Tuesday, December 28, 2010

The ITV Network Player and 4oD are now available on PS3 !

Great News TV Fans! You can now Catch up on great TV with the ITV Network Player and 4oD on PlayStation®3.

From today the ITV Network PlayerPlayer and 4oD join BBC iPlayer to add to the TV catch up services on PS3!

This means that a wide selection of popular ITV Netowrk Player programmes including Coronation Street, Gossip Girl and Emmerdale are now available on all UK internet connected PS3's.

Popular 4oD programmes including Peep Show, Hollyoaks and Misfits are also now available to watch and enjoy!

To start watching, simply connect your PS3 to the internet, sign into your PSN account and then select the TV icon on the XMB (Xross Media Bar) and opt for the ITV Network triangle
or 4oD.

This will take you directly to the service where you can watch popular programmes from the last 30 days, free of charge

Never Miss your favourite programmes withthe ITV Netowrk Player and 4oD on PS3!

For More information on the ITV NetworkPlayer visit your regional service: ITV Player, STV Player or UTV Player.

For more information on 4oD click here



LOVEFiLM is now available on PlayStation® 3!‘Social Network’ Director David Fincher Is ‘Unapologetic,’ Stars Say

Obsession Confessions: Game of the Year 2010

Cast your mind back over 12 months of PlayStation games and tell the world your pick of the year.

It's been a terrific 12 months for PlayStation users, and now you can tell us what the greatest games of 2010 have been. As eu.playstation.com and blog.eu.playstation.com get set to bring you all the essential news and features you'll need to wave goodbye to 2010 and welcome a new year of PlayStation gaming, this is your chance to lend your voice to the year's biggest edition of Obsession Confessions.

Whether it was the incredible driving and detail of Gran Turismo 5, Kratos' immense assault on Mount Olympus in God of War III or the revolutionary story-telling of Heavy Rain that lit up your year, tell us about it. Perhaps you enjoyed the incredible Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood most of all, or maybe you got your kicks from the mighty FIFA 11? Whatever your highlight, you owe it to your favourite game to shout its praises in the official PlayStation Forums.

Head to community.eu.playstation.com and tell us what the best game of 2010 is and why. A definitive top ten will then be published here on eu.playstation.com, complete with the best comments on each game. Just be sure to post your choice in the official PlayStation Forums by23 December 2010.

Now's your chance to decide Game Of The Year 2010 – join the debate at community.eu.playstation.com.



Obsession Confessions: Gran Turismo‘Social Network’ Director David Fincher Is ‘Unapologetic,’ Stars Say

Gift Guide: action games for over 18s

Blast through some PlayStation blockbusters no adult should miss this festive season.

For the action movie fan...

No festive period is complete without some high octane entertainment, so PlayStation 3 gives you the chance to be the hero of the holiday season. Pick up a PlayStation Move motion controller, a PlayStation Eye camera and a copy of Time Crisis: Razing Storm for some pinpoint blasting for up to eight players. Add a funky PlayStation Move shooting attachment to flex your trigger finger with extra precision.

If you prefer to take your action back in time, then you'll find a brilliant selection of titles to enjoy. Fantasy buffs can leap into a world of Greek myth and legend with God of War III and God of War Collection on PS3, and then take Kratos' saga on the move with God of War: Ghost of Sparta on PSP.

Maybe 15th century Renaissance Europe is more your era? Then the beautifully artistic Assassin's Creed Brotherhood is sure to get your pulse racing in an action adventure of deadly intrigue.

Like things a little more rough and ready? Then take a ride down to the old West with RedDead Redemption, the perfect cowboy adventure for any wannabe gunslinger.

On the other side of the timeline are the futuristic settings of Vanquish and Fallout: New Vegas, both offering unmissable sci-fi entertainment.

For the seasoned war film veteran...

