The magic is building with LEGO Harry Potter Years 1-4

Take a trip into the spellbinding world of Harry Potter, conjured up with a little LEGO help…

It's the familiar music that builds excitement from the very start. The haunting strains of John Williams' now famous theme tune signalling the arrival of LEGO Harry Potter Years 1-4 on PlayStation 3, marking the magical journey into a charming 3D action adventure - although it comes with a colourful new spin...

"It's the best looking LEGO game we've done by far"

Harry Potter has already combined with LEGO to create a massive range of toys featuring the boy wizard and his well known cast of friends and enemies. However, this is the first videogame to mix the creative toys and J.K. Rowling's rich mythology together into an enticingly playable form on PS3.

Traveller's Tales are no strangers to this challenge having delivered excellent LEGO videogame versions of Star Wars, Batman and Indiana Jones - and after those brilliant precedents, Harry Potter is already casting a spell on anyone who sees its vibrant visuals full of humour and well observed quirks.

"It's the best looking LEGO game we've done by far," says Traveller's Tales head of production, Jonathan Smith. "It's the suitability of Harry Potter's world to the LEGO treatment, with its colour, magic, special effects and great characters."

Magical Minifigurines

Smith's faith in the characters isn't misplaced - from the very start of the game, LEGO Harry Potter is full of instantly familiar faces given the classic LEGO Minifigurine treatment. Over 100 characters are playable through the first four years of Harry's time at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry based on the film and books (The Philosopher's Stone, The Chamber of Secrets, The Prisoner of Azkaban and The Goblet of Fire), with a range of puzzle solving, platforming, potion mixing, broomstick riding, combat and collecting to enjoy.

Naturally the heroic threesome of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger take centre stage, but you can also take control of the likes of the friendly giant Hagrid ("I can't believe it's taken this long to put Robbie Coltrane into LEGO form!" jokes Smith), Dumbledore, Sirius Black, Griphook the goblin and even Hagrid's dog, Fang.

Each of the characters has a range of skills and abilities, although keeping true to the comedy tone of LEGO, some powers are more useful than others. For example, Fang is excellent at digging out items and hidden pathways, but you may not find his ability to play dead quite as useful, although it's something which is bound to cause a few laughs during the two player co-operative mode, where one person can jump in or out of the gameplay at any time.

Grow up with Harry

Cleverly mirroring the progression from book to book, the characters you play grow in stature and ability, meaning more gameplay elements open up as you advance. "What's radically different is that you have characters who, over four years, go from not being very powerful to becoming incredibly powerful," explains Smith. At the start of the game, Harry is incapable of magic meaning even basic potion making is beyond him (unless you like things exploding in your face), but as he attends lessons he learns more spells to aid him in his quests.

This also helps unlock previously inaccessible areas around the massive grounds of Hogwarts, meaning the castle's mysteries reveal themselves up as the characters become better at their craft. The more you learn, the more you discover - and curiosity is rewarded.

"It's a much more conventional sense of progression compared to what we've done before in LEGO games," says Smith. "Hogwarts is the biggest, richest, detailed and most all encompassing environment in LEGO we've ever created. You discover its size over the course of four years, so it's not immediately overwhelming - but you get a sense as we go that there's much more around to explore than is immediately accessible."

An epic adventure

With its range of set pieces taken from the major points of the source material, including the students' first broomstick riding lesson and the troll fight in the school bathroom, there's plenty here for fans of the series to enjoy, mixed with a refinement of the popular LEGO style gameplay.

There's even the ability to freely build certain LEGO bricks into any shape that you want, lending a distinctly personalised slant to puzzle solving - something new to the LEGO series and adding a fresh element to play with.

LEGO Harry Potter Years 1-4 offers an enchanting spin on J.K. Rowling's legendary universe, one enthusiasts and newcomers are sure to enjoy through its quirky charm, tongue-in-cheek style and deep gameplay. "It's that epic adventure in a way you've never seen before but in a way that's totally familiar and wonderful," says Smith. "We hope you really enjoy playing it."

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FirstPlay beta access!

Register now for your chance to take part in the latest instalment of the FirstPlay beta!

See the HD video review of explosive new shooter Battlefield: Bad Company™ 2, plus exclusive preview footage from Lost Planet™ 2 and Super Street Fighter IV.

We’ve also got new screenshots from Red Dead Redemption™, Brink™ and Mafia II, plus round-ups of the best PlayStationNetwork downloads and more of your must-see SingStar performances.

To be in with a chance, registerhere

Be quick – the registration process closes on Tuesday 30th March. Those lucky enough to make the cut will get a preview code in an email from us on Wednesday 31st so keep an eye on your inbox!

The FirstPlay team

Kristen Stewart, Dakota Fanning ‘Really Excited’ About ‘Eclipse’ TrailerStereophonics Competition open now

Weekend Essentials – Issue 20

Wreak havoc in paradise in Just Cause 2, this week’s big release on PlayStation 3.

Explosive carpentry

With a name like Rico Rodriguez, you wouldn't expect the star of Just Cause 2 to lead a mundane life. As it happens, his usual day includes tethering himself to a helicopter using his grappling hook, parachuting into a gunfight and then blowing up a fuel depot. And that's just his commute.

If you want to try before you buy, there's a generous Just Cause 2 demo on PlayStation Store that gives you a massive 35 square miles to explore and explode.

However, you don't have to be a CIA agent to dish out the pain, as a young carpenter proves in Gensan, available now on PSP. With the help of his girlfriend Kanna, he must use his giant mallet to fight off some dubious construction workers. And who needs grappling hooks and machine guns? In Gensan, a hearty meal is all you need to fight the world, so work hard on new recipes to unlock new powers.

New to PlayStation Store

At PlayStation Store, you can download new games or add to your favourites. This week, check out the Greed Corp demo and get a taste of the strategy game that asks you to strike a balance between harvesting the land and destroying it.

MAG, the game that brings you online warfare for up to 256 players, gets the Trooper Gear Pack this week, adding new equipment for all three Private Military Companies, absolutely free. Sackboy can dress up as another platforming icon as the Sonic the Hedgehog Costume Kit for LittleBigPlanet on PS3 hits PlayStation Store.

There are also new Challenge Rooms for the BAFTA award winning Batman: Arkham Asylum; the Time Savers Pack for Hustle Kings, allowing you to unlock all items in the game without having to pot a ball; a new table for Zen Pinball; the Master Pack for THE EYE OF JUDGMENT LEGENDS on PSP; and a host of Heavy Rain Avatars, so all of your PlayStation Network friends can see where your allegiances lie in the stunning interactive drama from Quantic Dream.

Stereophonics rock PlayStation Home

There's extra reason to head to The SingStar Rooms in PS Home this weekend - Welsh rockers Stereophonics have an exclusive performance playing in the space now and you can pick up merchandise celebrating the occasion.

While you're there, pop over to the updated AUDI space to play a new mini-game and watch a video lecture from the luxury car manufacturer.

Note: PlayStation Home supports the following languages: English, French, German, Italian and Spanish.

PS3 is three

This week is the third anniversary of the PS3 system's European launch and over at the PlayStation Blog, there's plenty of content celebrating the occasion, with a liberal application of the number three. There's also an exciting opportunity for SOCOM fans: you can decide the name of the next game in the series on PS3 by casting your vote.

The Buzz! Friend Quiz on Facebook has been updated with new functionality; check it out now and see how much you know about your friends... and the people you vaguely remember meeting at parties.

If you're looking forward to ModNation Racers on PS3 and PSP, then now might be a good time to pre-order your copy ahead of the game's release. Doing so will give you access to exclusive characters that will be familiar to fans of certain PlayStation titles...

Be sure to opt in to receive PlayStation emails when you sign up for a PlayStation Network account. If you already have an account, sign in to your PlayStation Network Account Settings at eu.playstation.com/registration or via the XMB™(XrossMediaBar) and opt in. That way, you can keep bang up to date and receive the latest PlayStation news direct to your inbox.

‘Shutter Island’ Scares Up Another Box-Office WinWeekend Essentials – Issue 18

LittleBigPlanet Contraption Challenge 10 winner

Want to find out the winner of the official PlayStation Forums’ LittleBigPlanet’s Contraption Challenge 10? Read on…

The tenth edition of the massively popular LittleBigPlanet Contraption Challenge has come to a close, and a winner has been picked from six stunning finalists.

Over 1,000 entries were submitted to create an Amphibious Vehicle which could travel across land and water in the PlayStation 3 version of LittleBigPlanet, and after days of voting from the selection of six finalists, the official PlayStation Forums at community.eu.playstation.com chose a clear winner in Crouching boat, hidden car by Asbestos101, from the UK. You can see Crouching boat, hidden car in the screenshot gallery above.

Congratulations to Asbestos101, who wins a PSPgo and a copy of LittleBigPlanet on PSP to play on it.

You can see the finalists' entries thread at community.eu.playstation.com, as well as a selection of the contraptions submitted so far since the very first Challenge at the official YouTube site, youtube.com/LBPContraptions.

If you want to join in the massive fun of the LittleBigPlanet Contraption Challenge, then keep an eye on eu.playstation.com and community.eu.playstation.com for information on when the next Challenge starts - and be part of one of the most popular official PlayStation Forums events ever.

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Play Like A Pro: White Knight Chronicles

Ready to make your way through the many engaging hours of White Knight Chronicles? Then make sure you take this handy batch of tips with you…

If you strive for adventure, a grand voyage awaits you in White Knight Chronicles - and there are many dangers ahead, from tiny flying menaces to giant magical knights. It's a dangerous world out there and your quest is not a small one, noble warrior. So prepare for your epic journey by first arming yourself with knowledge...

The best form of defence... and attack
The monsters of the wild are dangerous and varied, and it will take a courageous heart to overcome them. As the beasts roam freely around the landscape, pick your fights carefully. Don't be afraid to avoid confrontation if you do not have the time or health to fight, but remember that a true hero is measured by important battles - and most of the time your mettle will be tested. Sometimes running away will only make a mass of scattered enemies join into one group, multiplying the threat in greater strength and numbers than you were trying to avoid in the first place.

Make sure you are always ready to battle even if you are trying to avoid it. Become familiar with your combat actions, abilities and skills, and equip a diverse range for adaptability on the ever-changing field of combat. The elements can be used to your advantage as well, so if you are heading into a desert water or ice elemental weapons and spells will be the most effective.

Combinations are also important; so when you have the chance, customise your strongest attacks into a deadly collective assault that will stagger the enemy with its ferocity. As you progress, the length and strength of your combos will increase, so use this to maximum advantage by creating different combinations for different circumstances - one which focuses on high impact physical attacks, and another which combines fire magic with an edged weapon to use against earth-based foes, for example. The better equipped you are in this aspect, the quicker and more efficient your battles will be.

The bigger they are...
On your adventure you will come across many brutish beasts and vile villains, some of which will tower over your party with their sheer size. Intimidating they may be, but stand firm - these adversaries will topple from shrewd planning.

Targeting their legs first will eventually bring them to their knees and leave even the biggest behemoth vulnerable to your fiercest attacks on more critical parts, such as the head or belly, without fear of retaliation. Tactics will win the day. However, with that said...

A Knight in shining armour
In some cases even keen strategy will not be enough to fell a savage and sizzable foe. This is where the mysterious power of the Knight's Ark becomes essential. While slower to move, the White Knight's powerful range of attacks can increase your chances of survival, even against multiple giant enemies, so do not hesitate to summon him if you have enough action points - you can always regain these points in future battles. The Knight's Ark also becomes a mighty tool when confronted with overwhelming numbers of smaller creatures.

Survival Skills
While it is generally best to tailor certain skills to the character's strengths and weapons - for example, if he or she is more proficient with a bow than a longsword then focus on learning bow skills - there are some abilities that all members should have for the benefit of the whole party. Be sure to have everyone learn at least one spell which can restore health and cure status ailments such as poison.

Your allies will always try to keep you alive with these skills if they possess them, so making sure they do is the difference between a gruesome end and continuing the fight during tough and prolonged encounters.

Map making
These tips aren't the only essential thing to read on your travels. Your map is crucial, not only in making sure you don't wander around aimlessly to be picked off by monsters of the wild, but also for selecting your most efficient route. Your next destination is constantly marked out by a handy star, so you will always have a point of reference to follow. This holds true for any shops, taverns and Logic Stone save points while you are in towns, and you can still move while the map is displayed on-screen with an arrow marking your character and direction.

Do not forget that if you have visited a previous settlement, you can instantly arrive there by using the map instead of risking life and limb across the danger-filled territory between.

If you want to dive into the massive GeoNet online town builder, then there are some handy basics to help you get started at community.eu.playstation.com.

‘Alice In Wonderland’ Stars Talk Nerves, Newcomers And Big HeadsWeekend Essentials – Issue 16

Resistance Graphic Novel

First ever graphic novel based on the Resistance world

The guys at Titan Books in the UK bring you the first-ever graphic novel based on the best-selling Sony PlayStation 3 video-game from writer Mike Costa is integral to the game’s story and helps further define this complex universe! In this volume, Nathan Hale leads a desperate fight against the extraterrestrial Chimera as the invasion of America begins.

The Chimera have conquered Europe and turned their attention to North America. The U.S. Government has lost contact with Fort Anchorage, the largest American military base in the world...and the safest place for Robert Oppenheimer to conduct his experiments. Now, a clandestine unit serving under Sergeant Capelli must infiltrate the base and secure Oppenheimer- but can anyone stop the Chimera from getting their hands on the first Atomic Bomb?

Mike Costa ( G.I. Joe: Cobra ) and Ramn Prez spin an Alaskan adventure, as Costa pairs with artists CP Smith and Kody Chamberlain to explore the European side of this complex universe!

"This is how it should be done" - IGN.com

Go to the PlayStation Forum to get the chance to win one of these hot off the press HERE

Click here to go to Titan Books' website

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PlayStation® in education

PlayStation®Portable (PSP™) in Education

PSP™ in Education

Over the last 3 years, PSP™ (PlayStationPortable) has been purchased and used extensively by thousands of students in hundreds of UK educational and training institutions. The combination of the PSP system’s games heritage and its ability to capture and play open standard educational digital content via audio, video, and internet has made it a compelling mobile learning platform.

Students can now use existing ‘games based technology’ platforms like PSP to access real and engaging educational content. In the UK there are now over 3.6 million PSP systems in circulation and 56 million world-wide. The PSP 3000 provides students with a low cost, easy access route to rich media and compliments the new ‘high end’ PSP™go as well as integrating with the new slimmer PlayStation 3 (PS3™) games and media console.

SECOND SIGHT onPlayStation

Second Sight is a new ‘augmented reality’ programme for mainstream education and training, that enhances student and teacher’s access to audio, video and interactive educational content on PSP. This ground breaking new technology works with traditional printed content to trigger audio, video and interactive 3D images. Second Sight enables teachers to blend the use of their established text books, display materials and audio visual content in a way that has not been easy to deploy in the classroom before. Using Second Sight teachers and practitioners can easily create their own content for use. Second Sight comprises a PC based content creation suite and a second sight viewer UMD for the PSP.

Click here to watch Second Sight (Augmented Reality) in action onPlayStation

Click here to watch Second Sight teaching & learning Ideas, curriculum content on PlayStation

ConnectEDonPlayStation

ConnectED Services Ltd are SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT UK LTD’s accredited marketing and sales channel for PlayStation in education and corporate training. ConnectED provides specially discounted pricing for Playstation in the education and training sectors, combined with online and offline teacher training and support. ConnectED has also developed a range of complimentary software programmes, peripherals and resources that directly enhance the use of PSP in mainstream education and training.

For centralised procurement of PlayStation within the education and training sectors please note that the above special discounted price points, support, training and key peripherals are only available via ConnectED Services Ltd.

Click here to watch our series of training and support videos

For more information please contact ConnectED at: T: +44(0) 844 800 9375

Email:info@connectededucation.comorwww.connectededucation.com

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Weapons of war

Take a look at some of the devastating weaponry and beasts Kratos will be able to wield and take control of in the spectacular God of War III.

God of War III on PlayStation 3 sees Kratos make his final assault on the gods and Mount Olympus. With chaos comes a whole new set of weapons along with a classic arsenal including the mighty Blades of Chaos now famous as Kratos' weapon of choice in his war on Zeus. Take a look at just some of the tools of destruction that Kratos battles with in God of War III.

Blades of Athena/Blades of Exile

These blades are Kratos' primary weapons, both of which are curved blades attached to chains seared to his forearms, granting Kratos the ability to swing them at a great distance. Not only do they allow the Spartan to perform devastating combo attacks, they can also be used to assist him in scaling walls and ceilings throughout God of War's huge environments. In God of War III, the Blades of Athena are replaced by the Blades of Exile when Kratos receives them as a gift from the ghost of Athena.

Apollo's Bow

This long-ranged weapon is ideal for keeping enemies at bay in God of War III. With the ability to launch flaming arrows, Kratos can torch large clusters of enemies such as Undead Legionnaires with just one single arrow from Apollo's Bow. It's also the perfect weapon for getting the attention of the Harpies in God of War III, which he can grab hold of to reach new areas in the game. It is one of the first weapons Kratos will discover in the Underworld when he meets the damned Apollo.

Hades' Chains

In God of War III, Kratos will acquire the chains of Hades, god of the Underworld. Functioning like the Blades of Exile, Kratos has at his disposal a number of lethal attacks, as well as the ability to summon the souls of the dead in his fight for vengeance.

The Golden Fleece

Acquired in God of War II on PlayStation 2 after defeating the Mole Cerberus, the Golden Fleece is Kratos' essential defensive weapon, allowing him to block enemy attacks and follow through with powerful counters.

