68w ago - Sony Social Media Manager Jeff Rubenstein has confirmed several launch details today for Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus on the PlayStation Vita handheld console, as follows:

If you're a fan of ninja games, PS Vita won't leave you wanting - or waiting. The system's upcoming launch will be supported by two ninja-centric titles: Shinobido 2 and Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus, and I spent some time with the latter this weekend. NGS+ is an updated version of an early PS3 title, which itself was an enhanced version of an original Xbox game that debuted back in 2004.

Despite some control choices which have clearly evolved over the past 8 years, the source material holds up pretty well in 2012.

Playing through the first few levels of the NGS+, memories from nearly a decade ago came flooding back to me: the placement of treasures, decapitating enemies with a single charged slash (hold down the triangle button to, um, execute), and the difficulty.

The Ninja Gaiden series resides firmly in the "tough, but fair" challenge department. When you die - and you will - it's usually not due to AI cheapness, but rather a mistimed block or a delayed dodge.

That doesn't mean the game can't get frustrating, but when you prevail, the frustration melts into delicious satisfaction. For those...

69w ago - Today Andrew Terrett of the SSX Marketing has shared a video revealing SSX Mt Fuji details and reviving a genre on the PlayStation 3 entertainment system.

To quote: SSX is just over a month away, and we're excited to give our PS3 fans in North America some exclusive content to keep you busy on the slopes.

Mt. Fuji, the legendary Japanese mountain will only available on PS3 in North America. The mountain that owns the horizon in Tokyo is packed with six unique event drops. Three race drops and three trick drops will have PS3 players carving down and in the majestic landmark in true SSX fashion - with a complete disregard for the laws of physics.

From racing through cherry blossoms to tricking off Torii gates, North American Playstation gamers will have something unique to look forward to when SSX arrives on Feb 28th.

Now a few words from the creative director on bringing back SSX from Creative Director Todd Batty:

"Extreme Sports is a dead genre." Over the past three years I can't tell you how many times I have heard this. As a gamer who has been playing for more than 20 years and, as a huge fan of games like SSX and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater, it is also something that I refuse to believe.

Don't get me wrong: I enjoy blowing things up and shooting...

69w ago - Today PR Specialist Alex Monney at Ubisoft has shared details with fans on Rayman Origins for the PlayStation Vita handheld console.

To quote: Last year, Rayman Origins was released on PS3 to critical acclaim. On February 14, Rayman and his friends return to PS Vita! Even better, the beauty and frantic gameplay of the PS3 will make the transition to PS Vita fully intact.

You'll play as Rayman, Globox or the Teensies as they speed through stages on a mission to free the Glade of Dreams from the Darktoons.

Rayman Origins offers a playful hand-drawn art style and accessible platforming gameplay, and completionists will find a challenge in gathering all the Electoons and skull teeth. In short, Rayman Origins will deliver entertainment to the new comers and veterans of the platforming genre.

We also have some great PS Vita-specific features available for Rayman Origins. First, for those looking to really appreciate all the hand-drawn art of Rayman Origins, players can pinch the front touchscreen to zoom in, so you can better appreciate the detailed character and level design that our studio in Montpellier worked so hard to deliver.

Playing with a zoomed-in camera view also delivers a new experience and is critical in discovering the game's many hidden secrets.

70w ago - Ubisoft PR Specialist Alex Monney has shared details today on Asphalt: Injection, which will be fueling the fire on PlayStation Vita consoles next month!

To quote: Personally, I think racing games shine on handheld devices. Think of it this way: you're commuting home from work and sitting on a bus or a train.

Though your progress may be pokey, your mind is completely focused on the blistering competition between your Bugatti Super Sport and everyone else on the track.

For that short time, you completely forget about your commute. So, if your mind works like mine, you should definitely be excited for the arcade racing action of Asphalt: Injection.

Asphalt: Injection boasts ten game modes spanning the tried-and-true Race mode to more signature game modes including Cop Chase and Beat 'Em All (focused on take downs).

This, along with 20 different leagues to conquer and multiplayer via local and Wifi, will keep handheld racing fans entertained for a long time.

Gameloft has also leveraged the unique features of PS Vita to create an easily accessible and social game. Asphalt: Injection has six different control schemes that take advantage of the dual analog sticks, the rear touch screen, or the accelerometer.

70w ago - Naughty Dog Co-President Evan Wells has announced today that Jak and Daxter Collection will be hitting PS3 on February 7, 2012 alongside detailing the PS3 Trophies below as follows:

The wait is almost over, Jak and Daxter fans! I'm happy to announce that Jak and Daxter Collection launches in North America on February 7th. In a few short weeks you'll be able to score the first three installments of the Jak and Daxter trilogy in one complete PS3 Blu-ray package for just $39.99.

Each game has been fully remastered to feature 720p HD visuals and stereoscopic 3D functionality, and one of the coolest new additions to the titles in Jak and Daxter Collection is the introduction of Trophy support.

When the series debuted on PS2 over 10 years ago, we didn't have Trophies. For our jump to PS3, Mass Media crafted custom Trophies for you to earn for all three titles in the collection.

The team at Mass Media has created intricate Trophies, each featuring a unique variation on a design theme based around its mission type. There are over 100 to collect including three Platinum Trophies, so you completionists will have hours of Trophy-hunting fun to look forward to.

Here's a sneak peek at some of the Trophies that will be up for grabs: