Tuesday, June 30, 2009

PlayStation Store (PSP) update - 25/06/09

Continue the battle in Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce and add to your set list in Rock Band Unplugged on PlayStation Store.


Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce fans are in for a treat with the addition of a second downloadable pack. Now it adds even more missions and challenges to your Strikeforce game. It also includes all the previous download packs which make it an essential purchase for anyone looking to add a little something extra to their game that haven't already done so.

Rock on

Rock Band Unplugged continues to add to its impressive roster of downloadable tracks with the addition of these four guitar grinding songs guaranteed to keep you rocking on the move for even longer.

Mtley Cre Doctor Feelgood

Dream Theatre Constant Motion

Avenged Sevenfold Afterlife

Stone Temple Pilots Sex Type Thing

Visit PlayStation Store now for these and more great downloads for your PSP.

The Spirit on Blu-ray Disc

Go behind the scenes of the super stylish comic book film on Blu-ray Disc with star Samuel L. Jackson and director Frank Miller.

Adapted from the legendary comic strip created by prolific writer Will Eisner and directed by Frank Miller of Sin City, 300 and The Dark Knight Returns fame, The Spirit is a classic action adventure film featuring an all-star cast line-up including Samuel L.. Jackson and Gabriel Macht.

When rookie cop, Denny Colt (Macht), mysteriously returns from the beyond as The Spirit he vows to fight crime from the shadows of Central City. But his arch enemy the Octopus (Jackson) has other ideas. Intent on pursuing immortality the Octopus is systematically wiping out The Spirit's beloved city - but can the Spirit stop him?

Film noir

Loaded with action, stark imagery pulled straight from the classic comic book and peppered with writer, director Frank Miller's trademark style, The Spirit is a white-knuckle thriller packed with twists, turns and a slew of femme fatales played by the likes of Scarlett Johansson, Eva Mendes and Jamie King.

For Miller, who has carved a career for himself out as a comic book writer and artist working on a vast number of heralded books over the years, the process of switching to filmmaking wasn't a hard one. "I'm just an insufferably happy guy at both jobs. It's all story-telling. As different as it seems, whilst cartooning is much more solitary, and film is much, much more collaborative, the same rules all apply. A good story is still a good story."

Arriving late in his career to the world of directing Miller, while bringing his own ideas to the table, was also keen to experiment with his actors and the style of filmmaking during the shoot. "My favourite part of directing is working with actors. The whole trick to directing - as I see it - is to surround yourself with people who are much better at their various crafts than you. So, working with talent like Sam and Scarlett I'm going to want to hear what they have to say. The plan is to light the fuse, not plan the explosion."

The nemesis

Super villain, Samuel L. Jackson, agrees the process Miller and his crew applied to bringing The Spirit to the big screen was something arguably more collaborative and experimental for him as an actor too. "Frank is so new at it that it's almost like we were taking advantage of him sometimes. We'd come in, show him what we wanted to do and he'd say ‘That's great, let's shoot it'," says the Pulp Fiction star. "Most directors are so busy composing the frame or staring intently at the monitor, but we could engage with Frank and make him laugh. He's still a fan watching the process happen and he'd ask the director of photography if it was possible to do this, that or the other. He was guileless and open to suggestions".

For Jackson, who had been actively pursuing Miller for some time to work with him even before the director began working on his first feature film Sin City with collaborator Robert Rodriguez, the chance to be a part of Miller's first solo effort as a director was a chance he jumped at immediately. "I've been chasing his work for a while. Even before people knew what Sin City was I was kind of aware of it and was trying to track him down. Then they made Sin City and all those other movies from his work and I was disappointed I wasn't in them," explains the star.

"Out of nowhere I got a call saying ‘Frank's doing The Spirit and he wants to talk to you about it'. I knew the story and I was like ‘Um, he wants me to be The Octopus and in the graphic novel that guy is just a pair of gloves'. I imagined I'd just be doing voiceover but Frank said ‘Hell no, I want to see you on screen' and after that I was like ‘I'm on board'."

Finding The Spirit

While casting Jackson and the film's femme fatales was a fairly simple task, Miller found it much more difficult to find the right actor to portray The Spirit. While some filmmaker may have opted to go with a big name star, Miller believed it best to use an unknown quantity, someone who would forever become synonymous with the character and not for other roles before this.

"It's something I insisted on. I wanted The Spirit to be introduced as ‘The Spirit', not as the latest Tom Cruise vehicle. He was the hardest piece of casting we had. We had dozens of actors read for it, and Gabriel really stood out as the most heroic of the bunch," explains the director. "We worked together really hard, and I watched him day by day fill that trench coat out emotionally. He was very impressive as The Spirit."

With just two films under his belt, Miller is constantly evolving as a director and is quickly moving on to his next project, the sequel to Sin City, his smash hit noir epic set in a world full of bullets, booze and babes. "The script is ready. I'll be doing it with Robert [Rodriguez] and we're just trying to work out how, where and when," says Miller.

As for Jackson, one of the hardest working men in Hollywood, he has no plans to slow down anytime soon despite recently turning 60. "There's always a place for Michael Caine so I assume there'll always be a place for me. I haven't discovered that directing bug yet that would allow me to do what Clint Eastwood does but I'm happy to keep on acting for as long as I can."

The Spirit is available Blu-ray Disc now.

PSP gets a feminine touch

Fancy a new colour of PSP to rock out with? Well the perfect PSP makeover has arrived, with a rather special bundle to compliment it. Find out what…

Hannah Montana fans are in for a treat as a new colour has graced PSP to compliment a brand new game bundle featuring the hit show and its popular star.

In October 2009, a new Lilac Purple PSP-3000 will be available to buy, coming packed with top music game Hannah Montana: Rock Out the Show.

In the first ever Hannah Montana game for PSP, fans can star in the show, design a custom concert in each city they visit and rock the stage as you perform as Hannah Montana to 11 hit songs, including three new tracks.

The Lilac Purple PSP-3000 joins a wardrobe of other eye-catching PSP colours, including Vibrant Blue, Mystic Silver, Pearl White and Radiant Red as well as the classic Piano Black.

PlayStation Store (PSP) update - 18/06/09

Add a little extra rock to your band on PlayStation Store

With the Rock Band Unplugged demo on PlayStation Store and the full game on shelves you can not only choose from a wealth of great songs included in the game and demo, but also additional tracks to keep you rocking out longer. Right now you can download these new and classic tracks from PlayStation Store to add to your library of Rock Band Unplugged music.

The Kill 30 Seconds to Mars

Feed The Tree Belly

Inside The Fire Disturbed

Gimme Three Steps Lynyrd Skynyrd

Hysteria Muse

Typical Mute Math

Just A Girl No Doubt

Wonderwall Oasis

Crushcrushcrush Paramore

Under The Bridge Red Hot Chili Peppers

Visit PlayStation Store now for these and more great downloads for your PSP.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Become super in DC Universe™ Online

Be the hero - or villain - you've always wanted to be in the universe you've always wanted to play in. DC Universe™ Online is coming…

Super speed or super-strength? Flight or freezing powers? Hero... or villain? These choices and more are all yours to make in the world of DC Universe™ Online, where you can enter the fantastic realm of DC Comics and all the excitement that comes with it.

Ever wanted to battle alongside the likes of Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman or The Joker? In iconic places such as Gotham City, Metropolis, and the Batcave? It's all here for you - create your own hero or villain, take part in story-driven adventures penned by top DC writers, and accompany other players on adventures spanning the entire DC Universe.

Eager to get started? Here's an early look at some of the characters you'll be coming face-to-face with in the game:

Lex Luthor
One of the smartest and most feared villains in the DC Universe, Lex Luthor's genius is rivalled only by his incredible hatred of Superman. His position - financial powerhouse, criminal mastermind, and even President of the United States of America - has only promoted his selfish, megalomaniacal agenda.

Now, as the alien super intelligent cyborg Brainiac attacks, Luthor feeds the growing anti-alien sentiment to help re-legitimise his global conglomerate LexCorp™ and its ever-growing paramilitary division.

Solomon Grundy
"Born on a Monday..." The part zombie, part plant, centuries-old half human being that goes by the name of Solomon Grundy may have a name associated with a 19th century nursery rhyme, but don't let that fool you. Filled with confused anger, Grundy's personality ranges from rampaging monster to calculating and cold-blooded villain. And with his enhanced strength and immortality, Grundy is a dangerous threat to even DC Universe's strongest heroes.

Solomon Grundy has been seen skulking in swamps, sewers and abandoned buildings in both Metropolis and Gotham City. Beware - for should you hear the low growl of "Solomon Grundy, born on a Monday..." the nursery rhyme may be the last thing you ever hear...

Killer Croc
A genetic condition changed Waylon Jones into the hulking reptilian Killer Croc. Brutish and deadly, his cold-blooded and destructive rage comes from years spent in Arkham Asylum™ and Blackgate Prison™. Now he is more animal than man. Travellers near the Gotham City waterfront, sewers, and swamps, beware...

Doomsday
A creature created on Superman's home planet of Krypton, Doomsday is a destructive force of nature. Bred to embody hatred and rage, his sole reason for living is to extinguish all other life.

Born on the Planet Krypton during a time when only the strongest creatures could survive, Doomsday was the result of a rapid natural selection process bred to hate all life. His body is covered with vicious bony spurs that can harm even Superman's skin, and his endurance makes him almost impossible to kill.

Doomsday is the epitome of villainous power and strength. With the ability to regenerate after every battle, he becomes bigger and stronger... so no opponent of his has ever defeated him twice. A fight with Doomsday is one few will survive intact.

Driving around Burnout Paradise with Criterion Games

Get an exclusive look under the hood of Criterion Games and the downloadable content of Burnout Paradise with this special studio tour feature.

