GDC 2008: Sony Unveils the PhyreEngine

During the PLAYSTATION Network session yesterday, Sony Computer Entertainment unveiled the "free to use graphics engine" known as the PhyreEngine. The engine will allow developers to more easily develop games for the PLAYSTATION 3 by using PC environments they are more familiar with. Sony promises "ongoing development and support" for their new engine.

The engine has already been used, even in some multiplatform titles. They revealed three titles that uses the engine: flOw, Gripshift, and DiRT. That means they've actually helped the development of Xbox 360 and PC games as well.

Sony is putting up a good case here. Use their PhyreEngine to make games on the PLAYSTATION 3 first, guranteeing high quality games that will match their Xbox 360 counterparts, or even exceed them. Start games on the PLAYSTATION 3 and they will be better for both PLAYSTATION 3 and Xbox 360 owners, thats the message.

When we get more on this new PhyreEngine, we will be sure to update you.

[GDC08: PhyreEngine, Sony's new (free!) cross-platform engine]

Amazon Black Friday Deals Leaked?

According to a tipster who sent in from Kotaku, we have the details on Amazon's Black Friday deals. So instead of going out and getting jammed in the face by buyers who want the same game as you, stay at home and play it safe.

So kick back, and take a look at the deals for all systems below. If you haven't picked up DiRT yet or want an extra SIXAXIS, then Friday is the day for you. The deals:

Amazon Black Friday Deals

• Halo 3 Legendary for Xbox 360 $79.99 ( save $50 )
• Bioshock for Xbox 360 $39.99 ( save $20 )
• Gears of War for Xbox 360 $39.99 ( save $20 )
• Amazon.com Exclusive !!! Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas Limited Edition for 360 $19.99 ( save $40 )
• PlayStation 3 SIXAXIS controller $19.99 ( save $30 )
• DiRT for PS3 $29.99 ( save $30 )
• Puzzle Quest for PSP $9.99 ( save $10 )
• Gold Nintendo DS with Zelda $149.99
• Pink Nintendo DS with Nintendogs $149.99
• New York Times Crosswords for DS $9.99 ( half off )
• World of Warcraft Battlechest for PC $19.99 ( save $20 )
• World of Warcraft for PC $9.99 ( half off )
• Select Wii Games $19.99
• A ton more, many more than half off. Some of these offers are good through "Cyber Monday", but most will sell out early on Friday.
• And just heard, Amazon.com will have an allotment of Wii hardware available for sale Friday - that too is expected to sell out very quickly.

See anything you like? Then be at Amazon Friday.

[Via Kotaku]

Collin McRae, DiRT Creator, Dies

Collin McRaue was feared dead today in a helicopter crash.

An AS350 Squirrel helicopter registered to McRae crashed 1 mile north of Lanark, Scotland on 15 September 2007, which is close to the McRae family home. McRae is known to be a keen helicopter pilot, and it is believed that he and his 5 year old son were killed in the crash. [6] Strathclyde police confirmed there were no survivors in the crash, but said the fatalities will not be immediately formally identified.

May he rest in peace.

[Via Daily Mail]

PlayStation 3 Releases for the Week of September 9, 2007

Prepare for a great week for PlayStation 3 gamers. Next week, we have one of the PlayStation 3's most anticipated titles releasing. Here is the list:

US Releases
∙ NHL 2k8 - September 10, 2007
∙ DiRT - September 11, 2007
∙ NHL 08 - September 11, 2007
∙ Heavenly Sword - September 12, 2007

EU Releases
∙ Heavenly Sword - September 12, 2007
∙ DiRT - September 11, 2007

ASIAN Releases
∙ Megazone 23: Aoi Garland
∙ Megazone 23: Aoi Garland Limited Edition

With Heavenly Sword coming out, you know the PlayStation community is going to be buzzing with thoughts, reviews, and remarks.

We also have Collin McRae's DiRT being released. Another anticipated PlayStation 3 dirt racing game. Alongside that is two NHL games, one from EA and one from 2K Games. Which one will be better? Only the releases will tell.... or the reviews, either one.

