Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising developer interview

Get some behind the scenes intel on Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising with Tim Browne, senior game designer of PlayStation 3 war shooter.

What are the basics of Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising in terms of plot and gameplay?

The plot is based around China invading a small island that has long been in dispute because it has vast oil reserves below it. Russia - who the island rightfully belongs to - asks for assistance from the United States of America who has a United States Marine Corps (USMC) ship on patrol nearby. The action takes place shortly after the initial Chinese invasion. The gameplay splits between fast-paced gun battles to a much slower tactical strategy planning element.

How does Dragon Rising help introduce itself and the genre to newcomers?

In normal difficulty mode we give the player lots of help. Things such as identified enemy locations, a wound indicator and a system which shows the player the best route to the next objective, the one with the most cover for example. We didn't want to hand-hold the player but we appreciated that a realistic tactical shooter such as Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising is a stern wake up call for people who have got used to being a bullet sponge and can magically heal if they hide from combat for a short period of time.

Can you explain some of the multiplayer modes?

Infiltration is a new twist of team based gameplay. We deliberately have the USMC at a disadvantage numbers-wise; they only have ten men against the 22 men that the PLA have to help defend the targets. However, to help the USMC we give them a lot more toys and firepower. The Annihilation multiplayer mode pits two equally matched teams against one another. We set the map areas where there are deliberate choke points, give both teams lots of weapons and vehicles and then let them fight it out.

How much detail and research had to go into the ballistics system for the weapons?

We spent several months in research & development before development even began. While doing this we spent time analysing bullet trajectories - as different bullet calibres and types have different ballistics - and working out how this will affect the game.

Did any of the development team go on short-term military training for research?

We didn't go on training but we did spend time with various experts including past and current servicemen. Also we had input from the USMC and had a very valuable testing day with over 100 Marines at the Miramar air base.

What were the most important things to portray in the game?

Authenticity was our key goal. We could have made a typical run-and-gun shooter but that isn't what the Operation Flashpoint franchise is about. We focused heavily on the realism aspect of what it's like to fight in a war. We didn't want to do any kind of Hollywood style action; instead we zoned in on documentary style footage and used that right from the start.

Were there any limitations you had to impose on Dragon Rising which ended up going against the desire for realism?

By including a Heads Up Display you're automatically removing some of the realism and feel; however these things are needed to make concessions for the fact that the player isn't really there. We have, however, proven that in Hardcore mode we can turn all of the On-Screen Displays off and give you a game that's as close to war as you'll want to get.

What are you proudest of in the game?

Many elements, really. The feel of the weapons, the fantastic audio, not to mention the very unique difficulty modes we went for. I don't think there are many games that can boast that the game you play on Normal setting is the same as the game you play on the hardest - as in damage and AI are the same. We're very proud of these things.

Were there any amusing moments which have happened during the missions you play-tested?

Plenty. I remember one time on one of the latter missions I was the last man standing and trying to defend my fallen teammate. If I could just halt the enemy advances for a short period of time I'd be able to stop him from bleeding to death and have a second gunman.

There was a group of enemies flanking me to my left behind a small barn. I knew where they'd be but I was running low on ammunition. I drew out a frag grenade and I meant to aim for the clearing just past the small barn. I managed to throw my grenade at the small barn rather than past it and all I could do was laugh in a panic as the grenade rolled back to my feet.

What sort of plans do you have in mind regarding downloadable content on PlayStation Network?

We have quite a few plans currently. We're not giving away any details just yet but there will be more information to come very soon...

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DJ Hero interview

Music producer, Senior Remixer and featured artist D-Code chats to eu.playstation.com about bringing a whole new musical and social experience to PlayStation 3.

How did you, as a producer and DJ, become involved in the production of DJ Hero?

The game has been in development for three years and went into full scale production about two years ago. At that point FreeStyleGames started recruiting remixers and DJs, and through a mutual friend I was asked to come on board. At first I explained to them that I wasn't a big gamer, but that didn't matter. They wanted people that fitted my description to develop the concept of DJ Hero.

How many DJs worked in-house with FreeStyleGames to develop the game?

We've got a dedicated mix team based in London, which is made up of DJs, producers and mash-up artists. As well as that, we've been fortunate enough to work with some of the biggest DJs in the world on new mixes, plus they've also acted as consultants on the game too.

Did the turntable go through many design variations over the course of development?

It went through loads of iterations when I first came on board. It was still a big, clunky grey box with a strange platter that moved only up and down about ten degrees. It wasn't 360 degrees like it is now. The thing is, as the mixes evolved so did the deck. By using new formulas to develop the tracks in the game we had to then go back to the deck and evolve it to fit those.

There are a huge number of superstar DJs involved in the game such as DJ Shadow, Grandmaster Flash, DJ Yoda and Jazzy Jeff. How were they recruited into the development of DJ Hero?

A lot of them were approached early on. When we first started crafting the mixes DJ Yoda used to come into the studio and give his opinion on the track choices, mix execution and the approach to the gameplay. Everyone was very excited about DJ Hero very early on and understood what we trying to do with the game. Eventually what happened was, the more we approached, the more DJs came on board, and all of them have been so enthusiastic and wanted to get their distinct sound featured in the game.

