PlayStation

Sony’s PS Vita to Miss Holiday 2011 Launch and Instead be Released in 2012 for the Better?

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 4, 2011 | 18 comments

So here’s a news story that is making the rounds on the internet today. According to many news sources, Kazuo Hirai, executive deputy president of Sony Corp. and president and chief executive officer of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., stated during a press conference in Tokyo today that the PS Vita will miss the Christmas shopping season and debut instead sometime next year, leaving Japan to get the handheld gaming machine in 2011.

“The PlayStation business is a key pillar,” Hirai said. “The video-game industry is evolving constantly. My expectation is for the PlayStation business to remain at the forefront of this very dynamic industry.”

With the PlayStation Vita recently passing through the FCC for approval and Sony already taking pre-orders for the power handheld, these statements seem a tad odd and contradictory to Sony’s internal movements. If the PS Vita were to miss this Holiday season and instead opt for a Spring release instead where Sony generated more than 40% of its revenue last year, the company would surely miss out on a lot of potential sales from those who would gift the machine during the holiday (which was my avenue of choice for getting one, hint hint family). There is however, another take on this entire situation, outside of the fact that this could all be false and we might still see the PS Vita this year.

Hit the jump for the rest of the story.

Insomniac Studios Offering Free Ratchet And Clank PS3 DLC

by Jan Hutchings | Aug 3, 2011 | 27 comments

Insomniac Studios is offering some free DLC goodies in preparation for the release of their latest title, Ratchet and Clank All 4 One, later this year. In order for PlayStation users to gain access to the free items, they must go to http://www.ratchetandclank.com/ and click on the “Register” link found on the upper right corner of the screen.

Users will have to fill out a questionnaire on their system and genre preferences, but other than that, users will only have to fill in general information. After registering, a window will pop up revealing a one-time-use redeemable code to be used on the PlayStation Network.

The DLC bundle include the following items:

Four PlayStation Home Virtual Hats
Four PSN Avatars
One Static Theme

Please note that these DLC items are exclusive to registered members of the Ratchet and Clank website and is not available for purchase on the PlayStation Network or PlayStation Home.

PlayStation Vita Passes Through FCC, Prepares for Fall US Launch

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 3, 2011 | 11 comments

In the last two weeks, we’ve seen a slew of Sony devices pass through the FCC like the Xperia Mini, the Xperia Mini Pro, and a yet-to-be-announced Reader. Today’s FCC approval, though, should garner a little more interest from the gaming community, as the PlayStation Vita (WiFi edition) has passed through the FCC successfully. For those not familiar with US regulations, the FCC is the final stopping house for devices with wireless capabilities before they are allowed for public release. Generally, when a device passes through the FCC, it also indicates that all the given changes from the manufacturer have been made and that the device is ready for production. Today’s PlayStation Vita FCC approval also pegs the device for a Fall release, a date that Sony itself stated that they were aiming for which also aligns with the fact that the PS Vita is now up for pre-order on Sony’s site.

Discuss:

[Via FCC]

Sony Acquires Sucker Punch Productions

by Jan Hutchings | Aug 2, 2011 | 24 comments

Earlier today, Sony announced that it has added Sucker Punch Productions to its growing number of high-profile internal development studios. Sony Computer Entertainment had been pleased with Sucker Punch’s track record for creating successful IPs (like the newly-released and critically successful hit InFamous 2) that they decided to acquire the studio before other companies beat them to the punch (No pun intended).

Hit the jump for more on the latest Sony Computer Entertainment Studio acquisition.

PlayStation Store Update (08-02-11)

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 2, 2011 | 28 comments

Internet nerds and geeks alike, today is WiFi day, 802.11, and I say what better way to celebrate this day than to have the PlayStation Store be updated with new content. Seeing how we have such strong connections with the PlayStation team, they’ve decided to grant us with loads of new content (at our request of course). Some noteworthy things include:

Warhammer 40,000: Kill Team ($9.99)
Warhammer 40,000: Kill Team (demo)
LittleBigPlanet 2 Toy Story 1 Costume Pack ($5.99)
LittleBigPlanet 2 Toy Story Level Kit (+ Alien Costume) ($5.99)
Qore Episode 39 – August Edition
GT Academy National Finals in Orlando (Video)

Hit the jump for the full PlayStation Store breakdown.

Killzone Extraction; A Live Action Film

by Sohrab Osati | Jul 28, 2011 | 39 comments

With the rise of digital camcorders, affordable computing power, and powerful consumer friendly editing software, the holy grail of filmmaking has been taken out of the hands of the elite with a lot of financial power and given into the hands of those who are creative or passionate about a particular subject matter. Year after year, we continue to see a small group of passionate filmmakers and fans get together to produce great mini content. Only a few years back, Microsoft gained a lot of attention with their professionally-created shorts based in the Halo universe to help promote their then-current Halo game. Now a few years later, a group of filmmakers who happen to be PlayStation fans, not backed by Sony or any form of financial channel, have put together a short film based in the Killzone universe.

