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APRIL 2008 NEWS
April 30, 2008
PS3 News
In a somewhat surprising movie Crytek (the developers behind Far Cry and Crysis on PC) has confirmed that they will, in future, be releasing their games on multiple platforms - that being PC and consoles. The company has cited high rates of piracy of their latest PC hit Crysis for the move. Sadly there still isn't confirmation of that title coming to PS3 - yet.
Enjoying Grand Theft Auto IV? Well it seems some people are having problems. Apparently some, and it is an extremely small number, the original 60GB American PS3 models occasional have problems running the game. The solution - delete and re-install the game onto the Hard Drive. Of more concern are the reports that numerous people are having problems connecting to the online games. That's probably not unexpected given that millions of copies are being sold on the first day alone! Rockstar are looking into the issue.
Blu-Ray Review
Ratatouille is Pixar's most recent cinematic masterpiece, and is available now on Blu-Ray. We've checked out the disc from Disney for review. In short, this is a true reference quality Blu-Ray release and an essential for any movie lovers collection.
April 29, 2008
PS3 News
For millions around the world today is the day that they have been counting down for as Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto IV has hit the shelves. If you're looking for a bargain (in Australia at least) BIG W are selling the game for $AU78, which is $42 off the rrp!
PSP Preview
Everybody's Golf 2 is the second game in the series to hit the PSP. This game has great graphics, multi-player and gameplay. Take a look at our preview to see what's heading our way in the coming months.
April 28, 2008
PS3 News
One of the biggest action games this year is certain to be The Bourne Conspiracy. Developers High Moon Studios stated that when Matt Damon showed no interest in continuing the characters in the cinemas there was no need to put him into the game. The developers see this game as the first in the series, and didn't want to be tied into using likenesses of whoever plays Jason Bourne in future movies. Of course, money has nothing to do with it we reckon. You can check out the full interview at Eurogamer by hitting this link.
One game we are desperate to play this year is Ghostbusters from Vivendi and developers Terminal Reality. Not only are the main cast back lending their likenesses and voices to the game, but the developers have now confirmed that the classic theme song from Ray Parker Jr. will be in the game, and they have secured the rights to include 75 minutes of unused soundtrack that never made it into the movies which should keep the game synched up to the movies perfectly. Expect a release in late 2008.
Want to see Eight Days from Sony anytime soon? How about The Getaway? After all both games were shown around 2 years ago now weren't they? Well according to this article at The Guardian, Eight Days is only now ramping up to full production status, while The Getaway will follow that title. It looks like we will have at least a year to go before we see anything much on these games let alone a release!
Red Ant has confirmed that Ferrari Challenge has been pushed back (yet again) from May 15th to June 19th. The game, which was first announced for release in November 2007 has suffered almost monthly delays in the lead-up to release. Hopefully the developers are taking a good look at certain Polyphony Digital racer and making sure it's all up to scratch - and could quite easily surpass Sony's weak online offering.
PSP Preview
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII is certain to be a massive seller when it hits Europe and Australia later this year. As a prequel to one of the most loved games of all time Crisis Core promises to deliver gameplay in spades and the graphics certainly look the part too. We bring you a preview of this hot action RPG due late this year.
April 27, 2008
PS3 News
According to the latest issue of EGM the critically acclaimed Bioshock will be coming to the Playstation 3 this September. The game will reportedly also include all the downloadable content released for the XBox 360 version, and even include some visual enhancements. 2K Games aren't commenting on the matter as yet.
Sony has confirmed that SingStar will be released in America on May 20th. Sony Europe has confirmed that SingStore has now surpassed 1 million downloaded songs while the series (on PS3 and PS2) has now surpassed 12 million units in sales.
Blu-Ray Review
Monty Python's Life of Brian is one of the greatest comedies of all time, and is available now on Blu-Ray. Sony Pictures have given this Monty Python classic the full treatment with a great transfer and extras. Here's our review of this classic movie in High Definition.
April 25, 2008
PS3 News
The Playstation Store has been updated and, as expected the Variety Map Map has been released for Call of Duty 4. The packs sells in Australia for $15.35. We have to say that the Creek is an absolutely brilliant map too, we love it. Headquarters is larger then we thought and Chinatown looks stunning with plenty of buildings to explore. The fourth map, Killhouse, well we haven't played that one yet, but if it's up to the other three it should be awesome.
