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A video game journey through America's original remix culture
Long after Deadmau5 finished his closing set at The Game Awards, one new trailer stayed with me. It was understated and soothing, featuring a hand-painted desert landscape, a rolling train and a hint of fantasy, all backed by a melancholic American folk song. It was a teaser for Where the Water Tastes Like Wine from Dim Bulb Games. I noticed the trailer because of its visuals, but I remembered it because of the song."[Music is] a form of art that has amazing appeal and power, and its impact is huge," Dim Bulb founder Johnnemann Nordhagen tells me. "Look at any group of music fans and watch how passionate they are. ... In the context of a game, especially a game like this, music helps set the tone for the world and the experience, bringing players to a particular time and place and mood."
Brash working with Folklore dev on film-based game
Grab your popcorn! Film-focused game studio Brash has inked a deal with the Folklore and Genji devs at Game Republic for a game based on, you guessed it, an upcoming Hollywood movie. The announcement follows Brash's recent critically-panned game adaptation of Jumper, as well as confirmed plans by the company to bring gore-porn series Saw to consoles in '09.Having Game Republic on board does give us a modicum of hope that things will turn out at least playable, with 20-year industry vet Yoshiki Okamoto of Street Fighter II and Resident Evil fame throwing his weight behind the project. Neither studio has let slip exactly which movie will be the victim recipient of the adaptation, however, stating only that it will be based on a "popular" film based in "an incredible fantasy world," and will be released sometime in 2010.
PS3 budget lineup heading to Japan, 'likely' Europe
Savior of stingy spenders and bane of box art, the budget lineup, is set to incorporate several PlayStation 3 titles in Japan next month. IGN reports that the official "PlayStation 3 the Best" branding will highlight familiar titles at friendlier prices, with Resistance: Fall of Man, FolksSoul (aka Folklore), Ninja Gaiden Sigma, Gundam: Target in Sight, and Ridge Racer 7 pinching the first pennies -- or, uh, yanking the first yen. The "Best" games will sell for ¥3,800 ($36), which represents a saving of roughly ¥2,200 ($21) for Sony-published games and ¥3,200 ($30) for third-party titles. On the other side of the ocean, Sony told GamesIndustry.biz that a similar "Platinum" range of budget games would likely arrive in Europe. "We have introduced a Platinum range of best-selling titles for all of our platforms to date, and it is likely that we will do so in the future for PS3," said a spokesman, noting that the timing and lineup had yet to be finalized. We'll let you know what Sony America has to say about a budget lineup as soon as they accept our collect call. Read -- "PlayStation 3 the Best" for Japan Read -- "Platinum" for Europe
PSN Thursday: Folklore keeps telling tales while others sleep
It's pretty safe to say at this point the team behind Folklore is quite happy to keep adding extra content and value to their game through downloadable content. This week the PlayStation Store gets another serving of Folklore content with the "Nightmares" and "Visions of the Tower" packs. Of course, the Rock Band DLC is available as per usual, and if you're looking for something cheeky, there is a free PixelJunk Monsters theme to download. Even though the Folklore team says this is its final add-on for the game, why not keep reaping the rewards of absent competition in the space?Check out the complete list of content after the break and wander over to PS3 Fanboy for the European update details.
Folklore DLC finally coming to an end
Who knew the PS3 exclusive adventure Folklore would have so much downloadable content? New costumes and quests were available for fans of Game Republic's adventure for the past few months. However, it's finally coming to an end. Download packs #5 and #6 are on the way, and they promise to reveal some interesting plot points about the motives of the Faery Lord.Check out the PlayStation.blog for the complete details.
Folklore fan talks about his downloadable creation, Quasarilli
Downloadable content for games released a few months ago is cool. Folklore has taken this idea and sprinted through a marathon -- it's had so much extra stuff available since the game launched! This is something much cooler though. Imagine designing your own monster and having it featured in the game as a free download. Yep, it's like the old Mega Man days where you designed the bosses and the developers mostly ignored you, except the opposite. The PlayStation Blog interviewed the person who created Folklore's newest folk named Quasarilli -- here's what "Uridicy" said about the situation."Art and games have always been a hobby of mine and as an aspiring game artist it is very exciting for me to see a professional 3D model of my creature Quasarilli." Uridicy goes on to express gratitude about and how the design was originally thought up. "I tried to incorporate some tribal elements with the mask like face, feathers, and horns." As for the skill set, Uridicy decided that stealing items would prove a useful skill for the game. This is true, since the game does require you to get a ton of items to level your other critters. We're glad stuff like this exists. It really brings gaming to a different level and will welcome with open arms any other similar contests in the future.
Folklore's monsters return in Coded Soul
We all knew that Coded Soul was going to be related to Folklore (aka FolksSoul in Asia). But, we were still surprised to see so many creatures return from the PS3 adventure for this PSP-exclusive RPG. The Japanese official website has been updated, and those that played Folklore will be pleasantly surprised by a number of returning monsters. New screenshots are available, in the "World" section of the site -- and boy, does the game look stunning. Check out more screenshots at Famitsu.
PSN Thursday: Folklore keeps telling tales, demo Stardust in HD
This week PSN Thursday brings us a demo (and update) for frenetic shooter Super Stardust HD, along with the Folklore expansion packs and the demo to the game that if you're a games reviewer might just cause you to lose your job. For those who need to get a little nostalgic with PlayStation's original mascot, Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back is available for $6 and, as normal, there's always this week's Rock Band offerings.Those on the continent of fine wine, cheese, and sausages can scope the Euro PSN update over at PS3 Fanboy. All the details of the PSN update on the continent of two buck chuck, Kraft singles, and Hillshire Farm are posted after the break.
Folklore keeps telling tales with two new DLC packs
The developers of Folklore are really going carpe diem with the downloadable content, which keeps the sleeper title in our faces and compels us to keep writing about it. The game that can be described simply as "Pokémon for adults" is getting two new add-on packs in the near future on the PlayStation Network called The Alchemist Pack and The Origin of Belgae; the packs are priced at $4 each or bundled for $6.Folklore's The Alchemist Pack follows protagonist Ellen as she goes to the Undersea City to find her mother, while The Origin of Belgae sees her traveling to the Netherworld during the time of the original adventure. If nothing else, these constant add-ons for Folklore help build a cult following and certainly keep us talking about a title that would have otherwise been long-forgotten by now.
Two new Folklore add-on packs coming to the US PSN store "soon"
American Folklore fans will soon be catching up with their European brethren as two new add-on packs will soon be released. Already available on the European PSN Store, these expansions each add a number of new quests along with a new folk and costume to collect. Priced at $3.99 each, or $5.99 for both, we're guessing that these add-on packs will be added to the store this week on Thursday. For more details on the add-ons, titled "The Alchemist Pack" and "The Origin of Belgae", check out the PlayStation.Blog.
PSN Thursday: Trials of Hawkish, Mesmerizing Snakeballs
This week's batch of PlayStation Network content is pretty massive - "our biggest ever," according to the official US PlayStation blog. There's a catch, of course, in that PSN will not be updated next Thursday (also known as Christmas Eve). Enough pouting, let's open our presents a week early!Warhawk fans have the most gifts under the tree this week, with the already-opened Omega Dawn expansion, a free theme, a game video of the expansion and (gasp!) the original Warhawk PS One title downloadable as a classic for play on either the PS3 or PSP. Rhythm fans also get a tasty sampler of the usual Rock Band DLC and a free Guitar Hero III song, the holiday-themed "We Three Kings" (strangely absent from the list: the premium GH3 songs for this week).Downloadable games include Toy Home, Snakeball and two PS Eye games: Trials of Topoq and Mesmerize: Distort. A demo for Blacksite: Area 51 is also out, and those looking for more festive updates can check out the free Folklore DLC and PAIN wallpaper. Full update list after the break; check out our sister site PS3 Fanboy for European PSN update info.Update: So apparently we have two fewer days to shop for Christmas gifts than we thought. Hmph.
Christmas comes early: Free Folklore add-on pack available this week
With just a few days before Christmas, Game Republic and SCEA are getting in the holiday spirit by offering a free Folklore add-on pack this week. The free download via the PlayStation Store includes two new winter-themed outfits for Ellen and Keats, a new quest called "Holy Night Visitor" for Keats and an entirely new Folk named Grab Bag.Ellen sports a new red snow-bunny outfit with matching earmuffs, while Keats' new outfit consists of a white trench coat and a holiday themed beanie and sweater. Ellen is sure to get Mrs. Claus jealous with her sweet red snow-bunny outfit complete with the earmuffs. This is a gracious offering from Game Republic, and we can only hope that it might pique a few gamer's interest enough to go out and buy this great game.
Folklore gets in the holiday spirit
This Thursday's PSN update brings a new holiday-themed Folklore add-on pack at the festive price of free. The PlayStation Blog says that both protagonists Ellen and Keats will receive holiday outfits, with Ellen getting a snow-bunny outfit and Keats a white trenchcoat with reindeer sweater.Keats will also receive a new mission called "Holy Night Visitor," along with a brand new Pokémon Folk called "Grab Bag," an anthropomorphic present which attacks enemies with holiday cheer. This would be the second time in recent memory Folklore has received additional content, so if you somehow run out of games this holiday and have any interest in RPGs, Folklore is a competent game worth checking out.