There are a huge number of tracks and remixes in the game, was it a long process creating each one?

It was a case of us collecting tracks that we were allowed to use first. After that it was just trial and error, putting songs together to see if they work sonically. There were a number of goals in development. First they needed to sound right and they needed to be mixes that you would hear an actual DJ play at a club. And more importantly, they needed to translate well into gameplay.

Guitar Hero has turned people on to picking up real instruments since it burst on to the scene on PlayStation 2; do you think DJ Hero has the potential to do just that?

We think that DJ Hero has the potential to give people a taste of what it's like to be a DJ by introducing them to the basic principles of DJing and allow them to get inside the mind of a DJ in terms of how they perform certain techniques and actions while on the turntables. One thing we wanted to avoid was to make a DJ simulation game, because our main mission statement was to create a new way to experience and control music. It's a social experience more than anything else.

Downloadable mixes are going to play a big part in DJ Hero's future, what sort of musical genres do you hope to offer as packs on PlayStation Store?

Right now we're doing loads of research and development into downloadable content because that's our next step. We've just announced David Guetta as our European ambassador for the game and he's just finishing up three tracks for downloadable content. We're also looking at different genres too such as jungle, dub step and minimal.

And multiplayer plays such a huge role in the game, because it's a social experience and brings gamers together either in the same room or across PlayStation Network....

Absolutely! The single player experience is great fun but the energy between two players battling over points is fantastic. It's also hugely competitive in that you have mini-competitions within the game as players fight for control of the effects knob on the deck, because only one player can control things like that at any time during a track. And because you can play online too, we hope that there will be one international DJ Hero online network with people from all over DJing against each other.

Take FIFA 10 to the next level with downloadable content‘Saw VI’ Proves Jigsaw Has A Few More Sequels In Him

Take FIFA 10 to the next level with downloadable content

David Rutter, producer of FIFA 10 on PlayStation 3, takes you through the additional content available via PlayStation Network.

What are your plans for downloadable content with FIFA 10?

First of all, users can now download the Bernabeu Stadium, which makes a welcome return to FIFA. We've also got our amazing GameFace system, which lets you capture your own face at easportsfootball.com and download it into the game. You can apply it to your Virtual Pro player, who you can develop in any of our offline and online game modes.

We're also providing codes for people to unlock Virtual Pro boosts with each copy of the game sold. If you use them up, you can buy additional boosts from the in-game store. Remember: these boosts are temporary but can be unlocked permanently by playing the game, so make sure you play on Semi-pro difficulty or above.

The new version of Live Season and its associated My Live Season game mode is just about to relaunch. You'll be able to download real-life form updates and challenge yourself to rewrite history for your chosen club, which is really cool.

How do you go about selecting downloadable content?

We want to increase the authenticity and depth of our features, so we try to pick things that either add to gameplay or to the simulation of the real sport. Essentially we don't want to add downloadable content that is meaningless.

Will there be a mixture of paid and free content?

Yes - the Bernabeu is free, as is GameFace, and Live Seasons is a one-off payment for the entire 2009-2010 season.

The Bernabeu has been released for free on PlayStation Store. Why did you decide to offer this as a download and not simply include it on the Blu-ray Disc?

The negotiations for the Bernabeu weren't concluded until relatively late in the development cycle of FIFA 10, but we didn't want to wait until next year.

What are the FIFA team's picks of young footballers to look out for this season?

There's a heap of very promising new players in the game - discovering them yourself is half the fun.

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Ar Tonelico III trailer overwhelms with epicness

Ar Tonelico III trailer overwhelms with epicness

byAndrew Yoon

{ Oct 26th 2009 at 7:45PM }

The first two Ar Tonelico games on PlayStation 2 barely took advantage of the power offered by the platform. However, Gust is making the jump to 3D for its upcoming Ar Tonelico III for PS3. This new full-length trailer is surprisingly ambitious, showcasing some stunning Gankutsuou-esque anime cutscenes and some epic 3D landscapes. Sure, these graphics are nowhere near the level of Final Fantasy XIII, but it's a dramatic departure for a series that has looked like high-res GBA games thus far.

Ar Tonelico III is rushing towards an early 2010 release in Japan, but no US release has been announced yet. We're pretty certain this will be picked up, though -- adding to PS3's JRPG wealth for the upcoming year. To see how far the franchise has come, see a trailer for the first game after the break.


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Weekend Essentials - 23/10/09

Kick off the weekend with PES 2010 and EyePet on PlayStation 3, while Grand Theft Auto makes its massive return in Chinatown Wars on PSP.

PES 2010

Want to take a shot at some of the best footballers in the world? Konami's Pro Evolution Soccer series returns for some fantastic football action that puts you on the pitch to play with over 60 national teams and dozens of club squads, with both UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League fully licensed with the line-ups from the 2009/10 competitions.

