All Topics Gaming older than one year ago

Is Sony's zapper-style accessory worth the cash?

Plus, Wii Remote Plus dated, and the Classic Controller Pro to be sold separately.

#northamerica PlayStation 3 owners are in for a treat this week, with the arrival of Double Fine's Costume Quest for the North American PlayStation Store. What else do we have in this bag of digital goodies? More »

After spending countless hours playing the excellent Super Stardust HD, I was totally excited for developer Housemarque's next PSN title -- until I learned what it was. Dead Nation looked and sounded utterly generic. "Ugh -- yet another top-down zombie blasting game?" I lamented. With Burn Zombie Burn and Zombie Apocalypse already available on PSN, and countless other zombie-themed games and add-ons flooding the market, I begrudgingly dismissed Housemarque's new effort.

Having played the first third of the game in two-player co-op, however, I can admit to being wrong.

In the wake of mixed reactions to Other M, we explore possible directions for the series' next sequel.

An entry-level role-playing experience.

Take the turntable controller for another spin.

Even without the UFC license, this one deserves a title shot.

You're getting a Kinect! And you're getting a Kinect! And you, and you and you're getting a Kinect! Oprah did today what only Bejeweled and Farmville have been able to do so far: Get a bunch of middle-aged ladies ecstatically excited about video games. The television guru indeed gave an Xbox 360 system and a Kinect sensor away to every member of her studio audience this afternoon, and while you might expect a group of gamers to be a little thrilled about that, the women in her audience went freakin' nuts.

The show was about "The Next Big Thing," and featured an appearance by reality show crooner Susan Boyle, as well as a segment on The Daily Show's upcoming "Rally to Restore Sanity" anti-movement. But whatever the reason Oprah decided to go all Microsoft motion controller on her audience, it appears to have worked -- they loved it. Maybe this means they don't have to buy Christmas presents for the kids this year? Watch the whole surreal video after the break.

Bungie may be done with Halo, but the universe is still expanding.

Double Fine's test-drive into downloadable titles, Costume Quest, is ready for those ready to experience a Unicorn wearing a purple and rainbow outfit.

For those with the Move, try out the demo for The Shoot. The title if pretty self-explanatory of what one should expect, but check out the trailer if you need more info.

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

Are you fast enough to get into the Killzone 3 Beta?

If you're not attending BlizzCon 2010, watching it on DirectTV's pay-per-view service, or paying for an online video stream, then you're likely not familiar with the schedule. Posted on the official BlizzCon site is a full list of events that stretch across the majority of the day for Friday Oct. 22nd and Saturday Oct. 23rd. Things kick off at 11 AM local time here on the west coast of the United States with the opening ceremony, the span of time when big announcements are generally made.

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

PlayStation Plus

Tom Raider: Underworld Game Trial (Free and Exclusive to PlayStation Plus Subscribers)
File size: 6 GB

Burn Zombie Burn (Free to PlayStation Plus Subscribers)

Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee (Free to PlayStation Plus Subscribers)

Bloons – minis (Free to PlayStation Plus Subscribers)

Everyday Shooter (PlayStation Plus Price $5.00, original price $9.99)

Everyday Shooter PSP (PlayStation Plus Price $5.00, original price $9.99)

Shienryu (PlayStation Plus Price $3.00, original price $5.99)

Tall Unlimited (PlayStation Plus Price $3.00, original price $5.99)

Killzone 3 Beta Theme (Free to PlayStation Plus Subscribers)

Halloween Theme (Free to PlayStation Plus Subscribers)

Wise Father Theme (Free to PlayStation Plus Subscribers)

