Monday, February 25, 2008

Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix Updated for PS3

If you've purchased Capcom's Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix off of the PLAYSTATION Store, you may want to boot up the game. There is a new update available that adds the following features.

– Voice Chat is now available.
– Localized for English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish languages.
- A few bugs have been fixed including lost connections in ranked games, or a disconnection upon the completion of their next ranked game.
So if you are ready to start voice chatting and get your puzzle back on, then start up the game and download that update.

[Puzzle Fighter Gets Updated for PS3]

X-Play: Rainbox Six Vegas 2 Demo


Morgan Webb of G4TV's X-Play talks with Steve Masters, game designer of Ubisoft's upcoming Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Vegas 2. They preview the single player campaign. It's really worth a watch. Enjoy!

Witches Teaser Site Launched

Revistronic launched a teaser site for their upcoming Witches today for the PLAYSTATION 3, Xbox 360, and PC. The teaser site features some new screenshots, spooky music, and a trailer. If your looking forward to the game, check it out. Enjoy!

[Witches Teaser Site]

SCEA Expands Executive Team

Well, Phil Harrison is out of the picture. Today, Sony Computer Entertainment America announced the executive appointments of Robert Dyer to Senior Vice President, Publisher Relations, Ian Jackson to Vice President, Sales and Sally Buchanan to Vice President, Human Resources. These three key positions will take effect in March & April 2008.

“Rob Dyer, Ian Jackson and Sally Buchanan’s proven records of strategic leadership and innovation, combined with their extensive industry experience re-enforce their new roles as a great fit for our organization,” said Jack Tretton, president and CEO, SCEA. “These three appointments augment an already strong executive staff at SCEA and provide the company with additional leadership to focus on key relationships with some of the most important constituencies, our publishing partners, retail community, and internal employees, as we continue to build on the momentum generated in early 2008 by the PlayStation family of products.”

SCEA may have lost a good employee, but they just gained a few good ones. View their about me's in the press release below.

SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT AMERICA EXPANDS EXECUTIVE TEAM WITH APPOINTMENTS OF THREE INDUSTRY VETERANS TO KEY MANAGEMENT ROLES

Appointments Include Industry Veterans Robert Dyer to Senior Vice-President, Publisher Relations, Ian Jackson to Vice-President, Sales and Sally Buchanan to Vice-President, Human Resources

FOSTER CITY, Calif., February 25, 2008 – Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today announced the executive appointments of Robert Dyer to Senior Vice President, Publisher Relations, Ian Jackson to Vice President, Sales and Sally Buchanan to Vice President, Human Resources. Buchanan, Dyer and Jackson, who bring nearly 50 years of combined industry experience, will add further depth and experience to an already stellar executive team. These three key positions, which take effect in March and April 2008 and report directly to SCEA President and CEO Jack Tretton, will help further lead the company’s efforts in sales, merchandising, cooperative marketing, recruiting and publisher relations.

“Rob Dyer, Ian Jackson and Sally Buchanan’s proven records of strategic leadership and innovation, combined with their extensive industry experience re-enforce their new roles as a great fit for our organization,” said Jack Tretton, president and CEO, SCEA. “These three appointments augment an already strong executive staff at SCEA and provide the company with additional leadership to focus on key relationships with some of the most important constituencies, our publishing partners, retail community, and internal employees, as we continue to build on the momentum generated in early 2008 by the PlayStation family of products.”

Dyer will be responsible for executing the strategy and vision for SCEA’s industry partnerships with external developers and publishers as well as oversee strategic co-marketing programs. Dyer, who has more than two decades of senior leadership experience in the game and entertainment industry, joins SCEA from Crave Entertainment Group, where he served as President and COO since 2004, and helped to direct the game and publishing company to secure more than $300 million in revenue in 2007. Prior to joining Crave Entertainment Group, Dyer managed all areas of operations as President of Eidos Interactive and Crystal Dynamics, two of the industry’s leading developers and publishers of entertainment software.