Go on tour for some blistering military action with PlayStation 3 that will take you all over the world without leaving your festive family behind. The mighty Call of Duty: Black Ops and Medal of Honor place you behind enemy lines in elite special forces units where nerves of steel and a steady aim are essential gifts in your arsenal.

Battlefield: Bad Company 2 lets you step out from the covert shadows and into the firing line, blasting your senses with explosive missions and destructible environments to help you avoid watching the same tired old movies on TV with the family yet again.

For anyone who likes their action a little bit different...

PlayStation is home to many innovative titles and the festive season is the best time to explore what's on offer for PlayStation 3. Fans of suspenseful thrillers will find few games more intense than Heavy Rain, which puts you on the trail of the Origami Killer. And you can throw yourself even deeper into the action with Heavy Rain Move Edition which uses the PS Move motion controller and PlayStation Eye camera to track your movements in the game.

Sticking with PS Move is The Fight, a knock-down, drag-out hit of underground fighting which is also great if you want to work off any festive food overindulgence.

If it's a little chilly outside, Demon's Souls is sure to fire things up with its fiercely challenging quest which is sure to test any role-playing game fan.

For when you need action on the move...

Big action doesn't only come on the big screen. If your family wants to settle down and watch TV or you don't have time to set up your PlayStation 3, you can still enjoy some massive entertainment thanks to PSP. Silent Hill: Shattered Memories delivers a creepily tense affair that is sure to send a chill down your spine, while Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker challenges you to take legendary soldier, Naked Snake, on an epic espionage mission.

If you're short on time but craving a shot of some big action, then a selection of minis titles are perfect for you. Age of Zombies, Tehra Dark Warrior and Hero of Sparta all offer fantastic thrills that are ideal for a few minutes break while you're helping out with the festive set-up. Beat Santa to it and download them from PlayStation Store for a Christmas treat.

No matter who you're buying for, make their Christmas an action-packed blockbuster with PlayStation.



‘A-Team’ Producer Stephen J. Cannell Dies At 69Happy first birthday minis

FirstPlay: See the future of PS3. First. Episode 36

Killzone 3, The Expendables, Medal of Honor Online, 007 Blood Zone, Test Drive Unlimited 2.

This week's episode is number 36, and it's on the Store from Wednesday the 8th of December. Inside we go hands-on for a full preview of Killzone 3, collect another batch of PS3 releases in our reviews round-up, and catch up with Official PlayStation Magazine's Rachel Weber to find out how she got on when she performed her freshly-written rap for some of the country's leading music critics.

We've also got a review of Sylvester Stallone's action throwback The Expendables in Blu-ray, our verdict on Medal Of Honor online, and an in-depth look at the making of 007 Blood Stone with the guys from developer Bizarre Creations, plus an interview with the producer of upcoming exotic racer Test Drive Unlimited 2.

On top of all that this week we've also got a huge competition to win an Epson HD-Ready TW450 projector, worth loads and loads of money.

As always this comes for just 99p, or even less if you buy a 12 week subscription for 8.99. Which, you know, you definitely should.

We'd also like to remind you that you can stay in touch with all things FirstPlay by following us on Twitter at @firstplay_uk and on our Facebook page: FirstPlay (official). We also have a YouTube channel up and running. And don't forget you can sign up for the FirstPlay newsletter here to have regular news and content updates delivered directly to your inbox.

The FirstPlay team would love to hear from the PS3 community so if you've got anything to share, from videos and grabs to suggestions for content feel free to get in touch.



FirstPlay: See the future of PS3. First. Episode 37‘Family Guy’ Exclusive: Nine Minutes Of ‘Star Wars’ Parody ‘It’s A Trap!’

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

FirstPlay: See the future of PS3. First. Episode 37

Dead Space 2, Blood Stone 007, Create, The Karate Kid, Medal of Honor, Dragon Age 2, F.E.A.R,

Episode 37 of FirstPlay hits the Store this Wednesday, and features a hands-on preview of Dead Space 2 and an interview with the game's art director Ian Milham. We also talk to Ian about the making of the original Dead Space, have a thorough play around with occupation shooter Homefront, and review another batch of PlayStation strays in our round-up, including Blood Stone 007 and EA's mysterious new puzzler Create.

