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

The PSM has been on a brief hiatus, but we’re back, and with a bevy of new PlayStation news. There’s something for pretty much anyone here, ranging from JRPG news to karaoke and racing game updates. Check out the headlines for more:

• Motorstorm: Pacific Rift is getting its first big update, which should fix most of the problems gamers have been having with the off-road racer.
• While PS3 gamers may have missed out on the first Dead Rising, it looks like the inevitable sequel may indeed be coming our way. Keep your fingers crossed.
• The wait is finally over, and the countdown on the Final Fantasy XIII website has led to…a new trailer.
• Shin Megami Tensei fans are in luck, as Atlus has announced Devil Summoner 2, which will be coming to the PlayStation 2 on May 12. But act quick, as there will apparently be very “limited quantities.”
• The SingStore is getting updated with a bunch of new songs, ranging from Kylie Minogue to Wings.
• Though it’s quite late, Capcom is insisting that the European version of Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix is coming eventually.

Post from: EveryJoe

Today in PlayStation: January 28, 2009

Today’s big announcement has been a long time coming, as we finally have the release date for Home. And it’s sooner then you might think. Today also sees the announcement of a brand new PSN shooter, and some disappointing news about one on the PSP. On to the headlines.

• The day many of you have been waiting for is almost here, as Sony has officially announced that Home will be open to the public starting tomorrow. Expect plenty of impressions once we get our hands on it.
• The PlayStation Network is getting a new shooter, called Crash Commando, that is expected to be released “soon.”
• Offroad racer MotorStorm Pacific Rift has crossed the 1 million units sold mark worldwide.
• The portable version of Super Stardust is missing several modes listed in the PlayStation Store description. And it looks like we’ll have to pay for them in the future.
• Quirky Japanese developer Grasshopper Manufacture’s first ever game, Silver Case, is now available on the Japanese PlayStation Store.

Post from: EveryJoe

Today in PlayStation: December 10, 2008

5. Gran Turismo 5 Prologue

The pre-eminent racing sim out there, Gran Turismo leads the way when it comes to driving physics, visuals, and customization options. The fifth entry in the series ups the ante in all those aspects, and is one of the best looking games of the current generation. Unfortunately, the only edition available right now is the Prologue, which is essentially a glorified demo with less cars and tracks. But for GT fans, it’s a good, albeit expensive, way to kill time until the real GT5 comes out.

4. MotorStorm: Pacific Rift

Sometimes it’s fun to just hop in a monster truck, and run over things. Thank you Motor Storm: Pacific Rift. The sequel to the PS3 launch title introduces these massive vehicles, which join a cast full of bikes, ATVs, buggies, rally cars, big rigs, racing trucks, and mud pluggers. The new version also switches up the setting, throwing gamers onto a tropical island making the game much less brown then its predecessor. The new boost mechanic also adds a new level of strategy, as your vehicle can be cooled off by running through water.

3. Pure

But if you’re looking for a simpler, more accessible off-road racer make sure to check out Pure. Sure, it doesn’t have the vehicle selection of MotorStorm–you can only race ATVs in this one–but its simple control scheme and intense sense of scale make it one of the most entertaining racers in recent memory. Check out our review for more details.

2. WipEout HD

This PlayStation Network racer is probably the fastest thing available on the PS3. WipEout HD is the latest entry in the futuristic racing series, though in reality it’s just a much prettier version of the PSP games. Not that that’s a bad thing. In fact, WipEout HD is one the best PS3 games period. Not bad for a game that’s only $19.99.

1. Burnout Paradise

But if you can only buy one racer, it really should be Burnout. The game features an incredibly large city explore, full of tons of events and secrets to find. It also is good fun with a buddy or two, featuring hop-in/hop-out online multiplayer. But the best part of Paradise is the constant updates being made by developer Criterion. There has been a steady stream of compelling DLC released for the game, including the introduction of motorcycles, new cars, and several new gameplay modes. And there’s more to come, meaning that Burnout Paradise is a racer that could last you well into next year.

Don’t forget to check out last week’s Top 5, which looks at the best PlayStation Network palette cleaners.

Post from: EveryJoe

The Top 5 PS3 Racers

The Shooter Fan – Resistance 2 (PS3)

This sequel to one of the better early PS3 games, continues its alternate history story in which a strange alien race invades the planet. The sequel sees the fight taken to America, with battles spanning cities like Chicago and San Francisco. Unfortunately, the single-player campaign hasn’t quite lived up to the hype, and is somewhat of a disappointment story wise. But wait! While it may not have the best plot, R2 makes up for it with an outstanding multiplayer component. This includes an 8 player co-op campaign and up to 60 player online battles.

You might also consider: Call of Duty – World at War, BioShock

The Racing Fan – MotorStorm: Pacific Rift (PS3)

Also a sequel to a great PS3 launch title, Pacific Rift builds upon its predecessor in many different ways. First off, the new jungle setting helps keep things interesting, as opposed to the drab muddy brown desert of the original. There are also double the amount of tracks this time around, with 16 courses set in beaches, volcanoes, and even an abandoned sugar factory. There is also a brand new class of vehicle: the monster truck. The biggest vehicle class is slow and tough to control, but it can run over any other vehicle that is unfortunate enough to get in its path.

You might also consider: Pure, WipEout HD

The Role-Player – Fallout 3 (PS3)

As opposed to the medieval fantasy setting of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, which was made by the same developers, Fallout 3 takes place in a dark, gritty, post-apocalyptic Washington, D.C. The biggest draw of the game is that everything you do has an effect on the world, changing the characters around you and affecting the final ending. For example, with the first town you come across in the game, you have the option to completely obliterate the entire area or disarm the bomb and save everyone. These kinds of decisions help keep you engrossed in the world, so make sure whoever you are buying for has plenty of free time.

You might also consider: Valkyria Chronicles, Persona 4

The Creative Type – LittleBigPlanet (PS3)

For the budding game designer on your list you may want to pick up LittleBigPlanet. The game features an astounding amount of tools that allow you to create all sorts of different levels and objects, which can then be shared online with the entire LBP community. Add to this the adorable visuals and whimsical soundtrack, and you have what could be the best thing to hit the platforming genre since Super Mario Galaxy.

You might also consider: Guitar Hero – World Tour

Coming up next: more games to get the new PS3 owner, the horror fan and more.

Post from: EveryJoe

PS Monger Holiday Shopping Guide – Part 1