PlayStation LifeStyle » Media

EA & BioWare Release Four New Mass Effect 3 Videos

Nick Michetti — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 04:13:02 +0000

EA and BioWare have released four new videos for Mass Effect 3 that show various gameplay footage and cinematics.

The “Build A Customizable Arsenal” video shows customizable armor and weapon elements of single player at first. Shepard is shown in various armor sets throughout. The trailer also shows the show the menu with the name and statistics for each armor set, in addition to the color customization menus for Shepard’s armor sets. Other in-game menus shown are: weapons customization for add-ons, weapon loadouts and a menu that shows a glimpse of Shepard’s skill tree for Concussive Shot. For multiplayer, class selection for a human, skill tree (one for Singularity, specifically), character customization/loadout, and armor customization menus are shown.

The “Integrated Storytelling” video shows cutscenes, gameplay, and the outcome of a conversation sequence. Shepard is shown trying to ask an Asari operative to help him gain access to a temple to gain access to a relic inside. When he orders her to help him (Renegade,) she says she’s pulling her people out of there. When he explains his situation (Paragon,) she orders that a path be cleared to the temple now. BioWare Edmonton and Montreal Studio General Manager Aaryn Flynn narrates the video and explains that players to get to shape the course of events in real-time as the game reacts to player decisions. He also says that the consequences of choices that players make could lead to the salvation or destruction of entire civilizations.

The “Adrenaline-Pumping Gameplay” video shows various combat gameplay and cutscenes, such as Shepard running from a Reaper attack.

The “Ruthless and Intelligent Enemies” video shows combat gameplay and cutscenes of enemy attacks and closes with a cutscene of a Reaper attack.

“Build A Customizable Arsenal” video:

“Integrated Storytelling” video:

“Adrenaline-Pumping Gameplay” video:

“Ruthless and Intelligent Enemies” video:

Mass Effect 3 releases on March 6th for PS3, Xbox 360, and PC.

Will you be picking up Mass Effect 3? Let us know in the comments below.

New Smash ‘N’ Survive Trailer Released, Game Dated, Priced

Sebastian Moss — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:54:36 +0000

A new trailer for the PSN-exclusive Smash ‘N’ Survive has been released, along with details about the game’s price and release date.

On the EU PS Blog the price has been revealed as €12.99/£9.99 in Europe and the UK, with the release date being reconfirmed as February 22nd. The launch trailer features a mix of in-game gameplay and CGI loveliness:

For more on the Indian-developed game, be sure to read our extensive exclusive interview with Rajat Ojha, President of Version2Games.

The same developer revealed to us plans for an ambitious adventure title, which they called “mind blowing”.

New Twisted Metal Video Teaches Players About Sidearms & Energy Attacks

Nick Michetti — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 02:47:13 +0000

Eat Sleep Play has released a new Twisted Metal video that explains how energy attacks and sidearms work in the upcoming car combat game.

The video begins by explaining that weapon pick-ups and vehicle special weapons have always been a part of the TM series, but in the new PS3 installment, gamers will need more than those to survive and win — they’ll need to master the game’s side arms and energy attacks. Energy attacks in TM are powerful tools and can be used for both offensive and defensive situations. Each energy attack is mapped to one of three directions on the directional pad (left, right, and up). Every time a player uses an attack, it will deplete his/her energy meter. Different attacks use different amounts of energy. Certain vehicles have their own energy depletion rate, depending on the attack. The energy bar regenerates over time. The rate of energy bar regeneration depends on which vehicle the player is using. As players play through TM‘s single player and multiplayer modes, they’ll be able to unlock new energy attacks. No energy attack is better than other — they all have their own pros and cons.

Up on the d-pad is the EMP Blast, which freezes hit enemies for a short period of time, making them vulnerable to attack. To escape an EMP Blast, players must continually mash the controller’s buttons. The speed of escape will be determined by the vehicle selected and how fast they mash the buttons. The Rear EMP is an unlockable version of the EMP. To release the Rear EMP, press up on the d-pad and Triangle at the same time and it will fire out of the rear of the vehicle. To use the Shield, press right on the d-pad. The Shield has the ability to block any incoming projectiles for a limited time. The Absorption Shield can be unlocked as well. To activate it, press right on the d-pad and Triangle. If a player is attacked with the Absorption Shield activated, he or she will gain the item he or she was hit with, in addition to launching a fully charged Stalker missile back at the attacker. If players are hit with a special weapon, they will gain one use of the special weapon. The Absorption Shield is blue (in contrast to the regular Shield, which is red) and lasts a shorter period of time than the regular Shield. Players should be aware of enemy equipped shield types before launching an attack.