DiRT: OPM Reviews an 8 and PSM3 an 8.8

Two new reviews surfaced on Metacritic today for Collin McRae DiRT, and they are from the UK gaming magazines, Official PlayStation Magazine and PSM3. PSM3 gave it an 8.8 out of 10 stating:

Excellent graphics, sound and handling make this a great choice for newbies and purists alike.

And the Official PlayStation Magazine gave it an 8 out of 10 stating:

Easily one of the greatest racers on PS3 to date, both in terms of addictiveness and broad, crowd-pleasing appeal.

Two good reviews if you ask me.

[Via MetaCritic]

IGN: DiRT Reviews an 8.4 out of 10

IGN US reviewed Collin McRae DiRT today and gave it a very good grade. An 8.4 out of 10! Here are their closing comments:

"DiRT is one of the coolest racing games I have ever laid my hands on. When you can count every leaf on every piece of brush across a three mile track, that's a major graphical accomplishment. If only every aspect of DiRT matched the graphics and presentation, Codemasters would have a must-buy racer on its hands. DiRT still hasn't fixed Colin McRae's longtime use of a central pivot for turning and the racing feels floaty at times. DiRT isn't quite as good as some previous installments in the Colin McRae racing series, but it's certainly a worthy addition to the library."

They also stated:

"Graphics smoother than 360 version."

Read the full review at the link below.

[Read DiRT Review]

EU PlayStation Store Update August 31, 2007

Weird day to update, usually Europe gets their updates on a Thursday. They seemed to receive it today though. Anyway, heres the update:

Demos

• Colin McRae: Dirt (Demo)

Videos

• Jed Ashforth Interview (Video)

Trailers

• All the Kings Men (Blu-ray Trailer)

That seems to be it, kind of a bad update again for Europe. Come on Sony, stop giving them crappy updates. Make it fair for everyone.

Newest OPM Scores October 2007

We have the latest Official PlayStation Magazine UK scores here thanks to NeoGAF:

PS3 Reviews
Lair - 6
Heavenly Sword - 7
Stuntman Ignition - 7
Stranglehold - 8
Singstar PS3 - 9
Warhawk - 9
Colin McRae Dirt - 8
NASCAR 08 - 4
All-Pro Football 2k8 - 7
NCAA Football 08 - 8
Gauntlet II PSN - 2

PSP Reviews
Crazy Taxi Fare Wars - 7
Worms Open Warfare 2 - 8
Tony Hawks Project 8 - 7
PQ2 Practical Intelligence Quotient - 6
Monster Hunter Freedom 2 - 7
Final Armada - 2

PS2 Reviews
Singstar 90s - 7
Guitar Hero Rocks the 80s - 7
Obscure II - 6
Premier Manager 08 - 3

Seems like Lair & Heavenly Sword have been canned again. The reviews we've been seeing for these two games have really been going up and down, right? But look at that, SingStar on the PlayStation 3 received a 9/10. Thats amazing. I'm looking forward to this, as long as it has rap.

[Via NeoGAF]

PlayStation 3 Releases For September 2007

This month is a big month for PlayStation 3 owners. A big bowl full of titles are coming to the PlayStation 3, the list:

• Lair ($59.99) - September 4, 2007
  
• Collin McRae DiRT ($59.99) - September 11, 2007
  
• NHL 08 ($59.99) - September 11, 2007
• NHL 2K8 ($59.99) - September 11, 2007
• Heavenly Sword ($59.99) - September 12, 2007
• Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights ($59.99) - September 17, 2007
• John Woo's Stranglehold [Collectors ($69.99)] ($59.99) - September 17, 2007
• Stuntman: Ignition ($59.99) - September 17, 2007
• Blazing Angels 2 Secret Missions ($59.99) - September 18, 2007
• skate ($59.99) - September 24, 2007
• World Series of Poker 2008 ($59.99) - September 25, 2007

I guess that will cheer up all the people who have school to look forward too this September. Enjoy the games when you buy them.

DiRT PlayStation 3 vs. Xbox 360 Comparison

Side by side graphics comparison of Colin McRae: DiRT on the PS3 and Colin McRae: DiRT on the Xbox 360. It's nice that it runs better, and the lighting, in some ways, look better, but it's definitely a downgrade, despite waiting all this time. At least based on the demos. 360 ones are on the left, PS3 on the right. View the comparisons at the link.

[Via GamePlanets]