Welcome to another instalment in our weekly news digest where the team at PSU Towers picks our favourite slices of gaming gossip from the past seven days, before proceeding to offer our two cents on each story for good measure.
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Epic Mickey dev keen on HD port
Ever since Junction Point took the wraps off Epic Mickey 2 last week, it was pretty obvious that a high-definition port of the original was a high possibility. After all, PS3 and 360 owners missed out on Mickey’s 2010 adventure, and what better way to prepare newcomers for the sequel than a HD port of the first game? Well, if creator Warren Spector has his way, that’s exactly what we can look forward too; the Junction Point boss is apparently prety. Sadly that’s about all we know right now, and there’s no actual confirmation of a port in the works. Nonetheless, don’t be shocked if we hear an announcement some time later this year. Aside from the obvious advantage of playing the original in HD, it’ll also give the developers a chance to iron out some of the more glaring issues found in the game, notably the pesky camera that made some parts of the original a headache.
Silicon Knights working on ‘most requested IP’ for next-gen
If the name Silicon Knights doesn’t really mean an awful lot to you, then that’s hardly a surprise. After all, the company’s output this generation has been sadly lacking, from the abysmal mess that is X-Men: Destiny to the ambitious, yet ultimately lacklustre Too Human. Cast your mind back a decade or more however, and there’s more than a few jewels to the studio’s increasingly muddy crown. Chief among those are Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain for PSone, and GameCube classic Eternal Darkness. And according to Dennis Dyack, the studio is looking to resurrect one of these properties for next-gen machines. Specifically, the company is bringing one of its ‘most requested’ IPs for new hardware, which doesn’t really leave a lot of leg room when you look at what is on offer. With the Legacy of Kain IP now in possession of Square Enix – not to mention rumors of a reboot being underway at Crystal Dynamics – it’s looking increasingly likely Eternal Darkness may finally be making a comeback. Well, it’s hardly going to be Too Human 2, is it?
LittleBigPlanet Karting is more than a spin-off, it’s an expansive new game
It’s understandable that some gamers digested LittleBigPlanet Karting’s announcement with a pinch of apprehension. After all, do we really need another karting game when ModNation Racers ticks all the boxes? However, after speaking with the game’s senior producer, Kyle Zundel, it has become abundantly clear that SackBoy’s racing debut is more than just a simple spin-off. For starters, the game sounds pretty meaty; Zundel has promised more game modes than ModNation Racers, and the user-generated content aspect will be just as expansive. Not only will you be able to build levels, but you’ll also be able to tailor your experience to your liking, tweaking rules, weapons and more. With an all-new engine used to power the experience, LBP Karting sounds like it will expand on ModNation Racers’ superb template and deliver the most expansive user-created karting romp on the market.
Journey costumes, stickers coming to LittleBigPlanet
LittleBigPlanet has been a creative hub for developers since its inception in 2008, allowing some of PlayStation’s most iconic heroes to appear with a Sack-tastic makeover. Solid Snake, Sephiroth and Ezio Auditore are just some of the familiar faces that have ‘appeared’ in the franchise. Things didn’t let up with the sequel, and LBP 2 is about to receive yet another batch of content, this time plucked from thatgamecompany’s sumptuous head-to-the-mountain adventurer, Journey. Yep, SackBoy will be dressing up as the mysterious robed figure next month – rejoice.
Fresh PlayStation 4 rumors surface
Whether you’re fed up or lapping up the chatter on next-generation consoles, the gossip just won’t seem to let up. The latest rumors, hailing from bloggers Kotaku, claim that Sony’s new home console will be released at Christmas next year, and is going by the codename Orbis. Apparently, that’s Latin for ring or circle, which matches nicely with the Latin for life, Vita – PlayStation Vita and PlayStation 4 getting all chummy to form the circle of life? That’s a tantalizing prospect. Elsewhere, the machine’s innards are sounding pretty meaty, boasting significantly more power than the rumored workings of the successor to the Xbox 360. Worryingly however, it won’t play PS3 games, which in my opinion is a disappointing design choice considering so many people were gutted with the removal of PS2 b/c in the PS3 Slim. However, if it cuts production costs down, then I imagine it will be a lamentable yet worthwhile sacrifice. After all, no one wants to fork out for an exorbitantly-priced Sony platform for the second time (I’m looking at you, PS3 circa 2006/2007). The launch date sounds plausible, though I’d still put my money on spring 2014 release. Still, better not get ahead of ourselves here; all this is just rumor and conjecture at present, and until Sony lets the cat out of the bag, we won’t know what they’re planning.