Mines are deployed on the ground via left on the d-pad. Super Mines can be unlocked and used by pressing left on the d-pad and Triangle. Super Mines behave the same way as normal mines, but deplete more energy from players and do more damage to enemies than normal mines.

Players who can’t find a weapons pick-up should use a reliable sidearm. Players can fire their driver-controlled sidearms by pressing L2. Sidearms can be changed in single player by going to the campaign’s garage and at the vehicle select screen. In multiplayer, they can be changed at the vehicle select screen and at in-game respawn screens. Players start off with the machine gun, which has unlimited ammunition and a decent rate of fire. The Submachine Gun has a better rate of fire, but shoots in limited bursts, followed by a short pause between rounds. Sidearm reloading is automatic and the red box side arm icon in the player HUD will let him or her know when it’s been reloaded. The Shotgun side arm fires two strong blasts and can be fired quickly by holding down L2. One shell can be left in the barrel for future use by tapping L2 once quickly. Unlike the Shotgun pickup, the Shotgun sidearm is practically useless unless the player is right on top of his/her enemy. However, if the player can get close enough to their enemy for it to be effective, the Shotgun will prove to be one of the most powerful sidearms in the game.

The Magnum Pistol sidearm has six single shots in its clip. It has no homing, but is the most powerful sidearm in the game. The Swarmer sidearm allows players to fire a succession of rockets with one button press. The damage is moderate and the Swarmer takes the longest to reload of all of the sidearms, but the homing ability is second to none. The Mega Gun sidearm is a very fast and powerful hybrid weapon that is scattered throughout the world like a pick-up, but takes the place of the sidearm that players currently have. It comes equipped with 150 rounds of Mega Gun ammo, but players won’t be able to reload it. Once it’s gone, players will have to find another to replace it. Sidearm choices can be the difference between death and victory.

The trailer closes by saying that Twisted Metal may appear to be all about mayhem on the surface, but the players who understand the capabilities of each unique vehicle and master the game’s arsenal of weaponry will be the ones who are taking down the most players. In the new TM, it’s not enough to just be crazy — players have to be crazy and smart.

To view the “Twisted Metal University: Weapons Training” video, click below:

Twisted Metal will be released exclusively for PS3 on Valentine’s Day, February 14th.

Are you picking up Twisted Metal next week? Let us know in the comments below!

[Source]

Double Fine Adventure Kickstarter Fund Passes $1 Million

Sebastian Moss — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:01:05 +0000

It took eight hours for Double Fine to raise the $400k necessary to develop a new adventure game without the help of a publisher. A few hours later the company had reached $600k, but now they have passed an incredible $1 million – and they still have 33 days of fundraising left.

The Double Fine team are probably F5ing the Kickstarter page right now, between high-fives and bottles of champagne, as the money flow doesn’t show any sign of slowing down, despite the company already having raised over twice that of their target.

The excess money was originally said to be used for bringing the game to other platforms and for localization, but considering the huge amount of extra money, it’ll be interesting to see if Double Fine does anything more interesting with the money. Luckily for them, they might not even need to use the money to make Psychonauts 2, as Minecraft‘s Notch has offered to help fund the game – did Schafer recently find a four leaf clover?

You can contribute to the fund here, and become one of the 26,000+ backers who have helped make this game a reality. The question is, how much money do you think the fund will raise once it’s over? Share your predictions in the comments below.

Jaffe Stars in His Own F***ing Twisted Metal Ad, Lets You Remotely Shoot a Real Truck

Sebastian Moss — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:14:16 +0000

Most publishers would be scared to give the trouble-attracting Jaffe a podium to speak on, but not Sony. Like us, they love his potty mouthed craziness, and have indulged him with his very own Twisted Metal ad – that lets you remotely control a gun to shoot a real truck.

(Warning: As this is Jaffe, the following video and article contain swear words)

Watch as Jaffe unleashes a string of bullets into an icecream truck and swears like a trooper:

Fucking awesome right? What’s even more fucking fantastic is that you’ll be able to shoot the truck yourself in only 4 and a half days by signing up here. Fuck yeah!

