All Topics Gaming older than one year ago

During today's quarterly earnings call, Take-Two's Ben Feder confirmed that 2K Czech's wise guy sim, Mafia 2, will be chopped up into little pieces -- you know, for a demo release. "In August, 2K will launch a comprehensive demo program on Xbox Live Marketplace, PSN and the internet that will allow gamers to experience the game up until its launch," he said. Feder offered no exact date for when the demo was expected to fall off the back of the (virtual) truck.

Mafia 2 shakes down retail on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC on August 24.

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

Updates

Stand O’ Food Permanent Price Drop (now $2.99, original price $4.99)
Manhunt 2 Permanent Price Drop (now $14.99, original price $29.99)
The Warriors Permanent Price Drop (now $14.99, original price $19.99)
Dissidia Final Fantasy Permanent Price Drop (now $19.99, original price $39.99)
Sam And Max – The Devil’s Playhouse – Full Season Service Entitlement – Sale (now $24.99, original price $34.99)
Greed Corp. – Sale (now $5.99, original price $9.99)

Qore

Qore Episode 25: June 2010 ($2.99)
Episode 25 of Qore: Presented by the PlayStation®Network returns to action with Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light, talks sequels with 2D gaming gurus Q Games, rocks out with Green Day Rock Band, and joins Perseus in the Clash of the Titans.
File size: 1.49 GB

Qore Annual Subscription: June 2010 ($24.99)
Qore: Presented by the PlayStation Network is a monthly interactive video production covering the world of PlayStation. Qore provides its audience with exclusive behind-the-scenes access to developers and their games, from both the SCE Worldwide Studios and the third-party community, where the audience member can freely navigate through the content.
File size: 1.49 GB

Downloadable Games

Death Track: Resurrection ($14.99)
Death Track: Resurrection introduces high speed vehicular chaos as players battle using 10 futuristic vehicles, all with upgradable parts and weapons. Death Track takes place in 10 post-apocalyptic city tracks including New York , Paris, Bangkok, London, Moscow, Tokyo and more. Players can enter this world alone or with a friend using split-screen, or join a game with 8 other drivers to really crank up the mayhem.
ESRB Rated T
File size: 2.02 GB

Joe Danger ($14.99)
Download and play the death-defying thrill-ride starring Joe Danger, the Master of Disaster! Race, ride and defy death to thrill the crowd and break world records! Combo, boost and pull ludicrous stunts to fill Stadiums and put Joe back on the podium. Race against your friends or take on your rivals. Play in the sandbox to make and share your own Stunt Spectaculars. Exclusively on the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 261 MB

Sam & Max Episode 1: The Penal Zone ($8.99)
Wield psychic powers against fearsome foes in this epic comedy saga. The game starts with a bang in Episode 1 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

Voodoo Dice ($9.99)
Roll the dice in a mystical world filled with exploration, puzzle-solving, and adventure. Voodoo Dice is an innovative, challenging puzzler that plays with your mind as you solve puzzles in unique and interesting ways.
Encounter a funny and original universe, with great style and vibe, to defeat your enemies and solve enigmas.
Travel through 60 single-player and 20 multiplayer levels in a quest to conquer the voodoo universe!
ESRB Rated E
File size: 131 MB

PSone Classics

Bloody Roar 2 ($5.99)
Transform and do battle as a human-animal hybrid in this classic 3D fighting game! Put your strength to the test and fight your way to the top! Download this PS one Classic today!
ESRB Rated T
File size: 312 MB

Game Demos (free)

Voodoo Dice Trial
Roll the dice in a mystical world filled with exploration, puzzle-solving, and adventure. Voodoo Dice is an innovative, challenging puzzler that plays with your mind as you solve puzzles in unique and interesting ways. Voodoo Dice will win you over with its addictive gameplay and hundreds of paths to victory in this trial! Go further with 60 exciting single-player and 20 challenging multiplayer levels in the unlocked version.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 131 MB

Add-on Game Content

Smash Cars: Virus Run ($2.99)
The dynamic and tricked-out multiplayer racing excitement intensifies in the Smash Cars: Virus Run Add-On Pack. The new Split Screen feature lets players race their RC car against a friend as they twist, turn, grind, and perform tricks as only Smash Cars can! Plus, the new Virus Run six-player online mode presents new rules, new races and a cool new playground location, featuring a skate park and half pipe.
File size: 2.17 MB

Burn Zombie Burn In Space DLC ($2.99)
Space… the final frontier? Join our hero Bruce on his continuing mission to rid the Galaxy of the Zombie menace!
File size: 21 MB