Killzone Extraction is a prime example of what filmmaking can be when there is real passion behind it. With a fantastic production level that will wow your eyes with ISA and Helghan uniforms, as well as weapons, sound effects and music. Sure, it might not be to the same quality as the Halo shorts, but when you consider the circumstances between the two, you will walk away more impressed with the recreated Killzone universe then the Halo counterpart. Directed by Clinton Jones, Killzone: Extraction tells the story of a team of ISA soldiers trying to escape while the Helghast close in on them.

Hit the jump for a behind the scenes look at Killzone: Extraction.

Exclusive: Naughty Dog in Talks with Neil Burger and Sony Pictures Over ‘Uncharted’ Movie

by Allegra Osati | Jul 28, 2011 | 9 comments

By now, you should be aware that David O. Russell, the original director who was attached to the ‘Uncharted’ movie, has stepped down. In his place, Sony Pictures has brought on Limitless director Neil Burger to head the project. Much to the fans’ dismay, David Russell had decided to incorporate a family thief adventure story as the plot, throwing out many of the staples of the PlayStation 3 exclusive game made by Naughty Dog. During the year-long period when Mr. Russell was attached to the project, there was a lot of back-and-forth information whether Naughty Dog was actually involved with the project in any capacity. Despite Naughty Dog claiming to be in the loop, it soon seemed that their information never matched with the reality of the project.

Now with Neil Burger on the helm, and a return to the writing room with a new script for the film, it seems that the creative team at Naughty Dog is one step closer to the production team at Sony Pictures. After the Naughty Dog Comic-Con panel, which the game’s stars Nolan North, Emily Rose, and Richard McGonagle attended, we had a quick chat with the game’s creative director, Amy Henning. During that chat, we learned that Amy soon had to be off to a meeting with film executives and when pressed for more information, she revealed to us that she was headed to meet with Neil Burger. Beyond that, we don’t have details of the meeting itself, but for game fans, this should be a good sign that the team behind the Uncharted game is meeting with the creative team and head during the movie’s infancy stage, which has promised to be closer to the game’s source material. Now we can only hope that the two teams from Sony’s different divisions continue to be communicating long into the film’s production.

“Twisted Metal” Comic-Con Footage Far From Complete

by Sohrab Osati | Jul 27, 2011 | 6 comments

During Comic-Con 2011, we had the pleasure of attending the Twisted Metal panel where the always open and outspoken David Jaffe was set to present footage and gameplay material. With a Dualshock controller in hand, Mr. Jaffe spent the better part of the hour-long panel cycling through different game modes where fans got to see the different weapons, environments and depth of gameplay that Twisted Metal will be offering. As long-time fans of the series know, there is a lot more to Twisted Metal than just cars and explosions if you want there to be, but that in itself is a different conversation that we will later address in our interview with David. Part of the depth of the Twisted Metal series has long been in its rock horror inspired stories. As the title suggests, there is plenty of metal music throughout the game and even more dark horrors to be found within the storyline of this world. In my mind, I almost see the world as a dark take on The Running Man with cars. To further illustrate the storyline that would begin to unfold in the opening intro video, Jaffe showed the crowd a video sequence that would set the story in motion. Previous to the airing of the footage, David explained to the audience that the footage and game itself was far from over. Specifically in this case, the intro video contains some nearly-finished material while other parts of it are far less-completed.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Comic-Con if somebody didn’t record the footage from the videos shown and release the shaky footage on YouTube. on that note, as David stated before the panel and reiterated it to us again when we contacted him, the footage is not complete and not a proper showcase of the final product.

Depending on the shot it’s 60-95% complete. Taken as a whole, I’m thinking the whole intro movie is at 80-85% completion.

So although it’s not our place to tell you what to view or not view, I would recommend to all Twisted Metal fans who have yet to see the footage to wait for the final product, while to those who have seen it should keep in mind that the previewed metal horror intro video is not a true representation of the final product.

PlayStation 3D TV Now Available for Pre-order

by Sohrab Osati | Jul 25, 2011 | 60 comments

Sony continues to list items for pre-order this week, following the PS Vita going live on their retail page. Now the PlayStation 3D Display is joining the ranks, ready for your preorder. We’ve previously covered the PlayStation 3D TV in depth, but as a recap, $499 will get a 24″ 1080p TV with 2D/3D support for movies and games, as well one pair of 3D glasses, an HDMI cable, and a copy of Resistance 3 which happens to be in 3D. Though Sony currently has a 12/31/11 as the release date, with Resistance 3 shipping in September, we have to assume that the currently-listed date is nothing more than a placeholder ’til they can nail down an official release date.

