There's general agreement that Sony stumbled out of the gate with the PlayStation 3. Months of intense hype were followed by a late launch (fully a year after the Xbox 360) and a staggering $600 price tag for the deluxe model.
Even worse, the PS3 didn't initially have any real must-have exclusive titles, and despite the power of its vaunted Cell processor, multiplatform games from third-party developers didn't look appreciably better than the respective titles on the Xbox 360.
Since then, the company's been modifying the PlayStation product line to better fit the competitive market landscape. As of August 2008, a new "bargain" PS3 is available with a larger, 80GB hard drive, and a "deluxe" model is due in November, doubling the capacity to 160GB.
Both, however, lack backward compatibility with PS2 games and do not come with flash card readers. If those features are a must, it might be best to pick up the 80GB "Metal Gear" bundle version on eBay w... More »
Not the biggest PlayStation 3 release week ever (unless you're in Japan), but at least that means Mirror's Edge will get the attention it deserves.
While you're not running and jumping across buildings, Americans will have a chance to go back to World War II, while Europeans will have plenty to sing about with two SingStar titles. Here's the full release list:
US Games
• Mirror's Edge
• Call of Duty World of War
• WWE Smackdown Vs Raw 2009 (Collector's Edition)
• Pro Evolution Soccer 2009
Pediatric patients at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children (RMHC) in Denver today received new Xbox 360(TM) kiosks to play with, thanks to a collaboration between Microsoft Corp. and the Companions in Courage Foundation. RMHC is the only Colorado children's hospital to receive the custom-built game units from the program.
The Companions in Courage Foundation, started by hockey great Pat LaFontaine, established the Lion's Den Kiosk program with Microsoft Corp. Microsoft delivers the mobile game units to select children's hospitals to provide interactive, fun entertainment as a respite for children battling life-threatening illness.
"Microsoft is committed to keeping kids entertained in a variety of ways within a safe gaming environment, so partnering with Companions in Courage to offer children in hospitals a way to connect through something as universal as games, is a natural fit for the work we do," said Microsoft President, Entertainment and Devices Division... More »
Per Grace Chen (Senior Manager, PlayStation Store) today:
Hey, everyone. It’s time again for the PlayStation Store weekly update.
Downloadable Games Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode One ($14.99)
The first installment in the RPG-adventure game series based on the web comic Penny Arcade. Create your character in the classic comic style, and join Gabe and Tycho in the alternate 1920s universe of New Arcadia, where you’ll combat savage enemies, solve mysteries, meet bizarre new characters, and discover their distinctive adult humor for a 100% authentic Penny Arcade experience!
ESRB Rated M
File size: 215 MB
Prince of Persia Classic ($9.99)
The original action adventure game comes to the PlayStation Network! Rescue the Princess from the clutches of the evil Jaffar in a redux of the original 1989 action-adventure that redefined the platform genre. All set for the HD... More »
This week, the PlayStation Network is home old classics like Prince of Persia Classic and Crash Bandicoot: Warped.
The update also features demos for one of the best basketball games to date, as well as a top-notch wrestling title. Add to that a massive Rock Band update and you're looking at one of the best European updates in recent memory.
Playable Content
- Prince of Persia Classic full game (£7.99/€9.99)
- Novastrike full game (£6.29/€7.99)
- Crash Bandicoot: Warped PS1 game (£3.99/€4.99)
- WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2009 demo
- NBA 2K9 demo
Add-on Content
- SoulCalibur IV Yoda add-on character (£3.19/€3.99)
- Buzz! Quiz TV "Horror Movies" add-on pack (£3.99/€4.99)
- Dead Space "Obsidion Suit" add-on
- Dead Space "Scorpion Suit" add-on (£2.39/€2.99)
- Rock Band DLC (listed after the break)
- Civilization Revolution "Scenario Pack - The V... More »
The New York Rangers has had its best start to a season since the 1989-90 season, and it appears practicing with the team via NHL ‘09 is partly to thank.
Players Brandon Dubinsky, Nikolai Zherdev, and Aaron Voros found that putting each other in the same line worked well in the NHL video game and in real life too. They have dubbed the tactic the "PlayStation Line".
To quote: With a 4-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks, the Rangers have started 3-0 for the first time since the 1989-90 season.
But more then the team's record that is creating a buzz among Rangers fans.
Three players—Brandon Dubinsky, 22, Nikolai Zherdev, 23, and Aaron Voros, 27—played a game for the ages. Dubinsky had a goal and two assists, Zherdev had a goal and an assist, and Voros had a goal and as assist.
Not only were they playing great offensively, but all were getting involved physically, and used solid defensive play t... More »
It's almost like magic. The first day of Autumn hits and the game industry intends to start the season as it means to go on.
In short, by throwing game after game directly at your face until your wallet sits empty and your hands are blistered from constant gaming. Ouch. Here's the full release list:
US Games Baja: Edge of Control
Buzz! Quiz TV
Cabela's Dangerous Hunts 2009
Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway (Limited Edition)
Lego Batman
EU Games Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway
Pure
SBK 08: Superbike World Championship 2008
NHL 09
G1 Jockey 4 2008
Baja: Edge of Control
Asian Games Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway
Aquanaut's Holiday
Madden NFL 09
Ratchet & Clank: Quest For Booty
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09
X Edge
Release dates are constantly subject to change, so contact your local retailer... More »
Per Grace Chen (Senior Manager, PLAYSTATION Store) today:
Hey, everyone. It’s time again for the PLAYSTATION Store weekly update.
Qore Digital Magazine
Just a quick note to let you know that the MotorStorm: Pacific Rift demo is now available to all Qore annual subscribers and those customers that have purchased Episode 04.
How to get the MotorStorm: Pacific Rift demo:
-Go into Qore Episode 04 under the game drop on the XMB
-Go to the Download Center
-Go to the “MotorStorm: Pacific Rift - Demo” box
-Hit the “X” button and let the downloading begin!
File size: 616 MB
Downloadable Games
JEOPARDY! ($14.99)
Test your knowledge on America’s Favorite Quiz Show! Available for the first time on the PLAYSTATION Network, players can experience the fast-paced fun of JEOPARDY! Featuring a photorealistic 3D set and clues from the producers of the T.V. sh... More »
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