Hustle Kings – Snooker Game Pack ($2.99)
It’s time to make your big break with the Snooker Game Pack for Hustle Kings, featuring new cues, balls, and tournaments to test your skills.
To use this download, you will need Hustle Kings. Download Snooker Game Pack for Hustle Kings today!
File size: 66 MB

Super Street Fighter IV: Super Challengers Pack 2 ($3.99)
Download the fourth pack of alternate costumes for Super Street Fighter IV! New costumes for Juri, Ibuki, Cody, Adon and T.Hawk are included! Create a new legend with these new costumes! Only available for use with Super Street Fighter IV.
File size: 100 KB

Skate 3 – Maloof Money Cup 2010 NYC Pack ($4.99)
Compete in one of skateboarding’s biggest annual contests. For the first time ever, the Maloof Money Cup travels East to New York where you’ll skate the course and battle with some of skating’s heaviest hitters in fierce competition for the ultimate purse.
File size: 60 MB

Death Track: Resurrection – Hari 108 ($0.99)
Do you want to be the fastest and best-armed player on the track? Then this exclusive car is for you! As one of the best vehicles in the game, it will allow to you to pass others with ease, destroy opponents with impunity and be the best competitor on the track! Don’t take our word for it, though; buckle in and find out for yourself!
File size: 134 KB

LittleBigPlanet: Heavy Rain – Ethan Costume ($1.99)
The best thing about Sackboy is that you can make him look and act exactly as you want. Download this costume today and dress up your Sackboy to look like Ethan Mars from the PlayStation 3 thriller, Heavy Rain. NOTE: to download this costume, you must already own LittleBigPlanet.
File size: 1.04 MB

LittleBigPlanet: Heavy Rain – Jayden Costume ($1.99)
The best thing about SackBoy is that you can make him look and act exactly as you want. Download this costume today and dress up your Sackboy to look like Norman Jayden from the PlayStation 3 thriller, Heavy Rain. NOTE: to download this costume, you must already own LittleBigPlanet.
File size: 1.04 MB

LittleBigPlanet: Heavy Rain – Madison Costume ($1.99)
The best thing about SackBoy is that you can make him look and act exactly as you want. Download this costume today and dress up your Sackboy to look like Madison Paige from the PlayStation 3 thriller, Heavy Rain. NOTE: to download this costume, you must already own LittleBigPlanet.
File size: 1.04 MB

LittleBigPlanet: Heavy Rain – Origami Costume ($1.99)
The best thing about Sackboy is that you can make him look and act exactly as you want. Download this costume today and dress up your Sackboy to look like the Origami piece from the PlayStation 3 thriller, Heavy Rain. NOTE: to download this costume, you must already own LittleBigPlanet.
File size: 1.04 MB

LittleBigPlanet: Heavy Rain – Shelby Costume ($1.99)
The best thing about SackBoy is that you can make him look and act exactly as you want. Download this costume today and dress up your Sackboy to look like Scott Shelby from the PlayStation 3 thriller, Heavy Rain. NOTE: to download this costume, you must already own LittleBigPlanet.
File size: 1.04 MB

LittleBigPlanet: Heavy Rain Costume Pack ($5.99)
Download this costume today and dress up your Sackboy to look like your favorite characters from the PlayStation 3 thriller, Heavy Rain. Includes Norman Jayden, Madison Paige, Ethan Mars, Scott Shelby, and the unique Origami costume. Plus, the Costume Kit includes over 60 stickers to decorate your own levels. NOTE: To download this Costume Kit, you must already own LittleBigPlanet.
File size: 1.04 MB

ModNation Racers: Vamp Mod ($0.99)
Start your next ModNation Racers race as Vamp! Kart around with the attitude of a an immortal vampire, and add an undead twist to your races. Vamp includes several Mod accessories for you to Create with in the Mod Studio including a Gothic Jacket, Vampire Hairdo and Cape! Download this pack today!
File size: 100 KB

ModNation Racers: Vamp’s Kart ($0.99)
Vamp’s Kart will have you cruising around ModNation Racers setting fear into the hearts of your competition with a dead serious kart! Vamp’s Kart includes a fully-designed Kart body, as well as Kart parts for you to Create with in the Kart Studio including a Casket Body, Casket/Pillow Seat, and Wooden Stake ornament. Download this pack today!
File size: 100 KB

ModNation Racers: Vamp Mod and Vamp’s Kart Bundle ($1.75)
Vamp is ready to tear up the race track with his frightening kart and a style that will surely get your blood flowing! This ModNation Racers Vamp Mod AND Vamp’s Kart bundle pack includes a fully-designed Mod, Kart, as well as several related parts and accessories for you to Create with in the Mod and Kart Studios. Download this pack today!
File size: 200 KB

