The first trailer for The Bourne Legacy has made its debut. But, most importantly, its quickly circulating the web.

Despite its strong release, Media Create data reveals that the PlayStation Vita sales have slown down once again in Japan — as the Vita sold only 42,648 units in its third week at Japanese retail.

Last week — its second week on the market — the handheld moved an already troubling 72,479 units. This compares to the Nintendo 3DS, which also saw a decline in its third week.

AT&T has revealed its pricing and availability dates for the PlayStation Vita — through its partnership with Sony Computer Entertainment.

When the PlayStation Vita launches, costumers of the carrier will have their choice of two data plans. There will be a $15 a month plan for 250MB, and a $25 plan for 2GB a month. Both plans will be month-to-month and will not require any long-term contracts.

• Location-based application “near” will allow users to find out what other PS Vita owners in their vicinity are currently playing and what titles are most popular in the area. “near” also enables location-based gaming features such as “gifting,” in which a user can access virtual game-related items that other users are sharing by checking in at geographic locations. For example, in the popular kart racing series ModNation Racers: Road Trip, PS Vita users will be able to collect rare gift items provided through the game when visiting specific points of interest in 45 major cities around the world. They can then share them with other PS Vita owners through the “near” application.
• “LiveArea” is an interactive interface for each PS Vita software title in which users can access the latest information for games through PlayStation Network.
• In addition, a variety of social networking and communications services such as Facebook, Flickr, foursquare, and Twitter will be available on PS Vita.
• PS Vita systems with an active AT&T data plan will also take advantage of software functionality developed specifically for the 3G-enabled model that allow users to game at the speed of their mobile lifestyle, including turn-based, asynchronous multiplayer gameplay, instantly updated rankings and leaderboards, immediate access to the latest downloadable add-on content, and real-time community news.

It’s that time of  the year, where we grather up the most enjoyable titles of past year to generate at list of the most notable ones. Including, the most coveted award, the Game of the Year award.

With that said, these awards where decide on by a group of three “strong-mined” people, with each category being built of four nominees. However, only two title will be shown, respectively the winners and runner-ups in each questionably decided category.

Most Underrated Game of the Year
Winner – Rayman Origins
Runner-up – Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective

Best Indie Title of the Year
Winner – Bastion
Runner-up – Minecraft

Best Shooter
Winner – Battlefield 3
Runner-up – Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3

Best Action-Adventure Game
Winner – Batman: Arkham City
Runner-up – Assassin’s Creed: Revelations

Best Sport Game
Winner – NBA 2K12
Runner-up – FIFA Soccer 12

Best Original Soundtrack
Winner – The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Runner-up – Dark Souls

Best PC Game of the Year
Winner – The Witcher 2: Assassin’s of Kings
Runner-up – Portal 2

PSP Exclusive of the Year
Winner – Monster Hunter Portable 3rd
Runner-up – Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy

DS/3DS Exclusive of the Year
Winner – Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version
Runner-up – Super Mario 3D Land

Multi-Platform Game of the Year
Winner – The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Runner-up – Batman: Arkham City

XBOX 360 Exclusive of the Year
Winner – Gears of War 3
Runner-up – Forza Motorsport 4

PlayStation 3 Exclusive of the Year
Winner – Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception
Runner-up – LittleBIGPlanet 2

Nintendo Wii Exclusive of the Year
Winner – The Lengend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
Runner-up – Kirby’s Return to Dreamland

Game of the Year
Winner – The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Runner-up – The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

Approaching its release, Sony revealed the launch details about its latest handheld, the PlayStation Vita, including a list of launch titles and platform accessories.

When the handheld launches in North America on February 22, it will feature twenty retail titles and five additional downloadable titles available only through the PlayStation Network. Sony also outlined the software support for the system’s First Edition bundle, which will hit retail on February 15.

According to the list, all five of Sony’s first-party games will be on shelves early, as will a quartet of third-party releases. Beyond the launch lineup, Sony detailed another 10 titles currently set for the system’s “launch window,” though how far that window extends is unclear. In addition, Sony also detailed its plans for the PS Vita accessories.

Feb. 15 Game Releases
BlazBlue Continuum Shift Extend–Aksys
Escape Plan (PSN only)–Sony
Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational–Sony
Hustle Kings (PSN only)–Sony
Little Deviants–Sony
Lumines: Electronic Symphony–Ubisoft
ModNation Racers: Road Trip–Sony
Rayman Origins–Ubisoft
Super Stardust Delta (PSN only)–Sony
Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3–Capcom
Uncharted: Golden Abyss–Sony
WipeOut 2048–Sony

Feb. 22 Game Releases
Army Corps of Hell–Square Enix
Asphalt Injection–Ubisoft
Ben10: Galactic Racing–D3Publisher
Dungeon Hunter Alliance–Ubisoft
Dynasty Warriors Next–Tecmo Koei
F1 2011–Codemasters
FIFA Soccer–Electronic Arts
Michael Jackson The Experience–Ubisoft
Plants vs. Zombies (PSN only)–Sony Online Entertainment
Shinobido 2: Revenge of Zen–Namco Bandai
Tales of Space: Mutant Blobs (PSN only)–Drinkbox Studios
Touch My Katamari–Namco Bandai
Virtua Tennis 4: World Tour Edition–Sega

Launch Window Game Releases
Disgaea 3: Absence of Detention: NIS America
Gravity Rush–Sony
Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7–Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
MLB 12: The Show–Sony
Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus–Tecmo Koei
Reality Fighters–Sony
Ridge Racer–Namco Bandai
Silent Hill Book of Memories–Konami
Supremacy MMA: Unrestricted–505 Games
Unit 13–Sony

Sony PS Vita Accessories (available Feb. 15 except where indicated)
4GB Memory Card–$19.99
8GB Memory Card–$29.99
16GB Memory Card–$59.99
32GB Memory Card–$99.99
Starter Kit with Memory Card–$39.99
In-Ear Headset–$19.99
Carrying Case–$19.99
Travel Pouch–$19.99
Protective Film (two-pack)–$9.99
Card Case–$5.99
Cradle–$19.99
AC Adaptor–$14.99
USB Cable–$14.99
Portable Charger (spring 2012)–$49.99
Car Adaptor (spring 2012)–$14.99

If you’re trying to connect to PlayStation Network  and can’t; it’s hasn’t been hacked. According to the PlayStation.Blog, the online service is scheduled for “routine maintenance” tomorrow.

Sony communication director Patrick Seybold has detailed the maintenance for a “14 hour period” on November 14, 2011. During this time, the PlayStation Store, account management options and account registration options will be unavailable. However, Seybold adds that the online may randomly function for some online-enabled titles.

Personally, I’m not one for interfering in the marketing side of video games, even though I am a journalist, somewhat. But, something came to my attention — seeing that it’s the anniversary of the attacks on 9/11.

I was watching the Kill Bill marathon on Spike TV and a advertisement for Resistance 3 appeared. It’s not that the advertisement was bad, it’s just that the context of the advertisement was alittle untimely. The advertisement conveyed a last ditch effort message, but couldn’t there of been a better quote to use then “destroy the tower” on the anniversary of the attacks?

*The actually ad was shorten, and just showed the destroy the tower part.

The PlayStation Network has been down for a solid two days, and anger and distress has begun to set in. But, beside Anonymous denying its involvement, Sony has confirmed that “external intrusion” are responsible for the outage.

According to Patrick Seybold, a company spokesperson, the “intrusion” led the company to take the service down to conduct a “thorough investigation and to verify the smooth and secure operation of our network services going forward.” However, there’s been no word on when service will be restored or any more details on the incident.

The adventurous exploits of Nathan Drake continue. In a closed presentation, Naughty Dog’s Richard Lemarchand unveiled primaeval antagonist Katherine Marlowe, a middle aged British woman with a long standing grudge against our adventurous protagonist.

“The long-contested fight for possession of the ring will propel Drake and Sully to the heart of the Arabian desert,” said Lemarchand. “This will be a much more dangerous and insidious threat than Drake has ever faced before.”

For months, rumors of a third Uncharted installment percolated. Now, Naughty Dog has confirmed its development on Drake’s Deception, the long rumored threequel in the beloved franchise.

The setting takes inspiration from adventurist Lawrence of Arabia as our protagonist, Nathan Drake, explores the Arabian peninsula. The game deals with the theme of deception, while also focusing on Drake’s relationship with his traveling companion, Victor “Sully” Sullivan, in his search for the legendary city of the sifting sands.

The sequel will include  “all of the core principles” established in previous installments delivering a “compelling” interactive experience. However, the main campaign isn’t the only focus.

There’s also a focus on competitive and cooperative modes, which are a key “ingredients” in the sequel. “We want to take on the big boys of the multi-player genre,” said President Evan Wells. “It has become something here at Naughty Dog that will become an important part to all our games.” Drake’s Deception is expected to hit retail Late 2011.

Following the PS3′s announcement, developers were quoted stating that development on the console was “too complicated” — one of the many reasons that Valve prevoiusly refused to develop on the platform. Though the complexity has since decreased, Sony’s seeking “input” from developers on the production of “future hardware”.

When speaking to Develop, Sony Worldwide Studios president Shuhei Yoshida stated that one of the many directives of the company were for them to be directly involved with software developers in the creation of future hardware.

“When Ken Kutaragi moved on and Kaz Harai became the president of SCE, the first thing Kaz said was, ‘Get World Wide Studios in on hardware development,’” Yoshida said. “So he wanted developers in meetings at the very beginning of concepting new hardware, and he demanded SCE people talk to us [developers].”

Yoshida went on to state that this development strategy is being incorporated into the companies “future platforms”. “Yes, we are undergoing many activities that we haven’t yet been talking about in public,” Yoshida stated. “Some future platform related activities.”

