Playstation Network Winter Sale - Up to 50% Off!
The PlayStation Network team is celebrating the holiday season with some great deals on PS3, PSP, and minis titles. But you’ll need to act quickly, as the PlayStation Network “Stock Up for Winter Sale” is only available for one week – November 23-29!
PS3
PixelJunk Racers 2nd Lap – $3.49 sale price; $6.99 regular price
Top Gun – $7.49 sale price; $14.99 regular price
Gundemonium Collection – $7.49 sale price; $14.99 regular price
DeathSpank – $7.49 sale price; $14.99 regular price
Joe Danger – $7.49 sale price; $14.99 regular price
PSP
Groovin’ Blocks – $4.99 sale price; $9.99 regular price
Fat Princess: Fistful of Cake – $9.99 sale price; $19.99 regular price
Dissidia Final Fantasy – $9.99 sale price; $19.99 regular price
Dante’s Inferno – $19.99 sale price; $39.99 regular price
Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker – $19.99 sale price; $39.99 regular price
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Top 5 PS3 March Game Releases!
Who says March is a slow month...
The PS3 has quite a few quality releases in store which should last you through April (at least).
We had quite a bit of difficulty picking from all that is available, but here are our top 5 picks:
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5. MLB 10 The Show |
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The best selling and highest rated baseball franchise is back in MLB 10: The Show throwing you into an unsurpassed baseball experience where big moments come alive. It’s all here too. In addition to a wealth of improvements to longtime franchise features this newest release includes the return of the Home Run Derby, MLB All-Star Futures Game, Movie Maker, Catcher Mode, Personalized cheers and yells and Joe Mauer, newly crowned American League MVP, as the new cover athlete. So get ready, The Show is about to begin and you are leading off. |
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4. Yakuza 3 |
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Yakuza 3 is the next cinematic chapter in the prestigious video game saga offering an authentic, gritty and often violent story set in modern day Japan. Following the events of the previous game, Kazuma and Haruka (his adopted daughter) have left Kamurochoto to seek a new life in Okinawa where they manage an orphanage for children. However, their peaceful life is soon interrupted when a series of events unfold pulling Kazuma back into the shadowy past he thought he had left behind. Making its first appearance exclusively on the PlayStation 3 platform, the rich story and vibrant world of Yakuza 3 lets players engage in intense brutal clashes within the streets of Okinawa, and the pulsating and often dangerous city of Tokyo where only the strongest will survive. |
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3. Battlefield: Bad Company 2 |
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Like the original Battlefield: Bad Company game, Bad Company 2 is a first-person shooter following the exploits of Company "B" of the US Army's 222nd Battalion. In this new adventure, the more mature yet still infamous company of misfits are tasked with interceding in a series of conflicts that have the potential to ignite of a new World War. Game environments cover snowy mountains, all the way to jungles and deserts. |
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2. Final Fantasy XIII |
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As FINAL FANTASY VII was for PlayStation, and FINAL FANTASY X for PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, FINAL FANTASY XIII will be the first numbered FINAL FANTASY title for the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360, and will look to once again reestablish the series as the RPG brand. PCursed and regarded as enemies of society, they have the world against them and nobody to rely on but each other. With a story that is sure to connect with players' hearts, diverse new characters from world-renowned creator and character designer Tetsuya Nomura, and exciting new gameplay features centered around an evolved Active Time Battle system, FINAL FANTASY XIII will be the pinnacle in gaming experiences. |
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1. God of War III |
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God of War III allows players to take on the climatic role of the ex-Spartan warrior, Kratos, as he treads through the intimidating heights of Mt. Olympus and the dark depths of Hades once more to seek revenge on those who have betrayed him. Armed with double-chained blades, as well a selection of new weapons, Kratos must take on mythology's darkest creatures while solving intricate puzzles throughout his merciless quest to destroy Olympus and the mighty Zeus himself. |
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Heavy Rain DLC "The Taxidermist" Available!
The Taxidermist DLC is available for all pre-order voucher holders!
The Taxidermist DLC is available for download today via PSN! Unfortunately, this DLC was not available at launch (as first planned), and was offered by many retailers as a pre-order bonus.
Heavy Rain has received 88 score on Metacritic, and released in late February.
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God of War III is Gold!
