PS3 Attitude

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

Monday, 3 March 2008

March Madness; PS3 Attitude Big Three


Once again, it's that time of the month where we run down the three titles you really have to seek out in the coming month.

As a quick reminder, the PS3 Attitude Big Three takes in UK and European release dates only and is for titles that will be released in March.

You can keep tabs on the latest release dates by using the PS3 Attitude PlayStation 3 Events Calendar, which you'll also find a shareable/embeddable version in the left sidebar.

So let's get started - what should you spend your money on this month?

1. Army of Two [pre-order] [pre-rent]

The first couple of levels in this buddy-em-up shooter will help you learn about everything at your disposal, and you're going to need it. The gameplay mechanics and commands available are surprisingly complex, but in this case that is a good thing.

In Army of Two you play as one of two mercenaries - Salem or Rios. If you play the game in single-player mode your teammate will be controlled by the PS3. If you command your teammate to be the centre of attention by firing at anything that moves, the enemy are less likely to spot you which allows you to flank round the side and take out the opposition.

But it's the co-operative set pieces that impress the most. Early on in the game you'll get to grab a ripped-off car door and use it as a shield whilst your partner fires over your shoulder. You'll also get involved in tandem parachute/sniping exploits and you'll have to learn how to heal your compatriot when he goes down, even helping stop bloodflow with a tampon.

The multiplayer experience is great fun too. Army of Two could be one of the sleeper hits of the year.

2. Gran Turismo 5: Prologue [pre-order]

The debate about whether this is a full game or a demo of a forthcoming game still rages on. I'll tell you where we stand: GT5: Prologue is a completely full game in it's own right.

Available around 28th March in retail disc, PS Store download and special European PS3 Bundle Pack versions, GT5: Prologue has everything a Gran Turismo fan is looking for and more. Lots of cars (40 to choose from and earn), 10 track configurations from five tracks and some 'firsts' for the GT franchise such as in-car view with full dashboards.

But the most important 'first' - online racing. 16 drivers going head-to-head around some of the most beautifully rendered race tracks you're ever likely to see.

Add to that a whole slew of 'net features such as GT-TV, realtime weather conditions for major tracks around the world and the chat functionality from the My Garage page and you have a full-blown, bone-fide release on your hands. No question about it.

3. Everybody's Golf World Tour [pre-order]

With the usual confusing mix of FPS titles available in March (Blacksite, Soldier of Fortune, Turning Point etc.) it's nice to feature something cuter and cuddlier in the Big Three. The latest Everybody's Golf title (known as Hot Shots Golf elsewhere) arrives on the PS3 this month to a shower of daytime fireworks and giddy cartoon caddies, who are only happiest when they're sprinting after your ball like a Duracell/Energiser bunny on acid.

With a new swing mode that does take a little bit of getting used to, Everybody's Golf is the anti-Tiger - immediately accesible with the emphasis on fun and laughs. But don't be fooled - there's as much of a golf simulator here as you'll find in many an EA game if you want to really get into it.

For those that find the new swing mechanism too far from the immediate 'plug-in-and-play' joy that makes the series truly Everybody's Golf, you can flip back to the familiar 'three-click' system that golf game officianados will have probably first experienced when they played Access' brilliant Leader Board on the C64 back in the 80's.

The online multiplayer is great fun and the lobby looks like a mix of a cut down version of Home mixed and the little Mii avatars from Nintendo's online service. The whole social side of the online experience is almost worth your time and money by itself. And when you do get a game going, everyone plays the hole at the same time - it's just fun to see a whole rain of golf balls flying across the course!

You can check out video trailers for all three titles below. Have a great March!












[Hot Shots/Everybody's Golf trailer via IGN]

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Wednesday, 30 January 2008

February fallout; PS3 Attitude Big Three


Yes, it's that time of the month where we run down the three titles you really have to seek out in February.


As a quick reminder, the PS3 Attitude Big Three takes in UK and European release dates only and is for titles that will be released in February.


1. Devil May Cry 4 [pre-order] [pre-order Limited Edition version] [pre-rent]

Oh how we cried, got angry and cried some more (not really, but some people did) when Capcom took one of our favourite sons to 'other platforms'. Shock horror!

