All Topics Gaming older than one year ago

#wii The brothers Markowitz at CTA Digital let Totilo inside their Wonkaland of Wii peripherals last November and promised they were working on some peripherals core gamers wouldn't be embarrassed to use. Does a Wii Fit rowing machine attachment qualify? More »

Recent comments from Epic Games president Mike Capps in Edge Magazine (via Develop) show the developer's frustration with the PC piracy scene, as well as its hesitance to fully embrace the platform. "We still do PC, we still love the PC, but we already saw the impact of piracy: it killed a lot of great independent developers and completely changed our business model," Capps said.

Of course, Epic's shift to console development (think: Gears of War) also makes a lot of cents ... err, sense. "And now, people are saying 'why do you hate the PC? You're a console-only company.' It's because the money's on consoles," he said. Capps' candid stance likely doesn't preclude future success on PC -- there's still fertile land out there -- but for now, Epic has prioritized console blockbusters.

It's a shame it'll have to miss out on that $13 billion pie, though. We know how much Cliff Bleszinski likes his pie.

I definitely fall into the group that doesn’t change their name. I go with what the character is named from the start. I guess I’m boring…but it looks like most of us are!

In a recent job listing on Gamasutra, EA's Visceral Games studio put out a feeler for "an experienced Environment Artist for an existing action/adventure franchise." We might normally excuse this as a job listing for the currently-in-development Dead Space 2, but the listing further details the project as "a major opportunity to contribute to a bold new franchise, heavily backed by the EA Games Label ... the sequel to a major new IP at the award-winning Visceral Games."

The listing concludes with another vaguely suggestive line about creating a sequel that will "set new quality standards and make the franchise the world-leader in the action/melee-combat genre." Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 are mentioned as target consoles. All these clues add up to reasonable speculation that Visceral is recruiting for a sequel to this year's Dante's Inferno.

In December, the first game's producer was all for the idea of a sequel, but admitted that continuing to follow the path laid out by the The Divine Comedy source material, which would lead to Purgatory and perhaps on into Heaven, might not make for a great game -- especially in the action/melee-combat genre. Perhaps then, a Dante's Inferno sequel could take a few liberties with the story.

[Via Superannuation]

#visceralgames We're still a good six months (or more) from the release of Dead Space 2, so a slow trickle of screens from Visceral Games' sci-fi horror adventure feels more like teasing than anything else. More »

#screengrab Valve's founder and chief developer does read his email, and this reference to Better Off Dead shows he takes it seriously. Seen via Reddit. More »

Stepping into a wide open, more user-friendly fantasy world.

We'll keep this quick: Bungie's Brian Jarrard has just informed Joystiq, "Our official plans as of now are to turn off the Reach beta on Thursday, 5/20 at 10AM PDT." Previously, the beta was scheduled to end tomorrow.

That's what we call a reprieve! Get back into the fight, folks.

#clips A blend of live action and in-game graphics might seem ill-advised, as the transition to 20 seconds or so of gameplay in this new F.E.A.R. 3 trailer is a little jarring. But one has to consider live action exploding barrels. More »

Didn't like the ending to Batman: Arkham Asylum? Well, grab a stop-motion camera and make a whole new one with the action figures when they release January 12, 2011. The "Series 1" figures include Batman, Joker with Scarface, Scarecrow and Harley Quinn. Each figure has "multiple points of articulation," comes with display base and stands between six and seven inches tall.

There's currently no price on the dolls, but can one really put a price on creating a better Arkham Asylum finale in stop-motion?

[Via BigDownload, ComicsContinuum]

# Patch No. 3 for MLB 10 The Show was delivered to PS3 users earlier this morning, but unfortunately contains a rather serious error - runs crossing the plate on a third out are counted, where they shouldn't. More »

Sequel in development by Q-Games.

Save big on LED TVs, PS3 racing wheels, Bluetooth headsets and more!

Gamasutra reports that in the weeks preceding its launch on the shiny new Steam for Mac client, Runic Games' top-down RPG Torchlight hit a pretty substantial milestone. Since its launch last October the game, which typically sells for $20, has been purchased over 500,000 times.

We imagine Perfect World, the game's publishing partner that recently purchased a majority stake in Runic, is pleased as punch about reaching the sales milestone. You should be, too -- in honor of hitting the half-million mark, and in celebration of the game's launch on Mac, you can grab Torchlight on Steam for $10 for a limited time.

