We’re nearing the end of the month, with Spring (hopefully!) on its way. Unfortunately, this weeks PlayStation Store updateleaves a lot to be desired. What ever happened to weekly free costumes for LittleBigPlanet? Oh well, read on for today’s headlines:

• Patapon 2 has been given an official North American release dateof May 5. Even better, players will soon be able to dress up their Sackboy’s as little Pata people.
• The folks over at NEO GAF have created a truly awesome level based on the 8 bit classic Contra.
• More Home spaces have been announced, this time based on SOCOM and Siren. No word on when we can expect to see them though.
• Criterion has updated the new Burnout Paradise page, which now includes friends and Twitter support.
• It’s not much, we have a few detailsfor the upcoming PSP version of LittleBigPlanet. It’s not being developed by Media Molecule, and it looks like it will be similar to the PS3 version.

Post from: EveryJoe

Today in PlayStation: February 27, 2009

Well, it’s certainly a slow new day out there today, but hat’s something that should be alleviated by this afternoon’s PlayStation Store. While there hasn’t been any official announcement, I still have my fingers crossed that Puzzle Quest Galactrix will be available today, if not, well I’ll just continue my addiction to Challenge of the Warlords. Check out today’s headlines:

• It’s not much, but we have a few details on the upcoming portable version of LittleBigPlanet. Unlike the console version, the new game won’t be developed by Media Molecule, but instead Sony’s Cambridge studio.
• Meanwhile the PS3 version is getting an upgrade for search functionality and a few new costumes based on Killzone 2, Heavenly Sword, and Buzz!
• A new space shooter, No Gravity: The Plague of Mind, is coming to the PSP as a downloadable title today.
• It’s far from confirmed, but an analyst has told Kotaku that a new PSP is on the way, this time with out a UMD drive.

Post from: EveryJoe

Today in PlayStation: February 26, 2009

While many gamers love it, there is no doubt that the PlayStation Portable has had a troubled existence. In spite of a relatively strong library of games, the powerful handheld system has constantly been in the shadow of the juggernaut known as the Nintendo DS. To make things worse, there has been little in the way of interesting new games of late to keep PSP owners interested. That’s what made yesterday so exciting. We learned about a bunch of upcoming games, including portable versions of LittleBigPlanet, MotorStorm, and Assassin’s Creed. But while these may appeal to PSP owners desperate for something new to play, chances are they won’t light the platform on fire in terms of hardware sales.

Now don’t get me wrong, I adore LBP. The game is in constant rotation among my PS3 games, and I’m frequently surprised by the new levels that users are coming up with. But it wasn’t the smash hit that either Sony or Media Molecule expected it to be, and certainly wasn’t a major mover of consoles. And while a portable version of LBP has the potential to be great, what are the chances that it will move hardware unlike its console predecessor? It won’t. At least, not in great numbers. Instead, it will appeal to hardcore gamers, most of whom already already own a PSP.

The same goes for the other new game announcements. Neither MotorStorm or Assassin’s Creed have much cache outside of gaming circles, so it’s unlikely that they will have the reach that Sony desperately needs. The wild card is Rock Band Unplugged. The rhythm genre has some truly widespread appeal, with both hardcore and casual gamers loving the virtual rock simulator. A portable version may sound strange, but Activision was incredibly successful with Guitar Hero: On Tour on the DS, so Harmonix might be able to do something similar. Unfortunately, at this point, we really have no idea of what the game will play like.

What the PSP really needs to breakout is a crossover game that will appeal to the non-gaming crowd. It needs its Brain Age, Mario Kart, or Animal Crossing. Instead, we’re yet again getting more portable versions of console games. And that’s something the PSP already has plenty of.

Post from: EveryJoe

Opinion: Why LittleBigPlanet Won’t Save the PSP

There’s a nasty bug floating around PSM HQ, so apologies for not posting the news yesterday. But to make things up to everyone, we have some truly awesome game announcements today. Read on:

• The PSP is making a comeback, with announcements of portable versions of LittleBigPlanet, MotorStorm, and Assassin’s Creed.
• In the same announcement, Sony also revealed that the Warhawk Command Center would be launching in Home this week.
• It’s official: Atlus is working on a remake of the original Persona for the PSP.
• In yet more PSP news, the first ever portable version of Rock Band, Rock Band Unplugged, will be hitting the handheld.
• In addition to the PSP, MotorStorm: Arctic Edge will also make its way to the PS2.
• If you picked up the Legendary Cars for Burnout Paradise, don’t forget they also come with some brand new Trophies to earn.

Post from: EveryJoe

Today in PlayStation: February 24, 2009

We’ve got a healthy dose of news for you today, including a few new updates that should be hitting the PlayStation Network later today. Keep reading for the headlines:

• Following the release of Bejeweled 2, Popcap has announced that another popular casual gamewill be making its way to the PSN: Zuma.
• This week’s LittleBigPlanet update will see the release of the previously announced WipEout HD costumes, as well as some bonus stickers.
• SingStar is going wireless, with new wireless mics coming out in March.
• Mirror’s Edge is getting another dose of DLC, with a second batch of time trial maps.
• Next week’s PSN update will see the release of the PSP space shooter No Gravity.
• On March 5 a new content pack will be hitting Unreal Tournament 3, which adds new maps, units, vehicles, characters and Trophies.