 
Sony has just announced that the highly anticipated God of War III has gone gold!
In addition, the God of War III E3 Demo is available for download on PSN.
God of War III is set to release on March 16, 2010.  |
Grandia (PSN) Releases This Thursday
 
Sony has just announced that the Playstation classic, Grandia will be availble for download (PSN) this Thursday, February 25, 2010 for $9.99.
The original was released over 10 years ago, and includes an estimated 80 hours of gameplay. While perhaps a little behind in the technology curve, Grandia's innovation, atmosphere, and story make it one of the most noteworthy RPGs on the original Playstation.
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Puzzle Chronicles Available as PSP Download Today
 
Konami has announced that Puzzle Chronicles is available for download on the PSP and PSPgo along with a PC demo version today. The PC version is said to be available later this year...
Full Details:
Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today announced that Puzzle Chronicles is now available for download on PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system and PSP®go.A demo for the Windows PC download of the game is also available today, allowing gamers to play through two complete zones and access mini games in up to an hour of gameplay. A full version of the Windows PC game will be launching later this year.
In Puzzle Chronicles, players assume the role of a hero fighting for freedom in the dark and savage lands of the Ashurin Empire. To succeed in their task of freeing their tribesmen from the Empire's control, gamers must complete a series of quests across various locations including battlefields, slave camps, desert crypts and the palace of the tyrannical Emperor. Using powerful physical and magical attacks, players will unleash devastating battle skills to gain the upper hand and defeat the numerous enemies that lie throughout the Empire.  |
Amazon Launches Playstation Network Store!
Amazon just launced their own PlayStation Network Store this morning.
Similar to the Xbox LIVE store, when customers purchase games, they receive the downloadable code. You can guarantee that we will get to enjoy good deals and discounts!
To celebrate the launch, they are offering a free Playstation Network game with the purchase of a PS3 120GB console or PSP!
Check it out: Amazon Playstation Network Store
PlayStation Network Overview
PlayStation Network is your all access pass to a world of entertainment where games, movies, television shows, and social interaction collide to create a new and thrilling way to reach the things you love. Accessed through your PlayStation 3 or PSP system, PlayStation Network delivers the entertainment you crave without the binding shackles of subscriptions. What began with games has now expanded to create the ultimate destination of entertainment, whether you're at home or on the go. So what are you waiting for? It's time to experience entertainment that's never ending.  |
Madden 10 PS3 Gamers - Free AFL Legacy Pack!
Reebok is offering the recently released Madden 10 AFL Legacy Pack for free!
Just sign up at the web site, and they will send you the downloadable code...
Check it out: Reebok: Free PS3 AFL Legacy Pack Codes
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PS3: Top Games of Sept. '09!
PS3 September '09 Game Releases!
The holiday avalanche of video game releases has already begun this month for PS3...
Highlights for the month of September 2009 include Guitar Hero 5, The Beatles: Rock Band , Need for Speed: Shift, Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 , Dirt 2, NHL 10, NHL 2K10 , Katamari Forever , plus a few more gems...
What titles are you looking forward to?
Check out the full list of new video game releases (USA) for the month of September 2009 on PS3! As always, release dates are subject to change, slip, slide, and be fairly unpredictable.
