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Metal Gear Solid Legacy Collection Out in July

Sat, 18 May 2013 02:37:59 +0000

Despite being an incredibly well-known franchise, there are many who have yet to play some or any of the Metal Gear Solid games. If you're one of these people then the initial announcement of Metal Gear Solid: The Legacy Collection for PS3 may have excited you. In fact, your procrastinating ways are set to come to an end very soon.

A press release sent out by Konami today has given the latest Metal Gear Solid collection a release date. Players will be able to pick it up on July 9th at the incredibly fair price of $50. Previously, there have been multiple Metal Gear Solid collections spanning PS2 and PS3, but this one seems to be the most comprehensive by far.

Included are the numbered Metal Gear Solid games from 1 to 4, Metal Gear, Metal Gear 2, Peace Walker, and VR Missions. Also, Metal Gear Solid: The Legacy Collection comes with a 100 page art book. Let's just hope you didn't already buy the much smaller Metal Gear Solid HD Collection that was released a while ago.

Atomic Ninjas Slices Up PS3/Vita This Summer

Thu, 16 May 2013 22:44:53 +0000

Grip Games took over the PlayStation Blog today to discuss their upcoming game. Titled Atomic Ninjas, they are looking to energize PSN with fast-paced multiplayer ninja fighting. Aesthetically, it's a 2.5D platformer but with colorful 3D graphics rather than the expected pixels.

We'll let Grip Games explain the game in further detail:

"You will control super-powered ninjas in frantic online matches against other players, with tons of charm and humor. If the Fat Princess and Crash Commando had a child, it would be Atomic Ninjas (though that idea is a bit disturbing, no?).

While the game relies on traditional jumping and shooting mechanics, you will be unable to directly kill other players. Instead, you must outsmart and outflank your opponents and kill them using various environmental hazards and obstacles, such as lava pits, laser beams, traps, moving platforms, falling crates, etc. Don’t forget that these are Atomic Ninjas… something as banal as a katana between the ribs won’t do the trick anymore!"

Atomic Ninjas includes necessary multiplayer modes like Deathmatch as well as Capture the Flag, and Treasure Hunt. The game is coming to both PS3 and Vita as a PSN-exclusive. Those who play on one system will also be able to fight against players on the other. Atomic Ninjas is looking toward a Summer launch.

Gran Turismo 6 Officially Announced

Wed, 15 May 2013 16:34:30 +0000

If you've been following the news then you're likely aware that all signs have been pointing to the announcement of Gran Turismo 6. There were hints here and there, as well as fairly obvious notifications. However, the game wasn't official until this morning as the PlayStation Blog updated with the announcement.

Gran Turismo 6 was announced today to coincide with the 15th anniversary of the series. Over the years, the games have sold some 70 million copies. What does 6 bring to the table? The game is getting an entirely new engine and user interface, which are meant to streamline and speed up the experience. Track maker mode is also seeing tweaks to expand creation.

In regards to the meat of the game, there will be 1,200 cars to unlock in all. 33 tracks are also included, although they have 71 layouts available between them. This content comes with the game at launch. DLC is promised to come later, but thankfully the main game appears to be solid enough without any. So far, Gran Turismo 6 has been announced for PS3 with a holiday launch.

DUST 514 Officially Launches on PS3 Today

Tue, 14 May 2013 22:14:38 +0000

Today is the big day for DUST 514. The game had previously been available in beta form for PS3 owners but is now fully launched with today's PlayStation Store update. This stands to be one of the most anticipated digital launches in the system's recent history.

DUST 514 is an expansion of the EVE Online universe. EVE Online is a PC exclusive MMO which has garnered tons of players since it launched ten years ago. With their latest game, players will be able to still be a part of EVE even though they're playing via PS3.

If you're interested you don't worry about paying any fees. Unlike EVE, DUST 514 is a free to play title. Of course, there are still microtransactions available. Those who were a part of the beta don't have to re-download the entire game. All that's required is to update the game and it will be ready to go.

PS Plus is All About Kyntt Underground This Week

Tue, 14 May 2013 01:43:26 +0000

Tomorrow is Tuesday, May 14th which means that the next PlayStation Plus update is right around the corner. What do subscribers get this time around? Well, the latest Instant Game Collection addition is Kyntt Underground. This game, which launched on PSN in December, is a Metroidvania-styled platformer.

Of course, if you aren't particularly interested in playing that on PS3 or Vita then there's other updates to pay attention to. For examples, two game sales are also set to be available. First there is a 10% discount on GRID 2 pre-orders, placing the game at $54. If that's not your style maybe the 20% discount of Metro: Last Light is more appealing. The newly-launched title is $48 for PS Plus users.