We've also got a review of kung fu reboot The Karate Kid on Blu-ray, a guide to hardly ever getting shot in Medal Of Honor online, and a look at the Blu-ray movies that have had the biggest influence on modern games. Plus our screenshot galleries this week include the likes of Dragon Age 2 and F.E.A.R. 3.

As always this comes for just 99p, or you can buy a 12 week subscription for 8.99 and get it for even less. .

We'd also like to remind you that you can stay in touch with all things FirstPlay by following us on Twitter at @firstplay_uk and on our Facebook page: FirstPlay (official). We also have a YouTube channel up and running. And don't forget you can sign up for the FirstPlay newsletter here to have regular news and content updates delivered directly to your inbox.

The FirstPlay team would love to hear from the PS3 community so if you've got anything to share, from videos and grabs to suggestions for content feel free to get in touch.



FirstPlay: See the future of PS3. First. Episode 30‘Three Stooges’ Film Is ‘Dead’ For Jim Carrey

New website launches on PS3

Visit eu.playstation.com on your PlayStation 3 and check out the latest games from the comfort of your living room.

The official PlayStation website on PS3 has a fresh new look, giving you faster and easier access to a wealth of trailers, games, services and support.

The updated website is easy to use and has been optimised for High Definition TV screens, so you can sit back and relax as you check out full-screen trailers of all the hottest games.

You can also keep up to date with the latest releases, get help with using your PS3 and PlayStation Network and view the full range of services available.

Click on [Internet Browser] under Network on the XMB™ (XrossMediaBar) Menu on your PS3 and head over to eu.playstation.com now.



‘Life As We Know It’ Tops Friday Box OfficePlayStation Network scheduled maintenance

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Play Like a Pro: Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood multiplayer

Find out how to survive the treacherous streets of the Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood multiplayer mode, Wanted.

The hunt is on! Assassin's Creed Brotherhood is the first in the series to feature a range of multiplayer modes which allow you to feel the fear and adrenaline of being tracked down by your friends via PlayStation Network. eu.playstation.com takes you through some top tips to survive in Wanted mode.

Discretion is the better part of valour

Your task is to find designated targets in an environment full of lookalikes, while evading your own pursuers. So being discreet is essential. Only run if you need to escape an attacker or make up a short distance on your prey in the knowledge they can't escape. Any suspicious behaviour, such as sudden changes of direction, breaking into short sprints or the lack of movement altogether are clear giveaways.

Similarly, look for these movements around you as they can tip you off as to which characters are human-controlled. While you shouldn't let strange behaviour totally dictate your suspicions (as some computer-controlled characters will behave erratically to throw you off the scent) always be on your guard and overly cautious - and if anyone takes high ground or ducks into cover there's no doubt they're human.

Never rest on your laurels

You may be proud of yourself for luring in your prey and then leaping down from the tallest building to wipe out an unsuspecting target, but you're never more vulnerable than when you're eliminating a mark. Patient pursuers will instantly notice when you're taking down your victim and can kill you immediately after if you're not quick enough to react. Don't be afraid to dash away once you've performed an assassination - it will draw out any lurking hunters instantly and put them on the back foot.

Know your surroundings

Knowledge of your environment is key to survival. Knowing which way to run and where the best hiding spots are can be the difference between running a target down... or meeting a sticky end. Chase Breakers, typically gates which close off certain areas when you run through them, are invaluable when you're escaping, so always have a good idea where they are and be ready to get to them if needed. And remember, pausing the game won't stop the session - everyone else will still be playing whether you are or not so if you need to take a break make sure you're well hidden.

Success breeds suspicion

The better you are in taking down your targets, the more contracts will be put on your head. Up to four pursuers can be on your tail at the same time, which means your tactics will need to change if you're finding yourself ahead of the pack.

