All Topics Gaming older than one year ago

#valve While I believe that torn-off bunny parts are gifts reserved for more romantic occasions, Valve's just handing out these severed rabbit heads as one of three bonuses for players buying the new Sam and Max game on Steam this week. More »

We'd explain that Halo influenced gaming in that it influenced many to play it, but that's hardly a secret. It's a cash juggernaut; an epic tale of dudes in space suits that cost more than it does for us to go to space right now and the alien species those billion-dollar men and women are at war with. And, of course, bags of tea.

But GamePro offers its own more poignant analysis of Microsoft's biggest franchise. There are the obvious effects of Bungie's success -- such as regenerative shields and the popular control scheme mimicked by many of Halo's predecessors -- but one of the biggest is the emergence of online multiplayer in the console FPS. The series has helped pave the way for some of console gamers' favorites.

We can't help but point out that GamePro is neglecting one crucial item: Theater mode. Before Halo 3, just about everyone's crazy stories of conquest or humiliation were suspect and impossible to prove. Now everyone on the message boards can see how awesome you are, and you can't really put a price on that now, can you?

#squareenix First month figures for Final Fantasy XIII are in, with the North American version of Square Enix's role-playing game epic moving more than 1.3 million copies in the United States. The vast majority of those were on the PlayStation 3. More »

Do you sometimes get jealous of your Xbox-owning friends that are able to download demos and DLC a day earlier than you? Don't worry, PS3 fans. Sony has a solution: Release content before Microsoft! Both the American and European PlayStation Store updates are moving to new days, starting in May.

Tuesdays become the new day for PSN updates in North America, as recently explained by Pulse's Christina Lee. In Europe, content will be updated on Wednesday, as explained by SCEE's Mike Kebby.

While this may seem like terrific news for PlayStation fans, we're pretty certain this is how the time wars begin. With Sony pushing earlier, Microsoft will have no choice but to retaliate by sending Major Nelson back in time to assassinate the unborn Kevin Butler!

[Thanks, Doug M.!]

#northamerica Where will the North American PlayStation Store update take PS3 owners this week? To one of three locales, Metro City, Port Carverton and New York City. Do you know the games I'm talking about? More »

Famitsu has released some new information on Super Mario Galaxy 2, dealing with the game's gripping story. As translated by NeoGAF, the story sees Peach once again inviting Mario to enjoy watching stardust fall from the sky, which only happens once every 100 years. Of course, that means the game would have to take place at least 100 years after the original Super Mario Galaxy, but it's probably best not to think about it. Anyway, on his way to the castle, Mario happens upon a lost baby star named "Baby Chico," who journeys to the castle with Mario. And then something happens -- we're going to guess Bowser.

In other spacefaring plumber news, the Japanese website for Super Mario Galaxy 2 has been updated with some new information about the game, including its two-player mode. It seems the second player will control a Luma (Baby Chico, as it turns out). Hopefully it will amount to more than just collecting Star Bits this time around.

Be sure to check out the Japanese site for some new video and images.

[Via GoNintendo]

Source -- Nintendo Japan -- Super Mario Galaxy 2
Source -- NeoGAF

This comes from a thread that we linked some time ago, but I don’t remember seeing this image. This is indeed official art right from the Big N, and it looks like they were considering a Chicken Suit for the gang in New Super Mario Bros. Wii. I don’t know why the idea [...]

Tournament of Legends is now set for a July 1st, 2010 release in Australia. The game will also go budget down under, with a price tag of $49.95.

Also, here’s a bit of a bonus for you. Japanese fans are responding to the new art/screens for LovePlus + that came out yesterday. It seems like most fans are a little disappointed with the bedroom scenes.

We posted this article up yesterday, but now you can see the woman behind the ‘unfortunate’ events.

Reported Wii shortage can't stop Nintendo.

Reported Wii shortage can't stop Nintendo.

You can check out this promo poster in real life at the SF Powell Bart Station in San Francisco. Capcom is REALLY pouring a ton of money into advertising this title. I really hope it ends up doing well for them!

Final Fight: Double Impact is the highlight of this week's PSN update -- especially if you're a Magic Sword fanboy. Those interested in test drives can take the Skate 3 demo out for an ollie, while the latest Sam & Max adventure game is also available to try.

As has become normal, there's an impressive new helping of comics for the PSP. This latest update adds the first eight issues of Kick-Ass, which has, as they stamp on the covers of those rectangular objects known as books nowadays, become "a major motion picture."

Check out the full update after the break.


Choose your platform to view the corresponding release list:
(Note: Continue past the break to view both release lists.)

Reported Wii shortage can't stop Nintendo.

Let the battle begin.

Let's go back a couple of years, to E3 2008. At the Microsoft Press Conference, the company drops the news that Square Enix has agreed to release Final Fantasy XIII simultaneously on both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. There is much cheering and/or weeping and gnashing of teeth, depending on which side of the console wars you are on.

Two years later, in April of 2010: Final Fantasy XIII is released on both consoles simultaneously. And the most recent NPD report says that while the Xbox 360 version sold a respectable 493,000 copies, the PS3 version sold 828,000 copies -- almost twice as many.

We'll let you guys sort that one out for yourselves. Do remember where the consoles were at in both places -- back in 2008, the Xbox 360 had an early lead on big software (LittleBigPlanet was Sony's biggest game of the show), and these days, PS3 sales are doing much better. But we will say that, according to NPD analyst Anita Frazier, this is Final Fantasy's biggest launch ever, and that XIII has topped the first-month sales of XII by 48%. That's a lot of l'Cie.

The ill-timed announcement of the 3DS wasn't enough to scare consumers off from purchasing new DS systems. Thanks to the combination of a new hardware variant (the big, big, big DSi XL) and new Pokemon games, the dual-screened platform sold like gangbusters. Meanwhile, hardware shortages kept the PS3 from massive sales despite the fact that it had the best-selling game of March (God of War 3).

Speaking of software, we've learned a lot about you from this month. For example, Final Fantasy fans strongly prefer PS3, Battlefield fans strongly prefer 360, and Pokemon fans' dollar votes went to SoulSilver over HeartGold by quite a lot. How do you even decide something like that? Seriously, one of the 1.78 million or so of you who bought it -- take us through your process!

-DS: 701K88K (14%)
-Wii: 558K160K (40%)
-360: 338K>84K (-20%)
-PS3: 314K46K (-13%)
-PSP: 120K13K (-10%)
-PS2: 118K16K (16%)

See the top 10 games after the break.

#consolewars As it is wont to do, Nintendo dominated hardware sales in the United States in March, the Nintendo DS and Wii combining to move more than a million shiny new game machines last month. More »

Hi Everyone – It’s time for the weekly PlayStation Store Update.

This week’s Spring Fever celebrates Racing Week with WipEout HD! WipEout HD is on sale for $9.99 (regular price $19.99) Offer good through Wednesday, 4/21.

Updates

Valhalia Knights 2: Battle Stance Permanent Price Drop (now $19.99, original price $29.99)
Tank Battles Sale (now $4.99, original price $6.99)
TV Show King Sale (now $4.99, original price $6.99)
UNO Sale (now $4.99, original price $7.99)

Downloadable Games

Final Fight: Double Impact ($9.99)
Final Fight: Double Impact takes you on a hard-hitting journey through Capcom history with the ultimate versions of arcade classics Final Fight and Magic Sword. Double Impact slams into your home with seamless online and local co-op multiplayer, new music by acclaimed remixologists, HD-filtered graphics, a host of unlockables to discover, and an integrated online leaderboard to prove your mettle!
ERSB Rated T
File size: 257 MB

“Sam & Max” The Devil’s Playhouse Episode 1: The Penal Zone
Wield psychic powers against fearsome foes in this epic comedy saga.
The game starts with a bang as intergalactic gorilla invader Skunk’ape sets his sights on Max’s newly discovered mysterious powers. While mastering these abilities – future sight, teleportation, shape shifting, mind reading – and investigating their source, Sam & Max must fend off Skunk’ape and get him banished to The Penal Zone.
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 524 MB

PSone Classics

XS Junior League Dodgeball ($5.99)
Put your dodgeball skills to the test in this adaptation of the popular playground game. Will you lead your team to victory, or simply to the school nurse?
Download this PS one Classic today!
ESRB Rated E
File size: 244 MB

Game Demos (free)

Skate 3 Demo
Welcome to the SKATE 3 Demo which offers both a single and multiplayer experience. Learn the ins and outs of skating with the all-new Skate.School or team up and throw down in co-op or competitive gameplay. Featuring new challenge types like Own The Lot and Domination, the ability to save and upload replays, and full game rewards for playing.
SKATE 3 – Team Up. Throw Down.
ESRB Rated T
File size: 920 MB

“Sam & Max” The Devil’s Playhouse Episode 1: The Penal Zone Demo
Wield psychic powers against fearsome foes in this epic comedy saga.
Get FREE trial of first episode, The Penal Zone.
The game starts with a bang as intergalactic gorilla invader Skunk’ape sets his sights on Max’s newly discovered mysterious powers. While mastering these abilities – future sight, teleportation, shape shifting, mind reading – and investigating their source, Sam & Max must fend off Skunk’ape and get him banished to The Penal Zone.
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 524 MB

Add-on Game Content

Magic Orbz: Jungle Pack ($2.99)
Magic Orbz is a fresh spin on classic brick-breaking gameplay, enabling players to bust apart 3D environments, piece by piece. The new Magic Orbz Jungle Pack provides new levels, trophies, and adventures! Defeat the powerful evil shaman and help to save this world – or just destroy it at all, brick by brick! If you’re up for the challenge, check out the Magic Orbz Jungle Pack today!
File size: 100 KB