Record Of Agarest War: Item Pack 17: Death Kit ($2.49)
This kit might have everything you need to send someone to hell. Contains [Halper Scythe], [Alfa Beld Spear], [Gate of Hell], and [Mighty Ring].
File size: 2.33 MB

Record Of Agarest War: Item Pack 18: Virgin Kit ($2.49)
This is the exact opposite of the sexy kitten kit. Contains [S. V. Rouge], [Langguth Sword], [Princess Bustier], and [Princess's Tiara]. It’s a bit of a shame that it’s not as revealing… Which one would you prefer?
File size: 2.33 MB

Record Of Agarest War: Points Pack 7: Additional TP ($6.99)
This will increase your TP by a mind-boggling 30,000TP! TP can be exchanged for items and skills at an [Adventurer's Guild]. Since TP is obtained according to the maximum number of hits, this is recommended for those who are struggling to deal hits!
File size: 2.33 MB

Tiger Woods (x50) ($0.99 – $9.99)
File size: 101 KB - 137 MB

DJ Hero: 2 Mix! (free)
DJ Hero is giving you a taste of the never before heard mixes that will be released with DJ Hero 2 this October! For a limited time only, download “Just Dance” by Lady Gaga ft. Colby O’Donis vs. “Ghosts ‘n’ Stuff” by Deadmau5. This one is on us! But you gotta get it by June 14th and then it’s gone until DJ Hero 2 releases this Fall. For all song credits please visit www.djhero.com.
File size: 14 MB

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

• “God Save The Queen (GH Version)” by Steve Ouimette (free)
• “Il Canto Degli Italiani (GH Version)” by Steve Ouimette (free)
• “La Marseillaise (GH Version)” by Steve Ouimette (free)
• “Lied Der Deutschen (GH Version)” by Steve Ouimette (free)
• “Marcha Real (GH Version)” by Steve Ouimette (free)
• “The Star-Spangled Banner (GH Version)” by Steve Ouimette (free)
• The National Anthem Pack Pack (free) – Downloadable Track Pack featuring “God Save The Queen (GH Version),” “Il Canto Degli Italiani (GH Version),” “La Marseillaise (GH Version),” “Lied Der Deutschen (GH Version),” “March Real (GH Version),” and “The Star-Spangled Banner (GH Version)” by Steve Ouimette. 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: 22 MB – 28 MB (singles), 120 MB (track pack)

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

• “Cherry Waves” – Deftones ($1.99)
• “Hole In The Earth” – Deftones ($1.99)
• “Minerva” – Deftones ($1.99)
• Deftones Pack 01 ($5.49) – Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track pack: Deftones Pack 01. This pack includes “Cherry Waves”, “Hole In The Earth”, and “Minerva” by Deftones.
• “The Great Escape” – Boys Like Girls ($1.99)
• “Rock Ready” – Crown Of Thorns ($1.99)

Rock Band Network

• “Collapsing” by Demon Hunter ($1.99)
• “Don’t Let Me Down (Slowly)” by The Main Drag ($1.99)
• “Heimdalsgate Like A Promethean Curse” by of Montreal ($1.99)
• “Mechanical Love” by In This Moment ($1.99)
• “The Mob Goes Wild” by Clutch ($1.99)

File size: 29 MB – 43 MB (singles), 108 MB (track pack)

Music

Official ModNation Racers Soundtrack ($7.99)
File size: 90 MB

Game Videos (free)

Dante’s Inferno – Trials Of St. Lucia Walkthrough Trailer
File size: 166 MB (HD)

Joe Danger Trailer
File size: 61 MB (HD)

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II – Announce Trailer
File size: 90 MB (HD)

Red Dead Redemption – Official Launch Trailer
File size: 88 MB

PS3 Themes

Wakeboarding HD Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
File size: 877 KB

ACR Premium Theme ($1.99)
File size: 7.87 MB

PlayStation Store for PSP

Downloadable Games (also available from PS3 Storefront)

Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker ($39.99)
The world-renowned stealth-action series returns in a new chapter hand-crafted by Hideo Kojima himself! The year is 1974. Join “Snake,” (a.k.a. Big Boss), in pursuit of a mysterious armed force that threatens peaceful Costa Rica – “A Nation without a Military.” Experience the thrill of cooperative stealth on your PSP system and the legendary gameplay that is METAL GEAR SOLID PEACE WALKER!
ESRB Rated
File size: 1.38 GB