Updates

Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee – Sale (PS3/PSP) (now $4.99, original price $9.99) **Part of the PlayStation 15th Anniversary Sale
Oddworld Abe’s Exoddus – Sale (PS3/PSP) (now $4.99, original price $9.99) **Part of the PlayStation 15th Anniversary Sale
TerRover – Sale (PS3) (now $9.99, original price $14.99)
Puzzle Chronicles – Permanent Price Drop (PSP) (now $9.99, original price $29.99)
Monster Hunter Freedom Unite – Permanent Price Drop (PSP) (now $19.99, original price $29.99)
Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines – Permanent Price Drop (PSP) (now $19.99, original price $39.99)
Jame Cameron’s Avatar: The Game – Permanent Price Drop (PSP) (now $19.99, original price $39.99)
Brothers in Arms: D-Day – Permanent Price Drop (PSP) (now $9.99, original price $29.99)
Chessmaster: The Art of Learning – Permanent Price Drop (PSP) (now $9.99, original price $19.99)
Prince of Persia: Rival Swords – Permanent Price Drop (PSP) (now $9.99, original price $29.99)
Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands – Permanent Price Drop (PSP) (now $19.99, original price $39.99)
TMNT PSP – Permanent Price Drop (PSP) (now $9.99, original price $19.99)
Tom Clancy’s End War – Permanent Price Drop (PSP) (now $9.99, original price $29.99)
Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Essentials – Permanent Price Drop (PSP) (now $9.99, original price $19.99)
Rocketmen: It Came From Uranus – Permanent Price Drop (PS3) (now $3.99, original price $4.99)
Rocketmen: Axis of Evil – Permanent Price Drop (PS3) (now $6.99, original price $9.99)

Downloadable Games

Costume Quest ($14.99)
Rediscover Halloween in this adventure/role-playing game from Tim Schafer’s Double Fine Productions. Explore the quaint suburban neighborhood, spooky mall and creepy carnival. Collect magical costumes, powerful upgrades and special items as you hunt down quests. Battle the evil overlords in this epic adventure to rescue your kidnapped sibling and save Halloween!
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 386 MB

Aqua Panic! ($9.99)
After a violent tropical cyclone, the fish, shrimps, octopus and other creatures living in the sea are thrown out of the water… There is no time to waste! Use original tools to lead them to freedom! Quick thinking and speed will be necessary to succeed your mission to save them all!
ESRB Rated E
File size: 630 MB

Tomb Raider: Underworld ($14.99)
Tomb Raider Underworld represents a new advancement in exploration-based gameplay. As fearless adventurer Lara Croft, explore exotic locations around the world, each designed with an incredible attention to detail resulting in breathtaking high-definition visual fidelity that creates a truly believable world and delivers a new level of challenge and choice.
ESRB Rated T
File size: 6 GB

PSone Imports

Arcade Hits: Shienryu ($5.99)
Shienryu is a classic vertical-scrolling Arcade shoot’em-up. The game can be flown alone or with a friend for added power (and laughs!). You’ll face off against towering alien mechs and endure a bedlam of bullets that will test your steel.
File size: 400 MB

Tall Unlimited ($5.99)
Tall Unlimted is a challenging puzzle game where you build a tower by rolling blocks so the colored sides match up. Matching a block creates two new blocks. There are chain reactions and combo moves to strategically elevate your game. The object is to build a tower as high and fast as you can. Sound easy?

Please Note: this game is a direct import from Japan. Although text is limited, it is in the original Japanese language. Help can be found at www.monkeypawgames.com
File size: 108 MB

Game Demos (free)

Costume Quest Demo
Rediscover Halloween in this adventure/role-playing game from Tim Schafer’s Double Fine Productions. Explore the quaint suburban neighborhood, spooky mall and creepy carnival. Collect magical costumes, powerful upgrades and special items as you hunt down quests. Battle the evil overlords in this epic adventure to rescue your kidnapped sibling and save Halloween!
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 386 MB

Fist of the North Star: Ken’s Rage Demo
YOU ARE ALREADY DEAD!
Prepare for the merciless action and brutal hand-to-hand combat of FIST OF THE NORTH STAR: KEN’S RAGE. Put your martial arts skills to the test against masses of bloodthirsty enemies in the demo for this no-holds-barred action brawler ripped from the pages of the popular manga classic.
ESRB Rated M
File size: 1.32 GB

The Shoot Demo
Do you have what it takes to become the ultimate action hero film star? Find out in the new demo for the exclusive PlayStation Move title, The Shoot.
ESRB Rated T
File size: 383 MB

Add-on Game Content

Zen Pinball – Paranormal Table ($2.49)
As a paranormal detective, your job is to investigate mysterious and supernatural phenomena. You’ll have your hands full with hauntings, weird creatures, and inexplicable lapses in the laws of nature! Even the silver ball is not immune to the erratic forces at work within this table.
File size: 49 MB

My Aquarium – Big Fish Set ($0.99)
The Big Fish Set includes the Jaw Characin, the Japanese Bullhead Shark, and the Leopard Catfish. Full game of My Aquarium (sold separately) required to use The Big Fish Set.
File size: 3.11 MB

Dead Rising 2 – Skills Pack – Soldier ($1.99)
Turn Chuck into a battle-hardened soldier with this rugged costume!
File size: 5.77 MB

Split Second – Deadline Pack ($4.99)
Download the “Deadline” Pack, featuring new cars and the new single player Deadline game mode.
File size: 86 MB

Space Invaders: Infinity Gene – Bonus Stage Pack 1 ($2.99)
Add Bonus Stages 3-1 to 3-6. (* All added bonus stages can be played via Bonus Mode.)
File size: 100 KB

ModNation Racers – Gopher Mod ($0.99)
Don’t mess with Gopher and his souped up Golf Kart. Whether on the fairway or on the race track, this guy likes to “drive”! This ModNation Racers Mod includes a fully-designed Mod, as well as several related parts and accessories for you to Create with. Download this pack today!
File size: 100 KB

ModNation Racers – Gopher Kart ($0.99)
Don’t mess with Gopher and his souped up Golf Kart. Whether on the fairway or on the race track, this guy likes to “drive”! This ModNation Racers Kart pack includes a fully-designed Kart, as well as several related parts and accessories for you to Create with. Download this pack today!
File size: 100 KB

ModNation Racers – Gopher Mod and Kart ($1.75)
Don’t mess with Gopher and his souped up Golf Kart. Whether on the fairway or on the race track, this guy likes to “drive”! This ModNation Racers Mod and Kart 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: 100 KB

Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock
For all song credits please visit www.guitarhero.com.

• “Waiting For The End” – Linkin Park ($1.99)
• “Wretches And Kings” – Linkin’ Park ($1.99)
• “Blackout” – Linkin Park ($1.99)
• “Burning In The Skies” – Linkin Park ($1.99)
• “The Catalyst” – Linkin Park ($1.99)
• “The Messenger” – Linkin Park ($1.99)
• Linkin Park Track Pack ($11.99) – Downloadable Track Pack featuring “Waiting For The End”, “Wretches And Kings”, “Blackout”, “Burning In The Skies”, “The Catalyst”, and “The Messenger” by Linkin Park. 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: 27 – 54 MB (singles), 246 MB (track pack)

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

• “Big Empty” – Stone Temple Pilots ($1.99)
• “Crackerman” – Stone Temple Pilots ($1.99)
• “Creep” – Stone Temple Pilots ($1.99)
• “Dead & Bloated” – Stone Temple Pilots ($1.99)
• “Huckleberry Crumble” – Stone Temple Pilots ($1.99)
• “Trippin’ on a Hole in a Paper Heart” – Stone Temple Pilots ($1.99)
• Stone Temple Pilots Pack 01 ($9.99) – Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track pack: Stone Temple Pilots Pack 01. This pack includes “Big Empty”, “Crackerman”, “Creep”, “Dead & Bloated”, “Huckleberry Crumble”, and “Trippin’ on a Hole in a Paper Heart”.
• “Bleed American″ – Jimmy Eat World ($1.99)
• “My Best Theory″ – Jimmy Eat World ($1.99)
• “Pain″ – Jimmy Eat World ($1.99)
• Jimmy Eat World Pack 02 ($5.49) – Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track pack: Jimmy Eat World Pack 02. This pack includes “Bleed American”, “My Best Theory”, and “Pain”.

Rock Band Network

• “A Prophecy” – Asking Alexandria ($1.99)
• “In Memory” – Excruciating Thoughts ($0.99)
• “Last Train to Awesometown” – Parry Gripp ($0.99)
• “Nom Nom Nom Nom Nom Nom Nom” – Parry Gripp ($0.99)
• “Sending Signals” – Evergreen Terrace ($0.99)

File size: 4.68 – 45 MB (singles), 82 – 189 MB (track pack)

Bundles

Rocketmen: Total Uranus Bundle ($9.99)
Purchase both “Rocketmen: Axis of Evil” and “Rocketmen: It Came From Uranus” with this Two-in-One Combo Pack.
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 153 MB