With an enhanced Master League, 360-degree control and more gameplay options awaiting you, football is alive and kicking on PS3 - so don't miss out your chance to show your silky skills on the PlayStation pitch.

EyePet

The cutest, most loveable pet you'll ever see is about to make his PS3 debut in EyePet. Using the PlayStation Eye camera, the magical and mischievous EyePet will interact with you and your living room to deliver entertainment for the whole family. With the chance to feed, play and teach your Pet new things as he hatches from his egg and grows into maturity, there's tons of fun to be had with EyePet.

And if you fancy dressing up your Pet, there are a massive number of costumes available from PlayStation Store to make him look just the way you want, starting with the Lucky Dip Styling Pack which contains six amazing items of clothing and accessories. From butterfly wings to a wizard outfit, give your Pet a stylish makeover that will get everyone cooing.

Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars

Take your PSP all the way down to Chinatown in the brilliant Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars. Marking the return of the exceptional GTA series on PSP, Chinatown Wars follows the story of Huang Lee, a young Triad who travels to Liberty City after the mysterious death of his father.

Work your way through the streets in an epic tale of crime and corruption with a mixture of gunplay and driving with all-new story missions, delivered on widescreen graphics and with enhanced lighting and animation. Chinatown Wars is ready for you... so are you ready for it?

PlayStation Store sensations

If all that action wasn't enough, PlayStation Store is brimming with fresh content to keep the excitement high. Budding superstars with Hannah Montana Rock Out the Show on PSP can expand their rock star experience with the Fashions, Moment Maker Special Effects and Rock Star Stage Props add-ons. Now you can experience the latest in rock star looks, create extra special effects and more.

Fantasy fans can take a sneak peek of the epic Dragon Age: Origins on PS3 thanks to the City Elf Origin trailer, while PlayStation Network proves it has the Force with the arrival of the Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron demo on PSP. Elite Squadron lets you tackle either the Galactic Civil War or Clone Wars eras and engage in a massive all-in-one battle that spans ground, space and capital ship connected battlefronts.

VidZone top ten

After all that you may want to chill to some smooth sounds, so why not check out this week's VidZone chart:

1. Alexandra Burke Bad Boys
2. Robbie Williams Bodies
3. Chipmunk Oopsy Daisy
4. Taio Cruz Break Your Heart
5. Jay-Z ft. Alicia Keys Empire State of Mind
6. Black Eyed Peas I Gotta Feeling
7. Shakira She Wolf
8. The Saturdays Forever is Over
9. Michael Buble Haven't Met You Yet
10. David Guetta ft. Akon Sexy Chick

Rockstars‘New York, I Love You’: Out-Of-Towners, By Kurt Loder

PSP on Nickelodeon

PSP is now on Nickelodeon

PSP is now on Nickelodeon. This cool PSP site will be running until the end of the year, promoting all the new releases. There is loads to do, game reviewsfrom your favourite gamer - Ugly Mark! and lots of cool competitions as well. You can even sign up to become a special PSP games tester and appear with Ugly Mark on TV. So check it out today, just go to www.nick.co.uk/psp

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Think you know Jak?

Legendary heroes Jak and Daxter are about to blast off on another blistering adventure in The Lost Frontier. eu.playstation.com brings you up to speed on the story so far...

Every tale has its beginning...

Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy (PlayStation 2, 2001) is where it all started, where the world was introduced to the plucky young team of Jak and his smiling sidekick Daxter (an ottsel - half otter, half weasel). Daxter didn't start off as loveably furry as he looks today - his appearance is the result of an accident involving the mysterious substance known as Dark Eco.

After an unfortunate dip into the Dark Eco, Daxter was transformed into an ottsel, forcing the unlikely duo into a quest to find Gol Acheron, a sage who has the power to return Jak's buddy back to his original form.

The pair soon find that the sage's mind has been warped by excessive exposure to Dark Eco, and are forced to turn their attentions to defeating Gol, which leads to rather unexpected consequences...

A dark return

Continuing from where The Precursor Legacy left off, Jak II: Renegade (PlayStation 2, 2003) takes the heroes on a dark turn. In an attempt to escape from a giant rampaging creature, Jak and Daxter are transported 300 years into the future and left in the hostile metropolis, Haven City. Without warning, Jak is swiftly arrested by guards acting under the instruction of the city's ruler, Baron Praxis. Daxter escapes, vowing to save his friend.

Jailed for two years, Jak becomes a guinea pig for Praxis' evil experiments, using Dark Eco on the long-eared youth and turning him into an angry and bitter soul, capable of new and frightening powers under the guise of Dark Jak. However, Daxter returns (fresh from his adventures in Daxter on PSP) to help Jak break free, before joining an underground resistance which eventually overthrows the dictatorship of Praxis.

The lost ottsel years

Daxter (PSP, 2006) explores the story of the ottsel's two year disappearance between Jak's capture and eventual rescue. Lost and confused in the dangerous Haven City, Daxter is hired to work as an exterminator to stamp out a strange metalbug infestation. The job allows him to access unexplored parts of the city, and discover the means to help Jak escape. Or that's what Daxter says... he's a little prone to exaggeration.