There's a distinct air of calm in the Criterion Games studio. Not overwhelmingly so, yet it's unmistakable - it's the sort of peace that comes with the acknowledgment that a lot of hard work and toil has been worth it, through the critical and commercial recognition of Burnout Paradise, the hit racing game on PLAYSTATION 3.

And with wealth of downloadable extras for Paradise it's full speed ahead on a wide horizon. As far as the Criterion team is concerned, the faster the better...

Burning it up

Since its release in January 2008, Burnout Paradise has been boosted with a number of free updates to enhance its high octane experience. Among them is the Cagney update (offering Freeburn multiplayer modes: Online Stunt Run, Marked Man and Road Rage) and Burnout Bikes which introduced motorcycles and specific challenges to go with them among other extras - all significant markers to Criterion's intent to keep Paradise's fans very much in the driver's seat.

"Extending Burnout Paradise with downloadable content presented a fresh new set of tricky technical challenges as we wanted to add great new content without it interfering with the original game," says one of the game's engineers, Iain Angus. "To do this we needed to be very careful and well organised with everything we added."

"Coming up with ideas isn't difficult," adds Producer, Pete Lake. "Especially when you've just finished a product and you didn't get a chance to put in everything that you wanted to do, so there's that, all the things that you realised you could have done, and all the new things you just think of on top of that. We ended up using a different combination - some of the things we chose, like the bikes, were something we always wanted to do but never had the opportunity."

Biker bliss

As Criterion's first major foray into downloadable expanded content for a big title, the project brought with it obstacles. The introduction of bikes in particular to the roaming highways and streets of Burnout Paradise was no mean feat.

Criterion's ambition involved tailoring the game to a whole new vehicle, which meant creating character models for the riders (something the team never had to consider before, given the use of cars as the main focal point of the game), as well as structuring locations, dynamic weather, day-to-night cycles, Challenges and game modes to make full use of them - a vast undertaking.

"The bikes stretched us as a studio but allowed us to do new things and gave the consumer a whole new experience in Burnout," says Lake. "We looked a lot at what consumers wanted. We do a lot of research and observation of people playing the game to see what it is they're actually doing, because it's always a little bit different to what you think they'll do."

Paradise, your way

It's this ethos which helped the development of Paradise's premium download packs, which includes the Party Pack, Legendary Cars, Toy Cars, Boost Specials, Cops and Robbers and Big Surf Island. Not to mention the bundles, such as The Ultimate Box, which throws in the original game with updates, bikes and the Party Pack, to make sure first timers have plenty to start off with.

While each pack brings with it an identity which broadens the appeal of Paradise - from the frantic chase of Cops and Robbers, to the diminutive remote control styled madness of the Toy Cars - strong ideals of quality, accessibility and unification drive through them all. "With everything we've done, the important thing is that we wanted it all to interact with each other," explains Lake. "The content is an expansion of the same product rather than forcing you to play them a certain way."

Not only that, one of the main factors behind Paradise on a whole is to bring people together on a social level, something many of the team at Criterion are proud to achieve. "It delivers a unique social online experience that is completely seamless to get into and is focused on cooperation and having fun with your friends rather than a hostile environment of trying to be the best," says Designer Tommy Hudson. "A focus on freedom of choice rather than being constricted or having to play the game in a linear fashion."

Angus agrees: "Burnout Paradise has more of a sense of fun and you can play online without the pressure of needing to do anything. Many players just boot up Burnout Paradise so they can hang out online together. Of course if they want something to do there are hundreds of Challenges as well as game modes and road rules to compete over. I met several players who had got the game in order to get the Trophies [we implemented] so that's [also] a great way to introduce new players to the game. Whatever you choose to do you can take it at your own pace."

"So what ARE road rules?"

The openness and social aspect of Burnout Paradise is a natural reflection of Criterion Games on a whole, which allows itself a degree of freedom for its team members to explore. Ideas for the direction and content of the game are shared across the whole team, regardless of whether they're an artist or producer, creating a lively atmosphere where anything can happen - or as one artist puts it: "the feeling of walking around the office and discovering that someone has suddenly implemented a flaming hover-car in the game is very surreal."

Even more entertaining for the team are moments where they secretly interact with fans of the game and witness first-hand the fervour Burnout inspires. "When Paradise was released I went online as soon as I got home from work and met another player in a Freeburn lobby who appeared to want to teach me how to play the game," says Angus, who has worked on Paradise and its content for over three years. "He had no idea that I was involved in creating the features that he was trying to explain to me.

"I kept him going for almost half an hour with little comments like '... so what ARE road rules?'. Even though I corrected him a couple of times and was driving a car that is only unlocked towards the end of the game he still didn't get even a little suspicious."

Driving a Network

With the primary means of interaction with fans and the delivery of the downloadable content being PlayStation Network, it's no surprise Criterion is happy with the opportunities afforded by having an ever ready Internet service at its disposal.

"PSN is becoming its own publishing platform - it allows smaller developers to do their own thing, and allows bigger developers like us to try new things in different ways," says Lake. "We wouldn't have been able to create the bikes before unless it was planned in a sequel, so with that sort of stuff it's great to have the opportunity and means of getting our ideas out to people. It allows us to keep expanding the game, keep offering new experiences, and keep them playing."

"The PS3 system's openness to online [functionality and content] is superb," agrees Hudson. "Without that, we wouldn't have been able to make Paradise as seamless as it is."

Back to the future?

While the original idea of the sun-bleached American city may have expanded into something a little more extravagant, there's no arguing that Burnout Paradise's evolution has created an exciting ride for the team behind it as well as the players. Whether it's taking a spin in the DeLorean homage, exploring a whole massive new environment in Big Surf Island, or just wanting to jump through a giant doughnut, there's a little bit of something for everyone.

"We didn't set out to just add a few more cars and events when it came to the downloadable content," says Lake. "We wanted to make something we really enjoy playing and we really hope everyone else enjoys playing as well." As for future plans, the Producer, who has spent 13 years at Criterion, smiles. "We have an awful lot of plans. Once we've made all the things we really want to make, we'll figure out ways to make sure everyone gets to play it."

It's only a matter of time before the streets of Paradise are slick with racing wheels again - and while it may seem Criterion is taking a well earned break after making so much Burnout content, it's more likely the studio is just quietly working on the next big thing for when traffic lights to turn green once more. As Criterion's Development Manager Alan McDairmant, succinctly puts it, "push the boundaries and never rest. We can always find ways to improve and stay ahead."

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Transformers Revenge: Of The Fallen interview

Luxoflux’s Joby Otero talks to eu.playstation.com about bringing Transformers to life on PLAYSTATION 3.

How did Luxoflux become involved in the development of Transformers Revenge Of The Fallen?

We've been lifelong fans of Transformers anyway, and when we heard about the first film and that Activision were going to get the license we actually wanted to do it then. That was several years ago and the reason we didn't do it was because of the timing.

Our studio was in the midst of developing technology for next generation consoles and the timeframe was very tight, which meant we wouldn't be able to develop our engine as much as we would have liked to. So when Revenge Of The Fallen came about we jumped at it and came up with loads of ideas for how to do a great Transformers game.

Is there pressure in developing a game like Revenge Of The Fallen and the fact that it must be ready for the film's release?

Yeah, but it's a good sense of pressure. We've been developing games for a very long time and we've got some great people on the team which allows us to have a pretty good idea of what we can accomplish in a certain amount of time. So actually in a sense, there is a certain amount of pleasure in knowing when the end date is and working backwards from that.

What was it like working with the film's director, Michael Bay?

When we first met him he said that we would have a challenge on our hands in keeping up with his pace, and it turned out it was even faster than we thought. But he also understands that what we do as developers is a different kind of art to filmmaking, and we were really pleased that he got that from the outset.

He just said to us: ‘I'm going to tell you what I'm going to do with the film, which is to tell the story from a human perspective. I'm not going to tell you to do that because my suggestion would be that you do it from the robots' perspective.' That was perfect because it was exactly what we wanted to do. It was just a really good marriage between us, Paramount, Michael Bay and Hasbro, because everybody understood each others' expertise and was more than ready to share each others information.

Did you have great access to Hasbro's wealth of Transformers knowledge and expertise?

Oh yeah. They were great from day one. They came in and saw what we were trying to do with the transformation mechanic and the fact that we included the War Room in the game, which is a fan favourite feature carried over from the original series.

They came out of our first few meetings knowing that we were taking care of their baby, and also that we were taking it to a whole other dimension by doing things that none of the other games, and maybe the movies, had ever done before.

You've not only included all the Transformers from the film, you've also got old designs from many years ago and revamped them for the game.

Yeah, we've done that with the Seeker on the Decepticon side, the Protectobots and the Aerialbots. There are a few others as well but they're a surprise for the fans when they play through the game. Those are fan favourites for us and the kinds of Transformers that our director was really shooting for during the development process.

These are really cool characters that at least implied an additional sense of hierarchy to characters such as Starscream, who has the Seekers under his wing so to speak. They're not in the film, so we went back to the old toy designs and updated them so they matched the look of the film, which was really fun to do.

Transformers fans are extremely loyal and vocal about what they want from a game like this; how did you go about incorporating all that feedback into Revenge Of The Fallen?

We read a lot of forum posts, which is always scary because they are very vocal. Yet, it's an awesome resource. We as developers already had a lot of ideas and we were scared about digging deep into these forums and reading about what people wanted because it could be 180 degrees from what we really wanted to do. The good thing was that everything the fans wanted, we wanted and the two most prominent things were multiplayer and transforming anytime, anywhere.

Does the story for the game follow the films, or were you able to deviate slightly and add some of your own material?

Our approach was to ask the filmmakers and Hasbro what are going to be the four or five most memorable moments in the movie that people are going to talk about when they come out of the theatre. Asking that question right at the start meant that we knew that those scenes were definitely going to stay in the film despite the fact they were very early into production.

So once we synchronised with those points in the film, we had a lot of latitude for territory in between and flesh out stuff that the film only hints at, or maybe doesn't go into at all.