Burn Zombie Burn: The Diarrhea of the Dead Bundle ($11.99)
The Diarrhea of the Dead Bundle features the original Burn Zombie Burn! game, the In Space add-on, and the Burn Zombie Burn! Premium Theme.
ESRB Rated M
File size: 189.5 MB

Tehra Dark Warrior & DynoGems (Bundle) ($3.99)
Play DynoGems and get ready to enjoy the new gem from the classics “Match Three”, an incredibly addictive and easy game to play. Or take your adrenaline to the limit with “Tehra Dark Warrior”, a fast-paced 3D action-adventure game that will immerse you in a fantasy land where you will fight against orcs, wizards, huge trolls, and strange beasts.
ESRB Rated T
File size: 66 MB

Avatars

Darkstalkers Avatars (x2) ($0.49)
File size: 100 KB

Ghouls ‘n Ghosts Avatars (x2) ($0.49)
File size: 100 KB

Soldner-X 2: Final Prototype Avatars (x3) ($0.49)
File size: 100 KB

Game Videos (free)

NBA 2K11 – Become The Greatest Trailer
File Size: 85 MB (HD)

Bulletstorm Tanya Jessen Gamescom Demo Commentary
File Size: 147 MB (HD)

Deathspank: Thongs of Virtue Launch Trailer
FIle Size: 43 MB (HD)

Deathspank: Thongs of Virtue Story Trailer
File Size: 82 MB (HD)

Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 Intro Trailer
File Size: 46 MB (HD)

Star Wars : The Force Unleashed II – Launch Trailer
File Size: 121 MB (HD)

The Tester Season 2 Launch Trailer
File Size: 96 MB (HD), 144 MB (1080)

Pulse 10/19 Edition
File Size: 276 MB (HD), 445 MB (1080)

Heavy Rain Concept Video
File Size: 191 MB (HD), 320 MB (1080)

Heavy Rain Beginnings Video
File Size: 282 MB (HD), 472 MB (1080)

Heavy Rain Emotion Video
File Size: 342 MB (HD), 573 MB (1080)

PlayStation Move: Kevin Butler TV Spot – Distractions
File Size: 22 MB (HD)

PS3 Themes

The Tester Season 2 Theme (free)
File size: 3.79 MB

Aqua Panic! HD Spring Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
File size: 1.09 MB

Aqua Panic! HD Summer Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
File size: 1.41 MB

Lightning Apocalypse Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
File size: 2.82 MB

Comic Super Heroes Theme ($1.99)
File size: 2.96 MB

Autumn Stroll Theme ($1.49)
File size: 6.17 MB

Werewolf Theme ($1.49)
File size: 6.09 MB

PlayStation Store for PSP

Downloadable Games (also available from PS3 Storefront)

DJ Max Portable 3 ($39.99)
Come test your coordination and skill. Mix your way through over 40 unique tracks, with tons of unlockables and hidden features.
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 1.49 GB

Blazing Souls Accelate ($34.99)
Enter the world of Neverland, a war-weary world whose long-fought-for peace is being threatened by Human Genomes, a species created by a long-dead god to be the successors to humanity. Join Zelos, an amoral mercenary with a shadowy past and access to almost unlimited power, as he and a group of adventurers who insist on calling him a friend embark on an epic quest of redemption and salvation.
ESRB Rated T
File size: 431 MB

PSP Minis (also available from PS3 Storefront)

Age of Hammer Wars – Minis ($4.99)
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 40 MB

Game Videos (free)

The Tester Season 2 Launch Trailer
File size: 23 MB

Pulse 10/19 Edition
File size: 45 MB

PSP Themes (also available from PS3 Storefront)

Phantasy Star Portable 2 Theme (free)
File size: 437 KB

Comic Super Heroes PSP Theme 1 ($1.49)
File size: 484 KB

Comic Super Heroes PSP Theme 2 ($1.49)
File size: 506 KB

Autumn Stroll PSP Theme ($1.49)
File size: 612 KB

Werewolf PSP Theme ($1.49)
File size: 535 KB

According to a recent job posting, Remedy is hiring for a producer position on an upcoming Xbox 360 project. The listing doesn't offer any concrete details on the game, noting only that it is a "AAA console project." The fact that the project is only pegged to the Xbox 360 platform could point to an Alan Wake sequel, which would make sense given that the final Alan Wake DLC is out and the company already has a sequel mapped out. Of course, Alan Wake's unimpressive sales debut casts some doubt on the possibility of a sequel.

