Archive for the ‘PSN’ Category

Monkey Island – a journey exploring faithful HD remakes and episodic style DL games

January 24th, 2011
By: warmanator

Firstly, hi! This is my first post on GHR, I’m still learning how to write gaming reviews, so I hope you find it a little interesting

During last year on the PSN (and other systems/see below), the classic point-and-click adventure game The Secret of Monkey Island was born again as a HD remake. I wasn’t born when it was first out, so this release was great for me. I played them as if it was a new game. Of course going online to work out solutions that stumped me isn’t the best idea of fun for most people (although try and tell me you didn’t when going for 100% on Arkham Asylum once or twice). The creators of Monkey Island, Ron Gilbert (DeathSpank & HotHead designer), Tim Schafer (Double Fine creator) and Dave Grossman (Telltale designer) made Monkey Island and other games like Manic Mansion which was the first computer game I had ever played. They were employed by LucasArts when they used to make good games that weren’t star wars related. Monkey Island indirectly gave birth to many games that I consider at the front of the ‘comedy’ video game genre

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Hard Corps: Uprising

June 28th, 2010
By: ShoNuff71

Siliconera did a hands-on with Konami’s Hard Corps: Uprising, a DLC game coming to PSN and Xbox LIVE. Contra faithful may recall Contra: Hard Corps on the Sega Genesis, from which this game gets it’s name.

Like the original, you will have multiple characters to choose from. In Siliconera’s write up, only two characters were available, but according to other sources I found on the game, rumor is that there will be at least 3 DLC characters. New to the series are two new gameplay features: You get a health bar for your character. This time around, it takes 3 hits to put your character down for the count. Secondly, you have the ability to reflect shots back at enemies using a rechargeable skill.

Probably most importantly, Konami hired Arc Systems Works (the company responsible for the 2-D heaven known as BlazBlue) to code the game. That means hand drawn HD anime style brilliant graphics and colors, with a frame rate that will be second to none. I’m loving these few but quality throwbacks to old school gameplay. Konami will definately be getting my money on day one.

Playstation Plus Firmware Update 3.40 to Launch June 29

June 17th, 2010
By: ShoNuff71

Playstation Plus–the premium edition of PSN briefly talked on during Sony’s press conference–will supposedly be coming online with firmware update 3.40. According to an exerpt from a Sony press release posted on VG247.com, the download will be available on June 29. Those interested in Playstation Plus can only purchase it through the Playstation 3 at this point. No additional info was given beyond what was discussed at Sony’s presser with regard to Plus’ feature set. We can only speculate whether the long rumored cross-game chat will be offered.

With this announcement, I’m a little concerned. If Plus’ official launch is at the end of this month, it should have commanded a lot more time during Sony’s presser than just the vague descriptions and prices offered toward the end of the event. Hopefully we’re not looking at a Home launch situation, and PS Plus will be ready for prime time when it’s launched. It would be nice if Plus could be a viable alternative to Xbox LIVE–especially for those whose only system (or primary system) is the Playstation 3.

Joe Danger Shown at GDC

March 14th, 2010
By: ShoNuff71


The only thing I will say about this game is, if you have any Excitebike retro luv in your gamer soul at all (and you should), and you have a Playstation 3, check out this gameplay video at 13:48 in. First DLC D1C in 2010 for me.

[Post image from Joystiq]

Demo Impressions: Dante’s Inferno

December 16th, 2009
By: ShoNuff71

DanteInferno_Game

2010 is shaping up to be a super year for gaming, especially in the genres I’m interested in playing–namely fighters and brawlers. Games like Bayonetta, Darksiders, and God of War 3 will be giving my brawlers’ itch a major league scratch. Personally, I can’t wait.
Now comes the demo for EA’s Dante’s Inferno, one of the brawlers I was looking forward to early next year. After playing the demo however, I do have some concerns….

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New Modes for Super StreetFighter IV Announced

November 21st, 2009
By: ShoNuff71

sf4-network-1

Some very cool information coming from Capcom of Japan by way of iplaywinner.com is showcasing new modes coming to Super StreetFighter IV. Here is what’s showcased in the video:

Endless Mode: Also known as Quarter Mode. It’s old-school arcade action, where up to 8 players duke it out where the winner continues until defeated. While waiting your turn, you can spectate the fight, and chat.

Team Battle Mode: Up to 8 players can split into two teams (Red v Blue). Teams can be either selected by the game randomly from those in the lobby, or players can set their teams up the way they want to. You can also send team invites to your friends list, and–so your not just sitting in a lobby waiting for your buds to show up, you can play Endless Mode until the lobby fills. Teams don’t have to even either, you can go 1 vs 7, 2 vs 6, ect. Just like with Endless Mode, players can spectate the fight and chat while waiting their turn.

Replay Channel: This feature sounds like ESPN Sports Center for StreetFighter. Several different channels, including a custom play list you can fill out yourself allow you the ability to see how the best in the world get down. Search specifics will allow you to narrow things down to just the replays you want to see.

Revamped Tournament Mode: Basically this lets you host tournaments with up to 9 players (including the host). The mode boasts replay recording from spectators, a visual win/loss results bracket, and the ability for the tournament host to award titles to the winners. As with the previous modes, you can voice chat with all participants.

Bonus Stages: Beat up a Lexus and empty whiskey barrels just like the good ‘ol days. Looks real cool.

Combine this with the additional characters coming to the already well rounded SFIV roster, (please Capcom–give me Dudley and Adon) you have a D1C purchase for me. I hope they have a bundle with the Mad Catz Tournament Stick. I need another one for PS3.

Tekken 6

November 11th, 2009
By: ShoNuff71

tekken 6

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Its a familiar saying, and in the world of videogames and their sequels, it is practically a rule–for better or worse. From a developer’s perspective, history shows that people like what is familiar to them, and that comes out in sales figures. From a gaming enthusiast’s point of view, it can mean more of the same, with developers not being willing to stretch boundaries when it comes to gameplay.

Enter Tekken 6. From a game play perspective, Tekken has always been comfortably seated between the hard to master uber technical style of Virtua Fighter, and the gorgeous button mashiness of Soul Calibur (I’ll not even mention Dead or Alive). So, does Tekken’s latest entry break new ground, or re-run the same ‘ol same ‘ol? Click the jump to find out.

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PSN Store Updates

October 1st, 2009
By: Alfred "GHR Maverick"

psnstorenewstuffs

Just some FYI, just in case you’ve been wondering. For the complete list check out, the Playstation Blog.

Click on the jump to see the list!

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PS3 Firmware Update 3.0 Detailed

August 18th, 2009
By: ShoNuff71

Playstation3

The Gaming Vault has reported on the known details from Sony’s official announcement of the upcoming firmware update for the Playstation 3. To be honest, it doesn’t sound like much, but hopefully some additional improvements will be revealed by or during Tokyo Game Show at the latest. Highlights include a “What’s New” section (replacing the Information Board) with interactive elements, dynamic themes and avatars, and a re-design display of your Friends List. No release date for 3.0 was announced.

Sony, if I just had an easier way to send invites and a cross game chat system, I’ll be thrilled

From E3: Gravity Crush Coming to PSN

June 2nd, 2009
By: ShoNuff71

Gravity Crash is a high-res 1080p action shooter that harkens back to the glory days of the arcade in the mid to late ’80s. For those of you old enough to remember Scramble, and Asteroids on the Vectrex, or played Omega Race in the arcades should feel right at home with Gravity Crash. Multi-player, and level creation tools round out what looks to be a really fun retro themed blaster. CVG.com has the video from E3. Check it out.