PlayStation LifeStyle » Dan Massi

PlayStation Plus Announced, First 3 Months Free, Priced, Tons of Content

Dan Massi — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 20:11:22 +0000

In the most expected reveal of Sony’s E3 conference, the company announced the arrival of a premium service for the PSN, appropriately titled PlayStation Plus.

Don’t panic, the new service will not hinder online play for PS3 owners who wish not to pay, and all existing features will remain free.

Members will be able to get at least four games a month at no extra charge. Each month there will be a selection of one PSN game, two minis and one PS one classic available on PlayStation Store for you to download. You also get premium avatars and dynamic themes each month, many of which are exclusive to members.

There will also be discounts available on PlayStation Store content, just for the members, and, you will be giving selected demos and beta trials before they go live to the public. Allegedly, the games, avatars and themes alone are worth at least £200 per year, but that will not be the only benefit of the service.

This premium feature gives you the chance to try PSN and Blu-ray disc titles before you buy them in a revolutionary new way. ‘Full Game Trial’ allows you to download the full game and play it as if you owned it for approximately one hour, depending on the game, before you decide if you want to buy it or not. This includes online modes, and all other features you’d expect in a game. Additionally, your progress and trophies from the trial will all be unlocked if you buy the game so no need to go back and start again.

Another feature exclusive to the Plus service is the ability to set your PS3 to automatically receive the latest game updates for all the games you play, PS3 system software updates and game demos for your PS3, all automatically. After setting the time, your PS3 will automatically wake up and download everything, ready for when you next want to game, thus stopping you from having to wait for patches each time you want to play a game.

The price is $49.99/ €49.99 / £39.99 a year. In addition, you have the option of purchasing three months for $18/ €14.99 / £11.99.

“Sly Cooper Collection” Spotted at E3, Coming in 3D

Dan Massi — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:52:27 +0000

Excitement was definitely among the PlayStation crowd when Infamous 2, the sequel to 2009′s open world superhero hit, was announced. However, it was a bitter sweet moment, as developer Sucker Punch had been rumored to be working on the much demanded Sly Cooper 4. Although a fourth iteration of the famous raccoon’s adventures seems distant, Sly Cooper may be returning to the PS3 sooner than we expected.

Hours ago an image was taken of the yet unopened Sony E3 booth, capturing a blurry banner that appeared to be for a “Sly Cooper Collection”. On the right of the banner is an apparent 3D logo, revealing that the collection may use the stereoscopic 3D the PS3 now uses. 1UP first revealed the image on their website, but it was taken down quickly. Thankfully, various websites were able to capture the image beforehand.

Sony’s E3 press conference begins today. Expect some big news.

[Via]

Monopoly Streets Passes Go to PS3

Dan Massi — Mon, 10 May 2010 00:20:00 +0000

Ever wondered what it would be like to be immersed in the Monopoly world? Ever wondered the possibility of playing Monopoly on your television, in a dynamic 3D deliverance? Well, wonder no more, as EA has announced the latest Monopoly game – Monopoly Streets.

Scheduled to launch this fall on PS3, Monopoly Streets is bringing the entire Monopoly world to the console, putting players right into a Monopoly-themed world, “re-imagined” to experience the classic board game in a street level view. The game will utilize the classic Monopoly formula, giving players the option of buying property, and see your fictional empire rise, or possibly fall. The title also delivers classic game board modes, for the “purists.”

Also included in the game are the new “house rules”, where players can save their own customized rules and play with a group of friends. Monopoly Streets also features an online mode for the PS3 (also Xbox 360), where you’ll be able to find other players around the world to play with. Downloadable content will be available for the game as well, giving players the ability to download future content, such as themed boards, tokens, etc. Chip Lange, General Manager and Senior Vice President of EA’s Hasbro Division, had this to say on the title.

“We’re taking Hasbro’s No. 1 family game brand and masterfully striking the balance of offering the classic MONOPOLY play experience and adding a spectacular new visual treatment as we bring the classic board to life with players walking the streets of MONOPOLY. MONOPOLY Streets will bring people together and connect families all over the world by offering online gameplay through their gaming consoles. We think this unique, combined offering will bring families together around the TV this holiday season for a classic family gaming tradition they’ll remember for years to come.”

As mentioned, Monopoly Streets launches this fall.

LittleBigPlanet 2 Screenshots Emerge from the Pod

Dan Massi — Sun, 09 May 2010 18:15:46 +0000

With LittleBigPlanet 2 now officially confirmed, the only necessary thing to do now is play the waiting game. Unfortunately, it may be some time (most likely at E3) until we actually get to look at official reveal trailer for the game. However, these screenshots should tie you over for now.

The new screenshots for LittleBigPlanet 2, which emerged yesterday, show offs the new “direct seat control” feature, and some LittleBigPlanet-like contraptions.

No release date has been set for LittleBigPlanet 2 yet, but stay tuned on PlayStation LifeStyle as we’ll have all the information on the sequel to the 2008 masterpiece as it arrives.

