmed.html

I may not be a soldier fighting in the console wars (more of a reservist) but I am a loyal PSP fanboy. No portable gaming device even comes close to the awesome power and capabilities that the PSP provides. That said, there are a whole host of things that could have been done better. The rumor mill surrounding what the next generation of portable gaming consoles will be like has been going full force for the past few years, and yet not so much as a mouse fart from Sony or Microsoft. Until now.

Today SG is proud to reveal the world premiere details of Sony’s PSP 2!

Check out all the details after the jump!

During a conference call today with Sony’s North American PSP rep, Danny Oplaya, we managed to discover all the big changes headed our way on the PSP 2.

PMPB: First off, I gotta ask, will the new PSP have dual analog sticks?

Danny: Of course. The original PSP only having one was the result of a sarcastic comment that went terribly wrong. Just before the PSP 1 went into production the design team was asked if the PSP should have only 1 analog stick and we said “Oh sure, 1 analog stick will do just fine. Gamers won’t even notice the lack of control.” Unfortunately our use of heavy sarcasm went unnoticed and the PSP 1 WAS manufactured with only one analog stick. Sony now administers a mandatory sarcasm test every 3 months to all employees. The original manufacturing team has since been let go seeing as how they “still don’t get it.”

PMPB: Will we actually get a built in hard drive now? I mean if Ipod and Zune can give me 80GB’s, why the hell were we stuck with overpriced 8GB cards?

Danny: The new PSP will come with a micro 100GB hard drive. To be quite honest we only went with memory sticks because we needed the cash. I have three ex-wives and 13 children and lets just say all those 8GB sticks removed 13 college tuition monkeys from my back. Add to that our need for gold plated office furniture and a jukebox featuring the best of Billy Idol. Plus, most of our design staff back then were still living in the 80’s (ala Billy Idol), a time when 8GB’s of free space was still mind blowing.

PMPB: What about the actual power of the PSP 2? Are we going to be getting what we got with the PSP 1…ie a portable PS2?

Danny: This time round we are going all out with a revamped version of the PS3’s cell processor as well as a newly designed and patented 512MB video card that we refer to as the NDS2K (Nintendo DS 2 Killa). What this means is that for the first time true HD will be available in portable form or through the PSP’s HDMI output. We expect the gaming community to be so blown away by the power and video quality of the PSP 2 that gamers world wide will literally s**t themselves we they turn it on for the first time.

PMPB: What about homebrew?

Danny: We have learned a lot from the first PSP. The very idea that we could prevent piracy and homebrew through firmware updates was always a bit naive…a lot of the staff here are fanciful dreamers who think unicorns and faeries exist. While Sony has no intention of EVER allowing piracy to go unchecked, the PSP 2 will allow users to install a version of Linux or Vista portable (tba at a later date). Since we all know Vista was Satan’s idea, I’d go with Linux.

PMPB: What about UMD’s?

Danny: Honestly, I don’t know what we were thinking. They really are flimsy, easy to break and over priced wastes of space aren’t they? I blame Satan for the UMD. The PSP 2 will feature no UMD drive or anything similar. All Sony supported movies will be available through the Playstation Store, and we promise to have more than 7 good movies this time.

PMPB: Battery Life? You can’t tell me you guys can’t build a battery that last more than 4 hours while gaming.

Danny: Honestly, we are looking at some sort of extended life battery mixed with a micro solar panel. Oh, and before you ask, YES the PSP 2 will come standard with a glare screen so that you can

actually play games during the day. I don’t know what we were thinking with our original batteries, I personally blame Satan (see above).

PMPB: When can we expect the PSP 2? What kind of price tag can consumers expect?

Danny: We have no set date at this time but right now we are looking at a possible 2010 release. As to price, we hope that it will retail between $200-$250…we still need to give Satan his cut so that he will leave us be.

There you have it, the PSP 2 will be everything we could possibly ask for and more. One can only hope the Dark Lord turns his eyes towards the Nintendo DS 2 this time round.