With Dyer’s appointment, Riley Russell will move into a more focused position as Chief Legal Officer and Senior Vice President of Corporate Development including the additional responsibility of managing licensee relations for first-party intellectual properties.

Jackson will oversee strategic sales and promotional initiatives across all PlayStation platforms in North America. Bringing extensive sales and marketing experience from some of the largest digital entertainment companies in the industry, Jackson most recently held the role of Managing Director for Sony Computer Entertainment Canada and was responsible for maintaining the company’s leadership position in the Canadian market. Previously, Jackson also held strategic sales and marketing positions at Electronic Arts, Panasonic and Microsoft where he worked closely with retailers, distributors and channel partners to execute product launches and sales activities. To build on the strong management team already in place for SCE Canada, Steve Turvey will replace Jackson as General Manager.

Buchanan, who has been with SCEA since 1994, will oversee the strategic Human Resources initiatives including career planning, leadership development, succession planning and talent acquisition, and retention strategies for SCEA. Prior to joining SCEA, Buchanan held varying roles in Human Resources within the technology and staffing industries.

Dead Rising 2 Being Done by Blue Castle Games?

There was a rumor a while back the the sequel to Dead Rising would be coming from a Wesetern developer. A source today says that the development duties have been shifted to Blue Castle Games. They are responsible for the likes of The Bigs from 2K Sports. As Capcom said they will not do exclusives anymore, and Surfer Girl and Skater Boy (to add more to it) said it's coming to both consoles, this is probably going to be multiplatform.

Recently added videos on the Blue Castle web site feature interviews with team employees who call one of their upcoming games "probably the most sought after projects in Vancouver" amid bleeps that might give some indication about what they're working on. Another interview with the art staff talks of working on "far more interesting things than stadium artwork" including "city streets, weapons and vehicles." Of course, it does not confirm Dead Rising 2 for Capcom, the chatter heard at last week's GDC 2008 makes it sound like the rumor has some basis in truth.

With current Capcom games in development by third parties, this is highly beleivable.

[Dead Rising 2 Coming From The Bigs Team?]

DICE 2008: Ken Kutagari Interview


The lucky guys over at GameTrailers got to talk with the father of the PlayStation, Ken Kutagari. He speaks on the success of the console, the struggles while working on it, convincing Sony to develop it, and more. Maybe one day we may get to interview the man himself.

DICE 2008: Ted Price Resistance 2 Interview


In a new interview at DICE 2008, Ted Price, the man who started Insomniac Games, talks Resistance: Fall of Man 2. He explains the 60 player online, the single player and cooperative campaigns and more. Enjoy!

Valkyria Chronicles Heading to North America & Europe


Well, we have some more great news today. The game we knew as Valkyrie of the Battlefield: Gallian Chronicles is coming to North American and European shores this Fall exclusively for the PLAYSTATION 3 now known as Valkyria Chronicles.

The game tells the store of our hero Welkin and the members of the Federation's 7th Platoon as they struggle to tstop the evil Emprire from taking over a small neutral country. One more secured in the bag. The press release is below.
SEGA's Valkyria ChroniclesTM Journeys To The West

Visually Stunning Role-Playing Game Heads to the PLAYSTATION® 3

LONDON AND SAN FRANCISCO (February 25, 2007) - SEGA® of America, Inc. and SEGA® Europe Ltd. today announced that Valkyria Chronicles™ a fresh new take on the traditional role-playing genre, is coming exclusively to the PLAYSTATION® 3 computer entertainment system. Soon to be released as Valkyria of the Battlefield: Gallian Chronicles in Japan, where it has already gathered the interest of legions of gamers, Valkyria Chronicles combines strategy elements of tactical role-playing games with real-time action sequences. All of this is played out in an innovative and beautiful visual style.