Cestus

Similar in style to the Gauntlet of Zeus found in God of War: Chains of Olympus on PSP, the Cestus is comprised of two lion head shaped steel fists, each of which are attached to chains which, like the Blades of Exile, can be extended for ranged attacks. Arguably one of the most devastating weapon sets in God of War III, the Cestus are capable of inflicting massive amounts of damage on hordes of enemies.

Control the beasts of Olympus

One of the most powerful new attacks in God of War III is Kratos' ability to beat some of the mighty monsters of Olympus into submission before leaping on their backs and controlling them using the Blades of Exile. Once in control, Kratos can then use a combination of light and heavy attacks on other enemies, crushing them in an instant. Beast riding isn't just limited to combat; Kratos will also have to solve certain puzzles using them too, before ultimately casting them aside and moving on to the next epic battle.

For a taste of epic vengeance download the God of War III demo from PlayStation Store now!

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Weekend Essentials – Issue 19

Kratos returns to bring chaos to the gods over the weekend in the colossal God of War III.

Simply godly

It's here and it's devastatingly brilliant - the adult action adventure God of War III has arrived exclusively on PlayStation 3 to thunderous acclaim and it's easy to see why. With jaw-dropping visuals, blisteringly fun gameplay and memorable set pieces, this is one title which screams for deserved attention. The end of Kratos' quest for revenge begins here.

And there's more. If you're lucky enough to find a copy, you can buy God of War Ultimate Trilogy Edition - available in limited numbers, so make sure you don't miss out. This box set is a must for any God of War fan, containing not only God of War III and all the above downloads, but also classic PlayStation 2 titles God of War and God of War II (remastered in High Definition, with trophy support), an art book, postcards, an exclusive video documentary on the series downloadable from PlayStation Store, the God of War Trilogy Soundtrack and the God of War: Blood and Metal EP - a heavy metal homage featuring original music inspired by God of War.

Truly a launch fit for any videogame god or goddess...

Feed your Kratos obsessions

While you're in the mood for some God of War inspired chaos, why not jump on board the latest Obsession Confessions where you can tell the PlayStation community which bosses are your highlights of the series. Recount your favourite tale of epic confrontation to the official PlayStation Forums at community.eu.playstation.com and you could win a God of War III T-shirt.

Patch up your games collection

Flying to PSP from PlayStation Store is the endearingly different puzzle game, Patchwork Heroes. In a daring race against time, your mission is to join Titori and his crew and dismantle a giant flying warship before it destroys their city. Can you survive the onslaught of deadly weapons and killer robots trying to stop you? Take flight with Patchwork Heroes and see if you're a true daredevil of the skies.

PlayStation Home is where the heart is

Have you visited PlayStation Home recently? Take a trip down to everybody's favourite virtual 3D social gaming community and you'll find a new Space in association with retailer GAME. Sign up for a GAME reward card, jump into a fast paced mini-game to earn PlayStation Home rewards and browse and purchase PlayStation titles. Get yourself over to the Moon space of PlayStation Home and check it out.

Note: PlayStation Home supports the following languages: English, French, German, Italian and Spanish.

Keep an eye on blog.eu.playstation.com for the latest PlayStation news as it happens.

Be sure to opt in to receive PlayStation emails when you sign up for a PlayStation Network account. If you already have an account, sign in to your PlayStation Network Account Settings at eu.playstation.com/registration or via the XMB™ (XrossMediaBar) and opt in. That way, you can keep bang up to date and receive the latest PlayStation news direct to your inbox.

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The People vs: EyePet

Nicolas Doucet, senior producer of EyePet, fields questions from the PlayStation community.

Are you thinking of introducing more challenges or a story mode via PlayStation Store? (Eosia, Poland; atomonium, France; PrincessMiu, Germany)

It's something that we've been considering. We wanted to gather feedback on the game as a whole and which interactions people enjoyed most, as there are quite a few. That feedback has been varied. Features like drawing are quite advanced and perhaps most used by those kids who tend to play with their parents.

For the more casual audience, it has been simpler interactions such as the bubble machine that have been received best, and it's that area that we'd like to expand.

So to answer the original question, I can't confirm any new downloadable challenges but we'll keep you posted as things develop.

Will you ever introduce a multiplayer mode allowing people's pets to play together? (ToMi-Ireland, Poland; ghoulachi, France; PrincessMiu, Germany)

Pet to pet interaction is something that we've put a fair amount of research into. We can't confirm we'll be adding it but we are bringing new features that will allow people to share drawings and EyePet styles, so that's something for the community to look out for.

If you're talking about local multiplayer - so two or more EyePets on the same screen - then the challenge lies in rendering multiple pets. We know that we can do it, but it's a lot more difficult than simply dropping in new pets; we also have to consider individual Artificial Intelligence and authentic behaviour.

Another challenge, on top of that, is creating a game structure that allows two or three people to play together freely, without feeling like they're constrained in a game mode. We spent a lot of time structuring EyePet in a way that encourages you to play a certain way, but when you let kids loose on it, that all goes out of the window; suddenly they're sitting really close to the screen and climbing over each other to try and touch the pet. And that's fine, because they're having fun. To make a multiplayer game then we would have to be very clever in our design, in order to minimise the chaos.

Will any future challenges use any other control method, as opposed to the Magic Card? (PHB_fr, France)

There are actually toys and challenges that are controlled via the Wireless Controller... I imagine the question is whether you could substitute the Magic Card for the traditional controller. We didn't do that because our idea was to place an object in the player's hand when they saw themselves on the screen.

Looking to the future and other control methods, we've been looking at the PlayStation Move motion controller; in fact, we've been involved from the very beginning of its development. It's going to allow us to take EyePet to a new level. It makes interaction even more robust and the fact that you have a solid object in your hand makes for a more comfortable experience.

In terms of content, we're repurposing the entire game with PlayStation Move motion controller functionality and we're currently looking at including a selection of brand new toys, designed specifically for that new control method, but I can't commit to any more detail on them as we're still at the prototype stage.

Have you ever considered voice recognition, allowing you to issue commands to your EyePet? (Bonny_Pau_ES, France)

We actually had that in our initial plans and we got it working, to a certain extent. The problem with the kind of voice control you mention is that it can sometimes feel like you're speaking to an interface, rather than a living pet, and that spoils the illusion of EyePet.

Maybe we'll look at it again in the future but I'd like to do more than have the player talking to their EyePet and have EyePet talk to them, but in his own language. It's like in the film Gremlins, where the Mogwai speak in their own language and the kids end up copying them. Encouraging the player to learn a creature's vocabulary could be an interesting thing to explore.

Many thanks to the community at the official PlayStation Forums for their questions and keep an eye on eu.playstation.com for more opportunities to quiz the developers behind the latest games.

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Obsession Confessions: God of War

As Kratos sharpens his blades for God of War III, tell the PlayStation community which bosses are your highlights of the series.

From the Cerberi to the Colossus of Rhodes, it's as if Kratos has never heard the phrase "pick on someone your own size". The God of War series has provided some of the most intimidating enemies and memorable boss fights in PlayStation history - tell the community over at the official PlayStation Forums which foes live long in the memory and you could win a God of War III T-shirt.

Is it the battle of mind and muscle between Kratos and Ares in the original God of War, the fearsome encounter with the Kraken in God of War II or another epic fight from one of the games on PlayStation 2 or PSP?

Get talking at the official PlayStation Forums. The most popular choices will be published in an article here at eu.playstation.com with quotes from the community.

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Meet Stereophonics with SingStar

Drop by the SingStar rooms and meet Stereophonics.

Stereophonics will be playing an exclusive gig in PlayStation Home this month, so make sure you come along and rock out to the exciting gig footage. The event will begin on 25 March and lasts for two weeks.

To celebrate the event, Kelly and Richard from the band will be answering questions from the Stereophonics competition finalists, and if you hang around you too can put your questions to the guys.

There will be PS Home merchandise for sale, so you can purchase an exclusive time-limited collector’s disc and other Stereophonics goodies for the occasion. Make sure you come to the SingStar Rooms on 25 March and celebrate this exclusive gig with Stereophonics.

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God of War III - In-store Experience

Try the game for free in selected stores over launch weekend

God of War III, the final instalment of the multi-million unit-selling trilogy, is released on Friday 19th March. Take on the role of the ex-Spartan warrior, Kratos, as he ferociously carves through the massive army of Olympus, and scales through the dark depths of hell to seek revenge on those who have betrayed him.

Head down to one of the following stores on Friday 19th, Saturday 20th, or Sunday 21st March for an exclusive opportunity to demo the game before you buy. Take part in our in-store competition for your chance to win exclusive prizes!

HMV Edinburgh

HMV Manchester

HMV Leeds

Gamestation Edinburgh

Gamestation Birmingham

GAME Nottingham

*Please note this is an 18+ title, all consumers wishing to demo must be 18, you may be asked for ID as proof of age.

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Introducing THE EYE OF JUDGMENT LEGENDS

Master the cards with this beginner’s guide to THE EYE OF JUDGMENT LEGENDS.

