Bad news for people who had been twiddling their thumbs and not downloading the demo for Catherine on the PSN. Of course the demo was only available to those who made a Japanese PSN account (simple task), but now it is no longer available anywhere on the PSN. ATLUS has decided to remove the demo without much notification today. People who downloaded the demo already still have access to it of course, but for everyone else it is too late.
ATLUS released on their twitter that the download limit had been reached on the Catherine demo and this was the reason for the removal of the demo. Apparently the PSN charges fees to companies when they have a demo available for download for their game. Because of this, the fees possibly reached too high of a mark for ATLUS to find it profitable to keep the demo available. Though the Xbox Live demo is still available for anyone with a Japanese Xbox 360.
With the official U.S. release of Mario Sports Mix today, I thought I would show off a nice bit of promotional materia…cereal that Nintendo recently sent us. When it comes to throwing down in the Mushroom Kingdom on the court, nothing gets the team at Capsule Computers going more than a nice bowl of Mario Sports Mix. As you see above, this nice little mini-cereal box is being used to promote the new title, and inside the box is a small pouch of Mari-Os. I have encountered quite a bit of edible gaming swag in my time, but by far this is the most unique and clever, so a big thanks goes out to Nintendo for sending this.
Mario’s latest sports outing lets players experience Basketball, Volleyball, Dodge-ball and many other sports with the whole Nintendo charm. I have been having a lot of fun with the title myself recently and highly recommend it to any Wii owner who is craving tearing up the courts with Mario, Luigi, and many other famed Nintendo & Square characters. Our own Matt Vella reviewed Mario Sports Mix in full and gave it a 8.5 Capsules as well so you should definitely check out his detailed experience with the title by clicking HERE.
Ever plowed your way through a fighting game and thought to yourself the AI was just not enough of a challenge? Well there is good news for those who fall into this category as Capcom have now announced a new DLC add-on that looks to change this with Shadow Mode for Marvel vs Capcom 3. Releasing in March, these packs will consist of custom-built computer opponents, which are all crafted after famous players’ unique styles and teams. Each pack will include three teams specifically made with their own personally programmed special techniques and preferences.
Capcom have already revealed what to expect out of the first Shadow Mode pack over on their Capcom Unity blog, which will be the team and AI of producer Ryota Niitsuma, as well as teams for Assistant Producer Akihito Kadowaki and a QA team leader.
I am personally loving the concept behind Shadow Mode as the idea of extra challenge of any kind is good, but crafting the AI after specific players including that of the creators and producers of the game is genius as it connects the players to the team that built the game, shattering the fourth wall if you will. We still have a little over a week before Marvel vs Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds launches but with all of the news flowing for the title, I am sure there is even more to be announced during the next week, so stay tuned and get those fight sticks ready.
With the release of WWE All Stars right around the corner, THQ have now launched a new facebook app that lets fans get a taste of what is to come while allowing a chance to see some fantasy match ups between the best WWE Superstars of yesterday and today. The WWE All Stars Fantasy Warfare Application pretty much has you watch a video of a match from the new game, pick your favorite superstar, and then click your way through to victory.
While it mainly is just watching clips from the game, your actions do decide which signature moves are performed and as you progress through, “LOOT” is unlocked which consists of vintage wallpapers, “Macho Man” Randy Savage audio clips, WWE Shop discounts and more. What is really awesome about this new app is that new members of the WWE All Stars Roster will be revealed over time as the community shares the app with friends, filling up the bar at the top.
I gave this a whirl myself and while it is simplistic and more of a promotion technique rather than an actual game, I must say it made me really want to try WWE All Stars out even more as it seems to have an emphasis on just being an all out “fun” arcade fighter rather than a wrestling sim the the Smackdown series has drifted into. Either way, check out the WWE All Stars App out for yourself and watch some of this over-the-top action. Who knows, you just might get to hear some more awesome Macho Man quotes for simply sharing it out as well…OH YEAHHHHH!
Konami has announced that PES 2011 3D will be released along the Nintendo 3DS on March 25th across Europe, supporting the handheld console on its launch day.
PES 2011 3D makes use of the 3DS’ new features, utilising the 3D effects to give the matches a sense of depth, with everything searching long ball and crisp pass felt by those playing the game. It also makes use of the wireless connectivity, with two two players able to go head-to-head. There is also a further inventive use of Street Pass system, where systems will sense when another Master League team is in the vicinity, compare the strength of each side based on their respective strategies and stats. The stronger of the two sides will then emerge victorious.