Metal Slug XX ($19.99)
The excitement of the arcade comes to your PSP (PlayStation Portable) system with the series’ uncompromisingly crazy “run-and-gun” gameplay and a 2-player ad hoc mode that lets you and a friend take on the challenge together! Classic characters Marco, Tarma, Fio, Eri, Ralf, and Clark return once again to take on General Morden and his new and improved Rebel Army.
ESRB Rated T
File size: 166 MB

Disgaea Infinite ($19.99)
Wrongly accused for the failed assassination of Overlord Laharl, a lone Prinny sets off on a quest through time to clear the Prinny Squad’s name. Possess characters, control their minds, and solve the Netherworld’s most bizarre mystery of exploding pudding!
ESRB Rated T
File size: 154 MB

PSP Minis (also available from PS3 Storefront)

Lock ‘N Chase – Minis ($3.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 2.58 MB

Cubixx – Minis ($3.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 29 MB

Vibes – Minis ($5.99)
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 60 MB

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

SOCOM Fire Team Bravo 3: Korean 707 SMB (free)
Download the new Korean 707 SMB Multiplayer Character + MK5KA4 Compact SMG for use in multiplayer.
File size: 823 KB

SOCOM Fire Team Bravo 3: British Special (free)
Download the new British Special Air Service Multiplayer Character and AS50 Sniper Rifle for use in multiplayer.
File size: 839 KB

SOCOM Fire Team Bravo 3: German Kommando (free)
Download the new German Kommando Spezialkrafte Multiplayer Character and F2K Improved Assault Rifle for use in multiplayer.
File size: 842 KB

SOCOM Fire Team Bravo 3: Australian Special (free)
Download the new Australian Special Air Service Regiment Character and TAR 21 Improved Assault Rifle for use in multiplayer.
File size: 883 KB

Game Videos (free)

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable Opening Movie Trailer
File size: 11 MB

PSP Themes (also available from PS3 Storefront)

Pinball Heroes: ModNation Racers PSP Theme
File size: 531 KB

Pinball Heroes: WipEout HD Fury PSP Theme
File size: 470 KB

ACR PSP Theme 1 ($1.49)
File size: 509 KB

ACR PSP Theme 2 ($1.49)
File size: 527 KB

PSP Wallpaper (free)

Armored Core Last Raven Wallpaper 3
File size: 48 KB

Armored Core Last Raven Wallpaper 4
File size: 51 KB

Armored Core Last Raven Wallpaper 5
File size: 67 KB

THE GAMES Squares (Dots) Nine Men’s Morris (Mill) Safe Cracker Matchsticks Noughts & Crosses (Tic-Tac-Toe) 4 In-A-Row BattleFleet Hangman KEY FEATURES Include 8 super addictive classic games Numerous rule sets & game variations – so many ways to play! Fun for all the family – up to 4 players can compete in Tournament mode 20 special secret achievements to unlock More screens here

According to Take-Two Interactive second quarter financial results, Rockstar's Red Dead Redemption has sold more than 5 million copies since the game's May 18 release. More »

#e3 E3 2010 is almost ready for action. Are you ready for the action games of E3? These console and PC games, we think, are going to be the biggest video games of video gaming's big show. More »

We have a winner! Well, a "winner." Back in March, Take-Two named four titles: Max Payne 3, Mafia II, L.A. Noire, and Civilization V, and floated the possibility that one of them would be delayed out of fiscal 2010 (which ends October 31). Today, the publisher revealed that the near-illusory Max Payne 3, which had already faced a delay, was the one.

No further specifics about the delay were revealed in the company's earnings release, but Take-Two affirmed that the other three titles are still on track. Mafia II currently has a release date of August 24, and L.A. Noire and Civ V are set for the fiscal fourth quarter -- which means they should be out by the end of October. Though, just because Max Payne took the (slow-motion) delay bullet this time doesn't mean the other games are safe.

A trailer so cool that we’ll post it up twice. When we first ran with this story, we had no idea if this trailer was for a new movie or a game. Now we’re hearing that this is indeed for a new Mortal Kombat movie, which has been a long-time coming. [...]

Third title slips out of fiscal fourth quarter.

2 Non-GAAP EPS of $0.34 Exceeds Guidance Company Increases Revenue and Non-GAAP EPS Guidance for Fiscal 2010 New York, NY – June 8, 2010 – Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTWO) today announced financial results for its second quarter ended April 30, 2010. Net revenue for the second fiscal quarter was $268.0 million, an increase of approximately 54% compared [...]

Lionhead gets sarcastic, people get confused.

3-D is great and all, but Capcom COO Haruhiro Tsujimoto is excited about another possible component of Nintendo's 3DS: a new distribution system for games, similar to Apple's App Store. "What we're more looking forward to is the offering of a new business model," he told Nikkei BP (translated by Andriasang). "Nintendo has been in the hardware business for a long time, and I believe they must be looking closely at Apple's recent success." This came after Tsujimoto praised Japanese mobile phone provider NTT DoCoMo's open, App Store-style business model.