March 2010 sees the launch of THE EYE OF JUDGMENT LEGENDS, exclusively for PSP.

Building on the franchise’s success on PlayStation 3,THE EYE OF JUDGMENT LEGENDStakes the traditional card trading game to the next level, transforming digital cards into on-screen 3D creatures that perform impressive and exciting physical battles.

The key to success is building up knowledge of how to use your digital game cards. Each creature card possesses different abilities, so they can burn, slash or destroy opponents. With this in mind, here is some basic information and terminology that will help you conquer your enemies on your journey through THE EYE OF JUDGMENT LEGENDS.

The aim of the game is to occupy five fields on the board with your creatures. In total, there are nine square-shaped fields that make up the board, or “battlefield”.

Carefully study each card before deciding which one to summon to the battlefield next.

1. Summoning Cost

This is the summoning cost of the card. You will summon your cards using your reserve of Mana, which is the energy needed to use your creatures and spells. If you don’t have this amount of Mana, you won’t be able to use the card.

2. Hit Points

Hit points, also referred to as HP, are used to attack other creatures, at a cost of one HP per attack. When a creature’s HP is reduced to zero, the creature dies and is put in the player’s graveyard.

3. Attack Power

The attack power is the effect that a creature will have on an enemy. When attacked, the defending creature will lose HP in an amount equal to the attack power.

The game revolves around five elements: fire, water, earth, wood and Biolith. Every creature card belongs to one of these elements, as does each field on the board. Each element is represented by a colour: red is fire, blue is water, green is wood, yellow is earth and black is Biolith.

The colour of the card’s border shows the element that it belongs to. Summon your creature to its natural element and it could gain two HP, but summon your creature to the wrong element and it could lose two HP.

Spell cards are summoned in the same way as creature cards, as they will require a certain amount of Mana. There are various spell cards to collect, which all work differently, allowing you to rotate your enemies so they cannot attack you, or boost your creature’s HP to give them a longer life.

Take this information and use it wisely on your journey across the mysterious world of THE EYE OF JUDGMENT LEGENDS. THE EYE OF JUDGMENT LEGENDS Demo can now be downloaded from PlayStation Store, so let your journey begin.

‘Harry Potter’ Star Daniel Radcliffe Is ‘Passionate About’ The Trevor ProjectWeekend Essentials – Issue 18

PSP™ in education

PlayStation®Portable (PSP™) in Education

PlayStationin Education

Over the last 3 years, PSP™ (PlayStationPortable) has been purchased and used extensively by thousands of students in hundreds of UK educational and training institutions. The combination of the PSP system’s games heritage and its ability to capture and play open standard educational digital content via audio, video, and internet has made it a compelling mobile learning platform.

Students can now use existing ‘games based technology’ platforms like PSP to access real and engaging educational content. In the UK there are now over 3.6 million PSP systems in circulation and 56 million world-wide. The PSP 3000 provides students with a low cost, easy access route to rich media and compliments the new ‘high end’ PSP™go as well as integrating with the new slimmer PlayStation 3 (PS3™) games and media console.

SECOND SIGHT onPlayStation

Second Sight is a new ‘augmented reality’ programme for mainstream education and training, that enhances student and teacher’s access to audio, video and interactive educational content on PSP. This ground breaking new technology works with traditional printed content to trigger audio, video and interactive 3D images. Second Sight enables teachers to blend the use of their established text books, display materials and audio visual content in a way that has not been easy to deploy in the classroom before. Using Second Sight teachers and practitioners can easily create their own content for use. Second Sight comprises a PC based content creation suite and a second sight viewer UMD for the PSP.

Click here to watch Second Sight (Augmented Reality) in action onPlayStation

Click here to watch Second Sight teaching & learning Ideas, curriculum content on PlayStation

ConnectEDonPlayStation

ConnectED Services Ltd are SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT UK LTD’s accredited marketing and sales channel for PlayStation in education and corporate training. ConnectED provides specially discounted pricing for Playstation in the education and training sectors, combined with online and offline teacher training and support. ConnectED has also developed a range of complimentary software programmes, peripherals and resources that directly enhance the use of PSP in mainstream education and training.

Click here to watch our series of training and support videos

For more information please contact ConnectED at: T: +44(0) 844 800 9375

Email:info@connectededucation.comorwww.connectededucation.com

Olivia Wilde ‘Waiting’ To Watch ‘Tron Legacy’ FootageJoe Mad talks Digital Comics

LittleBigPlanet Contraption Challenge finalists

Who are the lucky finalists who have been selected for the latter stages of LittleBigPlanet’s Contraption Challenge 10? Find out here…

The tenth LittleBigPlanet Contraption Challenge has been a massive success, bringing in over 1,000 entries looking to impress the world with their creative and unusual contraptions. This time the challenge was to create an Amphibious Vehicle which could travel across land and water, and you didn't disappoint with your submissions, which were played over a total of 200,000 times in less than a month.

From all the entries, the PlayStation Forums team had the tough choice of picking out the six finalists and their contraptions. These are:

Land / Sea Vessel by falcon-636
Crouching boat, hidden car by Asbestos101
OctoCab by fluxlasers
Haunted Carriage by Orava1988
The Crazy Wheel by monday1235
Transforming Sea Guardian: Artemis by Belweg

You can check out their submissions in the video gallery.

So, what comes next? Well, that's up to you. From these six finalists you can vote in a poll in the PlayStation Forums at community.eu.playstation.com and help choose the winner who will be crowned the Contraption Challenge 10 master. The lucky entrant will also earn a PSPgo system with a copy of LittleBigPlanet for their hard work.

Voting is now open, so if you have a PlayStation Network sign-in ID, head over to community.eu.playstation.com, check out the contraptions and make your vote count! If you don't have a PSN sign-in ID, you can create one ateu.playstation.com/registration.

The winner will be announced on 17 March 2010, so make sure you don't miss out on what's going to be one of the most popular PlayStation Forums events ever.

Johnny Depp Says Making ‘Alice In Wonderland’ Was ‘A Gas’Win prizes with the LittleBigPlanet Contraption Challenge

Weekend Essentials – Issue 18

Final Fantasy XIII and Yakuza 3 lead a bumper week of releases on PS3 and PSP.

All the biggest releases on PlayStation

There's a Japanese feel to this week's two major releases on PlayStation 3. Final Fantasy XIII is the latest instalment in a role-playing game series that needs little introduction. While that game is set in a futuristic world of magic and eccentric hairstyles, Yakuza 3 takes you to the gritty Japanese underworld for an action-packed tale of honour and violence through the eyes and fists of Kazuma Kiryu.

On PSP there are three brand new games to keep you entertained on the go. The Eye of Judgment: Legends brings the card collecting real time strategy game to PSP, while Fat Princess: Fistful of Cake marks the portable debut of the gluttonous royal that first appeared on PS3 in 2009. Both titles are available on Universal Media Disc and via download from PlayStation Store.

What's in store?

If you're struggling to control your excitement for Kratos' imminent arrival on PlayStation 3, the God of War III demo on PlayStation Store may tip you over the edge. You could keep yourself occupied by downloading Mega Man 10 on PS3 or extra content for Resident Evil 5, Dragon Age: Origins and BioShock 2.

To calm down, why not check out downloadable content for two of the more relaxing games in PlayStation Store. The Ocean Level pack and the Snow Level pack are new echoshift stages for you to download for free, and they both offer even more head-scratching wonderment to fans of the time manipulation puzzler on PSP. Flower is another tranquil title and you can now download the soundtrack - it's a great way to unwind, whether you're slashing your way to Mount Olympus or stuck in motorway traffic.

A new way around PlayStation Home

This week sees the launch of the PlayStation Home Navigator, a completely new way of finding your friends and travelling through the world of PS Home, with better performance and reduced loading times. Use it to check out the many spaces, ranging from The SingStar Rooms to the Audi Space, and catch up with old friends or make new ones.

Also new this week is a Final Fantasy XIII apartment and furniture for you and your party of friends to hang out in and chat about the latest blockbuster role playing game.

Stay ahead of the game

On 9 March 2010 the season of games industry events kicked off in San Francisco with the Game Developers Conference. You can catch up on all the breaking news on the PlayStation Blog, including a video of the SCEA keynote speech.

Here at eu.playstation.com, there's still time to enter the Awards Nominated Movies Competition, in which you can win a Bravia LCD TV and a PlayStation 3; the FIFA 10 Ultimate Team competition, where your football knowledge could win you a FIFA World Cup match ball and a PS3; and the minis competition, in which a PSPgo is up for grabs. Head to eu.playstation.com/competitions to get involved.

Be sure to opt in to receive PlayStation emails when you sign up for a PlayStation Network account. If you already have an account, sign in to your PlayStation Network Account Settings at eu.playstation.com/registration or via the XMBTM (XrossMediaBar) and opt in. That way, you can keep bang up to date and receive the latest PlayStation news direct to your inbox.