[Via]

Christmas Comes Early–Section 8 50% Off

Dan Massi — Thu, 06 May 2010 16:13:52 +0000

Christmas is coming a few months early this year. TimeGate Studio is bringing the festive holiday this month with the “Christmas in May” sale on PSN for the studio’s flagship title, Section 8.

Starting Tuesday, May 11 and running until Tuesday, May 18, PlayStation 3 owners will be able to pick up Section 8 for a mere $14.99–half-off the regular price. The PS3 version of Section 8 features 3 DLC maps, all which are free – unlike the Xbox 360 version.

Will you purchase Section 8 when the sale begins? Have you bought it already? Post your comments below!

EA Believes Crysis 2 is a Crafted “Halo Killer”

Dan Massi — Thu, 06 May 2010 12:41:15 +0000

“Halo killer” is one of the more popular terms used for a highly-anticipated first-person shooter still in development; coined after the release of the revolutionary original Xbox launch title Halo: Combat Evolved. However, most titles simply cannot live up to the term, but according to EA they have an upcoming title which has a shot – Crysis 2.

EA Games label president Frank Gibeau has said that the Crytek team is trying to craft a Halo killer, using their latest title Crysis 2. Frank said the following:

“…we were trying to craft a Halo-killer, you know a product that would squarely go after what Bungie built with our partners at Crytek. So the Crysis 2 product is spectacular, very high-end, and is going to be a multi-year franchise,”

With Halo: Reach set to debut later this year, Crysis 2 will have its shot at making its point made this fall. Will Crysis 2 be a “Halo killer” against Halo itself? Post below and share your opinion!

[Source]

Darksiders 2, Saints Row 3 Still on Track for 2012

Dan Massi — Thu, 06 May 2010 09:47:08 +0000

2012 could be the year that the world ends, sure – but it’s also a year for celebration. Why, you ask? Is the celebration in effect for 2012 because we could potentially be annihilated by unknown effects? Nah – it’s because of hyped sequels of commercially successful franchises.

THQ has commented on their release schedule, revealing that Darksiders 2, Saints Row 3, and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine are still on track for debuts in 2012. On the topic of releases for the upcoming years, it was also revealed that the new Red Faction game and Homefront on target for 2011. CEO Brian Farrell also had good news for Darksiders and developer Vigil Games, announcing that the game has sold over 1.3 million units since launch.

[Via]

Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood Confirmed by Ubisoft, Features Multiplayer

Dan Massi — Thu, 06 May 2010 07:54:33 +0000

A new title featuring Assassin’s Creed II hero Ezio was rumored for quite some time – but it has finally been confirmed. Ubisoft today has revealed information we all knew was coming, and has announced Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood, a full-fledged PS3 title.

Yesterday, placeholder art was leaked of a new Assassin’s Creed title – Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood. It was undecided whether the image was in fact real or not, until an Ubisoft representative confirmed the existence of the title, saying: “Ubisoft confirms the authenticity of this image and will provide more information next week.” Nothing more was said, but the placeholder art does reveal some details about the game.

“Live and breathe as Ezio, now a legendary master assassin, in his struggle against the Templar order. Lead your own brotherhood of Assassins and strike at the heart of the enemy. Rome,” it goes on to say.
“And for the first time, take part in an innovative multiplayer layer allowing you to embody an assassin of your choosing and define their killing style. A never-before-seen online multiplayer experience.”

Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood is rumored to hit this year, after a LinkedIn resume revealed a 2010 release for an unknown Assassin’s Creed title.

Tecmo Koei: Ninja Gaiden 3 Will Be “Spectacular”

Dan Massi — Thu, 06 May 2010 05:26:34 +0000

The Ninja Gaiden series has always been a great one, and who has always been there at the helm? None other than video game designer Tomonobu Itagaki. However, now that Itagaki has left developer Team Ninja, fans of the series have been fearing the worst for the series fate. Need not worry though, as Tecmo Koei is expecting Team Ninja to do extremely well with the forthcoming Ninja Gaiden 3.

Tecmo Koei senior managing director Yoshiki Sugiyama recently spoke with website CVG, saying that the company is planning to “nuture” the upcoming-but-not-yet-announced Ninja Gaiden 3.

“Ninja Gaiden is such a beloved and important franchise for us and fans expect such great things from the next instalment that we need to indulge in a little nurturing. If and when we talk about a new Ninja Gaiden, it will be spectacular.”

Ninja Gaiden 3 has not yet been officially announced, but the future of the series has been casually discussed.

[Source]

Brink Brings on the New Screenshots

Dan Massi — Wed, 05 May 2010 22:07:33 +0000

Thanks to the eruption of the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajokull (also referred to as “that one volcano that screwed stuff up.”), Splash Damage was unable to properly show off its new title, Brink, at Bethesda’s latest press event in France. However, that didn’t stop the developer from at least trying to get the people of the internet excited. Oh, and they sure did.

