75w ago - Sony Brazil Manager Fabio Santana has posted up a Q&A interview today covering Final Fantasy XIII-2 for PlayStation 3, which aims to prove the time traveling sequel even surpasses the original game!

To quote: This week, Final Fantasy XIII-2 for PS3 is hitting stores across Japan with critical praise, garnering perfect scores from respected gaming magazines Famitsu and Dengeki PlayStation.

Granted, the original FFXIII is the best-selling PS3 title in Japan by a wide margin, but this direct sequel isn't resting on the laurels of its predecessor. For starters, it will offer a dynamic narrative, addressing one of the main complaints about FFXIII - linearity.

The new game also has a darker and more serious tone, in line with the conclusion of the previous game, putting the glitter and glam of FFX-2.

When FFXIII-2 reaches US stores on January 31st, making it the fastest localization cycle among numbered episodes of the franchise - it will also deliver an improved combat system, an area full of mini games, branched dialogue trees with NPCs, and even multiple endings based on your time-traveling journey.

To learn more about how Square Enix plans to "exceed Final Fantasy XIII in every aspect,"...

163w ago - SCEA Product Marketing Manager Jefferson Dong has revealed that Heavy Rain on PS3 has surpassed the one million sales mark today alongside a video, as follows:

Hi everyone, I'm pleased to announce that since its launch in February, Heavy Rain has hit is millionth mark in sales worldwide! Congratulations Quantic Dream!

Praised by media for its gripping storyline, thought-provoking themes, innovation and engaging example of non-linear storytelling, it's no surprise that more than a million gamers agree.

Don't believe us? If you haven't played Heavy Rain yet, then take a look at the following trailer highlighting the award-winning, critically-acclaimed, and one million unit-selling Heavy Rain!





In addition, the only true way to experience what makes Heavy Rain so unique is to download and play the PSN demo for Heavy Rain straight from the PlayStation Store.

We hope you're enjoying Heavy Rain, and the newly released Taxidermist Level (available on PSN for $4.99). But, if you're looking for more, continue to check back here on the PlayStation.Blog for the latest updates!

239w ago - We knew Japan was warming up to Blu-ray, but apparently those tepid desires have morphed into infernos of passion.

According to new statistics loosed by the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA), Blu-ray Disc recorder / player shipments hit a level of 138,000, or around 107 times more than the shipments posted a year ago.

Moreover, those shipments accounted for 31% of "overall shipments of DVD equipment on a volume basis."

Unsurprisingly, BD equipment -- coupled with flat-panel TVs -- were the two biggest drivers of consumer electronics shipments in Japan this year, with visual equipment shipments rising 8.2% year-over-year.

Blu-ray and HDTV: a match made in heaven. Or Tokyo.