PlayStation Vita

Sony Talks Augmented Reality and Its Potential (video)

by Sohrab Osati | May 28, 2013 | 0 comments

Sony is no stranger to augmented reality. Before Kinect for Xbox 360 became a household name, Sony had the PlayStation EyeToy for the PlayStation 2 which allowed gamers to interact with their game environment. Sony would then follow up with the PlayStation Eye for the PS3 with similar, but improved features that once again allow for you to be in your game with games like Eye of Judgement and Kung Fu Live. With the advent of the PlayStation Vita, Sony would take this one step further by utilizing the Vita’s built in camera which allows for a more immersive and personal experience. With the Vita, onscreen characters can now interact in your world.

Final Fantasy X-2 HD Screenshots

by Sohrab Osati | May 24, 2013 | 1 comment

As far as I’m concerned, Final Fantasy X was the last great RPG Square Enix made. While Final Fantasy X-2 wasn’t quite as captivating, being in that world was enough for me to enjoy myself. Now sadly, FFX12 came out at a busy time in my life and I was never able to get far in the game and soon the PS3 train took over. Equally, to this day, I adore Final Fantasy 11 though I don’t consider that part of the main FF canon. Having said that, I think FF13 is one of the most atrocious RPG’s I’ve ever played though I had to finish the game because it had the words Final Fantasy in the title. So you can imagine my excitement when Square Enix announced Final Fantasy X HD for the PS3 and PS Vita, only to top it by revealing the same fate for Final Fantasy X-2.

It still remains unclear if purchasing Final Fantasy X for the PS3 will get you a PS Vita version though that is looking less and less likely. We do know for a fact though that Final Fantasy X-2 will be bundled with the Final Fantasy X HD remastering for PS3 and that it will be a separate purchase on the PS Vita. After the jump, a Final Fantasy X-2 HD screenshot gallery awaits you.

PlayStation Pulse Headset – Elite Edition Unboxing

by Sohrab Osati | May 7, 2013 | 3 comments

If you love gaming but have found yourself in situations where your audio has intruded upon those around you, then the PlayStation Pulse headset is your savior. Compatible with the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita, the Pulse wireless stereo headset gives gamers everything they could want from a headset that features comfortable design, BassImpact for extra…well bass and a built in noise canceling microphone to satisfy the commander in you while gaming online. Unlike previous headsets from Sony and competitors that feature a retractible mic, the Pulse mic is built into the unit, giving it a sleeker design while housing one less external part that can break. Thanks to three sliding switches on the headset, you can also control the incoming volume, mic level, and bass. A quick mute button is also available, making it easy for you to converse with those around you without bugging your teammates.

Other benefits from the Pulse headset include on-screen headset updates like battery level and other related information that will appear right on your screen. Sony has also provided a mode functionality button that, when pressed, allows you to select between different audio presets, designed for general gaming, shooters, racing, movies, music, and more. Maybe best of all, for those who simply cannot afford a extensive surround sound setup or for the time when you want to continue to game without waking others in the household, the PlayStation Pulse includes virtual 7.1 surround sound. This lets you hear every audio cue that sound engineers put into the game. The 7.1 surround sound can also be a savior for hardcore gamers, by alerting them to sound from enemies that might be creeping from behind.

PlayStation Vita System Software Update v2.11 Now Live

by Allegra Osati | Apr 16, 2013 | 0 comments

Guess what, PlayStation Vita owners? You can now downloaded the PlayStation Vita System Software Update v2.11 for your favorite portable gaming console. The latest free and optional update is fairly minor in size and should be downloaded and installed in just a few short minutes. Due to its size, there isn’t really anything new to add to the system and is mostly meant for ‘minor bug fixes.’

Epix to Arrive on PS3 & PS Vita

by Sohrab Osati | Apr 3, 2013 | 7 comments

If you’re ready for another movie delivery service for the PlayStation 3, then say no more. Epix, which has long been available on other platforms like iOS, Android, Google TV, and yes, even the Blackberry Playbook is now available as a free download on the PlayStation Store. As you would expect, Epix allows you access to their catalogue of 3,000 movies which includes titles like The Avengers, Skyfall and Mission: Impossible-Ghost Protocol for a monthly trial though a free 14-day membership available. Epix also boasts many concerts and documentaries. PlayStation Plus users will also get free movies and specials every week.

More Indie Games Coming To The PlayStation Vita

by Jan Hutchings | Mar 26, 2013 | 0 comments

Well, GDC is upon us and one thing is clear – there will be more indie games coming to the PlayStation Vita. It started last year when Tales from Space: Mutant Blobs Attack, Retro City Rampage, and Sound Shapes dominated the handheld’s digital storefront. This year, highly-anticipated indie hits like Lone Survivor, Hotline Miami, and The Walking Dead will be joined by a staggering amount of top-quality indie titles that gamers won’t find anywhere else. (Especially not on Nintendo’s 3DS.)