How many characters will players control in the game?

In the core game there are five playable Autobots and five playable Decepticons and then there is some stuff that happens later in the game that means you effectively get two additional playable characters. So there are 12 in total there for players to get to grips with.

We also have several unlocks, some of which are retailer exclusive and we'll also have downloadable content in the future.

What was it like working with Peter Cullen, the actor who voices Optimus Prime?

He was fantastic and amazing in the sound recording. Our whole crew got to go there and they were just over the moon about it. They came to our studio and they met our whole development team and answered loads of questions, signed autographs, toys and one of our guys had a brand new Mini Cooper and he had him sign his dashboard in indelible ink!

PlayStation Store (PS3) update - 18/06/09

Witness an assassin at work and discover how the world of inFamous came to light, all among the most recent downloads available for you from PlayStation Network.

Perform your Duty

The Call of Duty: World at War Map Pack 2 continues to expand the addictive multiplayer experience with four new maps. Battle to control the river bridge in Banzai, a bright jungle map featuring a waterfall and hidden caves. In Corrosion face down your enemy in a shattered train yard, and in Sub Pens wipe the monsoon rain from your eyes as you struggle over a bombed-out submarine base.

The Zombies return in Shi No Numa (Zombie Swamp) featuring Perk machines, the deadly new Wunderwaffe DG-2, new Trophies and flaming Hell Hounds.

Get downloading and arm yourself for a blast.

Increase your Speed

Download the trailer for a preview of the Speed Expansion Pack for MotorStorm Pacific Rift. Rev up your off-road racing experience with a whole host of additional extras: three tracks, three track variants, four vehicles and an amazing Speed Weekend mini-festival packed with 48 brutal events. And while you're waiting, don't forget to liven up your vehicle with the new Jester Signature Livery pack, available for a limited time only.

Witness a new Creed

Watch four minutes of gameplay footage to the eagerly awaited Assassin's Creed 2, with commentary by the development team behind the stealth driven action adventure game - and follow Ezio Auditore di Firenze's journey into the shadowy life of an assassin.

A peek behind the inFamous curtain

Discover how developer Sucker Punch created the vast, free-roaming world of inFamous in the Behind the Scenes special. Harnessing the enormous power of PLAYSTATION 3, the team was able to build a living city that serves as the perfect backdrop to their tale of superhuman power and responsibility.

Infernal Inferno

In the trailer to Inferno Pool, you can get a glimpse at the multiplayer mayhem that awaits you. Perform insane skill shots, target your rivals by sending them your potted balls and unleash Inferno Mode to double up the punishment. It's all there in Inferno Pool.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Win a Rag Doll Kung Fu: Fists of Plastic prize in PS Home

Fancy taking part in a very special Rag Doll Kung Fu: Fists of Plastic event to earn a unique prize in PlayStation Home?

The Rag Doll Kung Fu: Fists of Plastic Avatar Hunt has been launched in PlayStation Home to let you win a new limited edition RDKF accessory for your personal apartment. What is it? A fantastically fishy rug!

Your task is to enter PlayStation Home and find an avatar wearing a special pair of trousers as advertised on various posters littered around the public spaces. Once you find the avatar, immediately say the phrase "Fists of Plastic" to him or her to put yourself in the frame to win. This avatar will only be around PS Home during specific times and only for few hours, so keep your eyes peeled.

The competition will launch on June 18, 2009 and end on July 2, 2009 so jump into PS Home and get searching before you lose the chance to get a brilliant, rare item for your personal apartment.

Batman: Arkham Asylum interview

Lead Level Designer, Ian Ball and Lead Narrative Designer, Paul Crocker chat to eu.playstation.com about bringing the Dark Knight to life on PLAYSTATION 3.

Since the film Batman Begins we've seen the character return to much darker roots. What on-screen iteration of Batman would you say captures the essence and tone of what you're trying to create with Arkham Asylum?

IB: We have really been focused on bringing to life the source material from the original comic books as opposed to the movies which have their own look and feel. We read all the comics and graphic novels we could get hold of.

We were really inspired by the dark psychological elements within all this material, especially around Batman himself. Anyone who witnesses the murder of their parents is going to have some demons they need to overcome.

Can you tell us a little bit about the story and the background to why Batman is here in Arkham Asylum?

IB: The story begins with Batman returning The Joker to Arkham Asylum after his latest psychopathic misdemeanour. The Joker was easier to capture than normal, almost as though he wanted to be brought back to Arkham.

The Dark Knight wants to make sure he is securely locked up so is going to escort him all the way to his cell in the depths of the asylum. This is when it all kicks off...

Were there ever any discussions as to whether or not a sidekick like Robin would be present in the game or was Batman always destined to go it alone in Arkham Asylum?

IB: Right at the start we talked about sidekicks, Robin, Nightwing etc, but as the discussions progressed we decided to focus on Batman as a lone hero as there was so much we wanted to do! This allowed us to focus the story around him and his relationship with The Joker and the other Arkham inmates, all of whom have grudges against the Bat.

In terms of the Batman lore in Arkham Asylum, what have you woven in and from which sources?

IB: Arkham Asylum has a long history; most of the supervillains in the Batman universe have spent some time within its walls. There are lots of references to these characters dotted around the island for the player to discover as well as some indication as to what was there before the asylum was built, way back to when it was the family home of Amadeus Arkham.

Can you tell us about the different types of gadgets Batman will have at his disposal during the game?

IB: The Grapnel Gun and Batarangs are what Batman starts the game with, along with a special Detective Mode visor built into his cowl. This visor allows him to analyse the environment and also gather forensic data such as fingerprints or DNA which allows him to track an individual's movements throughout Arkham. There are loads more gadgets and upgrades to collect and the player will even get to visit a secret Batcave on the island!

Has the fact that Arkham Asylum is not based on a film aided in the direction of where the game aims to go with the character?

IB: It has given us the freedom to create our own story that fits in with all the cool gameplay mechanics like the FreeFlow combat and Invisible Predator. We could chose a location [Arkham Island] where we can give the player total freedom to explore the different areas but still allow us to drive the story forward.

When working on a film licence the story is already there and you cannot usually deviate too far from it. This can obviously limit what you can achieve with the characters in the game.

How does it feel to be developing such a hugely anticipated project starring one of the greatest comic book character of all time?

IB: It can be scary at times, reading the forums about what the fans want from the game, all the hype and the expectations. But we have a lot of experienced people at Rocksteady who have worked on some big IPs in the past, so we can focus on what is important, making this the best superhero game ever.

Can you tell us a little bit about the kind of villains Batman will face in Arkham?

IB: Obviously there's The Joker, and his "girlfriend" Harley Quinn slowing you down giving The Joker time to put his master plan into action. The Joker's goons have also been shipped into Arkham following a convenient fire at Blackgate prison. Bane, Killer Croc, Zsasz, Poison Ivy, plus several other big names also get in on the action.

Will each section of the Asylum have a villain and his gang that rules the corridors or is going to be more of a mash-up of all kinds of thugs and supervillains in every section?

IB: It's a big Joker party with some supervillain VIPs invited along to spice things up. They are all there to greet the guest of honour, Batman.

And do these supervillains represent boss fights at the end of each stage of the game?

IB: Yep! You get to face off against some of the biggest names and biggest bosses in the Batman universe.

There are also a number of modes that are unlocked once you complete the game. Can you take us through some of these and explain how they work?

IB: You can unlock challenge maps that will push your FreeFlow combat and Invisible Predator skills to the limit. The combat challenge maps are all about big combos and even bigger scores.

Batman will face waves of enemies and must take them down with as much style as possible. Bonus points are awarded at the end of each wave for various feats such as never getting hit and the variation of moves you use.

The Predator challenges are slower paced, but just as demanding. The enemies are armed with shotguns and assault rifles so running up and punching them in the face is not advisable. After all, Batman is only human.

These challenges are against the clock, but you are also rewarded for taking down certain enemies in a particular way. These challenges vary per map and incorporate the use of different skills and gadgets.

Also exclusively to the PS3 you can play both the combat and predator challenges as The Joker. You will be facing off against Arkham guards and The Joker has his own set of twisted attacks and deadly gadgets.

And the combat system you've developed for it, can you shed a little light on that and how players will use it and the control system?

IB: The combat controls are very simple to learn, but take real skill to master. You have a strike, stun, evade and counter button, but it's how you use these buttons that makes all the difference.

As you build up your combo Batman starts to flow effortlessly between punches and kicks, ducking under their attacks before sending them flying in all directions. You can also incorporate gadget into the combat, throwing Batarangs to knock enemies down or using the Batclaw to pull enemies towards you.

Then you have takedowns and throws. It feels very satisfying to face off against a room full of enemies and take them all down without them landing a blow.

You've also managed to snare Paul Dini on story writing duties, how much of a hand has he had in the crafting script. Has he been involved from the outset?

IB: He worked with us from the start to create an original storyline incorporating the best villains from the Batman Universe. Killer Croc, Harley Quinn and many others play their part, but the main focus is obviously on The Joker.

It's fantastic to see that Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill have come on board. Did they sign on straight away or did it take some convincing?

PC: I think that having the pedigree of Paul Dini attached to the project made a huge difference in regards to people wanting to work on the game.

What have they been like working with? Did they (especially Mark) ad lib any dialogue or add suggestions while recording or was it just what was on the page?

PC: They were all great. Mark in particular was always ad-libbing or coming up with darker and lighter ways of saying the lines. Both he and Kevin bring a massive level of authenticity to the roles.

Are there any other surprises in store for fans in terms of the talent jumping on board to lend their voices to characters in the game?

PC: We can't say exactly who is in the game character wise, but rest assured, fans are in for a real treat.

Do you see Arkham Asylum as the beginning of a new tale in the Batman universe that can be carried on in subsequent sequels?