If there’s ever going to be a sequel, it isn’t coming from its original developers, Ninja Theory. According to Ninja Theory studio head Tameem Antoniades, the development studio would have develop a Heavenly Sword sequel but Sony owns the IP and technologies needed for its development.

“I don’t know if Sony made any money on Heavenly Sword but we didn’t,” Antoniades said, who then added that the studio’s survival meant it had to quit developing exclusively one platform.

“There are pros and cons, if you’re exclusive you get more attention but when you’re multi-platform, at this stage in the cycle, there’s more competition. You’ve got to weigh it against each other,” he added. “But we couldn’t do Heavenly Sword 2 as a multi-platform because it’s owned by Sony, the tech we developed for that game is also owned by Sony.”

“Probably, I think we would have,” said Antoniades, when asked if they would have developed the sequel.

“But there’s a different dynamic with a platform holder. I mean, we signed up and we happy to sign up to it because it allowed our studio to grow and we’re really grateful for that, but it feels like as a studio we need to think about the next few years, the next games we release.”

“We want them to be multi-platform so we had to come up with a new idea,” he concluded.

['We would've done Heavenly Sword 2' - Ninja Theory via Games Thirst]

Despite a handful of misleading Twitter comments, director David Jaffe made well on his bewildered promise — another installment into his adored car combat franchise. In conclusion to their press conference, Sony revealed that Twisted Metal will be headed exclusively to their platform in 2011.

According to Jaffe, the new Twisted Metal development team at Eat Sleep Play consists of many of the series’ original developers. “Twisted Metal is being created by the same team members who gave birth to the dark humor and fast-action gameplay of the classic Twisted Metal series,” he stated.

However, Jaffe only displayed the multiplayer mode at the event. Eat Sleep Play representatives have confirmed that the development team aren’t ready to address the game’s single-player portion to the public. That said, the new version of Twisted Metal will release exclusively on PS3 on 2011.

Evolution Studios, the studio behind the MotorStorm series, have announced, MotorStorm Apocalypse, the fourth installment into the off-road racing series. That said, as a combination of feedback, the development team are developing, what they believe, a “more satisfying overall game experience”.

The latest installment will be a “detour” for the series, as it takes place in an urban environment — an environment ravaged by a cataclysmic earthquake — where aftershocks that change the landscape and shift routes on the button. The environment will be “ripped to pieces, in real-time, as you race”.

However, that’s not the only change in store for the series. They’ve also developed a single-player story mode that lets the player experience the narrative unfold from the eyes of three characters representing the game’s different difficulty settings; Rocky, beginner; Survivor, medium; and Big Dog, hard.

The game will also feature sixteen player online multiplayer races and four-player local split-screen — or, you can bring those local four-players into an online race with you. In addition, the online mode will feature “massive vehicle customization” allowing players to change their parts, shapes, vinyls and other accessories.

It’s official: Heavy Rain is a hit — it has received both commercial and critical praise, and it has now sold over 1 million units worldwide. With it exceeding sales expectations, Sony have announced that, during its first five weeks on the market, Heavy Rain has sold over 1 million units worldwide.

“It has been hugely gratifying to see the positive response that Heavy Rain has received from gamers” said Quantic Dream’s David Cage. “It shows that it is possible to create games that break with convention, games that seek to tell complex stories, and games that can inspire unexpected emotions in players – and that such games can be commercial as well as critical successes.”

Heavy Rain boasted a solid opening month in February, selling 219,000 units. Like previous titles developed by Quantic Dream, Heavy Rain eschews normal game genres for a more cinematic approach, focusing on complex storytelling and emotion via realistic graphics.

Though they’ve gained stability in the gaming market, Wedbush industry analyst Michael Pachter believes that, when it comes to the handheld market, Sony is heading into a “brink wall” — considering that the PSP Go recently tanked, and that other companies have been gaining an advantage in the handheld market.

According to our friends at TheLostGamer, while commending them for capturing an older audience in the handheld market, Pachter said that the PSP is “way more robust as a device than perhaps most consumers are ready for.”

The price point of the PSP Go has often been a sore point, and the fact that most PSP titles cost more than those available through places like iTunes, Pachter believes that “Sony is running into a brick wall” when it comes to garbing the attention of the consumer; Sony doesn’t make the pricing affordable to the consumer.

It’s pretty safe to say that Universal Media Discs are a dead content format. However, during Sony’s development session at GDC, the company said that they have no plans to abandon its optical disc format. The session was about the marketplace advantages and befits that exist on all PlayStation platforms.

When discussing its portable platform, the company said its UMD format is “alive and well” and that all retail games will continue to be available on Universal Media Discs and digitally from the PlayStation Network. The company also revealed the life-to-date sales of the PSP, revealing that since it’s North American release, sales have reached 17 million total units stateside.

[UMD Format "Alive And Well" via IGN]

People, for obvious reasons, stated Microsoft’s platform as the development lead for Bayonetta; we later gained conformation from its developer, sparking a bit of frustration with fans. As a reason of repentance, Platinum Games have announced that their next title, Vanquish will feature Sony’s platform as the development lead.

“We’re leading development on PS3,” said director Shinji Mikami. “Obviously each console has its own unique requirements and limitations, but we feel if we can create a good enough presentation on PS3, we’ll be off to a good start.” Mikami also revealed that development started out on PC, although when asked if it was coming to that platform, Mikami said PS3 and 360 were “the main idea right now”.

To many, the previous installment was a disappointment. However, it seems that Zipper Interactive’s fixing to atone for the mistakes of developer Slant Six, who worked Confrontation. Because Sony have announced that Zipper’s developing the series’ next installment, SOCOM 4.

According to the PlayStation Europe Blog, the game takes place within South East Asia, where “a revolutionary army has seized control of a country bordering one of the world’s most vital waterways; threatening to disrupt the global economy.” Players will assume the role of the commander of a five-man squad of NATO commandos dispatched to prevent international trade from being disrupted. Their mission will only last six days, a time limit that Sony says will add urgency into the campaign.

As we come to expect from the series, this installment will have an extensive multiplayer component, allowing for 32-player matches. That said, Zipper Interactive are aiming for a fall released date, revealed community manager, Jeremy Dunham when responding to a fans question. “Yep. Coming out in the fall,” he said.

It’s likely the most anticipated game of this year, but how much space does it take up on a Blu-Ray disc? Apparently, alot! Tim Moss, Director of Technology at Sony Santa Monica, revealed the monstrous amount of space that God of War III will take up on a Blu-Ray disc.

In a tweet placed this morning, Moss states “#GOW3 35GB of goodness. Thank heavens for Dual Layer Blu-Rays”. That in mind, it’s great to see a developer using the disc space being used so wisely, seeing that a discs total capacity is about 50 gigabits of space. Everytime we hear news about God of War III, it seems to get better and better.

[TheLostGamer]

Sony had a very impressive 2009; however, Microsoft is seeking to gain 2010. That said, with expectations set very high on both fronts, Microsoft has added Fable III to the list of games that it will be releasing this year — something that we did see coming, seeing that Lionhead announced the game late-last year.

According to Microsoft’s CES press release, the company is looking to fill its gaming holiday release schedule with highly anticipated titles, such as Halo: Reach and Fable III. “Our holiday line-up of games includes the highly anticipated Fable III, followed by Halo Reach,” read the press release. With that in mind, Fable III is scheduled to release this holiday season on the Xbox 360.

When first announced at this years E3 expo, people were quick to recognize Quantum Theory as the counter-exclusive to the Gears of War series, a 360 exclusive series. However, exclusiveness no longer plays a factor when it comes to Quantum Theory. Because Tecmo revealed today that Quantum Theory will also be headed to the Xbox 360.

Previously a Plsystation 3 exclusive, the game is being developed on an unnamed PC-based engine that’s designed to make multiplatform development easier, much like the crystal engine used in Final Fantasy XIII‘s development. However, no other news was released about the 360 version. Quantum Theory is now scheduled to arrive in the Spring of 2010 on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

One the most important selling points of the PlayStation 3 is its no additional charge for online play feature. However, reports have been surfacing about a two-layered subscription model for the PlayStation Network – much like the levels of Xbox Live, but fundamentally different.

During a presentation, emphasizing Sony’s plans to make its video game business profitable, Sony Computer Entertainment CEO Kaz Hirai confirmed the company’s plans for a “premium level” of subscription for PSN. “We will be building upon our current free [PSN] service offering with premium content and services to start the subscription model,” Hirai told the attendees.

As reassurance against PlayStation 3 owners pay-to-play fears, Hirai reassured owners that the current level of service will remain free of charge.

“SCE will further increase sales by offering users new entertainment through the combination of hardware, software, peripheral, and PlayStation Network,” Hirai said in a statement given to CVG. “Especially in the online area, we are studying the possibility of introducing a subscription model, offering premium content and services, in addition to the current free services.

Today we’d like to offer you a glimpse into this world of despair with a trio of new screenshots from the Sony PSP version of EA and Visceral Games’ gruesome action-adventure, Dante’s Inferno. However, be warned; there’s are somethings better not seen.

With a series of them releasing in the UK, Sony today revealed a 250GB PlayStation 3 Slim bundle for North America – basically, toping the PlayStation 3′s holiday competition in terms of hard dive space.

Going on sales on November 3rd, the 250GB model will feature the same “slim look” and feel as the recently released 120GB slim system, which is currently going on sale for $249.99. However, the new 250GB model will come packing at the total price of $349.99 - actually $100 more then the regular Slim.

With this new space, players can now store more of their favorite games, movies/TV shows, music, photos and PlayStation Network downloads.

Polyphony Digital certainly won’t be winning any races for releasing Gran Turismo 5, that’s for sure. But, the developer has been kind enough to keep us updated with all the soils featured in Gran Turismo 5. With that said, during the Tokyo Game Show, Sony and Polyphony finally attached a release target for Gran Turismo 5.