Jaffe also revealed more details on Twitter:

And let’s be clear- it ain’t just bullets. They assure me there will be stuff that explodes and blows the hell up! Can’t wait!

Will you be signing the fuck up? Let us know in the comments below.

Is Jailbreaking a Crime? As “Anti-Circumvention” Rule Goes Up For Review, KaKaRoTo Explains Why You Should Stand Up For Your Rights

Sebastian Moss — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:59:05 +0000

Every three years, the US Copyright Office reviews requests for exemptions to the “anti-circumvention” rules in the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, with the next review set for this Friday. Will jailbreaking be classified a crime?

Jailbreaking – the act of circumventing a system’s security to access its inner files and be able to do what you want with the system – was previously ruled legal on mobile devices like iPhones and iPads, but with the PS3 it’s a little different. While the general consensus is that it is legal, Sony continues to pursue action against the modding and cracking community as a true precedent has yet to be set (Geohotz settled out of court). But Friday’s review could change all that, and clearly define jailbreaking as illegal, or legal.

We asked the developer of the first “Modified Firmware” for the PlayStation 3 and leading industry figure Youness Alaoui (known as KaKaRoTo) about his thoughts on the matter. He replied:

We own computers and we use them any way we want, and that’s normal and legal. But recently, most of our devices, have become full fledged computers. The PlayStation 3 is a computer, referred to by Sony as a “Computer Entertainment System” and which could even run Linux at one point. When we buy a PS3, we own it, but we are locked out of it by Sony for no reason other than for them to impose on us a flawed business model.
My PlayStation 3, for example, is full of spyware (you should see the kind of personal information it sends without your knowledge), adware (all those “PSN Store” icons in every XMB category, the “What’s new”, Video unlimited, Netflix, NHL, etc.. icons) and malware (removal of OtherOS, removal of copy to PSP feature, forced silent updates, etc..) which Sony forcefully installed without my consent and I have no way to uninstall them. When you get spyware/adware/malware installed on your PC, it is considered a “virus” and you must uninstall it, and you have tools for that, but with the PS3, you can’t, and the tools to do that are considered illegal.
Jailbreaking allows us to gain back control of our own devices. I buy my device, I own it. While I do not own the operating system/software that runs on it, I am forced to use it to run the machine. What if I don’t want to agree to their terms of service anymore (which change every other week, and rob me of my constitutional rights), what if I don’t want to use their software anymore? I should be allowed to legally jailbreak the device and completely replace the software, the operating system, with one that I approve. If I can’t replace the operating system, then my property (the hardware) cannot be used anymore, and Sony basically stole my money. I sign a user agreement to use their software, but the hardware is mine and I don’t want their software anymore.
Jailbreaking is not a crime, Jailbreaking is about freedom and doing what’s right. And while pirating software is a crime and cheating online is immoral and unethical, the act of jailbreaking in itself is not and should not be considered a crime.
It is time to make our voice heard and let everyone know that we cannot tolerate being dictated what to do and how to do it, being forced to see ads everyday and then being called criminals for requesting our fundamental rights. It is time to refuse having our property defaced with their adware, our privacy violated with their spyware, and our freedom forgotten by their lawyers.
Jailbreaking is not a crime. Sign the petition today and tell the US Congress why you think your freedom is more important than some corrupt business model: https://www.jailbreakingisnotacrime.org/

You can find out more about KaKaRoTo’s views in an exclusive PSLS interview, “Who Owns Your PS3?”

The Electronic Frontier Foundation, who we interviewed about free speech and jailbreaking last year, also believes that you should be allowed to do what you want with your own tech. The EFF also made a parody video ridiculing the fact that you can set your PS3 on fire, smash it and toast it, but can’t jailbreak it:

If you agree that jailbreaking should be legal, you have one day left to let the Copyright Office know. But if you feel otherwise, be sure to voice your opinion, as is your free speech right.

Where do you stand? Should you be allowed to do what you want with the hardware you own, or is the safety and the security of the closed system paramount? Share your thoughts below.

Sleeping Dogs Announced With Explosive Live Action Trailer

Sebastian Moss — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:44:02 +0000

After a talkative retailer revealed Square Enix title Sleeping Dogs, the publisher has officially announced the game, along with releasing a fast-paced live-action trailer.

