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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Ghost Recon, Assassin’s Creed 3 PS Vita outed?
With E3 just around the corner, it’s inevitable we’ll start to see a few games leak out between the cracks ahead of the Los Angeles-based shindig. In this case, retailers GAME and Zavvi have let the cat out of the bag on a few upcoming PlayStation Vita games, Ghost Recon: Final Fight and Assassin’s Creed III. The latter shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise, though if true, then it closes the mystery on whether the PS Vita entry would be a side-story or a port of the upcoming third game. And from the look of things, we’ll be getting the chance to take Connor’s American Revolution on the go. Ghost Recon meanwhile is another positive step in the right direction, and a nice surprise to boot, since up until now we didn’t know the series would be making the jump to Sony’s new handheld. Still, it makes sense, as the tactical shooter remains one of Ubisoft’s big guns, and has just received a new console version in the form of Future Soldier. E3 announcement on both? It’s looking likely to us, yep. Stay tuned.
Demon’s Souls’ U.S. servers get a new lease of life
Demon’s Souls was the very definition of a slower burner. Originally released in September 2009 in the U.S., the game didn’t make a big splash upon its release, though stellar review scores and word-of-mouth soon propelled it to mega cult status. The game’s continuing popularity is perhaps best illustrated in the fact its servers have been extended numerous times in the near-three years since its release, and sure enough, Atlus has confirmed that it’s giving the servers yet another lease of life. Originally due to close on May 31, 2012, the U.S. servers will now remain online ‘for the foreseeable future,’ and Atlus hasn’t ruled out the possibility of further elongating them in the future. For now though, if you haven’t seen what all the fuss is about, then be sure to pick it up on the Greatest Hits range for $19.99.
Big Sky Infinity: a gorgeous new twin-stick shooter coming to PS3, PS Vita
First-person shooters aren’t exactly rarity on PS3, but when they come paired with a PS Vita iteration it’s a cause for celebration. In this case, indie studio Boss Baddie is bringing a revamped version of PC classic Really Big Sky to both platforms, with the handheld version sporting unique touchscreen controls. The best part? It’s a twin-stick shooter, which is exactly what PS Vita needs at this point, after finally getting on the bandwagon with Resistance: Burning Skies.
Rumor: Quantic Dream to unveil new game at E3
Quantic Dream floored jaws with its Kara tech demo earlier this year at GDC, though aside from that, the Heavy Rain studio has been rather quiet in regards to its future projects. Most of us would probably bet a fair amount of cash on the company unveiling its new game at E3 this year, and sure enough, Internet rumors have indicated this is the case. Specifically, a trusted source close to CVG claims Quantic Dream is finally going to announce its new project at the Los Angeles-based convention next week during Sony’s press conference. While it remains unknown as to what the game could be (though various murmurs have suggested the title Infraworld and five), the game is sure to drum up plenty of hype and would surely secure Sony a show-stopping moment, something which it could do with after last year’s somewhat tepid offering. If it’s anything as gorgeous as Kara, we’re sure to be in for a treat. Stay tuned.
Sony to announce revamped PlayStation Plus at E3?
As per usual, the week prior to E3 has been ripe with rumors, gossip and all amount of conjecture as to what Sony has up its sleeves for its press conference, though none are perhaps quite as interesting as this latest murmur. Eurogamer reports that the hardware manufacturer is looking to revamp its PlayStation Plus service, which will feature improved integration of PS Vita content. Subscribers will apparently be able to enjoy free top tier games, plus even gain access to exclusive PS Vita titles, DLC and cloud services. Changes in this manner are sure to encourage more memberships if anything else, and the service is probably due for an overhaul anyway after two years.
Doom BFG Edition coming to PS3
Seven years after its release, and Bethesda has confirmed that classic FPS Doom 3 will be hitting PlayStation 3 (as well as PC and 369) in the shape of the rather appropriately-named BFG Edition. Not only do you get a revamped version of the vanilla edition of the horror blaster, but two expansion to boot, plus 3D, 5.1 surround sound and obligatory Trophy/Achievement support. This is a great move in my humble opinion, as having played the original Doom I missed out on subsequent sequels, and welcome the chance to play a previously PC-exclusive outing. And the best part is? The console version will also come packaged with the original Doom and its sequel for a spot of nostalgic bliss. All in all, a fine bundle.