Other updates on the Playstation Store this week include a tonne of videos some backgrounds and themes and other bits. Sadly Australia misses out on the Iron Man and Echochrome demos which have appeared on the US Store.
April 24, 2008
PS3 News
Activision have released an update for Call of Duty 4 this evening. The 12MB update takes the game to version 1.30 and although there is no changelog as yet that we can find the update is almost certainly to do with the release of the Map Pack tomorrow.
PS3 Preview
Damnation is still a long way off but this game could be a great new IP for the new developer Blue Omega and publishers Codemasters. No longer are shooters restricted to flat worlds, this game includes levels thousands of feet high! Here's a brief preview of this hot looking title.
April 23, 2008
PS3 News
Bethesda has confirmed that there will not be a demo for Fallout 3 due to the large open world being used. To break of a section is impossible according to Pete Hines, Vice President of Marketing.
Sony Europe has confirmed that the GTA IV PS3 Bundle we announced yesterday will also be hitting Europe for £319.99. Unlike us though that pack will hit their store shelves on April 29, Australians will be waiting until May 1st.
Industry News
Interplay has confirmed that a new Earthworm Jim title is in development. Target platforms haven't been listed as yet, and we don't know if the new game will have anything to do with the PSP version which was in development a couple of years ago (you can read our old preview here).
PS3 Review
Viking: Battle for Asgard is a game we have been waiting to play for quite some time now. The Creative Assembly had a strong console outing with Spartan: Total Warrior, and there were high hopes that Viking would also deliver the goods. We tell you if it does.
April 22, 2008
PS3 News
Sony Australia has confirmed that there will be a Grand Theft Auto IV PS3 Pack coming out on May 1st. A couple of days after the game is released, this pack will include a 40GB Playstation 3, SIXAXIS Controller (what! No Dual Shock 3 - disappointing) and a copy of Rockstar's game. All this can be yours for $AU749.95 which is a saving of $70 off purchasing the items seperately (and assuming you'd pay full retail!).
So Rockstar has a little game coming out soon that some of you may know about; Grand Theft Auto IV. That's not all they have up their sleeves though with a brilliant racing game in the works Midnight Club Los Angeles which today has been given an offical release date, September 12. Pencil it in, it looks superb.
Sony has confirmed that the Playstation Home beta won't be opened to more people until Fall 2008 (which is around Q'3). Sony has confirmed they want even more time to polish off the online service and make it even better. Can't argue with that.
Konami has confirmed that the Metal Gear Online Premiere Beta will now (hopefully) begin on April 25. Details are still being worked out.
PS3 Review
NBA 08 is the third NBA series to hit the market. While Electronic Arts and 2K Sports selling sports games by the truckload, Sony also want to dip their toes into the sports genre. Here's a review of their NBA outing on the PS3.
April 21, 2008
PS3 News
Been playing Metal Gear Online Premiere Beta? Or should that be have you been trying to play Metal Gear Online Premiere Beta? It seems that Konami has been absolutely swamped with the Konami ID server being overloaded the last couple of days, the update not being downloadable, and now, apparently Konami postponing the entire thing around the globe. While there are teething problems the good news is that Konami have extended the Beta to run through to May 11 instead of May 4. Expect to hear a lot more very soon. Here's Konami's current statement on the issue:
- IMPORTANT NOTICE for all METAL GEAR ONLINE PREMIERE BETA players
We would like to thank all players for their keen interest in taking part in the beta test.
However, we regret to inform you that due to extraordinary levels of traffic from all around the globe, we have been unable to run the service to the level we expected.
As a temporary measure, we will be deferring the start of the public beta test until we are able to stabilize our server.
We would like to apologize for all inconveniences as well as confusion caused.
We would like to add that due to the above reasons, we will be making the following changes to the schedule:
1) Starting date: TBA. We will be making another announcement on 22/4/2008 23:00(PDT)
2) Beta Test closure: This will now be on 11/05/2008 at 24:00(PDT) rather than 06/05/2008 at 24:00(PDT)
Midway has confirmed that they are delaying TNA Impact from June 2008 until September. The delay will give the developers more time to polish the game.