I love Space Invaders: Infinity Gene. It’s one of my favorite game son the iPhone. Now we see that the title is coming to some other platform, thanks to the OFLC listing. I really think this could be a great title on DSiWare or WiiWare, so keep your fingers crossed!

#northamerica Konami's side-scrolling opossum Sparkster makes his PlayStation Network debut in Rocket Knight, released alongside the latest Dragon Age: Origins expansion and a third game that's more than 50 years old. More »

In January, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot told investors that the company would "refocus"' its development efforts on Xbox 360 and PS3 in 2010, with particular emphasis on iterating its major franchises on the HD consoles. Today, as Ubisoft reported its earnings (actually, losses) for the fiscal year ending March 31, the company remained committed to the ongoing strategy outlined earlier this year.

"We will have more 360 [and] PS3 revenue this [fiscal] year than we had last year," Guillemot said during an investor call today. "The big franchises -- seven of the eight franchises -- will be on 360; and six will be on PS3. And we will have around six or seven on the Wii."

CFO Alain Martinez put last fiscal year's combined sales from PS3 and Xbox 360 software at "about 45 percent" of revenue for the publisher, adding, "I wouldn't be surprised if we are over 50 percent on these two platforms" at the end of the current fiscal year (April 2010 - March 2011). Martinez noted that Wii software sales accounted for "about 26 percent" of revenue in the last fiscal year and hopes sales to be close to that percentage again this fiscal year. In total, Ubisoft is looking to draw "about 77 percent" of its revenue from the three console platforms over the next four quarters.

We're going to ship an update with another small set of Pyro changes this week. Like our previous update, our goal is to increase the degree to which skill can make a difference between two Pyro players. We received a bunch of useful feedback after the last update, and we think we've managed to address most of it, without removing the skill-based additions. As always, play with it for a bit, and then let us know what you think.

#clips The co-op campaign in Transformers: War for Cybertron allows players to experience the game as either an Autobot or Decepticon. Which one will you choose first? More »

Super Hero Squad goes online.

Yet another addicting addition to the franchise

PSN Tuesday brings the cute and epic this week. Cute comes in the form of Rocket Knight, which may have some of its sales fueled by nostalgia, but can be a blast for those in the mood for classic (pseudo) 2D side-scrolling. The epic is delivered by Dragon Age: Origins' "Darkspawn Chronicles" DLC, which is just the latest add-on in the saga of Ferelden -- this one with a "what if" twist.

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.)

Team up with your favorite characters and embark on an amazing adventure.

#farmville The maker of Farmville, shedding users by the millions, got a jolt of good news on Tuesday when the game's parent company reached an agreement with Facebook, settling a standoff over the handling of virtual currency transactions. More »

Demon Dog Kings, penguins and manga artists. All in one place.

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

This week Spring Fever celebrates the Street Fighter Franchise. 50% off Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix ($7.49; reg. $14.99). Offer good through Monday, 5/24.

Updates

Joust Permanent Price Drop (now $1.99, original price $4.99) *Offer good through Monday, 6/1
Championship Sprint Permanent Price Drop (now $1.99, original price $4.99) *Offer good through Monday, 6/1
Dynogems Sale (now $1.99, original price $2.99) *Offer good through Monday, 6/7

Downloadable Games

Rocket Knight ($14.99)
Sparkster makes his triumphant arrival on next-gen consoles with Rocket Knight, the newest entry in the beloved 2-D side-scrolling rocket action series. Our favorite opossum hero returns home after 15 years to find the kingdom of Zephyrus in shambles. Use your wits and Sparkster’s trusty rocket pack to dodge and defeat a menacing wolf army threatening the lives of the people.
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 429 MB

The Price Is Right ($9.99)
Come on down to play the fabulous Price Is Right game! Feel the thrill of playing in Contestant’s Row and through different pricing game challenges, including Plinko, Cliff Hangers and Punch-A-Bunch and many more of your favorites. Try your luck as you spin the Big Wheel for the chance fabulous prizes and a huge pay-off at the Showcase! Featuring authentic theme music, stages and Rich Fields’ announcer audio create a true-to-show experience!
ESRB Rated E
File size: 890 MB