Announcing that the racer will mostly launch in Japan come in March 2010. And that the game will mostly release in other regains “not that much later”, says series creator Kazunori Yamauchi.

“I don’t think it’s going to be that much later in the US and Europe,” Yamauchi said. “This is based on our production schedule. The reason why the dates for the US and [European] regions are not decided yet is because their marketing is still discussing their issues. It shouldn’t be too far off from [the Japanese] date for the other regions as well.”

[Gran Turismo 5 probably coming to US, EU in early 2010 - Polyphony via GameSpot]

Sony has dropped a massive bombshell for PlayStation Portable owners today. During their TGS press conference, Sony announced a miniature version of PlayStation Home called Room – the two “o”s are actually an infinity symbol (“R∞M”).

“PlayStation Room” (shown above) features avatars, live blogs, photo albums and social networking. Along with, Chat, mini-games, and real-time communication. Room is being tested in Japan right now because Room is more inline to what Japanese gamers want, however, we’re fairly certain that it will come to North America, sometime in the future.

In a plan to celebrate the upcoming launch of the PSP Go, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe today announced a special promotion to help existing PSP owners with UMDs, to start their digital games collection for PSP Go.

With PSP Go Rewards (yes, that’s what it’s called) you can download three much-loved, or totally new PSP titles for free, and put your new PSP Go to the test. These titles include; Killzone Liberation, Medievil, Wipeout Pure, Buzz Brain Bender, Buzz Master Quiz, SOCOM U.S. Navy SEALs: Fireteam Bravo, Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters, Everybody’s Golf, Resistance: Retribution, Syphon Filter Dark Mirror, Lemmings, LocoRoco, Patapon, Syphon Filter: Logan’s Shadow, Echochrome, Pursuit Force: Extreme Justice, and Daxter. There are seventeen titles to choose from in all, and the process is simple…

1. Unwrap your shiny new PSP Go and start it up; 2. Connect to PlayStation Network and activate your new or existing PlayStation Network account for PSP Go Rewards; 3. Start up your current PSP and connect to PlayStation Network; 4. Login using the same PlayStation Network account , and launch PlayStation Store; 5. Pop one of your UMDs into the drive of your current PSP and register on PSP Go Rewards when prompted; 6. Download a PSPgo theme; 7. Wait for your email voucher for your three free games; 8. Choose, download and enjoy!

Promotion starts on 1 October 2009 and runs until 31 March 2010. Promotion open to owners of a PSP-1000, 2000 or 3000 and at least one UMD, when they purchase a PSP Go. Titles may vary by territory and age restrictions apply. However, at this time, the Rewards program is unconfirmed for the North America.

In an interview with 1UP, Jun Takeuchi, Resident Evil 5 producer, stated that other developers are happy about Sony’s wand motion controller technology because it’s now possible for Wii games to be ported onto the PlayStation 3.

“Speaking to other developers in Japan, I’ve heard a few of them say they were delighted by the Sony motion controller because they can just port over their Wii titles to the PS3,” Takeuchi told 1UP. However, this doesn’t confirmed that Capcom’s working on a Wii-to-PS3 port, but this opens the room for a No More Heroes port on PlayStation 3.

Sony has announced that stereoscopic 3D technology will be headed the PlayStation 3 in 2010. The technology will be placed in a future firmware update for the system – which Sony is planning to release sometime next year – and you won’t need a special 3D television to utilize it. Instead, you’ll only need the stereoscopic glasses with a normal, or High Definition television.

Along with that, they’ve also revealed that the improvements will be capable with “all” of their existing titles. “3D is clearly on its way to the mass market through technology, distribution and content,” Sir Howard Stringer, Sony chief executive, at the IFA Consumer Electronics show. “As with high definition a few years back, there are a variety of issues yet to be addressed. But the 3D train is on the track, and we at Sony are ready to drive it home.”

[Thanks to Kotaku]

If you can’t remember, some time during this year Sony released a survey asking the fans what they would like to see in a God of War III collectors edition, and, in the survey, an overwhelming amount of the community members wished for the previous God of War titles to be available on the PlayStation 3.

With that said, Sony has announced that the critically acclaimed God of War franchise will be headed to the PlayStation 3 in a collaboration of all the previous God of War titles. The collaboration is entitled God of War Collection.

Scheduled for release this holiday season, God of War Collection will feature reworked versions of both God of War and God of War II on a single Blu-ray Disc at full 1280 x 720 resolution. Both critically acclaimed games, which were originally developed for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, have been remastered with anti-aliased graphics running at 60 frames per second for a smooth gameplay experience on the PS3 system. Additionally, the Blu-ray Disc compilation will bring PlayStation Network (PSN) trophy support to the franchise for the first time (included for both games).

“We are excited today to announce God of War Collection,” said Scott Rohde, vice president, Worldwide Studios America. “Our fans spoke and we listened; thanks to our partnership with Bluepoint Games, fans and newcomers to the series can experience the epic God of War and God of War II saga in stunning 720p on PS3. This Blu-ray Disc compilation brings Kratos to PS3 even earlier than expected.”

The game will go on sale this holiday for $39.99.

We were a bit disappointed when Sony confirmed that the PSP Go wouldn’t come bundled with Rock Band Unplugged like we previously heard. Now, we know as to why Sony didn’t bundle the game with the PSP Go. Anyway, instead of the full game, you’ll receive a “voucher” for an exclusive demo of the title. But, wait there’s more.

Sony has stated, on the PlayStation.Blog, that Rock Band Unplugged Lite – yes, that’s what the demo’s called – is basically a demo of the game that allows you to play five tracks from the complete game. However, it will accept downloads from the Rock Band Unplugged store, effectively allowing players to build a track list of their own, which is great news.

I know that we’re a little slow on the outtake of this information, but it’s news none the less. Anyway, during Sony‘s GamesCom press conference, Sony announced the 3.0 firmware update for PlayStation 3.

The update will change the way you navigate the system such as adding animated themes, a redesigned friends list, premium avatars, new Trophy features, and a new status indicator at the top-right hand corner of the screen – that will now show how many friends you have online, and how unread many manages you have.

Firmware 3.0 will also include a “What’s New” section, and TV services such as BBC iPlayer. These features will release on September 1.

Update: The PlayStation 3 Slim doesn’t play PS2 games. “Note: This product is not compatible with PlayStation 2 games,” reads the release.

Original: Kaz Hirai, head of all things PlayStation, announced today, during GamesCon, that the long rumored and awaited PlayStation 3 Slim will be available in the first week of September. Hirai detailed the system stating that the system will feature a 120 GB drive. Along with that, he said that it will be 33 percent smaller, 36 percent lighter then the current PlayStation 3.

The PlayStation 3 Slim will be priced at $299 in the U.S., 299 euros, 29980 yen. Sony also announced at their GamesCom conference that it will add e-reader technology to its PSP handheld devices, introducing digital comics from Marvel and other publishers. The e-reader technology PSPs will release in December.

EA CEO John Riccitiello is known for his opinions, which are often controversial, and in his latest outburst, it’s no different. During EA’s Q1 conference call, Riccitiello stated that a price cut will move more hardware, and that they’ll like to see a cut later this year.

“We think pricing will move hardware,” he said. “We anticipate price cuts at some point and we’d like to see them later in the year.” However, so far, the Xbox 360 is the only system to see major price cuts. But, Nintendo hasn’t hinted at a price drop since the sales of its consoles have been going strong, and, recently, Sony has been in the spotlight about thier comments of a price drop for the PlayStation 3. We cant help, but think the comment may have been a clue to Sony to drop the price of its console soon.

Anyway, EA is a big player in the gaming industry and are convinicing enough to change minds of a console manufacturer like Sony. However, if you don’t remember. A few months back, Activision threatened Sony about the price of the PS3, and the lack of a price cut.

Personally, I hate the fact that I have to install my games onto my PlayStation 3′s hard dive to play them. But, we have been informed by one of the developers at Naughty Dog that Uncharted 2 does not require an installation on to your PS3, which is exciting news for all the installation haters out there.

Anyway, Christophe Balestra has informed people on his twitter, which is somehow the news hub for all the latest gaming related information, that, “Uncharted 2 does not require any install.” Basically, meaning that you can get right into the action.

Along with this announcement, Balestra also revealed that Naughty Dog will be feature that the upcoming GamesCon event. “Naughty Dog will be at GamesCon. One of our artists, who’s German, will make the trip.”

On the Japanese version PSN a game entitled Gomibako, also know as Trash Panic, re-released today. The title is free to download, however, you have to pay 100 yen, or one dollar, for every three lives. You die three times, you have to pay another dollar. The cycle viciously continues until you either decide to stop spending money or stop playing.

Luckily, Trash Panic allows you to gain rewards that are featured in Playstation Home. However, this wasn’t a feature in the original Trash Panic. In the traditional game, you brought the game and played as much as wanted.

Anyway, this is a test run for future games that will run on this pay as you play model. However, is it an alternative for people who play games less and thus do not have to spend as much money as someone who plays regularly? Who knows, but I prefer a to pay for my games up front,  not having to worry about spending another dime.

This holiday season we’re going to have to dig deep into our pockets to find the money for buying video games, like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, Brutal Legend, and Assassin’s Creed II. But, the developers behind Heavy Rain want their project to be really successful. And have push the game back beyond the holiday rush.

When speaking to GI.biz in a interview, Quantic Dream co-CEO Guillaume de Fondaumiere stated that the Holiday ’09 release date for Heavy Rain was “a very crowded place”. As an affect, they have pushed Heavy Rain into 2010.