PSP News
Atari has announced that Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2: The Phantom Fortress will be released on the PSP in Australia this July.
PSP Preview
Echochrome should be the next hit game on PSP. It has some of the most original, and exciting, gameplay ever seen on the system and even includes a level creator so you can share levels with your friends. We have a look at this rather unique puzzle game due out soon.
April 19, 2008
PS3 News
Midway has announced a rather exciting new fighting game, which crosses over between two very popular franchises. The game is Mortal Kombat Vs DC Universe. Imagine Sub Zero Vs Batman! How about Cat Woman Vs Goro, or Superman vs Liu Kang. It should be happening late this year. Sadly the blood will be toned down and there will be no fatalities (certainly at the request of DC Comics), but still, it sounds great.
PS3 Preview
Iron Man. As a movie Iron Man looks pretty spectacular, we can't wait to see it especially with Robert Downey Jr playing the main role of Tony Stark / Iron Man. This game tie-in from Sega, and developers Secret Level, should also be pretty entertaining. Here's a preview.
Latest Screenshots
With Sega formally announcing Sonic Unleashed we thought you'd like to have a look at the first couple of screens. It looks pretty good at this stage, but as with all Sonic games, we only hope the gameplay improves.
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April 18, 2008
PS3 News
Been waiting for the Call of Duty 4 Map Pack? Well you're not alone and we can now give you the dates. America will receive the Map Pack on April 24th while Europe and (we presume) Australia will see it a week later on May 1st. As an added Bonus Friday May 2nd to Sunday May 4th will be a Double XP weekend while the developers will be playing the maps on Friday night, from 7pm to 10pm GMT.
Ubisoft has confirmed that Soul Calibur IV will be released in Australia on July 31st. While the XBox 360 version has Yoda as a playable character, PS3 owners will get to play with the Evil one himself, Darth Vader.
The new-look Playstation Store has been updated yet again with several impressive additions. First up the Metal Gear Online Beta is now downloadable, with servers opening for the beta trial on Monday April 21. Other content includes Warhawk: Operation Broken Mirror Add-on (GBP 3.99/EUR 5.99), Lair: Deadly Dragon Pack (Free) and Grand Theft Auto: Everybody’s a Rat Trailer.
British comedian Ricky Gervais (The Office) has confirmed he has recorded 3 minutes of material to appear in Grand Theft Auto IV. Apparently his character will appear in the Comedy Club. Should be a blast.
Well we were pretty close to the mark with that mysterious Sony Japan website we detailed the other day. Sony has just announced that the game is indeed Siren: New Translation which is a remake of the PS2 game(s). While we didn't think that Forbidden Siren or Forbidden Siren 2 were great, it was unique in that you could 'hijack' the enemies sight to see where they are located. Expect more news on the PS3 game soon.
April 17, 2008
- A minority of the review panel wanted the game to be Refused Classification due to sexual fetishes, graphic drug use, and explicit violence with blood splatter and the ability to kill innocent bystanders. Fortunately, for us, the majority ruled for a MA15+ rating.
- There is no nudity or explicit sex in the game, it is only implied through sound effects with the camera panning away from the action.
- The game includes frequent course language with "fuck" and "cunt".
- Violence includes hand combat (basic punching and kicking) and use of various weapons including knives, baseballt bats, a nightstick, pistols, machine guns, shot guns, rifles, grenades and rocket launchers.
- Bodies can not be mutilated (dismembered or decapitated) following death.
PS3 News
1Up has confirmed that there is a small amount of installation required for Grand Theft Auto IV. The installation take approximately 5 minutes, but there is no mention of size in this forum topic - although given 5 minutes, we suspect an installion of around 1GB.
The editing of Grand Theft Auto IV in Australia and New Zealand is one of the hottest topics, and while we don't have details of what has been cut we have finally received the OFLC classification decision which details some of the content in the game for Australia. You can read the full report here. It is rumoured, although not confirmed or mentioned in the report, that the section removed from the Australian game involved an implement, and, ermm, someones rear end (if it is true, it would have been removed prior to submission)! Take Two still aren't commenting on the actual cuts for our release. Some of the main points in the report include:
Namco has confirmed that Soul Calibur IV will be released on the Playstation 3 in America on July 29th. As yet Europe and Australia are only set for mid-2008, but we don't expect our version to be released too far after America.