Kristen Stewart Talks About Her ‘Eclipse’ WigWeekend Essentials – Issue 14

Get physical with PlayStation Move

In 2010, gaming on PS3 becomes even more immersive with the arrival of the PlayStation Move motion controller, explains Shuhei Yoshida, president of SCE Worldwide Studios.

What influenced the design of the PlayStation Move motion controller?
Technically speaking, the essential part of the controller is the sphere. There is a specific requirement to make the size as it is, in a perfect spherical shape. The hardware designer at Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI), Yano-san, worked on a design to integrate the sphere and make it accessible and friendly to users.

The second unique feature is the Move button on the front of the controller. With the movement of the arms being such an integral part of using the controller, we feel that it is better to have one big button, making it easier for anyone to understand and press.

The third is to make the controller easy to hold and difficult to lose from your hand when you move your arm around. The concave shape fits snugly in your hand, while at the same time providing a firm grip.

How does the introduction of the PS Move motion controller impact on game design?
It forces fundamental rethinking around how a game should be designed. The game developer needs to throw away a conventional wisdom of how gamers use a controller and instead consider what will provide the most immersive experience and make players feel a direct connection with the game. If this cannot be achieved, players will just be happy to stay with using the DUALSHOCK 3 Wireless Controller.

What types of games are best suited to the PS Move motion controller?
We have been testing with many kinds of titles from many different teams and so far we have not found any genre that does not work well with the controller. Perhaps simulation games, such as driving or guitar games, would be served better by a steering wheel or a guitar controller. Besides these genres, which are already served well by real world simulated peripherals, the controller works well with any kind of game. The high fidelity of motion recognition and real time response are the key for the success of any motion based game input device, and the controller surpasses in these areas anything that is available in the market either at present or later in 2010.

What is unique about the PS Move motion controller?
There are many things that are unique about the controller. To name a few: the precision of recognising a player's motion, the 3D location and orientation of the controller, the response time that is as good as DUALSHOCK 3, the camera and audio input that allows Augmented Reality games as well as introducing a player's image and voice into the game, the sphere colour changing to respond to the game and the Move button on the front, making it easier to interact with, to name but a few.

These features help create totally new, immersive experiences for our all current PS3 owners, whilst also expanding the audience making games more accessible and fun for all ages.

How will the PS Move motion controller change the way people interact with their PS3?
With the new controller, PlayStation 3 will become more accessible to wider audiences, from small kids to even your grandmother. All gamers will be more active in front of their TVs and, regardless of the type of game, the gaming experience will be far more immersive.

How much time has been spent testing the controller in various ambient conditions, such as in different light?
We've been testing the controller under various ambient conditions since its early prototype. Unless it is used in direct sunlight, it is pretty robust in different lighting conditions.

What is the philosophy behind the PS Move motion controller in terms of how PlayStation 3 will continue to engage with existing and new audiences?
The controller is inclusive whether it is our existing PlayStation community or brand new audiences. We can make our games easily accessible and at the same time create enough nuances and depth to the game to satisfy our existing audience of core gamers.

To what level will the PS Move motion controller be integrated into gameplay?
In addition to games being built from the ground up for the controller, many of our new titles will support it as well. We believe we can expand our audience of existing franchises by the use of the controller, making the games more accessible as well as providing an even more immersive experience.

What has been your favourite moment using the controller so far?
Playing the title Sports (working title) and feeling a direct connection between my subtle movements and the game.

Keep an eye on PlayStation Blog at blog.eu.playstation.com and eu.playstation.com for more news and information on the PlayStation Move motion controller.

For the very latest news delivered straight to your inbox, opt in to receive PlayStation emails using your PlayStation Network account details. If you already have an account, sign in to your PlayStation Network Account Settings at eu.playstation.com/registration or via the XMB™ (XrossMediaBar) and opt in.

‘Hurt Locker’ Producer Apologizes For Dissing ‘Avatar’PlayStation Move motion controller revealed

PlayStation Move motion controller revealed

From late 2010, the new PlayStation Move motion controller and sub-controller will deliver a whole new entertainment experience on PS3.

At the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) announced that the PlayStation Move motion controller for PlayStation 3 launches worldwide in late 2010.

The PlayStation Move motion controller offers a motion-based, High Definition gaming experience unlike anything on the market. At the same time, SCE will also release the PlayStation Move sub-controller to be used along with the motion controller for intuitive navigation of in-game characters and objects.

The PlayStation Move platform, including the motion controller, sub-controller and PlayStation Eye camera, together with a strong line-up of software titles, will deliver an innovative and highly immersive experience on the PS3 system.

The combination of the PS3 system and PlayStation Eye camera detects the precise movement, angle and absolute position in 3D space of the PlayStation Move motion controller, allowing users to intuitively play a game as if they themselves are within the game.

The PlayStation Move motion controller delivers unmatched accuracy through its advanced motion sensors, including a three axis gyroscope, a three axis accelerometer and a terrestrial magnetic field sensor, as well as a colour-changing sphere that is tracked by the PlayStation Eye camera.

With PlayStation Move, both fast and subtle motion can be detected, whether the user is swinging a tennis racket or painting with a brush. With the PlayStation Move motion controller, users can provide direct input through action buttons and an analog trigger, while receiving physical feedback from vibration functionality and visual feedback from the sphere’s ability to display a variety of different colours. Furthermore, the PlayStation Eye camera can capture the player’s voice or image, enabling Augmented Reality experiences.

The newly announced PlayStation Move sub-controller is controlled with one hand, and has been developed to further expand the gameplay options that PlayStation Move games can offer. The PlayStation Move sub-controller features a sleek curved design that pairs with the motion controller and comes with an analog stick and directional buttons that allow users to easily control a game when moving characters or choosing a direction.

Like all other Wireless Controllers for the PS3 system, the motion controller comes with a built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery as well as Bluetooth technology, enabling the controller to transfer information to the PS3 system wirelessly.

The introduction of the PlayStation Move motion controller has been well received within the industry and 36 third party developers and publishers have already decided to support the PlayStation Move platform. Up until April 2011, SCE Worldwide Studios is planning to release more than 20 games that are either dedicated to or supported by the PlayStation Move platform.

Keep checking PlayStation Blog at blog.eu.playstation.com and eu.playstation.com for further updates, and head over to the official PlayStation Forums at community.eu.playstation.com to share your thoughts with the community.

‘Hurt Locker’ Marred By Oscar Ban, Lawsuit Days Before AwardsPlayStation Network currently unavailable

Obsession Confessions: minis

Find out which snackable games the PlayStation community has been filling its spare minutes with.

As February was minis month, the community at the official PlayStation Forums discussed which minis they have most enjoyed. Here are their favourites, in order of popularity, with quotes explaining why their choice is the tastiest morsel in the minis category on PlayStation Store.

1. Hero of Sparta

"This game includes epic boss fights, a lot of monsters and very large levels. The controls are excellent and God of War fans will enjoy this game a lot; they really should give it a go." (Twilight_Rico, Netherlands)

2. VectorTD

"I love tower defence games and this one in particular is great. Graphics are not the most important thing but what is important is that this game can last for hours. The number of available towers and their prices are perfectly matched and bonuses appearing from time to time can be used in different ways, depending on your strategy. It's a must-have for any fan of tower defence." (artur1982, Poland)

3. Tetris

"Once you start, you can't stop!" (fashion23gta, Portugal)

4. Zombie Tycoon

"It's impressive how many zombies can fit in one minis title!" (Low_K0, Germany)

5. Mahjongg Artifacts 2

"You want a campaign mode? There is one in the Conquest Mode! You want to play endlessly and you do not want to be bothered by finishing a level? The infinite mode is the one you need. You like Mahjongg in solo mode but you want some more? Bonus pieces will make you happy. In a word, if you like Mahjongg, you will love Mahjongg Artifacts 2!" (Sanzein, France)

6. Fieldrunners

"Fieldrunners makes you try again and again to find the best strategy against various types of enemies. Each level gives you new challenges and even when you have completed a level, you can try again with different weapons and strategies. Fieldrunners give you a lot of play time for the money and it is my favorite minis title for both PSP and PlayStation 3." (The_Alp, UK)

Thanks to all those who got involved - you will be receiving a PlayStation Network Voucher Code to download a copy of Tetris - and look out for another installment of Obsession Confessions, coming soon.

Kristen Stewart Says New Movie Shows ‘Different Types Of Love’Weekend Essentials – Issue 14

Weekend Essentials – Issue 17

Battlefield: Bad Company 2 and God of War III blast the weekend off to an action heavy start.

The gods are with you

Looking forward to massive action adventure epic, God of War III? Then you can kill the time until its 19 March 2010 release like Kratos slays mythological Greek gods, in the God of War III demo. Available from PlayStation Store, this taste of high impact gameplay shows you why the adult themed PlayStation 3 title is on everyone's lips.