X-Play - Mr. Sark: Killzone 2 Impressions Part 2

"In part 2 of Mr. Sark's 'Killzone 2' Impressions, Mr. Sark talks about the PlayStation 3 exclusive's multiplayer campaign including the eight maps, unlockable player classes, match objectives and more."

Sony is competition, Microsoft admits


In an email sent to none other than hiphopgamer, Aaron Greenberg admits Sony is competition. The email reads
"Hey man..."
Read Full Story >>

Friday, January 30, 2009

EA to bring 'Mass Effect' to PS3?


Speaking with a panel of others on Gametrailer's show Bonus Round, Pachter commented, "Trust me, Electronic Arts, when they threw out the number 300 million...that is multiplatform, that is not 360 only." And when asked if Mass Effect 2 will come to the PS3, he said, "It has to, has to. And you know, I wouldn't be shocked if Mass Effect 1 came to PS3."

An EA rep responded saying, "The rumor regarding Mass Effect being developed for PS3 is inaccurate," which isn't exactly a denial.
Read Full Story >>

PS3 sales on par with Xbox 360 due to better lineup and price drop


The PS3 and the Xbox 360 has been battling it out in 2008 for the top spot. The results are in and it looks like both systems sold/shipped approximately 10.8 million for the entire year. The reason why both systems were in dead heat for 2008 is mainly due to two factors: better games and price drop.

Not only did the Xbox 360 and PS3 sell the same amount, the best console exclusives games also sold around the same amount with MGS4 and Gears of War 2 mingling around the 5 million mark.

Will the PS3 and Xbox 360 sell around the same amount in 2009? I predict that the PS3 will start off strong with a solid middle while the Xbox 360 finishes up strong again. It will be an interesting year to see how things will play out.
Read Full Article >>

Sony Disputes Xbox Sales Numbers in Europe


Earlier this month, Microsoft trumpeted a series of sales numbers for the Xbox 360, including that in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the Xbox had extended its lead over the PS3 by more than 1 million units. Not so, says Sony.

In a wide-ranging interview with EuroGamer, David Reeves, who heads up Sony's operations in Europe, says Sony's numbers show that the two consoles are "absolutely neck-and-neck" in the region.

"What happened was, we overtook them, and they dropped the price," he says. "It's almost as if we've gone ten rounds as Mohammed Ali and we're still standing, because we didn't drop the price. We held firm."

"Now, going into the remaining rounds and....
Read Full Story >>

Activision Boss Confirms Existence Of DJ Hero

If Activision's filing of the trademark for DJ Hero and real-life DJ Paul Oakenfold's verbal approval of the rhythm game wasn't ample evidence of the still-unannounced project, hearing it straight from Activision's boss should be.

CEO Bobby Kotick matter-of-factly spoke of the game, rumored to be handled by Activision's recently acquired FreeStyleGames and detailed first right here, on CNBC this week.

"We have this product called DJ Hero coming out later this year, which is a turntable that you actually can play competitively and spin discs and mix songs," Kotick said, looking frosty at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Yeah. So, to sum up, Activision's making DJ Hero, it'll be out this year and it has a turntable controller. Doesn't get much more clear than that, kids.

Activision CEO: Nice To Have Cash [CNBC via Eurogamer]

Guitar Hero World Tour standalone drums arrive Feb. 15, priced at $100


Attention virtual rockers, Neversoft has announced that the Guitar Hero World Tour drum set will finally be available as a standalone product beginning February 15. The drums will come at a price of $100 -- $10 more than the Rock Band 2 drums -- and will be available at Best Buy and GameStop. Unfortunately, this only applies to North America, as Neversoft notes the drums will arrive in Europe and Australia "at a later date."

While the World Tour drums are more expensive than the base Rock Band 2 set, it's worth noting that adding the cymbal expansions to Rock Band 2's set makes them slightly more expensive. Taking a look at Amazon (with prices lower than retail), the Rock Band 2 set with a two cymbal expansion clocks in at $107.92.

Be sure to check out Joystiq's Instrument Compatibility Matrix if you plan to pick up a set.