Regardless of whether you have got over their decision or not, Devil May Cry 4 remains true to the series. Outstanding images and set pieces. Crazy combos. Devilish enemies. And slightly camp heroes with white hair. It's all there.

Everything you would imagine you'd like in the first next-gen DMC is included. It's a great game for the month of February but just because it is exactly what you'd expect, it may be one of those titles you rent until completed rather than own. Let's face it, the DMC series was never that big on replay value...

2. Unreal Tournament III [pre-order] [pre-rent]

It's been a long time coming but we finally get to see UT III on this side of the Atlantic this month.

We were genuinely worried that by the time UT III arrived in the UK and Europe that the reports of issues and problems with the US version would have warned us off.

But it seems all is fairly well with the game now and there is no denying it is one of the best FPS titles available on the platform to date.

Add to that the fact that the mod cooker application is now available and in the hands of the best amateur designers out there, and you have a game that will continue to expand and improve over the course of the year.

UT III is a genuinely exciting title and one that comes to us already polished and ready for action after the delay.


3. The Club [pre-order] [pre-rent]

Once again, this is a title I would more likely rent than buy, just in case. In case of what?

Well the demo was fun and this does appear to be a nice twist on the run-and-shoot game genre. But we're worried that The Club doesn't offer enough variety or longevity to be a 'must buy' game.

Having said that, the gameplay is immediately accessible and the premise of scoring points and combos whilst running through a timed level does remind us a little of Chilli Con Carnage, just without the bad jokes and Central American stereotypes.

The Club does have it's own set of stereotypical characters from all around the world of course, and we're hoping there is more depth in their background stories to further push this title up the wishlist.

Against other February releases such as Turok, FIFA Street 3, NFL Tour and Blacksite, we think The Club just pinches it for third place in the Big Three.

You'll have noticed that for the first time we are providing links to both pre-order the game and pre-rent.

We understand that some people prefer to rent certain titles so the pre-rent links will ensure you get an oportunity to try the Big Three out first from one of the UK's leading rental firms - GameFlirt. Anyone opening up a new account will get 10 days free rental as well as a little 'thank you' from us...

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Thursday, 3 January 2008

Happy New Year; PS3 Attitude's Big Three


We're finally back from our extended break (some much needed R&R), and we're starting 2008 with the PS3 Attitude Big Three for January.

As a reminder, the Big Three tells you what you should be spending your hard earned cash on during the coming month. We only cover UK and European release dates, so don't go telling us that the 'big US-only release' is missing from the list! And we only cover games arriving during the month in question.

Picking three titles in January is a little harder than expected since new games will be a little thin on the ground at the start of 2008, but let's give it a go anyhow:

1. Burnout Paradise

There aren't many demos out there that I actually play for as long as a full release, so all the signs are good for the first next-gen Burnout title.

Set in Paradise City, which is much bigger than we expected, this version of Burnout has a number of nice gameplay changes over previous incarnations. For example, you no longer choose from a menu of different races. You simply pull up at the lights and hold down the break and accelerator to signal your intent. Each junction has a different challenge.

The online gaming is sublime and the full game will include over 300 challenges. If you've been playing the demo you will have noticed that they keep adding new challenges, including the 'synchronised barrel roll' task on the beach. It's great fun hooking up your PS Eye or headset to coordinate the drivers into the right locations to ensure everyone completes the challenge, and I can't wait to get my teeth into the full title when it arrives on the 25th.

Not only is this your 'must have' game for January, it will certainly be one of the standout titles for the whole of 2008!

Bonus Material: If you click the title link above to pre-order Burnout Paradise the nice people at GAME will send you a code via email on launch day to unlock an exclusive extra car.

2. Haze

Although no-one has yet confirmed the launch date for Haze, we fully expect it to be available in January. As soon as we get full confirmation, we'll let you know.

As you'll have gathered from our initial impressions of the build we played at GameCity, Haze is a great FPS from the team that brought the world such gems as GoldenEye and TimeSplitters. To say this game has pedigree would be an understatement.

The gameplay by itself is enough to warrant attention, but the storyline and the use of the soldier-enhancing/entrancing drug Nectar take this particular game to another level.