“Sam & Max” Episode 2: The Tomb of Sammun-Mak (free with purchase of Episode 1)
Epic 5 Game Saga
After facing a pillaging primate from outer space in the series premiere, Sam & Max cross paths with even stranger characters in this episode — their own great-grandparents! In this game, the strange Devil’s Toybox at the center of the trouble grants even greater and stranger powers, in a mystery with a transcontinental-railway whodunnit and a true riddle of the ages – one that only Max’s new emerging psychic gifts may solve.
ESRB Rated T
File size: 482 MB

PSone Classics

Bomberman Fantasy Race ($5.99)
Race at the biggest amusement station in the Galaxy and compete against wacky animals. Download this PS one Classic today!
ESRB Rated E
File size: 149 MB

Game Demos (free)

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 Demo
Play the Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 11 demo and collect Experience Points to hit the ground running with your golfer in the full version! Plus, collect even more Experience Points by sharing with friends. Within the demo, play 3 holes on 2 brand new courses, Liberty National and Celtic Manor, and also experience 2 brand new features – customizable Ryder Cup matches and a brand new game mode called True Aim. Screens featuring the myriad of new features for Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 11 are also included. Download today!
ESRB Rated E
File size: 1.68 GB

Rocket Knight Trial
Sparkster makes his triumphant arrival on next-gen consoles with Rocket Knight, the newest entry in the beloved 2-D side-scrolling rocket action series. Our favorite opossum hero returns home after 15 years to find the kingdom of Zephyrus in shambles. Use your wits and Sparkster’s trusty rocket pack to dodge and defeat a menacing wolf army threatening the lives of his people. Download this demo now!
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 429 MB

Iron Man 2 Demo
Download the Iron Man 2 demo. Suit up as Iron Man or War Machine. Check out THEIR incredible firepower and powerful NEW melee moves as you take on EPIC enemies from the Roxxon corporation. Full game out now!
ESRB Rated T
File size: 1.53 GB

ModNation Racers Demo
Be among the first to test drive ModNation Racers on the PS3 system! In this free demo you’ll experience kart racing for a new generation as you boost, drift, and race your way through the Alpine Drop track, and with up to 4 player offline split screen. Plus, preview the game’s revolutionary Creation Station tools! Create your own Mods, Karts, and Tracks which can be saved and imported to the full game later! Download this free demo today!
ESRB Rated E
File size: 985 MB

Add-on Game Content

Dragon Age: Origins – Darkspawn Chronicles ($4.99)
The city of Denerim, jewel of Ferelden, girds itself for war. As a hurlock vanguard, you alone hold the power to make thralls of your fellow darkspawn and drive them into the heat of battle. Heed the archdemon’s call–Denerim must burn!
File size: 341 MB

Split/Second – All Vehicle Unlock ($2.49)
Instantly unlock all Split/Second vehicles and get a full garage without needing to win any credits in season mode!
File size: 5.47 MB

Split/Second – Time Savers Pack ($4.99)
Unlock all vehicles, game modes & tracks for the ultimate Split/Second experience! Instant access to all the explosive game content!
File size: 5.47 MB

Split Second – All Track And Mode Unlock ($2.49)
Unlock all track & modes without playing through Season Mode. An instant collection of all content for Quick Play and Online racing!
File size: 5.47 MB

Battlefield: Bad Company 2 – Specact Assault Kit Upgrade Pack ($1.99)
Special Activities Unit. Unique uniform and a camouflaged M16A2 gives you a visual edge on the Battlefield. The pack also includes 3 new awards and one Trophy.
File size: 100 KB

Battlefield: Bad Company 2 – Specact Engineer Kit Upgrade Pack ($1.99)
Unique SPECACT uniform and a camouflaged UMP-45 gives you a visual edge on the Battlefield. The pack also includes 3 new awards and one Trophy.
File size: 100 KB

Battlefield: Bad Company 2 – Specact Medic Kit Upgrade Pack ($1.99)
Unique SPECACT uniform and a camouflaged MG3 gives you a visual edge on the Battlefield. The pack also includes 3 new awards and one Trophy.
File size: 100 KB

Battlefield: Bad Company 2 – Specact Recon Kit Upgrade Pack ($1.99)
Unique SPECACT uniform and a camouflaged M95 SNIPER gives you a visual edge on the Battlefield. The pack also includes 3 new awards and one Trophy.
File size: 100 KB

