Joystiq

GC 2008: Pour over this in-game Heavy Rain footage

Ludwig Kietzmann — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:40:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Action, Adventure

take a look at these screenshots

Well, consider us intrigued. From the creators of Indigo Prophecy (AKA Fahrenheit) comes Heavy Rain, an atmospheric new adventure exclusively for the PlayStation 3. This in-game footage, first unveiled at Leipzig's Games Convention, depicts our finely rendered female protagonist investigating a distinctly unsettling house. Be sure to keep watching until the stunning scene at the end, where she burst out the door and screams to the heavens, "Gotcha, suckas!"

We're sure to learn much, much more as we draw closer to Heavy Rain's forecast 2009 release.

Gallery: Heavy Rain

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GC 2008: PS3 getting free 'VidZone' music service in Europe

Ludwig Kietzmann — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Culture, Sony PlayStation 3

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has announced that VidZone, "the online destination for music videos" that we've never heard of, will be offering a free, streaming music video service for the PlayStation 3. The "trial service" is expected to launch in early 2009 in Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Featuring a "full playlist of videos from hip-hop to punk and heavy metal to classics," VidZone will allow PS3 owners to build playlists and download songs, music videos (!!!) and ringtones "for a small charge."

The best part is that the service will support remote play via the PSP, ideal for those awkward situations when you're out in public and simply must subject yourself and those around you to Kylie Minogue.

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First PSP-3000 pics (yeah, it's got a PS button)

Christopher Grant — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:12:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PSP

click to enlarge 3000%

There's not much to see here but we wanted to share with you anyways. Behold, the PSP-3000! Yeah, it looks just like the PSP-2000 (aka the PSP Slim) but, lo! What's this? A PS button and internal microphone? Take that Home button and super cumbersome external microphone attachment! Check out more pics in the gallery right there.

Gallery: PSP-3000

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Rumor: MGS4 80GB PS3 on the outs, get 'em while they last

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Business

It appears that the 80GB PS3 MGS4 bundle has finally been done in by the La-li-lu-le-lo. Our trusted Wal-Mart operative -- who has yet to fail us on a mission -- informs us the status of the bundle within the megacorp's computer is now "deleted." S/he tells us this means that there are no plans to receive any more shipments. We've contacted Sony for official word regarding any plans to restock the model.

We always knew the $499 bundle was a limited edition, so this isn't exactly a "!". What we are wondering: Will the model in the bundle be repackaged with a new game? Is this the end of PS3s with any type of PS2 backwards compatibility?

Gallery: Wal-Mart MGS4 PS3 deletion

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SCEA: 160GB PlayStation 3, Uncharted, Pain, DualShock 3 for $500

Christopher Grant — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:44:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3

Never one to be outdone by its European counterpart, Sony Computer Entertainment America just announced its very own 160GB PlayStation 3 bundle. Offering more than just €70 worth of downloadable game content, SCEA's bundle includes the recently unveiled 160GB PlayStation 3, Naughty Dog's excellent Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, a PSN voucher for PAIN (expires March 30, 2009), and a DualShock 3 controller, for the price of $499.99.

Picking our way through the system's specs, it looks like the 160GB PS3 offers only 2 USB ports and no flash card readers, leading us to believe its functionally identical to the 40GB (now 80GB) low-end model. To put it another way: it appears the 160GB model will not have backwards compatibility for PS2 games. As for availability, the press release vaguely states "November." We'll try to get something definitive on the backwards compatibility situation.

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PSP-3000 also coming to North America this fall

Justin McElroy — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:25:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PSP

click to enlarge -- you know you want to...

If those promises of a sexy new screen and built-in mic in the PSP-3000 at the Leipzig Games Convention left you North Americans feeling left out, fear not: Sony has just let us know that the system will also be coming stateside, providing all of you the chance to buy the PSP ... again.

It'll be available both in the previously announced Ratchet and Clank Entertainment Pack on Oct. 14 and in a new PSP Core Pack coming in November with:

Updated Piano Black PSP system
4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo
Everyday Shooter PLAYSTATION Network voucher

You'll be able to pick either up for $199.99.

Gallery: PSP-3000

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GC 2008: Revised 360 controller is 'limited edition,' 'promotional item'

Ludwig Kietzmann — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:15:00 EST

Filed under: Microsoft Xbox 360

No sooner had we ecstatically bid the old d-pad adieu than Microsoft advised that its tweaked Xbox 360 controller is not yet destined for mass distribution. While confirming an October 24 release date with Eurogamer, the publisher noted that the new controller, sporting an "optimized" and not-entirely-awful d-pad, will be released as a Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 tie-in product. As such, it will be "a limited edition promotional item that is only available in Europe, Asia and Latin America while supplies last."

It's also a revolting green.

We've contacted Microsoft in the hopes of ascertaining its US plans for the improved controller, if any.

