Another week and another update for the PlayStation Network Store. This time round there’s several expansion packs available for both the PS3 and PSP. Also on the PSP are five full games for download including Monster Hunter Freedom: Unite and Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09.

Numblast is available on both systems for £3.99/€4.99. Move the cursor around the board to swap the numeric cell positions. Combos can be achieved by lining identical numbers up in 2×2 squares.

Read the full list of games added after the break.

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Sony patents method to emulate PS2 games on PS3 (Rumour)

Rumour has it that Sony are currently involved in a new patent to emulate PS2 games on the PS3. It is already possible to play your PS1 discs on the PS3, and as we all know, when the high overpriced 60GB model PS3 was first introduced on the market, it could play PS2 games. However, since then, Sony removed that feature and a few other features, a few USB ports et al taken out to cut the price of the current now 8oGB model (although they replaced it with a 40GB model initially). Confused? Yes!

Sony have it rumoured to have patented the emulation software as the PS3 contains the PS2 chip! Remember the bitchin Sony gave MS for 360 non Backwards compatibility forcing MS to make emulation software downloadable to play xbox 1 games on the 360? Well, now, Sony are coming back with a vengenance on the PS3 and backwards compatibility. Acccording to Kotaku:

A patent discovered by Siliconera, however, suggests that Sony might be re-thinking this stance. Filed in December 2008, it’s basically a patent for a method that would allow the PS3’s Cell chip to translate code from the PS2’s Emotion Engine. Not half-assed software emulation (which in previous PS3 models couldn’t run some games), full, total replication of the functionality of the Emotion Engine.

Which means, theoretically at least, you could play any PS2 game on any PS3, regardless of the model or year of release.

Whether this would allow you to play actual PS2 discs, or would just be the advance party for the sale of PS2 downloads on the PlayStation Store is unclear. We’d like the former, but with Sony being a business and all, would expect the latter.

Lets hope this move is due to Sony’s 10 year lifecycle theory of the PS2 ending next year and therefore dropping the PS2 form the market finally, and concentrating on the PS3 fully. It would make more sense as PS1 games aree already playable, and many PS2 games would be welcome to be played on the PS3 instead of digging out that PS2 to finish off that God Of War game or FFX game etc.

About Trine:

“In Trine™, players work together to create and use objects to solve challenging physics-based puzzles and defeat dangerous enemies. Set in a kingdom on the verge of chaos, a warrior, a wizard, and a thief are bound by a powerful artifact known as “the Trine”. Together, they must battle the forces of space, energy, and motion to put an end to the reign of the dark sorcerer that rules the kingdom.

Featuring three-player cooperative play, each character has specific talents to invent new solutions to puzzles and original ways to defeat enemies. The Wizard can use magic to create objects and new paths, the Thief can use her agility and accuracy to quickly deal with enemies, and the Warrior unleashes pure destruction everywhere he travels.”

Trine will be coming to PCs in summer 2009. A PlayStation Network (PS3) release is also planned.

Download the demo here

GTA: Chinatown Wars coming to PSP/PSPGO! and PSN!

GTA: Chinatown Wars was rated has the highest age rated game on the NDS and sold only 89,000 copies worldwide! maybe this shows that the DS is really just a family handheld console after all, as sales figures like that are pitiful for a GTA title on any platform. Take Two Interactive announced this morning that GTA: Chinatown Wars will be coming to PSP (2000/3000), PSP GO! and PSN Store! According to Kotaku and Take Two:

“We’re proud to extend this truly unique handheld Grand Theft Auto experience to PSP and offer a downloadable version of Chinatown Wars for PSPgo,” said Sam Houser, Founder of Rockstar Games. “Rockstar Leeds has shown incredible talent in creating games that raise the bar in terms of depth and innovation on portables, and with Chinatown Wars we have a rich, fast-paced, and incredibly addictive entry into the series.”

Of Course our old favourite mouthpiece from Sony - Jack Tretton states -

“Rockstar’s work with the GTA series has been an enormous part of the success of PlayStation platforms,” said Jack Tretton, President and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment America. “We’re excited to welcome the critically acclaimed Chinatown Wars to the outstanding line-up of great games headed to the PSP platform this fall.”

Besides a UMD release for PSP 2000/3000 and a digital download release for PSP GO! it will also be available for download on the PSN Store and playable on the PS3 (we hope!)

