5. Pure

With all of the great racing games on the PS3, you’d be forgiven for missing out on Pure. After all, MotorStorm does an excellent job of fulfilling your off-road racing needs. But if you love high-flying ATV action then you really should pick up a copy of Pure. The heights are dizzying, the tricks are crazy, and the speed is intense.

4. Alone in the Dark: Inferno

The early versions of Alone in the Dark were critically panned, and with good reason: the game was a frustrating mess. And though it still isn’t perfect, the much delayed PS3 version is much improved. The game has some truly epic moments, which almost make up for the more frustrating ones. Add in some beautiful graphics and you have a title that is worth at least a rental.

3. Siren: Blood Curse

If there is one thing the PS3 needs more of, it’s good horror games. Fortunately, Siren: Blood Curse fits the bill perfectly with a creepy atmosphere and tense battles. Unfortunately, the game was often overlooked due to its delivery method. You can’t buy Siren on a Blu Ray disc, instead it is only available as a series of episodic downloads. The process is time consuming, and all together the episodes are the most expensive thing on the PlayStation Network. But if you’re a horror fan, there really isn’t much to compare it to on the PS3.

2. SingStar

With all of the peripheral heavy music games dominating the charts, the SingStar series is often forgotten. But for fans of drunken (or non-drunken) karaoke singing, there really is nothing else. The game is remarkably well put together and features a great mix of different types of songs, which can of course be beefed up by downloading new songs from the SingStore.

1. Valkyria Chronicles

Unlike its predecessor, the PS3 has not seen a flood of Japanese role-playing games. Yet, when an excellent one comes along, like say Valkyria Chronicles, it sells extremely poorly. It may not be a traditional RPG, with its combination of real time and turn based strategy, but its a compelling game nonetheless. In addition to the unique combat, the game has a beautiful art style and a very compelling alternate history story. A must have for RPG fans.

Post from: EveryJoe

The Top 5 PS3 Games You Probably Missed

It may be Friday, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of PlayStation news to enjoy. Today we have headlines covering everything from Home to Burnout, plus we even have some new info on the elusive Final Fantasy XIII. Well, sort of. Anyways, on to the news:

• Criterion has revealed the rest of the cars that will be available in the upcoming Legendary Cars pack for Burnout Paradise, and they are looking pretty sweet. Who you gonna call?
• EA is adding its support to Home, with an upcoming EA Sports Complex area. Expect to see it in Spring.
• The official Japanese websites for both Final Fantasy XIII and FF Versus XIII have been launched, which hopefully means the release isn’t too far off.
• Gameloft is developing a virtual version of the card game UNO, which will be available to download on both the PS3 and PSP later this year.
• A deluge of screens for the upcoming portable spin-off Resistance: Retribution were revealed at CES. It looks like the PSP title is shaping up quite nicely.
• After less than a year since its release, Vakyria Chronicles is already a Greatest Hits (or the Best, as the hit games are known in Japan) title in that territory.
• It’s no secret that Home hasn’t been all that well received, and Sony believes that some of the blame can be put on the fact that it was announced “too early.”

Post from: EveryJoe

Today in PlayStation: January 9, 2009

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!

Post from: EveryJoe

PS Monger Holiday Shopping Guide – Part 2

It’s another light news day, but there is something that’s even lighter: my wallet. That’s right, LittleBigPlanet is going to bankrupt me. I’m not one for excessive DLC, but man, who can resist those adorable little outfits?! I know it’s sad, but I can’t wait until Thursday to dress up my little Sackboy as a shark. Will blog for PSN points! On to the news.

• Love the turn-based strategy action of Valkyria Chronicles? Love the alternate history even more? Well, you’re in luck, as an anime based on the game is coming soon, from the same company that made the Persona 3 anime. Unfortunately, chances are this one will stay Japan-only.
• LittleBigPlanet fans will be getting a healthy dose of new Sackboy (or girl) outfits, including an absolutely adorable shark suit. Just try and not download them.
• Though the reviews of Resistance 2 have been devisive to say the least, the co-op and multiplayer alone make it worth a shot. If you’re interested in what it takes to make a AAA shooter, check out this in-depth feature over at Gamasutra.
• Despite being launched alongside a ton of great shooters, Far Cry 2 is a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies already.

Post from: EveryJoe

Today in PlayStation: November 12, 2008

 

Remember, remember the fifth of November. WipEout, LittleBigPlanet, and the Band of Rock. I see no reason, this Holiday season, why Valkyria Chronicles should ever be forgot…

Hey y’all, PS Monger crew. We’ve got a healthy batch of news to celebrate this Guy Fawkes day, though nothing was blown up in the process.

•  PS3 firmware version 2.52 has hit. What’s new? Well, not much. Some software playback and text entry issues have been resolved. That is all.
• Red Alert 3 is coming to the PS3, but not any time soon. Producer David Silverman has said to not expect the game “anytime before Christmas.”
• Rumor alert! A recent image has led to speculation that LittleBigPlanet will be adding a photo importing feature at some point. This will allow gamers to take images off of their PS3 hard drive to be used as stickers in game. Check it out.
• The delicious strategy RPG Valkyria Chronicles was just released, and SEGA is already planning some DLC, which will include a new side-story episode and a harder difficulty level.
• Fans of the cult Japanese developer Nippon Ichi are in for a treat as the company has just announced a new PSP game. Prinny: Can I Really Be The Hero? is a side-scrolling action/adventure game and will be making its way to North America in February.
• Fans of wildlife simulators are also in luck, as it has recently been revealed that certain Asian editions of Aquanaut’s Holiday: Hidden Memories will include English language support. And since the PS3 is region-free, anyone who wants to take a virtual dive need only import.

Post from: EveryJoe

Today in PlayStation: November 5, 2008