“Purely from my perspective, most publishers today realise that it’s not ideal to release a new IP or a new genre just before Christmas,” he said in the interview. “It’s a very crowded place to be, and certain games need more space to live their life. Everybody at working on the project, both at Quantic and Sony, believe this is the right time.”

More info should be revealed during Gamescom in Cologne next month on its new release date.

There’s no hiding it, everyone was affected by the passing of the “King of Pop” Micheal Jackson, but what does Jackson’s record label Sony Corporation have to say on his passing.

Commenting on his passing first, Sir Howard Stringer, Chairman, CEO and President of Sony Corporation: “Michael Jackson was a brilliant troubadour for his generation, a genius whose music reflected the passion and creativity of an era.”

“His artistry and magnetism changed the music landscape forever. We have been profoundly affected by his originality, creativity and amazing body of work. The entire Sony family extends our deepest condolences to his family and to the millions of fans around the world who loved him,” he continued.

Rolf Schmidt-Holtz, CEO, Sony Music Entertainment, said: “Michael Jackson’s unsurpassed artistry and beloved music brought joy to every corner of the world.”

We join today with his millions of fans in expressing our profound sadness and we offer our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. It was a true privilege for all of us in the Sony Music family to work with one of the most talented superstars in the history of music. We will miss him greatly,” Schmidt-Holtz continued.

Martin Bandier, Chairman & CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing, said: “Michael was the kind of amazing talent that comes along once in a lifetime. He was an incredible recording artist, an insightful businessman, an unmatched performer, and a true icon. To all of us at Sony/ATV Music Publishing, he was also a trusted and passionate partner, who was very proud of our accomplishments. He will be dearly missed. We wish his children and entire family our deepest condolences.”

Agent was announced at the Sony’s Press Conference during E3 earlier this month, but we only received some “base-line” information about the title. However, in a recent Eurogamer interview, Take-Two CEO Ben Feder spilled the goods on the “spiritual successor” to the Grand Theft Auto franchise.

“It’s a completely different storyline, there is completely different character development. It’s a game about espionage, set in the 1970s. GTA is obviously more about an urban experience, a typically rags to riches experience,” Feder says. ”Very, very different storylines, very different character development. It’s going to be very fresh for gamers.”

Feder then went on the reveal the reason as to why its an exclusive title; he stated that, “it’s important when you’re launching a new franchise to make sure you have the right support.” As you can see, the PlayStation 3 apparently provides such support. I’m not going to continue beyond that point.

Activision’s head of state, Bobby Kotick has been on a recent high, saying that Activision may need to “stop supporting Sony” come 2010 or 2011 because “the PlayStation 3 is losing a bit of momentum and [that doesn't] make it easy for [them] to support the platform.” But, that hasn’t seem to faze Sony’s solid stature.

“PlayStation has tremendous momentum coming out of E3, and we are seeing positive growth with more than 350 titles slated to hit across all our platforms, including many anticipated games from our publishing partners,” said Playstation spokesman Patrick Seybold when speaking with Kotaku.

“We enjoy healthy business relationships with and greatly value our publishing partners and are working closely with them to deliver the best entertainment experience.”

Now, the statements made by both sides are very understandable, but like Seybold stated, coming out of E3 Sony has a solid line-up excluding Activision’s upcoming titles. Anyway, lets just hope that Activision doesn’t go ahead with their remark.

Question: what about Splinter Cell: Conviction making its on to the PlayStation 3? UbiSoft spoke about that on its forums yesterday.

“Splinter Cell: Conviction is a true Microsoft exclusive title and there are no plans to have Splinter Cell: Conviction on other platforms,” said UbiSoft. ”There are several reasons behind this choice. First of all, Splinter Cell games are historically linked with Microsoft platforms. The first Splinter Cell on the original Xbox was one of the first games to fully exploit the console’s technical possibilities. At that time, Microsoft really believed in the game potential and provided strong support to promote it. So, there is a “link of heart” between the franchise and the platform. Some games are like this (think of Final Fantasy for instance).”

They then went on the give another reason.

“The second reason behind this choice is purely linked to production. Having a single target platform means that we can optimize the game even further, because we only have one type of – console – hardware to support.”

The addicting team squad based role playing game Fat Princess was originally slated for a June release, which happens to be this month. However, sadly, it turns out that, that isn’t going to be happening. But, they haven’t left us hanging in the rain.

Instead, it will be out “at some point [during the] summer” – I know, that does sound like an exact date [/sarcasm]. Along with this, they stated that its release will be a worldwide one.

[Mike Kebby via Euro PS Blog]

In an interview published by the Japanese magazine, Dengeki: PlayStation, Hideo Kojima explained why he took the role of game designer on Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, despite his previous claims that he would play a smaller role in the development of Metal Gear games after Metal Gear Solid 4.

“At first, I was just going to create the overall guidelines and concepts for the project, and leave it in the hands my excellent staff. I was going to have a hand in the project as a producer, and make titles other than MGS. But, I set the game in the South American(sic) country of Costa Rica and created a story with themes about nuclear deterrence and the cold war. It looked as if it might be very confusing to young people, because of generational differences. So, in the end I finally said, “I’ll do it.”

The only time Kojima directly referenced the gameplay of MGS: Peace Walker during the interview was when discussing the trailer shown at Sony’s press conference. When pressed about the cardboard box with two Snakes in it, Kojima said, “what we showed is called ‘The Love Box’.”

When discussing Metal Gear Solid: Rising Kojima said that it would not be a traditional Metal Gear game. “It’s a completely different kind of action than what has appeared in the series so far.” He also said, “I’ll be working more deeply on the project then a normal producer.”

This game is sounding better and better each time. Ben Feder, president of Rockstar parent Take-Two Interactive, believes that Agent could achieve the same level of success as their Grand Theft Auto series, given its development is being overseen by Rockstar North founders Sam and Dan Houser.

“We think this has the potential to be yet another great Rockstar North franchise title….It’s the Houser Brothers and Rockstar North. It’s the A team working on an AAA title. I think the subject matter, the characters, the story, the environment, the background–all the elements are there. It’s such a rich environment to play in.”

When speaking with GameSpot on the Electronic Entertainment Expo show floor, Feder explained the decision to develop the game solely for Sony’s console.

“The trade-offs a publisher will typically make is, if you’re platform-agnostic, you get a larger installed base,” he said. “You’re platform exclusive when you get the right kind of support from first parties.”

Take-Two believes Sony will offer the same kind of support which made Grand Theft Auto III, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas – all initially PlayStation 2 exclusives – three of the top 10 selling games of all time.

At this phase in the cycle, when you’re trying to launch a new franchise, exclusivity can really help you launch the franchise. It can give you the kind of platform that you need to start exclusive, start in the right kind of way with the right kind of partner. Exclusivity does work,” Founder continued.

“I have a lot of confidence in Sony. I have a lot of confidence in their ability to lead the market, as they always have,” declared Feder. “Their console is a terrific platform to be developing for, and Agent is a great testament as to our belief in what that platform can do, and what they can do with us as part of a partnership.”

During the demoing of Soul Calibur: Broken Destiny, the first Soul Calibur title coming exclusive to the PSP, at E3 players were left in amazement at the reveal that Kratos, from Sony’s God of War series, will be playable in the final version of Broken Destiny.

However, we have received news that Kratos wasn’t playable at the demoing of the game. But, 1UP did manage to gain a pic of Kratos within the character select screen.

The developer behind such games as Grand Theft Auto and Manhunt, Rockstar North has announced its work, during the Sony keynote via Sony’s Jack Tretton, on upcoming PlayStation 3 exclusive “Agent“.

Agent takes players on a paranoid journey into the world of counter-intelligence, espionage and political assassinations during the height of the Cold War at the end of the 1970s.

“We have always enjoyed making action games, and with Agent we are making what we believe will be the ultimate action game,” said Sam Houser, Founder of Rockstar Games.

“Agent is a game we have wanted to make for a long time. The team in Edinburgh is doing an amazing job combining intense action, atmosphere and story in a great period setting to create something that feels quite unique. We cannot wait for people to experience this game.”

During the Sony Keynote in Los Angeles, Jack Tretton of Sony confirmed the development of Final Fantasy XIV: Online, which he revealed will be coming “exclusively” to the PlayStation 3 from the developers over at Square Enix.

Along with that, he also revealed that the game will be releasing in 2010.

If you didn’t know, Square Enix is still developing Final Fantasy XIII - also when at the event.

Metal Gear Solid: Rising explains Raiden on the Kojima site, but what about Big Boss? During the Sony Press Conference, Hideo Kojima took the stage to announced his newest project for the PSP Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker.

The game is said to take place ten years after the events in Metal Gear Solid 3. Kojima emphasised that he and the MGS4 team were deeply involved in the game. Also, that it’s not a spin-off or sidestory. They also said that they’ll be using all the features of the PSP. Peace Walker is said to release in 2010.

“With Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, Kojima Productions has once again pushed the limits of the PSP system, creating a beautiful sequel to Metal Gear Solid 3,” said Martin Schneider, European Marketing Director for Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH. “Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker lets players take the action and excitement of a console game to the PSP, and is a stunning addition to MGS Lore.”

That’s right. Sony has just announced the second DLC from Killzone 2 and, as they hinted all the way back at GDC, the second DLC pack for Killzone 2 will be a “retro” level pack.

The content pack will give you the ability to journey all the way back to the original Killzone by providing you two new levels that Guerrilla Games likes to call “Flash and Thunder” pack.

The two levels are odes to the Beach Head and Southern Hills levels from the first Killzone.  Both are fan favorites from the first game, but have been re-envisioned with Killzone 2‘s engine and overall technology.  The levels also offer a unique twist that will truly keep players on their toes, so watch out for an explosive gameplay element that will have you running for cover, or risk a quick death.

