Filed under: News

How to receive the coveted LittleBigPlanet crown

by Griffin McElroy { 4 months ago }

Somewhat reminiscent of Halo 3's highly sought-after Flaming Hayabusa helmet (although infinitely more adorable), LittleBigPlanet's Community Prize Crown, a wearable piece of in-game DLC, has become an unparalleled status symbol within the LBP fanbase. However, this monarchical garment isn't easily acquired -- it'll take more than a completely original Trophy collection level or an overflowing PSN Wallet to bring home Media Molecule's royal headgear.

The latest LBP "Sack it to Me" news update outlined the three different methods players can use to obtain the crown. None of said methods are a breeze -- you've either got to catch their attention on the LittleBigWorkshop forums, create something in-game that ultimately becomes an internet phenomenon, or win one of their LittleBigChallenges. They anticipate that only 50 crowns will be awarded this year -- so you should probably start being secure about wearing that lowly space helmet for a while.

SOCOM, Siren game spaces planned for PlayStation Home release

by Griffin McElroy { 4 months ago }

European PlayStation Home community manager TedTheDog recently clued in his fellow virtual inhabitants to some changes that would soon take effect within the game world. Most of them focused on improving some already integrated features -- for instance, he mentioned many PS3 developers are working on patches to their respective titles to allow them to be launched within Home, and that they're "investigating" methods of allowing players to listen to their own music in-game.

He also explained that a few high profile Game Spaces are nearing completion, and should see the light of day in the coming weeks. Among the mentioned game-themed rooms are lobbies modeled after SOCOM: Confrontation, Siren: Blood Curse (which is currently accessible in Japan), and Resident Evil 5. More importantly, he mentioned that a "slightly updated" Home Square could launch as early as March 5. We don't know what this update will entail, but we hope it'll provide further opportunities for us to carry out our more nefarious PlayStation Home enterprises.

LittleBigPlanet adds new search functionality

by Griffin McElroy { 4 months ago }

While scrolling across a patch-covered Earth still isn't the most effective way of finding well-built stages in LittleBigPlanet, Media Molecule recently added a few new options to make the "Text" search functionality a bit more ... functional. For instance, you can now search for words in a level title by adding a $ before the search term (as in $Joystiq). You can also search for a specific word by putting single quotes around a search term -- a search for 'Joystiq' will no longer bring results of "Joystick", "Toy's Trick" or the infinitely unsettling "Roy Licks."

Similarly, you can use quotation marks to search for specific phrases, like "Extreme Duck Race Version 2.0". However, the most welcome addition is the ability to search for a specific author using an "@", as in @QuincyBoi13. You can use any combination of these new search functions to get more specific results -- of course, in order to do so, you have to know what you're searching for.

Metal Gear Solid 4 going Platinum on March 5

by Griffin McElroy { 4 months ago }

Unsurprisingly, Konami's grandpa-spy sim Metal Gear Solid 4 sold extremely well across the globe -- so well, in fact, that the game has reached the ever prestigious Platinum Range in Europe, an honor bestowed to titles that reach sales upward of 400,000 within their first year on the market. A Platinum edition of the game will hit European store shelves on March 5, bringing with it some slightly updated box art and a discounted price of EUR 29.95 (or GBP 19.99).

Hopefully, the game will follow suit by qualifying for Greatest Hits status in North America, an honor that brings a similar discount to $29.99, as well as a provocative crimson jewel case. We've begun growing our unsettling math teacher moustaches in feverish anticipation.

Sega cross-promotes Yakuza 3 with ... a tanning salon chain

by JC Fletcher { 4 months ago }

Sega is promoting the upcoming Yakuza 3 (Ryu ga Gotoku 3 in Japan) with tie-ins to various businesses, in which real-life businesses offer Yakuza-themed goods, and digital versions of those same operations appear in the game. The latest company to promote the RPG/brawler is Tanning Studio Sole, a chain of tanning salons.