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Mini Ninjas |
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A single player action/adventure game, Mini Ninjas puts a new spin on the video game favorite, ninja action genre. A kid-friendly game featuring no killing and an engrossing storyline, which players explore via six playable ninja characters, players take on the role of Hiro and the fellow members of his improbable ninja clan as they face an ancient evil that has returned to impose itself on the world. Each ninja utilizes authentic ninja weapons and moves, and possesses his/her own individual skill set, including mysterious "kuji magic" abilities. |
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Cabela's Outdoor Adventures 2010 |
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It's the hunting and fishing trip of a lifetime! Experience the top hunting and fishing hotspots in North America in pursuit of record-breaking big game, small game, turkey, upland birds, waterfowl and trophy fish species all combined into one incredible outdoor experience! |
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Guitar Hero 5 with Van Halen Offer |
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| Featuring the best variety and biggest rock stars of today combined with classic rock anthems, Guitar Hero 5 cranks it up again for video game rockers. For the first time ever, players can customize the make-up of their band by rocking with any combination of instruments in-game: whether it be two guitars and two drums, or three guitars and a microphone, any combination is possible, allowing players to experience music their own way. |
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IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey |
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IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey is based around the large-scale aerial combat and ground military operations of World War II. Players can participate in some of the war's most famous battles piloting fighters, battle planes and heavy bombers across a range of thrilling missions. There are five theatres of war to engage in, The Battle of Britain, Stalingrad, Berlin, Sicily and Korsun' representing the main airborne battles of World War II in Europe. It also boasts an all new damage effects engine as well as advanced environmental visuals enriching the game play. Players can see real time damage to the aircraft such as holes in the wings and trail lines during dogfights. IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey features hundreds of airplanes taking part in air battles. The unique environmental engine also produces highly detailed, realistic landscapes that allow players to see breathtaking ground support actions. |
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Little Big Planet: Game of the Year Edition |
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The LittleBigPlanet experience starts with players learning about their character's powers to interact physically with the environment. There are places to explore, creative resources to collect and puzzles to solve - all requiring a combination of brains and collaborative teamwork. As soon as players begin, their creative skills will grow and they will soon be ready to start creating and modifying their surroundings - the first step to sharing them with the whole community. |
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Pinball Hall of Fame: The Williams Collection |
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Classic William's pinball tables from the 70's, 80's and 90's with enhanced art and physics for the Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3. Tables include Gorgar, Pinbot, Funhouse, Black Knight, Space Shuttle, Whirlwind, Firepower, Taxi, Jive Time and Sorcere. There are also three new tables, Monster Bash, Medieval Madness and Tales of the Arabian Nights, not found in versions created for other formats. |
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Dirt 2 |
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As the sequel to the acclaimed racer of 2007, DiRT 2 is set to take off-road racing games to a new level. Packed with a wide variety of features and in-game events such as new benchmark technology, thrilling new race types, big event atmosphere, stunning locations, a new breed of off-roading heroes and a peerless line-up of super-charged speed machines, DiRT 2 isn't your standard off-road racing game. It is the new standard. |
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The Beatles: Rock Band |
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The world's leading music game meets the greatest band in history. The Beatles: Rock Band gives fans what they've been waiting for: a chance to experience the Beatles' legendary story from the inside. You won't just watch and listen as The Beatles make rock history, create landmark records and conquer the world-for the first time, you'll be part of the band. The Beatles software is compatible with Rock Band, Guitar Hero and most other instrument controllers, as well as, third party microphones including SingStar and Lips. |
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Heroes Over Europe |
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Do you have what it takes to be a hero of the skies? Man the cockpit of fully customized legendary World War II aircraft to experience the best dog-fighting on any console. Destroy ferocious enemy planes over the realistic skies of WWII Europe by mastering aerial tactical shots to evade enemies on your tail. Or predeict your enemies next move and strategically execute your dive bomb attack to annihilate their plan |
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NHL 2K10 |
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2K Sports NHL 2K10 redefines the sports gaming experience with a new emphasis on social gaming. Whether you're a die-hard NHL fan or a casual player, NHL 2K10's combination of pick-up-and-play controls ensuring accessibility, the game's true-to-life professional hockey authenticity and its variety of on and off-line multiplayer modes promise hours of entertainment for every gamer, regardless of experience level.