Pics Courtesy Kotaku: http://kotaku.com/5299516/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars-coming-to-psp

The world’s largest third-party video game publisher says it may stop supporting Sony’s consoles.

In an interview with The Times (London), Activision CEO Bobby Kotick expressed concern for the PlayStation 3 software sales and the cost of development:

The PlayStation 3 is losing a bit of momentum and they don’t make it easy for me to support the platform. It’s expensive to develop for the console, and the Wii and the Xbox are just selling better. Games generate a better return on invested capital on the Xbox than on the PlayStation. … If we are being realistic, we might have to stop supporting Sony.

While I would love a price cut on the PS3, I think this is a bit premature on Activision’s part. I mean we just had E3 and there are a slew of games coming out people are buying the PS3 just not at the rate Sony and game producers want. I say stick in there Activision and the rewards will come.

Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) has created the official God of War III website. Thereis plenty of screen shots and updates for those of you who are counting down the days.

Make sure to take a minute to sign up for the “God of War III Spartan Army” which grants you access to some exclusive content on the game. God of War III will be available on March 2010 for the Playstation 3.

Oh yes there are screen shots and the game looks beautiful. I want it and I want it now. I haven’t played a Final Fantasy games since, well I can’t remember to be honest.

I hope you enjoy the shots as much as I do.

Final Fantasy VII was released on the Playstation Store last week for $9.99. As expected, the popular RPG is currently the most downloaded content on the digital store for both the PSP and the Playstation 3. Resident Evil: Director’s Cut is second on both storefronts as well.

Hopefully there will be more games released on the PSN, the fact that you don’t have backwards compatibility will probably make it possible for more releases and that this game is still popular after all these years.

So just a quick summary of the Sony portion at E3, I worked a long day today and watched bits and clips, but I am surprised there were no big announcements from the Sony camp, or what seemed like big announcements to me.

PLAYSTATION 3 announcements:

PS3 Motion Controller announced and demonstrated. Coming in Spring 2010.

Agent announced for PLAYSTATION 3 from Rockstar Games. PS3 exclusive.

Assassin’s Creed 2 gameplay demo shown and PS3 to PSP interoperability confirmed.

Final Fantasy XIV Online announced. Online MMO game coming in 2010.

Gran Turismo 5 shown.

Trico (The Last Guardian) trailer shown.

ModNation Racers coming in 2010.

God of War 3 first minutes of gameplay shown. 20 minute playable demo at E3. The release date of God of War III was announced for March 2010.

PlayStation Portable announcements:

PSP Go officially announced. Includes 16GB storage, WiFi, Bluetooth. No UMD slot. Available at $249.99 on October 1, 2009.

Media Go announced for PC (media management solution for PSP).

PSP Toolkit reduced 80% to encourage new development on the PSP.

All PSP titles going forward will be released as UMD and digital download.

Gran Turismo for PSP shown. Runs at 60 FPS. Uses Ad Hoc mode to race with up to 4 players. Trading and sharing of cars with other players.

Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker announced. Takes place 10 years after MGS 3, in the 1970s. Coming in 2010.

Resident Evil for PSP announced.

Final Fantasy VII announced for PSP (PSone classic). Available today on PlayStation Store.

Crysis 2 is the second game of the planned Crysis trilogy, and EA has just confirmed it’s destined for the PC, Sony PS3 and Xbox 360.

That’s a big step for developer Crytek, as Crysis 2 will be the first game it’s made for consoles, as well as the first being built using its CryENGINE 3 game engine.

There is no release date for the game as of yet but I am sure more details will come during E3.

I can’t wait to play this as I didn’t get to play the first one, it seemed only NASA computers could get the game running.

Great news for all Final Fantasy fans, the next instalment in the series, FF XIII, will me making it’s way to our consoles in Spring next year. Unlike previous Final Fantasy games, this one won’t be a Sony exclusive and will make it’s way over to the Xbox 360 as well, guaranteed to please many 360 owners as well, whether they like the game or are just fan-boys and love ex Sony exclusives.

Those at E3 were shown some game play from the upcoming game, showing off the battle system in the game, which hopefully, will be shown publicly soon for us unlucky girls and guys who couldn’t make E3.

Who’s up for some 16 bit retro gaming? If you are then June 10th is your lucky day. You’ll be able to find the following games on the Xbox 360’s Xbox LIVE Arcade on June 10th:

Gunstar Heroes
Altered Beast
Shinobi (arcade version)
Comix Zone
Phantasy Star 2
Sonic the Hedgehog 3

The PlayStation Network is getting one classic game from the list, Gunstar Heroes, on June 11th.

