Thursday, October 11, 2007

1UP: Everyday Shooter Scores 9.1/10


1UP reviewed Everyday Shooter on it's release (today) and scored it an amazing 9.1/10. A big difference from IGN's score of a 7.9/10. They start off:

"As you listen to the quietly comforting, endlessly looping guitar picking of Everyday Shooter's title screen and read creator Jonathan Mak's personal notes about his motivations and inspirations behind the game (found there as well), it's hard not to get excited about what lies ahead. ES is an exquisite gaming experiment that injects endless creativity into a beautifully polished two-stick shoot-em-up. It seems it took Mak a fair bit of personal reflection to end up working from his heart instead of purely from his brain, and we're lucky enough to have the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of both."
Read the full review at the link.

[Via 1UP]

GameSpot: Ratchet and Clank Future Stage Demo Showing off Clank


Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction is to be"14 to 16 hours long" in length as stated by Brian from Insomniac. The Stage Demo also highlights Clank's involvement in the game, and it's new features.

[Via GameSpot]

Portal: The Flash Version

Mad because we have to wait till December till we get our hands on The Orange Box's Portal? Well, a member of NewGrounds made a flash version (2D) of Portal to hold us off while are waiting till December 11. Enjoy the play.

[Play: Portal: The Flash Version]

SmackDown! vs. Raw 2008: Superstar Moves Gameplay HD


The WWE's finest show up to lay the smackdown in the latest installment of the popular wrestling franchise. Enjoy.

[Via GameTrailers]

GameTrailers: Final Fantasy Tactics PSP Review


GameTrailer's review for Final Fantasy Tactics for the PSP just went live, and they gave the game a 9.2 out of 10. They claim "This is one remake you don't want to miss". A terrific score, view the review above.

[Via GameTrailers]

WET: Animations Montage


A collection of slicing and shooting in the distinct art style that influences the game. Enjoy.

[Via GameTrailers]

EyeCreate: Stop Motion Videos


Above is the Stop Motion Jump. Download the free EyeCreate on October 23rd and use your PS3 to create short films for friends and family. The below is the race. The possibilities are endless when you combine the PSEye and the storage capacity of the PS3.



[Via GameTrailers]

Assassin's Creed: Jeru Escape & Horse and Kingdom Videos


Two new Assassin's Creed videos from IGN, the above being the Horse and Kingdom video, and the below being the Jerusalem escape. Enjoy.



[Via IGN]

Assassin's Creed: Montferrat Walkthrough


An 8 minute long walkthrough of Montferat of Assassin's Creed from IGN. Warning, it contains a white cloaked guy. Enjoy.

[Via IGN]

IGN: Everyday Shooter Review

IGN did there review on Queasy Games newly released Everyday Shooter, and it scored an good 7.9/10. Here is their breakdown:
Presentation - 7.5
An indie game, through and through. You'll either love or hate the style, but it's hard to dislike the lack of load times.

Graphics - 8.0
Simplistic, but brilliant in their color and melody.

Sound - 8.0
All-guitar tracks are stylish and cool, but if you don't like just guitar, you may not be too happy about it.

Gameplay - 7.5
Easy to pick up and play, but a few issues are present in movement and point gathering.

Lasting Appeal - 7.0
Unlockable content always helps boost a title's play time, but if you're really skilled you can burn through those eight stages pretty quickly.

OVERALL - 7.9/10
(out of 10 / not an average)
Thats their breakdown, though I think the presentation should of scored an 8-8.5 at least, read the full review at the link below.

[Read: Everyday Shooter Review]

Version 2.00 of PLAYSTATION Network User Agreement Released

Don't get excited, it's not the 2.00 update, it's about the PLAYSTATION Network user agreement. Version 2.00 of the document has been released, it's changes:

"Version 2.0 (October 30, 2007) *updates noted in red

This Agreement applies to services, software and content provided through or in connection with PSN, including via the PLAYSTATION®Store and virtual communities, whether delivered onto the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, the PSP®(PlayStation®Portable) system, a personal computer or otherwise. Such services, software, and content include subscriptions, data, system software, fixes, updates or newer releases and peripheral materials.
Not much of a change besides that and a bunch of new paragraphs. View them at the link.