Described as “a gritty and visceral openworld cop drama set in the vibrant city of Hong Kong”, Sleeping Dogs is the new name for True Crime: Hong Kong, as suspected. Developed by ModNation Racers studio United Front Games, with the help of Square Enix London Studios, you play as undercover cop Wei Shen, who is tasked with taking down the Hong Kong Triads from the inside – something that apparently sucks Wei in and makes him begin to question his own motives. You will be able to explore Hong Kong island in the open-world game, with street corners, market stalls, harbour docks and city skyscrapers accessible.

The announcement came with an impressive martial arts live action trailer that wouldn’t be out of place in a Hollywood movie:

While the trailer is well made and definitely enjoyable, it obviously doesn’t really reveal much about the game.

Lee Singleton, General Manager of Square Enix London Studio, commented on the reveal:

From the moment you pick up the controller and experience the blend of driving, close combat and shooting you know you’re playing something fresh and a bit special. Sleeping Dogs has one of the best melee combat systems out there — it’s super brutal with devastating takedown moves, and when added to UFG’s proven heritage in driving games, a first class story and the vibrant backdrop of the Hong Kong underworld we get a fiery recipe with fun written all over it.

Stephen Van Der Mescht, Executive Producer at United Front Games, added:

Working on Sleeping Dogs has been such a huge passion for the team at United Front Games and we’re really pleased to be working with Square Enix London Studios. The extensive experience both our studios have in creating compelling openworld gameplay and rich and rewarding combat makes for a perfect partnership. Working together we can make sure that Sleeping Dogs is the most intense and immersive experience it can be.

Has the trailer made you excited about the game? Let us know in the comments below.

The House Of The Dead III Coming To PSN On 2/14, New Screenshots & Trailer Released

Nick Michetti — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:44:30 +0000

Sega has announced that light gun zombie shoot ‘em up The House Of The Dead III is coming to the PlayStation Network in the near future. They’ve also released new screenshots and a trailer of the PSN version of the game.

First, starting today, a demo of THOTDIII is coming exclusively to PlayStation Plus users for two weeks. The demo will be available until February 21st.

The game itself will be made available beginning February 14th for $6.99. Until February 28th, Sega will offer a free PSN avatar with purchase of the game.

PlayStation Plus members will receive an additional 30% off on the game for two weeks after release (until February 28th), in addition to exclusive free avatars and dynamic themes.

The post also lists the following features: PlayStation Move support, co-op support, multiple paths, multiple rescue events, a ranking and grading system for tracking shot accuracy, Trophy support, an unlockable bonus item for PlayStation Home, and an interview with the game’s original creator.

To view the gameplay trailer, click on the video below:

To view screenshots of the game, click on the Media Gallery below:

Will you be picking up The House Of The Dead III on PSN? Let us know in the comments below.

[Source]

PlayStation Store Global Update – February 7, 2012

Louis Edwards — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:17:10 +0000

Each week Sony brings PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable owners new content, add-ons, games and more. PlayStation LifeStyle catalogs the PlayStation Store updates for the major regions across the globe. Check back every Tuesday and Wednesday to keep up to date with each week’s PlayStation Store Update.

** Note for other regions **

European PSN is updated on Wednesdays.

North American Update

PlayStation Plus Content

PSN Games:	The Simpsons Arcade Game
minis:	Hungry Giraffe Gold Medalist
PS one Classics:	Final Fantasy V
Early Access Demo:	The House Of The Dead III Exclusive Playstation Plus Demo
Media:	Qore Episode 45 – February
Full Game Trial:	Catherine

PSN Games

Jak 3 ($14.99)
Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy ($14.99)
Jak II ($14.99)
Shank 2 ($9.99)
The Simpsons Arcade Game ($9.99) Free for PlayStation Plus Subscribers
Gotham City Impostors ($14.99)

PS3 Full Games

Jak and Daxter Collection ($39.99)
Top Spin 4 ($29.99)
LEGO Pirates Of The Caribbean ($39.99)
Catherine ($39.99)

Game Demos (Free)

Jimmie Johnson’s Anything With An Engine Demo
Cubixx HD Demo
Gotham City Impostors Demo