In the Beach Head map, the ISA must defend their stronghold after the Helghast land on the sandy Vektan beaches. As torrential rain and gale-force winds batter the landscape, the relatively small size of the level creates a frantic hand-to-hand battleground, with the water filled craters supplying only limited cover. Picking your way across the harsh terrain, you will find many opportunities to sneak up on the enemy and take them down at close range. And if you’re able to get to them in one piece, there are also lots of higher ground sniper spots to explore…
 
In the Southern Hills map, the battle takes place around a central Helghast base on top of a hill. The compound is surrounded by smaller structures, creating a level that facilitates close-quarter fights within the built-up areas, as well as long-range shoot-outs in-between them. Ideal for 24 to 32 player games, the base camps in this version have been beefed up considerably, so expect to find more hiding places than in the original Killzone counterpart.
 

The rumors that popped on the internet stating that the next PSP would be called PSP Go! were true, but the name was a bit off. Sony Computer Entertainment Europe have seen this as the prefect time to revealed the next PSP and it’s called the PSP Go! View – so yeah it’s not the next PlayStation Portable, but it is.

With Go! View, you can watch sports, movies, and TV shows on your PSP. From Football to hit comedies, dramas and a selection of Movies, everything is available to enjoy wherever you go. Offering a range of top TV including LOST and Ugly Betty, blockbuster Movies and Sports including Barclays Premier League and UEFA Champions League football action from Sky Sports, Go! View is simply an on-demand TV on a portable games console. And you’ll get all of this via a on-demand TV on a portable games console.

The Go! View retail packaging includes a 4GB Memory Stick, Mini USB Cable and a two months free subscription to the Go! View service, retailing with a Recommended Retail Price of £29.99. The PSP GO! View Bundle contains a Black PlayStation Portable 3000, 2GB Memory Stick, Mini USB Cable  two and month’s free subscription to the Go! View service, for the Recommended Retail Price of £ 149.99.  There’s no word on a US version of the system yet we’ll keep you keep you updated.

[PSP Go! View Bundle via ElectronicTheatre]

Just incase you weren’t satifyed with the first peek, you’ll love this extended look into it. Not only is it five minutes long, but there’s guns, grenades, climbing and a hole lot of sneaking.

“Adding a multiplayer aspect to the Uncharted franchise is a significant step in the re-playability of the game,” said Christophe Balestra, co president Naughty Dog when announcing the games multiplayer mode. “Uncharted 2: Among Thieves will be the most impressive and ambitious game that Naughty Dog has done and we are thrilled to let our fans experience it this fall.”

In collaboration of the recent announcement of the North American version of the game, the newest White Knight Chronicles trailer reveals a forgotten secret, which really isn’t a secert thanks to the games title.

White Knight Chronicles begins in the kingdom of Balandor, where a princess’s coming-of-age banquet is raided by an evil Corporation called “Wizard”. A boy called Leonard grabs the princess’s hand and leads her to safety in the castle cellars, where he finds a strange suit of armour that transforms him into the White Knight – an ancient warrior with the strength to defeat the Wizard corporation forces.

In reports yesterday, it was rumored that Sony was planning an “electrifying announcement” – the announcement wasn’t the rumor – revealing a beta of Uncharted 2 in the upcoming inFamous title. Looks like the rumors were  correct.

According to Kotaku via a photo provided, on a Best Buy pre-order box-art for inFamous it reveals the existence of a Multi-player beta test for Uncharted 2′s Mutli-player mode. 

In addition, as originally announced, the pre-orders will give players early access to the inFamous demo. However, announcing that one of the best single player titles features an Mutli-player mode really is something “electrifying”. InFamous releases this May on the 26th exclusively on the PlayStation 3. 

Sony’s planning an “electrifying announcement” for April 27th and we all wonder what they are planning to announce. However, it seems that a very in-dept source, when it comes to things like this, thinks that it has came up with the answer.

According to GameZine.co.uk, an Uncharted 2: Among Thieves demo/beta will be included on the inFamous retail disc, which would underline the “electrifying” statement.

But, from the business stand point, this could be attempt from Sony to increase inFamous’ sale, which we have seen with the Final Fantasy XIII demo included on the FFVII: Advent Children Complete Blu-ray.

But, there’s another idea rumor. Following recent rumors that Naughty Dog is developing competitive and cooperative for Among Thieves, it seems that Naughty Dog may want to give it a spin in a beta of some kind – seen with Crackdown and the Halo 3 mutli-player beta. However, we’ll have to wait until the 27th to see if this rumor is real.

Expected later on by adventure eager players, it now seems that Uncharted 2: Among Thieves will be releasing this September in Europe.

According to an update on the European PlayStation site, the game’s release date is scheduled for this September. However, the game was originally schedule for an Quarter 4 release, which was stated when the game was announced late last year.

In addition, the official site also confirms that the game doesn’t feature an mutli-player mode. But, sadly, this isn’t a official confirm so we’d have to wait for an officially announcement if there’s really any release date change.

[Uncharted 2 em Setembro? via Eurogamer.pt]

Many are wondering just how well Killzone 2 is faring since its release in late February. Well, after Guerilla Games’ title “exceeded our expectations” – which was logged by Sony when reports appeared that the game had sold 500,000 copies in the U.S. – something like this was going to occur.

When anticipating the NPD Group’s monthly sales estimates, Sony replied with hast that their PlayStation 3 exclusive shooter Killzone 2 has sold more than 1 million copies – but not in America alone, worldwide.

SCEA boasted that “approximately 1 in every 3 PS3 titles achieve Metacritic scores of 80 or higher, which affirms PlayStation’s proven track record in delivering rich and relevant entertainment content.”

[Killzone 2 Eclipses 1 Million Sold via GameDaily]

Most likely one of the biggest franchises that Sony has ever released, has been announced, recently, to be heading to the PSP. However, we have been given the quiet eye when it comes to details on any part of the game. Until now.

In an interview with Pocket Gamer, MotorStorm: Arctic Edge director Richard Ogden revealed that the game will support eight player multi player. But, the PlayStation 2 version will feature a ‘split screen for two player races’.

“The PSP version will have Ad Hoc and Infrastructure Mode multiplayer for as many as eight players, whereas the PS2 has split screen for two player races at home on the sofa. The PS2 version will also have uprated graphical content to suit its technical capabilities and bigger screen area,” said Ogden.

As we have seen in games like Resident Evil 5, recently theres been a high demand for co-op play within normal single player games. But, it seems that Sony will be keeping the games roots with God of War III.

In an interview with CVG, God of War III director, Stig Asmussen, confirmed that Kratos will walk alone in his upcoming adventure. Toping it off with these words, “God of War III is a one-player game.”

In addition, Asmussen revealed that Kratos will have a vast array of new weaponry this time around, including:

• Hermes Boots – Allow Kratos to maneuver up walls and perform aerial attacks
• Helios Head – Reveals secret locations and functions in dark areas
• Cestus – Powerful lion gauntlets
• Fire Bow (temporary name) – Well, this one should be obvious

Many have been wondering when Sony was going to announce the release date for inFamous, I mean we already knew that it was coming this June. But, now, that isn’t the case because inFamous’ release date has been changed.

According to the PlayStationBlog, the game hasn’t been delayed, its release date has been up-ed to May 26 because the guys at Sucker Punch have been working so hard on it.

However, now with just a little over a month until the game hits shelves, the games’ pre-order goodness begins today, which gives you exclusive ‘Gigawatt Blades’ Super Power, a limited eddition inFamous costume for your Home Avatar, and early access to the official Game Demo on May 7.

Earlier on today on GameTrailers TV, it was revealed by one of the developers at Guerrilla Games that they’re currently finishing up work on their upcoming DLC for their hit PS3 title Killzone 2 entitled “Steel & Titanium”.

He also revealed that the content pack is indeed a Map Pack and that it will feature two maps; New Sun, which is on a ISA flagship; and Wasteland Bullet, which is on 2 Helghan trains running right next to one another with environmental gotchas.

Meanwhile, we have learned through a press release that Sony is planning to release the content on April 30.

Remember when Capcom was nice enough to announce Lost Planet 2 via Xbox Live but only for the 360, and how there was a ton of speculation on whether, or not, it would be coming to PS3?

Well, it looks like Capcom is still thinking about it, but let’s hope they come up with something, soon.

“We’re still thinking about it and haven’t announced a PS3 version, so we can’t say more about it just yet,” producer Jun Takeuchi told Gamesradar.

Takeuchi explained the reason as of why they revealed the game via Xbox Live.

“We wanted to show the game first and foremost to fans of the original Lost Planet,” he added. “We talked to Microsoft about doing it this way and they were interested in it as well. Also, I think it was a unique and memorable way to announce the game.”

Most of us think that, by now, most developers have grasp the full potential of the PlayStation 3, but SCEA says it differs when it comes to thinking that.

As reported by GameZine, in Sony Santa Monica’s confrence at GDC ’09, which was entitled titled “Practical SPU Programming”, it was detailed by Jim Tilander and Vassily Filippov of the teams usage of the PlayStation 3′s SPUs in God of War III.

The Cell processor features one main processor, PPU, and 8 specialist processors, SPUs, one of which is turned off for optimisation reasons, with another used for the PlayStation 3′s OS.

They continue to explain saying that the SPUs aren’t actually coprocessors, but are full general purpose processors that can handle code directly lifted from the PPU. Moreover, they aren’t just fast, but they are super fast and with a little bit of help they can run code at unbelievable speeds.

In fact, the God of War III team rely on the SPUs to accelerate both the PlayStation 3′s GPU (RSX) and the PPU. They then detailed the systems running on the SPUs, which include animation, cloth, collision, procedural textures, culling, shadows, push buffer generation, meta tasks, geometry conditioning, and sound.