GamesWarehouse has listed Enemy Territory Quake Wars for release on the PS3 on May 28th. This date is pretty much the same as retailers in Europe, but Activision still haven't officially confirmed the date. Pencil it in though!
April 16, 2008
PS3 News
Well it seems our little birdie was right a couple of weeks ago. Sony Australia has now officially confirmed that the Dual Shock 3 will be released here on April 24th for $AU99.95. While the price is pretty steep we can say for certain that this is a superb controller. Hooray for rumble.
Atari has confirmed that Alone in the Dark will be released on the PS3 during European Autumn (our Spring) 2008 - only a short while after the PC and XBox 360 version is released in June.
Sony Japan seems to have something in store for gamers in a little over 2 days... Something creepy... A new page has been put online with a countdown. What's it about, we have no idea. We're going to guess though that it's something to do with Siren 3 on the PS3. Time will tell. Check out the site here.
2K Games has confirmed that Top Spin 3 won't make the May 23rd release date, but has been pushed back to an unspecified June release.
PSP Review
Patapon is probably a game few of you would have heard much of - indeed it's release sort of crept up on us as well but the resurgence of great PSP titles continues with this rhythm action game. Great graphics, great audio and most importantly great gameplay make this a title well worth checking out. Here's our full review.
April 15, 2008
PS3 News
Booted up your PS3 today? If you have, and you connected online you would have noticed there's a new Firmware update taking the system to 2.30. This update allows you to access the funky new-look Playstation Store which, while a bit slow (we guess due to massive traffic right now) is very swish indeed. Also added in the Firmware is the ability to decode DTS-HD Master Audio to PCM for outputting over HDMI cable - something which has been much sought after by movie buffs. I'll test that one out over the coming days, with any new Blu-Ray reviews giving that format the full test.
Not only have we got a new Firmware but the Playstation Store has also been updated with some new content. First up, for $AU6.95 ($US4.99) you can pick up the Add-on for Super Stardust HD which adds in several new game modes, more asteroids, and remixed music (Note: Sony have fixed the technical issues which occurred in the first few hours of this update being uploaded - a download of the full game to a newer version may be required - only 158MB though). There is a new free track from Dropkick Murphy for Guitar Hero III, a Sega Superstars Tennis demo, and trailers for Bionic Commando and Lost Planet: Extreme Condition (Which we just reviewed). Americans also get Gran Turismo 5 Prologue to download - a game which European and Australians have been enjoying for a few weeks now.
So you got pissed off the other week when you learnt that we're getting a cut-down version of Grand Theft Auto IV? I hope you didn't order from New Zealand as it appears they're going to get our version over there! The following e-mail has been sent out from retailer Gameplanet
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Hi (name withheld),
We have been informed today that New Zealand will be receiving the same version of Grand Theft Auto IV as Australia.
As you have placed your order after Rockstar announced that the Australian version was edited, we are assuming that you will no longer require the game to be shipped from us, as we can't supply you with an uncut version.
The last thing we want to do is supply you with a product that does not meet your needs and we've therefore taken the liberty of removing your GTA4 order from our web site.
We certainly hope we can be more helpful to you in the future!
Kind Regards,
Customer Service
Gameplanet Store
April 14, 2008
PS3 News
Battlefield: Bad Company is sure to be a massive seller. Time will tell if it can dethrone the current king of online action (that baing Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, but it has a lot of potential. We have just discovered that the game is currently scheduled for release in June, but also that there will be two versions released: Battlefield: Bad Company and Battlefield: Bad Company Gold Edition. While the normal version will retail here for $AU99.95, the Gold Edition will sell for $AU10 more. What do you get for this extra $10? Well how about five exclusive weapons. To be honest this seems quite petty to us, but on the flip side we have to commend Electronic Arts for keeping their pricing below most other companies.