IB: If people like this game and they demand more then who knows what will happen next.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Tom Follan lifts PlayStation FreeStylers crown

The British teenager wows the judges with his skills to claim an incredible prize.

FC Barcelona’s virtuoso performance in the 2009 UEFA Champions League Final in Rome had football fans across Europe talking, and earlier that day, six of the best young freestyle footballers around had their chance to flaunt their skills in the PlayStation FreeStylers grand final at the Fans Festival, close to the Coliseum.

The winner, Tom Follan of the United Kingdom, who competed against Italy’s Andryi Stetsula in the 13-14 year-old boys category, won the auspicious honour of carrying the ball onto the Stadio Olimpico pitch for the biggest game in European club football, later that day.

All finalists were given signed football shirts and two tickets to the match, while Rowan Pegler, Indi Cowie and Sara Ismail-Sutton won PLAYSTATION 3 systems for winning the 15-16 year-old boys, 13-14 year-old girls and 15-16 year-old girls categories respectively. Andryi Stetsula and Mario Atella were given PSP systems for finishing runners-up in their categories.

All of the performances were judged by an all-star panel of former Wimbledon and Liverpool defender John Scales, Italian freestyle footballer Gianluca Lombardi and Dan Magness, who entered the Guinness Book of World Records in May 2009 when, incredibly, he juggled a football for 24 hours in London’s Covent Garden.

Congratulations to all of the winners; check out their entry videos and footage from the final at youtube.com/psfreestylers. Also, look for more competitions at eu.playstation.com.

VidZone Playlists: sounds of summer

Check out these videos of summer parties from the last 40 years on VidZone and create a Playlist for your own sunshine soirée.

1970s

Europe fell in love with Swedish quartet ABBA in the 70s and their sultry disco track Summer Night City was a 1978 hit. There are plenty more videos from Agnetha, Bjrn, Benny and Anni-Frid on VidZone, not to mention SingStar ABBA on PLAYSTATION 3 and PlayStation 2 for your summer extravaganza.

From Sweden to Jamaica, Jamming by Bob Marley and The Wailers remains a summertime classic, and its video is a beautifully shot live performance from the reggae icon. Jamming is on the Exodus album, recorded in 1977, that propelled Marley to international fame and tracks The Heathen and Exodus are also available on VidZone, along with a selection of his later hits.

1980s

No song sums up a 1980s summer party better than Club Tropicana by Wham! The tropical beach resort, colourful cocktails and George Michael floating on an inflatable lilo perfectly capture the decade that taste forgot. Even Paul Weller went all New Romantic after The Jam; Long Hot Summer by The Style Council has a sun-kissed video to match its name, with the Modfather punting and pouting along a river.

The Beach Boys are a group eternally associated with summertime and two tracks from their 1980 Knebworth performance, Good Vibrations and I Get Around, are available on VidZone.

1990s

Europe flocked to Ibiza throughout the 90s to see the world's biggest DJs and soak up some sun. Faithless are considered legends of the Balearic resort and their videos God Is A DJ and Insomnia will drop perfectly as the sun sets on your summer party.

And as the sun comes up, Shine by Aswad will put everyone in a good mood for the new day. In fact, the 90s was a great decade for unashamedly joyous pop music, such as Mr. Loverman by Shabba Ranks and Will Smith's Miami.

Not everyone's perfect summer is on a tropical beach; for some, it's watching top rock acts in the middle of a field. If that field is your back garden this year, then you'll find dozens of videos from the likes of Metallica and Nirvana on VidZone, as well as an exclusive interview with Kasabian and a live performance of Processed Beats.

2000s

Few music videos capture a perfect summer party like Jamiroquai's Seven Days In Sunny June, with its motorbikes, Napoleon outfits, croquet and barbecue - Jay Kay even gets his ketchup delivered by helicopter.

Survivor by Destiny's Child was a smash hit in 2001 and features a catchy chorus and the girls marooned on a desert island with only their bikinis, backing dancers and hair stylists for company.

Finally, as millions jet off for their summer holidays, the hilarious video to Learn To Fly by Foo Fighters, featuring a guest appearance from Tenacious D, will put you at ease or put you off for life.

Wherever you're partying this summer, check out thousands of sun-kissed music videos on VidZone, only available on PS3.

Monday, June 22, 2009

YOUR DOGZ. YOUR HAMSTERZ. YOUR CUDDLY SPECIAL EDITION PSP.

A cuddly world arrives on PSP with the Petz: My Puppy Family and Petz: My Baby Hamster bundle.

As well as a shiny Pearl White PSP-3000, this pack gives you two wonderfully heart warming games from the wildly popular Petz series: Petz: My Puppy Family and Petz: My Baby Hamster. Perfect for girls, the games offer the experience of looking after a cute, playful pet without the worry of them making a mess.

The aim is simple, nurture young animals into healthy, playful companions. Players start with a furry baby hamster or a loveable litter of puppies that grow as they receive affection and attention. The more love and care players shower on their Petz by providing food, toys, training and fun games, the more their Petz respond and develop over time.

The cutest gift ever? Possibly, especially when you see the fluffy PSP carry-pouch and dog-themed screenwipe and skin that completes this already adorable pack.

PlayStation Store (PS3) update - 11/06/09

Become the lord of a fantasy realm and your own music video collection, among the brilliant batch of downloads awaiting you on PlayStation Network.

Download your favourite artists

Rule your own music video empire with VidZone, the exciting music video service that features thousands of up to the minute videos from your favourite artists; for you to view on demand. VidZone will transform your music experience from start to finish - so download it for free on PSN.

Back to the Killzone past

Download the Killzone 2 Flash and Thunder pack for a trip down memory lane with two classic multiplayer maps from the original Killzone, updated with new, even more brutal gameplay environments. Revisit the Vektan shores in Beach Head and battle through the wastelands of the Southern Hills.

LittleBigPlanet becomes a true giant

Fans of PlayStation 2 classics, Ico and Shadow of the Colossus rejoice - a lovely batch of downloads have emerged for LittleBigPlanet in homage to these beautiful action adventures. Dress up like Ico, Yorda, Wander, the Colossus II or the Colossus III, and enjoy some original stickers and sound effects, either to buy separately or in the combined Costume Kit.

Smash cute creatures in Overlord II

Download the action packed demo of Overlord II and experience the thrill of sending your Minions off on a hilarious destructive rampage. Use your horde of Minions and new wolf mounts to slay the hunters of Nordberg, take on hippy elves and the mythical yeti and lots of... well, baby seals. Curious? Then get into Overlord II.

Back to 1943

Prepare for an all out battle courtesy of the new video for Battlefield 1943, as the Japanese and Marines clash to take control of Iwo Jima in the Pacific. Deep in the trenches or in the thick jungles bullets will fly and the conquest to take the hill rages on.

Hungry like the wolf

Wolfenstein 3D throws you into the shoes of OSA super agent B.J. Blazkowicz, tasked with escaping from Castle Wolfenstein and defeating the twisted Nazi regime. Fight all of the memorable enemies from Hans Grosse to Mecha-Hitler in the legendary game that launched the first person shooter genre. Search classic levels for hidden secrets that reveal stolen Nazi treasure, health packs, ammo and weapons, or even shortcuts.

And if you beat Wolfenstein 3D you get the chance to unlock customisable weapon upgrades in the highly anticipated forthcoming PLAYSTATION 3 follow-up, Wolfenstein.

Let them eat cake

Download the Fat Princess Battle Royale trailer for the inside story on the comic medieval battle game on PSN that's got everyone talking. Meet the creators as they discuss team tactics, magic hat machines and the concept behind a greedy princess who can't say no to cake.

The PAINalympics draw closer

Over at Morningwood High School, the PAINalympics are about to go off with a bang. Download the trailer to witness some outrageous events that have only recently been recognised as official sports, including Stack Whacker, Bull Ride, Punt Ball and the eye-watering Anvil Toss.

Experience the Fury

WipEout HD Fury brings you a vast array of new features, including new modes, new tracks and new content to race around with. Check out the trailer and get a taste of the future.

The Supremacy of H.A.W.X

Secure a powerful fleet of 16 mainstay and prototype aircraft with the Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X Supremacy Pack and fight for ultimate supremacy in online and single player modes. The download combines three packages: the US Eagles pack, the European Assault pack, and the Russian Falcons pack.

The new Atlas

Make your vehicle stand out from the crowd with the exclusive MotorStorm Pacific Rift Atlas Signature livery pack, available for a limited time only from PlayStation Store.

Saints Row 2 - Unkut

Grab the Unkut pack for Saints Row 2 and pimp out your personality with over 60 brand new customisation items including Unkut watches, necklaces, bracelets, shirts, jeans, and hoodies. Show your love for the Row with 16 brand new tattoo options.

Get some Surf

Get the Big Surf Island pack for Burnout Paradise and speed across a whole new location packed with gameplay, including new vehicles to drive and win, fresh events and challenges and more.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Get Super Stardust HD at a bargain price

Buy Super Stardust HD for a reduced price with a fantastic promotion to celebrate its second anniversary on PlayStation Network.

Super Stardust HD on PLAYSTATION 3 has been shining brightly on PSN with its sci-fi shooting action and startling 3D visuals - and now you have the chance to immerse yourself into this galaxy of fun for only €1.99, for a limited time.

From June 25, 2009 until July 2, 2009, Super Stardust HD will be a paltry €1.99 to celebrate its second anniversary since release, making it the perfect time to explore this popular title. The shoot 'em up has been a firm favourite with players, becoming a top ten seller on PSN and is still bringing in the plaudits after two years, so you won't want to miss out on the game everyone's still talking about - and the chance to show off your shooting skills on the global online ranking leaderboards.

With its stellar expansion pack available to buy, which add a number of extras to Super Stardust HD, including multiplayer support for up to four players and a host of fresh modes, the opportunity to blast yourself into some great gameplay is in your hands.