[View: PSN User Agreement]

New PLAYSTATION 3 TV Ad


PLAYSTATION 3 takes home entertainment back to the drawing board. High Definition movies, games and personal music can all be played on the PS3 system and the multimedia features continue to evolve over time, providing amazing entertainment for the future.

Army of Two: GameSpot Q&A


Army of Two is EA's upcoming shooter developed at its Montreal studios. Although much has been discussed about the unique third-person game's two-player mechanics in the campaign mode, specifics on its multiplayer offerings have been kept under wraps. We caught up with senior producer Reid Schneider, who gave up the goods on what the studio has planned for the game's multiplayer action, which is shaping up to be a intriguing experience. They start off the interview:

GameSpot: How did you approach multiplayer for AO2?

Reid Schneider: Army of Two is built from the ground up as a co-op game. It focuses on two-man strategies and tactics. What really differentiates the gameplay from other shooters is the interaction you have with your partner, whether it be a live player or the AI partner. The team did a great job of translating the "buddy-cop" film experience to a video game. They were able to execute on many co-op features that people thought would be impossible to translate into a game. All the credit goes to them for crafting an amazing experience.

Read the full interview at the link.

[Read: Army of Two Interview]

Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction Official Trailer 3


Gamespot just released a new trailer of the upcoming PLAYSTATION 3 exclusive game from Insomniac, Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction. It shows off some of the new weapons as well as some bosses. Enjoy.

[Via GameSpot]

IGN: NFL Tour Preview

NFL Street 1, 2, and 3 were very dear games in our hearts. But after so many jumps, gravity defying tricks, wall runs, and flying touchdowns, the series begins to get a little old. So now, EA Sports is reinventing the series with their upcoming game, NFL Tour. The IGN preview:

Forget street cred and stealing players with this game -- the concept behind NFL Tour is more about going through a NFL branded entertainment experience. The league sets up a traveling roadshow (akin to a summer league), and plays in 15 separate locations around the country, with spotlights, fireworks, concert stages and other amusements for fans. The main attraction, of course, is the seven on seven football game between squads. Similar to previous NFL Street games, the field is shorter than regulation sized fields and features arena football style walls to run along, although for only short distances. However, there are some variations to the formula in NFL Tour: the field doesn't have barrels, boxes or other items that you can use to hop onto, or powerups to collect. Games will take about 15 minutes of real time to play, as NFL Tour's field action is divided into 2 minute halves with automatic clock stoppage at the end of every play. You also won't have to field the same players on both sides of the ball; this time around, you'll be able to control the offensive and defensive squads of a team as you try to outscore your opponents.

You'll have a number of running and passing plays available to you on offense, but there's a new one button passing mechanic that will definitely appeal to old school football game fans. Similar to Tecmo Bowl and other football classics, players automatically know who their primary receiver is, and can toss the ball to them at any time. By hitting a button, they can run their checks and switch to another receiver that's open and pass the ball to them. It's incredibly simple and intuitive, and adds a dimension of speed to the passing game. Madden fans need not fear, because there will be an option to set your passing game up with a Madden pass scheme if you don't like this new format.

This isn't the only feature that's been remade -- onfield gameplay now revolves around the new Total Collision Control System, which determines whether or not a player is tackled during a play. Any player, whether they're on offense or defense, can initiate contact and perform a button timed mini-game to "reverse" the effects of the collision: on offense, this means eluding the tackle, while on defense it means adding a little additional power behind a hit. However, this isn't a fastest fingers contest; players have to time their buttons with the appearance of the icon on screen or they'll fail. Successful reversals for the collision adds to your Smash Meter (NFL Tour's replacement for the Gamebreaker), which, once filled, allows you to pull off a powerful offensive or defensive play. While the demo build that we saw didn't have this feature implemented, we were told that it won't be as unstoppable or as completely game changing as the Gamebreakers of old.