In an attempt of desperation, we’d do anything for details about  Insomniac Games’ upcoming Ratchet & Clank title, Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time. So when viewing the description of the on Sony’s website, we found some very hidden, read between the lines, details on the game - thanks to the Examiner.

According to the description, Ratchet’s sidekick Clank will be playable, once again, after mysteriously disappearing at the end of Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction. Clank returns upgraded with time-manipulation powers, much like what you’d see in Heroes, the hit television show.

However, on Ratchet’s sides of the equation, players can expect non-linear levels along with new weapons like Hoverboots and more weapon customization – you know, the works. Along with that, the space segment has been revamped. Players can now explore the star system and find hidden items in addition to participating in space battles.

That does sound entertaining. Expect the game to release sometime within this year – we where told this fall, but one never knows.

Sony Computer Entertainment America hardware marketing boss, John Koller, told the guys at VG247 that their upcoming online shooter, Massive Action Game (MAG),  is only possible on PlayStation 3 gaming system. 

“If you look at that competitively, it’s something that’s only possible on PS3. The,  the ability of PS3 to showcase 256 players at any given time, and their actions,” Koller said at GDC last week to VG247. “It’s basically like an iteration of SOCOM, where you’re maybe commanding the SEALs, and someone else has the Rangers, and the Green Berets, and so on.”

MAG was  revealed at last years E3 2008 and when released will be the first console title to include up to 256 players on screen – something that has never been done on any other gaming system before.

Trust us when we say that this isn’t a Apirls fools joke. Today, Sony has announced that Jak and his mischievous sidekick Daxter are back together, and for the first time-ever on the PSP and PS2 in Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier.

Prepare for non-stop action and adventure as the duo travel across mysterious lands and take to the sky on a mission to save their planet from destruction.

Picking up from where the original Jak and Daxter trilogy left off, Jak and furry friend Daxter team up with their friend Kiera on her quest to become a Sage and save their world from the threat of darkness. As the environment of their planet slowly dies, our two worldly heroes embark on a mission to protect their world from the threat of ‘dark eco’. Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier will release on both platforms this Autumn.

Besides Sony’s claims that “nobody will ever use 100 percent of [the PlayStation 3's] capability.” It now seems that Square-Enix producer, Yoshinori Kitase, claims that Final Fantasy XIII has maxes out all the capability of the system.

In an interview with Japanese magazine Dengeki PlayStation 3, Kitase, when being asked about how much power the Final Fantasy XIII demo uses, he had this to say.

“Doesn’t the demo use about 50 percent of its power? Of course, I think the retail version will make use of nearly 100 percent,” he told the magazine.

He went on to say that the game will make use of all the PS3′s hardware power much like Final Fantasy VII and Final Fantasy X made use of the PlayStation and the PlayStation 2, respectively. Kitase added that there won’t be any disc swap issues due to Blu-ray and the PS3′s hard drive.

This news only makes one wonder, what does this mean for the 360 version of the game?

["Final Fantasy XIII Uses Nearly 100 Percent of PS3 Power" via Kotaku]

A THQ rep has confirm with us today that Red Faction: Guerrilla has been given a release date of June 9, 2009.

Along with that, we were told that a demo will be releasing on April 23th with any GameStop pre-order of the game, which gives you about three weeks before its release date. 

In Red Faction: Guerrilla, the protagonist Alec will be able to run, jump, hijack vehicles, and use weapons to traverse across the open world of Mars and fight the EDF (Earth Defense Force).

Weapons in the game will include; machine gun turrets, rocket turrets, remote charges, a sledgehammer, machine guns, along with many others. Red Faction: Guerrilla will feature a third-person point of view - all previous Red Faction games were played from  a first-person perspective.

Besides all the controversy over the game’s downloadable content not being free, and that it didn’t come with the full retail version of the game. We can, without a doubt, tell you that the downloadable content for Resident Evil 5 has indeed been delayed, which Capcom announced this morning.

Earlier this month, Capcom announced Resident Evil 5′s ‘versus mode’ DLC will becoming to the market, which means that it’s going to be on both PSN and Live – sorry for the messed up translation. They also revealed the games prices on the system’s marketplaces ($5 on the Playstation Network and 400 Microsoft Points on Live).

They have announced that it has changed its released date to April 9, according to Capcom’s Japanese notice – it’s only for Japan kids. “We deeply apologize to those customers who have been waiting for this down loadable content,” Capcom states.

While many of us are home enjoying the PSP version of Resistance, when talking to the PlayStationBlog in a ‘little chat’, director Chris Reese revealed that Bend Studios has ‘no plans’ for Resistance: Retribution downloadable content.

“Currently there are no plans for DLC,” said Retribution technical director Chris Reese.

Creative director John Garvin did add that more Retribution themes and wallpapers should be available on the PSN soon, though, so technically there will be new content.

What happened two weeks ago? What you don’t remember… Well, just so that you know, that’s when Killzone 2 released, however, now it seems that the PS3 exclusive has now sold over 1 million copies.

On the games opening weekend, Killzone 2 went on to sell 700,000 copies in both North America and Europe. And, of course, the following week it went on to sell another 300,000 copies, which, according to the charts, is about over a 50% drop in sales – a pretty decent showing considering the title was launched in a non-holiday sales period.

In total, the game has sold about 1.05 million copies thus far. With it’s Japanese release coming next month, the title should manage to stay on the charts for a while, hopefully.

For years now Sony has been searching for the perfect game to conquer Microsoft’s Halo. Back when the first version of Killzone was released it got mediocre review scores because it was a “cracked shooter.” Now, it seems that Killzone has made a return, but this time it isn’t promising to be a “Halo killer,” it’s promising to be a new and redefined experience. But, can it deliver? Yes, I can say that it has but what qualities of this title deliver such an experience?

In Killzone 2, you play as a new character to the series, Sergeant Tomas Sevchenko. Instead of calling him Tomas they call him “Sev,” which can sound a lot like “Sav” at some points. Sev is a part of a four-man team known as Alpha Squad, led by series-known character Rico, who was in the first two games, including the PSP title. You and your teammates, Garza and Natko, fight your way through Helghan completing a vast amount of missions. Most importantly, you find yourself trying to capture Emperor Scolar Visari, the Helghast leader.

Taking place two years after the Helghast assault on Vekta, the ISA (Interplanetary Strategic Alliance) has launched an attack on the enemy’s homeland, Helghan. Their goal: take out the leader, Visari. That’s the story, in a nutshell, and MAN, is it good, on both paper and in playing out. But, I’ll say that there are some very weak points in the story. As for one thing, Rico really isn’t a likable character because he’s just annoying. This shows a weakness in the game’s story when it comes to the emotional department. But, other than that, the story is very strong. Sometimes, though, the game’s progression feels a bit sluggish.

Being the most visible part of the title, the game’s visuals stick out like a sore thumb all over. This really is the best-looking game to date. The character models are amazing and the graphical details in the game are, I don’t think that I can say this in a review, off the chain! But, there are some very bad low-res features to be seen, like the zip that comes out of the healer gun and the fire that shoots out the Flamethrower – they are just very last-gen, graphically. Looking into it, the game also has some strong features; the water effects shine and when it comes to the cut scenes the game put on its mega top hat and showed us a step or two.

To add to the graphical detail, the game has a very strong pick-up-and-play control mechanic, which works almost perfectly with most players. However, just like Superman, even this has its kryptonite. Luckily, the game allows you to change the control type, and there are multiple schemes to choose from. Fortunately, the cover mechanics are also very indebted. On the other hand, it kind of feels as though it was dragged on at some points. But, when you finally get how it works, there’s no stopping you.

The AI is very strong in every way, but one thing I didn’t get was why the AI always advance when you are near them. I know that it’s just a video game, but it feels as if they want you to kill them. Don’t get me wrong, they do perform the very technical things that most AI characters do – taking cover and being intelligent – but that’s just one thing that makes me upset. They can also be very resourceful and fighting a group of them at some points can be a BIG challenge, most of the time. Also, they come featured in many character types and each time you respond it feels like as if you are playing a new level.

Killzone 2 gives you an enormous array of weapons to pick from, such as flamethowers and more – you wouldn’t be bored with the weapons in this title. There also is the unique aspect to each weapon, giving you the chance to build your own strategies. You can only carry 2 weapons at a time, the primary weapon and secondary weapon – which generally deals with heavier weaponry.

Another great thing about this title is its multi-player, which will keep you playing for hours on end. The game gives you a long list of unlockables to pick from. It gives you the ability to pick your own map after each round is done. The level design in the maps are up to pair with any title currently available, but one thing we didn’t find so good with the multi-player is the unacceptably bad lag. It has to be one of the biggest problems in the games multi-player, but people at Guerilla Games say that they are working hard to resolve this problem. Also, they removed the cover system, which, lets face it, wouldn’t work in the multi-player areas of the game..

Anyway, the game’s Warzone feature for the multi-player mode really is something unique. It keeps you on your feet and things are always interesting in this mode. You start out as a normal soldier, then slowly advance throughout the rankings to things such as a Saboteur, Scout, etc.There are about six classes in total, but online you should expect the most popular class to dominate the field because not everyone wants to be the Scout. The game also deals out eight maps, but you will find yourself playing some more than others, because people are quick to click the first pick.

Closing Statements:

I feel that the game really has lived up to its hype, besides its minor jumps and skips. This game is time well-played. But, as I said, this game is far from perfect and with that I feel that this is one of the “must-play games of the year.” But, not because it’s so great; it’s because it does so many things right that it’s hard to go wrong. Also, the multi-player is a time eater. That is, if you have a high speed internet connection. Be advised that there’s no local multi-player! Keep that in mind, and you’ll find yourself playing for hours on end.