Take advantage of this offer between June 25, 2009 until July 2, 2009 and become part of the Super Stardust HD sensation.

Bustin’ makes you feel good on PS3

The original cast of the 1984 hit movie is reunited for a brand new adventure on PLAYSTATION 3.

In 1984, the original Ghostbusters movie was an instant phenomenon, spawning two cartoon series, comic books, lots of merchandise and the inevitable sequel. However, despite the popularity of Ghostbusters II and almost two decades of speculation, the original cast of Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis and Ernie Hudson never reunited for a third adventure... until now.

Ghostbusters The Video Game on PLAYSTATION 3 features the voices and likeness of all four original paranormal investigators, and a great deal of effort has gone into recreating the look and sound of those iconic movies.

The voice acting, dialogue, animations and facial expressions of the characters are all incredibly well-realised and really bring them to life. The same loving detail has been applied to the Proton Packs which are the game's main weapon, the fire station that serves as their base and Ecto-1, their car.

Two years after the events of the last movie, the Ghostbusters decide to hire a new recruit after a sudden surge in paranormal activity surrounding a new Gozer exhibition. You control this new team member and the first stage introduces the technique for capturing ghosts that you'll be using a great deal later on.

The game is played from a third-person perspective, as if you're peering over your characters shoulder, much like in the Uncharted games. The R2 button fires a stream from your Proton Pack which can be aimed with the right stick. When a ghost's energy has been sufficiently drained, the stream grabs hold of them and you're able to pull and drag them around. You can place a trap in front of you at any time with the Square button. Your aim is then to guide the ghoul down into the beam of light coming from the trap, which is easier said than done as some enemies are stronger and more stubborn than others.

The next stage takes you to Hotel Sedgwick and shows off the game's destructible environments. One of the funniest aspects of the movies was how the Ghostbusters always left a trail of destruction behind their work, and the game recreates this. Every Proton Pack stream leaves scorch marks across walls and floors, and smashed furniture piles up as you chase ghouls with reckless abandon. Your destruction is even rewarded with cash that can later be used to upgrade equipment.

As paranormal investigators, there's more to the Ghostbusters' work than wrecking hotels and museums, and quite a bit of the game is spent looking for clues using your PKE Meter. Pressing the Triangle button activates it and switches to a first-person viewpoint with three concentric rings and various lights displaying the direction of any unusual signals. Whenever you see a ghost you can switch to the PKE Meter and press the R2 button to scan it. The closer to the middle of the three rings it is at the time, the better the scan, and useful information on each enemy type is progressively unlocked with each scan.

This information, which includes weaknesses to one of the four types of Proton Pack stream that are unlocked as the game progresses, is particularly useful for the end of level bosses, some of which will be familiar. Dangling from the roof of a skyscraper and keeping the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man at bay as he climbs towards you is a particular highlight.

Much of Ghostbusters The Video Game's likeability is inherited from its cult movie predecessors, and its attention to detail will impress the keenest of fans. Not only is capturing ghosts unique and great fun in terms of gameplay, it is in keeping with what happened in the movies and the destructible levels add to the sense of chaos that added so much to their humour.

They're back to save the world... and it's as if they'd never left.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

PlayStation Store (PSP) update - 11/06/09

Wipe out at breakneck speeds, hunt down a double agent, monkey around and hit the green on PlayStation Store.


The future is fast approaching in the adrenaline-fuelled WipEout Pulse. The year is 2207, and anti-gravity racing is the most popular spectacle in the world. The FX400 Racing League is home to the planet's best pilots, and now they're about to face off in the ultimate combat racing challenge.

Take control of a craft from one of eight teams and prepare to go flat out for the finish line across 12 exhilarating reversible tracks. High-octane speed, high-tech weapons, stunning visuals and no less than seven thrilling race modes await.

Shadow man

Unseen, unheard and unknown: Gabe Logan, Precision Strike Operative, is no stranger to secrecy. But when special intelligence suggests that Logan's partner, Lian Xing, is a double agent - and a mysterious figure starts shadowing his every move - a dangerous secret threatens to become a deadly lie in Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow.

Tackle tense underwater missions, get to grips with improved stealth weaponry and enjoy furious multiplayer action for up to eight players in this covert action adventure of espionage and intrigue.

Swing away

Download Everybody's Golf 2 and hit the fairway with golf fans from around the globe. With so many colourful courses and fun-filled game modes to play, there's always a reason to get those clubs out and have another round.

Enjoy group tournaments for up to 16 players via Infrastructure Mode or challenge your friends to some match play madness via Ad Hoc Mode. Hone your skills and prepare to prove your status as an all-time golfing legend.

Funny business

The apes have finally graduated from the Academy in Ape Academy 2, so this term things are going to be a little different! Evil genius Specter has invented a new card game and it's sweeping the globe, helping him on his way towards world domination.

Get ready to mix it up with the monkeys using Specter's scissors, paper, rock cards - there are 300 to collect - before taking them on in over 100 fiendishly difficult mini-games.

Visit PlayStation Store now for these and more great downloads for your PSP.

YOUR MONSTERS. YOUR BATTLES. YOUR FIRE BREATHING SPECIAL EDITION PSP. YOUR WHOLE WORLD IN YOUR HANDS.

Get Mystic Silver PSP-3000 and Monster Hunter: Freedom Unite together in one action-packed box.

Packaged with a cool Mystic Silver PSP, Monster Hunter Freedom Unite is the social-gaming phenomenon that is taking Japan by storm. The epic action-adventure sees hunters tracking down majestic monsters with their customised array of weapons and armour.

Players can embark on quests alone, with their cat-like Felyne companion, or hunt as a team in four player Ad Hoc mode. A team of hunters can take on more challenging quests with more powerful monsters than those taking on missions alone.

Along with the Monster Hunter Freedom Unite game and Mystic Silver PSP, the bundle pack includes Monster Hunter branded carry-pouch, screen wipe and PSP skin to coolly customise your PSP for the ultimate Monster Hunter experience.

In the world of Monster Hunter You are never alone.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Monster Hunter: Freedom Unite interview

Monster Hunter producer, Ryozo-san talks to eu.playstation.com about bringing the PSP Japanese gaming phenomenon to Europe.

Could you describe Monster Hunter: Freedom Unite for those people who may not know much about the series or what to expect from it?

Basically, it is an action game where the player is immersed into the epic, natural environments of the Monster Hunter world to live as a hunter, and to hunt huge monsters using huge weapons! Up to four players can enjoy the Ad Hoc Mode co-operative play mode.

The game has had such a hugely successful following in Japan, what do you think has been the secret of this?

I believe it was our continuing promotional support that made it a success on the PSP. We organised official events across the country and the fans would respond to this by organising their own local events, large and small, actually making the phenomenon a collaborative achievement by both Capcom and the fans. Of course in the beginning we tried to speak to individual potential fans, one by one, in order to convey the message about this brilliant game.

Do you think Monster Hunter: Freedom Unite can change all that when it is released over here in Europe?

Considering how wide the player demographics are for Monster Hunter, I do believe it would be accepted by the mass in Europe. Until recently Capcom was not ready for a global promotion but this time, also with help from Sony Computer Entertainment, we will be launching major promotions worldwide. I am adamant that Monster Hunter will be a successful title in Europe this year.

In Japan, players have grouped together to play Monster Hunter, something that might not happen as much over here in Europe. Do you think that can change with Freedom Unite?

Well actually, the situation was exactly the same in Japan before Monster Hunter and it was rare to see people playing PSP together. However, through continuous promotions we have managed to change, to some extent, the way people use PSPs. As a result it is now a common to sight people playing PSP together in public. With this experience in hand, I do believe in the possibility of making this happen in Europe too.

Have you faced any challenges in bringing the game to European shores?

The most difficult part was the localisation process. Monster Hunter has a huge text data and to localise it to the high quality we wanted, in five languages, was not an easy task.

How many different kinds of monsters will players face off against when they play the game this summer?

There will be over 80 unique monsters, big and small, in all sorts of shapes.

And what about the weapons they will use to hunt the monsters. How many are there and can you discuss any of the particularly exciting ones that players might get their hands on later in the game?

There are 11 weapon categories and well over 1,300 in total.

Can you explain a little bit about how players take on tasks and venture out into the open for the hunt?

You can receive quests either from the village elder or from the guild in the gathering hall. Quests can vary in their objectives such as Gathering, Slaying and Hunting. Once successful you will be rewarded with money and items and, by using these, better equipment can be made. By repeating this process with hundreds of different quests available, slowly but surely you will be able to take on higher ranked quests.

How many different options will players have when choosing to create their character at the outset of the game?

After picking your name and gender you may choose from eight different inner wears, 32 faces, 27 hairstyles with fully customisable hair colour, and 17 voices.

Can you talk about the multiplayer modes available to players in the game?

Up to four people can play together using the PSP system's Ad Hoc Mode.

Download the Monster Hunter: Freedom Unite demo from PlayStation Store now.

VidZone™ is out now

Download the VidZone application from PlayStation Store and get access to thousands of free streaming music videos

The multimedia possibilities of PLAYSTATION 3 just grew even more expansive with the launch of VidZone, a music video service that lets you watch, pause and rewind thousands of top videos, and create unlimited playlists for any occasion.

When you download the free application, a VidZone icon will appear under [Music] on the PS3 Home Menu (XMB). From there, you'll have unrestricted access to the VidZone music video library, which is updated regularly. The videos are streamed in fantastic quality and there's no waiting around for downloads.

Creating playlists is a cinch and there's no limit to how many you can create or how many tracks you can add. Thanks to the diversity of the videos available, you'll find many different styles, so creating playlists for any social occasion is simple and fun.

In a nutshell, it's like having your own personal music channel on your PS3.

When you're on the move, you can access the entire VidZone service using Remote Play for PSP, providing you are within range of a Wireless Internet connection.