The more of these strength comparisons you win, the higher your ranking will grow until you are promoted before reaching the top-flight and the Champions League ranking.
Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has announced that 3D MiniGolf Adventures 2 will hit the PlayStation Network in Autumn 2011. The game being previously exclusive to the Xbox 360, 3D MiniGolf Adventures 2 offers 50+ courses include more and more bizzare themes such as Haunted Manors and Museums, with obstacles and hazards ranging from ledges and surprise traps, as well as 10 special power ups that can sabotage your opponents. Konami’s latest title will also feature full customisation to character outfits, cartoonish graphics and the ability to create one’s own MiniGolf courses. Konami also has announced that additional downloadable content is planned, with 18 new holes can be expected in the not-to-distant future.
Players can get into the swing of things in 3D Ultra MiniGolf Adventures 2 on the PlayStation Network in Autumn, 2011.
Masthead Studio, Creators of the eagerly anticipated MMORPG – Earthrise, have launched the game over the weekend.
Earthrise, is set on a post-apocalyptic Earth far into the future and features a unique skill-based system, a player driven economy, PvP and the ability to progress through their destiny through its sandbox-like mechanics.
The game is available to purchase online at the Official Webpage – which will give you access to the special Exemplar Armour; or at Direct2Drive – which will give you the exclusive Overdrive Armour. The game looks set to be priced at roughly $49.95US. For European players, you have the option to purchase a boxed version of Earthrise from Iceberg Shop – which includes a limited edition poster and map.
To Quote the Dev team –
“Our team has channeled years of dedication and hard work into Earthrise, and we are thrilled for those fans who have been following us this entire time, as well as those who are just now checking us out, to experience the world of Enterra,” said Atanas Atanasov, producer of Earthrise and director of Masthead Studios. “We are already working on updates and expansion packs to be integrated within the next few months, and are excited to continue to develop and enhance the world.”
There is a one-month free-trial when you purchase the game.
So far this year Sony have been on a roll; releasing tonnes of new information regarding their future products. Products such as: The NGP, LittlebigPlanet2, Uncharted 3 and a few other titles from their future selection. Recently Sony have released a Media Bulletin; which we have recreated here for the public’s pleasure. It contains a bit about a few of their products as well as links to websites with more information. Enjoy the info! To quote Sony:
Sony Computer Entertainment announces its new entertainment system
Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCE) announced last week its next generation portable entertainment system (codename: NGP), which delivers the ultimate portable entertainment experience. NGP is designed to offer unparalleled interactive entertainment that is only possible on PlayStation® and will make its debut at the end of the year 2011.This new system offers a revolutionary combination of rich gaming and social connectivity within a real world context, made possible by leveraging SCE’s experience from both PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) and PlayStation®3 (PS3®) entertainment systems. For more details about the NGP feature set, click here. To take a look at the video and images visit the official website.
Sony Computer Entertainment unveils the “PlayStation®Suite”
SCE also unveiled “PlayStation®Suite” (PS Suite), which delivers the PlayStation® experience to Android ™ based portable devices, enabling users to enjoy PlayStation content on an open operating system for the first time in PlayStation history. SCE plans to provide PS Suite content within this calendar year, starting with original PlayStation games*2 (PS one® classics) that will allow users to enjoy “PlayStation quality” gameplay on their Android based portable devices. SCE also plans to open PlayStation®Store where users will be able to download content in an easy to use environment, directly via the Android based portable devices. For more details PlayStation Suite, click here
LittleBigPlanet™2
Play, create and share with everyone you know -and the whole world too… it’s LittleBigPlanet™2 for PlayStation®3! One of the world’s most creative, versatile and acclaimed stars is back. He’s not an actor, a movie producer, an artist or a musician – actually, he’s all of those and more. Give a big hand for Sackboy, the small but mighty star of LittleBigPlanet™ – now making his return in LittleBigPlanet™2. For more information on LittleBigPlanet 2, click here. To celebrate the launch of LittleBigPlanet 2, Sony Computer Entertainment partnered with some of Australia’s cheekiest online stars: YouTube sensation – Blunty3000; Channel V presenter -Danny Clayton; and Christiaan Van Vuuren – AKA The Fully Sick Rapper. They each created their own unique and personalised level, which are all available to download and play via PlayStation®Network, accessible through the community area of LittleBigPlanet 2. To see their level creation in the making, visit www.youtube.com/littlebigplanet2au
DC Universe™ Online Out Now
In this next next-generation, massively multiplayer online action experience for both PlayStation 3 (PS3) and PC, the power of the DC Super Heroes and villains are placed squarely in the palm of your hands, by allowing you to design your own character and choose which side you will fight for. Will you be a super hero or villain? Will you fight to save or conquer the universe? DC Universe Online gives you the chance to fight alongside, or against, your favourite DC comic characters such as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and The Joker. For more information about DC Universe Online, visit www.DCUniverseOnline.com.
