Wednesday, August 31, 2011

HEADS UP: Nintendo 3DS Ambassador rewards start tomorrow!

Hey everyone - just wanted to give you all a quick reminder that tomorrow (9/1/2011) 3DS early adopters will be able to download the free NES titles.

Here is how to claim them:

1. From the Nintendo 3DS HOME menu, select the Nintendo eShop icon.

2. Scroll left and select "Settings / Other."

3. Scroll down and select "Account Activity" to view a list of transactions.

4. The NES game will be listed here once it is available to download. Tap "Software Info," and then "Redownload" to begin the download process.

I can't wait!

VIDEO: Rage "Gearhead Vault" Gameplay

Can this game look any cooler?!

BRING IT ON!

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

VIDEO: Aliens: Colonial Marines

Oh HELL yes!

*This* is the Alien/Aliens based game i've been waiting for.

Let's have a look:




WOOT: Sonic the Hedghog 4 Episode 2 announced for 2012

About damn time!

From Eurogamer:

The second episode of Sonic the Hedgehog 4 won't be launching until 2012 - well over a year after the first installment of SEGA's episodic series launched in 2010.

"This year, 2011, is the anniversary, so we're focusing on the celebration title," Sonic Team's Takashi Iikuza told Eurogamer, "But moving forward to 2012, Sonic will still be going, so I'd hope to provide Episode 2 then."

Make it happen Sega! Sonic 4 Episode 1 was a massive step in the right direction for the Sonic franchise.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

New PSP Model coming to Europe

Who saw THIS coming?! Sony has announced a new model of PSP that strips out WiFi but also drops the price (not to mention a kinda nice redesign).


While most attendees to the SCEE press conference at gamescom will have anticipated some announcements around PlayStation Vita, our upcoming next generation portable, few would have predicted the unveil of the brand new PSP-E1000.

Value for money is the goal with this new model that will retail at just €99.99 (RRP), accompanied by an exciting range of PSP Essentials titles that will retail at only €9.99 (RRP) and will include Invizimals: The Lost Tribe, EyePet Adventures, FIFA 12 and many more.

Interesting, if not confusing. UMD is back in - WiFi is out. Come to think of it, I've only done multiplayer or online gaming on the PSP a hand full of times, so the lack of WiFi in that aspect doesn't bother me. What does bother me is the requirement to use another device to purchase and download non-UMD PSP Software.

Odd.

PS3 Price drop!

Sony has announced price cuts on both the 160gig and the 320gig PS3 models.

I’m excited to share with you that effective immediately at retailers throughout North America, the 160 GB PS3 and the 320GB PS3 are now available for $249 and $299, respectively.

While I'd really like to see the PS3 hit $199 sooner rather than later, this is a step in the right direction.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

VIDEO: DMC: Devil May Cry gameplay

Here's yet another fresh video from Gamescon - This time for the upcoming reboot of Devil May Cry (which i guess is being called DMC: Devil May Cry officially):

VIDEO: Street Fighter X Tekken (Gamescon 2011 trailer)

Check this out! Here is the latest video for Street Fighter x Tekken - giving us a great overview of the new fighting system! Let's have a look:



I am *so* looking forward to this!

VIDEO: Lollipop Chainsaw trailer

Where did THIS come from?! Holy crap.



Lollipop Chainsaw should arrive here in North America sometime next year - Let's hope it's nearly as cool and crazy as this trailer!

VIDEO: Soul Calibur V (Gamescom 2011 Trailer)

Here is the latest trailer for Soul Calibur V, hot from Gamescom 2011:

VIDEO: Borderlands 2 teaser!!!!!!

At last, a teaser video for Borderlands 2! The first game was really cool in my opinion - a nice hybrid of FPS and MMO game styles with a massive world. I hope the sequel can live up to the original.

In any case, let's have a look:



Boo no actual gameplay. Boo!

Saturday, August 13, 2011

HELL YES: Valve Announces Counter Strike: Global Offensive

I know this headline is going to give some people a cold sweat... But Counter Strike is coming back, and *everyone* wins. No matter your gaming platform of choice, be it PC, Mac, PS3 or Xbox 360 - CS:GO is coming early next year.

In a press release, Valve said that "CS: GO features new maps, characters, and weapons and delivers updated versions of the classic CS content (de_dust, etc.). In addition, CS: GO will introduce new gameplay modes, matchmaking, leader boards, and more."

Valve has also been kind enough to go ahead and put a listing on Steam, so might as well add it to your wish list.

Just when you think you have that Counter Strike habit kicked...


(I can't wait!)

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

TRAILER: Beyond the Game

Here is a slick trailer for an upcoming documentary about video game culture - let's have a look:

Beyond the Game: the EVO 2011 Trailer. from AnimatronicAckbar on Vimeo.


(Thanks Terry!)

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

PS3 Update v3.70 incoming!

"Soon" is all Sony has said, but they've updated the PlayStation blog with some of the new features!

-A new auto upload function for online save data back-up will be added to make it easier to back-up your game save data. Under (Game), select the game for which you want to automatically upload saved data, and then press the Triangle button.

-Also, Trophies will now sync automatically at the timing of Auto Download.

Due to the increase in video applications being offered on PS3, we are adding a new category on the XMB called TV/Video Services. This category will include video applications such as Netflix, Hulu PLUS, and VUDU.