The Square Enix E3 2009 Lineup includes:

DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system
Genre: Action-RPG
ESRB: T (Teen)
Street Date: August 25, 2009*

DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY does what no other FINAL FANTASY title has done before, bringing together an all-star cast to give players a chance to see their favorite FINAL FANTASY characters engage in high-intensity battles. Experience this renowned franchise, which has shipped over 85 million units worldwide, in a brand new light with this dramatic 3-D action game. Soar through expansive environments and participate in gripping combat, all while enjoying RPG-based character development that adds a rich layer of depth to the story behind the clashing forces. The battle between good and evil begins – What will you fight for?

*Limited-edition DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY PSP system Entertainment Pack to launch at Gamestop day and date with stand-alone game.

FINAL FANTASY XIII
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system/
Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft
Genre: RPG
ESRB: Not Yet Rated
Ship Date: 2010

Square Enix proudly presents FINAL FANTASY XIII, the latest installment in the world-renowned FINAL FANTASY series. To celebrate the 13th numbered release in the series, Square Enix has undertaken a colossal project involving the development of various content for multiple platforms. FABULA NOVA CRYSTALLIS®, defined in Latin as “the new tale of the crystal,” is made up of several different titles based on variations of the FINAL FANTASY XIII universe. While each title in the project features different characters, different worlds and different stories, all are ultimately based on and expand upon a common mythos.

In FINAL FANTASY XIII, players will embark on a journey through the cityworld of Cocoon and the outerworld of Pulse, encountering and fighting alongside a diverse group of allies. Execute powerful attacks with weapons and magic, and summon the enigmatic Eidolons with an evolved Active Time Battle™ system. Experience seamless transitions between real-time gameplay and in-game cinematics. Do you have the courage to face your destiny?

FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES®: THE CRYSTAL BEARERS®
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: Wii™
Genre: Action-Adventure
ESRB: Not Yet Rated
Ship Date: TBA

FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: THE CRYSTAL BEARERS provides a fresh take on the FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES series as it combines the storytelling depth, expansive world and graphical quality of FINAL FANTASY with motion-driven, real-time action gameplay. In this world, realistic gameplay and fantastical art direction are brought together for a truly unique experience for Wii users around the globe.

FRONT MISSION EVOLVED™
Developer: Double Helix Games™
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platforms: PLAYSTATION 3/Xbox 360/Windows PC
Genre: Third-Person Shooter
ESRB: Not Yet Rated
Ship Date: TBA

From the creative minds of Square Enix and Double Helix Games, FRONT MISSION EVOLVED brings the classic FRONT MISSION® franchise into an action-packed third-person shooter that gives players full control of a massive humanoid war machine—the wanzer. Players will battle through intense combat situations as they explore an immersive world in both the single player campaign and online multiplayer.

KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd./h.a.n.d.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: Nintendo DS™
Genre: Action-RPG
ESRB: RP (Rating Pending)
Ship Date: Fall 2009

Uncover the events that took place during the year Sora was asleep regaining his lost memories. KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days revolves around Roxas, the “other” hero from KINGDOM HEARTS II, and his days as a member of Organization XIII. Follow Roxas and the rest of Organization XIII across the various Disney Worlds, and discover the connection between him, Sora and the mysterious 14th member, and the reasons behind his eventual departure from the organization. KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days also features a multiplayer mode for the first time, allowing players to control their favorite Organization XIII members!

NIER™
Developer: cavia, Inc.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platforms: PLAYSTATION 3/ Xbox 360
Genre: Action-Adventure
ESRB: Not Yet Rated
Ship Date: 2010

Nothing is as it seems in Square Enix’s latest action adventure game, set in a crumbling world plagued by disease and dark, unrecognizable creatures. Players assume the role of the unyielding protagonist, NIER, resolute in his quest to discover a cure for his daughter, who is infected with the Black Scrawl virus. With powerful allies and a mysterious book, NIER encounters things that will confound even the mightiest of warriors.

