PlayStation

Hotline Miami Preview – Crazy, Beautiful, Violent

by Jan Hutchings | Feb 23, 2013 | 1 comment

Hotline Miami Preview – Crazy, Beautiful, Violent

I’ll probably get crucified for saying this, but Hotline Miami’s crazy, beautiful, violent gameplay is exactly what the PS Vita needs to survive. It’s so unique, so over-the-top crazy, and so freaking violent that even I couldn’t believe developers actually went balls out with the game’s content. Hotline Miami makes Grand Theft Auto and Manhunt look like Sesame Street in comparison.

Originally released for PC, Hotline Miami is a hyper-violent, top-down shooter that plays like a 2D (but way more inventive) version of Manhunt where you’ll be violently taking down vicious enemies in beautifully-violent choreographed ways before they get a chance to take you out.

More on Hotline Miami (plus R-Rated screenshots) after the jump.

Infamous: Second Son High Resolution Screenshots

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 23, 2013 | 0 comments

Following an intense announcement trailer during the PlayStation 4 announcement conference, Sucker Punch, the studio behind Sly Cooper and InFamous announced InFamous: Second Son. The exclusive PlayStation 4 game takes place 7 years since the Cole McGrath episodes. Delsin Rowe is the star of Second Son, who lives in Seattle. The story goes:

After rescuing occupants from a fiery bus wreck, he discovers that he suddenly has the ability to direct, manipulate and even transform into… Smoke. Could he have absorbed this power from one of teenagers he pulled from the wreckage?

Not a lot more is currently known about the game but we’re sure that we’ll see plenty more once E3 roles around. After the jump, you can find the games official 1080p (full HD) trailer and high resolution 1080p screenshots.

Killzone: Shadow Fall and InFamous: Second Son Trailer

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 22, 2013 | 0 comments

As powerful and social as the PlayStation 4 will be, in the end, the console will be judged by the games the platform has to offer. Like past PlayStation consoles, the PS4 is no slouch when it comes to studio support with 96 developers worldwide currently working on titles for the powerful console. However, any PlayStation fan will be quick to point out that what makes them unique isn’t another Madden or Call of Duty game. Instead, it’s the unique and exclusive first party titles, developed for them from the ground up.

Guerilla Games is no stranger to this, having developed a Killzone title for the PS2, PS3, and PSP. Each title in the past has pushed the limits of what each console was capable of and Killzone: Shadow Fall is no different. Below is not a trailer for the game but a 7 minute in game experience, played live during the Sony PlayStation 4 press conference. Yes, it’s that damn beautiful.

After the jump, developers Sucker Punch are at it again with InFamous: Second Son and we have the trailer.

Killzone: Shadow Fall High Resolution Screenshots

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 21, 2013 | 0 comments

If you haven’t seen the official gameplay video from Killzone: Shadow Fall, then you need to stop everything that you’re doing and watch it. No, seriously, this article can wait.

Ok. Now that you’re done drooling and have cleaned yourself up, prepare to do it all over again. While gorgeous, the 1080p trailer above is still compressed and not a direct feed from what the PlayStation 4 and Guerrilla Games have to offer. After the jump, we have 10 Killzone: Shadow Fall high resolution screenshots.

Full PlayStation 4 Developers and Games List

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 21, 2013 | 0 comments

To say Sony came out swinging with the PlayStation 4 would be an understatement. Not only does the console boast some amazing visuals that can be seen in the Killzone: Shadow Fall trailer, but it also incorporates a new controller that taps into the console’s social features. We are now 6 years into the PlayStation 3 life cycle, and one thing is clear: Sony has the clear advantage when it comes to first party studios. Exclusive games for the PS3 include: Uncharted, LittleBigPlanet, Heavy Rain, God of War, Killzone, Gran Turismo, and InFamous – to name a few. This generation will likely be no different as Sony has continued to empower its internal studios, among which are Sucker Punch, Naughty Dog, Sony Santa Monica, and Guerrilla Games.