Hit the jump for a complete list of indie titles coming to the PS Vita this year.

Sony Drops PlayStation Vita Price in Select US Locations

by Sohrab Osati | Mar 12, 2013 | 0 comments

Besides the PlayStation 4 announcement in February, the other big PlayStation news was the major price drop for the PlayStation Vita. Following the announcement and ever since, PlayStation Vita sales have skyrocketed in Japan, the only country to receive the cut. Seeing how the event took place prior the PlayStation 4 announcement which took place in the US, many assumed that a price cut would follow for the West, if not US during the PS4 announcement. Nearly a month later, we can see that no such price cut was planned for the US despite the portable living on life support.

Be it a change of heart, the success the PS Vita is now enjoying in Japan with the price cut, or Sony simply testing the water, the PlayStation Vita has also received a major price cut in the US at select Sony retail stores. Much like Japan, you can now get your hands on the PlayStation Vita Wi-Fi + 3G model for $199.97 which also includes an 8GB memory card and a voucher for a free PlayStation Network game if you sign up for data coverage. This marks a $100 price cut for the Vita, making it an offer you might not be able to pass on. So which stores carry the reduced price on the Vita? That list and more info, after the jump.

PlayStation Vita v2.06 Software Update Now Live

by Sohrab Osati | Mar 11, 2013 | 0 comments

Just a heads up to all PlayStation Vita owners. Sony will be releasing the PlayStation Vita v2.06 Software Update soon which will

improve system software stability for some features.

Editorial: Should I Buy a Vita? – The Top 5 Games That Would Make Me Say “Yes!”

by Sarah Ingram | Mar 9, 2013 | 15 comments

All my life I have been obsessed with having all the things. I wanted every Nintendo handheld, every console, every accessory, and all the games – even if I didn’t really want to play them. However, now that I am a responsible adult, I can’t be so frivolous with my money (I miss getting allowance from Mom) and I have to wait to pick up new hardware. I’ve had my eye on a Vita for a while now, but the game library just isn’t big enough yet for me to justify the price tag. I need there to be at least a couple more game releases before I will be enticed enough to finally drop the cash on a Vita. After thinking about it for a little while, I came up with the top 5 games that would convince me to pick up a Vita.

1. Final Fantasy X HD

This has been talked about and talked about, but still doesn’t have a release date. Who knows when we will eventually see this, but an HD remake of one of my favorite Final Fantasy titles would make a Vita necessary in my house. Now before you say “Well Sarah, you can play FF 7-9 on Vita through PSN” – I know this. But they are NOT remade in HD! I would love to have an HD version to take with me on the go. This would make the Vita a definite pickup for me.

Killzone: Mercenary Gameplay

by Sohrab Osati | Mar 7, 2013 | 1 comment

For good reason, Killzone: Shadow Fall has dominated gaming coverage with its beautiful and fluid graphics, giving would-be PlayStation 4 owners something to highly anticipate. But with the PlayStation 4 nearly 9 months away and still an undisclosed release date for Killzone: Shadow Fall, how should Killzone fans satisfy their appetite? Enter Killzone: Mercenary for the PlayStation Vita. This all-new FPS runs on the same graphic engine that powered Killzone 2 and 3 on the PlayStation 3 to deliver an orignal story in the Killzone universe. Thinking that the game might be a compromise, due to the Vita’s smaller screen? That’s what I thought too – until I saw a gameplay demo. After the jump, an off-screen demo gameplay of Killzone: Mercenary on PlayStation Vita!

Get Free Games and Save on Great Deals For PS Vita’s Anniversary

by Jan Hutchings | Mar 6, 2013 | 6 comments

Great news, Sony is celebrating the the Playstation Vita’s one year anniversary this month and you’ll be able to get free games and save on great deals for PS Vita’s anniversary this week. First off, starting today you can download three classic PSP games and one PS One classic from the PSN:

Wild Arms (PS One Classic RPG)
Piyotama (PSP Puzzle Game)
Patchwork Heroes (A Unique Action game for PSP)
Patapon (PSP Original Classic)

In addition to the free games, PSN and PS Plus users will be able to purchase a number of PS Vita games for cheaper this week. PSN users will get a 30% and PS Plus will get 50% off these following games:

Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker Available on PlayStation Vita

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 27, 2013 | 2 comments

At long last, Sony and Konami have brought Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker to the PlayStation Vita. Originally, the game was released for the PSP on April 2010 and eventually for the PlayStation 3 in a HD pack. Due to the PlayStation Vita’s capabilities of downloading PSP games, Konami never saw it necessary to make an official PS Vita port.

Now, all of that has changed and gamers can access the PlayStation Store to purchase Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker for the PS Vita. According to the PlayStation Blog, besides the epic single player adventure, players can also partake in:

four-player CO-OPS (Cooperative-OPerationS), and six-player competitive matches using the PS Vita’s Ad Hoc capabilities

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.

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.