Post from: EveryJoe

Today in PlayStation: February 19, 2009

It’s a snowy day here at PSM HQ, but thankfully we have Flower to help bring us to a warmer place. Also, don’t forget that tomorrow’s PlayStation Network update will bring with it another curious new game, Noby Noby Boy. Check out today’s headlines.

• Update 1 for MotorStorm: Pacific Rift is now available for download, adding a ton of new features and fixing a number of issues and bugs.
• PSM favorite LittleBigPlanet has been nominated for an amazing 8 awards at the upcoming GANG audio awards.
• A few lucky regions are able to download the legendary cars pack for Burnout Paradise early, that is, if they can part with $8.
• Though the game may not make it over here, a demo for Yakuza 3 will soon be available on the Japanese PSN. So those with Japanese accounts can at least give the game a try.

Post from: EveryJoe

Today in PlayStation: February 18, 2009

Today is a day of downloadable goodies, as a number of titles are receiving new content, updates, or demos in the near future. Things are getting so hectic on the DLC front, you barely even have to leave your house to get new games to play. And that, my friends, is a wonderful thing. Read on for the headlines:

• Sony has announced a bunch of new content for Home, including ninja outfits, a Warhawk space, and a SOCOM space, all of which should be coming soon. They also confirmed that Capcom’s Street Fighter outfits will be coming to the North American version of Home.
• Yesterday it was revealed that Burnout Paradise would be getting a cops ‘n robbers update in the future, and now we have screenshots.
• A demo for Tom Clancy’s HAWX–a flight simulation game–is set to hit the PSN this week.
• LittleBigPlanet just received update 1.09. For a complete list of what’s changed/been fixed, head here.
• Call of Duty: World at War will be getting four brand new maps some time this March.

Post from: EveryJoe

Today in PlayStation: February 10, 2009

In typical Friday fashion, there isn’t much in the way of new, interesting gaming news. But hey, there’s nothing wrong with taking a day to actually play games instead of read about them. But here are the headlines for today anyways:

• Gamers in the UK will finally get a chance to play some Brit-themed BUZZ!, with a brand new trivia game aimed specifically at out friends across the pond.
• A new Need For Speed should be hitting the PS3 later this year, as EA has announced the all new NFS: Shift. The game will be much more “arcadey” compared to previous incarnations, instead focus on more realistic racing.
• Though everyone expects Killzone 2 to be a huge hit, Sony Europe is backing the game with a huge advertising budget in that territory.
• Fans of LittleBigPlanet will get a kick out of this: possibly the best calendar ever created.

Post from: EveryJoe

Today in PlayStation: January 30, 2009

5. Resident Evil 5

This one should probably rank a little higher, except for the fact that it hasn’t been released yet. But still, the idea of a co-op Resident Evil game is enough to justify a spot on this list, even though we have yet to play it. It won’t be long though, and once March 13 finally hits we’ll all be able to spend some quality shooting zombies with our friends.

4. Guitar Hero: World Tour/Rock Band 2

Music games are always a good bet, and they have the added benefit of being able to be played by up to four players at a time. The only real problem is deciding between Guitar Hero and Rock Band. My opinion: Guitar Hero has much better instruments, while Rock Band has a larger and better selection of songs.

3. Bionic Commando: Rearmed

Old school games like Bionic Commando are tough as nails, so it’s always a good thing to have a buddy along for the ride. In the PSN remake Rearmed, this is an option, as players can choose to go through the entire game playing cooperatively with a buddy. But things aren’t all easier, as the enemies and bosses are adjusted when you bring another player along.

2. Warhawk

This over the top, multiplayer shooter is great, especially if you’re willing to put the time in to learn it properly. The level design is incredible, and there all sorts of cool weapons and vehicles to play around with. The only downside is that the game has garnered somewhat of a dedicated following, so playing with people you don’t know will almost definitely result in some frustrating times.

1. LittleBigPlanet

It may just be a simple platformer, but LBP is an absolute blast to play with friends. Players can either help out one another, or mess around creating all kinds of chaos. There are even a number of levels that have areas that can only be accessed by two or more players, creating even more incentive to bring along a pal.

Post from: EveryJoe

The Top 5 Multiplayer Games On PS3

Well, to day is a pretty great day when it comes to new game info, as we now have news about LittleBigPlanet DLC, Puzzle Quest Galactrix, and Noby Noby Boy, all things that I’m really looking forward to. Check out the headlines for more information:

• LittleBigPlanet is finally getting more DLC starting at the end of the month, with a whole pile of adorable new costumes.
• It’s been confirmed that the sequel to Puzzle Quest, Puzzle Quest Galactrix, will be hitting the PlayStation Network. Expect to see this one around March.
• Noby Noby Boy finally has a North American release date, and will be coming out worldwide on February 19.
• In case you weren’t excited enough, a new batch of flOwer screenshots have been released, showing off just how beautiful the game looks.

Post from: EveryJoe

Today in PlayStation: January 22, 2009