So what does this mean for the PlayStation 4? A few first party studios have already confirmed exclusive games for the PS4, like:

Killzone: Shadow Fall
InFamous: Second Son
Knack
DriverClub
Unnamed Media Molecule title

But don’t fret as a whole bunch of 3rd party studios are working hard at creating games for the PlayStation 4 as well. Announced titles already include:

Watch Dogs
Destiny
Diablo 3
Unnamed Final Fantasy

Overall, 96 studios worldwide are currently developing for the PlayStation 4. The full PlayStation 4 developers list of them awaits you, after the jump.

iPhone, iPad and Android to Get PlayStation App

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 20, 2013 | 2 comments

Sure Sony talked about taking the PlayStation 4 and its arsenal of games beyond the console but only hints of tablet and smartphone functionalities were shown. When the tablet was shown, it was, unsurprisingly, a Sony tablet. This of course begged the question, were Sony’s ambitions limited to Android or would they also offer the extended experience via the PlayStation app to the most popular platform in the world, iOS, which encompasses the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch? Now, Sony has gone on record about their second screen initiative, indicating that

A new application from SCE called ‘PlayStation App’ will enable iPhone-, iPad-, and Android-based smartphones and tablets to become second screens. Once installed on these devices, users can, for example, see maps on their second screens when playing an adventure game, purchase PS4 games while away from home and download it directly to the console at home, or remotely watch other gamers playing on their devices.

PlayStation 4 DualShock 4 Photo Gallery and Details

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 20, 2013 | 5 comments

Like every single PlayStation hardware revision, the PlayStation 4 offered a new controller as well. Shockingly dubbed DualShock 4, the familiar-looking controller has made its shift yet. Like the PS3 (for most of its life) and the PS3, the DualShock 4 will once again feature a rumble pack, giving you the rumbly tumblies that you’ve become so accustomed to. Button layout for the most part has stayed the same and six-axis control is once again though hopefully Sony can convince developers to better utilize it this generation. Gone however is the Start, Select and PlayStation buttons with their functionalities moving to a new “Options” button (center top right). So what else is new? After the jump, we dish out the dirt on the new ‘share’ button (center top left) and have your DualShock 4 photo gallery.

Editorial: Sony Doesn’t Show PlayStation 4, But Does It Really Matter?

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 20, 2013 | 16 comments

By now, you’ve probably already read the technical specifications for the PlayStation 4 and heard about some games in production like InFamous: Second Son and Killzone 4, which look absolutely stunning. With new games for the PS4 come new ways for players to interact with their world, including a new controller, called the DualShock 4, which incorporates a touch bar. With the PlayStation 4 announcement nearing an end, it soon became apparent that we would not being seeing the PlayStation 4 in person, despite games like Killzone 4 running in real time on the hardware. This of course has some gamers annoyed and up in arms, but why?

Editorial: How Sony Can Save the PlayStation Vita, Part 2

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 19, 2013 | 2 comments

Last week, we ran an editorial on ‘how Sony can save the PlayStation Vita,’ which focused on the devices price point. Despite launching a lower price than what many had expected, the $249 for Wi-Fi and $299 for 3G/Wi-Fi model proved as a stumbling block for consumers. With declining sales, soon developer support began to trickle away, creating a catch 22 for the PlayStation Vita. Why should developers support a system with low volume sales and why should consumers by a game console with low developer support. While the idea of dropping the price to funnel interest towards the Vita is not an original one, we attempted to answer how exactly Sony could achieve this and still have a profitable, if not a break-even, price point console. In the end, Sony is here to make money.

Now, prior to the February 20th announcement which will likely be the PlayStation 4, Sony held a smaller video stream conference for the PlayStation Vita. While Sony highlighted many new RPG’s that would be coming to the Vita, mostly notably Final Fantasy X in HD, the biggest news was the consoles price drop. Currently intended for Japan only, though we expect Western audiences will equally receive a price cut come the 20th, effective February 28th, both the 3G/Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi-only models will cost ¥19,980 (around $215). Yes, both models will sell for the same price, translating into roughly 20% off for the Wi-Fi edition and 35% for 3G/Wi-Fi. But price cuts alone will not save the PlayStation Vita. After the jump, our editorial part 2 looks at what Sony must do to entice consumers to give the powerful portable another look.

PlayStation Vita Gets Major Price Cut in Japan

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 18, 2013 | 0 comments

Those who followed our live coverage from Sony Japan’s PlayStation Vita announcement are well aware of the price cut that was announced for the handheld console. Starting February 28th, both the 3G/Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi-only models will cost ¥19,980 (around $215). Yes, both models will sell for the same price, translating into roughly 20% off for the Wi-Fi edition and 35% for 3G/Wi-Fi. Keep in mind, this price cut is currently for Japan only though we expect that Sony will announce a similar cut for Western territories, come February 20th. It’s also unclear presently why Sony will continue to offer both units if they carry the same price tag.

