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

Well, it’s Thursday, and you know what that means: a new batch of downloadable goodies is coming to the PlayStation Network. It looks like we will have a few good games to play around with, as well as some new content for games like Mirror’s Edge. Check out all of today’s headlines below:

• They said Savage Moon was coming soon, and they were right. The sci-fi tower defense game should be hitting the PSN today.
• Joining it will be the popular puzzle game Bejeweled 2. Four other PopCap games will be coming to the PSN soon as well, including the ever addictive Peggle.
• Today’s PSN update will also see the arrival of some downloadable content for Mirror’s Edge, which will take the form of new time trial levels.
• Prince of Persia is getting a new downloadable chapter, which will be an Epilogue that attempts to up the difficulty level a bit.

Post from: EveryJoe

Today in PlayStation: January 29, 2009

Finally! I’ve been slowly making my way through Fallout 3 since late December, but I eventually stopped due to some frustrating freezing issues. Hopefully this latest patch will alleviate some of that frustration so I can finally finish the game. Anyways, on to the headlines:

• Bethesda has issued a patch, which should help with some of the issues PS3 owners are having with Fallout 3.
• The downloadable content for Mirror’s Edge will finally be available to PS3 owners on January 29. Some new levels will be free, others will cost you.
• If you were planning on picking up Skate 2 keep in mind that the game will include a mandatory 2GB installation, so keep some space clear.
• Rumors are swirling that the PS3 will see a significant price cut in April.
• A pair of new Bruce Springsteen tracks will be available for Guitar Hero: World Tour this week, and the best part is that they are free. For a limited time anyways.

Post from: EveryJoe

Today in PlayStation: January 13, 2008

Well it’s Thursday, which means there should be plenty of new content on the PlayStation Network later this afternoon. And it’s a good thing to, because it sure is a slow news day. Here are the headlines.

• The PSN shooter Blast Factor is being updated with support for Trophies.
• I you haven’t checked out the PSN show Qore because of the price, be sure to pick up this weeks episode as it will be free of charge.
• The board game Catan is coming to the PS3, though it won’t be a port of the Xbox Live Arcade version.
• There are now some levels in LittleBigPlanet that offer designer sticker packs, with more to come.
• The first batch of Mirror’s Edge DLC has been revealed, and will add a number of new time trial levels.

Post from: EveryJoe

Today in PlayStation: December 4, 2008

At its best, Mirror’s Edge is like a well choreographed, fast-paced chase sequence from a top-tier action flick. Bounding across buildings, hopping off of walls, and leaping on to moving helicopters are all incredibly exhilarating experiences. Unfortunately, the trial-and-error nature of the game slows down these events, leaving gamers with a promising, but ultimately frustrating, game.

Mirror’s Edge is set in a dystopic, 1984-esque future in which all communication is controlled by the government. To circumvent this, underground groups known as runners take to the rooftops to deliver messages. Here, they use the art of parkour to deftly avoid detection as they attempt to deliver their messages. This, of course, is the role that players assume in the game.

What makes the experience unique is the perspective. While first-person games are definitely nothing new, a fast-paced action game involving lots of jumping puzzles played from that perspective certainly is. The exhilaration that Mirror’s Edge creates is largely due to this shift in viewpoint. As Faith–the high-flying protagonist in the game–makes impossible jumps, her arms and legs flail wildly, further upping the intensity factor. The fact that you can see the movement of your characters limbs helps immerse you in the game, as it gives you a real sense of your body and how it relates to the environment.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t take long for this immersion to be broken. Mirror’s Edge is difficult. You will frequently plummet to your death while attempting a difficult jump or failing to grab a ledge. What this leads to is a choppy game, which should really be smooth. Instead of stringing together incredible leaps and grabs, you are forced to die constantly while trying to figure out exactly how to get out of a particular situation. Naturally this is very frustrating.

But things get even more frustrating when combat is introduced. Faith’s main move is to disarm her opponents, knocking them out and removing their weapon in one fell swoop. She then has the option to take the weapon herself, though this usually not a good idea. Not only is the aiming in the game terrible, but holding a weapon makes Faith much less maneuverable, as she can no longer make the same jumps as she could with both hands free. Thankfully, the majority of enemies can simply be avoided, although there are the occasional few that have to be dispatched in order to progress.

These frustrating elements are all the more disappointing when you realize just how great the game can be. When things actually click, Mirror’s Edge is a white-knuckle adventure filled with plenty of showpiece events that are simply breathtaking. Add in a great modern soundtrack and a uniquely clean visual style, and the game has all the makings of a classic. Yet, with an unforgiving difficulty and some truly frustrating sequences, it’s hard to recommend this game for anything more then a rental.