Add-on Game Content

UNCHARTED 3: Drake’s Deception Add ons (x23) ($0.49 – $5.99 each)
Ultimate Marvel Vs Capcom 3 - Weapon Expert Pack ($3.99)
Kingdoms Of Amalur: Reckoning - Finesse Bonus Pack ($2.99)
Kingdoms Of Amalur: Reckoning - Might Bonus Pack ($2.99)
Kingdoms Of Amalur: Reckoning - Sorcery Bonus Pack ($2.99)
Kingdoms Of Amalur: Reckoning House Of Valor (Online Pass Paid) ($9.99)
The King Of Fighters XIII Unlock Gallery ($2.99)
Final Fantasy XIII-‐2 – Noel’s Outfit: Battle Attire ($2.99)
Final Fantasy XIII-‐2 - Opponent: Lightning & Amodar ($2.99)
UFC Undisputed 3 -‐ Ultimate Fights Rivals Pack (Free)
UFC Undisputed 3 -‐ Ultimate Fights: Submission Pack (Free)
UFC Undisputed 3 Alistair Overeem ($0.99)
UFC Undisputed 3 Season Pass ($16.99)
Rocksmith – Black By Pearl Jam ($2.99)
Rocksmith – Jeremy By Pearl Jam ($2.99)
Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-‐7 - 5 Spell Pack ($1.99)

Rock Band 3

“Comedown” – Bush ($1.99)
“Diachylon” – Chaotrope ($1.99)
“Everything Zen” – Bush ($1.99)
“Foundation” – Unkindness ($1.99)
“Heavy Weather – The Storm ov The Undead” – Rainbowdragoneyes ($1.99)
“Machinehead” – Bush ($1.99)
“Real Wild Child” – Jerry Naylor ($1.99)
“Slaves to Substance” – Suicide Silence ($1.99)
Artist pack ($5.49) – Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game album: Bush Pack 01. This pack includes “Comedown”, “Everything Zen” and “Machinehead”. By Bush.

Updates

Blacklight: Tango Down (Price Change) (PS3) (now $4.99, original price $14.99)
Swarm (Price Change) (PS3) (now $4.99, original price $14.99)
Bloodrayne: Betrayal (Price Change) Sale (PS3) (now $9.99, original price $14.99)

Avatars

Carnival Island Avatar Bundle 2 ($1.49)
Kingdoms Of Amalur: Reckoning Avatars Bundle ($2.99)
Kingdoms Of Amalur Avatars (x10) ($0.49)

Game Videos (free)

Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational Game Video
The Tester Season 3 Episode 1
Starhawk Press Reactions Trailer
Starhawk Public Beta Welcome Trailer
ModNation Racers: Road Trip Features Video
Journey Music Trailer
Warlords: How To Play Trailer Part 1
Warlords: How To Play Trailer Part 2
Need For Speed: The Run Italian Pack Trailer
SSX: This Is SSX Trailer
SSX: It’S Tricky Trailer
SSX: Survive It Trailer
Binary Domain Bigger Than You Think Trailer
Yakuza Dead Souls: Npc Trailer
UFC Undisputed 3 Career Trailer
UFC Undisputed 3 Contenders Pack Gameplay Trailer
Rayman Origins Meet The New Crazy Trailer
Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational Game Video
ModNation Racers: Road Trip Features Video
Wipeout 2048 Game Trailer

PS3 Themes

Hitman Absolution - Crossed – Hand Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
Kingdoms Of Amalur: Reckoning Premium Theme ($2.99)
Silent Hill 3 Premium Theme ($1.99)
Silent Hill 2 Premium Theme ($1.99)
Amazing Earth: Starry Night Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
Abstract Color Swirls Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
In The Ring With Candice Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance Theme (Free)

PS3 Wallpapers (free)

Amy Wallpaper

PS2 Classics

SpongeBob SquarePants: The Movie ($9.99)

PlayStation Store for PSP

Videos

The Tester Season 3 Episode 1

Next Page: European Update »

Uncharted 3′s Fort Co-Op Adventure & New MP Skins Available Now, Map Pack Coming Soon, Big DLC Teased

Nick Michetti — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:56:13 +0000

Naughty Dog has reminded players that Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception new co-op DLC that puts players in control of the villains in co-op for the first time ever, Fort Co-Op Adventure, is available now.

On the PS Blog, Naughty Dog announced that the Fort Co-Op Adventure DLC is available now. The DLC puts players in control of a team of villains for the first time in co-op — Zoran Lazarević, Eddy Raja, and Harry Flynn — who join forces in a tale that further explores the mystery behind the Janus head statue from the main game’s co-op. Fort Co-Op Adventure costs $5.99 for players who aren’t members of the Fortune Hunters Club.

The trailer for the game shows the three villains in gameplay taking on enemy forces. The trailer closes with the three seeing a mysterious flaming enemy, then Lazarević and Eddy backing up before text is shown saying that the co-op mission is available now.

