PS3 Attitude

PlayStation 3 news, views and gossip from PS3 Attitude - a daily news site with bite!

Friday, 22 February 2008

Operation Broken Mirror on the way for Warhawk

After the recent release of the Omega Dawn add-on for Warhawk, we've been wondering whether Incognito would continue to deliver this kind of expansion for our third-favourite online experience.

With no release date as of yet, we can now reveal that a further add-on is confirmed for release and will bring a new map as well as an additional vehicle - much like the Omega Dawn add-on. The best intel we have suggests the DLC will be available by the end of March.

Operation Broken Mirror will deliver an Amoured Personnel Carrier to the mix that acts as a moveable spawn location. No longer will you have to choose from the same drop points every time - a teammate can get the APC to the right location for a surprise attack and you can spawn there instead.

The APC will also allow you to re-equip, somewhat like the 'MULE' in GRAW2.

Details of the new map are sketchy but the suggestion is that it might be a 'snow' map, somewhat like the icy Westmorland battlefield in Resistance.

Adding to the v1.3 patch features we announced, we have also heard that additional free patches are going to arrive in 2008 that include further game modes.

It looks like Warhawk is going to run and run, which is a good thing in our books.

As soon as we have more details on e Operation Broken Mirror DLC, we'll let you know.

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posted by DolphGB @ 10:20  0 Comments Links to this post

US PS Store updates for 21st February

This weeks US update was a little poor, just not quite as bad as the woeful EU PS Store update we 'enjoyed' yesterday.
Since we already know there will be a Rock Band track pack every week, that almost goes without saying from now on.

Jet Moto 3 made it's debut for the PS1/PSP and the PixelJunk Monsters demo also hit the store, just in case you hadn't already picked up the full title I guess.

Other than that the update was full of game and movie trailers, mostly MLB 08 The Show oriented.

The only point of interest for me was the two new game modes for PAIN. But then since PAIN still hasn't been release in Europe, I shouldn't care really!

The US update was always going to be a bit light due to GDC, but I don't see what excuse SCEE has for the EU update.

As usual, the full list is available from the Official PlayStation Blog, although this week they neglected to mention the PAIN add-ons.

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posted by DolphGB @ 09:57  0 Comments Links to this post

GDC 08; CryEngine 2 show-floor videos

As we mentioned in our preview of GDC 08, CryEngine 2 was due to make an appearance on the PS3 at some point before the final bell.

Courtesy of GameTrailers we have two videos that show just how all-encompassing this FPS game engine is.

The first gives you some insight into the different features they have packed into the engine, including destructable environments and vegetation as well as depth-of-field and time of day lighting effects.

The second video is an homage to the famous Sony Bravia Balls advert. Except for some bizarre reason they seem to have chosen to replace the bouncy ball with what look like brightly coloured condoms!

Enjoy the show...

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posted by DolphGB @ 09:37  0 Comments Links to this post

Thursday, 21 February 2008

GDC 08; Call of Duty 4 'feature patch' on the way

Speaking at GDC to the chaps at PSU, Infinity Ward's Robert Bowling was gracious enough to explain the forthcoming features that will be downloaded to PS3s all over the world soon.

This CoD4 'feature patch' does bring a number of much-needed additions to our favourite online experience:
  • Optimised servers
  • New 'kill cams' (grenades, RPGs, airstrikes, claymores and more)
  • Quick Mute (mute annoying players - an absolute must have)
  • Show 'Recently Met Players' in the PlayStation Network (finally!)
  • Removal of 'delayed shots' for Sniper Rifles and Acog attachments, improving their usefulness
"(With the new 'kill cams') you can watch from when the grenade leaves the
enemies hand all the way to the explosion that kills you," said Bowling.
The patch is supposed to fix the 'downloading game settings' bug that could leave you with a four-hour wait to play online, and will generally make the whole game joining operation much smoother.

What with this and the planned DLC that will include new maps, I can see we'll be playing CoD4 just as much as we already do over 2008!

Which reminds me - if you want to show some PS3 Attitude love, add the clan tag [PS3A] to your profile in CoD4. If we end up playing in the same room we'll be on the same team. Not that this is a guarantee of success mind you!

[via PSU]

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posted by DolphGB @ 14:27  0 Comments Links to this post

European PS Store updates for 21st February

Sparse.

Let me just say that again.

S-P-A-R-S-E

That's what the update says to me today.

There's the Lost Planet Demo that was already on the US store (then off again, then back on, thanks to bugs). There's some video for Assassin's Creed (which has been out for months) and Conflict: Denied Ops (which is a disasterous FPS) and there are a couple of DMC4 wallpapers and a theme.

The only minor saving grace is that Snakeball is finally in Europe. It's fun, but the gameplay is way over-complicated to be a classic. At a shade under five quid, I'm passing thanks. If it was £2 or less like LocoRoco Cocoreccho was, it would be a no brainer.