Because so many hunters will be looking for you, blending in with a dense crowd of lookalikes or hiding in wait for your attackers to come to you is a wise tactic to flush them out into the open and force them into making mistakes. If they accidently kill a civilian that looks like you during your ruse, you gain more points in the process and keep your lead. Just don't make a habit of hiding too obviously or panicking. A cool head will prevail every time.

Smile for the camera

Good camera control is a must. Whether you're roaming the streets alone or in a crowd, keep looking behind and above your character for any potential attackers. Only expert assassins will maintain their pretence of normality until you can't do anything about it, so a quick check of your surroundings will often reveal who is making a last minute dash to claim your scalp. Using the camera to survey the area will often save your life, especially as your option to counter-attack can only work if you can see your assassin coming.

Adapt your profile to your playing style

The more you play, the more your character's level will increase, leading to rewards to help your assassinations. Choose abilities that suit your playing style - if you like quick getaways, Sprint Boost will be your best friend. Or if you prefer to ramp up your potential hiding options, Disguise will make it easier to blend in with crowds. Pick wisely and you'll become more efficient in your methods.

Your life as a 16th century assassin begins here. Jump into Assassin's Creed Brotherhood and start skulking your way to success.



FirstPlay: See the future of PS3. First. Episode 32‘Social Network’ Director David Fincher Is ‘Unapologetic,’ Stars Say

Weekend Essentials 55

The big race is on this weekend, with the stunning arrival of Gran Turismo 5 on PlayStation 3.

Speed up!

Gran Turismo 5 is here! Packed with over 1,000 cars, stunning locations and plenty of track variations to master, the Real Driving Simulator brings breathtaking beauty, stereoscopic 3D and unmatched realism to PlayStation 3. Get behind the wheel and pick up Gran Turismo 5 this weekend.

Digital soldier

Dive into an incredibly immersive and epic adventure this weekend on PlayStation 3 with TRON: Evolution, the prequel story to the highly anticipated cinematic blockbuster, TRON: Legacy, due in cinemas December 2010.

Other great games hitting stores this weekend on PlayStation 3 include Rockstar Games' Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare, Splatterhouse, Def Jam Rapstar and Maijin And The Forsaken Kingdom. Just a few reasons to stay indoors this weekend.

Time to race

You can enjoy a taste of Split/Second: Velocity on PSP with a downloadable demo from PlayStation Store. Get a speedy sample of racing through a made-for-TV city rigged and ready for you to trigger destruction. Throw your opponents off the road and clear your way to victory.

Download the demo for Split/Second: Velocity directly to your PSP from PlayStation Store.

Fingers steady...

It's almost time to throw with Top Darts, the game that uses PlayStation Move to accurately replicate the intensity of being a professional darts player. A brand new trailer hits PlayStation Store this week to demonstrate how holding the PlayStation Move motion controller between your fingers is almost exactly like holding a dart.

Download the Top Darts trailer from PlayStation Store and get ready to hit the bullseye with PlayStation Move.

The winner takes it all

This weekend you could get your hands on some fantastic prizes in one of our competitions. We're celebrating the release of Gran Turismo 5 and Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II plus the launch of our independent film service MUBI, and we even have some UEFA Champions League final tickets to give away.

Head over to our competitions page at eu.playstation.com/psn/competitions for your chance to win some great prizes.

PlayStation Blog is driven wild by Gran Turismo 5

Still craving some fast and furious news on the videogame driving event of the year, Gran Turismo 5? Put yourself in the driver's seat with blog.eu.playstation.com, where you can get up to speed with all the latest GT5 info, from the glamorous launch event in Madrid to everyone's thoughts on the fantastic racing game. Shift your GT5 knowledge up a gear and go for a spin over at blog.eu.playstation.com.

Keep an eye on PlayStation Blog at 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.



‘Eclipse’ At The Box Office: What Does The Future Hold?Obsession Confessions: Gran Turismo