Apart from the quick games, we found that there will be two mini-games included in the title: Smash and Dash and Red Zone Rush. Smash and Dash is similar to the Crush the Carrier mode from the previous Street games, although the arena that you're playing in will have eighteen separate sides with walls that you can bounce off. Red Zone Rush, on the other hand, is similar to the Madden Open Field Showdown mini-game, where you try to score as many times as possible before time runs out. These join the primary feature, the NFL Tour mode, which focuses around your created player as he joins your favorite squad and tries to perform well, with the hope of eventually making his way into an NFL contract when the Tour is over. We'll have more on the title as soon as it becomes available, but for now, check out the latest screens of the game.
This seems to be shaping up to be a great title, and you can expect a review from us upon the release of this game.

[Via IGN]

Beowulf: Authenticity Trailer HD


The inclusion of viking longships, breakable weaponry, and squad-based strategies make for the most authentic viking experience yet. Enjoy.

[Via GameTrailers]

EA Buys Pandemic & BioWare

Electronic Arts just announced that they have "acquired" both BioWare and Pandemic Studios. EA cut a deal with Elevation Partners to buy up VG Holding Corp, which owns both companies.

"These are two of the most respected studios in the industry and I'm glad to be working with them again. They'll make a strong contribution to our strategic growth initiatives on quality, online gaming and developing new intellectual properties," said John Riccitiello, EA's Chief Executive Officer. "We also expect this will drive long-term value for our shareholders."

"Pandemic Studios remains focused on attracting the best talent and creating blockbuster action games," said Josh Resnick, President and Co-founder of Pandemic Studios. "As a worldwide publishing leader, EA represents the ideal partner to bring our titles to market as global entertainment events."

"We are truly excited by John Riccitiello's new vision for EA," said Ray Muzyka, Co-founder and CEO of BioWare Corp. "This vision is consistent with BioWare's focus on crafting the highest quality story-driven games in the world. It will enable us to further the careers of the passionate, creative and hard working teams at BioWare Edmonton and BioWare Austin."

EA paid up to $620 million in cash to the stockholders of VG Holding to get their hands on the companies, They also gave $155 million in equity to "certain employees of VG Holding" and is lending the company up to $35 million.

View the press release at the link.

[Via Kotaku]

Folklore: Launch Trailer HD


The launch trailer of Folklore that was just released on the PLAYSTATION Store is now available on GameTrailers for your viewing pleasure. Follow the story of Ellen and Keats, two complete strangers traversing seven mysterious and dangerous worlds.

[Via GameTrailers]

The Simpsons Game: Land of Chocolate Trailer HD


For a man like Homer Simpson, this is a dream come true. Enjoy the Simpsony watch.

[Via GameTrailers]

Everyday Shooter: Melodic Mayhem Gameplay HD


An intense arcade-style shooter with a pleasing soundtrack that you help create. Enjoy.

[Via GameTrailers]

Metal Gear Solid 4: Europe Bundle Planned?

European PlayStation 3 owners could very well be getting their hands on Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots before Easter comes. This according to Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) vice president James Armstrong.

Speaking to Spanish video game news website MeriStation, Armstrong revealed that Sony and Konami are planning to release a new PS3 bundle that includes a copy of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. Sony will also reportedly include a DualShock 3 controller in the bundle.

According to Armstrong, Sony plans to get the bundle out in Europe before Easter. Keep checking back here for more updates.

[Via QJ.Net]

US PlayStation Store Update for October 11, 2007


The US PlayStation Store update has just been posted on the PlayStation.Blog. Today's US update includes a variety of items, including the much anticipated Ratchet demo and also a demo from our friends at 2K Sports.
Games

  • Everyday Shooter ($9.99 US)

Demos

  • Ratchet and Clank Future: ToD Demo
  • NHL 2K8 Demo
  • Conan Demo

Game Videos

  • Uncharted Behind The Scenes II
  • Folklore Launch Trailer
  • Fallout 3 Teaser Trailer

Movie Trailers

  • The Assassination of Jesse James
  • Spiderwick Chronicles
  • Walk Hard

Wallpaper:

  • Ratchet and Clank Future: ToD (2)
  • Everyday Shooter (1)
A fine update indeed. Just wish Europe would of received the PES 2008 demo.