At the end of this PS Plus week we will also see a couple games depart the IGC. These two are Darksiders and Tekken 6 for PSP. Also, the Papo & Yo sale concludes so pick that up now if you're interested in the discount as well as the digital soundtrack.

Manhunt Sneaking Up on PSN

Fri, 10 May 2013 20:07:10 +0000

Rockstar's wares have seen many downloads on PSN thanks to their release of all the PS2 Grand Theft Auto titles recently. However, they aren't content with having an incomplete library on the PS2 Classics section. Nope, more games are still coming - one of which is Manhunt.

This announcement comes straight from the Rockstar blog. Manhunt originally launched in 2003 to a great deal of controversy due to its semi snuff film nature. The violent stealth adventure eventually saw a sequel, available on Wii and PS2, which also got some negative attention.

The PS2 Classics version will run users the typical $10 fee and be out on the next PS Store update. Now there are only a few Rockstar games left that aren't available digitally. The Warriors is one such game and was noted by the company as coming soon to PSN.

Pre-Orders for Dragon's Crown Include Art Book

Thu, 09 May 2013 22:18:29 +0000

Atlus is well known for pampering pre-order customers with extras such as soundtrack samplers and art books and it looks like they're doing the same for Dragon's Crown. Those who purchase either the PS3 or Vita version will be gifted with the 64 page booklet.

This is an art book, not a partial strategy guide or anything else. Multiple artists have taken part in providing visuals for it, including Akira Yatsuda and Kinu Nishimura. These are the artists behind Darkstalkers and Virtue's Last Reward respectively. The book will also probably be rife with sexualized depictions of some of the cast considering the outlandish official designs.

If you'd like to squirrel away the art book then make sure to pre-order Dragon's Crown before its release on August 10th. On PS3 is costs a slightly discounted $50 while Vita owners can nab it for $40. Finally, pre-orders are available through almost every major retail chain including Amazon, GameStop, NewEgg, and Walmart.

Minimalist Strategy Game Rymdkapsel Available on Vita

Thu, 09 May 2013 21:54:40 +0000

Have you been aching for an indie space station sim/tower defense/RTS hybrid? Did you also really need the game to have an unpronounceable name? If, for some reason, these are things you want quenched then Rymdkapsel is the perfect choice.

The main strategic elements of the game are expanding your space station, but also being able to deal with growing resource requirements and the like. Of course, enemies also happen to be out in the galaxy who don't take kindly to expansion from opposing forces. If this explanation is far too obtuse, then check out the gameplay trailer below.

Vita seems the perfect fit for the game considering its controls, which make heavy use of the system's touch screen. Interested parties can grab Rymdkapsel right now for $5. As this game is available through PS Mobile, be sure to check in the proper section when on the PS Store.

PlayStation Mobile Development Opened to All

Wed, 08 May 2013 15:39:29 +0000

If you've ever wondered why indie developers often choose PC over console releases then there are a handful of reasons why. For one, there are usually fees associated with being allowed to develop for the device. These, alongside other considerations, make PC the simplest mode for publishing. Of course, that means your game may get less exposure due to clutter.

Today developers considering games for Vita or other PS-certified devices will not have to worry about these fees. Sony has announced they are waiving the publishing fee. Before now, the cost had been a practical $99 for anyone hoping to get games onto the PS Mobile market.

This means that developers can now get a shot at the PS Store with less monetary investment. As such, we may see the PS Mobile section swarming with content soon. It can be accessed via certified smartphones and tablets but also the Vita itself.

CounterSpy Aiming for PS3 and Vita

Tue, 07 May 2013 21:59:50 +0000

Sony is on a roll with game news today. Alongside their usual PS Plus and Store updates they have shared announcements of three new games. In case you missed the first two, they are Hohokum and Doki-Doki Universe which are coming to PS3, PS4, and Vita. The last game announcement of the day isn't a next gen title, but looks interesting all the same.

Now we've got word of CounterSpy which is being developed by Dynamighty. The game is a sidescroller with unique visual aesthetic. In fact, if you check out the screenshots provided on PS Blog, the game looks a fair bit like Killer7. Playing as a spy, characters must infiltrate locations and take them down from the inside.

When CounterSpy launches it will be available on PS3 and Vita with Cross Play functionality. Although there is no option for multiplayer, Dynamighty is currently working on some way to compete with friends that is more interesting than a leaderboard.

Sony Santa Monica Bringing Hohokum to PS3/PS4/Vita

Tue, 07 May 2013 21:43:49 +0000

Sony has been on a roll today with indie announcements. Earlier in the day they shared word of a new indie section being available on the PS Store. Then, there was an announcement for a cute new game titled Doki-Doki Universe coming to all their main platforms.