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GC 2008: 160GB PlayStation 3 hitting Europe Oct. 31

Ludwig Kietzmann — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3

With game installations, downloadable content and digitally distributed titles cluttering up our PlayStation 3's brain, it comes as little surprise to see Sony announcing yet another SKU with increased storage capacity. The word from its 2008 Games Convention press conference is that a 160 gigglebyte model -- which is otherwise identical to others units -- will be hitting Europe on October 31st, complete with €70 worth of downloadable game content. But is the €449 price tag a trick or a treat?

We're checking with Sony regarding any plans to release this model elsewhere.

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GC 2008: New firmware to rip PS2 SingStar tracks to PS3

Christopher Grant — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Rhythm

Tearing a page straight out of the Rock Band 2 playbook, Sony announced a new service - to be made available through a firmware update - that will allow folks to essentially rip the tracks from PS2 versions of SingStar onto the PS3. IGN gives us a play-by-play of the service: "Just throw in the PS2 disc and you can grab the tracks!" Epic! We're curious about the details: What's to prevent you from borrowing or renting games? Will this work on all PS2 versions of SingStar? Will this work on all PS3s (even those without PS2 backwards compatibility)? Is this enough to compete with Lips' play-your-own-music functionality? More as we know it.

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GC 2008: PS3 wireless keypad with mouse input [update]

James Ransom-Wiley — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:40:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Peripherals

click for extreme closeup

At its Leipzig Games Convention press conference today, Sony unveiled a wireless keypad peripheral that attaches to the top of the PlayStation 3 controller (presumably into the mini-USB port). The keypad also features a "touchpad mode" for mouse input. Pricing was not revealed, but the device will be released in 8 different languages.

It's worth noting that MadCatz released an attachable thumbpad for PS3 in April 2007.

Update: Added official keypad images (see gallery below). Does this thing double as a codpiece?

PlayStation.Blog clarifies that the Wireless Kepad includes a mode that turns the key area into a touchpad, allowing users to control an on-screen cursor with their fingertips, tapping to activate a link. The keypad also features two short-cut buttons, enabling quick access to the XMB's "Friends" icon and the "Message Box." The pad also can be paired with other Bluetooth devices (e.g., a smart phone) and will be released in late November.

Gallery: PS3 Wireless Keypad

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GC 2008: Sony officially announces PSP-3000

Justin McElroy — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:20:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PSP

Sony has taken the opportunity of the Leipzig Games Convention to reveal the brand-spanking new PSP-3000, arriving Oct 15 in Europe for €199 (around $250), according to our main man Jem Alexander who's currently on site at the press conference.

Though it will look the same as the PSP-2000 ~~(that's what the pic above is of, actually)~~, you can expect an improved screen that's better outside with no glare and a built-in mic. This jibes with rumors we've heard previously, and ~~but we don't know if~~ the new "PS Button" is part of the package. We'll keep you posted.

[Update: We've got an actual pic now, as you can see, the PS Button is in there]

Gallery: PSP-3000

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Predictably, new Mad World footage looks amazing

Justin McElroy — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Nintendo Wii, Action

We don't really see the point in new footage of Mad World. Oh, don't get us wrong, we're grateful for it. It's just that we're so clearly going to buy the game the moment it's within the reach of our grubby mitts, we don't know why Sega is trying to convince us to buy it harder.

But for those of you that weren't convinced pre-trailer, we're just going to assume you've firmly aligned yourself with the believers. Did you see that dude throwing other dudes into a fan? Did you see those cyclones picking up cars? Did you see that dude rubbing that other dude on a moving train? Are they serious with this? Can we buy two, one to play and one to crush up and mainline?

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GC 2008: Guitar Hero World Tour to work with all instruments on PS2, 360 and PS3

Justin McElroy — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 2, Sony PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox 360, Rhythm

Well, this should make the patented Joystiq Instrument Compatibility Matrix a bit easier to memorize. Straight from our special Leipzig correspondent Jem Alexander, Activision says that If you play Guitar Hero World Tour on PS2, PS3 or 360, your instrument is going to work. Whether it be from Rock Band, Rock Band 2 or whatever, it works with Guitar Hero World Tour.

Now, what does this mean for the Wii version of the game? We have absolutely no idea. But hey, what are you complaining about: It's got Miis in it! Isn't that enough?

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GC 2008: Xbox 360 controller's d-pad d-leted

Ludwig Kietzmann — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:03:00 EST

Filed under: Microsoft Xbox 360

Finally. After molesting countless thumbs and ruining everybody's Pac-Man CE scores, the Xbox 360 controller's dismal d-pad looks to be replaced by, well, a functional d-pad. IGN's Martin Robinson claims to have played with a redesigned controller at Leipzig's Games Convention, describing it as "aesthetically identical" to the original (it's actually a sickly green), with "the d-pad sitting in a larger rocker and proving more tactile." The new controller is expected to debut alongside Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 and is thought to have been prompted by the upcoming release of Street Fighter IV.

Good riddance, you worthless, clacking agent of spongy misdirection. Oh, and tell The Duke we said "Hi."

Update: Curses! The pad is a "limited edition, promotional item" for now.