PLAYSTATION Store for Other Countries

Capcom Has Something Big In Store for PLAYSTATION 3 Owners?

An angry PLAYSTATION 3 user over at the official Capcom forums posted in rage:

"Capcom is losing fans. They obviously don't care for their PS3-owner fans."
Sven, the Senior Director of Strategy for Capcom replied with a hinting response:
"Let's see how they feel at the end of next week about us."
Is there something big in store coming for the PLAYSTATION 3 to be announced next week, something to make up for the loss of Monster Hunter 3?

[Via Capcom BBS]

Gabe Newell: PLAYSTATION 3 "a waste of everybody's time"

Valve Software boss Gabe Newell has slagged off PS3 calling it "a waste of everybody's time" in a latest attack on the console.

"Investing in the Cell, investing in the SPE gives you no long-term benefits. There's nothing there that you're going to apply to anything else. You're not going to gain anything except a hatred of the architecture they've created", Newell told Edge magazine.

"I don't think they're going to make money off their box. I don't think it's a good solution."

It's not the first time Newell has slammed PS3. Earlier in the year he called it "a total disaster on so many levels... I think it's really clear that Sony lost track of what customers and what developers wanted".

"I'd say, even at this late date, they should just cancel it and do a do over", he said in January.

Despite his negative reactions to PS3, Newell says that he thinks PS3 owners who buy The Orange Box are going to be happy with their game experience and that EA - which is handling the PS3 version - will make it a good product.

"But I think it's harder to get it to the same standard as the 360 and PC versions", Newell said.

You can read Edge's full interview with Gabe Newell in its newly launched blog.


[Via CVG]

Infamous Q&A: Good Versus Evil

GameSpot did a Q&A with Brian Fleming of Sucker Punch, the company developing the upcoming PLAYSTATION 3 title, inFAMOUS. They start:

GameSpot: When did development on the game start? What is the background of the team that worked on it (what games have they worked on)?

Brian Fleming: The game has been under development for 18 months and will ship in 2008. Sucker Punch continues to be a one-project-at-a-time studio, so the entire team shifted over to Infamous work when we returned from vacations after Sly III. We're excited to stretch our wings in a new direction with this title. And we're certainly as driven as ever to create great gameplay and spectacular visuals with Infamous.

Read the full interview at the link below.

[Read: inFAMOUS Q&A]

Metal Gear Solid 4 Playable at E for All 2007

Producer Ken Imaizumi makes a long-awaited return to the KP Report as we open up the mailbox, chat about the new PSP, and announce their plans for the English playable demo of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots at E for All 2007!

Listen to the broadcast at the link below.

[Via I-Revo]

EU PlayStation Store Update for October 11, 2007

Once again, a week goes by, all countries receive a PLAYSTATION Store update. EU's included three demos, some add-ons, and such. But still, sadly, no PES 2008 demo.

Demos
  • Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08 Demo
  • FIFA 08 Demo
  • The Simpsons
Add-Ons
  • Ninja Gaiden Sigma Speed master £2.99
Game Videos
  • Fallout 3 Teaser Trailer
  • Lair - Mastering the Beast
  • Lair - When Dragons Attack
  • Lair - World in Chaos
  • Pixel Junk Racers
Movie Previews
  • Men of Honor
  • Planet of the Apes

Wallpapers
  • Pixel Junk Racers Box
  • Pixel Junk Racers Neon
  • Folklore
  • Lair Bad Dragon
[Via EU PS Community]

New York City's GTAIV Billboard

The guys over at GTA4.TV got some images of the Grand Theft Auto IV upcoming billboard in New York City. Check out the pictures.

[Via GTA4.TV]

Team Fortress 2: Engineer Extermination Gameplay HD


Get your toolbox ready and set up some traps for your foes, and if that doesn't work get out your trusty shotgun. Enjoy.

[Via GameTrailers]