Record Of Agarest War: Item Pack 7: Academics-And-Sports Kit (free)
Contains [Magic Blade], which increases both magical power and physical damage; [Partisan] and [Battle Frame], which dramatically increase physical damage; and [Shiny Fang], which is used for combining items.
File size: 2.33 MB

Record Of Agarest War: Item Pack 8: Power Up+ (free)
Assorted items that are more powerful than the generic [Power Up]. Contains two each of [STR UP+], [VIT Up+], [INT Up+], [AGI Up+], [LUK Up+], and [Max. HP Up+]. Just wait until you use them!
File size: 2.33 MB

Record Of Agarest War: Item Pack 11: Massacre Kit ($0.99)
Assorted equipment that raises certain abilities to superhuman levels. Contains [Magic Hand], [Vajra Rod], [Carrot Sword], [Madu], [Ymir's Claw], and [Hidden Seeker].
File size: 2.33 MB

Record Of Agarest War: Item Pack 12: Animal Kit ($0.99)
Contains [Chicken Emblem], [Hiyoko Charm], [Mugen's Claw], [Sarnga], [Soul Sucker], and [Revive]. Perhaps this will show you what it feels like to be an animal.
File size: 2.33 MB

Record Of Agarest War: Points Pack 3: Reinforcement Point Pack ($4.99)
A set containing 500,000G and a whole lot of ability points (500PP, 5,000TP, and 250,000EP). Is this what you need to become invincible?
File size: 2.33 MB

Record Of Agarest War: Points Pack 4: Additional G+Ep ($3.49)
It’s a bonus package of G and EP with a whopping 5,000,000G and 1,000,000EP! EP points can be used for equipment and to reinforce active skills. With this, you can upgrade your characters however you want!
File size: 2.33 MB

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

• “Livin’ On The Edge” by Aerosmith ($1.99)
• “Love In An Elevator” by Aerosmith ($1.99)
• “Rag Doll” by Aerosmith ($1.99)
• Aerosmith Track Pack ($5.49) – Downloadable Track Pack featuring “Livin’ On The Edge”, “Love In An Elevator”, and “Rag Doll” by Aerosmith. Please Note: Many songs are available both as singles and as part of a Track Pack, so please carefully consider your purchases before downloading.

File size: 42 MB – 59 MB (singles), 156 MB (track pack)

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

• “Beat It On Down The Line” – Grateful Dead ($1.99)
• “Cumberland Blues” – Grateful Dead ($1.99)
• “Scarlet Begonias” – Grateful Dead ($1.99)
• “Throwing Stones” – Grateful Dead ($1.99)
• “Touch Of Grey” – Grateful Dead ($1.99)
• “U.S. Blues” – Grateful Dead ($1.99)
• Grateful Dead Pack 03 ($9.99) – Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track pack: Grateful Dead Pack 03. This pack includes “Beat It On Down The Line”, “Cumberland Blues”, “Scarlet Begonias”, “Throwing Stones”, “Touch Of Grey”, and “U.S. Blues” by Grateful Dead.
• “A Girl Like You” – The Smithereens ($1.99)
• “Only A Memory” – The Smithereens ($1.99)

Rock Band Network

• “Days Without” by All That Remains ($1.99)
• “Energy” by The Apples in Stereo ($0.99)
• “He Sleeps In A Grove” by Amberian Dawn ($1.99)
• “Sequestered In Memphis” by The Hold Steady Fake ($1.99)
• “Talk About” by Dear And The Headlights ($0.99)

File size: 17 – 60 MB (singles), 204 MB (track pack)

Game Videos (free)

Pulse 5/18 Edition
File size: 252 MB (HD), 438 MB (1080)

Brink: Container City Preview Part 1 Trailer
File size: 187 MB (HD)

Brink: Container City Preview Part 2 Trailer
File size: 176 MB (HD)

Brink: Container City Preview Part 3 Trailer
File size: 190 MB (HD)

Brink: Freedom Of Movement Trailer
File size: 162 MB (HD)

Soldner-X 2: Final Prototype Trailer
File size: 80 MB (HD)

Dante’s Inferno – Trial Of St. Lucia Editor Trailer
File size: 207 MB (HD)

