PlayStation LifeStyle » Criterion

Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit for $40 Today Only

Tyler Minarik — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 00:12:59 +0000

Get a great deal on one of last year’s best racing games, but only today.

Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit is on sale for $40 right now, but it’s a short lap that ends tonight. The adrenaline filled cops and robbers style racing game scored high marks from us last year, but a certain other highly anticipated racer released around the same time, causing many to miss out on the fun. It even sparked some debate on which was more fun, an argument which primarily comes down to preference between arcade or simulation racing.

Regardless of your preference, this is a great deal on a great game. You might be able to find it for a similar price used, but keep in mind that EA uses online passes to encourage purchase of a new game. The online pass included normally costs $9.99 if bought separately, adding incentive to purchase new copies. This is the Deal of the Day at Amazon.com, so burn some rubber to get over there because time is short!

Will you be taking advantage of these savings?

Regain Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Demo Access in Seconds

Mike Hartnett — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 17:22:04 +0000

When the demo for the new Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit debuted on the PlayStation Network, it was met with an incredibly warm reception. As gamers far-and-wide competed with their friends for record times, download numbers went up, as did, presumably, pre-order numbers. On November 9th, all that was taken away when EA barred further access to the demo, whether you had downloaded it or not. However, regaining access is easy as pie.

If you were one of the many folks who downloaded the Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit demo and have been enjoying it over the past few weeks, you were probably baffled when you realized that you could no longer access the demo, as were we when we hopped on to play, despite the fact that we had already maxed out our stats. Well, it seems that EA has stealthily denied access to the demo via the PS3′s internal clock, while at the same time shutting down access to the online demo servers. Sure, you can initiate the demo, but are then presented with the game’s trailer, and then booted out.

Fret not PlayStation LifeStyle faithful, as demo access, at least single player demo access, can be regained in mere seconds. Despite checking out the detailed information for the Need for Speed demo and realizing that there was no expiration date, we decided to try and bring our beloved friend back to life anyway. We then discovered that it is possible to revive the demo by changing the PS3′s internal clock! Simply go into the PS3′s time and date settings, then set the date to anytime before November 9th, 2010 (we’d recommend a date within the demo’s intended time frame). Then, like magic, you once again have single-player access to the Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit demo!

Though minor, we couldn’t help but find some way to get this working again, as we literally couldn’t wait for release day to get our hands on the high-speed mayhem again. And for those who may not have the means to snag it on release day, you can at least enjoy a portion of the game until you acquire it. For all the latest PS3 tips and tricks, be sure to stay tuned to PlayStation LifeStyle!

Criterion Not Burned Out Yet on Need for Speed

Kishen Patel — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 15:23:38 +0000

With a well established pedigree in racing titles including Burnout: Paradise and the upcoming Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit for the PlayStation 3, the PS2 Black developers would pre-emptively want to branch back out into other genres, right? Not even the slightest says the Electronic Arts studio.

Producer at Criterion Games, Craig Sullivan, explained in an interview with Gamerzines that the developer is interested in taking on more installments of their two revered arcade racing franchises. When asked which series the developer preferred over the other, Sullivan claimed that he “like[s] them both equally because they’re both the best [Criterion] could do to give people a fun game”. In regards to future titles, Sullivan said:

“Would I like to make another Burnout game? Yes. Would I like to make another Need For Speed game? Yes. Would I like to make something completely different to both of those? Yes. I like making games, it’s the coolest job in the world.”

After promising to “always pour [their] heart” into their games, it is reassuring to know that any future entries will not just be an enhanced outing to their respective franchises (ala Call of Duty). Speaking of which, Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit releases onto the PS3 on November 16, 2010. Will it be big enough to scare off Gran Turismo 5?

Set New Records with Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Autologs

Zak Islam — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 12:57:03 +0000

Autolog is a “living, breathing, dynamic social experience that is the very heartbeat” of Need For Speed Hot Pursuit. Autolog takes the social aspect of the game and makes it easier then ever to connect to your friends that are currently playing the game. Electronic Arts has now released a new video showcasing this unique feature that will be found within the forthcoming racer.

A Product Marketing representative from Electronic Arts recently explained a bit more about Autolog to our staff during a hands-on Need For Speed Hot Pursuit event:

“Every aspect of the game is accessed and controlled. You can see what all of your friends are doing and that is updated in real time automatically. You can compete against them head to head, or just try to beat their times. Every time one of your friends sets a new record, you will be notified and you can jump right in and try to top them.”

Check out the video below:

Need For Speed Hot Pursuit is currently scheduled for a release on November 16th in the US, and November 19th, 2010 for Europe.

Need For Speed Autolog Trailer Gives New Meaning to ‘Bragging Rights’

Mike Hartnett — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 02:08:27 +0000

EA has just released the latest trailer for the upcoming and totally revamped Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit and not only does it take bragging rights to a whole new level, it does it with a phenomenal sense of style and flash.