PlayStation Vita February Announcement – Live Coverage

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 17, 2013 | 0 comments

February is shaping up to be an exciting time to be a gamer, especially if you’re a PlayStation fan. On February 20th, Sony is expected to reveal the PlayStation 4, often times referred to as Orbis. While many thought the announcement would also cover the PlayStation Vita which is in need of some desperate love (and for those who haven’t, read our Editorial: How Sony Can Save the PlayStation Vita, Part 1) it seems that Sony has reserved February 18th for the console. In just a few minutes, Sony will begin what’s expected as an all out blitz for their nearly one year old console. What can we expect? A host of new games is certain but will there also be a hardware refresh? We’ll find out shortly. After the break, the headlines as they happen.

PS3 Owners Get Screwed Again, Destiny from Bungie Will Be Xbox 360 Timed Exclusive

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 17, 2013 | 6 comments

As you may have read today, Bungie has finally taken off the wraps from their highly-anticipated new franchise entitled Destiny. The company, famously known for creating the mega popular Halo series for Xbox, parted ways with Microsoft nearly 3 years ago and signed a 10-year deal with Activision. Destiny, which takes place in a brand new world that’s always connected, required a constant internet connection in order to play the FPS. This is in part due to the game’s fluid nature which places heavy emphasis on player actions with outcomes that the developers might not see, thus the always-on requirement. Fret not though as Activision Publishing CEO Eric Hirshberg says:

absolutely no plans to charge a subscription fee.

That’s where the good news begins to dim a bit if you’re a PlayStation 3 owner. Bungie has revealed that they want to get as many players into this game as possible. Currently, the game is set to arrive on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in 2014. This date also happens to be after what will probably be the release of the PlayStation 4 and Xbox 720 which likely means that there is a chance that the game will also come on next gen consoles. To further drive the always-on concept, there even appears to be an iOS companion app which allows you to further interact with the world while away from your console. That and the trailer can be seen, after the jump. So yes Bungie wants everyone to play their game, just not all at the same time, according to their revealed contract.

Prior to PS4 Launch Event, Sony Looks Back at the PS2

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 16, 2013 | 0 comments

It’s no secret that Sony is set to announce the PlayStation 4 this Wednesday, February 20th. Little is still known about the event or the system which is quite impressive, seeing how most products from Sony tend to get leaked well ahead of their public unveiling. To get an idea for where Sony and PlayStation might be going, you have to know where you’ve been. Leading up to the event, Sony has been releasing videos highlighting their past consoles and what made them unique and exciting. Today, Sony takes a walk through memory lane and highlights the world’s best selling game console, the PlayStation 2. After the jump, the video awaits you.

No ‘The Last of Us’ is Not Coming Out for PS4

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 13, 2013 | 2 comments

As many of you have probably heard by now, Naughty Dog, the developers behind Uncharted, the hit PlayStation 3 series are delaying The Last of Us. Set in an entirely different world, the ambitious game followers the story of Joel and Ellie in a post apocalyptic world and features the most stunning PS3 graphics to date. The developers have in fact been quoted for saying that they’ve maxed out the PS3 in every way possible. Wanting to release the game to their stands, the games May 7th release date has been pushed back by a month to June 14th, to ensure the team has some more polish time. Talking with the PlayStation Blog, Lead Game Designer Neil Druckmann said,

instead of cutting corners or compromising our vision, we came to the tough decision that the game deserved a few extra weeks to ensure every detail of The Last of Us was up to Naughty Dog’s internal high standards.

As a team we pride ourselves on setting a very high quality bar for every aspect of our games – gameplay, story, art, design, technology and more. We want to make sure The Last of Us raises that bar even further – for ourselves, and most importantly, for you, our fans.

Calling All ‘Sly Cooper’ Fans: We’ve Got Loot to Give Away!

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 12, 2013 | 5 comments

If you’re a Sly Cooper fan, then you’re probably all over the most recent title, Sly Cooper: Thieves In Time which reunites the gang one more time on the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita. And thanks to PlayStation’s Cross-Buy initiative, those who purchase the title for the PS3 will get a free copy of the PS Vita version. That’s not all however as the game also features Cross-Play where your saved files are transferred between the two consoles, allowing you to start playing on the PS3 and continue to game from where you last saved on the PlayStation Vita. And for those extra tech savvy fans out there, the game also features native 3D.

Now that Sly Cooper: Thieves In Time is out and available for purchase for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita from retail stores and the PlayStation Network, it’s time for us to give back to the community. If you’re a fan of the series, be it the original Sly Cooper, Sly 2: Band of Thieves or obviously the most recent iteration, all you have to do is show us your Sly love for a free Sly patch pictured to the right! We have limited numbers but all you need to do is a post a picture of yourself on our Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ with you showing off your Sly fandom. Be it holding the game, cosplay, or anything else that might come to your mind that shows off your love for the series.