In some Bad Company

If modern-day gunplay in massive destructible environments is a bit more your style, then Electronic Arts' Battlefield: Bad Company 2 should scratch that particular itch. Blasting on to PS3, Bad Company 2 is full of shooting action, vehicular combat, and the return of everyone's favourite ragtag unit, the B Company squad. The stakes are even higher this time - are you bad enough to succeed?

Network gems

There are a great range of PlayStation Network titles ready to download from PlayStation Store to make sure there's no chance of your weekend being dull. Jump on board the PSP demo of the wonderfully wacky Patchwork Heroes, where you have to defend a city from massive flying warships. Your task is to dismantle the giant vehicles of destruction before they can strike, while rescuing trapped comrades along the way. Can you stop the rival workers from repairing the ships and save the city from doom?

The wealth of entertainment on PlayStation Store doesn't stop at great demos, as a variety of new levels are yours to download for PSP puzzler, echoshift. Now you can extend your brain-teasing fun by downloading the Cave, Desert and Pyramid Level Packs for free.

Taking you to PlayStation Home

Taking a trip into PlayStation Home can lead to many fantastic places, and there are two new areas which are worth checking out this weekend. The first is the already popular Loco Island personal space, which comes with a swing, slide and hammock, as well as a gaggle of LocoRoco characters and hidden features.

The second new area of PS Home transports you to a giant pool table for Hustle Kings Ball Dodge Challenge. There you're challenged to dodge oncoming cue balls to stay in the game - the closer you stand to the balls without being hit, the more points you receive. Do well and you'll be rewarded with a stylish Hustle Kings Cape for your character, while if you top the leaderboard you're in with a chance of winning a bejewelled Hustle Kings Crown decorated with a number 8 black ball.

Keep your eyes on the prize

There is even more to be won if you roll over to eu.playstation.com/psn/competitions.

If you're a football fan and a budding writer, then the UEFA Champions League: PlayStation Young Journalist competition is playing on your field of expertise. All you need to do is submit your PlayStation Network details to enter a prize draw, with the lucky winner getting two tickets for the Chelsea vs Inter Milan UEFA Champions League match on 16 March 2010. After the game you'll get to attend the press conference and write a match report to be published on PlayStation Blog.

The Award Nominated Movies Competition gives you the chance to win a brand new Bravia TV and a PlayStation 3 system by answering a few questions based on award nominated films. The red carpet is awaiting you at eu.playstation.com/psn/competitions, so make sure you don't disappoint.

Be sure to opt in to receive PlayStation emails when you sign up for a PlayStation Network account. If you already have an account, sign in to your PlayStation Network Account Settings at eu.playstation.com/registration or via the XMB™ (XrossMediaBar) and opt in. That way, you can keep bang up to date and receive the latest PlayStation news direct to your inbox.

Weekend Essentials – Issue 14‘Shutter Island’ Scares Up Another Box-Office Win

Play Like A Pro: MAG

Ben Jones of Zipper Interactive offers his MAG survival tips in this exclusive video feature.

It's not easy surviving on the battlefield when you have 126 enemies looking to take you out. If you want to rise through the ranks then you need to stick to your leaders, pursue those objectives and watch this video.

Captured at the MAG 256 event in London, it features one of the game's Senior Designers, Ben Jones, offering great advice for getting ahead in the massive online shooter for PlayStation 3.

Listen to what he has to say and, before you know it, you'll be playing like a pro!

Olivia Wilde ‘Waiting’ To Watch ‘Tron Legacy’ FootageFIFA 10 Ultimate Team video interview

Demo Guide: God of War III

Unleash your vengeance in this action-packed demo for God of War III on PlayStation Store.

With God of War III arriving in stores in March 2010, the wait is almost finally over as the epic trilogy of Kratos' fury draws to a bloody close. Now you can experience the awesome rage of the mighty Spartan with an exclusive God of War III demo - download it from PlayStation Store today to battles gods, monsters and Zeus' minions. Remember, the only way to survive is through chaos, because in the end that is all there can be.

Setting the scene, God of War style

The demo is but a small section of God of War III and showcases the true size and scale of Santa Monica Studio's latest entry in the smash hit series. The demo pitches you headlong onto battle on the cliffs of Mount Olympus as a giant fire Titan scales the mountain in the background and Helios, the Sun god, rides his chariot overhead trying to fend off its advances on Zeus' temple.

Control your vengeance

PlayStation fans familiar with God of War and God of War II on PlayStation 2 will easily slip back into Kratos' skin thanks to the intuitive control system. Light attacks can be performed with the Square button, while heavy attacks are dealt using the Triangle button. You can grab enemies too by pressing the Circle button, and once in your grasp you can either finish them off or use them as a battering ram - just one of the many new abilities in God of War III - by tapping the Square button.

Beast rider

Alongside the wealth of new moves in Kratos' latest adventure you can now beat giant monsters into submission before leaping atop and riding them, using their hulking weaponry and physique as the ultimate tools of destruction. In the demo, you get the chance to take control of just one of these mythical monstrosities, the Cyclops, as you battle hordes of enemies to get to Helios and finish him off in typical, God of War fashion.

Tools of destruction

Alongside the now legendary Blades of Chaos, you'll get a taste of some of the new weaponry you will be able to wield in God of War III including Apollo's Bow, which lets you shoot flaming arrows at your enemies. Fire one at a group and they will catch alight allowing you to move in for a quick kill or follow through with another arrow attack. The second, and arguably most powerful weapons in the demo, are the Cestus, fist gauntlets shaped like lion heads that are controlled in much the same way as the Blades of Chaos, but inflict a lot more damage.

Wings of a warrior

In the final segment of the demo you experience an entirely new aspect of God of War as Kratos uses his Icarus Wings to soar through a vast shaft, dodging debris such as flaming rocks and huge beams of wood before finally shooting out of it, unleashing his Blades of Chaos and coming face to face with the giant fire Titan from the outset of the demo.

Start unleashing your vengeance on the gods and download the God of War III demo from PlayStation Store now!

Kristen Stewart Reminisces About First ‘Twilight’ InterviewGod of War: The story so far

The People vs: Heavy Rain – part two

The PlayStation community gets a glimpse into Heavy Rain’s creation as its writer and director David Cage, and executive producer Guillaume de Fondaumière answer your questions.

Are any parts of Heavy Rain based on real life events? (Sammellor, New Zealand)

David Cage: There are two specific moments. The initial idea for the game came from when I lost my son in a crowded mall, so that was a very strong personal event. The second moment was when I was a kid I had my two fingers cut... so that's actually happened to me and I know what it feels like.

While creating the game, were some parts of it too emotional for the Quality Assurance testers to handle? (Dogtaro2, Australia)

DC: Yeah, there were many scenes that were really difficult to play for them. One of them was the finger cutting scene. It was really painful to test, because they needed to test every possibility of the scene and check out that everything was working.

Were there any things in Heavy Rain you wanted to include but due to time or cost restraints had to cut out? (Bearskopff, United Kingdom)

Guillaume de Fondaumire: Not really. We've been very fortunate to work with a publisher that understood our objectives and vision, and gave us the means and the time to really create the game that we wanted to create. So there hasn't really been anything where we've been told to cut or change.

The discussions we had were really more at the end of production, where we decided to cut certain scenes out a week or two before the master code - this isn't something common in the industry, but cinema does it all the time. And the reason we decided to cut them was because we felt certain scenes were out of rhythm, and we wanted the experience to feel right.

Will you still be focusing on unusual methods of narration, showing emotion and such for future titles? Do you think about yourselves as the visionaries in the industry? (Grz3chu87, Poland)

DC: I don't pretend to be some sort of visionary for the industry from my side, I just try to do things I believe in and enjoy doing, and hope that others enjoy playing it, that's all. I'm 40 years old, so I hope there are more games for people who are of that sort of generation because they're not as interested in killing monsters - people want something else, and I'm just a bit frustrated at the moment that the industry has very little to offer people who aren't interested in violent actions.

Would you consider adapting the Heavy Rain story to cinema and would you work in the film industry? (SAeNcSA, Spain)

DC: I think my work on Heavy Rain will be finished when the game is released, because the game won't belong to me or the studio anymore, it'll belong to gamers. So I'm sure there will be opportunities to make a movie and there will be interest in the characters and story, and we'll look at this seriously, but at the same time it isn't the dream and if it doesn't happen it's not a frustration. I'm making games because I love making games, rather than seeing it as a step to making movies. So whatever happens I'll be happy.

Heavy Rain is a very mature game, but are there any plans for action figures, T-shirts, or posters made or inspired by the game? (Resetti, United Kingdom)

GF: Not for now, but if the game is very successful we might do it. I'm not sure if the game, characters and environment lends itself to this type of merchandise... but if people want to keep something of Heavy Rain for themselves then maybe we should do it!

We know that there will be no Heavy Rain 2, so what sort of things will you be exploring for the next big thing you're working on? (evelan_pl, Poland)

DC: There are many areas that we'd want to improve on in Heavy Rain, such as the technology and quality of the animations and visuals, so there's no doubt in my mind that the next game will look even better. I'm really interested in exploring how we can deal with non-player characters, how we can make them look like real human beings and behave in a logical way, with the possibility to interrupt and interact with them in a natural way.

