PlayStation LifeStyle » Nihilistic Software

PS3 Review – PlayStation Move Heroes

Matt Baker — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 14:19:26 +0000

During their E3 press conference last year, Sony had announced that developer Nihilistic Software would be combining several well-known characters from major PlayStation franchises – such as Ratchet and Clank, Jak and Daxter and Sly Cooper – into one harmonous PlayStation Move-focused title. With such memorable, lovable PlayStation mascots all packed into one title, there was no way that it could go wrong. Or could it?

PlayStation Move Heroes starts off by introducing the competition our heroes will be competing in, the Inter-Universal Hero Games. The heroes, after talking and boasting about themselves, agree to team up and enter. That’s about it for plot. You’d think with characters that come from backgrounds with such detailed stories, that they’d all come together to do something moderately eventful. That’s not the case at all. While these characters are full of charisma, the events that take place are certainly not.

After entering the competition, there are various events that the PlayStation heroes take part in. The events are simply put into five categories: whip-based fighting, shooting sequences, melee, disc throwing, and bowling. Each event utilizes the PlayStation Move controller in a different way, and executes well on variety of inputs. Sadly it’s severely hamped by unresponsive controls. Despite fun moments, which are sparse, it seems that this game would be better played with a traditional controller (aside from the whip events). Each event boasts a satisfactory amount of objectives that the player should achieve to move on and unlock new challenges. However, when you boil it down, these events and challenges are nothing more than a repetitive series of mini-games.

In an attempt to add depth and variety to these miserable heroes, each character has their own special ability. The special abilities don’t serve much of a purpose, and really just seem tacked on to try and offer at least some differentiating qualities to each character. Also, sticking out like a sore thumb is the fact that these characters cannot jump. I mean, really? Each of the characters come from games that are platformers first, yet they cannot jump. Of course, if there’s no jumping, there isn’t any platforming, either. What a drag.

Multiplayer is supported in co-op form, which allows the secondary player to support by aiming the Move and collecting crystals. This was intended to be the fruit of the game, but offers very little in the way of entertaining two players. Instead of genuine teamwork play, the experience lends restrictive interaction which feels like nothing more than a half-tried attempt at adding more content. The second player is nothing more than a sidekick – a stigma that Clank and Daxter have since broken free of by starring in their own titles.

All of the talented original voice actors are back to play their part. Unfortunately, this is overshadowed by the fact that the announcer tries way too hard to fit into the comical universe these characters come from, and is completely unsuccessful at it. The visuals, however, are acceptable. They look similar to each world they’re supposed to represent, but are lacking the overall polish found in the PS3′s Ratchet and Clank games.

PlayStation Move Heroes takes a fantastic concept, rich with personable characters, and throws it in the dirt. At its core, PlayStation Move Heroes is nothing more than a mash-up of marginally fun mini-games. Co-operative play and collecting gold medals adds diversity, but not enough to break up the repetitive gameplay cycle. It’s a shame – PlayStation Move Heroes had the potential to be a shining star for PlayStation Move, but Nihilistic Software has done nothing more than tarnish the luster of PlayStation’s most beloved franchises.

PlayStation LifeStyle’s Final Score

+ Fan-favorite PlayStation characters come together under one roof

- Combat and interaction becomes stale quickly

- Weak co-op implementation misses the mark

Nihilistic Software Shows How the PlayStation Move is Utilized

Jonathan Leack — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 22:28:34 +0000

It’s hard not to be impressed with the PlayStation Move, but have you ever wondered how developers implement its features into some of your favorite games? The team over at Nihilistic Software has created a video which does just this, and uses PlayStation Move Heroes as its platform. With premier characters, co-op, humor, and tons of fun gameplay, this is a game that you don’t want to miss this March.

Have a look at the video below:

If this video has you riled up to play some PlayStation Move Heroes, then don’t worry, as a demo will be released prior to release, and better yet, Nihilistic Software announced that PlayStation Plus subscribers will have access to it on March 1st. That’s less than two-weeks away, so start counting!

PlayStation Move Heroes will release on March 22nd, shortly after the demo becomes available.

[Source]

PlayStation Move Heroes Uncovers a Comical Story Trailer

Jonathan Leack — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 01:54:57 +0000

If you’re a PlayStation Move owner, but haven’t found any particular reason to justify the purchase, then the coming months are just for you. Not only is Sorcery right around the corner, but PlayStation Move Heroes is as well. So far we’ve seen some exciting gameplay from PlayStation Move Heroes, but we’ve heard very little about the story. While it doesn’t really need to be said, the collaboration of PlayStation icons Jack, Daxter, Ratchet, Clank, Sly and Bentley is sure to provide some good laughs.

A new PlayStation Move Heroes Story Trailer is ready for your viewing pleasure, and can be seen directly below.