Post from: EveryJoe

Mini-Review: Mirror’s Edge aims high but falls flat

Well, it’s Friday, and we’ve got a healthy batch of news to start the weekend off right. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to start my training for the imminent release of Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix.

• For those of you anxiously awaiting David Jaffe’s next PlayStation Network game–he’s the creative mind behind God of War, Twisted Metal, and most recently Calling All Cars–you could have a long wait ahead of you, as the designer has said that it will most likely be released some time in 2010.
• For all of you Trophy fiends out there, Sony has revealed that starting in 2009, they will be mandatory. That means that every new game coming out will have to include them or won’t get certified.
• When it comes to PSOne games on the PSN, we are lagging far behind our Japanese counterparts. However, Sony has promised that it will start releasing more classic games sometime “soon”. Yeah, we’ve heard that before.
• Those lucky Europeans get to download of the upcoming PSP game Loco Roco 2.
• The upcoming Prince of Persia will see some interesting DLC, including two character skins: Altair from Assassin’s Creed and Classic Prince from the Sands of Time trilogy.
• Yesterdays PSN update brought with it a couple of surprises in the form of some free music tracks. You can now download the main theme to Mirror’s Edge and 3 songs from the interactive art project Linger in the Shadows.
• In more music news, not only is Super Street Fighter Turbo HD Remix coming out next week, you can also download the remixed soundtrack for free.

Post from: EveryJoe

Today in PlayStation: November 21, 2008

The Partier – Rock Band 2

Games are no longer necessarily a solitary experience, and the boom of rhythm games is a big part of the reason. The sequel to Rock Band ups the ante with improved instruments and an ever growing library of songs to rock out to. Another great addition to the game is new no-fail mode, which is perfect for playing with friends and family who are new to the game.

You might also consider: Guitar Hero World Tour, SingStar Vol.2

The Fighting Game Fan – Soul Calibur IV

The fighting game genre may have been a bit stagnant in recent years, but a few recent releases have reignited interest in the games. Leading the way is Soul Calibur IV, a 3D, weapons based fighter. What’s great about the game is that it appeals both to inexperienced gamers who want to simply button-mash, but it also has a level of depth that will satisfy hardcore fans. Bonus: guest appearances from some notable Star Wars characters and an in-depth character creation mode.

You might also consider: Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix , Mortal Kombat VS DC Universe

The Adrenaline Junkie – Mirror’s Edge

What’s more exciting then bounding between rooftops, high above the busy streets below? Not much, and now you can experience that same rush with the new game from EA, Mirror’s Edge. Unlike most first-person games, Mirror’s Edge doesn’t focus heavily on gunplay (though there are shooting segments), instead tasking players with moving from one point to another as quickly as possible. Throw in a beautifully sparse city to explore, and you have one truly unique, rush inducing game.

You might also consider: Burnout Paradise, Dead Space

The Thinker – Valkyria Chronicles

Not everyone enjoys that kind of fast-paced action though, some prefer to sit back and think. Enter Valkyria Chronicles. This turn-based role playing game has players taking turns commanding a small squad of troopers, as they do battle against an invading nation. Success requires some forward thinking and a little bit of luck. Enhancing the experience further is a beautiful water color aesthetic that make the game look like a ridiculously well-drawn anime.

You might also consider: Buzz!

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PS Monger Holiday Shopping Guide – Part 2

Post from: EveryJoe

LittleBigPlanet Level of the Day: Mirror’s Edge

“Orwellian” is an adjective that gets thrown around a lot these days, usually to lure idiots like myself into some book or game about an oh-so-oppressive ebil gubbermint. I fall in again and again and climb out with a yawn. This trailer makes me wonder if I might not find an unsettling friend in Mirror’s Edge.

To date, two “dystopian” books have successfully scared the shit out of me: the original 1984 and its female counterpart, The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. In most other instances, I just follow the rambling text with my fist tucked firmly against my sagging fat face. Not long ago I read a “NEW 1984!!!!” that was supposed to be about a cold, corporate world…and it started with the empty-headed heroine choosing a dress for a New Year’s Party. I couldn’t sleep for weeks.

Ah but the trailer for Mirror’s Edge touches on what made Orwell and Atwood’s work so compelling: vague terror. Not knowing exactly when or how the Government took control. Fading out anytime an attempt is made to remember. Hazy memories of bloody riots and, finally, complete submission. I admit I wasn’t paying a whole lot of attention to Mirror’s Edge until now, but I am definitely intrigued.

One thing’s for sure, Faith’s going to have a lot more interested lovers than Winston Smith did.

Post from: EveryJoe

Orwell+Games = Something Good (Mirror’s Edge)