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NHL 10 |
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A new first-person fighting engine enables players to trade punches with an NHL tough guy. Feel what it's like to be on the ice in the skates of an NHL player to throw and dodge punches. Grab and tug an opponent's jersey to land a punch that ignites the fans and sparks your team to victory. On ice toughness and intimidation is taken to a new level in NHL 10 where winning one-on-one battles for possession of the puck along the boards becomes a test of will and skill. Utilizing an all-new board physics engine, players can use their body to shield the puck on the boards and then kick-pass it to teammates. Bigger, stronger players pin opponents to the boards while fanatical fans bang on the glass, just like real life. Fore-check defenders, pressure the puck and finish checks to intimidate your opponent into mistakes. Players fatigue, bobble passes, and avoid collisions under threat of constant physical pressure. Inspire teammates, ignite the fans and change the momentum of a game by instigating scrums, drawing penalties, and mixing it up, all after the referee blows the whistle! |
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Tornado Outbreak |
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Harness the power of a raging tornado and battle the forces of evil in an effort to save to world! Sinister forces have deceived you to believe that your destructive behavior will save an epic hero. In reality, you’re working for evil. Take control of a dynamic tornado as you tear through open environments chewing up the landscape and spitting out everything in your path. The more you destroy, the bigger you grow as you work against time based, collection and point challenges in the search for hidden elements and enemies from another world. Watch the debris fly as you leave a trail of destruction, as you battle bosses and defeat the forces of evil. The world is your playground, tear it up! |
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Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 |
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The largest army of super heroes in gaming is back. The highly anticipated sequel to 2006's Marvel:Ultimate Alliance, heralded as the best Marvel super hero game of all time, and selling more than 4 million units worldwide, is finally here with Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2. Inspired by the acclaimed Marvel civil war storyline, this action-RPG delivers once again on a colossal cast of characters, thrilling gameplay and impassioned alliances. This next-gen gaming experience leaves the fate of the Marvel universe and humankind, in your hands. Lines are drawn. Sides are chosen. And the ultimate question remains: Whose side are you on? |
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Wet |
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Rubi is a problem fixer. She fixes problems. She's good at it. But when she agrees to fix a wealthy man's problem by finding and bringing back his wayward son, she thinks it's all going to be cut and dry. She thought wrong. The job wasn't so simple. And the man who hired her isn't who he appears to be. Now Rubi's on the run, needing to find the man who left her for dead, leaving a massive body count in her wake. |
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Need for Speed: Shift |
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Get ready to Shift your game into high gear! Designed to deliver a true driver's experience that reflects contemporary motorsports, Need for Speed: Shift is built by racers for racers. Need for Speed: Shift delivers an authentic and immersive driving experience, replicating the true feeling of racing high-end performance cars like never before. Players are thrust into the heart of the action with immersive and exciting features including a stunningly realistic first-person cockpit view camera and an all-new crash mechanic, providing an unrivaled sensation of the speed and feeling of racing a car on the extreme edge of control. |
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Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs |
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Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs the video game is based on the Sony Pictures Animation movie, and on the best-selling children’s book about food falling from the sky. Gameplay is a fun-filled adventure where kids can engage in a hilarious food fights and have fun with food in a way that they can’t in real life. |
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Katamari Forever |
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A terrible event has occurred causing the stars to disappear from the night sky and the King of All Cosmos to fall into a coma. The Prince must use his finely tuned Katamari rolling skills once more to re-create the absent celestial bodies, save his royal father and restore order to the Cosmos. Thumb tacks, sushi, cats, people, skyscrapers, ocean liners and continents – nothing is safe as the Prince makes his way through the largest variety of stages in a single Katamari game ever. New graphical styles give Katamari Forever a certain “je ne sais quoi” that all new Katamari games possess. A few of the new styles include Wood, which uses warm sepia tones to give stages a wooden feel, while Comic creates thick black outlines on every object while filling them in with deep, rich colors. Make sure to try them all out and find your favorite for a totally new way to experience the world of Katamari. |
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Cabela's Big Game Hunter 2010 |
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Become the Ultimate big-game hunter! Travel the globe across five continents as you hunt the world’s greatest trophy animals. Your hunting and survival skills will be put to the test as you face dangerous game, treacherous environments and more! |
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Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 |
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The most intense, challenging, action-packed ninja adventure is back, exclusively on the PLAYSTATION3 computer entertainment system! Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 is the “ultimate” Ninja Gaiden, featuring characters from the previous installments that have defined the franchise. It radiates a striking visual appeal in high resolution display, featuring character and environmental graphics whose quality exceeds the original Ninja Gaiden Sigma. Combining both melee and long-range battles against enemies, the game requires skillful and strategic playing to successfully journey through the missions |  |
PS3: The Games of August '09!
PS3 August '09 Game Releases!
A nice selection of late summer games lands on retail shelves this month...
Highlights for the month of August 2009 include Madden NFL 10 , Wolfenstein , and Batman: Arkham Asylum .
What titles are you looking forward to?
Check out the full list of new video game releases (USA) for the month of August 2009 on PS3! As always, release dates are subject to change, slip, slide, and be fairly unpredictable.