Street Fighter IV Achievements List


The Street Fighter IV achievement list has been revealed. Street Fighter IV has a total of 47 achievements worth a total of 1000 Gamerpoints.
Read Full Story >>

X-Play: Mr. Sark: Killzone 2 Walkthrough

Mr. Sark stops by the set to talk about his impressions of the new PlayStation 3 exclusive Killzone 2 including the single player campaign, the cover system and the game's weapons.

Confirmed: God Of War 3 March 2010/Killzone 2 sets off 2009


Gamestop sources have unveiled an E:mail sent to them by Sony that March 2010 is the current estimated release date for GOD OF WAR 3. This may come to many as a disappointment, but not for me. I see this as extra time for Sony to polish up a great title that is already looking outstanding from the few trailers out so far.
Read Full Article >>

Killzone 2 Set for Japan wow!!!

Just as Killzone 2 begins to see its first reviews around the world, Sony Computer Entertainment Japan shared final release plans for the game in Japan, along with first Japanese language screens.
Read Full Story >>

Sony: Killzone 2 ad-campaign to launch "mid Feb"


VG247: Sony UK has told videogaming247 that its £2m Killzone 2 ad campaign including the newly announced web-game is to launch "mid Feb."
Read Full Story >>

Eurogamer Interview: Sony's David Reeves


Eurogamer: "Yesterday Sony published figures for the last three months of 2008. They revealed sales of all three consoles were down year-on-year, with only PS3 software showing an increase. Bad news for Sony, you might think - but David Reeves would disagree.

We sat down with the Sony Computer Entertainment Europe boss to ask why he's happy with the figures, and who he believes is winning the console battle. Plus, when we can expect a price cut, what's next for PSP and whether Sony has started work on PlayStation 4."
Read Full Interview >>

NFS Series Not Dead Yet ... Maybe it Should be Though


x360a writes ...

"There are already enough racing simulators out there with Forza, soon to be the latest Gran Turismo and RACE Pro; what we don't want is another title like that. Need For Speed used to be about exhilerating car chases involving the police and plenty of illegal street races. Not a bloody racing sim ... seriously EA, stop now and save you and us another disappointment."
Read Full Article >>

What Does PSN need to be better than Xbox Live? GamesOnSmash Firmware 3.0 want list


It is rumored that Firmware update 3.0 will implement features that will rival Xbox Live. What features could those be?

Home Events space, Air Race leaderboards now live in Europe

Sshhh, don't tell anyone, but Home has been updated in Europe. We think it's a secret though, as Sony hasn't actually told anyone, instead sneaking it out without anyone noticing. Which is a shame, because this is the sort of stuff that could persuade people that Home is actually worthwhile. The Red Bull Air Race space now features a few different aircraft that you can choose between before flying the course. There's also a leaderboard which shows the top flyers globally as well as your friends' best times.

The Events space is also now open and the PSP-3000 treasure hunt has begun. The Events space plays host to a new multiplayer minigame called Tri-Sphere and hidden around the Gallery section are six hidden numbers. If you find these numbers and input them into the website (accessible via a wall terminal inside Home) you stand the chance of winning a real PSP-3000. There's no word on when / if these these things will come to Home in the US but we'll let you know as soon as Sony tells us we stumble across it.

Home continues to evolve, albeit at a slower pace than we expected. These additions are certainly pleasing, but don't quite raise the service to the next level. Yet.

Shock! MGS4 LittleBigPlanet pack is top downloaded add-on in January



The latest episode of Pulse reveals yet another Top 10 list, this time focusing on the downloadable add-ons available on the Store. Unsurprisingly, the Metal Gear Solid Level Kit for LittleBigPlanet is the top download in January, followed by the accompanying Costume Kit.

It's interesting to see how thoroughly LittleBigPlanet dominates this list. The various add-ons make up 6 of the top 10 downloads. Sony must be raking in quite a bit of money on these premium downloadable extras. It's also interesting to see the continued popularity of Call of Duty 4. The Variety Map Pack continues to sell incredibly well, over a year since the original game's release.