Johnny Depp Says Making ‘Alice In Wonderland’ Was ‘A Gas’Neil LaBute dips into Heavy Rain

Stereophonics Competition open now

You could meet the Stereophonics and get your hands on some signed merchandise, with SingStar.

To celebrate the Stereophonics’ upcoming gig in PlayStation Home, SingStar has some amazing signed goodies to give away.

The band have a fantastic SongPack waiting for you to download from the SingStore, packed with five great hits to rock out to. All you have to do is download the SongPack, and sing along to one of their songs.

When you’ve perfected your vocals and air guitar routine, record your performance with the PlayStation Eye camera. Then upload it to My SingStar Online for the judges to see. It’s easy to join My SingStar Online through the PlayStation Network.

The Stereophonics competition closes on 11 March, so make sure you submit your entry before then.

The top ten finalists will receive signed merchandise from the band, and will also be invited to attend a VIP meet and greet session in PlayStation Home. The Stereophonics will then choose three winners who will get their hands on some fantastic extra prizes.

Download the Stereophonics SongPack now for a chance to win some great prizes, and then make sure you attend their exclusive two week gig in PlayStation Home between 25 March and 8 April.

Please make sure that you have read and understood the Terms and Conditions before entering this competition. For full details go to SingStarGame.com.

James Cameron Says He Doesn’t Need More OscarsStereophonics come to PlayStation Home

Stereophonics come to PlayStation Home

Check out Stereophonics in their exclusive gig in PlayStation Home.

To celebrate the release of their fantastic new SongPack, Stereophonics are coming to PlayStation Home to play an exclusive gig for SingStar.

The popular Welsh rock group will be performing some of their greatest hits from a career that spans over a decade.

Download the Stereophonics SongPack now, and then make sure you attend their exclusive two week gig in PlayStation Home between 25 March and 8 April 2010.

What do you want to know about Heavy Rain?Oscars Preview: Best Supporting Actor

Pick up Blue Toad Murder Files Episode 3 for free

Want to get the third episode of PlayStation 3 puzzler, Blue Toad Murder Files, free of charge?

Relentless Software, the developer behind episodic murder mystery Blue Toad Murder Files, is feeling rather generous. Until the end of March 2010, Episode 3 of the wacky whodunnit will be free to download if you already own Episode 1.

Available from PlayStation Store, Episodes 1 and 2 have proven popular with puzzle fans, so if you've not already downloaded the family friendly Blue Toad Murder Files, this promotion is the perfect opportunity to start having some fun in the quirky village of Little Riddle.

Head over to PlayStation Store to take advantage of this offer, and prove your skills as a super sleuth to friends and family...

Justin Timberlake, Cameron Diaz To Team Up For ‘Bad Teacher’Weekend Essentials – Issue 14

PlayStation Network resumes normal service

Full PlayStation Network service restored for all PS3 owners.

Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) is aware that the internal clock functionality in PS3 systems other than the slim model recognised the year 2010 as a leap year.

Having the internal clock date change from 29 February to 1 March (both GMT), SCEI has verified that the symptoms are now resolved and that users are able to use all PS3 systems normally.

If the time displayed on the XMB (XrossMediaBar) is still incorrect, you can go to Settings > [Date and Time Settings] to adjust time settings manually or via the Internet (see screenshots).

SCEI is investigating the issues raised including users' trophy data and will be able to give more information shortly.

Keep an eye on the PlayStation Blog at blog.eu.playstation.com or check back on eu.playstation.com for any further updates and we apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused.

PlayStation Network currently unavailableJustin Timberlake, Cameron Diaz To Team Up For ‘Bad Teacher’

The People vs: Final Fantasy XIII

The PlayStation community put their questions to Yoshinori Kitase and Motomu Toriyama.

When Final Fantasy producer and designer, Yoshinori Kitase and Motomu Toriyama, came to London to speak to media about their latest title, eu.playstation.com went along armed with questions from the PlayStation community. Thanks to everyone that submitted their question over at the official PlayStation Forums.

What would you say to someone that has never played a Final Fantasy game before? (DrJones_PhD, United Kingdom)

Yoshinori Kitase: Those that haven't tried RPGs might fear that the game is too complex, but if you take an interest in the story rather than feel apprehensive about the depth, then you will discover how to play the game gradually and naturally. Just take an interest in the story and let that guide you.

Motomu Toriyama: The overall theme of the story is determination to fight against one's own fate. fal'Cie is a deity that uses Lightning and the other members of the party like slaves; in a way, they are bound to an unreasonable destiny. So really the story is about these characters fighting off the unfairness of their own fate.

Why the more action-based approach to combat? (Sand_Snake, solid_sammy, SSeifer, KARASU-NULL, France)

MT: It's partly true that Final Fantasy XIII takes a more action-based approach to combat. The main concept behind the battle system is combining action with the traditional turn-based strategy to create something new. In view of making an RPG for a High Definition console like PS3, we realise that this approach might be better received by the wider gaming audience, and perhaps easier for them to warm to.

Will the PAL version feature a Japanese language option, with English subtitles? (fantasyfreak, Netherlands)

YK: No, it will not. I had heard at other media presentations that this was a popular request, and I have to say it came to me as a surprise.

Are you considering releasing the game in 3D? (Ruy-o, Germany)

YK: We don't know how possible it is to build the game in 3D but we are interested in it. In fact, we have already created a 3D Final Fantasy XIII trailer, which is currently showing in Japanese cinemas alongside the film Avatar.

Currently, that's only available in Japan, but there might be an opportunity for a wider release in the future.

Will Ultima Weapons return in Final Fantasy XIII? (Npod, Portugal)

MT: We're not quite sure exactly what you mean as we don't know the translations, but if you mean Ultimate Weapon in that you can upgrade each weapon until it is at its most powerful, then yes you can.

Does the game require a data install before playing? (European_Gamer, Denmark)

MT: For the comfort of the players, no, this is not necessary.

Which are your favourite, Chocobos or Moggles? (Domino2097, United Kingdom)

YK: [Laughs] I prefer Chocobos, definitely. In Final Fantasy XIII you will be encountering baby Chocobos, Cocoon Chocobos and grandpa Chocobos. As for Moggles, they will just be making a cameo appearance in this particular title.

Get involved with the countless discussions happening on the official PlayStation Forums right now.

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Win prizes with the LittleBigPlanet Contraption Challenge

Create a little bit of genius with LittleBigPlanet and be rewarded with a PSPgo.

Driven by the official PlayStation Forums, the popular Little Big Contraption Challenge is an event which dares you to show off your LittleBigPlanet creativity to the world. Each task asks you to create a specific contraption based on the challenge set by Forum member Nuclearfish, with nine completed so far.

Contraption Challenge 10 is special, however - because you can win a PSPgo and a copy of LittleBigPlanet on PSP if your contraption is good enough. Titled Amphibious Vehicle, the Challenge requires you to make a vehicle that can travel across land and water; the more creative and original your entry, the better.

To take part, all you need to do is start LittleBigPlanet on PS3, go online via PlayStation Network and select Community on your in-game Pod Computer. Then by heading to the Search menu and inputting the level name "CC10 - Template" you should find the level created by Forum member Nuclearfish. Copy it to My Moon on your Pod Computer and create your contraption within it.

Once you're happy, publish your creation using the prefix CC10 in the level title. Five finalists will be chosen from the entries, and then a winner will be selected from a poll where Forum members vote on their favourite. For more information, head over to the Forums at community.eu.playstation.com.

You have until 28 February 2010 to publish your level, so take a look at the previous Contraption Challenge winner for inspiration, start building your Amphibious Vehicle contraptions and best of luck.

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Reliving the greatness of Final Fantasy VIII

Another Square Enix classic has relaunched on PlayStation Network with Final Fantasy VIII. Fancy a flight of fantasy down memory lane?

Revolutionised and revitalised on PS one, the massive Final Fantasy series had reached an all-time high in popularity by the time Final Fantasy VIII originally launched in 1999. The success of its predecessor FFVII gave role-playing games a massive profile boost, with the swords and sorcery flavoured genre on everyone's lips as players wondered what sort of dish its creative developer would serve up next. The answer was a bit of a surprise.

"A bold step"

Rather than using the cute and exaggerated styles of previous Final Fantasy titles, FFVIII's design took an unusual step for the series at the time, and created a cast of realistically proportioned characters. And while the plot continued to dabble in war, revenge and epic battles, there was a more tender concept at the game's heart: the young love between the stand-offish Squall Leonhart and warm Rinoa Heartilly.

"The entire story was centred on the feelings of [these two characters] which connected more to me than any game of its day," says Stuart Barnett, a PlayStation Home designer. "It was a relationship that developed from annoying strangers to an inseparable couple, the sort of character development missing from most games."