Zen Pinball: Excalibur Table ($2.49)
Earn your seat at the Round Table amongst the greatest knights in King Arthur’s court! The Arthurian legend is reborn on a lively pinball table with several unique features.
See the tales of the Knights of the Round Table unfold before you. Participate in duels or jousting tournaments for the honour, and defend Camelot against the robber knights!
File size: 60 MB

Hustle Kings – Crazy Tables: Hex Crazy (free)
The most stylish bar in town has a futuristic table that’s sure to test your cuing technique to the maximum. With more cushions, more angles and more ways to outsmart your opponent, you’ll need every trick in the book to get to the 8-Ball!
Best of all, it’s absolutely FREE!*
Download Hex Crazy for Hustle Kings today!
File size: 39 MB

PAIN: Fluffer Character ($0.99)
Meet Fluffer, the first feline to be launched into the world of PAIN. Though cats are often agile and flexible, that’s not the case for Fluffer. Help this feisty cat explore all the PAIN environments with your trusty launcher. Fluffer may hiss the first time in terror, but a few extra launches should warm that up to a purr or meow. What’s there to be scared of anyway — aren’t cats always supposed to land on their feet? Download Fluffer today!
File size: 100 KB

Dante’s Inferno – Devil Pack ($2.99)
This pack includes the ‘Putrid Voice’ magic ability as well as the ‘Panderer’s Lash’ relic that augments this unholy power.
File size: 100 KB

Dragon Ball: Raging Blast Ultimate Warriors Pack 4 (free)
“Dragon Ball: Raging Blast” Character Pack #11 is now available! The tenth release is the “Ultimate Warriors Pack 3!” This pack contains Vegeta (Scouter), Vegeta, Trunks (Sword), Vegito and Super Saiyan 3 Vegeta! The long-awaited warriors finally enter the arena! Prevail against the life-and-death battles and become the strongest warrior in the universe!
File size: 116KB

Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce Quest Pack #4 (free)
Quest Pack #4 – Enhance your Strikeforce experience with these new missions and challenges. Also includes all previous Quest Packs. The following quests will be added to the city’s “Noticeboard”. To learn more about this pack and about Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce go to www.tecmokoeiamerica.com/strikeforce.
Turban Fortress Defense
Battle of Jiang Ling
Wei Defense
File size: 101 KB

Guitar Hero 5
For all song credits please visit www.guitarhero.com.

• “Addicted” by Saving Abel ($1.99)
• “Gives You Hell” by All-American Rejects ($1.99)
• “There’s No Other Way” by Blur ($1.99)

File sizes: 34 MB – 40 MB (singles)

Rock Band
Build your Rock Band library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com.

• “Blood On My Hands” – The Used ($1.99)
• “Born To Quit” – The Used ($1.99)
• “The Taste Of Ink” – The Used ($1.99)
• The Used Pack 1 ($5.49) – Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track pack: The Used Pack 01. This pack includes “Blood On My Hands,” “Born To Quit,” and “The Taste Of Ink” by The Used.
• “Empty Walls” – Serj Tankian ($1.99)
• “Sky Is Over” – Serj Tankian ($1.99)
• “All Star” – Smash Mouth ($1.99)

File sizes: 24 MB – 32 MB (singles), 80 MB (track pack)

Game Videos (free)

The Tester – Winner Interview
SCEA’s own Brent Gocke interviews the winner of The Tester. Brent gets the lowdown on the alliances, friendships and rivalries that developed over the course of the show, plus the winner shed light on what the experience was like from a contestant’s perspective.
File size: 242 MB (SD) 544 MB (HD)

Pulse 4/15 Edition
Join host Christina Lee for PULSE presented by the PlayStation Network. In this edition we check out the 2010 additions to the “Greatest Hits” library, share our staff picks from the Digital Comics collection for your PSP system, show off the latest video releases including Season 14 of South Park, and more!
File size: 267 MB (HD) 451 MB (1080)

PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe Trailer
File size: 28 MB (SD) 54 MB (HD)

Fat Princess: Fistful of Cake Trailer
File size: 100 MB (HD)

ModNation Racers – BTS: Mod Studio
File size: 193 MB (HD)

ModNation Racers – BTS: Kart Studio
File size: 160 MB (HD)

ModNation Racers – BTS: The Story
File size: 200 MB (HD)

Anarchy: Rush Hour Trailer
File size: 63 MB (HD)

2010 Fifa World Cup South Africa Official Trailer
File size: 51 MB (HD)

Army Of Two: Fortieth Day Chapters Of Deceit Developer Diary Network Trailer
File size: 59 MB (HD)