Also available today are new skin packs for multiplayer:

A Doughnut Skin Pack, which contains doughnut skins of Sully, Salim, Cutter, and more. ($1.99 for non-FHC members.)
Rogues Skin Pack 1 and Rogues Skin Pack 2, which are enemy/villain MP skins. (Both are $2.99 for non-FHC members.)

On February 21st, Flashback Map Pack 2 will be available. The map pack contains Plaza, Temple, Train Wreck, and Village maps. They all have all-new dynamic lighting effects, cutting-edge particle effects, other “fresh technical polish,” and completely redone lighting. For non-FHC members, the map pack will cost $9.99.

Naughty Dog is also teasing “big DLC” coming after February’s DLC is released that has “some very cool surprises.” They’ve shown an image of a skull — which can be seen below the trailer — and claims that it’s a hint for what’s coming next.

To view the “Fort Co-Op Adventure” Trailer, click on the video below:

To view the teaser image Naughty Dog put up for the next batch of DLC for Uncharted 3, see below:

Will you be buying any of the Uncharted 3 DLC coming this February? Let us know in the comments below.

GameStop Exclusive Starhawk Limited Edition Revealed, More Beta Codes Available Today

Nick Michetti — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:33:02 +0000

Sony has released the first details and box art for GameStop-exclusive Starhawk Limited Edition, in addition to the game’s box art.

On the PS Blog, Sony revealed that gamers who pre-order Starhawk at GameStop will automatically be upgraded to the Limited Edition. The Limited Edition contains over $20 worth of content, which is as follows:

The Maw of Despair Outcast Pack, which includes the Maw of Despair co-op map and Shade Warrior skin for multiplayer. The Maw of Despair is a challenging co-op mission inside a dangerous Rift mine, which is home to the oldest Outcast tribe, the Shade Warriors. The Shade Warriors have pure Rift energy inside them, which grants them extra toughness and combat skills. The mission’s firefights are said to push players’ shooting skills to the edge.
The Echo Scrapyard Rift Pack, which includes the Scrapworld Homeworld Online Lobby and the Huxley Ardin Cyborg Multiplayer Skin. The Echo Scrapyard is an exclusive player Homeworld which is home to Huxley’s mechanics shop and junkyard. Huxley’s shop is known as the best place in the Frontier to get spare parts for Razorbacks and Sidewinders. In the canyon basin below that, trails and roads exist where players can test their Razorback 4×4 and Sidewinder Jetbike driving skills.
Starhawk Concept Art PS3 Theme.
A downloadable version of the original Warhawk for PS1.
The Official Starhawk Soundtrack: Christopher Lennertz’s original score for the game made available for download.

Sony has also reminded players that they can get free beta access codes from GameStop’s and PlayStation’s Facebook pages.

To see the game’s official box art and the promotional art for the Limited Edition, click on the Media Gallery below:

Starhawk will release exclusively for PlayStation 3 on May 8, 2012, but will you be picking up the limited edition? Let us know in the comments below.

Army Corps of Hell Ad-Hoc Multiplayer Trailer Shows Friends Conquering Hell Together

Nick Michetti — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:42:01 +0000

Square Enix has released a new multiplayer trailer for the PlayStation Vita launch title Army Corps of Hell.

The trailer for the game’s ad-hoc multiplayer mode shows that up to four players can play together as four Kings of Hell leading four different goblin armies. Friends are encouraged to coordinate strategies and beat tough bosses together. However, friends can also “torment” each other by sacrificing other players, stealing their goblins, and building up their goblin army first (the maximum number of goblins players can control being 100). The gameplay footage throughout the trailer shows the various Kings of Hell slaughtering enemies, stealing goblins, and more.

To view the “A Taste of Multiplayer” trailer, click on the video below:

Army Corps of Hell will be released for Vita on the system’s launch date, February 22nd.

What do you think of the new multiplayer trailer? Are you picking up Army Corps of Hell? Let us know in the comments below.

Leaving It To The Last Minute: PS Vita Ads To Be “Timed For System Launch”, “Be Everywhere”

Sebastian Moss — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 04:25:44 +0000

While everyone who reads this site has likely heard of the PlayStation Vita, the truth of the matter is that the average consumer probably hasn’t heard much about the device, and definitely doesn’t know what is unique about the handheld.

So that’s why the lack of advertising running up to the Vita launch has been rather disappointing. The SuperBowl would have obviously been a huge opportunity for Sony to showcase the Vita, possibly running Madden – how many major product launches are lucky enough to come out during the SuperBowl month? But it’s understandable that Sony didn’t decide to go with a SuperBowl ad as each 30 second spot costs millions of dollars and goes up against some of the best made ads of the year.

But normal TV ads shouldn’t be that big of a problem for a company that has already invested millions in R&D, game development and producing devices. Of course, in the US, Taco Bell are running a Vita ad about their cross promotion giveaway with Sony:

Unfortunately, the ad is flawed – the ad is also focusing on Taco Bell, it uses ModNation Racers characters which aren’t known to the masses, does nothing to explain what the Vita is, doesn’t say that it has a back (or even front) touch pad, or highlight how powerful it is. The blurry shots of the Vita look just like the PSP and the ad uses just as much screentime for a mobile phone.

There’s a reason companies advertise products before release – Resident Evil 6 is being advertised right now, despite releasing in November – it means that hype is built up amongst consumers, they can preorder ahead of release and plan their purchasing decision in advance: something that is especially important for an expensive device that many consumers can’t buy on a whim. It also means that retailers can be confident that the product will be a success, and so dedicate more shelf space to it.

So with that in mind, when is Sony set to properly advertise the Vita? Jeff Rubenstein revealed on the PS Blog:

We’ll show [the Sony Vita ads] on the blog right before they air on TV, and they’ll be timed for system launch.

While Sony has definitely left the ad campaign till the last minute, he did also tease:

You’ll be seeing them – they’ll be everywhere once they start ^_^

A strong launch advertising campaign could do wonders for the Vita, but Sony have promised big advertising campaigns before, only to fail to deliver. With some analysts, developers and publishers unsure whether the dedicated handheld market can support the Vita, one thing is for sure – it could really do with some advertising.

Would you want Kevin Butler to be promoting the Vita, or should they use someone/something else? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

PSLS is giving away a Vita, be sure to enter our competition!

New Shoot Many Robots Trailer & Screenshots Introduce The Game’s Enemies

Nick Michetti — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 01:23:48 +0000

Ubisoft has released a new trailer for PSN and Xbox Live title Shoot Many Robots, in addition to releasing screenshots for the game.

For those not familiar with the game, SMR is a side-scrolling four-player run-and-gun co-op shooter with tons of weapon and item customization. The game has two modes: Traversal (progress through levels) and Survival (fight waves of robots). The game’s main character is P. Walter Tugnut, who decides to kill as many robots as possible after a factory begins producing killer robots.

The mostly gameplay-focused trailer introduces Hot Rod (a four-legged turret enemy), Hummer (a hovering enemy that attacks in groups and fires down on players), Gasbag (a large, floating enemy that fires rockets and is highly flammable), Six Pack (a mechanical enemy that produces enemies called Choppers to attack players and is dropped off by Gasbags), and Dirtscrew (a worm-like enemy that comes up from the ground and attacks players). The trailer closes with more footage of gameplay and then shows a 2012 release date.

The screenshots are all of the enemies in the trailer.

To view the “Meet The Robots” trailer, click on the video below:

To view screenshots of the game, click on the Media Gallery below:

Shoot Many Robots is scheduled to release for PSN and XBL in 2012.

What do you think about the trailer and screenshots released today? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Listen To The Darkness II Developer Conference Call, New Screenshots Released

Nick Michetti — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 22:11:40 +0000

This past Friday (2/3/12), PSLS participated in a developer conference call for 2K and Digital Extremes FPS The Darkness II. We’ve posted the audio of the conference call and new screenshots of the game.

The conference call features responses to industry press questions from Digital Extremes Creative Director Sheldon Carter and 2K Games Associate Producer Dan Schmittou. Carter and Schmittou provided insight into the process of creating The Darkness II, following up from the original, and even offered a few gameplay details.

The screenshots released show various gameplay action and what appears to be story scenes, including one image of the panicked man from earlier trailers for the game.

To listen the conference call audio, click here, or right click and save download/link as to download.

To see screenshots of the game, click on the Media Gallery below:

The Darkness II releases tomorrow, February 7th. Gamers who pre-order the game will automatically receive an upgrade to the game’s Limited Edition.

Are you picking up The Darkness II tomorrow? Let us know in the comments below!