Exile

Sadly, even with the evil of Praxis beaten, there's no happy ending for the heroes in Jak III (PlayStation 2, 2004). Civil war erupts in Haven City, and the metropolis' new leader banishes Jak and Daxter to the Wasteland in fear of Jak's dark powers. Close to death in the harsh environment, the pair are saved by a band of outcasts from the Wasteland habitat, Spargus City.

Owing their lives to Damas, the king of Spargus City, Jak and Daxter run errands for the monarch, only to end up returning to Haven City to help the resistance's war efforts, and discovering the entire planet is under threat by beings called Dark Makers. The Dark Makers were once Precursors (an ancient race of deities), driven mad by the twisted influence of Dark Eco.

After a perilous trip to the Dark Maker's spacecraft, Jak and Daxter manage to repel the would-be conquerors - as well as mastering the dark power Jak has been cursed with.

A deadly race to the finish

One year after the events of Jak III, even the steady rebuilding of Haven City isn't enough to stop the rise of a dangerous sport, Combat Racing, in Jak X (PlayStation 2, 2005). Based in the hazardous Kras City, the destructive recreation has become popular despite its less fortunate competitors often ending up utterly destroyed. And guess who has been forced into competing...

The continually ill-fated Jak finds himself summoned to Kras City for the reading of the last will and testament of a deceased enemy from Jak II: Renegade, Krew. But from beyond the grave, Krew exacts his revenge on Jak, Daxter and several other attendees by poisoning them, and the only way of gaining an antidote is by racing for the dead crime lord in the next Kras City Combat Racing Championship.

After a succession of races, a series of double-crosses and a growing rivalry between Jak and a crime syndicate led by the sinister Mizo, the heroes overcome Krew's evil plot and all is well. Or at least, so everyone thought...

Which is where you come in - the fate of Jak and Daxter is now in your hands with The Lost Frontier on PSP and PlayStation 2, as the daring duo are taken to the Brink in an effort to save the planet once more. Keep your eyes locked on eu.playstation.com for the latest news and trailers and grab your chance to become the heroes of the story...

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Disney XD loves PSP!

New Disney XD site for PSP fans

PSP is now on Disney XD with a cool new site featuring competitions, mini games and reviews. Simply head along to www.disneyxd.co.uk/psp to see the latest new games for PSP. Including MotorStorm: Arctic Edge, LittleBigPlanet and Invizimals. You can also win a load of amazing PSP prizes by entering competitions so what are you waiting for? Check it out now!

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ESRB rates Metal Slug XX for US release

ESRB rates Metal Slug XX for US release

byRandy Nelson

{ Oct 15th 2009 at 6:15PM }

Hey, look, it's Metal Slug ... er ... oh, right, Double X. (Sorry, had to study the sprites.) Anyway, earlier this month we brought you first word of the game -- now it's been rated by the ESRB (T for "Teen," specifically) which, as we all know, is a prelude to games being announced for domestic release.

The game's publisher is listed as SNK Corporation of America itself, seemingly indicating a digital download-only future for the title. That's fine by us -- as long as it doesn't go the way of the M.I.A. PSP minis. Seriously, where are they? Metal Slug XX hits Japan in December, so we'd expect it to roll ashore here in early 2010.
Gallery:Metal Slug XX (PSP)

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Weekend Essentials – 16/10/2009

Nathan Drake and Eddie Riggs kick-start a season of blockbusters on PlayStation 3.

Two very different heroes

October and November are traditionally major months for videogame releases, as publishers start to get their powerhouse titles on the shelves in time for Christmas. This weekend, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves and Brtal Legend are here to keep your thumbs busy.

Find out why the critics are giddy with praise for Nathan Drake's latest adventure, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, as it gets its long-awaited release. Down on his luck, the plucky hero is drawn into a dangerous expedition across the Himalayas in search of a fabled artefact.

This sequel builds on the explosive gameplay, endearing characters and extraordinary graphics of Drake's 2007 debut, Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, and introduces co-operative and competitive multiplayer modes. If it's adventure you're looking for, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is as intrepid as it gets on PS3.

Brtal Legend, from Tim Schafer's Double Fine Productions, celebrates Rocktober and brings the umlaut back into vogue. Eddie Riggs is the ultimate roadie and when an on-stage accident leaves him unconscious, he is sucked into a world where the human race is enslaved and album covers come to life. The humans resist but they lack direction - they need a road manager.

What you've been listening to

If you need to give your neck a rest from Brtal Legend's hard rock soundtrack, check out this week's VidZone chart:

Chipmunk Oopsy DaisyThe Saturdays Forever Is OverJay-Z ft. Alicia Keys Empire State Of MindTaio Cruz Break Your HeartDavid Guetta ft. Akon Sexy ChickTemper Trap Sweet DispositionShakira She WolfBlack Eyed Peas I Gotta FeelingPitbull Hotel Room ServiceJay-Z ft. Rihanna Run This Town

The VidZone application is available to download for free from PlayStation Store to your PS3. Remember you can wirelessly connect your PSP to your PS3 using Remote Play to access your favourite music videos wherever you are.