Here's the full list:

Games

Snakeball (£4.99)

Demos (all free)

Lost Planet - Online

Video (all free)

Conflict: Denied Ops - Launch
Assassin's Creed - Developer Diary 'Altair'

Wallpapers (all free)

Devil May Cry 4 (x2)

Themes (all free)

Sports

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posted by DolphGB @ 13:20  0 Comments Links to this post

[UPDATE] Starbreeze and the EA classic, but which one?

EA Partners has announced that Starbreeze, the people behind The Darkness, are working on a secret project to re-invent one of EA's classic franchises.

So which one will it be?

So far all we know is that Starbreeze have been working on the title - known as Project RedLime - for a while already.

"We're already deep in development on Project RedLime and the team at EA is giving us the time we need to perfect our vision. We're excited to bring a new perspective and gameplay innovation to this beloved fiction." - Johan Kristiansson, CEO of Starbreeze Studios.
So what will it be?

Whilst not officially an EA title, the Bullfrog franchise 'Syndicate' has already been touted as a possible option, as has 'Medal of Honour'. Medal of Honour isn't viable as far as I'm concerned, since the last game came out last year and this is meant to be a 'classic' title.
[UPDATE] Maybe MoH isn't so far-fetched after all. Red poppies are a symbol of rememberance for those that fought in the World Wars, and they require soil rich in lime to grow. Hmmmm.

Back in 2006 at the Leipzig GC, Peter Molyneux was quoted as saying "Aside from the licensing complications, some sort of next-gen online version of Syndicate would certainly be popular with gamers".

We would guess the licensing complications could still hold that one back, but Syndicate would fit well with Starbreeze's previous game development experience.

So what else could it be?

Another James Bond title? No, since EA don't have that licence any more - it's with Activision and the new game is due out in November this year.

The Bard's Tale series? Maybe EA want to compete with Ubisoft and their success with Oblivion.
Would they even think of bringing back Magic Carpet? Surely not!

Could it be a new Populous title? I can't imagine that they'd do that without Peter Molyneux on board, and it doesn't fit Starbreeze's CV.

So, let the guessing games begin. Just as long as it's not Caveman Ugh-lympics. Or Ty the Tasmanian Tiger. Or any of the Mutant League sports titles. Just let them lie...

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posted by DolphGB @ 12:40  0 Comments Links to this post

GDC 08; Top PSN download list shows EU/US taste divide

Our friends over at PS3 Fanboy were privy to a presentation by Sony yesterday about the top 10 PSN purchases and demos in both the US and Europe.

The results are interesting, not only because somehow Mortal Kombat II made it on to both the EU and US list!

In the US flOw is the number 1 best seller, whilst in Europe the plaudits go to Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection.

Of course, much of the 'taste difference' between the Atlantically-challenged continents will be down to the simple fact that some of the top US titles still haven't made there way over here yet, or haven't been out long enough to figure on the list (like Riff: Everyday Shooter for example). PAIN and High Velocity Bowling are two of the usual suspects in this case.

Head on over to PS3 Fanboy for the full story. But then come back here, because you know we'll miss you.

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posted by DolphGB @ 10:33  0 Comments Links to this post

GDC 08; Havok Cloth and Destruction - first tech demo


Havok's incredible physics engine plays its part in such a large number of PS3 games, it would be remiss of us not to mention what's they're up to at GDC.

Yesterday Havok announced two new tools for their development suite; Cloth and Destruction. At PS3 Atittude, we were lucky enough to get our hands on the first tech demo for Cloth.

'Destruction' allows you to 'destroy things with ease using next-generation technology' and includes elements such as the 'fracture generator' and 'deformation controller' to create effects like those seen in the film-strip below.



'Cloth' on the other hand allows game designers to reduce the amount of time they spend working on realistic fabric simulations. Take a look at the tech demo below, or download a high-quality MP4 version for your PSP [5.3Mb - right-click and choose Save Link As or Save Target As].

Along with the ragdoll physics Havok already provides to so many games, it is good to see that they are pushing forward with other technologies to make development faster and easier. I wonder what will happen when you combine both tools and try to blow up someone's three-piece suit?





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posted by DolphGB @ 09:07  0 Comments Links to this post

Wednesday, 20 February 2008

Condemned 2 official website launches


Once upon a time in the land of Sega, a little blue hedgehog was running along collecting pieces of gold in a land of green hills and yellow flowers.

These days, Sega couldn't be further from our furry little friend with the forthcoming release Condemned 2: Bloodshot. Think of it more as a drunken self-destructive hog-of-a-man, running along collecting limbs in a land of blood-soaked walls and spook-filled hospitals.