Here's hoping Remedy shines a light on this project soon and doesn't keep us in suspense for long.

We will only be covering details that haven’t been covered in past posts… - Magic Master is 352 pages - when in the World of Dreams, your puzzles will be given to you by “Yume no Annainin,” or “Dream Guide” - decipher a message given by the game while also scrutinizing maps and sketches of the World of [...]

A portion of a Nintendo Life review… Kidz Bop Dance Party! The Video Game is about as interesting as it can be to shake a Wii Remote while things completely unrelated to your gestures unfold on the screen before you, and if that does sound like fun, do yourself a favour and stand in the middle [...]

A portion of a 1up review… There’s a great idea lurking around in Rock Of The Dead’s dumb-fun concept, but instead the game winds up being dumb even when it isn’t trying to be.

Assassins aren't the type to stand right out in the open and shout, "Hey, look at me! Assassin here!" But that's exactly what Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood seems to be doing, as Ubisoft reports the game is receiving a lot of attention -- it's secured more pre-orders than any other title in the company's history. Of course, that's not exactly surprising, given that the last game in the series did kind of well.

The publisher isn't divulging exact pre-order numbers, but adds that Brotherhood is "one of the biggest marketing investments in Ubisoft's history." (No word on the total marketing budget, either.) What we're most intrigued to know, though, is how exactly Ubisoft has managed to drum up such numbers when pre-order bonuses include one of the most revolting things known to the human species: clowns.

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Sin City gets a post-apocalyptic makeover.

#xboxlivearcade Delivering another "Eff you!" to the Man, this time to His accepted-as-norm pricing schemes, Super Meat Boy's creators have revealed that they'll launch their arcade platformer already on sale, then raise the price of the Xbox Live Arcade game later. More »

Blacklight: Tango Down 2 may already be in production and on schedule for next summer, but Zombie Studios isn't letting go of its promise to bring Blacklight: Tango Down to PlayStation 3 owners across the globe. Publisher UTV Ignition has announced an October 26 release date for the download-only FPS in North America, followed by a November 3 release on the European PSN.

In the announcement, UTV says the game will come with "PSN-exclusive content," including a "join-in-progress" option for multiplayer -- the publisher teases more info on the exclusive content will be revealed "shortly." Like it's Xbox 360 and PC counterparts, the PS3 version of Blacklight will be priced at $15 (£10/€13) when it arrives on PSN.

#roundup Tier 1 operators go up against their toughest foes ever in this Medal of Honor Frankenreview: The assembled video game critics, otherwise known as the Appraising Force (ApFor). More »

Magicka, the lighthearted dungeon crawler from Arrowhead Game Studios and Paradox Interactive, has reached the end of its delay saga. Part Two of the cute gold master delay video has been released, confirming that the title will arrive as a $10 PC download beginning in January 2011. The game employs an elemental magic system that allows up to four players to combine spells and kill beasties, while poking fun at the fantasy game genre in general.

When asked about the planned Xbox Live Arcade version of Magicka, Paradox CEO Fredrik Wester said, "We're doing our best to get Magicka released on all consoles, but we cannot confirm anything yet."

Looks like Castle Crashers' volleyball was able to help win over PS3 owners. It tops the PSN sales charts for September as the best-selling paid game. At the top of the overall chart, however, is Zen Pinball, which earns its rank with the help of PlayStation Plus subscribers.

1. ZEN Pinball
2. Castle Crashers
3. Blast Off (Minis)
4. Echoes (MInis)
5. Syphon Filter 3 (PSone)
6. Sonic Adventure
7. My Aquarium
8. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game
9. Red Dead Redemption: Legends and Killers Pack (DLC)
10. DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue

Major Nelson has posted highlights from the Xbox Live Marketplace content schedule for the rest of the month and into November, with some notable releases and deals to look out for. Jump past the break for the lowdown on DLC deals, discounted XBLA games and more.

Also, seriously, buy Super Meat Boy ASAP.