New games at PlayStation Store

Elsewhere on PlayStation Store, there's a new batch of downloadable titles to brighten up your PS3 system's hard disk drive. Mushroom Wars is a strategic fungal fracas featuring giant mushroom armies, a quaint art style and accessible controls. Classic card game UNO also arrives on PlayStation Store along with .detuned, a surreal, artistic experience that lets you create real-time artwork while listening to music via the XMB (XrossMediaBar).

On PSP, you can download two new titles, Cover Girl and Obscure the Aftermath, as well as a brand new addition to minis - Yeti Sports.

Be a winner

Check out the Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising competition; you could win a PS3 and a copy of the tactical shooter from Codemasters, as well as a bunch of extra goodies. All you have to do is sign-in to PlayStation Network at eu.playstation.com/competitions and answer a question.

Whatever you're playing, have a great weekend and get ready for many more stellar titles in the run-up to Christmas.

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Getting started with Buzz! The Friend Quiz on Facebook

Put your friendships to the test with Buzz! The Friend Quiz on Facebook.

Think you know your friends? Buzz! The Friend Quiz is a fun multiplayer game that asks questions based on your friends' status updates, photo collections, clubs and more.

To get started, head to Facebook and sign in - or register if you're not already a member. Then enter "Buzz" or "Buzz! The Friend Quiz" in the search box at the top right of the screen. Click on the quiz when it appears on the results page to install it and start playing.

On the opening screen you can select which of your friends you want to play with and how many rounds you want to play. You can check the leaderboard to see which of your friends are social geniuses, and there are 20 trophies to collect, such as Speedy Fingers, for answering a question in less than half a second.

The quiz itself consists of eight rounds, each drawing fun information from your friends' Facebook profiles to create unique questions based on them. You could be shown a status update, for example, or a collection of photos from which you must select the correct person from the four given. Or, you might see a photo and have to identify the correct caption. There are plenty of round types to keep you guessing and the more friends you have, the greater the variety of questions.

Log in to Facebook now and check out Buzz! The Friend Quiz. It brings the multiplayer fun of the Buzz! games to your social life, and you might even learn something about your friends.

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Weekend Essentials – 09/10/2009

To celebrate the launch of PSPgo, here’s a look at great ways to play on the move.

Fill your boots at PlayStation Store

All you need to access PlayStation Store (PSP) is a valid PlayStation Network account, and access to a Wireless Internet connection (for downloading directly to PSP) or to a PC connected to the Internet with Media Go installed.

Once inside PlayStation Store, you’ll find a host of great games, many with demos available so you can try before you buy. Look out for top-rated titles including God of War: Chains of Olympus, WipEout Pure, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror and PS one classic FINAL FANTASY VII.

If you prefer your entertainment more bite-sized, be sure to check out the new category of minis. Perfect for gaming on the go, minis titles are added to PlayStation Store on a regular basis and include updates of classics such as Tetris, as well as great titles especially designed for PSP.

PlayStation Store is also the place to go for the latest releases on PSP. From the thrilling off-road racing of MotorStorm Arctic Edge to the unique gameplay of Rockstar’s Beaterator, PlayStation Store has got it covered.

The VidZone Chart

Find out what’s rocking VidZone with the current top ten and be sure to check out Groove Armada’s new video, I Won’t Kneel.

1. Taio Cruz Break Your Heart
2. Jay-Z ft. Alicia Keys Empire State of Mind
3. David Guetta ft. Akon Sexy Chick
4. Shakira She Wolf
5. Black Eyed Peas I Gotta Feeling
6. Jay-Z ft. Rihanna Run This Town
7. Temper Trap Sweet Disposition
8. Pixie Lott Boys & Girls
9. Pitbull Hotel Room Service
10. Dizzee Rascal Dirtee Cash

The VidZone application is available to download for free from PlayStation Store to your PS3. Remember you can connect your PSP to your PS3 using Remote Play to access your favourite music videos wherever you are.

New on PS3

Take to the court for NBA LIVE 10, the latest in EA’s popular basketball simulation series. This year's version includes Dynamic DNA, providing daily player and team updates to reflect real-world performances, and Dynamic Season, in which you play along with the actual NBA season for the ultimate NBA LIVE experience. Visit PlayStation Store to download the demo now.

You will find tactics and team play of a different variety in Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising, a military tactics first person shooter set on the oil-rich island of Skira in the bitterly cold waters of the northern Pacific. As part of a US Marine and Special Forces team, you’re sent to help keep the invading forces of the People's Liberation Army of China at bay. In a world where every decision counts and every bullet can kill, have you got what it takes to emerge victorious?

Nicolas Cage Explains His ‘Ridiculous’ Voice In ‘G-Force’See two exclusive Placebo videos in VidZone

New minis titles in store

Download the latest minis titles to your PSP from PlayStation Store.

Mahjongg Artifacts: Chapter 2
Developed by: G5 Entertainment

Mahjongg Artifacts: Chapter 2 is a highly addictive tile-matching game that takes mah-jong in an exciting new direction.

Pair up tiles to dismantle hundreds of layoutsUtilise a selection of power-upsEnjoy the game’s beautiful graphics and rich audio

Sudoku
Developed by: Electronic Arts

The worldwide brainteasing phenomenon is polished to perfection in an exhilarating game of logic that’s challenging and surprisingly relaxing.

From Easy to Insane, five levels are available for novices and masters alikeAccess your MP3 music library and listen to your favourite songs while you playGet help with error checking tools and friendly cell hints

YUMMY YUMMY COOKING JAM
Developed by: Virtual Toys

Step into the kitchen for this frenetic cooking game in which you have to serve the food your customers order as quickly as possible.

Look out for a multitude of annoying insects that make the noble mission of satisfying your customers' stomachs much more difficultProve your worth in four fantastic restaurants: the Hot Dog, Hamburger, Pizza and Mexican restaurantsServe delicious food to the most surprising characters: vampires, ninjas, extraterrestrials and mafia thugs

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NBA LIVE 10: behind the backboard

Sean O’Brien, Line Producer of NBA LIVE 10, reveals what the latest title in the hit basketball series is bringing to the court.

What have you done to move the series forward with NBA LIVE 10?

Most importantly, we completely revamped five-on-five gameplay, focusing on player movement, giving control back to the user and one-on-one matchups. We also improved the in-game presentation to make it more like a broadcast and to capture the game day atmosphere.

Dynamic DNA has been further integrated into the way the game plays, using more data to drive player and team behaviour. It also feeds into a brand new mode called Dynamic Season, which allows you to play along with the actual NBA season and have your results merge with real results to create the ultimate interactive fantasy experience within the NBA LIVE community.

What is it about the sport that makes for compelling gameplay?

The best athletes in the world play basketball. They range from 5'5" to 7'6" in height and from 165 lbs to 350 lbs in weight. The game is played on the ground and in the air. There is physical play and finesse play. The back and forth and speed of the game allow for numerous opportunities to create and see exciting plays at both ends of the court.

The control that NBA LIVE gives you with the ball in your hands is unprecedented - you can break down your defender with your dribble, attack the basket and perform a spin, pro hop or Euro Step to find a lane to the basket, and then choose which hand you want to finish with. These exciting plays are what make for compelling gameplay in NBA LIVE 10.

Can you tell us more about Dynamic DNA?

Dynamic DNA is an online service that takes real life basketball data from Synergy Sports and updates your gameplay experience in NBA LIVE through a daily update. This means that whatever is happening in the NBA - player trades, injuries, player performance and more - is reflected in the game.

Synergy Sports is a company founded by a guy that has spent years coaching in the NBA and saw a need for more analytics within the sport. They provide game data to 25 of the 30 NBA teams.

Which up-and-coming players and teams should we be looking out for?

I think that this season's most promising rookies are Jonny Flynn in Minnesota and Blake Griffin with the LA Clippers. Kevin Durant and Derrick Rose are two young guys that have unbelievable talent and we're just starting to see how good they will both be.

Besides the obvious Lakers, Nuggets, Spurs, Cavs, Magic and Celtic, don't sleep on the Clippers this season. Baron Davis is going to have a huge year and keep an eye on the Raptors in the east, who have nine new players, including the biggest free agent from the summer, Hedo Turkoglu.

Finally, why do you love basketball?

Basketball players are the best athletes in the world. My father was a college coach so I grew up with the game. I played college basketball at a fairly high level and have been closely involved with the NCAA, NBA and European basketball leagues ever since.

I have a lot of friends have played and still play in domestic leagues throughout Europe, and it has been interesting to watch the popularity of the sport grow throughout the world over the last 10 to 15 years.

LeBron James Says Coach Is ‘Real Star’ Of ‘More Than A Game’PlayStation Store (PS3) update - 17/09/09

Rockstars

Download these essential PSP smash hits from Rockstar Games now on PlayStation Store.

PSPgo has arrived, and there have never been so many great titles to choose from on PlayStation Store to start your collection, including these four blockbusting PSP games from superstar publisher, Rockstar Games.

Welcome to Liberty City

There are a million stories in Liberty City and this one changes everything. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories puts players into the shoes of Toni Cipriani, a once trusted Mafioso in the Leone crime family. Forced into hiding after killing a powerful gangster, Toni returns to Liberty with one mission in mind - to put things right.

Facing deranged hit men, morally depraved tycoons, cynical politicians and even his own mother, Toni must fight for his life in a crime epic that will shake Liberty City to the core. Taking control of a huge range of weapons including sniper rifles, shotguns and machine guns, as well as stepping behind the wheels of a myriad of supercharged vehicles, Toni has his hands full in a town completely up for grabs.

It's time to make things right.

Vice City, I'll take it

Welcome to Vice City circa 1984 in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories, the sequel to Liberty City Stories, where everything is bigger, brighter and bolder than before. Opportunity abounds in a city emerging from the swamps, its growth fuelled by the violent power struggle in a lucrative and dangerous drugs trade. Construction is everywhere as a shining metropolis rises from foundations built on nothing but crime and betrayal.