Not only does this new system accurately track each and every aspect of you and your friends’ gameplay, but notifies players when a friend has beaten a particular record or challenge, giving them the opportunity to take the top score right back. This new form of bragging rights adds a lot to what is already looking to be a stellar title.

Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit hits store shelves November 16th, 2010. Be sure to stay tuned to PlayStation LifeStyle for all the latest Need For Speed news and info as it breaks!

New SSX May Be Zipping Down the Slopes

Zak Islam — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 23:29:23 +0000

Remember that amazingly fun snowboarding title on the PS2? A follow up may be coming to next gen consoles, including the PS3.

The latest issue of Official PlayStation Magazine is reporting that developer Criterion is working on a new SSX title. The game is stated to be in development alongside the confirmed new Need for Speed title.

The last title in the franchise for the PS2 came out in 2005.

Last year, EA Montreal’s Alain Tascan told GI.biz that the company may one day revive the popular snowboarding series.

I think this is something we will look at in the future to see if it makes sense to revive the franchise.
It’s a little bit early to talk about it, but I feel… I know internally it is a franchise that people love because it was successful and good, and it reminds me of when we were young, and I feel if the market is there and is ready for a new one then we’ll consider it.

Stick with PlayStation LifeStyle as we reveal anything regarding the snowboarder.

Criterion’s Need For Speed: Out of The Law Screens Leaked

Zak Islam — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 16:26:46 +0000

As expected, developers of Burnout Paradise Criterion will show the next installment in the Need For Speed series in a meeting with EA today.

However, the game has been shown a bit earlier than expected thanks to some leaked concept art screenshots…

Rumoured to be named “Need For Speed: Out Of The Law“, the racer’s concept art has been leaked. Check out the shots found on Neogaf below:

The developers recently tweeted:

NFS will be shown for the first time today at internal Electronic Arts meeting! Let’s put the pedal to the metal and hit it!

What turned out to be a rumor a while back is now a reality, Criterion had confirmed that they are working on a new Need For Speed title for EA, and these screenshots showcase just that. Stay tuned to PlayStation LifeStyle for any news regarding the racer.

Paradise All But Over For Burnout

Zak Islam — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 05:37:46 +0000

Burnout Paradise was very well received upon release, hailed as one of the best racers on the market. With the Need For Speed franchise dominating the racing market, someone had to challenge it, and Burnout did just that. It continued showing its potential as it constantly received DLC, but that might not be the case from now on.

The Burnout developer has sadly revealed that there will be no more DLC added to Burnout Paradise:

Please stop asking us for Burnout Paradise DLC. There will be no more! Sorry everyone! But we did WAY more than everyone else…

I’m sad to see no more DLC for the racer, but I’m also sad that I won’t be racing on the Moon. Criterion actually discussed the possiblility of the Moon being a location in Paradise City.

A mere rumour a while back, Criterion has confirmed that they are currently working on a new Need For Speed title for EA.

[Via]

Criterion Teases Newest Project

Kyle P. — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 05:37:24 +0000

Criterion, best known for their hard work on the stellar title, Burnout Paradise, has been quiet as of late. After a barrage of phenomenal DLC for a title well over a year old, they haven’t given any word on what they are working on now. Whether they are just taking a well earned break, or are hard at work, on a new title, is not yet known. However, the newest tweet from the official Criterion Games feed certainly gets us all excited here at PlayStation LifeStyle.

This was tweeted, earlier this morning:

2010 will satisfy our increasing desire for travelling at a rate of high velocity….or words to that effect…

The word is that Criterion will be getting behind the wheel of the next Need for Speed game. Stick with PlayStation LifeStyle as we’ll be sure to stay on top of this situation.

PS3 Review – Burnout Paradise

Jonathan Leack — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 01:33:49 +0000

The title Burnout Paradise came out in January 2008 and was quickly accepted as one of the best racers so far this generation. Not only did it provide the intense 60FPS racing experience that Burnout fans have come to love, but it also provided some new direction as well. It’s been over a year now, and the game has not only gotten new DLC, but it has also become a downloadable game on the PlayStation Store at the price of only $19.99.

At its core, Burnout Paradise is a traditional arcade racing game. You can expect to drive your car at insanely fast speeds, launch off dozens of jumps, and crash frequently. It’s from there though that the similarities quickly vanish. Burnout Paradise is one of the few racing games to feature a fully rendered sandbox environment. From the very beginning, you are allowed to drive up to any of the game’s hundreds of intersections and hold down both the throttle and brake buttons simultaneously to enter an event. There is a traditional race mode, a stunt mode, several crash related modes as well as an individual race designated to every car. Unfortunately, the crash related modes become boring quite quickly, but the trick and racing modes seem to never get old.