Valkyria Chronicles is set in a fictitious continent reminiscent of 1930s Europe - divided in two and ruled by the Empire and the Federation. The Empire has set its sights on invading a small neutral country called Gallia, which is situated in the middle of the two great empires. The game follows a hero named Welkin and his fellow soldiers of the Federation's 7th Platoon as they engage in a series of epic battles.

Built upon the new "CANVAS" engine, developed internally by SEGA Game Studios Japan, Valkyria Chronicles' stunning 3D graphics resemble a watercolor painting in motion, taking full advantage of the processing capabilities of the PLAYSTATION® 3. The power of the PLAYSTATION® 3 also allows the development team to exploit the full potential of this new engine, giving players many different stunning environments to explore. A new type of tactical battle mechanic has been specifically designed for Valkyria Chronicles. Known as "BLiTZ," this gives players freedom to strategically move around the environment and attack enemies using real-time controls, something never before seen in the tactical role-playing game genre. The new "CANVAS" engine technology, the "BLiTZ" battle concept and an epic storyline offers players hours of exciting gameplay.

"Valkyria Chronicles has been enthusiastically requested by European fans" said Gary Knight, European Marketing Director SEGA Europe ltd. "The unique graphics and compelling gameplay are just two reasons why we're delighted to bring it to them."

Valkyria Chronicles will be available for the PLAYSTATION® 3 computer entertainment system in Autumn 2008.

Home Unaffected by Harrison's Departure

Since Phil Harrison is stepping down, many are wondering whats going on with PlayStation Home, meaning the impact his retirement from the company will have. Phil Harrison was one of the biggest helpersfor Home, he had the vision.

"[It's] business as usual for Home. The projects that Phil has been working on including Home are still on track and are still sticking to their current schedules," a Sony Computer Entertainment America spokesperson told us. "Each title and project is supported by a wide variety of people behind the scenes to ensure the highest quality and execution."

The release for Home is currently Spring 2008. Only a few more months people.

[Sony: PlayStation Home Unaffected by Harrison's Departure]

Overlord: Raising Hell Confirmed for PLAYSTATION 3

Well, it's finally been confirmed that Overlord is coming to the PLAYSTATION 3. The game will be titled Overlord: Raising Hell and will contain all the downloadable content released on the PC and Xbox 360 versions of the game released last year.

"Use the Minions tactically and they'll always be on hand, ready to sacrifice themselves just to save the Overlord's illustrious arse", says Codemasters.

They state summer as the specific release date for the game. You can view the first screenshots at the link.

[Overlord PS3 confirmed - exclusive screens]

Bionic Commando: Rearmed Playable Via PSP Remote Play

Capcom producer Benn Judd stated last week that the PLAYSTATION 3 version of Bionic Commando: Rearmed will come with a special feature. It will be playable through the PSP's Remote Play feature. This is another of the few games using the feature such as PixelJunk Monsters and LAIR.

One up for Capcom.

[‘Bionic Commando: Rearmed’ PS3 Will Run On PSPs Thanks To Remote Play]

Persona 3: FES Confirmed for US Release by Atlus

For all your Persona 3 fans (including myself), we have some good news. Today Atlus confirmed that Persona 3: FES will arrive in the United States on April 22, 2008 for the low price of $29.99. The game comes with the FES expansion along with the full game. The full press release below.

Atlus Pulls The Trigger On Persona 3 FES® For North America

Revisit the Dark Hour this April 22

IRVINE, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 25, 2008 - Atlus U.S.A., Inc., the vanguard of role-playing games, today announced Persona 3 FES for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the highly-anticipated definitive cut of 2007's RPG of the Year, Persona 3. With two games on one disc-a brand new chapter featuring 30+ hours of gameplay and an enhanced version of the original game loaded with new content and features-Persona 3 FES is the comprehensive version of one of the most acclaimed RPGs of 2007.

Persona 3 FES is a stand-alone product and does not require the original Persona 3 to play. However, players with save files from the original game will be able to transfer some of their saved data, such as their Persona compendium, to be used in the enhanced main story. The new story is accessible from the start and does not require players to finish the original game beforehand.