Score: A+

We all have been wondering when our favorite anti-hero Cole McGrath would be taking a trip onto our console with is ‘electrifying arsenal of superpowers’.

Now, reports have indicated that inFamous will be headed our way in an worldwide launch this June. Along with the announcement, the official PlayStation Blog tells us that the game will indeed be getting a demo. They also have revealed that details on the demos release will be coming shortly.

They also revealed the box art for the upcoming game.

Killzone 2 has accumulated to a great start  last week and there is nothing like coming in first place. Despite not being a top dog, Guerrilla’s First Person Shooter (FPS) became fourth fastest selling Sony title ever released in the U.K. falling right behind Gran Turismo 5 Prologue.

Halo Wars then came in at second place, which makes it the best selling Xbox 360 game this week. While the sales for Street Fighter IV where down by 49% from the previous week. Wii Fit felled to fourth place then came Professor Layton and the Curious Village at number 5.

Yes, Killzone 2 really is landmark for Sony in this ‘nex-gen war’, but, as you know, the war isn’t over until the fat lady sings and it looks Microsoft has a truly long list of songs for her to go through before she’s finished.

When being asked about Killzone 2 and the future of Microsoft, a Microsoft spokesmen told GameGuru that ‘unannounced Xbox 360 exclusives far surpasses what gamers have seen in any game so far’ in the technology aspect of things, which can mean anything – not only graphically.

“We congratulate Sony and Guerilla Games for their efforts with Killzone 2, however this is only the beginning of a new wave. The current technology employed for certain unannounced Xbox 360 exclusives far surpasses what gamers have seen in any game so far. Gears of War was the beginning of this technological benchmark when released on the 360 and this lineage will be carried forward in the following months with exclusives that shall stand for a new definition of gaming experience and provide stiff competition for the opposition.”

Editors Note: This is just an investigation in the the ‘Killzone 2 Sales Stay Strong’ article.

“I don’t know!?!?” That’s the answer I got when I asked my Best Buy retailer, where’s the Killzone 2 units? So, I’m going to take this question under investigation, and you won’t believe what I found out about the Killzone 2 sales being ‘strong’ statement.

Okay, the other day I went to my local Best Buy to buy a AV cord for my camera and the first thing I saw when I entered the store was a retail shelve for Killzone 2, which I took a picture of. And in the picture you’ll notice that there’s no Killzone 2 titles on the shelve, so that lead me to ask the question, where’s Killzone 2?

And because Sony isn’t candid about revealing the games sales actual scores, I took it into investigation. And I found out that they’re all out of the product, they aren’t hiding them. So it looks like the games sales really are ‘strong’, all over.

I know, just because it all sold out in one store doesn’t mean it the same with all store. Yes, we know that it just that, but soon the same will be happening at your store.

A big ‘I told you so’ just can’t cut it, but ‘I knew it’ sounds way better. So here’s I go. I knew it. According to CVG, LittleBigPlanet is currently in development for PSP and it’s being worked on by Sony Studio Liverpool, in England.

But, sadly, no details on the title were shared expect for the fact that it’s going to release in September ’09 and that CVG thinks that the game will be able to link up with the PS3 version – much like what they did in Resistance.

We could see scope for transferable levels, or a level editor on the PSP that would allow you to keep working on your creations even when away from the PS3. Sony offered ‘no comment’ on the matter.

Well, that didn’t take long. According to a GameTrailers Forum user TheRandomGamer, when reading a dutch gaming magazine, Power Unlimited, they found an interview with one of the developers at Guerrilla Games. And in the interview they said that Guerrilla Games were already working on Killzone 3, which the mag quoted for a newspaper called ‘De Volkrant’.

They also said that they were are also working on another Killzone: Liberation title, which they called simply Killzone: Liberation 2, and they say that the title will be headed our way in 2010.

“There has always been some uncertainty about the numbering of the Killzone games. Back when the first trailer of Killzone 2 was shown, some people were calling it Killzone 3 because the project name for Killzone: Liberation for the PSP was Killzone 2. But we think it’s quite clear that Killzone: Liberation on the PSP is a stand alone game,” said the mag.

“There are still some Killzone games coming. The devs told the newspaper “de volkskrant” that they are already working on Killzone 3. It’s not a big surprise, but it’s nice to know. We’ve also heard that Killzone: Liberation 2 is being worked on and will come out in 2010. Then there’s the question what the third GG, Guerrilla Games, team is working on…”

Last week, it was reported that PS3Focus was told by Guerrilla Games that the first Killzone 2 downloadable content will be headed sometime after the games release. But, at the time the developer was camera shy about releasing any details on the games DLC, but an anonymous source has confirmed to PS3Hype the details about the upcoming DLC – the DLC itself.

According to their source. Not all the DLC for Killzone 2 will be aviable for free; The DLC is in the form of: Maps, Extra Game Modes, etc.; Guerrilla is currently working on an ingame store, much like the one in MSG4, were you can buy charcter upgrades; Retro Maps to come via DLC (maps from Killzone 1).

Before some gets too excited and drops there pants, this isn’t confirmation of the release target we are just re-laying down a rumor of the release date so… yeah.

Anyway, according to PSXExtreme, SCEA has sent out a press release announcing Killzone 2 as the leader of the pack for this year’s 2009 PlayStation 3 blockbusters. As part of the announcement, SCEA confirmed that a new TV advertising campaign would kick off this week; it’s called the ‘Bullet’ commercial.

And they say the ‘new ad was rendered entirely in-engine via the incredible power of the Killzone 2 engine and PS3 technology to preserve the unique visual and epic gameplay experience.’

“The game [Killzone 2] ushers in an unprecedented year of titles to hit the PlayStation platform throughout the year – mean this year- including the blockbuster exclusives Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, inFamous, MAG, Heavy Rain, God of War III and MLB 09 The Show.

For all those fans out their that aren’t sure what they meant by ‘God of War 3 [being] the best looking game on the PS3 to date’, here’s a little insight for you. We all know that the game isn’t as graphically detailed, I mean this in the lightest way, as Killzone 2, but what God of War 3 does right, apparently, is large scale parts.

If you take note of the ending to the recently released God of War 3 trailer, you tasted just a little part of the ‘large scale’ environments in the game, which was basically the Titans attacking Mount. Olympus. As you can see, they are moving and in the recent interviews for the game it was stated that Kratos would be able to interact with these environments – the moving Titans.

Anyway, to interact with these environments you are going to need something powerful, something that can handle the ‘large scale’ needed for this. So… that is why God of War 3 is a visual ‘masterpiece’ it’s because it can handle these ‘large scale’ interactions.

Just something you should know: We’re holding a contest in were you can win a Nintendo Wii just click here to enter.

The game has yet been released in stores, but still the developer has confirmed that it does have plans for downloadable content in the near future.

When visiting the Headquarters of Guerrilla Games in Herengracht, Amsterdam, PSFocus asked about their plans surrounding Killzone 2′s downloadable content. Answering the question, they had called them to confirm that there is downloadable content and that it will be coming very soon.

Anyway, PSFocus were told that you should expect to release on February 27 and you should also expect there to be DLC sometime in the near future after the release, that’s it in a nut shell. Concrete details on this content weren’t released.

The God of War, Kratos, is back for an extended view of the trailer that we got viewed at back at last years VGAs. The trailer looks absolutely amazing, but be warned you may be blown away, if not, let us know!

A Sony rep has confirmed that the trailer is live action, meaning that it was taken from actual gameplay. But, franchise fans will notice the absence of some signature elements; enemies here aren’t dropping light orbs, the person playing the game isn’t being given on-screen button prompt when he – or she - goes in for the gory mini-boss kills. Lucky, Sony has confirmed to us that those elements were removed from the trailer for presentation purposes.

What if God of War II was on the PlayStation 3? Well, that is what could of happen if Phil Harrison had his way with the development of God of War II. In an interview with 1UP, Cory Barlog, director of God of War II, revealed that if Phil Harrison, who had work for Sony, had his way with the development of God of War II it could of been on the PlayStation 3 – instead of God of War III being one of the first God of War PS3 title.

“…Phil [Harrison, former president of the Worldwide Studios group] had brought it up, “Why are  we not doing this on PS3? I was actually in a presentation for the game I think a year into it, or maybe eight months into it, and Shuhei and Phil and bunch of other Japanese executives were there. We did the whole dog and pony, and then the first thing Phil said was, “Very good, thank you. I just have to ask this, since it seems like the obvious question. Why are we not doing this on PS3?” And I was like, “Uhh.” And I was like, “Uhh.” I kind of looked over at Shu and was like, “You want to take this?” He was a big proponent of it, but in the end I think a lot of people were like, “It’s a smart move to do it on PS2.”

In the pages of Game Informer it revealed yet another strongly awaited title that’s sure to keep you wanting more. The new details are from the cover article of the magazine, which is about God of War III, but the only way you can find them out is if you read them below.

Kratos will be battling plenty more foes, with as many as 50 enemies on screen at a time, as opposed to the max of 15 found in previous games; He also has a new ability that allows him to “control” certain monsters; There will be much more differentiation between the weapons, allowing for more variety in combat; Enemies will have improved AI, and will also feature much more visual variety; There will be more boss fights as compared to the first game, but fewer than the second; As per usual, there will be no multiplayer component.

Hey, do you remember the crazed Strangle Hold-like mediocre shooter that was on last-gens consoles entitled, ‘Dead to Rights’? Well, it looks like the game is coming back, but not on the PlayStation Portable (PSP) but on this gens systems.

In the March issue of PlayStation: The Official Magazine, it reveals that Namco is planning to release a brand new entry in the Dead to Rights franchise for PS3 and 360, which is coming in the fourth quarter of 2009. The game is being developed by Volatile Games, who did games like Reservoir Dogs.