We're sticking our neck out here by putting Haze in the January Big Three when the lainch date hasn't been confirmed, but we're fairly confident. And regardless of which month Haze is released, it would be in our Big Three in any case, so put a few pennies aside for it anyway!

Bonus Material: By clicking the link above you can pre-order Haze and the chaps and chapesses at GAME will send you the product in a nice tin with a free glow stick. Nu Rave!

3. Unknown

Heck - we failed. We couldn't find three titles that were certain to launch in January. Haze isn't even certain to arrive and it still made it onto the list!

The truth is, there's going to be a lot more to talk about in February and beyond with games like Mercenaries 2, Devil May Cry 4, Viking, Army of Two and Brothers in Arms all arriving before the end of March. Along with a whole slew of great PS Store titles that are expected to hit before the end of the quarter we'll all be very busy. Our advice is to save up your pounds or euros in anticipation.

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Monday, 10 December 2007

European releases for week beginning 10th December

It is almost that time of year when the games industry takes a well-earned break and concentrates on how they're going to start out the New Year.

It is also that time when nothing usually arrives on the shelves of our favourite retailers (and retailers we don't like too). But surprisingly enough, there's still something to be had with only two weeks to go before C-Day.

Here's the list of titles available in shops this week:

Half-Life 2: The Orange Box

What - that's it?

Maybe - maybe not.

You see Oblivion: Game of the Year Edition was supposed to come out this week as well, but has disappeared off the schedules of some of the retailers we track, so we're not entirely sure. I'm going to say it probably will arrive on Friday, but until we get some confirmation we're just not 100% sure.

Watch this space.

Oh - and don't forget The Orange Box is one of our Big Three for December (since we don't get UT III over here). Click on the links above to preorder.

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Tuesday, 4 December 2007

European PS3 releases for week beginning December 3rd

There's much to be happy about this week in Europe. Two major titles are headed our way, both of which feature in December's 'PS3 Attitude Big Three'.

Uncharted: Drake's Fortune makes it's welcome debut this side of the Atlantic, having already been released in the US. This has to be one of the most incredible games available for the PS3 thus far and is bound to result in a new franchise that is set to run and run.

And SingStar finally becomes available. Whatever you think of party games, SingStar is one of those titles that everyone should have available in their library for those days (usually during Christmas) when you want to show off to all generations of relatives what fun having a PS3 can be.

Here's the full list:

  • Uncharted: Drake's Fortune
  • SingStar
  • World Series of Poker - Battle for the Bracelets
  • Medal of Honor: Airborne

Whereas the World Series of Poker game is more for a niche market, Medal of Honor: Airborne is also worthy of a mention. Whilst it may get lost in a sea of FPS titles, the unique gameplay element that sees you parachuting into the battlefield will win some fans. You get to choose whether to land in a flanking position, on a rooftop for sniping duty or wherever takes your fancy. Whilst it might be a challenge, we wouldn't recommend landing right in the middle of enemy territory!

Click the links above to pre-order these and have them delivered to your door on launch day.

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Tuesday, 27 November 2007

December treats; PS3 Attitude's Big Three



Yes, it's that time of the month when we pick out the three titles you should be buying this coming month. Of course, it's that special time of year when we drink too much, eat too much and pretend we like everything our relatives bought for us...

So what better than earmarking a short list of three great titles you can pass to your nearest and dearest so they know what you really want this Christmas! As ever, we're focusing on UK and European release dates...

1. Uncharted: Drake's Fortune

Without a doubt this is one of the two absolute 'must have' titles for the PS3 this year in my opinion, the other being Ratchet & Clank from last month's Big Three. Sure there's loads of really great games out there now (CoD4, Motorstorm, Resistance, Folklore, Eye of Judgement, Guitar Hero III, Heavenly Sword, Assassin's Creed) but Uncharted and Ratchet are as close to gaming perfection as you'll find on our favourite platform.

Not only are the graphics literally revolutionary (I love the way your clothing changes when you walk in water or under a waterfall) but the gameplay is slick and varied. You have action, gunplay, platforming and puzzle solving all rolled into a great pulp-fiction inspired storyline with excellent characters that have so much detail they move and react fluidly at all times.