Another new game coming to PS3, PS4, and Vita is Hohokum. This game is a joint venture between the artist Richard Hogg and studio Honeyslug. The project has been corralled by Sony Santa Monica who are known for games such as the God of War series. It's safe to say that Hohokum isn't anything like God of War though.

The game has a very distinct, adorable art style which seems to focus on shapes and colors. The point of the game is to be one where players can enjoy exploration without fear of losing. Still, there are Trophies included. No date has been announced yet but we should expect to see Hohokum at E3.

Doki-Doki Universe Announced for PS3/PS4/Vita

Tue, 07 May 2013 21:28:58 +0000

Have you been wondering what kinds of games Sony has up their sleeve for the PS4? We know about Knack, but not too much else. Well today the PS Blog was opened up to a few developers to announce their upcoming titles. One of these developers is HumaNature Studios.

Their game is called Doki-Doki Universe and it looks incredibly distinctive. Instead of being a visual tour de force, it has cute childish art. The game is going to release between PS3, PS4, and Vita all at once. Downloading the title will be free, but if you really want to get into it by exploring planets then you have to make a purchase. It's a bit odd, but perhaps that will work in HumaNature's benefit.

Doki-Doki Universe is described as an RPG mixed with simulation elements. While visiting planets, the game is set to prompt players with personality quizzes. If nothing else, it appears that Doki-Doki Universe is certainly going to be a unique property.

Sony Adds Indie Game Category to PSN

Tue, 07 May 2013 15:30:48 +0000

Are you tired of loading up the PlayStation Store and being greeted with with popular, triple A titles? If you're just in the mood to check out cheaper, and possibly quite as good, indie games then Sony has made a move to help. A new Indie Games category has been added which should make it much easier to navigate through them.

This way, indie games will have a spot to themselves without having to worry about people glossing over them for more popular titles. All the same, if this removes all indie game presence from the main page it seems it could backfire. When the category opens later today we'll be able to see if this is their intent or not.

Alongside the opening of this new category are a few sales on popular indie titles. Papo & Yo is 40% off (55% if you have PS Plus), Retro City Rampage is 50%, and Zombie Tycoon II is still free for PS Plus members. These aren't a particularly massive bunch of sales but recall that the Spring Fling Sale just ended which was bursting with titles.

Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix Out in September

Tue, 07 May 2013 15:22:39 +0000

Kingdom Hearts fans have been enjoying the ever-expanding property since the original game arrived on PS2 back in September of 2002. Kingdom Hearts II took a few more years to release, but after that it seemed that Square Enix were done with the home console versions. Now, we've seen the license on portable devices as fans wait for the (hopefully) inevitable Kingdom Hearts 3.

In the meantime, Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix hopes to draw in old as well as new players to the world. The pack includes Kingdom Hearts Final Mix, Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories, and Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days. This is why the collection is titled 1.5 instead of something more typical of HD versions.

Today a date as well as pre-order bonus saw an announcement on the PS Blog. First, the game is coming on September 10th. Those who pre-order it are also set to get an artbook, which is said to be available in very limited quantities. Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix will retail for $40 as a PS3 exclusive.

Upcoming PS Plus Additions for May

Mon, 06 May 2013 18:45:37 +0000

With May fully underway now it's time for Sony to reveal their monthly update for PlayStation Plus members. As usual, it details all the games coming to Instant Game Collection as well as titles leaving. Chances are some gamers are going to be very pleased by this week's updates.

First, let's share all the upcoming PS Plus titles. Sleeping Dogs is going free this week and stands as the biggest name being added to IGC in May. Other games include BlazBlue: Continuum Shift Extend (Vita), Germinator (Vita), Knytt Underground (PS3/Vita), and Pinball Arcade (PS3/Vita). Those who have PS Plus but no Vita as of yet may be considering the purchase of one with the continual attention given to the system via these updates.

Alongside Sleeping Dogs, Papo & Yo for PS3 is getting discounted by 25%. PS Plus members can take advantage of the sale and also get the soundtrack along with the game. Finally, to make up for these five new IGC games, five are also getting taken away. These include Darksiders, Demon's Souls, MegaMan 9 and 10, Tekken 6, and Zombie Tycoon 2.

GameStop to Stop Taking PS2 Trade-Ins This Summer

Mon, 06 May 2013 15:34:22 +0000

Many may dislike GameStop, but it doesn't change the fact that the store is the leading name for video game trade-ins. After enough years, they cannot continue to support every system though, which is why the GameBoy Advance, Xbox, and GameCube have been phased out of the store in the past few years. Of that era, only PS2 continued to be available in some locations.