The game will have a heavier focus on hand-to-hand combat other than the previous three versions, counting the PSP version, but it’ll still retain third-person shooting mechanics. Staring Jack Slate and set in Grant City, the game will feature the return of Shadow, which is the dog – although this time it’s a stray Jack finds, other then a police dog.

And according to 1UP, it looks like the game has a sort of Jason Bourne-style, meaning it’s alot more action oriented.

Recently announced to be headed towards North America, Level-5 has informed us that additional content for White Knight Chronicles will be available in Japan tomorrow.

According to them, the content will be entitled “Futatsu no Hôgeki” and it is the second online content made for the title.

After revealing a some other important information about the game, they revealed that it is recommended for players of a level 9 and 46 minimum, along with that  they also say that the pack is completely free

In response to the latest PlayStation Portable 2 rumors, which were started by IGN, a rep from Sony has replied to the, so-called, ‘non-sense’ rumors.

When speaking to TechRadar yesterday, a SCEE rep told them that in no uncertain terms that there were definitely no current plans for a PSP 2, despite IGN’s claims from its unnamed sources.

To quote original IGN article: IGN has learned from several credible sources that the PSP 2 is indeed on the horizon, and will be packing multi-touch technology. According to our sources, the PSP 2 will feature a widescreen multi-touch interface comparable to that of the iPhone for both in-game control and menu navigation.

SEC chairman Kaz Hirai said in an recent interview that he believes that the PlayStation 3 will outsell the Xbox 360 by the end this generation.

“Unless things go really bad,” Hirai told OPM. “There’s no way that at the end of a life cycle our competition is going to have a higher install base.”

“With the Xbox – again, I can’t come up with one word to fit. You need a word that describes something that lacks longevity,” said Hirai.

“Last time I checked, they’ve never had a console that’s been on the market for more than four or five years and we’ve committed to a ten year life cycle, so you do the math.”

The Sony executive says that regardless of install base he’d “like to think that Sony would continue official leadership in this industry.”

Earlier this week, Sony planted the latest bomb in the console war, which was sent out via a media bulletin, with claims that Nintendo and Microsoft are ‘peddling add-ons’ onto there console. But, it looks like Microsoft has something to say about that.

“First, I would say we absolutely would not want to trade places with Sony,” said Aaron Greenberg, group product manager for Xbox 360 to Kotaku. “We feel like being half the price of the PS3 served us quite well this holiday.”

“The fact that we’re doing this at half the price of their platform, we feel confident that we’re delivering great value,” he added. “I believe that we deliver more value for games and entertainment than any other platform on the market.”

“At the end of the day, consumers vote with their dollar,” Greenberg said with anticipation that the sub-$200 price point will give the Xbox 360 the majority of its sales. “I don’t think people take comparison grids into retail stores.”

“I would rather talk about why you should buy our console than why you shouldn’t buy the competitor’s system.” Well, there you go. Microsoft has once again put a close on another ‘claim’ from the people at Sony, but what does Nintendo have to say about it?

Sony has revealed some very impressive things at CES this year, but when you head over to the Sony boot, on the show floor, you will see one of the most impressive displays of 3D this generation, which just happen to be on the PlayStation 3.

“Don’t get caught up with specs,” the Sony representative told Arstechnica. “We’re not going to talk about specifications. This is just a look at what 3D could look like if Sony decided to move in this direction.”

Anyway, Arstechnica were shown Wipeout HD in 3D and they say that, “[they were] ready to whip out [their] credit card right there” and buy the system. But, sadly, the showing was just to see if people would want that kind of technology in their home.

During Sony’s presentation at CES, Guerrilla Game’s Hermen Hulst started talking about AAA titles on the PlayStation 3 that will release this year. In his presentation, on AAA titles, he gave out details that we already knew about the game, like destructible environments, etc., aspect for this one piece of information.

Now, he didn’t official give out this piece of information, but Killzone two will offer most gamers about ten hours of single-player gameplay.

Depending on some other factors like difficulty, your skill level, and weather or not you want to collect all the trophies, this game has some great single-player story detail. Because 10 hours is an average for a game of this nature, which isn’t bad at all.

Sony has alot of upcoming titles for their PlayStation 3 this year, but this is one game that sounds like if it’s too good to pass up.

Apparently, in the pages of the Dutch Official PlayStation Magazine they announced a ‘secret’ project that Sony is planning to reveal next month to them. But, because they are beneath a ‘strict embargo’ they weren’t welling to say anything about the title. But, it does sound pulpy…

“We can’t because of a strict embargo, not yet much lost (or better said entirely nothing), but next month we fly to the US to bring [a new] title for [the] PlayStation 3… [from] Los Angeles,” reads the Dutch Official PlayStation Magazine magazine.

Black is the classic color of a video game console, even back in the N64 days, but there’s another classic color for a video game console, and that color is White.

Up until this year, hopefully, the Play Station 3 has been available in only two colors and they are the traditional Black and Metal Gear Gun Metal, but it looks like Sony has plans to change that.

According to CrunchGear, when search trough some FCC filings they found that there’s a possibility that Sony is planning to release a White Play Station 3 in North America.

SCEA’s Alex Armour had commented on the very distinctive rumor:

“There are many FCC filings like this each year. We haven’t made any announcements about upcoming PS3 plans, but are comfortable with our current two SKU strategy. We are continually evaluating the market trends and consumer input to determine the appropriate PS3 models for our territory.”

Update: We have just been informed that GameStop has revealed there pre-order goody, which gives people access to the Killzone 2 Demo. We have also learned that codes granting access to the Killzone 2 Demo will be sent via email starting on February 3rd.

Original: There have been alot of things that shocked us over the past year and well this one is not as cool as it may come on to be, it is still, by itself, a great reason why you should pick up this game.

As we were saying, this really doesn’t make me want to pre-order this game from Best Buy, but it’s still looks amazing. Any-how, apparently in a mailing to PlayStation Network users, Sony and Best Buy have announced the pre-order bonus for the Killzone 2. And here’s where is gets interesting, it is a “free theme”.

The theme will be, and is, exclusive to those that pre-order the game at Best Buy, but before you do that make sure to wait for the GameStop’s pre-order goody to be shown because lets gets real, would be buy a game for a theme that you can get for free?

Also there is also a pack for an outfit from Home that comes with the a Killzone 2 Amazon.com pre-order that gives you a “Exclusive Pre-order PS Home Elements Costume”. Killzone 2 will be shipping exclusively for the PlayStation 3 in February 2009.

Update: We have been miss informed, apparently the original shipment was 250,000 copies and the game only sold about 132,000 copies.

Original: This is a real reason why Level-5 should be celebrating. After almost a super disappointing review score by popular Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu, it seems that the Japanese public really knows what it wants.

According to a Japanese sales list, White Knight Chronicles has sold almost 100K copys in Japan in just one day. And because of the games popular demand in Japan an emergency shipment has been ordered.

However, because it is the holidays, Retailers have been reminded that because it the end of the year sale will most likely be slow.

As you probably can see, this is a really big marking point in the console war - mainly because games really don’t sell by that much in Japan in one day. Which makes this a very strong entry in Japan for Sony in the New Year.

I don’t know about you but I setting down right now watching the VGA’s and thankfully I’m really happy with the show, so far. But, earlier on in the show today, I really don’t know the name of the lady that announced it, the God of War III trailer was shown. I’m not going to say that I’m completely happy with the trailer, but man was it a great showing.

After the PSP version of the hit PS2 game, God of War, video game developer Ready At Dawn reported that it wasn’t going to be making anymore PSP games in the future.

Now, however according to a post on their official website, 2 out of 5 top PSP games sold on Amazon in the US last week were Ready At Dawn games. And right after they reported that, there was a little messages on the bottom of the post saying, “maybe we should reconsider this whole ‘no more PSP games’ thing because we seem to be doing pretty good at it.”

It was report back in June that the company wasn’t going to be making anymore PSP games,  here’s what the company said,  “we’re now officially done with PSP development.”

“Today we sent all out devkits back and seeing all these boxes ready to be picked up definitely marks the end of an era here at Ready at Dawn,” the company continued.

In recent reports it was revealed that the 360 was “beating PS3 in Europe.” As simple as it may sound, Sony has moved to dispel Microsoft claims revealing internal figures that say its console has sold 300,000 more units than Xbox 360 in PAL territories.

And the company also doesn’t feel it has to follow Microsoft and further ignite consumer interest with a price cut of its own anytime soon. Sony will remain focused on the value offered by the PS3 and its extra functions and services.

“No we are not going to go down in price; neither are we going to go down in price on PS3 in spring time either. Absolutely not, whatever you might have heard to the contrary,” said SCEE president David Reeves.

“Our strategy is very much value added.” Reeves added. Sony’s business model for the console isn’t designed around dropping the RRP every time a manufacturing cost saving has been found. And he was keen to point out that, according to Sony figures, the PS3 is already ahead of Microsoft’s rival.

[Sony: We’re ahead of Xbox via MCV]

I was never a really a big fan of RPGs until this game came along and pointed me in the right direction, but it wasn’t because it’s a timed 360 exclusive, it was because it’s from Square. Now, I’m not saying that Fable, or the other RPGs, aren’t great games it’s just that this games from the Kings of RPGs. And well, it seems that when the game comes to the PlayStation 3 Squares going to be adding Japanese voiceovers.

“Because this is the 360 version and it’s just a DVD we didn’t end up with enough room on the DVD to have two languages worth of voice. There’s a lot of voice in this game. It would be cool if we can do that for a Blu-ray release. We’ll see!” - Yuji Isogawa via VideoGamer.com

It’s really kinda trivial to ask this question, but why just not just keep the game the same as the 360 version? O well, this is just as great anyway, but lets wait and see what other things they well change, like adding new missions but we can only lets hope.