Halo 3 Mythic map 'Sandbox' dug up, dusted off


(click to embiggen)
Behold, the first screenshot of the yet to be officially revealed Halo 3 multiplayer map Sandbox. You know, the map that's one third of the upcoming Mythic Map Pack. The image comes way of the official Austrian Xbox Blog, which sort of jumped the gun plasma rifle by releasing information about Sandbox and the other Mythic maps, Assembly and Orbital. Bungie must have caught word of the photographic leak and decided to host a super high-res shot of their own.

What we gather from the Sandbox screenshot is that the map looks a lot like Halo 3 arena Sandtrap, but darker and with fewer hills. If you look really close, each chunk of the map seems movable, meaning that Sandbox will be a true Forge experience. And if you investigate even further, the Austrialian Xbox Blog mentions the Mythic maps will cost 800 with an XBLM release on March 3rd. Go ahead, grab a shovel, start digging and see what you can find.

[Via 1UP, Thanks MDK x2002x]

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Reminder: 360 memory upgrade program ends Saturday

Last call for those Xbox 360 Arcade console owners who are looking to take advantage of Microsoft's NXE storage solution offer. The program -- which was setup to get Arcade console owners storage to install the NXE -- ends this Saturday, January 31st when Microsoft will pull the plug on the website. To receive either your free 512MB memory card or to take advantage of their 20GB HDD deal, simply head over to the official memory request website, enter your console information and review what storage solution offers you receive.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Gets New Playlists and Double XP


To compliment The Big Game, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare players will receive Double-XP this weekend-January 30th through February 1st. Not only will players receive Double-XP, but due to popular request they will have two new playlists.
Updates:
Update: PWN or DIE just received word (from the same source) that this was a mix-up on their end and the below news is actually for Call of Duty: World at War. Please do not get mad at PWN or DIE, they were just as happy as you were.
Read Full Story >>

Latest Nintendo financial report sees predictable, record growth



Before enslaving the planet and putting all of us to work in the mines, toiling away for mushrooms and fire flowers until we're nothing but skin, bones and broken dreams, Nintendo has seen fit to reveal its latest fiscal report. Summary: Nintendo makes money.

During the period of April to December 2008, Nintendo enjoyed global sales of 1,536 billion yen ($17 billion), an increase of almost 17% compared to the same period in 2007. Operating profits were also up to 501 billion yen ($5 billion), showing a 27% over the same period in 2007. It's not all sunshine and lollipops, however, as Nintendo reported losses of 18% in both recurring and net profits.

With Nintendo's 2008 fiscal year ending March 31st, it has upped its forecast as far as the DS is concerned, with hardware sales expected to rise by 3% to 31.5 million globally and software predicted to drop 7% to 193 million. Moving on to the Wii, Nintendo revised its prediction for both hardware and software sales -- predicted Wii sales drop 3% to 26.5 million systems and software lowers to 193 million games.

Continued →

Target clearance: Too Human, Mercenaries 2, Fracture and others


Everyone's favorite aggressive clearance retailer, Target, is discounting their old video game stock. This means that your local Target has cut the price of Xbox 360 titles including Fracture, Virtua Fighter 5, Too Human, Viva Pinata: Trouble in Paradise and others by as much as 30%. Playstation 3 titles including Mercenaries 2, Web of Shadows, EndWar and others have also seen a price cut. As always, your mileage may vary depending on your local store's selection and price cutting schedule.

For those willing to tempt fate by not making a purchase just yet, expect what's left of the clearance selection to be discounted by as much as 50% in the next week or so. It's Target tradition.

Ensemble co-founder says goodbye as studio closes


Today Ensemble Studios co-founder Bruce Shelley wrote his final blog for the company, which is set to shut its doors forever now that work on Halo Wars is complete. Shelley said that "about 60%" of the staff that worked on the first Age of Empires title stayed with the company for its entire lifespan, making for some mixed emotions during the studio's final week. "Boxes are piled in the hallways for trash; people are giving away games and other stuff they don't want anymore; computers are being wiped; and our corporate IDs are being turned in," he said, adding, "Although we will be keeping in touch through some alumni initiatives, many of us may not cross paths again." He then went on to thank everyone that supported the studio throughout the years.