"FFVIII was a really bold step," agrees Simon Barlow, design manager at Evolution Studios. "Following the massive success of VII was never going to be easy. The more realistic look of the characters, coupled with a lead who was difficult to identify with didn't help, but in hindsight it was a genuinely excellent game, and perhaps ultimately the right move after all. It has aged very well."

Dances with death

Along with a new approach, Final Fantasy VIII came with Square's typically grand production values, especially noticeable in its orchestral soundtrack which kicked off proceedings in fine style. "It belts into an opening cutscene more reminiscent of a film trailer for a Hollywood blockbuster than a role-playing game," recalls PlayStation Network user holmesy1968. "That opening stands up as one of videogames' finest introductions. At the time it was simply unsurpassed."

This majestic presentation slotted right at home with the story, resulting in one of its most memorable scenes - an enchanting dance sequence between Squall and Rinoa. "What I love is how clumsy Squall is, and the fact that up until now he's been so miserable, and Rinoa just laughs at him and drags him on to the floor anyway," says Barlow. "It's a lovely scene, and one that lets you pause to consider them as people rather than having them always framed against the backdrop of conflict."

Not to say there wasn't a fair share of breathtaking instances from the action, too. "The moment I remember the most was the missile attack on Balamb Garden," says Jon Wills, field application engineer of PlayStation Home. "It ends up with the missiles hitting an empty crater because the Garden has raised itself from the ground and becomes a mobile platform. Looking back, I'm not sure if it was ingenious or just absurd, but the idea of the Garden literally moving out of the way was something I didn't expect."

"I didn't know videogames could do that"

While each fan of Final Fantasy VIII has their favourite moment, most agree that it helped change the way videogames were perceived, as well as define PS one as a system that could offer different gaming experiences. "The game was a big step away from the established," says Wills. "That helped set the idea that PlayStation wasn't for making the same game again and again, and more about taking a risk and doing something new."

"It was a declaration that rival platforms couldn't compete with: a mature, action-packed, cinematic, emotional experience with the best graphics, characters and gameplay that entertained for hundreds of hours," agrees Barnett. "Oh, and it let you do damage over 9,999... which was awesome."

Even the final parts of the game, which could take over 40 hours to see, left a lasting impression on those who didn't play videogames. "The ending itself stopped those around me in their tracks," says holmesy1968. "‘I didn't know videogames could do that' responded one rather surprised family member. That is why Final Fantasy VIII is simply so important, because before it arrived: I didn't know videogames could do that either."

New Game +

If you haven't yet embarked on the unforgettable adventure that is Final Fantasy VIII, there's no excuse to miss out now - download it from PlayStation Store and begin a journey that will have you talking for years to come.

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PlayStation Network currently unavailable

Due to a technical problem, some PS3 owners cannot access PlayStation Network at present.

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe is aware that some users have been unable to connect to PlayStation Network. This problem affects PlayStation 3 systems other than the new slim PS3.

We believe we have identified that this problem is being caused by a bug in the clock functionality incorporated in the system.

Errors that you may experience include:

The date of the PS3 system may be reset to Jan 1, 2000.When signing in to PlayStation Network, the following message appears on the screen: "An error has occurred. You have been signed out of PlayStation Network (8001050F)".When launching a game, the following error message appears on the screen and the trophy data may disappear: “Failed to install trophies. Please exit your game.”When setting the time and date of the system via the Internet, the following message appears on the screen: “The current date and time could not be obtained. (8001050F)”You may not be able to play back certain rental video downloaded from PlayStation Store before the expiry date.

We hope to resolve this problem within the next 24 hours. In the meantime, if you have a model other than the new slim PS3, we advise that you do not use your PS3 system, as doing so may result in errors in some functionality, such as recording obtained trophies, and not being able to restore certain data.

As mentioned above, please be advised that the new slim PS3 is not affected with this error. We are doing our best to resolve the issue and do apologise for any inconvenience caused.

For the latest status on this situation please visit the PlayStation Blog at blog.eu.playstation.com or check back on eu.playstation.com.

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Obsession Confessions: Welcome to the Future

The PlayStation community predicts which games will be big hits in 2010.

For this edition of Obsession Confessions, the PlayStation community looked deep into their crystal balls and told us which games will go on to define the year 2010. Here are their predictions in order of popularity, along with quotes from the official PlayStation Forums.

1. God of War III

"Kratos will carry out his revenge against the Gods of Mount Olympus, completing one of the most important PlayStation series." (zetatron, Spain)

2. Final Fantasy XIII

"It's time for a new RPG fantasy adventure that will grab you and not let go from beginning to end. Do you want to know what your PS3 is capable of? If so, then buy this game." (fantasyfreak, Netherlands)

3. Heavy Rain

"Heavy Rain is a unique and intriguing PS3 exclusive. After all of the trailers and previews, I still don't fully understand what it's about, which is great, as it adds an exciting mystery factor to it." (CalvertCrew, United Kingdom)

4. Gran Turismo 5

"Gran Turismo 5 for game of the year. Why? Well, let's face it... it's going to be amazing, isn't it?" (nextbigthing91, United Kingdom)

5. The Last Guardian

"You suffered for Yorda, you suffered for Agro and now you will suffer for Trico." (jeanbodin, Portugal)

6. Battlefield: Bad Company 2

"We don't know what is coming this autumn, but now, just before summer, it has to be Battlefield: Bad Company 2." (Neshy, Norway)

7. ModNation Racers

"The game of the year is ModNation Racers. It's incredibly innovative for the racing game world. Just the idea of creating a brand new circuit from scratch drives me crazy. I can't wait for it to be released on PS3." (Ofrollo, Italy)

8. Metal Gear Solid: Rising

"I don't know if this game will be released in 2010, but I really hope so. As always, the Metal Gear Solid series ranks highly." (bydont-25, France)

9. MAG

"I have played the Beta and it was amazing. Having 256 players on one server is absolutely smashing!" (neoisback-DB, Germany)

10. Red Dead Redemption

"Very, very, very interesting project. For me, personally, it is still a mystery how such a world, in such detail and containing so much action, could have been put onto one Blu-ray Disc." (CTAP7OM, Russia)

Many thanks to all of the community members that contributed via the official PlayStation Forums at community.eu.playstation.com. Stay tuned for more Obsession Confessions, coming soon.

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Weekend Essentials – Issue 15

Exciting Heavy Rain content continues to fall along with some Aliens Vs Predator action this week on PlayStation.

"Now that's what I call a close encounter"

Are you the hunter, the survivor or the prey? Aliens Vs Predator lets you choose in a PlayStation 3 sci-fi blaster where two of the movie world's most frightening extraterrestrials battle it out for supremacy. Will you pick the fearless Colonial Marine? The lethal Alien? Or the hi-tech savagery of the Predator? Throw yourself into battle across single and multiplayer modes and find out who reigns supreme.

A shower of Heavy Rain brilliance

A tantalising batch of Heavy Rain downloads has stormed onto PlayStation Store to set the stage for the PS3 game's release on 26 February. The Heavy Rain Soundtrack is available to download so you can experience its emotional orchestral compositions, recorded at the famous Abbey Road Studios in London, England. And if you want to give your PS3 system's XMB™ (XrossMediaBar) a little sprinkle of Heavy Rain ambience, you can also download a dynamic theme based on the game as well.

These extras are ideal to help drip the time away before Heavy Rain is released - and there's also a lovely bonus to download now which you can play when you purchase the Blu-ray Disc game, in the shape of Heavy Rain: Chronicle 1. A playable scenario based on the original Taxidermist scenario demo used to officially unveil Heavy Rain in 2008, Chronicle 1 places you in the shoes of Madison Paige as she investigates the creepy home of a suspicious character. Your decisions and actions are the difference between her success... and a more grisly fate.

If all of these take your fancy, then the Heavy Rain: Collector's Edition Content pack is the perfect solution, combining the Soundtrack, dynamic theme and Chronicle 1 all in one download - letting you get the full Heavy Rain experience when the game is released.

Shoot from the hip with your PSP and SOCOM

How elite are you? Prepare to find out with SOCOM: Fireteam Bravo 3 on PSP, which pitches you and your friends into frantic firefights where teamwork, strategy and a good aim are the only things keeping you alive. Be the best in an incredible solo campaign, join up to three comrades in the four player online co-operative Ad Hoc Mode, or go toe-to-toe in competitive battles for up to 16 players.

Score some FIFA prizes

Fancy being a match winner? Then you could win a PlayStation 3 and an official FIFA World Cup match ball in the FIFA 10 Ultimate Team Competition.

If you're game, head over to eu.playstation.com/competitions and see if you can spot where the ball should be in the supplied picture. Good judgement could earn you some great prizes, so give it a shot - and you could find yourself scoring a PS3.

Be sure to opt-in to receive PlayStation emails when you sign-up for a PlayStation Network account. If you already have an account, sign in to your PlayStation Network Account Settings at eu.playstation.com/registration or via the XMB™ (XrossMediaBar) and opt-in. That way, you can keep bang up to date and receive the latest PlayStation news direct to your inbox.

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