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G.I. JOE: The Rise of Cobra |
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Suit up, grab your gear and prepare to lock and load as you take control of the elite GI Joe team against the evil forces of Cobra. Based on the upcoming film from Paramount Pictures, the GI Joe video game picks up where the movie leaves off, allowing players both in single player mode, as well as a local co-op multiplayer mode, to re-create and relive the greatest moments from the blockbuster film, classic cartoon and action figure toy line. |
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SingStar Queen - Stand Alone |
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Grab a mic and put your spin on some of the greatest rock hits of the 1970s and 1980s, if not all time, with SingStar Queen for PlayStation 3. Packed with 25 songs and over 20 authentic music videos from the iconic British band's prodigious musical catalog, SingStar Queen allows you and up to seven of your friends to channel Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor and John Deacon as you perform like royalty of rock's bygone era. Spark your next party with some of the most popular songs of all time, such as 'Bohemian Rhapsody,' 'We Will Rock You,' 'Tie Your Mother Down,' 'We Are The Champions' and many more with SingStar Queen. |
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Madden NFL 10 |
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Every Sunday in the NFL, an epic battle rages between the offense and the defense. Every play is a struggle, with each side relentlessly pursuing every single yard. In Madden NFL 10, you will join the fight and experience firsthand what it is like to fight for every yard. With the all-new Pro-Tak animation technology you will have more control over the outcome of every play than ever before. Whether driving your receiver towards the first down, or battling for a fumble at the bottom of a pile, the play won't be over until the whistle blows. |
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Wolfenstein |
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Wolfenstein is a supernatural/science fiction first-person shooter, based on the video game series developed by Id Software that has been a favorite of 2D and 3D gamers across multiple game iterations and platforms since the early 1980s. In this new take, players battle the Nazi's dark obsession with the occult through epic action and harrowing shooter combat. Filled with ferocious enemies, movie-quality action scenes, unique gameplay environments, an impressive array of weapons and compelling multiplayer gameplay options, it is truly a fitting new chapter in the history of this classic gaming franchise. |
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Batman: Arkham Asylum |
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Batman: Arkham Asylum is a single player, third-person action/adventure in which the Dark Knight is forced to take on his greatest challenge yet when he is trapped by arch rival, the Joker, within Gotham City's facility for the criminally insane, Arkham Asylum. A blend of exciting arcade style combat and stealth mechanics packed with amazing graphics in a moody, immersive setting, Batman: Arkham Asylum offers diverse gameplay options that push the envelope for all action, adventure and superhero games. |
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The PlayStation 3 (abbreviated PS3) is Sony's seventh generation era video
game console in the PlayStation series. It is the successor to the PlayStation 2
and will mainly compete against Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii. The PS3
is scheduled for release on November 11, 2006 in Japan and November 17, 2006
worldwide, and will ship in two initial configurations.
The PS3 was officially unveiled on May 16, 2005 by Sony during an E3 conference,
where the console was first shown to the public. A functional version of the
console was not at E3 2005 or the Tokyo Game Show in September 2005, although at
both events, demonstrations were held on devkits (for example Metal Gear Solid
4: Guns of the Patriots) and comparable PC hardware, and video footage based on
the predicted PS3 specifications was produced (for example for Mobile Suit
Gundam).2
Thus far, public reception of the console has been mixed with the Sony stock
market price declining partially due to worries about the future of the
PlayStation brand and its profitability. However, Sony's chief has cited its
widespread developer support and advanced "future-proofed" technologies such as
Blu-ray and the Cell microprocessor, as ensuring the continued success of the
PlayStation platform.
System configuration
Sony's current retail strategy for the PlayStation 3 will involve two different
configurations that are detailed in a Sony press release. The "premium" version
of the PlayStation 3 will come with an internal 60 GB hard drive, Wi-Fi
connectivity, HDMI output, and multiple flash memory card readers out of the
box.
The second and alternate configuration of the console will have a 20 GB internal
hard drive but will not feature Wi-Fi, HDMI, or a memory card reader. The hard
drive is upgradeable, and memory card and Wi-Fi support can be added through
adaptors, but the HDMI support is not upgradeable.