Don’t expect a download-only PS4
Whether we like it or not, the industry is moving inexorably towards a digital-only future. Quite when it will happen is anyone’s guess, but it will happen, make no mistake. However, for Sony, it’s not quite ready to embrace the concept of abandoning physical media, as it decided not to plump for a digital-only template for the PlayStation 4. That’s at least according a report in the Wall Street Journal, which claims Sony explored the possibility of a digital-only console but ultimately abandoned it in favour of old-fashioned discs. Of course, you only have to look at PSPGo, a handheld that was by far well ahead of its time but ultimately didn’t catch on with consumers. That, and the fact many countries around the world haven’t got the broadband speed necessary to accommodate downloading massive game files would mean we’re it’s definitely in Sony’s best interest that it sticks with discs for now. Then there’s the implications for high-street retailers, though that’s another topic altogether. But make no mistake, possibly after the next console generation, we’ll be waving goodbye to the trusty old disc tray/drive.
Ratchet & Clank return to kick ass this fall with QForce
Just when you thought Insomniac was done with pumping out PS3-exclusives, the company has confirmed that it’s returning to the Ratchet & Clank series with an all-new instalment titled QForce (or the erotically-sounding Full Frontal Assault in the U.S.). After the disappointing deviation of All 4 One, Insomniac has gone back to basics, listening to fan feedback and packing in all the classic R&T staples, such as the third-person camera, weapons and controls. Furthermore, the game is being released to coincide with the series’ 10th anniversary alongside the Ratchet & Clank: HD Collection this summer, so it looks like fans have reason to celebrate after being slightly burned last year.
Injustice: Gods Among Us is NetherRealm’s new beat-‘em-up
I’ll be the first to admit I expected a follow-up to Mortal Kombat as far as NetherRealm’s next project goes, but the announcement of Injustice: Gods Among Us is a pleasant surprise nonetheless. DC fans are in for a right treat here, as the game – which is billed as a new franchise, so expect more of them down the line – pits heroes and villains from the DC Comics universe against each other for some massive punch-ups. Not much else has been revealed yet, though initial art work depicts a gloomy, gritty concept, and possibly one of the most mature DC-themed videogames to date, aside from perhaps the recent Batman games. The game is currently scheduled to ship some time in 2013, supplementing an already brilliant line-up of games for this year. Make no mistake, this is surely going to be bloody fantastic, and it’s anywhere as enjoyable as MK, we’re in for a treat. Bring on Harley Quinn vs. Superman.
This Aliens: Colonial Marines Collector’s Edition is sexy, might steal our money
Considering how long fans have been waiting for Aliens: Colonial Marines, we’d be pretty miffed if Gearbox didn’t offer a lush Collector’s Edition set to compensate for our pain, but fortunately, they’ve delivered the goods. In fact, it’s surely one of the meatiest CE’s we’ve seen in a long time (Borderlands 2 notwithstanding), and includes a wealth of goodies including the showpiece item Resin Powerloader Figurine, which is likely to sell hardcore fans alone. There’s a heap of other stuff too, so if this tickles your fancy do yourself a favour and hit the link above for the full skinny. Oh, and in case you forgot, the game’s finally due out on February 12, 2013. Better get those pre-orders in, since this puppy is going to get snapped up in a heartbeat.
Metal Gear Rising out in early 2013
2013 is looking so mind-blowingly awesome in terms of games that we’re starting to wonder what else 2012 has going for it. The latest game to join the line-up next year is Metal Gear Solid Revengeance, which as with many other titles that slipped into 2013 was originally believed to ship later this year. But nope, it’s now coming in early 2013, putting it out alongside early juggernauts such as BioShock: Infinite, Tomb Raider, Devil May Cry and Aliens: Colonial Marines. The game itself has not been without its controversy, with its adrenaline-pumping, sword-wielding combat raising an eyebrow with long-time Metal Gear fanatics, not to mention the fact it was originally in development at Kojima Productions before making the jump to Platinum Games. However, it’s worth remembering that this isn’t supposed to be a traditional Metal Gear title, and with Platinum’s stamp firmly embedded on the project, we can surely expect a quality offering – these are the guys who did Bayonetta and Vanquish, after all.
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 announced
A follow-up to Konami’s vamp-tastic Castlevania: Lords of Shadow has been touted for some time now, and sure enough, the game was officially confirmed this week as in the pipeline for a 2013 launch. Unfortunately there isn’t an awful lot to go on at this point, though the game was announced alongside the rumored 3DS offering Mirror of Fate. From the look of the early teaser video though, as well as the story blurb on the game’s official website, the Belmont family will feature heavily in the Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2, and it’s looking very likely we’ll see more than just Gabriel show up for some brutal and bloody action. Let’s just hope Konami leaves some surprises for E3 eh?
The Best of the Rest….
Enders Project has Hideo Kojima in supporting role
Sony bringing ‘Ultimate Editions’ to PSN, bundling games for cheap
Sony announces Ice White PSP for Europe
Naughty Dog co-founder Jason Rubin takes over as THQ president
SOCOM PS2, PSP servers shutting down this summer