According to Shelley, "at least two new studios" will be formed by former Ensemble Studios employees, one of which will handle Ensemble Studios Online and post-launch support for Halo Wars. We wish all Ensemble Studios staff members the best of luck in their new endeavors.

[Via Big Download]

PSA: The iPhone cannot play Xbox 360 software


Ladies and gentlemen, brace yourself: the iPhone cannot play Xbox 360 games. We know, we were surprised too. Wait, no we weren't. That's why the latest YouTube video making the rounds is so hilariously stupid. YouTube vagabond onlywhenpissed claims a crack he created allows gamers to play Halo 3 on a jail-broken iPhone 3G with the aide of 1337pwn's Friends List application. All it'll take for you to learn this secret is a few measly MS Points.

The scammer attempts to showcase his wizardry by playing the game on his iPhone in the video found after the jump. However, even those who require the assistance of a seeing eye dog can tell it's just a video of Halo 3 footage. The truth is the iPhone just doesn't have the horsepower to run any Xbox 360 software. So, you'd have about as much luck getting this trick to work by placing a Halo 3 disc on your pinkie while spinning it and making aircraft noises. Don't be a sucker. Hold onto your points.

Continued →

Yippie-Kye-Aye! New Halo 3: ODST wallpapers to dress your desktop


Bungie.net has updated the Halo 3: ODST page with a pair of fresh wallpapers. Game Informer subscribers might remember these two pieces of concept art from a recent issue of the magazine. Looking to dress up your desktop with some Halo flavor? Check them out.

Halo 3: ODST follows a lone soldier, crash-landed in New Mombasa. While Master Chief can be considered Superman, this ODST soldier is more comparable to John McClane. One guy with some sweet firepower versus insurmountable odds. Hopefully, he'll complain about as much as McClane did.

Ken Lally confirms voice work for Call of Duty 6


With all the recent talk of having Call of Duty 6 ready for a 2009 release, it should come as no surprise that COD6 (or Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, if you're a purist) is knee-deep in development. So says famed voice actor Ken Lally (RE5 star and Heroes veteran), who revealed to Coin-Op TV (see 45:30 mark of video) that he has done voice work for "Call of Duty 6," in addition to Dragon Age: Origins. How's that for confirmation? Sort of makes Activision's "speculative" comment seem .... well, speculative.

Update: We have removed this post from our front page at the request of Ken Lally, who is in some "hot water." C'mon Activision, what'd Ken really do wrong? Confirm his voice is in a game you already announced? He promoted your game -- for free! Let's cut the guy a break. Sheesh.

[Via Gamezine]

Metareview -- Killzone 2



Ignore the fact that we still have about a month to go before Killzone 2 actually releases ... who's up for some reviews? The North American embargo for online media is up Monday (coincidentally, the very same day we're publishing our pretentious, non-numerical review), but Europe, print mags and IGN (sorry gang, not a world exclusive -- but close enough) have already doled out their numbers, thumbs-up and high-fives for the PS3-exclusive FPS and promptly moved on.

Whether or not it was a good idea for reviews to hit this early is debatable (we may have to consider a second metareview closer to the late February launch), but at least the first critics appear to have positive things to say about Killzone 2:
  • GamePro (100/100): "It took a long time for Killzone 2 to finally come out, but after diving head first into the game, there's no doubt in my mind that it lives up to the hype and is a must-play for FPS fans."
  • IGN (94/100): "The single-player experience is a truly enjoyable campaign across the Helghast home world that will test your skills, particularly on the higher difficulty levels, and the game simply looks phenomenal for a console shooter. But perhaps the strongest segment of the game is the extremely deep multiplayer, which gives seven basic classes with which you can create your own customized super-soldier after performing your class-specific duties."
  • IGN AU (90/100): "End line, Killzone 2 is, by IGN's definition, outstanding. It is consistent in every respect and is testament to the talents of the developer as well as the power of the PS3 in the hands of a team that knows how to use the hardware -- and who have the full support of Sony behind them. In the same stroke, it is not the be all and end all of console shooters, or even shooters on the PS3 - but if you've read this far and you're one of the Killzone devout, you probably won't care anyway. You can rest easy knowing it was ultimately worth the wait."
  • Eurogamer (90/100): "This is a methodical shooter that makes few concessions to those not already interested in its single-minded approach to cover-based military action. I've compared it to Rainbow Six in the past, but it also calls to mind F.E.A.R, another tough tactical effort that was often misunderstood by those expecting a frag-happy spook hunt. Killzone 2 is a taut and muscular game, a shooter that gives back more than you put in, provided you have the intestinal fortitude. It may take its time revealing its true depths and pleasures, but the journey is well worth taking."