The lack of HDMI output in the 20 GB model (as with the Xbox 360 or player
lacking HDCP) could potentially cause problems with restricted output resolution
on Blu-ray video. An ICT flag can be set by content producers, which forces non-HDCP
video down to a pixel resolution of 960Ă—540 (50% greater than DVD-Video at NTSC
resolution, and 35% more than PAL resolution). SCEA president Kaz Hirai stated
that it is "too early to speculate at this point" whether movie producers will
activate the ICT feature. According to German publisher Spiegel, a
behind-the-scenes agreement was made to not enforce the ICT flag on
next-generation optical formats until at least 2010, or possibly even 2012.
Launch games
(subject to change) It has been stated by Kazuo Hirai that at least 15 games
will be avaliable for launch.
Resistance: Fall of Man First-person shooter
Warhawk Flight / Third-person shooter
MotorStorm Racing game
Formula One 06 Racing game
Ridge Racer 7 Racing game
flOw PS3 Hub Download
Fatal Inertia Racing game
Full Auto 2: Battlelines Racing game
Bladestorm Strategy
Sonic the Hedgehog Platform game
Marvel: Ultimate Alliance RPG
Call of Duty 3 First-person shooter
John Woo Presents
Stranglehold Third-person shooter
Other major titles
Metal Gear Solid 4 2007 Tactical shooter
Devil May Cry 4 TBA Action
Final Fantasy XIII TBA Role-playing game
Final Fantasy Versus XIII TBA Role-playing game
Tekken 6 2007 Martial Arts / Fighting game
Heavenly Sword 2007 Action-adventure game
Monster Kingdom 2007 Action / Role-playing game
Lair TBA Action
Coded Arms Assault 2007 First-person shooter
Gran Turismo HD 2007 Racing game
Eight Days TBA Action
The Getaway 3 TBA Action-adventure game
Killzone PS3 TBA First-person shooter
Mobile Suit Gundam TBA Mecha
Virtua Fighter 5 TBA Fighting game
Assassin's Creed 2007 Action-adventure game
Unreal Tournament 2007 2007 First-person shooter
Resident Evil 5 TBA Survival Horror
Grand Theft Auto IV 2007 Action-adventure game
Half-Life 2 2007 First-person shooter
Heavy Rain TBA Adventure
Tom Clancy's Rainbow
Six: Vegas 2006 Tactical shooter
Need for Speed: Carbon 2006 Racing game
Armored Core 4 TBA Mecha
Time Crisis 4 TBA Arcade Shooter
Mercenaries 2:
World in Flames 2007 Action-adventure game
Developer support and price point
There have also been statements by Sony suggesting games may cost more than
US$60, the standard for higher-priced games. Futureshop, a Canadian electronics
store, has priced each game at C$ 74.99 (about 66 USD). Sony Computer
Entertainment (SCE) President and CEO Kaz Hirai has stated that PS3 games will
cost around $60 as consumer expectations dictate.
Multiple developers and publishers, like SCEI, Electronic Arts, Konami, Namco,
Ubisoft, Capcom, Square Enix, Sega and many others have announced games for the
PS3.
At the E3 2005 press booths, Sony showed some pre-rendered and some real-time
videos of games in development with the codenames Eyedentify, Vision Gran
Turismo and MotorStorm.citation needed Also shown at E3 was a Final Fantasy VII
technical demo of the opening sequence remade for the PlayStation 3.citation
needed Square-Enix has stated it has no plans to remake FFVII.
Backward compatibility
Sony has stated that the PlayStation 3 will have backward compatibility with the
PlayStation and PlayStation 2, and that every PS1 and PS2 game that observes its
respective system's TRC (Technical Requirements Checklist) will be playable on
PS3 at launch.
At the 2006 PlayStation Business Briefing, SCE president Ken Kutaragi asked
developers to adhere to the TRC to facilitate compatibility with future
PlayStations, stating that the company was having some difficulty getting
backward compatibility with games that had not followed the TRCs. "Either it's
accidental or on purpose; there's actually a lot of games that don't follow the
TRC.".
The July issue of Japanese magazine Ultra One reports that the current design of
PlayStation 3 includes the core PS2 chipset. IGN says that this presumably means
that initial PS3 units will include the Emotion Engine/Graphics Synthesizer
combination CPU/GPU chip used in slim PS2.
The PlayStation 3 does not include interfaces for legacy PlayStation devices
such as the DualShock controller and PS1/PS2 memory cards. It is not known at
this time whether USB devices for PlayStation 2 will be compatible with
PlayStation 3.