This really has to be your number one purchase for the holiday season.

2. SingStar

One of the seminal party games of the last decade, SingStar has had more than a cosmetic makeover for its first appearance on the PS3.

The interface and music are completely customisable through new songs (the SingStore) and new downloadable skins. You can build your own playlists and download the entire back catalogue of 3,000 PS2 SingStar favourites in addition to a continuing list of new material as the months progress.

And in a social network style, you can capture your best performances (with or without using the PS Eye) and upload them for all the world to see, as well as transferring them to your PSP for offline viewing and sharing.

It's the gift that keeps on giving!

3. Half-Life 2: The Orange Box

Much has been written about the woes of the PS3 version of The Orange Box of late. There is the obvious delay between the release of this version and the PC/X360 titles, and there are stories of framerate issues and bugs.

Let's be clear about the reality for a second. Unless you fully expect your games to never, ever drop below 30 fps for even a moment, you will be perfectly happy with The Orange Box on PS3. The issues have been blown out of all proportion.

So what do you get for your money? Five games - HL2, HL2: Episode 1, HL2: Episode 2, Team Fortress 2 and Portal. That's great value for money if you're an FPS fan, but the real pull is the non-FPS title - Portal.

Portal is a marvel of three-dimensional puzzle solving and, by all accounts, is the absolute star of the show. Addictive, compelling and mind-altering, Portal will have you fully occupied for hours on end. And then you can go shoot things. What more can you ask for?!

Click the links above to pre-order any of the titles.
As an aside, there's still a chance (despite reports to the contrary) that Haze will be released before Christmas. If it is, then it's worthy of your attention as the build I played was stunning - click to read more about my impressions of Haze.

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Sunday, 28 October 2007

November fireworks; PS3 Attitude's Big Three

The PS3 Attitude Big Three is here, so let's count down the titles we think you should be aiming for this November.

1. Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction

Quite simply, this game is close to perfection. We've played the demo and we've had a view of the finished product and I have to tell you, it's superb in every way. Ratchet & Clank have always been favourites of mine, but the PS3 really takes them to the next level in every way. A must for PS3 owners.

2. Assassin's Creed

Whether you buy the regular version, or the special edition, Assassin's Creed should make it's way into your collection without fail. Beautiful graphics and awesome gameplay where everything has a reason. Every crack in the wall is something for Altair to climb up and your actions change the way other characters respond to you, including the crowd. Take a look at the latest trailer to get a feel for the game.

3. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock

It was a hard choice to pick number three, especially with Call of Duty 4 and the possibility of Haze still coming in November (despite the fact that it hasn't yet gone gold). But in the end it had to be Guitar Hero III. It simple. Haze and CoD are both different and yet brilliant FPS titles. CoD was the toast of E3, and Haze looks quite incredible. But since Guitar Hero and Guitar Hero II were incompatible with the PS3 I've been suffering huge withdrawal symptoms! Get your rock god on this coming month.

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Wednesday, 26 September 2007

October is nearly here; PS3 Attitude's Big Three

Only a few more days until October, and that spare cash is already being earmarked for some new PS3 goodness.

In what might become a regular feature, here's the PS3 Attitude Big Three for October:

1. Skate

Tony Hawk has had his day. I'm sick of pulling crazy 10m point combos by sitting there and flatland tricking until my thumbs bleed, only to find out someone else did it for longer and scored 50m. For those of use that skate, used to skate or dreamt that they could skate, this is the one game that seems to finally capture reality and make it feel believable on a controller.

2. The Eye of Judgement

Being packaged with the seriously next-gen PlayStation Eye, this title promised to bring in old card player fans and win new one's alike. Think of it as a way to get into card battles without actually needing to still be at school, or have any real friends (like me).

3. Guitar Hero III

It's Guitar Hero. It's got a wireless guitar. It's on PS3. Nuff said.

Disclaimer: There's a slim chance Guitar Hero III will slip to 1st November over here. In the event of an emergency, replace this title with Jericho, which would have been number four if we'd called this feature PS3 Attitude's Big Four!

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