Splash Damage has released new screenshots for its extremely customizable first-person shooter Brink. It’s not a lot of screenshots – but with a title that looks this good – it’ll do.

Activision Continues Upped Price for Call of Duty: Black Ops

Dan Massi — Wed, 05 May 2010 16:18:08 +0000

Raising the price on anything will never get a warm response from the consumer. Unfortunately for Activision, it almost seems like they are trying to piss off consumers. Activision is continuing yet another trend that caused plenty of gamers to pay overly high prices for one of their previous games… So, angry mob, get your torches and pitchforks ready.

A few UK retailers, including Play.com, Amazon, and GAME, have listed Call of Duty: Black Ops for £54.99. Last year, controversy began after Activision raised the price of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 to £54.99, to the displeasure of many UK gamers. Although there was much hate over that price, the game did become an incredible success, becoming the second-highest grossing title of all time in the United Kingdom. Regarding Black Op’s pricing, an Activision spokesperson said the following, “With regards to Black Ops, we haven’t confirmed any pricing details at this stage so have nothing to comment on.”

Are you upset by the pricing choice for Call of Duty: Black Ops? Will you still purchase it, UK gamers?

[Via]

Castle Crashers Boasts Volleyball Skills with New Screens, Video

Dan Massi — Wed, 05 May 2010 14:16:46 +0000

Castle Crashers releases who-knows-when for the PlayStation Network. To keep us PS3 owners filled with wonder and delight while we wait, the kind folks at The Behemoth have released some new screens, accompanied by a video, showing off the PSN exclusive Volleyball mode.

Volleyball is the newest mode in Castle Crashers, and do you know what’s great about it? It’s exclusive to the PSN version! Not to sound arrogant – but that’s totally awesome for us PS3 players, am I right? The Volleyball mode can be played with up to eight players online, and it’s volleyball, so, who wouldn’t like it?

Castle Crashers releases on PlayStation Network hopefully sometime this year.

[Source]

Alpha Protocol Finally Goes Gold

Dan Massi — Wed, 05 May 2010 09:45:31 +0000

Many been waiting for this moment for a long time now. The anticipated Alpha Protocol is the secret agent answer to Bioware’s Mass Effect, and has disappointingly been delayed several times now. However, the wait is finally almost over.

SEGA have announced that Alpha Protocol has gone gold and is heading for a June 1st release in North America and European release of May 28th. In the game, players will play as CIA field agent Michael Thorton, who is betrayed by his superiors and being hunted by the United States government after a failed mission. The response from Thorton is the use of “Alpha Protocol”, which allows senior agents to work undercover.

Alpha Protocol was developed by Obsidian Entertainment, the developer behind Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2.

Uncharted Movie Has Completed Script; Moving Along Nicely

Dan Massi — Wed, 05 May 2010 08:00:47 +0000

Months after its announcement, Uncharted is quickly edging closer to the silver-screen day-by-day. It was really no surprise when it was announced that a movie was being planned on the incredibly successful and critically appraised game series, though it certainly is surprising how much progress is being made.

The L.A. Times have reported that the script for the Uncharted movie Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune, is complete. The script was written by both Thomas Dean Donnelly and Joshua Oppenheimer, the duo who worked on the Dreamwork’s adaption of the Cowboys & Aliens film. According to an L.A. Times source, the script written by the two was well liked, and Sony wishes to move forward with the project. Also attached to the Uncharted film is producer Charles Roven, who was part of The Dark Knight crew.

Several directors are apparently being considered for the film, with David O. Russell being one them. Russell was director of films such as Spanking the Monkey, Flirting with Disaster, The Fighter, Three Kings, and I ♥ Huckabees. The Uncharted film was to be pushed towards a summer 2011 release, however, the slot has most likely be filled with Kevin James’ new comedy, The Zookeeper.

The movie is said to be based on the first Uncharted title but the actors and actresses are still unknown at this point.

[Source]

Obsidian CEO Says Fallout: New Vegas Will Be Almost Original

Dan Massi — Wed, 05 May 2010 06:05:30 +0000

To associate Obsidian Entertainment and existing game franchises is like associating peanut butter and jelly – they just work together. They have worked on game series such as the critically acclaimed Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Neverwinter Nights, and even at one point were working on an Aliens title. Their latest title, Fallout: New Vegas, certainly isn’t work of a new IP, but according to the CEO of Obsidian, it’s close.

Speaking with Joystiq.com, Obsidian CEO Feargus Urquhart discussed the subject of Fallout: New Vegas, and how it separates itself with other Fallout titles. During the interview Feargus had this to say:

You know, New Vegas is a story we came up. It’s all our own characters. It’s a bunch of new weapons. It’s a whole new part of the world. I mean, it has “Fallout” on it, and we are very faithful to the canon and what’s come before, but we can do whatever we want. So, I mean, at that point, it’s almost like it’s an original.

Fallout: New Vegas is presumed to release during Fall 2010.