Download VidZone from PlayStation Store today and get free access to a world of music videos on your PS3.

Heavy Rain first impressions

In the hunt for the mysterious Origami Killer in Heavy Rain on PLAYSTATION 3, every mistake counts.

Meet Norman Jayden, an FBI profiler leading the investigation into the search for the mysterious Origami Killer in Quantic Dream's PLAYSTATION 3 thriller, Heavy Rain. Determined, extremely clever and a little stubborn, Jayden also harbours a secret: an addiction to Triptocaine. He struggles with this weakness over the course of his perilous investigation that takes him at one point in the winding story to a washed out and muddy junkyard run by Mad Jack, a hulking mound of muscle and attitude who may or may not hold some clues as to the whereabouts of the elusive killer in the game.

Crime scene investigation

In Heavy Rain, players take control of four different characters, each with their own attributes that can play a part in solving puzzles and completing certain objectives. Jayden's keen detective prowess is enhanced by the addition of Added Reality Interface (ARI) glasses, which allow him to analyze a crime scene in unheard of detail.

When players equip the glasses, the perspective shifts, and every single shred of evidence from fingerprints, to blood droplets and tyre tracks are highlighted for you to investigate and catalogue. Developed by the Pentagon, these glasses are your most important tool in your search for the Origami Killer when controlling Jayden.

With so many ways in which a scene can unfold in Heavy Rain, the results are based entirely upon the kind of evidence you spot on your examination of a room or location, so it pays to spend time scrutinizing every nook and cranny in order to find the most important pieces of data that can make your job a lot easier. If you fail to spot crucial evidence, you may not be able to solve certain aspects of the crime, but this doesn't mean you fail the game, it just leaves certain pieces of the puzzle unsolved.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Heavy Rain is that characters you control can in fact die, yet the story itself continues on in their absence. For example, in this scene in the junkyard, Jayden can be killed on three or four occasions, with the final outcome of the game being affected by his death at the hands of any of the nefarious characters you meet.

With or without you

Mad Jack is one such character who poses a formidable threat as you search his yard for evidence of a car linked to the killings. When he does attack, the pace instantly shifts as you try to avoid his brutal attacks following the on screen button prompts. From avoiding swipes with a steel pole, to dodging punches and kicks, players must react fast to stay alive. Once you've slammed Jack to the ground, you can interrogate him using a number of different tactics that are available to you such as threatening to burn the place by shooting the barrels of gasoline in the garage, or firing a round off close to his head to scare him into talking. It works, until Jack then gets the better of you.

The action then shifts pace as you come to, handcuffed to the steering wheel of your car, dangling over a crusher staring death right in the eye. To escape you must follow the quick-firing prompts to kick open the car's glove compartment and shimmy a gun on the dashboard, allowing you to shoot the chains on the cuffs and free yourself. Then it's a scramble to get out of the car as Mad Jack lowers you to into the gnashing steel and titanium teeth.

Once outside, the fight continues as you battle Jack in the muddy sludge and soaking rain performing evasive moves and counter-attacks, finally taking him down as he's trapped and crushed under the tracks of the crane he used to lower you into the crusher.

Of course, you may not make it this far if you're not fast enough. In fact, you may not even make it out of the garage if Jack catches you off guard at the outset of the scene and executes you in cold blood. This is what makes Heavy Rain such a truly unique experience for players. Whether you live to see the end credits or die because of a foolish mistake, the story goes on and the world in which Heavy Rain inhabits continues to function. In this city, no one is safe. Not even you.

PSP development becomes cheaper

More PSP games will be available for your enjoyment from a wider variety of developers, both large and small. Find out why…

Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) has boosted its support for software development on PSP by reducing the price of its PSP Development Tools hardware, making it even easier for companies to create more games on the handheld.

By slashing prices of the tools necessary to develop PSP software by around 80 per cent, a broader range of developers and publishers can bring even more exciting and eye-catching content to the system, which will mean an increase in the fantastic range of titles available to you.

With the unveiling of the small and light PSPgo, which brings the sterling range of the PSP system's digital entertainment straight to your hands through PlayStation Network, the drop in development costs will compliment a streamlined process for publishers and developers to take advantage of.

So expect a lot more high quality, downloadable exclusive software and interactive entertainment experiences at your fingertips and the whole world in your hands - only available on PSP.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Hustle Kings first impressions

You can almost feel the baize beneath your fingertips in the new pool game coming to PlayStation Network.

Hustle Kings, coming to PlayStation Network later in 2009, is a pool game in which you earn Hustle King credits for potting balls, performing trick shots and beating computer-controlled opponents. You can then take those credits online and bet them against other players in winner-takes-all matches. It will include a variety of game types, such as eight ball and nine ball.

Visually, it looks incredible, with realistic reflections on the balls and a sumptuous bar background. And it isn't just for show - the game's physics are also incredibly lifelike, allowing for the full range of spin, swerve and jump shots that any decent American pool players needs in their arsenal.

"If you download the E3 trailer from PlayStation Store, you'll see how cool and sophisticated the physics are," says Hustle Kings Senior Producer, Phil Gaskell. "You'll see the cue ball chipping up over other balls, extreme spin and, if you look closely, you'll even spot the cue ball leaving the table and rolling along the rail."

"We're rather bullishly calling it the king of pool games because it looks so beautiful. I'm an avid gamer and it's certainly the best looking cue sports game I've ever seen. It helps of course that it's running on PLAYSTATION 3, and while I don't want to bore you with terms like spherical harmonic lighting, I can safely say you'll want to download it to show your friends how awesome a game can look on PS3."

Hustle Kings' control scheme is simple and effective, with the left stick aiming the shot, the right stick dictating where on the cue ball you want to strike and the L2 and R2 buttons controlling power. To take the shot, you have to stop a moving meter - much like the ones found in many golf games - at the right moment. The more difficult the shot and the more spin and power you're playing with, the more difficult the meter is to stop.

This will help promote fast, exciting multiplayer, which, Gaskell explains, will be comprehensively supported when the game hits PlayStation Store later in 2009. "You'll be able to play offline singles matches and we're including Killer, which is an eight-player round-robin game that I play all the time with my friends in real life. Online, we're including Hustle Rooms for up to 64 players to compete one-on-one and try and hustle each other out of their hard earned credits.

"There are lots of items for players to win and buy with their Hustle King credits, such as Golden cues and diamond encrusted chalk holders. We're talking to the PlayStation Community Team about how we can create a custom version of the game they can use to host special tournaments, and give away real-world prizes. We also have big plans for PlayStation Home."

Even at this relatively early stage in its development, Hustle Kings looks beautiful and plays intuitively. Anyone who knows how to play pool will be able to pick it up and pot balls with ease, thanks to the aiming guides that tell you which direction the cue ball and object ball will travel in, although taking on a computer-controlled opponent on insane difficulty or ruling the online leaderboards will be a stern test for anyone.

It's shaping up to be the king of pool games.

Replay (working title) first impressions

Replay takes you on a puzzling journey of addictive gameplay that guarantees you'll be coming back for more. Intrigued?

Replay is a wonderfully unique game. Taking its cue from echochrome, this PSP title offers puzzle-based gameplay in a refreshingly different manner that's both visually appealing and addictively challenging. Its screenshots may tantalisingly leave you wondering what you have to do - yet its gameplay has you understanding immediately...

Re-record not fade away

Replay manipulates the concept of time to let you solve its puzzles. At the start of each stage, you have to steer your mannequin figure to an exit at the other end of the level. Stopping you are a number of different obstacles, such as colour coded doors that only open when the corresponding switch is pressed, giant cubes that fall from the sky and have to be pressed off by hammering one of the PSP system's buttons before you progress, and more.

It may seem like a simple task to overcome these little challenges - however, you're under a strict time limit which will inevitably see you fail on your first attempt. At that point Replay stays true to its name, and rewinds the action back so you can try again, with one brilliant difference - your previous attempt at the level is replayed at the same time as your current one, so your actions in your preceding try affect your current efforts.

Everything you did before is mimicked by a shadow mannequin. The more times you repeat the stage, the more of these echoes are created, meaning each time you replay the stage the closer you'll get to your goal as you co-operate with your past selves to solve puzzles in the present.

An old time classic

It's great fun to watch several shadows all simultaneously roaming around the stages, each performing a task that will help your current mannequin complete the level - and the fast flowing gameplay is designed to be enjoyed in swift bites which keeps the stages engaging despite repeat plays. And like echochrome, the inclusion of classical music creates the perfect atmosphere for you to get lost in.

Replay is a novel spin on the puzzle genre with a lot of potential to be unlocked thanks to its time changing gameplay and the ability to download extra stages online. Make sure you keep checking back on eu.playstation.com time and time again for this terrific temporal teaser.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

PlayStation Store (PS3) update - 04/06/09

It's a bumper update on PlayStation Network as puzzler Trash Panic joins a massive batch of trailers from E3, one of the key events in the games industry's annual calendar.

Trashed

Take the classic block-dropping puzzle genre, transform it into something totally new and then sprinkle liberally with trash... yep, that's right: trash. There's a ton of it coming your way and you'll need speedy reactions and strategic flair to get it all in the bin. Welcome to fun and frantic puzzler Trash Panic.

It's Fight Night once again

Play the exclusive demo of one of the most anticipated games of year, Fight Night Round 4. Master the new Total Punch Control mechanics and train with the Fight Tutorial before entering the ring with boxers Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton.

E3 trailers

Immerse yourself in a massive selection of trailers from this year's E3 event, showcasing a range of titles including Batman Arkham Asylum, Buzz!: Quiz World, EyePet, Fat Princess, Gran Turismo, Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time and more.

Put yourself into a new skin with Resistance 2

Want a change of skin in the competitive multiplayer game mode of sci-fi shooter, Resistance 2? Well why not download something new, with the choice of two fresh skins - the zombie-like Chimeran Grim, and Russian scientist Malikov.