ORDER OF WAR
Developer: Wargaming.net™
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: Windows PC
Genre: Real-Time Strategy
ESRB: Not Yet Rated
Ship Date: Fall 2009

Square Enix teams up with strategy game specialist Wargaming.net to present ORDER OF WAR, a brand-new IP set for a simultaneous release across multiple territories. Developed exclusively for Windows PC, the game features massive-scale battles brought to life with a cinematic intensity never seen before in a WWII strategy game. Players will take command of an entire army including ground troops, artillery, tank divisions and aircraft in all-out strategic assaults. The single-player mode can be played out in two campaigns – American versus German forces on the western front and German versus Russian on the eastern front. Missions will be based on key historic events and operations from 1944.

SUPREME COMMANDER 2
Developer: Gas Powered Games®
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platforms: Xbox 360/Windows PC
Genre: Real-Time Strategy
ESRB: Not Yet Rated
Ship date: 2010

Experience brutal battles on a massive scale! In SUPREME COMMANDER 2, players will wage war by creating enormous customizable armies and experimental war machines that can change the balance of power at any given moment. Take the role of one of the three enigmatic commanders, each representing a unique faction with a rich story that brings a new level of emotional connection to the RTS genre, or fight the battle online. Where do your loyalties lie?

Downloadable games:

FINAL FANTASY IV: THE AFTER YEARS™
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: Wii
Genre: RPG
ESRB: E (Everyone)
Launch Date: June 1, 2009

A true sequel to the classic Super NES™ title, FINAL FANTASY IV: THE AFTER YEARS is an episodic game coming exclusively to Nintendo’s WiiWare™ service June 1, 2009. With both single and multiplayer modes, Wii users will now be able to explore the world of FINAL FANTASY IV with up to three of their friends and coordinate commands into a single attack. Unravel a mystery told through the intertwining stories of a familiar cast of characters, and complete the FINAL FANTASY IV experience with this latest installment in the franchise.

FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: My Life as a Darklord™
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: Wii
Genre: Real-Time Strategy
ESRB: E10+ (Everyone 10 and older)
Launch Date: 2009

The latest installment in the FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES franchise for Nintendo’s WiiWare service, FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: My Life as a Darklord turns the tables on players by challenging them to take on the role of the villain. As the newly appointed Darklord with a mission to take over the world, players must strategically place monsters and traps inside their tower to ward off invading adventurers. With this follow-up to the kingdom-building simulation FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: My Life as a King®, Wii users can now enjoy the FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES world from an entirely new point of view!

Square Enix is at booth 1546 in the South Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center.

From Square Enix

Capcom and game developer Foundation 9 are getting ready to release Marvel VS Capcom 2. The classic 2D fighting game is scheduled for a Summer 2009 release on the PlayStation Network and Xbox LIVE Arcade for $14.99 (1200 Microsoft Points). Here’s the latest on Marvel VS Capcom 2, from Capcom:

“Marvel VS Capcom 2 features the biggest roster of challengers to ever square off in a Capcom fighting game, a total of 56 combined brawlers from both the Capcom and Marvel universes. From the world of Capcom comes characters such as Ryu from the Street Fighter® series, Jill Valentine from the Resident Evil® games and unofficial company mascot Mega Man®. Marvel is represented by some of its biggest names, including the Invincible Iron Man, Captain America, the Sentinel of Liberty, and War Machine, Weapon of S.H.I.E.L.D. Players can mix and match from both worlds in order to create their own ideal three man/woman/robot/monster team-up.

Marvel VS Capcom 2 is designed to be a gateway for new players to experience the fun of fighting games while providing a deep system for hardcore fighting fans to dig into. Action is based around colorful, exaggerated attacks that include gigantic projectile attacks (such as Ryu’s fireball or Dr. Doom’s Plasma Beam) and high-flying aerial moves (like Spider-Man’s Maximum Spider or Cammy’s Killer Bee Attack). The controls are somewhat simplified from the classic six-button system at the heart of Capcom games like Street Fighter® IV, utilizing a four-button control scheme for the action, with two “assist” buttons that pull in your team members for additional support.

Due to the amazing combination of Marvel and Capcom characters and the game’s celebrated fighting system and graphics, MvC2 has been a hotly sought-after title on the game collector’s circuit. Previously owned copies for older game consoles have been demanding more than $100 in auctions and at specialty video game outlets. Now players who have been desperately searching out used copies of the game will be able to go hands-on and play online with the same great online experience from Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix. Additionally, Capcom has added an optional advanced visual filter that improves the overall appearance of the game and added online modes, including Ranked Matches and the popular Player “Quarter” Match, that allows up to four people to watch and chat while two others are battling it out.”