The sandbox environment and intersection concept are very interesting and create a dynamic and non-linear racing experience. The first thing worth pointing out is that all races end at one of 8 points of the map. Due to this you’ll find yourself driving on a few of the roads in every race, and unless you miss a turn, you will likely avoid many of the game’s roads. However, the city is very large and varied, so this never really poses a problem. One very noticeable thing about the game is that it sports full damage modeling. When your car crashes in Burnout Paradise, the car reacts very similarly to how a car really would. After a crash, as long as your chassis is still intact, you are able to drive away from the crash. The high-speed racing and damage modeling make for a terrific fast-paced racer.

Inputs in Burnout Paradise are very responsive, and each car has a unique handling model. Some of the heavier cars are very slow to turn, but on the plus side are very durable. However, some of the faster cars with low durability contain some of the best handling in any racing game to date. Racing is as simple as using R2 to accelerate and L2 to brake/reverse, but learning to drift around corners takes some practice. This is a Burnout game, so expect to spend a lot of time navigating tight turns while racing at ludicrous speeds. Thankfully, the controls are spot-on, so with a bit of practice you’ll be flying around corners like never seen before.

Criterion Rewards Expert Paradisers

Kyle P. — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 04:28:58 +0000

For some reason or another, this overlooked feature has finally been noticed. A few weeks ago, PlayStation LifeStyle reported how on the latest Burnout Paradise DLC there were the possibility of obtaining a handful of toy cars. Well, a new car has been discovered, and this one is definitely for true Burnout Paradise players.

The Diamond P12 is available to users who have completed all of the 500 freeburn challenges. This spans the original game and all of the DLC.

With the P12, you’ll be the hottest player on the streets. Have you completed all of the freeburn challenges? Post your answers in the comments section.

[Source]

Criterion Disagrees With EA’s Claims

Kishen Patel — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 16:05:33 +0000

Criterion Games, the developers of Burnout Paradise, took the liberty of speaking out against EA’s claims of maxing out the Xbox 360′s hardware.

Technical director of Criterion Games, Richard Farr, went out on a limb and stated that developers who claim to have pushed a console to the limit are obviously “not the best”.

“That’s proof that you’re not the best. It means you’re out of ideas.”

The senior editor, Alex Fry, also gave his two cents to the matter at hand by elaborating a bit more on the technical side of the claim:

“Whether it’s a sequel or whether it’s a new game, you learn to do things differently… better. The constraints go away because you learn. While it’s nice to say you’ve maxed something out, there’s not really any point.”

While Criterion does have one of the most popular racing titles of this generation backing them up, the Burnout series doesn’t exactly push a console to the limits like, say, a Metal Gear Solid or God of War title would. No doubt, Criterion’s claims do prove true for even the biggest titles.

[Source]

Sony’s Worldwide Studios Boss Calls It Quits

Michael Gruver — Fri, 15 May 2009 20:13:41 +0000

Jamie MacDonald, Sony’s World Wide Studios VP and London Studio boss will no longer be with Sony come May 30th. The 29th will be his last day at Sony.

He’s been London’s boss since 2001 and he was the head of Criterion for 5 years prior to that. Neither Sony or Jamie will speak out on the details of the departure and Jamie has said nothing of his future plans.

[Source]

Cops & Robbers will be Premium Burnout DLC

Richard Allen — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 02:50:04 +0000

Written by Richard

With all of the expansion packs about to come out for Burnout Paradise, I wonder if they will ever do a proper sequel? Soon after the Party pack, Legendary Cars, Toy Cars and Boost Specials, the Cops and Robbers pack will be on deck. No word on exact game play, but here are 3 screenshots to give you a small preview.

[ Source ]

This Week’s Blu-Cast

Azariah Ellington II — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 14:41:01 +0000

Written by Chris Rah Osiris

: More Mummy Action

I am suffering a hangover from a Home, The Dark Knight, and finals cocktail. Home is being swamped; The Dark Knight has broken Blu-Ray records; and my finals are trying to kill me. (2 down and 2 to go). This week has The Mummy: The Tomb of the Dragon Emperor and the Grindhouse movies. Universal has been doing a great job with the Blu-Ray format so far. I have been holding out on a Mummy purchase until the trilogy was released, I guess this is the week then. Grindhouse was a personal favorite. Death Proof and Planet Terror are movies that beckon the gold 70 low budget titles. Planet Terror was the more enjoyable of the two for me, but I’ll buy both of them.

Criterion movies are being released this week. Movie lovers are definitely rejoicing. Tommy Boy gets the Blu-treatment as well. Old School is getting purchased. (Earmuffs).

What movies are you going to purchase?

The release list is available via Blu-Ray.com.