From February 13 to March 15, Sole stores will offer Yakuza 3-themed prepaid cards, and will display Yakuza 3 posters in-store. In turn, Sole billboards will add authenticity to the game's environment (while providing money to Sega).

We're guessing that this promotion came about when producer Toshihiro Nagoshi discovered that he had pumped so much money into Sole that he now owns it. Okay, we know the Nagoshi tan joke is obvious, but seriously, the man is flame-broiled. You can't ignore a "coincidence" like that.

[Via IGN; screen via Inside-Games]

USK diagnoses PS3 with a severe case of Worms

by Griffin McElroy { 4 months ago }

The Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle (or USK, for those who are terrified of lengthy, foreign words), Germany's game rating organization, isn't traditionally known for bringing us the hottest scoops. However, a recent listing on their site perked up our ever-attentive ears -- they recently stamped a Freigegeben ab 6 Jahren gemäß § 14 JuSchG (restricted for those below the age of six) rating to a PS3 version of Worms. Given that the genre of said listing is "Arcade", we think it's safe to assume that they're referring to a PSN port of the XBLA title.

This isn't a particularly surprising turn of events -- Worms has sold over half a million on the XBLA, and its done so over the course of about two years. However, Team 17, the game's developer, hasn't formally announced the PSNified title. Assuming the USK hasn't got its wires crossed, we should be hearing more about the port fairly soon.

Valve mocks PS3 listing of Left 4 Dead

by Griffin McElroy { 5 months ago }

Valve's collective, gusto-infused dislike of the PlayStation 3 seemed like it had abated when marketing director Mike Lombardi stated the company's intent to try to tap in to the system's growing user base late last year. However, old habits die hard -- when questioned about a listing for an EA-developed, PS3 version of Left 4 Dead on the site of British retailer HMV, a Valve representative soldered his tongue to his cheek, and replied, "Fantastic. I can't wait to see it."

Could this be the annoyed, outright denial of an extremely-oft-rumored title -- or is it a flexing of Valve's developmental muscles in response to EA's lackluster (though short) history with bringing Newell's brainchildren to the PS3? We're sure to know one way or the other by June 5 -- according to HMV, that's when the Zombocalypse sim is coming to Sony's big black box.

Comics 'legend' to join DC Universe Online team, announcement at NYCC

by Majed Athab { 5 months ago }

Apparently, there isn't enough star power allocated to the team that's building DC Universe Online. While comic book industry heavyweights Jim Lee and Geoff Johns are already overseeing the production of this SOE-published MMO, there is still one legendary name yet to be revealed. The mysterious person will be unmasked on Saturday, February 7 during the East Coast's largest comics convention, the New York Comic Con.

Expect to see him (or her) at the DC Universe Online panel, joining both Lee and Johns on a discussion of their latest creation. With Lee directing artistic design and Johns weaving up the storyline, it's a wonder what this other talent will be in charge of. Interested parties can stop by the NYCC at 4:15pm, when the panel starts, and find out. Show attendees can also try out a new DCUO demo on the show floor.

Japan getting Carnival Color PSP systems

by Andrew Yoon { 5 months ago }

Japan is also getting their hands on the new Carnival Colors line of systems, first discovered in the PlayStation Asia market. In addition to the previously revealed blue and red systems, Japan will also be receiving yellow and green systems. Radiant Red and Vibrant Blue will be available on March 5th; Bright Yellow and Spirited Green will be available on March 19th. Each system will cost 19,800?.

Also of note: PlayStation Japan will also sell extended life battery covers for each of these systems. The batteries are discontinued here in the States, but interested buyers can still look through their favorite import store.

.hack//Link has a playful style

by Andrew Yoon { 5 months ago }

The upcoming PSP-exclusive .hack game brings together fan-favorite characters from the entire series run. Haseo (from .hack//GU) looks uncomfortably happy. In fact, this entire game has a vibrant, fresh style -- a huge change from the somber, emo tone the franchise is known for. We're really enjoying Link's refreshing take on the series, although we're still saddened to think this will be the end of the franchise.