Dante’s Inferno – Trial Of St. Lucia Trailer
File size: 50 MB (HD)

Dragon Age: Origins – Darkspawn Chronicles Trailer
File size: 39 MB (HD)

Blacklight: Tango Down – Madness Of War Trailer
File size: 62 MB (HD)

The Price Is Right Trailer
File size: 15 MB

Lead And Gold Gangs Of The Wild West Release Trailer
File size: 45 MB (HD)

After Burner Climax Launch Trailer
File size: 32 MB (HD)

Section 8 Tutorial Video Trailer
File size: 75 MB, 205 MB (HD), 367 MB (1080)

ModNation Racers – Hero Showdown Trailer
File size: 80 MB (HD), 135 MB (1080)

ModNation Racers PSP – Behind the Scenes
File size: 165 MB (HD), 280 MB (1080)

Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep Teaser Trailer
File size: 45 MB (1080)

PS3 Themes

Non-Game Themes: Phineas And Ferb Premium Theme ($1.49)
File size: 3.77 MB

Non-Game Themes: Surrogates Theme ($1.49)
File size: 6.4 MB

Beach Breeze Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
File size: 3.03 MB

Desert Sunset Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
File size: 3.77 MB

Mountain Escape Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
File size: 3.97 MB

DP Space Odyssey Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
File size: 4.81 MB

Music

echochrome Soundtrack ($2.99)
File size: 71 MB

echochrome Piano Remixes Soundtrack ($2.99)
File size: 45 MB

echochrome Soundtrack Bundle ($4.99)
Download a bundle featuring the original soundtrack with 13 tracks, plus the Piano Remixes with six additional tracks, and receive a special bonus.
File size: 1.78 GB

PlayStation Store for PSP

Downloadable Games (also available from PS3 Storefront)

Prince Of Persia: The Forgotten Sands ($39.99)
This new installment in the critically-acclaimed franchise marks the return to the Prince of Persia Sands of Time storyline. Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands includes many of the fan-favorite elements from the original series as well as new side-scrolling gameplay innovations designed for the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system. With Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands, choose your power and unleash your destiny!
ESRB Rated T
File size: 508 MB

PSP Minis (also available from PS3 Storefront)

Manic Monkey Mayhem – Minis ($4.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 16 MB

Supermarket Mania – Minis ($4.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 36 MB

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

LittleBigPlanet PSP – Turbo! Level Kit ($5.99)
PLAY, CREATE, SHARE…Everywhere. Put the pedal to the metal with this massive vehicle-based pack. Race, battle and bounce your way through six completely new levels. And the fun doesn’t stop there, with hundreds more bits and pieces to fill your Popit, you can create turbo-powered vehicular contraptions of your very own. NOTE: Manual Update required
File size: 1.15 MB

The Eye Of Judgement – Card Expansion Pack Volume 3 ($1.99)
Expand your digital card collection with the third add-on card pack! Give your duels an upper hand with 5 unique cards not found in the full game, including rare and ultra rare cards. Add these cards to your deck for unique combinations to win battles against the computer, or head-to-head online against other players. Unlike other cards, these can’t be traded or earned any other way. Download the add-on cards today!
File size: 1.51 MB

BUZZ! Quiz World PSP: National Geographic: Undersea ($3.99)
The world famous National Geographic archives brings you the ultimate quiz on aquatic trivia. This BUZZ! Quiz World quiz pack for your PSP or PSPgo system features hundreds of new questions about everything undersea to play in any of your favorite BUZZ! Quiz World game modes. Download this quiz pack today and turn your party into the ultimate trivia showdown.
File size: 98 MB

Game Videos (free)

3D Dot Game Heroes Full PSP Trailer
File size: 7.87 MB (HD)

Pulse 5/18 Edition
File size: 42 MB

ModNation Racers – Hero Showdown Trailer
File size: 14 MB

ModNation Racers PSP – Behind The Scenes Trailer
File size: 26 MB

PSP Themes (also available from PS3 Storefront)

Non-Game Themes: Surrogates Theme ($1.49)
File size: 507 KB

Non-Game Themes: Alice In Wonderland Premium Theme ($1.49)
File size: 597 KB

Non-Game Themes: Tinker Bell And The Lost Treasure Theme ($1.49)
File size: 610 KB