[Via Sony]

PlayStation Store Update (07-19-11)

by Sohrab Osati | Jul 19, 2011 | 19 comments

It’s Tuesday, the day before the ComicCon preview night and two days before the mayhem that is surely to ensue. As usual, there is a new PlayStation Store update awaiting your PS3 and PSP systems. For those who will get a chance to attend this years ComicCon, keep in mind that PlayStation will have a presence with their 2011 exclusive lineup of games including, Starhawk, Uncharted 3, Twisted Metal and Resistance 3 to name a few. Some note worthy highlights from todays store update include:

Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions (PSP)
Borderlands, BioShock 2, and Mafia II (50% off)
Guerrilla War and Me Monstar: Hear Me Roar (Free for PlayStation Plus members)
Mortal Kombat Warrior Rain ($4.99)

Hit the jump for the full store release.

PS Vita Now Available for Pre-Order

by Sohrab Osati | Jul 19, 2011 | 25 comments

In keeping with recent PS Vita news, Sony has officially listed both variations of the powerful gaming handheld for pre-order. $249 will grab you a PS Vita WiFi while $299 will land you in the WiFi+3G club. Alas, no release date is attached to either model yet though Sony is aiming for a holiday 2011 launch.

[Via Sony]

Sony Demos ‘Face Control’ on the PS Vita

by Sohrab Osati | Jul 19, 2011 | 6 comments

The PS Vita, which is the successor to the PSP system from Sony, is looking more impressive with each new tech demo and announcement from the Japanese electronic maker. Already encompassing an impressive set of specs, Sony continues to show new and exciting features that the device is capable of. In this round, Sony is showing what the PS Vita can achieve via the front-facing camera and processing power. In the demo, two users are engaged in a video chat, but instead of simply displaying your face, you can select from a list of animated character avatars. What’s impressive from the demo is that the avatars are capable of mimicking your facial features in real time during the chat.

There is no particular announcement yet from Sony on how they wish to incorporate this technology or whether video chatting will even be available. However, seeing how the current PSP and PSPgo systems are capable of tapping into Skype, it wouldn’t be a stretch of the imagination to assume that a similar feature is coming to the PS Vita as well.

[Via Andriasang]

PlayStation Store Update (07-12-11)

by Sohrab Osati | Jul 12, 2011 | 6 comments

With Megatron still kicking butt in theaters two weeks after the 3rd Transformers film was released, and the final Harry Potter movie set to be launched at midnight on Thursday, movie fans have plenty of great options to choose from when it goes to their outside entertainment. In keeping with that theme, the new PlayStation Store Update (07-12-11) is giving users plenty of content too, just in case going out isn’t your thing. Some noteworthy highlights include:

Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood (Free and exclusive to Plus) (Game Trial)
LittleBigPlanet 2 Killzone 3 Minipack ($2.99)
L.A. Noire: “Reefer Madness” Vice Case ($3.99)
PixelJunk Shooter 2 Online Battle Demo
Dead Nation Demo
Pulse 7/12 Edition

Hit the jump for the full store update.

Rumors Surfacing About a PS4 Development

by Jesse Fogarty | Jul 11, 2011 | 26 comments

With Sony’s PlayStation 3 turning 5 this year it seems only inevitable that Sony has a successor (ps4) in development. Well, faithful PlayStation gamers’ rumors have recently surfaced, detailing what to expect in Sony’s upcoming successor to their PlayStation 3.

Sources which surfaced these rumors stated the same assembly companies (foxconn and tele) would be selected to take on the assembly of the projected 20 million+ systems for the 2012 launch. The same sources hinted that the system would contain motion sensors like that in the Xbox Kinect.

This all sounds amazing, but we must warn all of those ready and willing to hold off for the PS4 to consider that Sony is planning to launch their PSP successor, the Vita. We apologize for bursting your recently-filled balloon of hopes but realistically launching both would cast a shadow over one of them and let’s face it—no ones wants that to happen— neither faithful gamers nor Sony.

Keep checking back for the latest updates/rumors on Sony’s PlayStation 4 and PS Vita.

Sony Ends Digital Comics Store for PSP. Readies for PS Vita?

by Sohrab Osati | Jul 8, 2011 | 8 comments

Sony and the PlayStation team have given the Digital Comics Store one last update. The store, which allows you to download over 4,000 comics for your PSP and PSPgo systems, has received its last-ever update this week and is going out with a bang with titles like Batman: Arkham City, Stark Trek, and Transformers, to name a few. After this week, the store will continue to exist and all of your comics will be safe on your device but Sony will cease updating the store with new content. Grace Chen from the PlayStation Blog said,

The Digital Comics Team will continue to work on bringing the comic service to other Sony devices.

Though that statement itself is vague, it’s not hard to imagine where Sony is going with this. With the PS Vita readying for a holiday season launch date, what better Sony device to ready the store for than the Vita? This is especially true if you consider that the Vita has both front and back touchscreen, allowing you to easily navigate the comics with a much more natural feel while the 3G version will give users access anywhere to downloading new content. Of course, with Sony’s S1 and S2 tablets being PlayStation Suite Certified, it would be interesting to have Sony expand the store into a greater number of products. In doing so, the company both adds further value to their own products while allowing consumers to more easily purchase the given contents, knowing that they will work on a larger device base.

[Via PlayStation Blog]