Blu-Ray Review
Cars is one of those movies that may not have that 'cute' appeal of many other Pixar movies, but don't be put off as this is every bit as engrossing. Disney's Blu-Ray releases have been nothing short of spectacular to date, and we're pleased to bring you our very first review of one of their Blu-Ray discs. In short, superb.
April 13, 2008
PS3 News
Sony has confirmed that the Playstation Store will be down on Monday April 14th (around Tuesday April 15th) for several hours as they update the store with the new design. We can also expect a new Firmware 2.30 to be released which allows the new store to work (it is no longer browser based), as well as decoding of DTS-HD Master Audio to PCM for those of us who love quality audio from Blu-Ray discs.
April 11, 2008
PS3 News
Rockstar have finally released a statement about the gimped/cut/edited version of Grand Theft Auto IV which will be hitting Australian shelves. Sadly no details about the cuts made are actually detailed - but it's a safe bet to guess that it has to do with the prostitution and drugs - similar to what was cut in previous titles.
The Australian version of Grand Theft Auto IV was rated by the OFLC in December 2007 as MA15+. Unlike the US and Europe, Australia still lacks an R18+ rating for video games and as a result many games are edited for release in Australia, including most previous Grand Theft Auto releases.
While there are some minor differences between the Australian and US/EU versions, they are not significant and we do not believe they take away from the level of scope and detail that make GTA IV such an incredible experience. We would not release the game in Australia if we believed these differences compromised the quality of the game in any way.
We strongly support the OLFC and will continue to work within their guidelines; however we believe the government needs to bring games in line with other media by introducing an R18+ rating, or edits to games will continue to be necessary. We encourage consumers to let their politicians know that they support an R18+ rating for games.
April 10, 2008
Blu-Ray News
WOO HOO! Finally, Sony has confirmed via the American Playstation Blog that DTS-HD Master Audio will be decoded on the PS3 with the new Firmware due in mid-April. This firmware will also prepare your PS3 for the new Playstation Store which will launch around the same time. DTS-HD Master Audio can, at the moment, only be outputted to your receiver as the 'core' DTS 1.5Mbps audio track - still impressive, but not quite the same. Three cheers for Sony!
PS3 News
It seems that not all is rosy for Microsoft in Australia. According to this article on Smarthouse the XBox 360 isn't sitting so well with retailers at the moment with poor sales and a booming PS3 and Wii market. In fact one Melbourne retailer had this to say to Smarthouse
- "The Xbox 360 is dead. We are stocking it because of our relationship with Microsoft however all our energy and marketing is going into the PS3 and the Nintendo Wii unless Microsoft come up with something new or additional marketing dollars. Halo 3 was big on the Xbox but that was about it. They have tried discounting and value add offers and even that is not working. We are even thinking of dumping the console all together".
April 9, 2008
PS3 News
Sega has announced that they are closing down Sega Racing Studio. The development team, which has only been in operation for 3 years, released the rather entertaining Sega Rally but with lacklustre sales the parent company decided to close the studio rather then make losses.
Blu-Ray Review
Warriors of Heaven and Earth is one of the first Chinese movies to make it out onto Blu-Ray. Given the generally average quality of Asian films, we were very much surprised to see this look and sound so impressive. Here's our review of this action movie from Sony Pictures.
April 8, 2008
PS3 News
It has been a long, painful wait for Electronic Arts to announce Rock Band for release in Europe and Australia, and for PS3 owners the news isn't good as Electronic Arts has confirmed the game will be a timed XBox 360 exclusive with the release on that system set for May 23rd. The Wii and PS3 versions will follow later in the year. Ubelievably while the American version sells for USD$169 ($AU183), the UK version will sell for £180 ($AU383)! I wonder if EA realise April Fool Day was a week ago... sadly, though, this isn't a joke.
Infinity Ward has confirmed that the Map Pack for Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is now with Sony for certification. The pack contains 4 new maps and had been announced for release in late April, which now seems likely. Our guess is that Sony will use it as a big 'launch' title for the new look Playstation Store.
According to rumours Sony are set to release a new console bundle which will include a copy of Grand Theft Auto IV. Sony still haven't officially announced anything, but stay tuned. Could it be that we will see the console, with the game and brand new Dual Shock 3 controller which is (also rumoured) to be released in Australia on April 24 - five days before Take Two's title?