Need For Speed: Shift Exotic Racing Series Trailer
File size: 91 MB (HD)

PS3 Themes

South Park Anime Theme ($1.99)
File size: 5.15 MB

Megaman 10 Dynamic Theme 2 ($2.99)
File size: 367 KB

Sushi Theme ($1.99)
File size: 5.42 MB

PS3 Wallpaper

Patchwork Heroes Parachutes Wallpaper
File size: 222 KB (SD) 1.14 MB (HD)

PlayStation Store for PSP

Downloadable Games (also available from PS3 Storefront)

Mimana Iyar Chronicle ($34.99)
Mimana Iyar Chronicles blends the traditional RPG elements of vast map exploration and treacherous dungeon spelunking.
ESRB Rated T
File size: 443 MB

PSP Minis (also available from PS3 Storefront)

Monopoly ($4.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 67 MB

Telegraph Sudoku & Kakuro ($2.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 11 MB

Sheep Defense (PSP Only – $1.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 6 MB

Sweet Reversi (PSP Only – $1.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 8 MB

Tonzurakko (PSP Only – $1.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 6 MB

Add-on Game Content (also available from PS3 Storefront)

BUZZ! Quiz World National Geographic – Kids Quiz ($3.99)
Now kids everywhere can become trivia masterminds by learning from the acclaimed National Geographic archives! This BUZZ! Quiz World PSP quiz pack features hundreds of new questions to test the kids in any of your favorite BUZZ! Quiz World PSP game modes. Download this quiz pack today and turn your party into the ultimate trivia showdown. Challenge friends and family and “Show ‘em Your Trivia!”
File size: 35 MB

LittleBigPlanet PSP Temples Costumes (free)
PLAY, CREATE, SHARE…Everywhere.
LittleBigPlanet’s critically acclaimed “PLAY, CREATE, SHARE” experience, makes its way to the PSP system with a completely new Sackboy adventure.
Get these free costumes from the Temples Theme Pack.
NOTE: Manual Update required
File size: 2.46 MB

LittleBigPlanet PSP Temples Theme Pack ($2.99)
PLAY, CREATE, SHARE…Everywhere.
Download a new set of costumes and CREATE materials to create your own Temples levels! The Temples Theme Pack includes 6 Costume items, 11 CREATE Materials, 15 Stickers, 1 Music kit, and 1 Background.
NOTE: Manual Update required
File size: 2.60 MB

Game Videos (free)

Pulse 4/15 Edition
File size: 43 MB

The Tester – Winner Interview
SCEA’s own Brent Gocke interviews the winner of The Tester. Brent gets the lowdown on the alliances, friendships and rivalries that developed over the course of the show, plus the winner shed light on what the experience was like from a contestant’s perspective.
File size: 86 MB

PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe Trailer
File size: 5.18 MB

Fat Princess: Fistful of Cake Trailer
File size: 11 MB

ModNation Racers – BTS: Mod Studio
File size: 32 MB

ModNation Racers – BTS: Kart Studio
File size: 26 MB

ModNation Racers – BTS: The Story
File size: 32 MB

PSP Themes (also available from PS3 Storefront

South Park PSP Theme ($1.99)
File size: 442 KB

Patchwork Heroes – Friends Theme (free)
File size: 543 KB

PSP Wallpaper (free)

The Patchwork Heroes – Parachutes Wallpaper (PSP)
File size: 97 KB

Square Enix's latest sells nearly double on Sony's platform.

#sales March was a battle between one very pissed off Spartan, a girl named Lightning and too many Pokemon to count. Who came out on top in U.S. video game sales for the month of March? More »

The best thing about Interplay having one foot in the grave is the easy access it has to all the corpses in the cemetery. Having already cast a resurrection spell on Stonekeep and Clayfighter, the publisher now looks to bring classic 3D shooter Descent to WiiWare this Fall.

Interplay CEO Hervé Caen calls the disorienting game's reorientation on Wii an "exciting move," noting that "Descent remains the most popular 1080º 3D blasting game." The task of translating all that super-hot 3D to WiiWare will fall to independent studio G1M2, which previously worked on portollections like Data East Arcade Classics for Wii and Metal Slug PC Collection.

Also, now that we're revisiting Descent, aren't we halfway to a Descent: Freespace revival? Everyone, say "yes."

If you’ve been wondering why I gush on and on about this game via our podcast, the article linked below might help you out. It puts my thoughts about Fragile Dreams into words better than I could. My passion for the game overcomes me, and it’s hard for me to really get out [...]

#squareenix First month figures for Final Fantasy XIII are in, with the North American version of Square Enix's role-playing game epic moving more than 1.3 million copies in the United States. The vast majority of those were on the PlayStation 3. More »

LA Machinegun and Gunblade NY will join House of the Dead and Ghost Squad on Wii.