Curious about Killzone 2? Check out our ridiculously informative FAQ, featuring everything from button layout to release date to Trophies to multiplayer analysis, and more! And if that don't do it for ya? Then proceed directly to our hands-on preview of the single-player campaign.

Oh, and stay tuned for our official review coming next week!

Deal: Pre-order Killzone 2 for only $52 from amazon.com


Let's face it -- games aren't very cheap, especially at launch. amazon.com has a pretty decent price on the Killzone 2 pre-order: $52, shipped using coupon code KZ2SAVE5. The amazon.com pre-order also gives you access to exclusive costumes to wear in PlayStation Home.

The excellent reviews so far should alleviate any concerns you may have had about its quality. You may want to take advantage of this deal -- if you can afford to wait the extra days it'll take to come in the mail.

[Via CAG]

PSN Thursday: A savage, bejeweled moon will challenge your brain


Savage Moon finally makes an appearance on the American PSN Store this week alongside a smattering of other tasty offerings. PopCap's first PSN release, Bejeweled 2, is available as well as a pretty decent amount of LittleBigPlanet downloadable content. There are also the normal rhythm-based add-ons and Burnout Paradise's price has been dropped to only $19.99. At that price you'd have to be insane not to pick it up.

Choose your platform to view the corresponding release list:

PS3 / PSP

(Note: Continue past the break to view both release lists; Euro releases here.)

Price Drops
  • Burnout Paradise (now $19.99)
  • Shaun White Snowboarding "Mile High" pack (now $4.99)
Playable Content
  • Bejeweled 2 full game ($9.99)
  • Bejeweled 2 demo (free)
  • Savage Moon full game ($9.99) (Hesitant? Check out our review.)
  • Brain Challenge PS3 + PSP bundle ($12.99)
Add-on Content
  • LittleBigPlanet DLC (listed after the break)
  • Skate 2 "filmer" pack ($7.49)
  • Mirror's Edge PS3 exclusive map (free)
  • Lord of the Rings: Conquest "Hero Arenas" pack (free)
  • Disgaea 3 "Hanako" character ($1.99)
  • Disgaea 3 "Taro" character ($1.99)
  • Guitar Hero World Tour DLC (listed after the break)
  • Karaoke Revolution DLC (listed after the break)

Killzone 2: Introducing the ... introduction

Killzone 2 has never lacked in the pre-rendered department. Heck, the game's most famous (or is that: infamous?) for its unbelievable visual razzle-dazzle. All smoke and mirrors or not, this is the official intro cinematic that's included in the game. Pre-rendered, in-engine, whatever -- it's definitely not playable. So sit back, dim the lights, and enjoy.

[Warning: Video contains some rough language and a few kabooms. Plug in your earphones if the boss is nearby.]

Curious about Killzone 2? Check out our ridiculously informative FAQ, featuring everything from button layout to release date to Trophies to multiplayer analysis, and more! And if that don't do it for ya? Then proceed directly to our hands-on preview of the single-player campaign.

Oh, and stay tuned for our official review coming next week!