Gallery: .hack//Link

LittleBigPlanet scores most nominations for February's AIAA

by Majed Athab { 5 months ago }

There are two things LittleBigPlanet is well-known for. One, is to have successfully peddled off Sackboy as a lovable PlayStation mascot and the other is to rack up nominations like they're handing out free candy at the market. Continuing this trend of making industry heads turn and getting recognition, the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences (AIAS) has announced the nominees for its 12th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards with LittleBigPlanet being noted as most-nominated. Is there an award for just that -- most nominated?

All in all, the do-it-yourself platformer builder scored 10 nominations including "Overall Game of the Year" and "Outstanding Innovation in a Game"; however, we won't know if it won any of those until February 19 when the ceremony begins. Host Jay Mohr will surely bank on the opportunity to milk the LBP-crazed crowd with some Sackboy humor -- we just can't wait.

[via press release]

Ubisoft will bring Tenchu 4 to North America

by Majed Athab { 5 months ago }

It's always exciting to receive news regarding the stealthy assassins of Tenchu 4. Moreover, it's exciting to hear that those very same light-footed spies are coming to North America. Ubisoft will be taking charge of transporting the title over from Japan, having the game scheduled for a release sometime in Q4 of the fiscal year. That pretty much spells out expectations of a localized title to emerge later this month or as far away as March.

American PSN releases for January 22nd

by Jem Alexander { 5 months ago }

A slightly anemic looking PSN update for America this week. No downloadable games, but instead you get to try you hand at both WipEout HD and F.E.A.R 2 absolutely free. Other than that, there's a bit of DLC and some videos. That's pretty much it. Here's the full release list:

Price Update

Brain Challenge Expansion Pack ($2.99)

Playable Content

WipEout HD demo
F.E.A.R 2 demo

Add-on Content

Buzz! Quiz TV "American Culture" pack ($5.99)
Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm "Storm Pack 7" (free)
Skate 2 "Time Is Money" pack ($4.99)
Rock Band DLC (listed after the break)
Guitar Hero World Tour DLC (listed after the break)

Continue reading “American PSN releases for January 22nd”

Assassin's Creed 2 officially confirmed, with us by March 2010

by Jem Alexander { 5 months ago }

Ubisoft's third quarter earnings report has finally officially confirmed that the sequel to 2007's best selling assassinate-em-up, Assassin's Creed, will be available before the end of March 2010. While technically impressive, Assassin's Creed was a bit lacking in the gameplay department, we felt. A great proof-of-concept, but without enough fresh content to keep from getting stale after a while. Something we're hoping to see improved in the sequel. Ready for another year of seeing Jade Raymond wherever you turn?

The report also mentions that there will be seven franchise titles being released during the fiscal year starting this April, including Splinter Cell Conviction (which we can assume is still 360 exclusive), Ghost Recon and, as we've already mentioned, Assassin's Creed 2. There will also be three new IPs, including I Am Alive. No other games in these categories were mentioned, so no doubt Ubisoft has a few more surprises up its sleeve.

Sony set to bring PSP replays, streaming for Arsenal matches

by Majed Athab { 5 months ago }

If you ever find yourself preparing to trudge off to London's Emirates Stadium in attendance for an Arsenal match, then you might want to make sure you pack a PSP along with the essentials ... like Carling and a brick. Why you might ask? Because you can use that PSP to watch live streaming video pertaining to the current match, go over football data and statistics, and even have the ability to watch near-instant replays.

This soon-to-be-ready, Sony-developed system has been tested at the London stadium which gives any game-goer access to all the marvelous features above -- right on their PSP. It'll apparently roll out in 18 months. We think this is a rather smart move by Sony. After all, once hooligans finish throwing that brick at their least favorite player, they have another object of ample shape and size to toss in anger. Which, in the end, means more PSPs to be potentially sold. It's win-win.

[via Gizmodo]