A fresh bowl

Bowl yourself over with these character packs for High Velocity Bowling. Add wannabe socialite Milan Travallage to your roster, complete with her very own alley Celebutante's Row and her personal bowling ball, Stinkerbell. Or how about wrestler Don Carlos Caliente with his own personal alley, Casa de Caliente, and ball, the Mask.

MotorStorm's Voodoo magic

MotorStorm Pacific Rift has given you another chance to make your vehicle more unique than the rest with the new and exclusive Voodoo Signature Livery Pack, available for a limited time only from PlayStation Store.

E3 round-up

Don’t let some of the great games pass you by in mass of videogame goodness that was annual conference, E3. Dive into a quick look at some of the things you may have missed…

There were an astonishing number of games and other related titbits within the crowded halls of E3's giant convention centre. From the larger than life exploits of God of War III and Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, to the more cerebral and consequential action driven narrative of Heavy Rain, there was something for everyone - so much that you may have missed some of the other major goodies on show.

Here's a whistle-stop tour of a few big names which are sure to dazzle in the near future...

From the creator of Ico and Shadow of the Colossus, TRICO: The Last Guardian wowed crowds with its stunning blend of beautiful visuals and intriguing gameplay possibilities. Telling an evocative fairy tale of a child who encounters a legendary mythical creature, the pair must learn to trust and work with each other to find their freedom from a foreboding fortress.

Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed series made a triumphant return as both Assassin's Creed 2 and Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines were hailed by showgoers. Bloodlines, coming on PSP, follows Altair's story after the events of the first game as he discovers new land and hunts down the ascending Templars, while Assassin's Creed 2 on PS3 introduces a new assassin, Ezio Auditore da Firenze, who embarks on an epic quest for vengeance during the Italian Renaissance.

A popular racing circuit came alive again with the unveiling of Gran Turismo on PSP, which makes it handheld debut with a staggering 800 and more cars to drive around 35 tracks. Now you can enjoy the ultimate driving simulator anywhere you go, on your own or head-to head against friends - with Gran Turismo on PSP, the race is everywhere.

That wasn't the only title driving players around the E3 floor - ModNation Racers on PS3 tickled many with its highly customisable racing antics which appeals to everyone. Mod yourself a kart, personalise a driver and get racing at home or against online opponents. Jump, boost and drift your way around a world of tricky tracks - and then design a track yourself and share it online.

PSP beat 'em up fans had something to battle over with Soulcalibur: Broken Destiny, which brings weapons-based one-on-one fighting to the palm of your hand. Robust and challenging single player modes, around 30 characters (including God of War's Kratos) head-to-head multiplayer and impressive visuals all create a videogame combo you can't ignore.

A new way of playing PLAYSTATION 3 titles was unleashed on the world as the PlayStation motion sensing controller was shown off. Working with PLAYSTATION Eye, the controller allows a 1:1 movement response, meaning wherever you move your arm with the controller is replicated on-screen with precision. The demos on show impressed crowds with examples that included playing sports, aiming guns, wielding a giant sword and shield, and even writing.

One of the most popular role playing game series ever created, Final Fantasy, made a brief and significant PS3 appearance with a new trailer for Final Fantasy XIII, and the announcement of the next title to bear the popular name, Final Fantasy XIV Online. As the second fully online adventure of the series, FFXIV will have you roaming around the land of Eorzea with other players, battling a variety of outlandish monsters.

Other enticing titles were given a small shine of the limelight even if they're too early to show fully yet - the Rockstar developed Agent featured high impact espionage action, exclusive to PS3, the mysterious action adventure Nier was pencilled in for a 2010 release on PS3 from Square Enix, Electronic Arts' first person shooter Crysis 2 was lined up in the sights of many PS3 owners, while Capcom promised a handheld dose of survival horror in Resident Evil Portable for PSP.

Metal Gear fans were given a treat in the shape of two new titles sneaking out from Konami's development studios. The first is Metal Gear Solid: Rising, on PS3, starring popular character Raiden, while the second will hit PSP with Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, a sequel to PlayStation 2 title, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater.

Vampire bashing series Castlevania got a fresh injection of blood with PS3 bound Castlevania: Lords of Shadow revealed from Konami's cape. A collaboration between developer Mercury Steam and Kojima Productions (the team behind Metal Gear Solid), Lords of Shadow throws you into a world where darkness reigns and the only hope of salvation is Gabriel, member of an elite group of holy knights who protect and defend the innocent against the supernatural.

Expect an open game world with snowy mountain ranges, Gothic castles and undead-strewn wastelands, layered with an epic story of love and loss, and voice acting by high profile actors such as Robert Carlyle (28 Weeks Later, Trainspotting, The Full Monty), and Patrick Stewart (X-Men, Star Trek: Next Generation).

There will be more games springing from the embers of E3 in the coming weeks, so keep reading eu.playstation.com and stay up to date.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

PlayStation Store (PSP) update - 04/06/09

Round up robots and experience true classic once more on PlayStation Store.

Play as Bolt in Tokobot, a quick-thinking 16 year old agent as you round up the Tokobots, the lovable little robots that will co-operatively help you by using their unique and creative team formations. Form them as a propeller to help you fly, stack them as a ladder to get you up high, or morph them into the ultimate combo where they can become a tank, catapult and more.

A classic returns

At long last, the incomparable Final Fantasy VII is available on PlayStation Store. It's time to lose yourself once more in the game which single-handedly revolutionised the RPG genre. Our adventure begins when a cold-hearted mercenary named Cloud Strife is hired to take part in a series of raids on Mako energy reactors, which his eco-warrior employers believe are draining the planet's life-force. In the chaos that ensues, Cloud will make a discovery that will change his life, and the world. Forever.

Visit PlayStation Store now for these and more great downloads for your PSP.

Something to Sing about

The SingStar party has just become even wilder with the new addition of some online features that will have you singing with joy.

SingStar fans are in for a treat as two new features step on the stage for PLAYSTATION 3. From September 2009, PS3 SingStar users will be able to download a video editor to polish their performance videos before they upload them, and also broaden their online network with SingStar Clubs, a new feature coming to My SingStar Online.

With the video editor you can personalise your recorded videos by selecting your favourite 30 seconds and turn it into a music video masterpiece with an array of special effects. With over 27,000 videos viewed daily on My SingStar Online, the world really is your stage - and now you can impress with the performance of a lifetime with the video editor.

SingStar Clubs allows you to create a club on My SingStar Online so you can share videos and compare the results of your last SingStar party, and view online charts from your club. You'll never be lonely again when SingStar Clubs brings you together with your SingStar soul mates September 2009.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Defy the rules of nature in Gravity Crash

The old school meets next generation visuals on PLAYSTATION 3 with the arrival of arcade shooter Gravity Crash - step aboard and get blasting.

Gravity Crash transports you back to a time of pure, simple yet addictive gameplay - with a brilliantly fresh next generation look and features. Based on arcade classics, the Just Add Water developed game puts you in the cockpit of a small spacecraft with the job of tackling a quota of objectives on 30 planets. Each planet comes with its own dangers, making it a tricky task to succeed before being transported to the next through a wormhole that opens once you've triumphed in your deeds.

Gravity is your enemy

The first of these challenges comes from the basic element of gravity itself. The heavy and constant inertia of your ship means you must master the flight mechanics or fatally smash straight into the planet's surroundings - so steady control of the craft's thrusters is a must. And you can't rely on them all the time either, as your diminishing fuel supply needs topping up as you fly.

Other threats come from enemies that come in all shapes and sizes, from aggressive gun emplacements to jellyfish that explode into smaller versions when you shoot them. The environment can also offer resistance through volcanic eruptions, tight and winding caverns and even deep bodies of water.

With all these factors, including the presence of crewmen who have to be collected by landing near them, Gravity Crash gives you a lot to deal with. Although all is not lost...

Crash happy

While your ship is equipped with basic laser blasts to help fend off enemies, there are also a few other advantageous enhancements. Enemy guided weapons are available in limited supply to take care of those pesky, hard to reach adversaries. Fuel can be topped up by shooting yellow crystals, and you also have a rechargeable shield which protects you from crashes and enemy fire.

Gravity Crash boasts visuals that merge the style of the 1980s with exceptional High Definition 21st century effects - heat haze, refraction, blurring, and more all come into play to give the game a glossy look without sacrificing its nostalgic core.

And with a comprehensive tutorial, four player multiplayer mode and Level Editor, there's plenty to keep you going past the 30 planets on offer - it's the 80s refreshingly brought up to date with warp speed.

Are you ready for a blast of Gravity?

Monster madness

Check out this brand new multiplayer trailer for Monster Hunter: Freedom Unite.

Monster Hunter: Freedom Unite take you on an adventure through majestic lands, hunting and battling giant mythical creatures. However, some of these hulking beats may just be too much for one lone warrior to take on.

This is where Monster Hunter's hugely addictive multiplayer comes in to play. Simply form a team with up to three of your friends and hunt the ferocious beasts in Ad Hoc Mode, working together to use all of your fighting skills and tactics to take them down.

It's fun, fast and challenging and you can see it for yourself with this brand new multiplayer trailer for Monster Hunter: Freedom Unite.

The hunt begins in June, 2009. Download the demo from PlayStation store now.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

PSP has evolved

PSPgo now makes your world of movies, games, photos and Internet even smaller.

A new evolution of PSP has arrived with PSPgo, a system ideal for on-the move consumers who prefer not to carry around disc-based content and are looking for on-demand entertainment.

PSPgo replaces the UMD drive with 16GB of flash memory to store a variety of content, offering users unlimited possibilities of portable digital entertainment delivered through PlayStation Network. PSPgo is smaller and lighter than ever before with a sophisticated design featuring an easy sliding display panel, is truly pocket-sized and can be taken anywhere.