As a soldier, Vic Vance (brother of Lance Vance from Grand Theft Auto: Vice City on PlayStation 2) has always strived to protect his dysfunctional family, his country and himself. Unfortunately for him, one bad decision is about to make that job much harder. Kicked out onto the streets of a city torn between glamour and gluttony, Vic is faced with a stark choice - build an empire or be crushed by the neon soaked city.

Start building an empire now.

No tracks, no rules

For the third instalment in its hugely popular street racing series, Rockstar Games joined forces with DUB Magazine, the definitive source on automotive lifestyles, to re-imagine handheld racing with Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition.

The game delivers insanely fast, open-city racing in Atlanta, San Diego and Detroit, complete with six player Ad Hoc Mode races, backed up by one of the most comprehensive vehicle customisation menus on PSP. When you take to the street you'll get behind the wheel of a huge variety of vehicle classes and trick them out with the latest rims, trims and upgrades as seen in the pages of DUB Magazine.

It's time to burn rubber and look good.

Rule the streets

Last up in this Rockstar round-up is Midnight Club: L.A. Remix, the latest entry in the rip-roaring racing series on PSP. Rule the roads in the palm of your hand as you take on challengers eager to send you into a dizzying tailspin on the ruthless streets of Los Angeles.

Harnessing all the best parts of the PlayStation 3 version, L.A. Remix sees you starting out your career with just a little money in your back pocket and one beat up old car. From here things are simple; you need to prove yourself to the crews who rule the tarmac during the day - a new first for the Midnight Club series - and, of course, the night.

Get revved, remixed and ready to go.

Download these great titles and much more on PlayStation Store for your PSPgo and PSP now!

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Introducing minis

Available from PlayStation Store from October 1, 2009 download one of these great minis titles to your PSP.

Alien Havoc
Developed by: CREAT STUDIO INC

You're a pesky alien travelling to a distant planet to gather the local cows into your spaceship. The farmers, however, value their livestock and will do whatever they can to stop you.

Adventure through 20 challenging farms that wrap vertically and horizontally Succeed by using the terrain and objects to aid you when dealing with farmers Get the highest score you can by being quick and by keeping your cows happy

Bloons
Developed by: Hands-On Mobile

Pop your way through dozens of puzzling levels in this exciting puzzle adventure.

Tackle a different arrangement of balloons in each levelTry and pop as many balloons as you can with the darts you are givenLook out for special balloons, blocks and darts

BRAINPIPE
Developed by: Hands-On Mobile

BRAINPIPE is a unique gaming experience where the ultimate objective is to transcend humanity. You do this by navigating the tunnels of your mind, exercising your hand-eye coordination while relishing in the funkadelic sights and sounds of your inner self.

Collect the illuminated glyphs while avoiding nasty obstacles Simple to play - control the action using the analog stick only

Breakquest
Developed by: BEATSHAPERS

Enjoy 100 fun action-packed levels, with vibrant graphics and crystal clear sound.

Flow with the music of professional gaming music group Maniacs of NoiseCommand the ship of your choice from 10 different modelsMaster the ball and clear the latest bricks with the Gravitor

Fieldrunners
Developed by: SUBATOMIC STUDIOS

FIELDRUNNERS is a Tower Defence game in which you defend and control the field using a diverse selection of upgradeable towers.

Use a wide range of tactics and strategies against countless waves of unique land and air enemiesEnjoy hours of entertainment and replayable challengesDo you have what it takes to rise to the top as the ultimate Tower Defence master?

Fortix
Developed by: Nemesys Team Studio

Experience a new type of strategy and arcade game as the knight Fortix, the sole hope for the desolate and tortured land of Fortiana to become the fertile land that it was before.

Fence off parts of the battlefield to corner your enemiesCollect catapults and power-ups to besiege the fortresses and take on dragonsWill you emerge victorious and reclaim the land of your ancestors?

Funky Punch
Developed by: Solus Games

In the unique world of Funkyville, a musical power called the Funky Flow has empowered some individuals with amazing abilities. But Klyde has evil plans afoot and has built an army of Emoticons to do his bidding and control the flow for himself.

Battle it out in this unique 3D fighter where great timing and smooth dance moves are the keys to victory Twelve unique fighters, five game modes and more to conquerTen Skill Belts to earn to become the ultimate FUNKY WARRIOR

Hero of Sparta
Developed by: Gameloft SA

As King Argos, embark on an epic odyssey from the Oracle's Island to the depths of the Underworld. Faced with phenomenal monsters from mythology, battle like the fierce Spartan warrior you are to avoid a tragic death.

Perform impressive finishing moves to get rid of legions of enemiesOver five hours of enigmas to solve and weapons to collectEight levels to explore, from an unknown beach to the depths of hell...will you make it back?

KAHOOTS
Developed by: HONEYSLUG LIMITED

Guide your Kahoot to the exit of each of the 50 levels by dragging the blocks that form the floors of the platforms to create a safe path.