Of course, Nintendo already has a digital distribution platform on the DS, DSiWare, as well as digital services for Wii. But Nintendo's digital platforms are currently less open than the App Store, and therefore much less populous. We'll likely find out at E3 whether Tsujimoto's prediction is true.

The importance of music in a game can’t be understated. It can make all the difference, no matter what type of game you’re playing. Getting the right music was tricky for ModNation Racers since it needed to not only feel like racing, but also to capture the creative spirit and unique visual style of the ModNation Racers universe. Thankfully, United Front Games did a great job finding the right guys for the job.The end result is an upbeat mix of rock, hip-hop, and funk music composed by a handful of talented composers, including Peter Chapman, Marc Baril, and Melissa Reese, who are all featured on the soundtrack.

We are now happy to announce the release of the ModNation Racers soundtrack on PSN for only $7.99. The 16-track soundtrack, featuring 15 songs from the game as well as a bonus track, can also be found on iTunes.

Here are a few of my favorite tracks:

ModNation Theme

This bonus track is the official anthem for ModNation Racers and everybody who worked on the game is required to sing it to themselves once a day.

Here to Have Fun

This track always elevates my mood… probably has something to do with the vocals saying something about partying all day.

Put Your Headphones On

This track invariably gets me nodding my head when the chorus kicks in. It’s good driving music too, although I have to remind myself when I am in my car not to boost too much and that drifting is probably not a good idea.

We hope you enjoy the soundtrack as much as we are and, of course, if you haven’t already, pick up ModNation Racers out now on both PS3 and PSP!

Also, if you have any questions on how the music or soundtracks are put together — ask away and I’ll do my best to answer them.

#e3 Those Spider-Man 2099 images we posted last week were definitely from Activision's upcoming game Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions, as evidenced by these official E3 screenshots and trailer starring the futuristic arachnid. More »

Coming from an official Nintendo of France announcement… I don’t think many people are waiting for this game, but at least fans of the series will know that their time waiting wasn’t for nothing!

Max Payne 3 has been delayed until some time after Halloween 2010, according to a press release from the game's publisher issued today. More »

Or should that be: spell some blocks? Anyway, the point is that a Lego Harry Potter Years 1-4 demo is now available on Xbox Live Marketplace. Finally, you can relive all the great moments from the books. Like when Harry accidentally summoned the Staypuft Marshmallow Man, or when Hermione flew the Millennium Falcon through the Death Star. Okay, so none of those things happened, but it's been like three years since the last book came out. Give us a break.


Xbox.com: Add Lego Harry Potter demo to your Xbox 360 download queue

Rockstar's western officially a hit.

See the new guitar for Warriors of Rock.

#bulletstorm The last time the powerful people at Electronic Arts sent our boss Brian Crecente something ridiculous in the mail, he burned it on his grill. Fitting, then, that they sent him some meat. More »

#gameface Found on Flickr. More »

2K Play is ready to introduce you to New Carnival Games this fall on Wii and DS. Sure, the "new" portion of the title is a bit of a misnomer, considering the game features 30 classic carny activities such as "Fish Bowl Bounce," "Bumper Cars" and a "Haunted House," but a title like Even More Carnival Games For 2K to Bank On came across as a little cynical.

New Carnival Games will support the Wii MotionPlus for numerous activities, including "Lucky Toss, Gone Fishin' and Speed Bingo." The game also has over 300 carnival "prizes" to collect like "Moon Rocks, Eye-Bots, Decoder Rings and Wacky Wearables." It's the sort of clean, insulated carnival your whole family can visit without fear of picking up someone's disease from a grimy ball.

It won't be Killer Instinct 3. It won't be like anything you've played from Rare before.

Major Nelson has spilled all of the proverbial beans on next week's XBL content and deals, and it looks like the perfect time to catch up on some games you might have missed.

Leading the pack is Earthworm Jim HD, the long-awaited re-release of the only game in memory that lets you launch cows for fun and profit. It'll be out on Wednesday, June 9, for 800 ($10). Red Faction Guerrilla and Need for Speed Undercover will be released for Games on Demand, and a demo for LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 will be out on Monday, June 7.

The deals are excellent as well -- Worms 2: Armageddon, Duke Nukem 3D and Peggle (yes!) will all be on sale next week for 400 ($5), and you'll be able to get FPSes Serious Sam HD, Call of Duty Classic and Battlefield 1943 for just 800 ($10).