If you like your games on the edge of sanity where the likes of Manhunt live, you'll enjoy Condemned 2. That's assuming someone doesn't decide to ban it of course. The more cynical of us would expect Sega to make sure this title gets the attention of the regulatory bodies, since that seems to always ensure platinum sales!

If spooky, gore-ridden FPS titles are your thing then check the spangly new Condemned 2 website. It will ask you your age of course, since us adults can choose to entertain ourselves however we see fit... as long as it's legal!
Condemned 2: Bloodshot arrives in the UK and elsewhere on 14th March.

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posted by DolphGB @ 15:37  1 Comments Links to this post

GDC 08; Logitech launch GT5 Prologue wheel


At the Game Developers Conference today, Logitech announced and unveiled 'the official wheel of Gran Turismo' for the PS3.

Looking much like any other Logitech wheel (and that's a good thing) this new controller is due to arrive in May this year. It will be available in Europe and the US for $149 (£75).


“The Gran Turismo series has always been designed for racing enthusiasts. The Driving Force GT racing wheel was designed to perfection by our team, specifically for the next generation of Gran Turismo.” - Kazunori Yamauchi,
President of Polyphony Digital.

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posted by DolphGB @ 14:49  0 Comments Links to this post

Tuesday, 19 February 2008

GDC 08; PixelJunk Eden - the first trailer


They might not have hit the big time with PixelJunk Racers, but Q-Games showed us they have more to them when Monsters came along.

Now they're adding to their list of titles with the forthcoming PixelJunk Eden.

Announced at GDC 08 this really does remind me a lot of the inertia and gravity experienced when playing Thrust many moons ago.

Originally for the Acorn Electron and BBC Micro, I first played Thrust when it was ported to the C64. When you had the pod attached to your spacecraft, the inertia and gravity meant you could be spiralling out of control.

This seems to take from that oldest of game genres and add something new, borrowing from games like Rez and LocoRoco for it's style cues.

If the guys at Q-Games keep producing potential gems like this, we'll all be happy to forget 'Racers'...

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posted by DolphGB @ 15:48  0 Comments Links to this post

Week of the Three; UT III and FIFA Street 3 released


As you'll know if you subscribe to, or often visit, our PS3 Attitude PlayStation 3 Events Calendar, there are two titles due to hit this week.

The long wait for Unreal Tournament III is nearly over. We waxed lyrical about it in our PS3 Attitude Big Three for February. You owe it to yourself to get a copy! You can pre-order UT III or pre-rent it using the links.

The other release is the surprisingly fun FIFA Street 3. Imagine a football game that plays more like a beat-em-up, with a huge array of button combinations to learn that feel remarkably satisfying when you pull them off properly. Again you can pre-order FIFA Street 3 using the link.

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posted by DolphGB @ 09:46  0 Comments Links to this post

PS3 sells 10.5 million units worldwide

According to an article by the Associated Press, the PlayStation 3 has hit the 10.5 million sold mark.

By 'sold' we believe they mean that consumers have actually bought 10.5m PS3s since launch, not that Sony have shipped 10.5m to retailers.

Not only is this great news, it gives Sony a fighting chance of hitting their original target of 11 million units by the end of their financial year (March 31st).

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posted by DolphGB @ 09:36  0 Comments Links to this post

Monday, 18 February 2008

Warhawk v1.3 patch details

Over on the Official PlayStation Blog, details of the forthcoming Warhawk v1.3 patch have been posted.

As well as two new items, the patch will include the winning designs from the Warhawk painting competition we announced back in January.

Considering the patch is free it show real value for us users. Warhawk is still in my top three as far as online gaming is concerned (CoD4 and Burnout Paradise being the other two) so any additional content will be happily received.

Get the full details of the Warhawk v1.3 patch after the jump.

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posted by DolphGB @ 17:30  0 Comments Links to this post

GDC 2008; what are we looking forward to?

It's GDC 2008 this week in San Francisco.

So what can we expect to hear about on the PS3 front?

Square Enix should announce their MMORPG for the PS3 this week, although this is a 'possibility' rather than a 'definite'.

CryEngine 2 is expected to be announced and shown on the PS3. That doesn't mean that Crysis itself will appear on our beloved platform, but at least we know the technology behind it is available.

There is a very good chance that we'll get some kind of announcement or early showing of God of War III at GDC this year.

I think we can all expect more LittleBigPlanet action from Sony, but I am going out on a limb and expect them to announce the PlayStation Home launch date as well.

We should also hear more about in-game XMB at GDC this year. When Home launches, I'm not sure how useful it will be, but I think we can expect an announcement.

Every major developer is at the show so there will be a whole raft of announcements as the week progresses. One thing is certain - PS3 Attitude will be reporting the big developments as and when they happen.

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posted by DolphGB @ 16:59  0 Comments Links to this post