PlayStation 3 can use Memory Stick media to store save data for PlayStation and
PlayStation 2 software. It is not confirmed whether current PlayStation and
PlayStation 2 save files can be used on the PlayStation 3.
Online services (PNP)
Main article: PlayStation Network Platform
In response to Microsoft's successful Xbox Live network, Sony announced a
unified online service for the PlayStation 3 console at the 2006 PlayStation
Business Briefing meeting in Tokyo; tentatively titled "PlayStation Network
Platform". Sony has confirmed that the service will be always connected, free
and include multiplayer support. However developers are permitted to charge a
subscription fee, as is common with MMO games. It is being jointly developed by
Sony Computer Entertainment and Sony Online Entertainment.
Interface and operating system
Interface
The PS3 will use the Cross Media Bar (XMB) already used in the PlayStation
Portable and PSX devices. The version demonstrated at E3 2006 (video) included
options for different user profiles, the ability to explore photos, play music
and movie trailers from the hard drive, compatibility for a USB Keyboard and
Mouse, a full Internet browser and a Friends menu. In a separate demo Sony also
presented the "Marketplace" where players can buy and download music, and have a
profile.
Operating system
It has been confirmed that Linux will be pre-installed on the PS3 hard drive.
Sony hopes that with its wide variety of features, PS3 will supplant the PC in
the home and replace the home computer. In addition, Sony hopes that the
presence of Linux in every PS3 will encourage independent content creation such
as homebrew games.citation needed
Because we have plans for having Linux on board the PS3, we also recognize Linux
programming activities… Other than game studios tied to official developer
licenses, we'd like to see various individuals participate in content creation
for the PS3.
—Izumi Kawanishi on the presence of the Linux in the PS3.
Currently it is unknown if Linux will be the operating system used to run
everything, including the Cross Media Bar, or if the system will operate as a
dual boot environment, where Linux would be loaded from the Cross Media Bar
menu.
Hardware specifications
Unless otherwise noted, the following specifications are based on a press
release by Sony at the 2005 E3 Conference,25 and slides from a Sony presentation
at the 2006 Game Developer's Conference.
In a slide show at their E3 conference, Sony presented the floating point
capability of the PlayStation 3's Cell CPU, and compared it to other CPUs. In
their official press release, the floating point performance of the whole system
(CPU + GPU) was reported to be 2.18 TFLOPS25. PlayStation 3's Cell CPU achieves
256 GFLOPS single precision float and is reported at around 26 GFLOPS double
precision.
Central processing unit (CPU)
Main article: Cell microprocessor
3.2 GHz Cell processor: one PowerPC-based "Power Processing Element" and seven
3.2 GHz Synergistic Processing Elements (SPEs). The PPE has a 512 KB L2 cache
and one VMX (AltiVec) vector unit. Each of the eight SPEs is a RISC processor
with 128-bit 128 SIMD GPRs and superscalar functions. Each SPE has 256 KB of L1
cache/software-addressable 4.8 GHz SRAM, called the "Local Store".
Only seven SPEs are active; the eighth is redundant, to improve yield. If one of
the eight has a manufacturing defect, it is disabled without rendering the
entire unit defective. Additionally, one of the seven active SPEs is reserved
for use by the system's OS, leaving six SPEs directly available to applications.
Controller
E3 2005 showcased Sony's "boomerang" design, which was abandoned due to poor
public reaction and replaced with an upgraded wireless version of the DualShock
2 at E3 2006. The new controller features finer analogue sensitivity, more
trigger-like R2 and L2 buttons, an Xbox 360 like central button, and a USB
mini-B port for charging the internal battery and use for wired play. There are
four numbered LED indicators, to identify and distinguish multiple wireless
controllers. The major feature revealed was the ability to sense both rotational
orientation and translational acceleration. Games that use this feature will
come with an option to turn it off.
Sony has stated that because of these sensors, the rumble feature of the
previous controllers has been removed, reasoning that the vibration interferes
with motion-sensing. Haptics developer Immersion Corporation (who successfully
sued Sony) expressed skepticism of Sony's rationale, and has since
introduced tilt and motion-sensing which filters out vibration in software.