Coming June 1st, trade-ins will no longer be accepted for the system. Whether it's games, systems, or peripherals, you won't be able to go there to sell them. As a result, store locations are going to have their PS2 sections dwindle until nearly nothing is left. From there, minimal stock shall be shipped either to one central store location or back to a warehouse to be available online.

If you've shopped for PS2 games lately in GameStop then you were probably already aware of this change coming. Stores have lessened PS2 shelf space to a minimum, if they even have it. Those who want to sell their PS2 games should either hurry to GameStop to get a few pennies for them or look toward another option.

Fatal Frame II Follows Its Predecessor Onto PSN Next Week

Thu, 02 May 2013 22:17:11 +0000

If you already beat Fatal Frame and need more creepy Japanese ghosts and haunted mansions, then you're in luck. Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly will be available for purchase on the PlayStation Store this upcoming Tuesday.

In Fatal Frame II, you take control of twins Mio and Mayu Amakura. Both have a strong sixth sense (though Mio's is weaker than Mayu's). And while wandering through the woods, they both find a seemingly abandoned village after following a red butterfly. Your only weapon is an antique camera with the power to dispel ghosts.

Have you ever played a game in the Fatal Frame series? Will you buy Fatal Frame II off of the PlayStation Store?

Men's Room Mayhem for Vita Makes a Game of Using the Bathroom

Thu, 02 May 2013 15:29:45 +0000

Yep. Someone has gone and made a game about the concept of "rules" that exist upon entering the men's room. Sawfly Studios initially commented on Men's Room Mayhem a few weeks about but it was not yet time for the reveal. Today they've gotten a fancy post on the PS Blog to delve into their game.

In Men's Room Mayhem you play as a janitor who must direct the in/outflow of customers to the public restroom. Each patron needs to be guided to a toilet in time or else accidents are bound to occur. Apparently fights can occur if two patrons get too close. Beyond that, the amount of people waiting in line will continue to increase. It sounds a lot like Diner Dash but with pee.

Is it worthwhile to make a game out of unconsciously perpetuated social norms? Producer of SCEE external development, Phil Gaskell, spoke about what spurred him to work on such a title:

"I realised I was subconsciously following a set of rules for using the little boy’s room. If there was nobody in there I used the urinal furthest from the door, I always left a gap of one urinal between me and anyone else in there and if I couldn’t leave a gap I used the cubicle! This sort of psychology fascinates me, so I thought it might be fun to make a game of it – partly to see how many other guys don’t realize they follow the rules, and partly to let all the ladies know us fellas have a certain code of conduct in our washrooms too y’know!"

On Vita, the game makes use of the touch screen so players can direct characters with simple gestures. It was not specified whether that will be the only mode of input though, as the game is also coming to Android and iOS touch screen devices. Men's Room Mayhem might not be a rival to Journey but it's at least a little jab at the strange rule set men tend to adhere by when entering a bathroom.

The Best of PlayStation Network Vol. 1 Will Release in June

Wed, 01 May 2013 04:49:13 +0000

If you haven't played Tokyo Jungle yet for some reason, now's your chance to get a physical compilation that includes it on top of Fat Princess, When Vikings Attack, and Sound Shapes.

The Best of PlayStation Network Vol. 1 showed up on the ESRB's site a while ago, and now Siliconera is reporting that you'll be able to get your hands on the compilation sometime this June. It will also cost a mere $20, which is a steal considering that Tokyo Jungle alone costs $15 on the PlayStation Store.

I wonder if there will be more of The Best of PlayStation Network compilations in the future?

Have you played any of the games that are in The Best of PlayStation Network Vol. 1? Will you be getting this compilation? If there were more volumes of The Best of PlayStation Network, what do you think should be on them?

Class of Heroes 2 Now on Pre-Sale and Quickly Selling Out

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 14:24:24 +0000

Class of Heroes 2 is a game being released in America only because Gaijinworks decided to ask fans if they really would by such a game in English. When nearly 3,000 of them responded the company decided to go through with it and get 2,700 boxed copies made to meet that demand.

Pre-orders went live yesterday. According to Gaijinworks' CEO Vic Ireland, they're already burning through supply. His Twitter post said the following:

"We've already sold 40% of the 2700 CoH2 Phy+Dig units fans indicated they wanted in the poll."

It was brave for the company to trust fan reaction to a poll but so far it seems things are working in their favor. Of course, if you miss out on the physical + digital bundle you'll always be able to buy Class of Heroes 2 on PSN later. The boxed copy is mostly to appeal to those who still enjoy tangible goods.