Make use of special blocks, such as bounce blocks and trapdoors Use cannons to travel long distances or get past barriers and obstaclesBeware of the Cardborg! It patrols the levels intent on making the Kahoot’s exit as difficult as possible

Pinball Fantasies
Developed by: COWBOY RODEO LTD

Pinball Fantasies is the official version of the classic Amiga pinball simulator originally released in 1992.

Play all four original tables with remastered graphics and interactive soundtracksPlay in both landscape and portrait modes

Puzzle Scape Mini
Developed by: Farmind

The block busting games genre is updated with power-ups and interactive 3D backgrounds, which you build while exploding chains of same coloured blocks.

Two game modes, the goal-oriented Architect and the survival based Artist modeBoth game modes have exciting power-ups that help you complete the challenges faster or survive when things get too hectic to handleAll scenes have original and energetic music tracks, featuring pumping drum & bass, pulsing trance and groovy house beats

TETRIS
Developed by: ELECTRONIC ARTS LTD

One of the most popular games ever arrives on PSP for the first time with 12 unique mini-games that let you experience all-new ways to play a true classic.

Capture your best times and scores on each of the 15 difficulty levelsUse the Replay Viewer to look up cool moves and check out replays of some of the best TETRIS players in the worldLet the TETRIS revolution begin

Vempire
Developed by: Impressionware SRL

In this strategy-based puzzle game, you collect artefacts and powers to tackle a series of levels and monsters. You’ll need to clear blocks of the same colour as they drop from the top of the screen, deleting the required number before time runs out.

Watch out for nasty spells that make your task even harder to completeDefeat enemies to collect artefacts for special powers, such as slowing timeTen worlds, each divided into four levels...can you conquer them all?

Visit PlayStation Store now to download these and more great titles to your PSP and PSPgo.

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Weekend Essentials - 02/10/09

It’s an exciting week on PlayStation with the release of the immense EA SPORTS FIFA 10 as well as the much anticipated PSPgo and a host of great downloads on PlayStation Store – which will you pick?

EA SPORTS FIFA 10 on PS3 and PSP

Dust off your boots for the return of the best-selling football videogame. Responding to feedback from the community, FIFA 10 refines an already potent game engine, delivering a variety of improvements.

New features like 360 dribbling and smarter defenders make FIFA 10 the most complete simulation of the beautiful game to date.

Head to PlayStation Store now to download a free demo of the PS3 and PSP versions; if you pick up the full game on PS3, then don't forget to sign up for the FIFA Interactive World Cup in-game to be in with a chance of winning $20,000 as well as a Kia Soul car.

VidZone top ten

Find out what's topping the VidZone charts with the current top ten.

1. Taio Cruz Break Your Heart
2. David Guetta ft. Akon Sexy Chick
3. Jay-Z ft. Alicia Keys Empire State of Mind
4. Shakira She Wolf
5. Jay-Z ft. Rihanna Run This Town
6. Black Eyed Peas I Gotta Feeling
7. Pixie Lott Boys & Girls
8. Madonna Celebration
9. Dizzee Rascal Holiday
10. Mini Viva Left My Heart In Tokyo

PlayStation Store

Have a smashing time on PlayStation Store with one of the largest updates yet, including big name demos such as the rock-tastic action game Brtal Legend and the high octane racing thrills of Need for Speed Shift.

There's also the introduction of Dynamic Themes for PlayStation 3 which customises the ever-evolving XMB (XrossMediaBar) user interface XMB with beautifully animated backgrounds. Featuring artwork from titles such as Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time, MotorStorm Arctic Edge and PixelJunk Monsters, Dynamic Themes bring something a little bit different to your PS3 journey - check them out.

Fate/Unlimited Codes competition

Want to win a PSPgo system and a copy of Capcom's beat-‘em-up, Fate/Unlimited Codes? Then step right up and test your knowledge of the game by entering the Fate/Unlimited Codes competition which can see you walking away with a brand new PSPgo, a copy of Fate/Unlimited Codes to download, and a mug and T-shirt. Don't miss your chance - head over to eu.playstation.com/competitions to take part.

If you want to just jump straight into some PSPgo action, don't forget the sleek new system has touched down in shops as well, so make sure you're the first on the scene with the handheld everyone is talking about.

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Dance the night away in PlayStation Home

It’s always Saturday night in The SingStar Rooms – a brand new party space in PlayStation Home.

Step into your virtual dancing shoes and head down to The SingStar Rooms, where the party never stops. Select your favourite track from the selection on offer from the video jukebox and wield your moves on an interactive dancefloor, where bright lights and music react to your steps.

Soon after launch, you can test your knowledge of bands, videos and lyrics in The SingStar Rooms Music Quiz. New questions will be added regularly and you could grab some exclusive SingStar Home Rewards for exploring the space.

You can get to The SingStar Rooms from the PlayStation Home World Map; grab your best outfit and head over to where the Home community goes to party.

Mischa Barton, Corbin Bleu Live ‘The Beautiful Life’ At Premiere PartyDance the night away in PlayStation Home