Killzone®3 set to wreak havoc in February 2011
Killzone®3 is set to whip up a storm when it hits stores in February and with the release of storyline trailer we can see why. Meet the key players of the Killzone 3 campaign mode, including some fresh faces: the resourceful female ISA member Jammer, as well as the hopeful heirs to Visari’s throne, Jorhan Stahl and Admiral Orlock. With PlayStation®Move features and 3D compatibility, Killzone 3 is set to give players a Helghast experience like never before. Stay tuned to killzone.com for more information as we near launch.
Race to the end of the world with Motorstorm® Apocalypse
MotorStorm Apocalypse is set in the centre of a metropolis, abandoned as it transforms into one of the cruellest and most unforgiving natural disaster zones – the perfect playground for an all-new MotorStorm racing festival! Leave all expectations about street racing at the start line as you race across the tops of unstable skyscrapers, through ravaged buildings, into darkened subways and over twisting bridges, whilst jaw-dropping earthquakes tear The City apart in real time! For more information about MotorStorm Apocalypse, visit the official website. You can also check out these developer diaries from the team at Evolution Studios on the two main modes in MotorStorm Apocalypse. The videos feature unseen game footage, glimpses into the recording of the original soundtrack as well as commentary from Paul ‘Rushy’ Rustchynsky, Lead Designer, and Simon ‘Barlos’ Barlow, Assistant Game Director, who were integral in developing the gameplay features.
Drake is back on a high stakes expedition to the heart of the Arabian Desert in Uncharted 3: Drakes Deception™
Developed exclusively for PlayStation®3 [PS3™] by the team at Naughty Dog Inc., UNCHARTED 3: Drake’s Deception™ blurs the entertainment boundaries, delivering the cinematic scale, adrenalin rushes, thrills and mystery that are the UNCHARTED trademark; together with its unique and enhanced multiplayer experience. For more information on Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception, click hereClick here to check out the announcement video
And the games announced so far for the year –
20th January 2011 24th February 2011 17th March 2011 Early 2011 Early 2011
LittleBigPlanet 2 Killzone 3 MotorStorm: Apocalypse SOCOM: Special Forces PlayStation Move Heroes
PlayStation 3, PlayStation Move features PlayStation 3, PlayStation Move features PlayStation 3 PlayStation 3, PlayStation Move features PlayStation 3, PlayStation Move features
It’s been a promising start to the year for us from Sony and are looking forward to revealing more information on their behalf at future times.
So it’s been about two months now since the release of Fallout: New Vegas’ first DLC pack for the Xbox 360, and it is about time that the timed exclusive was finally released on the other consoles. It will be exactly two months on February 22nd and that is the same day that Dead Money will be available for download on the PlayStation 3 and the PC via their respective download markets.
Now the question is whether or not the DLC has received any improvements or upgrades since the pack was released two months ago. You can check out our review for the Xbox 360 DLC here, though I doubt much will have changed in the time since its release. Also released was the fact that the next three add on packs will launch at the same time on all systems, meaning no more timed exclusivity for the Xbox 360.
We are back! This week, an evil sounding Sith Lord has taken over certain members of the podcast. Although some suspect that the voices you hear on this podcast are faked, we can assure you that we have a battle of epic proportions on our hands.
Listen in as we discuss the latest news like the Pink Knight coming to Castle Crashers and a Black Ops DLC review. We also talk about the Google CR48 Computer and some PC & iPhone games. If you listen to the whole ‘cast, you will also have an opportunity to win a valuable prize.
Please send emails with tips, suggestions and questions to [email protected]. We always appreciate the feedback and we read every comment that comes through. Thanks for listening!