Playstation 4 Plan Details Leaked


The PS4 will also continue to utilize the existing CELL architecture, rather than launch something brand new. Bravo, says me, because forcing developers to effectively pick up and move from their established country to Timbuktu every half a decade is a surefire way to cripple launch cycles and leave "un-anointed" third-party developers out in the cold. What's more, a twice-powerful PS3 would almost certainly offer enough "oomph" to keep the plaudits coming from the hardcore faithful, while allowing Sony to more vigorously reach out to the Nintendo "casual" market with a steady stream of cheap-to-develop titles. The idea by 2011, presumably, would be to have a pinched and tweaked CELL SDK that absolutely purrs.
Read Full Story >>

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Killzone 2 out already?


i was on my ps3 and i was looking at my friends list and found this. looks like some body got there hands on it fast just man lol.










by young esco

Xbox LIVE Activity for week of January 19th

Xbox 360 Top Live Titles (based on UU’s)
1 CoD: World at War
2 Halo 3
3 Call of Duty 4
4 Gears of War 2
5 Left 4 Dead
6 GTA IV
7 Fable II
8 FIFA 09
9 Guitar Hero World Tour
10 Madden NFL 09

Read the rest of this entry »

Fighting Games to Make a Come Back in 2009?


BeefJack writes, "There's just something about punching your friend in the face that never gets old. Fighting games had their heyday during the Street Fighter 2 days, when the genre went from a passing notion to a full blown bonanza. Everyone and their mother was making fighting games back then and many huge franchises would soon follow. However fighting games in the States began to run into their own growing pains.

Things are beginning to look up now, as a fighting game renaissance is brewing, with fighting games sharing renewed interest with new games being made and the return of some big franchises to the limelight.

So, with the excitement growing, I figure it's time to take a look at some of the big fighters to come in 2009..."
Read Full Article >>

Best Buy offers members $9.99 PS3, Xbox 360 title


Best Buy Co. Inc. stores this week began offering Rockstar Games' Midnight Club: Los Angeles for Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox 360 and Sony Corp.'s Playstation 3 for under $10 to select members of the retailer's Reward Zone program.

In the offer, Premier Silver Reward Zone members this week can purchase Midnight Club: Los Angeles for the PS3 or Xbox 360 for $9.99 after a $30 instant savings.
Read Full Story >>

Police coming to Burnout Paradise?



In a trailer released yesterday for Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box, Criterion has hinted that police will be returning to Burnout in a future DLC pack.

At the sixty second mark the trailer shows Burnout Paradise's new 'Burnout Store' with a mouse hovering over a button marked with a PCPD badge, which we presume to be an abbreviation of Paradise City Police Department. Underneath the button are the words 'Coming Soon'.

RivalSoul.com Killzone 2 Review - 10 out of 10


RivalSoul.com has reviewed Killzone 2 and has given it full marks.
Read Full Review >>

2008 showed World Tour defeat Rock Band 2 in sales


In 2008, Guitar Hero World Tour sold a lot of copies to anxious would-be rockers. Its competition, Rock Band 2, also sold a lot of copies, but, in the end, was not enough to best Activision's title. So, you want exact figures? Well, World Tour unloaded 3.4 million copies on consumers, across all platforms, whereas Rock Band 2 only sold 1.7 million, across all platforms, according to the NPD. Interesting stuff.

What we'd like to know, however, is how World Tour stacks up against Rock Band when including the first game into the mix. Has the Rock Band franchise sold more than 3.4 million units? Guess we'll have to wait and see on that one. Considering how well Rock Band did on Wii and other platforms, it would be very interesting to see them stacked side-by-side.

An Overkill Prime Pre-order House of the Dead, get prologue comic


You wouldn't think the House of the Dead series would need a lengthy explanation, but Sega disagrees. Pre-ordering The House of The Dead: Overkill nets gamers a 32-page comic book, illustrated by Steve Copter of punk-band 'Black Mekon' fame. Available in traditional paper form at GameStop or digitally from Amazon, the comic stars Overkill protagonist Agent Washington and stripper-extraordinaire Varla Gunns, and details events that occur just before the start of the upcoming game. Here we thought the only explanation needed with House of the Dead was: "Shoot everything that isn't you ... and don't accidentally shoot any survivors."