PSN Thursday: We'll bowl at a high velocity
This week's PSN Thursday update rolls in with some High Velocity Bowling. The $10 PSN downloadable game is joined by a few Folklore add-ons and the prerequisite Rock Band DLC. Although we shouldn't be that excited, we're a little giddy over the free Ratchet & Clank theme -- and no, it's not a furry thing. (Not that there'd be anything wrong with that if it was.)For the PSN European update check out sister-site PS3 Fanboy. US folks can hit up the full update list after the break.
New Folklore content coming this month
Folklore isn't a gigantic, blockbuster title, so its nice to see its fans get a little love in the form on two downloadable content packs coming this month to the PlayStation Network. The first, "The Kidnapped Folk," includes quests to track down some kidnapped Folk, a new look for female lead Ellen and a new Folk called Maximillian, seen at right (think Pac-Man joining the SCA).The second is called "Bottom of the Sea," and adds new missions set ... well, at the bottom of the sea. There's also a new Folk called Phutcampus. If you're interested in these new facets of the Folklore world it's going to cost you, though. The packs will run you $3.99 a piece or two for $5.99. We'll let you know when we hear a concrete release date.
Folklore add-on packs coming to the US PSN Store this week
A recent update on the PlayStation.Blog revealed that the add-on packs for Folklore will be available on the American PSN Store tomorrow. While the Kidnapped Soul pack and the Under the Sea pack have been available in Europe for a wee while now, they will finally be making their way to the US Store this Thursday priced at $3.99 each or bundled together for $5.99.Inside each pack is a new costume for Ellen or Keats as well as four new quests and a new Folk to capture, allowing you to keep the game going even after you've completed it. Fong also hints to more Folklore surprises coming in the future. For more details on each of the add-on packs check out the PlayStation.Blog.
New player-created Folklore revealed
European fans of Folklore were asked to draw new creatures for Game Republic's PS3 adventure. The Malion emerged victorious, and will appear in a future downloadable expansion for the game. The Malion is certainly far more attractive than the winner of the American contest, the Quasarilli. However, it'll certainly be interesting to see how these two creatures are brought to life by Game Republic and implemented in the game.
Play Folklore demo, win Folklore art book
Would you kindly play the Folklore demo? This action RPG from Game Republic may not have garnered the same hype as titles like Lair and Heavenly Sword. Regardless of its subdued launch, the game offers some truly fantastic gaming -- some of the best on PS3.Sony wants you to get a taste of what Folklore has to offer. Like Joe Camel, they're giving you a free sample in the PS Store ... and a few more incentives. Play through the game, download these sweepstakes questions, and answer them based on your findings from the demo. If you manage to get all the questions right, you'll be entered to win a copy of the limited edition Folklore art book. And when they say "limited," they mean it. The promotion ends on November 2nd. Good luck!
PlayStation Store gets new demos, trailers
If you took advantage of the new price drop on the 80 GB PS3, you'll be happy to hear that you can start putting those luxurious gigs to good use with tons of new content on the PlayStation Store. First off, you've got some new demos for Folklore and Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights and videos for Uncharted, Turok and Devil May Cry 4. In addition to some movie trailers, there's also a new Eye of Judgement-based theme.As if that weren't enough, the new update also come equipped with value, as the price of David Jaffe's super fun Calling All Cars has been reduced for one week to $4.99. ... Hey, does this mean it actually is in the garage sale bin now?
PS3 Fanboy review: Folklore
Of all of Sony's titles this year, Folklore may have received the least attention from the gaming community. That's a shame, considering it's one of the most original and fascinating games of the year. The team at Game Republic has crafted a game filled with ephemeral beauty, mystery and intrigue. Yes, it has its share of flaws. However, the thought-provoking story, unique combat system and fantastic art style combine for an experience that no PS3 owner should miss.The game's protagonist, Ellen, finds herself in the town of Doolin to meet her long-lost mother. However, all she sees is her mother, dead, for a few seconds before her lifeless body is seemingly spirited away. Keats, an investigative reporter of the paranormal, joins Ellen in Doolin, and finds his destiny is closely tied with Ellen's. Unfortunately, the game's opening moments seem to do everything possible to dissuade players from pressing onward. The murder of Ellen's mom is certainly intriguing, but the decidedly drab palette of Doolin and uninspired music make the game feel lifeless. Navigating the town at first feels like a chore, and the confusing pace of the comic book-esque cinematics do little to help invigorate the player. But, the Netherworld beckons, and it's there that the game starts showing off its true potential.Ellen (and Keats) can both see the dead and journey into the Netherworld. When the player first steps into the Faery Realm, they're greeted by a lush, vivid dream-like world that stands in stark contrast to Doolin. Ironically, the world of the dead is far more alive. Here, players will utilize Folklore's unique combat system.%Gallery-3196%