You’ll be able to find and download all of the video applications available on PS3 directly from this new XMB category.
A folder labeled “My Channels” within this category will allow you to easily access your downloaded applications.
Any videos downloaded from the PlayStation store will continue to be placed in the existing Video category on the XMB

The automatic cloud save is a very nice touch, but I'm puzzled about the automatic trophy sync (i thought this was automatic already?).

Hey, at least it's not just another update with "security fixes".

VIDEO: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Spec Ops

Hot off the "presses", here is the latest MW3 trailer. Let's have a look:

Monday, August 8, 2011

WTF: Diablo 3 to require internet connection for play

Recently it was announced that Blizzard's upcoming Diablo 3 would require players to have internet access in order to play, which has caused strong reactions from a divided user base.

Before we go any further, I must admit that the Diablo series was something I never really got into (this is primarily due to the fact that Diablo 1 and 2 were never available for the Macintosh, which was my family's computer back in those days), so I am rather neutral about this issue personally. However, Several friends of mine have expressed everything from "meh" to flat out anger at this move - and so I was nudged to comment on this issue.

To start, here is why Blizzard feels this is a good move:

Executive vice president of game design Rob Pardo notes that the wealth of improvements and features Diablo 3 brings to Battle.net necessitate the always-online requirement. Specific additions that he refers to include:

A persistent friends list.
Cross-game chat via the RealID system.
Persistent characters that are stored server-side (no more having to play online once every 90 days, nor item duplication cheats).
Persistent party system.
Player-versus-player and public game matchmaking.
Dynamic drop-in/out for co-op
Larger item stash that gets shared among all of your characters (at the moment, up to 10)
The auction house, outlined here.
The Achievement system and detailed stat-tracking, both of which feed into the final point:
The Banner system, a visual way to display your prowess in the game. Banners start out like emblems, where you can choose from an array of symbols, patterns, and overall shape/design. Then, you can tweak its appearance through Achievements and other accomplishments. Examples Pardo cites include whether the character is in Hardcore mode, how many Achievements have been earned, how many PVP victories, and so forth. Additionally, the Banners also have gameplay features; in-game, rather than use Town Portal, you can click on a player's Banner to instantly teleport over to said player.

But at the same time...

While Pardo recognizes that people sometimes want or need to play offline (such as internet outages, or playing on a laptop during an airplane flight), he notes that the increased security, plus benefits like the above, outweigh those other concerns. "I want to play Diablo 3 on my laptop in a plane, but, well, there are other games to play for times like that."

Really? "Hey thanks for spending $60 on our software, now go play something else".

On one hand, Blizzard makes a good case with it's list of reasons to keep the game online, but on the other - Why should a single player title *require* 24/7 internet access?

VIDEO: New Sonic Generations footage!

Here is the latest video from November's Sonic Generations showing us 5 minutes of gameplay showing us the Chemical Plant and City Escape levels. Let's have a look:





Thursday, August 4, 2011

UHH OK: Modern Warfare 3 confirmed for Wii

Up until now, there had been no sign of Modern Warfare 3 coming to the Wii, but here we go!

Today on a financial conference call, the company cleared up what had previously been a murky issue, but rest assured Modern Warfare 3 is hitting the Wii. No release date specifics were given, so we don't know if the game will be hitting simultaneously when the other versions come out on November 8.

Good news for Wii gamers who love shooters, however I do wonder if MW3 will make a later appearance on the Wii U.

PlayStation Vita on sale early 2012 in NA/EU, Holiday 2011 in JPN

As per the AP:

Sony's next-generation portable game machine, the PlayStation Vita, won't be going on sale in the U.S. or Europe in time for Christmas — a key sales period for game console makers.

Expectations had been high the machine would be ready worldwide for the year-end holiday shopping season. Sony earlier promised a "phased global rollout" starting late this year.

Sony Corp. Executive Vice President Kazuo Hirai said Thursday the PlayStation Vita will go on sale by the end of the year in Japan, and early next year in the U.S. and Europe.

Well, this is rather unfortunate, however I'd much rather Sony avoid rushing anything out the door. On the flip side, this may end up causing the Vita to get off to a slow start depending on how close to the end of the holiday season it ends up launching in North America (I don't know about you, but my gaming budget gets awful tight around and after the holidays due to gifts and travel).

On a more positive note, this also may allow developers a bit of extra time to ensure the launch software is as polished as possible (not to mention allowing the 3DS some more time to grow).

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

BREAKING: Sony acquires Sucker Punch

Overnight it was announced that Sony would be acquiring Sly Cooper/inFamous developers Sucker Punch. Sucker Punch had previously been an independent studio, but has focused on PlayStation titles since 2000.

"Sucker Punch Productions is one of the most highly acclaimed development studios in the industry and we have enjoyed a wonderful relationship with the company for over 12 years. We are delighted to officially welcome them to the SCE family," said Sony's Shuhei Yoshida in an official release.

Sucker Punch is now officially a part of the Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios, which is comprised of 16 studios across the globe and responsible for titles ranging from Twisted Metal to Uncharted, Gran Turismo to LittleBigPlanet.

I don't anticipate this causing any sort of radical change with Sucker Punch. This could be a rather good move for them, as it will probably give them access to new Sony hardware and software sooner, and may help them to make their titles shine even brighter on the PS3 and Sony handhelds.

...now get to work on inFamous 3!