Features of Marvel VS Capcom 2 include:
- Over 50 characters from the Marvel and Capcom Universes!
- 3 on 3 tag-team matches
- New online matching mode, including Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix’s “Quarter Match” mode ; enjoy the arcade experience from your console
- New optional visual filter smoothes out the game’s graphics
- Four button controls introduce new players to fighting games; compatible with the Mad Catz Street Fighter IV joysticks and Fight Pad
- Available for the first time via digital distribution on Xbox LIVE Arcade and the PlayStation Network

From Capcom

Id Software and Activision have announced that the original Wolfenstein 3D will be making its way to consoles. Look for this release for the Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network June 4th and 5th respectively. If you perform well in the game you will get weapon upgrades for the upcoming, all-new Wolfenstein game set to be released on August 4th.

I will be purchasing this and buying the new Wolfenstein. I can’t wait.

How lucky can PS3 owners get? Game publisher Natsume announed that they will be publishing Afrika for PLAYSTATION 3 gamers in North America. The game, or photography simulator, was released in Japan on August 28, 2008. Now you’ll soon be able to play as a photojournalist, out on a mission for that perfect virtual shot.

“We are very excited to be releasing “AFRIKA” in North America, and thrilled to be working with Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios,” said Hiro Maekawa, President and CEO of Natsume. “The team has put an incredible amount of work into replicating the African safari experience, and the results are simply breathtaking.”

About Afrika, from Natsume:

“In “AFRIKA”, players step into the role of a freelance photographer exploring a brand new conservation area. They’ll document the wildlife and photograph incredible sights such as a titanic clash between hippopotamuses, a pride of lions watching over its playful cubs, and a cheetah’s lightning-fast chase as it runs down its prey! All of the game’s animals and environments are rendered in photorealistic detail with animals that move, behave, and interact with each other just like their real-world counterparts.

The photography in the game is as meticulously modeled as the animals themselves; players will need to learn from the game’s innovative photo-grading system and compose their photographs with the eye of a professional photographer if they want to earn top dollar. The money they earn can be used to purchase new licensed lenses, cameras, and safari equipment. If players are good enough, they just might find their photograph on the cover of National Geographic.

Produced in cooperation with National Geographic, “AFRIKA” features a wealth of information about each of its animals, including footage and photographs from the magazine!”

I don’t know about you but this is a game I could get into, if I owned a PS3 that is. Watch for Afrika to be available in early fall 2009

Some screenshots from God of War 3 have surfaced and you may have seen them before but so what? I haven’t posted news in a bit so this is what you are getting. They are amazing and I almost want a PS3.

It only will make you anticipate the PS3 game, and have you thirsting for more from E3.

A new LEGO Star Wars game is coming out, but it won’t be on gaming systems. The good news is it will be free and the first playable demo is online now. It’s LEGO Star Wars: The Quest for R2-D2 and you can play it now here

About LEGO Star Wars: The Quest for R2-D2, from developer Three Melons:

“It begins when, lost in space, R2-D2 starts emitting a distress call without knowing that his signal contains the blueprints to build a powerful secret starship. Whoever can amplify that signal will get both the droid location and this unique new weapon! Players can choose to join either side of the Clone Wars conflict and fight their way to victory. If you’re wondering if Anakin Skywalker, Obi Wan Kenobi and Count Dooku will be in it, the answer is yes! You’ll also get to show off your light saber skills.

The full game will consist of fifteen levels to be released throughout the year, which will include an asynchronous multiplayer option and a few other special features.

I have been around the web and it seems as though you are all sick of Tony Hawk and his video games, will look no further ladies and gents poppa has a brand new bag for you!

As you can see from the picture a new accessory has been released for us to buy and use with with next Tony Hawk game coming out.

Quote from the man himself:

“Throw the controller out and just stand on the board,” said Tony Hawk in an interview with GameTrailers.com, “It responds to you grabbing it, to you kicking it up, to you turning it one way or the other, flipping it. It’s like you’re really skating, but just on a blank deck.”

This could prove to be the revival of the series or getting some people off their couch. The game is Tony Hawk RIDE, and it’s headed to the Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 and Wii with a skateboard peripheral.

It’s not often I post things about the PS3 so today is your lucky day if you own a PS3. Sony is giving away something to you owners. In a new Playstation Home trailer Sony snuck in a code that unlocks two new hats for your PSN people to wear. This code (MC56 BXBC 349K) unlocks the Koi Hat for the guys and Shark Hat for the gals.