Persona 3 FES is scheduled for release on April 22nd for an MSRP of $29.99.

For more on Persona 3 FES, please visit the official website: http://www.atlus.com/persona3

About Persona 3: FES
Lead a group of high school students with a dangerous extracurricular activity: exploring the mysterious tower Tartarus and fighting the sinister Shadows during the Dark Hour, a frozen span of time imperceptible to all but a select few. However, the end of their quest is no longer the end of the story-witness for the first time the aftermath of the final battle and the students' struggle to find meaning in their new lives.

Key Features:
- Acclaimed by critics and fans - Experience the definitive cut of 2007's award-winning Persona 3, which garnered tons of critical acclaim and the adulation of a devoted fanbase.
- More than just an expansion - Persona 3 FES contains an enhanced version of the original game, loaded with new Personas and cutscenes, a weapon synthesis system, additional quests and events, a hard difficulty mode, and the ability to change your characters' clothes.
- 30 additional hours of gameplay - Take the role of Aigis in a brand new Persona 3 episode that plays as a full game with an original story, extra cutscenes and objectives, and seventeen new music tracks.
- Incredible value - The enhanced version of the acclaimed Persona 3 game and the brand new episode make for 120-plus hours of gameplay, packaged together at a suggested retail price of $29.99.

Persona 3 FES has been rated M for Mature with Blood, Language, Partial Nudity, Suggestive Themes, and Violence by the ESRB.

Phil Harrison Quits Sony Computer Entertainment

Phil Harrison, president of Sony Computer Entertainment, who was with the company for 15 years, will be resigning as of February 29, 2008.

Kaz Hirai, the president and group CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment will take the responsibilities as precident of Sony Computer Entertainment along with his current role.

“As one of the founding members of SCE, Phil played a key role in the development and growth of the PlayStation business and our industry,” said Hirai. “It is sad to see him departing from SCE, but I wish to express my gratitude for his many invaluable contributions and also wish Phil the very best of luck in his future endeavors.”

“The past 15 years at Sony Computer Entertainment has been the defining journey of my life so far,” said Harrison. “I am grateful to all the PlayStation family for their incredible support, guidance and friendship. It has been a privilege to serve as part of the team and be inspired by them on a daily basis. I am so proud of everything PlayStation has achieved and will continue to support its future in every way I can.”

It really sucks to see him go. He was one of the greatest members of the Sony team, and a real nice person as well. Good luck Phil!

[BREAKING: PHIL HARRISON QUITS SONY]

BBC Previews: Motorstorm 2, Resistance 2, "Speechless" Secret Title

Darren Waters of BBC was shown some exclusive previews recently of upcoming PLAYSTATION 3 games.

He was first shown Motorstorm 2, which is due out sometime during Christmas. He explains that unlike the first game which features the desert as the main environment, the sequel features a lush island environment along with what the first game was lacking, four player split-screen. The title is some months away from completion, but he explains the game's engine was rock solid and the graphics were highly impressive as you would expect from "one of the best-looking racing franchises."

He also previewed Resistance 2. He was only shown a trailer, but he stated that it was clear Insomniac Games wanted to make a statement, especially since the online hosts 60 players at the same time. He explains that it screams epic and concludes with "You haven't seen what we are truly capable of."

The editor teases us with a new title he was show. This new title is due out in 2009, but he was shown to absolute secrecy. The game is so secret that when he mentioned it to Phil Harrison, he was unsure to admit the title existed (as he was not informed he was told). He teases more by telling us the title left him "speechless" and the footage he was shown was truly "in game".

What could this title be? Sony Computer Entertainment showed it to him, so it would have to be published by them? What could be so speechless? Could it be Final Fantasy VII (they own the rights), or perhaps Sly Cooper 4? Maybe a whole new IP? Start counting down to E3 people.

[PlayStation bounces back]