PS2 News
While having a look around on Gameswarehouse today we noticed a couple of PS2 games with release dates, but which haven't been announced as yet. Buzz Pop Quiz is due out on May 8th, SingStar Party Hits is due out on May 15th, Pursuit Force Extreme Justice is due out on July 1st, and Tales of the Abyss is also expected on July 1st.
PSP News
Ubisoft has confirmed three new titles for release on the PSP this year from Square Enix. Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift and Space Invaders Extreme will both be released during Winter 2008 while Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII has also been confirmed for release in 2008.
PSP Review
SOCOM: US Navy Seals Tactical Strike has been out for a few weeks now on the PSP. Sony's SOCOM franchise has a large, and loyal, following and this latest release is another solid title in the series. Michael has played the game and delivered his review. Here it is...
April 7, 2008
PS3 News
LucasArts has confirmed the release dates for Star Wars: The Force Unleashed. The game will be released on September 16, 2008 in the United States, September 17 in Southeast Asia and Australia, and September 19 in Europe.
Industry News
In somewhat sad news developers Pseudo Interactive, makers of the Full Auto series of games, has closed its doors. The company was working on an unnamed title for Eidos, but that game had the pin pulled recently.
PS3 Review
Lost Planet: Extreme Condition is an update of the PC/360 release from over a year ago. The game has some impressive set pieces and online modes, but sadly this PS3 port isn't as great as we had hoped. Still if you're after some third person action then this title may fit the bill, and it's pretty cheap too. Here's our full review.
April 6, 2008
Movie News
We have some sad news today with the announcement that screen legend Charlton Heston has passed away at the age of 84. Not only has he starred in over 100 movies, but some of the most iconic including Ben-Hur, Planet of the Apes, The Ten Commandments, True Lies, Touch of Evil, Tombstone and Wayne's World (OK, so the latter isn't quite as iconic as the others!). Politically he has long been associated with the NRA (National Rifle Association) in America and while we can't agree with his stance on guns, we do admire him for sticking to his beliefs.
Right now I am looking at a personally autographed and letter I received from Charlton Heston just before he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2002, and it is something that I will cherish forever. Well, that and over glorious 100 movies. To his wife Lydia and two children we pass on our deepest condolences.
April 4, 2008
PS3 News
Fuck the OFLC! Fuck the OFLC! Fuck the OFLC! According to this article the biggest game of 2008 - Grand Theft Auto IV - will indeed be censored for Australia. The game, as you would be aware, was passed with an MA15+ rating some time ago, but it now appears that despite Rockstar's initial claims (read here) that it would be uncensored, there have been cuts made the Australian version. Sadly, details of these cuts have not been announced as yet. Naturally forums are going wild with people cancelling orders to source an import of the title - the legalities of which are, ermm, let's call them questionable. Fuck the OFLC! Give us our R18+ rating so we, as adults, can play a game aimed at adults.
As we detailed the other day the Playstation Store has not been updated this week, and won't be until the new design goes live in a couple of weeks (see screens and details below). One concern we had was that this 'redesign' will lock us out of Japanese and American stores, but according to this article on Eurogamer that will not be the case and the stores will still be region free. Phew...
PSP Review
God of War: Chains of Olympus is a game PSP owners have been longing for. The two original God of War titles on PS2 remain among the best games on the system, and this third title on the PSP is not going to disappoint either. In fact, it is an essential purchase. Here's our full review.
April 3, 2008
PS3 News
Some interesting news appeared on IGN's site over the last day or so, before promptly disappearing. IGN reported that Pandemic Studios are currently working on a Batman title to tie into the new movie, and with Electronic Arts buying Pandemic recently it will be published by EA as well. That story is now gone, probably put up too early, but we can confirm that Pandemic are indeed working on Batman for unnamed platforms, at least in part at their Brisbane studios. We first picked up the news from a reliable source over a year ago (friend of a friend who happens to work, somewhere, that would happen to know) but have held of publishing the news at their request. We fully expect Electronic Arts to announce the game - which will tie into the new movie - soon.