[Thanks, Fenix]

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GC 2008: The first trailer for LocoRoco 2

Justin McElroy — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PSP, Puzzle

Do us a favor, just for safety's sake: If you've recently been eating sugary foods (Blueberry Muffintop cereal springs to mind) do not watch this Leipzig Games Convention trailer for LocoRoco 2, which is so adorably, pinchably sweet that combining it with other glucose-rich product is a one way ticket to diabetes.

We don't learn much from the trailer, just that it looks like LocoRoco 2 will be sporting a lot more gameplay variety ... oh, and that we'll never ever get that song out of our heads.

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GC 2008: Miis go on Wii's Guitar Hero World Tour

Justin McElroy — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Nintendo Wii, Rhythm

We've just heard from our man at the Leipzig Games Convention Jem Alexander, and he's got some exciting news for fans of pint-sized rocking: Miis will be used in Guitar Hero World Tour's Wii version of the game. He didn't say how, so we're hoping that they'll play Oompa-Loompa-like minature roadies who rush onto stage and fix broken strings for the full size rockers. But we doubt it.

Oh, Jem also passed along that all versions of the game would include exclusive European tracks, which is secret code for "you'll have to buy them later through DLC."

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GC 2008: EA to serve up new Wii tennis franchise

Justin McElroy — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Nintendo Wii, Sports

With all the recent announcements and pick-ups, you'd think EA would be bursting at the seams with upcoming titles, but it's just crammed one more under its belt: A new tennis franchise that will debut on Wii (though it will later come to other platforms) and take advantage of the Wii MotionPlus accessory.

Besides the control ~~gimmick~~ innovation, its other claim to fame is being the only video game that includes the All England Lawn Tennis Club, where Wimbledon is played. So, with tennis added to the list, what's left for EA Sports? Curling? Cup stacking?

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GC 2008: Red Alert 3 cast not likely to be taken seriously

Ludwig Kietzmann — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 08:05:00 EST

Filed under: PC, Microsoft Xbox 360, Strategy

The thing about camp, i.e. the utter failure of seriousness, is that it's often difficult to judge whether it's intentional or not. The live-action cutscenes populating EA's (and Westwood's before that) Command & Conquer games have always had an aura of sincere goofiness about them, the source of which can be traced to somewhat respected actors playing all-too-silly roles all too seriously. But is this done on purpose, or did the director read about "tongue-in-cheek storytelling" in a review somewhere and just decide to go with that?

Either way, we're more than happy to see EA unveil a "star studded" cast (complete list after the break) for Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3, which includes George Takei, Tim Curry and J.K. Simmons, who plays the "anti-communist U.S. President." Simmons, who doesn't give a wooden nickel about your legacy, thinks video games "are one of the new frontiers for actors" and thought of the role as a "great opportunity for a character actor like me to have some fun."

Also allowed to open her mouth in the press release: Jenny McCarthy, who plays Allied commando Tanya. "What I realized is Red Alert 3 is not just a video game, it's absolutely an interactive movie. This is where the people at home get to move the story forward, and where seeing the plot thicken is a reward for a job well done." In case you weren't aware, "that's really cool."

Red Alert 3 is out on Xbox 360 and PC this fall in both regular and Premier editions.

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GC 2008: The Sims 3 hitting real and virtual shelves on Feb. 20, 2009

Ludwig Kietzmann — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 07:30:00 EST

Filed under: Culture, PC, Simulations

EA has announced that February 20, 2009, will mark the rather momentous occasion of stereotypical gamers finally venturing into the brightly lit outside world ... in the game. It's the day The Sims 3, the latest interactive simulation of an annoying, fickle, selfish and lazy race of creatures, will be distributed -- both physically and digitally -- to a bunch of annoying, fickle, selfish and lazy creatures.

If you'd like to append "supercilious" to that list of adjectives, you should consider purchasing The Sims 3 Collector's Edition, which will include an exclusive in-game "Italian-style" sports car for you to maneuver through your envious neighborhood (no wonder those floating diamonds are green). Also included in the package will be a Sims Plumbob USB drive, a tips and hints guide, The Sims 3 Plumbob stickers and, oh yes, the game.

Gallery: The Sims 3

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Why you buggin? Tyranids playable in Dawn of War II

Jason Dobson — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 05:00:00 EST

Filed under: PC, Strategy

It's time to load your storm bolter and wrap up your last prayer to the Emperor, cuz we're huntin' Tyranids! IGN has confirmed that everyone's favorite galactic bugs will be clawing their way onto Relic's forthcoming Dawn of War sequel, not only as an opponent but as a playable race as well.

The blood news was spilled during the Leipzig Games Convention by Dawn of War II senior designer Philippe Boulle, who noted that the space insects behave as "a single organism, not an army of individuals," and that the swarm is composed of disposable "meat shields" and more specialized alien troops serving the Tyranid Hive Mind. For more, check out the pre-rendered pure awesome below while we wait for the bugs to digest their fill of Space Marine, Ork and Eldar in early 2009.

[Thanks Damn Lucky]

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