Assassin’s Creed III on display at PAX East
Assassin’s Creed III has been blow wide open this week following an event in London earlier this month, though if that info landslide wasn’t enough, be sure to keep your ears to the ground next week – the game’s going to be shown off at PAX East. While it won’t be playable, Ubisoft is going to offer a live demo of the game, giving many eager fans their first glimpse at the stabby sequel in action. Furthermore, if Connor’s American Revolution adventure doesn’t tickle your fancy, Ubisoft will also be showing off a plethora of other heavy hitters, including Ghost Recon: Future Soldier and Far Cry 3.
Journey is PSN’s ‘fastest-selling ever game’ in U.S., Europe
Journey became a critical darling upon its release in early March, though nothing perhaps best illustrates the game’s popularity more than the revelation that it’s now officially the fastest-selling PSN game in the U.S. and Europe to date. Typically, no sales figures were divulged, though the feat is certainly a testament to developer thatgamecompany’s ability to craft unique gaming experiences that leave an impression on one’s mind. After all, its predecessors Flow and Flower were idiosyncratic yet brilliant games in their own right, and Journey certainly adheres to the same design philosophies. After all, how many games do you know of that plonk you in the middle of a sprawling desert, with no idea why you’re there, and no way to communicate conventionally with other players? Indeed, while some titles use flashy cut scenes and mammoth set pieces to bay for your attention, Journey’s stripped back approach speaks volume in a way that many games can only hope to achieve. Take a punt on this now if you haven’t already done so.
Assassin’s Creed III might be Ubisoft’s most pre-ordered game ever
Any doubt that brand fatigue was starting to set in with Assassin’s Creed can be firmly put to be, at least for now. Ubisoft confirmed this week that the third numbered instalment in its historical stealth-action franchise has trumped AC: Revelations in terms of pre-orders, and is on track to become the most pre-ordered title in the French publisher’s history. That’s some pretty big numbers, in other words. Of course, it’s not difficult to see why punters have parted with their cash so early; ACIII is a radical departure from the last couple of games, with an all-new protagonist at the helm, fresh setting, new gameplay mechanics and overhauled game engine. Have you got your pre-order in yet? If you haven’t, then you should consider plumping for one of the scrumptious special editions up for grabs. The Freedom Edition tickles my fancy.
Mortal Kombat PS Vita dated for U.K.
Mortal Kombat was a massive success both critically and commercially, and so it’s little surprise that NetherRealm has decided to bring it to Sony’s new pocket rocket. However, this isn’t just a cheap ‘n cheerful port; it takes full advantage of PS Vita’s unique functionality, offering a boatload of exclusive content. So, not only do you get the full-on fighting experience from the console outing, but a new Challenge Mode packing 150 missions, plus new touchscreen fatalities and x-ray attacks. PS Vita isn’t exactly hurting for a decent brawler, with Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom doing an admirable job of scratching that itch, though the more the merrier – especially as Street Fighter x Tekken is still some way off. We loved the PS3 version, so do yourself a favour and part with the cash for this come early May.
Confirmed: Sony shuts down studio behind SOCOM, MAG
Sony officially confirmed the closure of Zipper Interactive this week, following rumors of imminent layoffs at the SOCOM developer. The shuttering of any studio is always sad news, especially due to the fact in this case 80 employees will be out of work. Furthermore, Zipper has remained a staple of Sony’s first-party output since the days of PlayStation 2, where it sold bucket loads of its SOCOM titles. Admittedly this gen has been somewhat mixed, with the ambitious MAG falling short of expectations, though SOCOM 4 was pretty decent. Regardless, it’s a crying shame that it had to end up this way. On behalf of PSU, I’d like to wish those who are now out of work the very best of luck in their future endeavours.
The Best of the Rest…
Konami delays Silent Hill: Book of Memories
The Amazing Spider-Man will support PlayStation Move
Robert Bowling leaves Infinity Ward
Nicalis founder says Hideo Kojima is ‘terrible at making games’
The Walking Dead springs into life in April
Capcom’s Yoshinori Ono to be ‘out of the limelight for a while’