As most of you would be aware the Dual Shock 3 controller is out this week in America (yes, a little earlier then expected) but we have two bits of news for you. Firstly the Sixaxis (Read gimped Dual Shock 3) is going to be discontinued, so in a couple of months you will only be able to get the Dual Shock 3. As yet there isn't any news about the European release... but you may want to check out the Rumour Mill below...
Rumour Mill
A little birdie came into our office today, had a bit of a vibration too.. Yes he was, of course, Dual Shock 3 rumbling (or should that be rambling)... How does April 24th sound for Australia? Problem is he has to save up - this sucker is going to set you back one hundred big ones. That's right the RRP is rumoured to be $99.95!
Industry News
Electronic Arts are a powerhouse developer, and there is no bigger series then Madden NFL. With that in mind it came as an absolute shock to hear that Madden NFL 09 would not be released on the PC meaning gamers wanting to play the game will need to turn to consoles. Let's hope that Electronic Arts learn to program on the PS3 and make the next release 60fps!
PS3 Review
Dynasty Warriors 6 could have been a landmark title in the franchise. Koei's much loved large scale battle series has now hit the PS3 and we've taken this latest title for a spin, but does it offer something new, or more of the same? A verdict.
April 2, 2008
PS3 News
Sony has confirmed that there will not be any updates to the Playstation Store for a couple of weeks. No, it is not undergoing a meltdown since the problematic launch of Gran Turismo 5 Prologue (well, a delayed launch at least) but rather Sony are preparing an all-new Playstation Store for us to enjoy in a couple of weeks. Here's the official press release with a couple of screenshots at the end:
- PLAYSTATION Store to undergo April revamp
Customer feedback drives new design, interface and navigation
Updates on hold for two weeks; new-look Store launches mid-April
This April, PLAYSTATION Store, the online content store on PLAYSTATION Network, is getting a whole new look and feel – and it’s in response to feedback from the millions of PSN registrants in the PAL region.
The revamp comes in response to a survey last year which showed that many PLAYSTATION Store users wanted a better interface and easier navigation. The new design will deliver a hugely improved navigation system, much greater scope for categorisation and a dynamic new user interface.
Content will be suspended for two weeks while the improvements are carried out but users can look forward to a special update in mid-April.
There will be no weekly content updates between now and the re-launch, although users can still download content from the back catalogue, such as Warhawk and Gran Turismo 5 Prologue.
The PLAYSTATION Store revamp will not affect PLAYSTATION Network accounts or the virtual wallet system.
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April Fools Day News
Well I had one or two people sucked in at least. That's right folks the news that Polyphony Digital was going to be bought out by Electronic Arts and that Gran Turismo 5 would be going multi-platform was indeed a hoax (the 2009 release date is not, however!). OK so next year I'll put some more effort into my April Fools efforts.
April 1, 2008
PS3 News
Sony America has confirmed that an expansion pack for Pixeljunk Monsters - which includes 15 additional levels, but no new towers or enemies, will be released on the US Playstation Store in April. The expansion pack will also include a couple more tweaks and changes. As yet there is no date for Europe/Australia.
Industry News
Now this is big news - and we mean BIG! Have you ever heard of Polyphony Digital? Of course you have, and the recent release of Gran Turismo 5 Prologue confirmed the companies pulling power with gamers. Soon, however, that will all be over for Sony - at least as an exclusive series. We can now reveal that while Sony America has confirmed the full Gran Turismo 5 won't be released until 2009, what Sony didn't announce, or confirm for obvious reasons, is that the game has been delayed until 2009 to allow additional development time so the game can appear on other systems - XBox 360 included. This has come about due to as Electronic Arts have announced an aggressive takeover bid for Polyphony Digital following moves to also take over Take Two. This is a bitter blow for Sony who also lost Grand Theft Auto IV exclusivity recently - ironically another game that could be under EA's wing soon.
Blu-Ray Review
The Wicker Man is a 2006 remake of a 1970's. This remake stars Nic Cage however it isn't a great movie. Fortunately, and as we expect from Sony Pictures, this is a cracking transfer which offers up a great visual and aural experience. Here's our review of this latest Blu-Ray release.