PlayStation Move Heroes will be jumping to a retailer near you on March 22nd.

The PS3′s Biggest Developers are Passing their Property for the NGP

Corey Schwanz — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 18:47:44 +0000

Sony’s incredible new handheld gaming device, codenamed NGP, has an unbelievable lineup of games on the way. But some of the biggest titles aren’t coming from the expected developers.

It didn’t seem possible, but the NGP is capable of running some unbelievable stuff. We’ve seen footage of a Killzone, Resistance, and even an Uncharted game. Uncharted in your pocket? It’s all surreal. But what’s this? Naughty Dog won’t be handling Uncharted, and Insomniac won’t be handling Resistance. A Game Informer preview revealed that the NGP Uncharted game is being developed by Orgeon-based Bend Studio, owned by Sony Computer Entertainment. Bend is mostly known for the well-received Resistance: Retribution, and the Syphon Filter franchise.

Ironically, Bend Studio won’t be handling the next portable Resistance title. Insomniac Games will passing the Resistance torch to Nihilistic Software. Now if that name sounds familiar, it should. PlayStation Move Heroes, the upcoming crossover title of the PS2′s platformers, is currently being developed by Nihilistic. They have experience on the PS3, so the NGP shouldn’t be that much different.

Nihilistic Software recognised that they have big shoes to fill, but are confident that they can meet expectations, tweeting:

We are working hard to deliver an experience worthy of #Resistance & the #NGP platform!

These new developers are certainly capable of the the burden placed before them, and it shows where the focus goes. Naughty Dog and Insomniac are solely focused on Uncharted 3 and Resistance 3 respectively, so their resources won’t be split between a console title and a completely new portable platform.

PlayStation Move Heroes Will Define Motion in March

Jonathan Leack — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 04:49:34 +0000

PlayStation Move owners have been treated to some technological feats such as Sports Champions, but PlayStation Move Heroes is the co-operative experience that they’ve all been waiting patiently for. Evidence last week suggested a March release date, and it looks like it was accurate.

The PlayStation Blog has announced that PlayStation Move Heroes will be hitting retailers on March 22nd for the budget price of only $39.99. Surprisingly, the game will include a story to follow, and Associate Product Marketing Manager Cristian Cardona replied to a comment with the following:

There’s actually a full story surrounding the game and why they’re all together (more on that later).

PlayStation Move Heroes throws you behind the reigns of PlayStation icons including Clank, Daxter, Bentley, Jak, Sly, Bentley, and Ratchet. Although it requires a PlayStation Move controller, its teamwork mechanics and use of accurate motion technology in a fun way makes it one of the most enjoyable looking games of the year. As a sign of strength behind Sony’s 2011 line-up, this title will debut on the same date as Tomb Raider Trilogy, so plan your exclusive purchases accordingly, and there will plenty more to follow.

PlayStation Move Heroes Moving This March?

Cameron Teague — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 23:25:13 +0000

When Sony showcased new titles in development for the PS3 and PlayStation Move at last year’s E3, one of the biggest surprise announcements at the show was PlayStation Move Heroes. Developed by Nihilistic Software, PlayStation Move Heroes features top PlayStation franchise heroes such as Ratchet and Clank, Jak and Daxter, and Sly Cooper.

The game, which transforms the move controller into whips, guns, and even Sly’s cane, looks to be hitting store shelves very soon. According to Japanese magazine Famitsu, PlayStation Move Heroes will be releasing this March in Japan under the name Gachinko Heroes. If this is indeed a solid release window, we can hopefully see the game come stateside around the same time.

[Source]

PlayStation Move Heroes Looks Fun in These New Screenshots

Jonathan Leack — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 14:04:05 +0000

If you’re looking for some more fun ways to enjoy your PlayStation Move, then look no further than PlayStation Move Heroes. Although the title recently had its name changed from Heroes on the Move, which many found to be the preferred title, the game still looks awesome. The latest screenshots from Sony show what you can expect from Jak, Ratchet, and the rest of the gang when this co-op action-adventure game debuts next year.

The screenshots below are the latest gameplay screens from PlayStation Move Heroes:

Heroes on the Move Receives New Trailer and Details

Cameron Teague — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 17:26:56 +0000

Sony has released a new gamescom trailer and details for the upcoming Heroes on the Move. This game will mark the very first time we will see Ratchet, Clank, Sly Cooper, Bentley, Jak, and Daxter in the same game. Players will be able to select a hero, a location and then proceed to complete a wealth of challenges.

One of these such challenges was shown at gamescom and has Sly moving around Paris trying to find hidden energy orbs while fighting off enemies. The video below released by Sony shows a bit more of the gameplay and just how fun this game will be with the Move.