In addition to accessing PlayStation Store on PlayStation Network, users will also be able to download a variety of entertainment content from their PCs using Media Go, a new and easy to use software application. Media Go also enables users to manage PSP content on PCs, including games, videos, photos, and music. This great new software application will be bundled with PSPgo.

PSP evolves on October 1, 2009.

Shuhei Yoshida E3 interview

The President of SCE Worldwide Studios talks in more detail about the exciting titles coming to PlayStation.

Of the titles shown at E3 2009, which ones will define PlayStation in 2009 and 2010?
There are many titles that will define some areas of what PlayStation represents.

Gran Turismo 5 and Gran Turismo (PSP) will define the ultimate racing experience on home console and portable gaming systems, not just for PlayStation platforms. Uncharted 2 and God of War 3 will define [the] action adventure experience of PlayStation, MAG will define the massive online shooter experience, Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time will define the platform action experience, Heavy Rain will define the new way the interactive story is told, EyePet and Invizimals will define the augmented reality experience for the kids and family, Mod Nation, LittleBigPlanet (PSP) and LittleBigPlanet Game of the Year edition will define the “play, create and share” experience that LBP kick-started last year. For 2010, TRICO:The Last Guardian will define the way the emotional connection is made between the characters in the game and the game players.

What can you tell us about TRICO and Gran Turismo (PSP)?
TRICO:The Last Guardian is the brand new game from team ICO, I used to call them “the Olympic team” as they took four years to make ICO and Shadow of the Colossus, but this time they are taking one more year to develop TRICO. I’m painfully aware fans of the team’s work are waiting for the game globally, so it is a shame we have to make them wait for so long. I apologise, but please rest assured once the team feels the game is ready for release, it will make as much of an impact as the last two games did when they came out. Team ICO is developing a new way the digital characters can make an emotional connection to the players, taking full advantage of the PLAYSTATION 3 platform. Please watch out for more info later.

Gran Turismo (PSP) is not a port or a cut-down version of Gran Turismo, but is a brand new, full Gran Turismo experience specifically made for PSP. The game is tuned to play well on both PSP-1000/2000/3000 and PSP Go, and has been specifically designed for playing on the go. It’s carefully made to be very accessible to a casual racing gamer, too, so is a perfect title to get introduced to the Gran Turismo series. It will [also] have a connectivity function with Gran Turismo 5.

Additional game downloads such as expansion packs seemed to play an important part for PS3 titles, especially in the last year; do you see this continuing?
Yes, this is continuing and will be accelerating this year and beyond. More and more games will have additional content and features released after the initial release of the title. This content will be based on feedback from users and will introduce improvements over time as well as providing new extended play for the title. Creating and maintaining close contact and communication with our community around our titles is increasingly becoming crucial to the successful expansion of our franchise and our business. All PS3 systems already come equipped with Wireless Internet capability and a Hard Disk Drive out of the box, not to mention easy sign up and lots of free downloads available on PlayStation Network, so exclusive new online content and services will continue to encourage a larger portion of PS3 users to connect to PSN.

In terms of emerging technologies, what are the key trends we should look out for?
The explosive growth of social network and social network gaming. The lifestyle of consumers is rapidly changing; we will be incorporating more and more of this new trend into our titles as well as to platform services. With better integration of this technology, our consumers will become more aware of what their friends are playing, enjoying, recommending and purchasing, become able to compare their accomplishments, exchange opinions, help solve issues, give feedback to the game creators, compete and collaborate with each other.

Also, look out for advanced user interface technology, various sensors, cameras and input devices. With the advancement of both hardware and software technology in this area, we are able to offer a much easier to use, immersive and responsive experiences to a wider group of consumers. We’ll look to expand our market beyond our core gamer, male 18-35, by providing ground-breaking and unique ways to let consumers interact and enjoy our games.

Have you already started looking at any new technologies such as 3D gaming?
We have been working closely with Sony Electronics group to showcase a glimpse of 3DTV technology (stereoscopic gaming) at various occasions, including this year’s Consumer Electronics Show and Game Developer’s Conference. What we have shown at these events only scratches the surface of what the new technology can do, but even a short demonstration has gained a strong reaction from people who saw or experienced the demo. The immersive feel of being in the game is very exhilarating, feels like going on vacation or visiting a theme park with the whole family at home. We are very excited with the possibility of what this technology can offer to gaming and will continue to work with Sony Electronics to explore how best to bring stereoscopic gaming to PlayStation.

What are the plans for supporting the launch of PSP Go?
We have been working to release our UMD titles, old and new, via electronic distribution so consumers who buy PSP Go will have an extensive line-up of games to choose from on day one. We are also working on some titles that take best advantage of the form factor of PSP Go, like games that you can play with the screen closed by using only the L and R buttons for example. We are very excited to see an enhanced portability of PSP Go, which will definitely increase the occasions that our consumers will be able to enjoy our games on the go. We have the biggest and best line up of PSP first party titles this year, all of which will be enjoyed on PSP Go as well as PSP-3000.

What were the most important lessons learned from the great response in terms of user content created and submitted for LittleBigPlanet and the SingStar and Buzz ranges?
Creating things is fun. We were confident that if we could add intuitive and user friendly creation tools to a game like LBP, then our users would really enjoy this. In a way it was pioneering, but in another way it was really obvious. The real secret in making this successful is down to the genius of talented teams like Media Molecule, who have the creativity and discipline to make such a vision work.

What has been really exciting for everyone is the way the community have embraced this, with over 725,000 user generated levels having been created and uploaded already. This experience has taught us much about what our users want, and how to react to the direct feedback we get from consumers. They want more tools to create more variety of types of games; this is where we are hoping Mod Nation could fit very well into.

The real beauty of creating is that it means different things to different people and we can all create different things in different ways. So when you look at games like SingStar and Buzz!, the ability to create videos of your performances or make your own quizzes are very natural and social ways of being creative. When we combine the ability to create with the ability to share over PSN, it creates a very strong community activity and adds more fun to the whole experience. On SingStar, over 100,000 videos have been uploaded, whilst on Buzz over 175,000 user generated quizzes have been created and uploaded.

As the PlayStation audience continues to grow and diversify, how do you decide which games to put into production?
We work with the network of studios and marketers worldwide to discuss and evaluate our line-up of titles and potential new IP development, strategising what new audience groups we’d like to reach on each platform and make sure we match our offering to the strategy. We manage our portfolio of offerings to maximise the value we deliver from our investment. As we continue to expand the audience for PS3, it will become increasingly important that we offer a variety of content to cater to different needs of different audience; we pride ourselves in having delivered something for everyone successfully on our past platforms. We have creative teams who excel at delivering games for a mass audience as well as for core gamers, both of which are very important for the continued success and expansion of our platforms.

How is Heavy Rain progressing?
The game has always been very exciting due to its innovation and ambition. Trying to create something that doesn’t fit within the conventional genres is always challenging, but due to Quantic Dream’s heritage and passion, we knew they would be able to make this a reality. Prior to E3, we got our hands on the alpha code and could really see how the vision could be realized in a very compelling way. It was great to let others get hands on with the demo at E3 and get all the reactions. It will be great to add that feedback back into the cycle so we can produce a game that is innovative, of broad appeal and the highest quality.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Fat Princess first impressions

Like the huge chunks of cake scattered around its maps, Fat Princess might look sweet, but it’s a bit naughty.

Appearances can be deceptive, and while Fat Princess's gorgeous fairytale graphics are adorable, it’s not long before the grass is covered with blood and your character is trying to lug the titular princess through a lake after she's indulged in one too many slices of Black Forest gateaux.

Another of the game's surprises is its complexity. Up to 32 players, either playing online or computer-controlled, are split into two teams of red and blue. At either end of the map is a castle containing the opposing team's princess and a variety of machines that generate hats, which allow you to choose one of the game's classes.

Selecting to be a Warrior, Mage, Priest, Ranger or the unnamed axe-wielding forester is as simple as donning the relevant hat. You can switch at any point to make use of their varied skills, such as the priest's healing power or the forester's ability to chop down trees and build ladders, catapults, bridges and more. The latter can also upgrade the hat-dispensing machines to unlock secondary abilities such as a shotgun to complement the Ranger's bow.

The winner, in Capture the Princess Mode at least, is the first team to have both princesses in their castle. To make things more difficult for the other team, you can stuff your captive princess with the huge slices of cake scattered around the map, filling her up and making her harder to carry, and therefore kidnap.

How you and your team go about the mission is limited only by your collective imagination. Fat Princess is deep and accessible because its world works so logically. Walking through water slows you down; hacking away at a tree with an axe will eventually chop it down; firing arrows through a flaming torch will set them alight; and you can force entry into a castle by bashing in the front door. Initially, gameplay is all about experimentation – wondering if you can do something and invariably discovering that you can.

As it's a team game, success is all about co-operation and online allies can communicate via voice chat. From there you can decide whether to gang up and siege the castle; take a smaller group, build a sneaky ladder and try to smuggle the princess through one of the many secret tunnels; or defend your own base while upgrading hat machines and ensuring your captive royal is too voluminous to transport.

The 13 maps include a forest, a city, a tropical beach and a snowy mountain, and all have their secrets to discover. There are also Outposts, the capture of which provides a platform on which to position an archer. These are the focus of Invasion mode, which is all about capturing Outposts before the enemy. The other two modes are Snatch 'n Grab, which is won by kidnapping the enemy princess three times, and Team Deathmatch. The Soccer map has its own Queen's Rules, although there aren't really any rules other than a scoreboard keeping track of goals.

Fat Princess is charming and mischievous, and even it's menu screens raise a smile – the personal statistics screen is titled Why I’m Awesome, while the online leaderboards are called Bragging Rights. However, beneath the cute art style and accessible controls lies the potential for complex strategy and it will be interesting to see, over time, which methods emerge as favourites.

Like a slab of cake the size of your head, Fat Princess will put a huge grin on your face, and is available for download from PlayStation Store later in 2009.