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Sony's 1TB PS4 is official
Sony and Microsoft had a ton of games to show off at E3 this year, so we didn't see much in the way of hardware announcements. Microsoft's 1TB Xbox One was unveiled before the event and today, we're finally seeing the same move from Sony. On its European blog, the company revealed that its new "Ultimate Player Edition" PS4 with double storage will debut across Europe on July 15th. There's no word on a wider release just yet, but given the model has already appeared in an FCC filing, a US launch seems inevitable.
Minecraft PS3 boxes clever with a disc version in May
Mojang is releasing Minecraft: PlayStation 3 Edition onto store shelves on May 16 in North America and May 14 in PAL regions, which is no surprise given how the Xbox 360 discs continue to strike gold. Mojang revealed the physical PS3 port includes everything in the sandbox game as of title update 14, but there's no word yet on a price. Check out the PS3 Edition box art by digging below the break. The PS3 port sold one million copies within its first month of availability, adding to the 12 million sales on Xbox 360, 14 million on PC, and 21 million of the Pocket Edition. But why stop at gajibillions when you can try to take over the world? To that effect, UK porters 4J Studios have PS4, Xbox One, and Vita versions in the works, although there remains no word on when to expect them. [Image: Sony Computer Entertainment]
Dragon's Crown flies to Europe, Australia in October
The latest NISAmerica newsletter reveals Dragon's Crown is coming to Europe, Australia, and other PAL regions on October 11, and confirms the art book pre-order bonus is available at select retailers. The PS3 and Vita brawler is already out in North America and Japan, getting off to a storming start in the latter after shipping 300,000 copies in its first week. The game proved sovereign with our Danny, too, notching four and a half stars in his review: "Vanillaware breathes new life into a worthwhile but rarely attempted style of gameplay with Dragon's Crown, a brilliantly executed tribute to arcade gaming's past that offers up an endlessly satisfying loop of questing, looting, and character progression."
Sony completely revises list of PS4 EU studios, down from 53 to 30 [updates]
Sony made wholesale corrections to the list of European/PAL companies confirmed as PS4 developers and publishers, reducing the list of named studios from 53 to 28. Curiouser, not one of the developers and publishers named on the previous list makes an appearance on the new roll call. A spokesperson for Sony Computer Entertainment Europe confirmed to us the first list, sent out last week, was erroneous, and this new one is correct. There are no revisions for any other regions.The new list removes a number of significant names, including Mojang (Minecraft), Rovio (Angry Birds), Frozenbyte, Criterion Games, and City Interactive. In their stead are some new noteworthy studios, such as CD Projekt, who've confirmed The Witcher 3 as a PS4 game. Also included are Bohemia Interactive, Deep Silver, Ninja Theory, IO Interactive, Codemasters, 2K Games, and Sumo Digital. The full list can be found after the break.We've reached out to a number of studios for comment. Mojang's Daniel Kaplan reiterated to us the comments he gave to Gamasutra, saying his studio hasn't decided anything yet, and that the error is "confusion from Sony's side." Gamasutra's article also confirms Super Crate Box developer Vlambeer and Skulls of the Shogun creator 17-Bit, both included in the original list, as not currently working on anything for the PS4.A spokesperson for Monsters (probably) Stole My Princess developer Mediatonic, included in the original list but not in the corrected one, told us he couldn't make any comment on his studio and PS4 development. Meanwhile, Sumo Digital's inclusion adds weight to the rumor the British studio is working on LittleBigPlanet 3, but for the PS4. When approached previously about LBP3, a studio representative told Joystiq, "No comment." Update 1: A spokesperson for 505 Games tells us the Italian company is "definitely" planning to publish games on the PS4. 505 Games was in the original list of European/PAL PS4 developers and publishers, but not the revised list. The spokesperson noted the company's logo appears in the image showcasing PS4 partners, as shown during last week's event, as do many of the names in the revised list. Update 2: Sony Computer Entertainment Europe informs us the list of European PS4 studios has been further revised. Two more studios are now present in the form of Criterion Games and Ghost Games (an EA studio) - both were in the original list of 53. That takes the tally of confirmed European studios up to 30.
Namco Bandai extends Codemasters EU distribution deal through 2013
Namco Bandai Europe is continuing to distribute British developer/publisher Codemasters' games throughout Europe, Australia, and New Zealand this year. That distribution now covers "all key" EU territories, including the UK & Ireland. The new agreement represents both an extension and expansion of the two companies' distribution partnership, first cemented in 2010, and includes Grid 2 plus some "unannounced" Codemasters games.The news follows the recent announcement of restructuring at Codemasters, with 80 people reportedly laid off as a result. As for this side of the ocean, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment handled Codemasters' distribution in the Americas throughout last year after taking over from THQ - we can't see Namco Bandai America going back, somehow.
Sony: 30M PS3s sold in EU/PAL territories
As of December 17, the PlayStation 3 has sold 30 million units across the great breadth of the United Kingdom, the European Union and everywhere else that PAL-configured consoles are sold, Sony has announced. At least five million of those units were distributed to households in the UK alone, though how the other 25 million are divvied up is anyone's guess.Let's put that number into context by first surmising that the median weight of all existing PS3s is 9.35 pounds per console, assuming an even spread of Phat PAL and Slim PAL models across the world. That's 280.5 million pounds worth of PlayStations, or the approximate weight of 112,200 Volkswagen buses, assuming an average weight of 2,500 pounds per bus, and that all the hypothetical buses used were manufactured before 1967.Hey, we never said the context would be meaningful.
Clarity Pal hands-on, a new phone for senior citizens
In a perfect world, your grandparents wouldn't need a lick of help getting the most out of a smartphone, but let's face it: the devices are complex, and if you don't have the proper motivation, they can be a bit difficult to learn. You've previously seen the C900 from Clarity, and tonight we stumbled upon its second generation of handsets for senior citizens known as the Pal. Similar to the predecessor, the phone features a panic button on the back that'll call and text message up to five people in the case of an emergency. Other features consist of a backlit keypad that can read aloud the numbers that are pressed, along with a talking caller ID and up to 26dB of amplification for the earpiece. We received a quick demo of this last feature, and the volume was sufficient enough to cut through a noisy room while allowing us to hear everything that was said -- in other words, we have no doubt that the Clarity Pal will be perfectly suitable for those with moderate hearing impairment. The phone is compatible with GSM networks in the US and Canada, and for more ambitious seniors, it features SMS functionality and Bluetooth for pairing with Clarity's headset. Fortunately, the company has gone through a good amount of effort to refine and simplify the menu scheme, which is quite helpful for those wanting only the basics. The Clarity Pal will be available on May 28th through the company's website and will sell for $99. If you've got someone in your life who might need a simpler phone, take a peek at the gallery below. Sean Cooper contributed to this report
Wii becomes best-selling current generation console in Europe
We're always wary to talk numbers and Europe in the same breath, mostly because numbers over there don't mean the same as they do here. "One pound is a half kilogram? What does that even mean?" Luckily for us, there's no way to misconstrue the fact that the Wii is now the best-selling console in Europe this generation. The European chapter of the Wii Defense Force is popping the bubbly now, we imagine, celebrating the 30 million Wii consoles in the region as of 2011's end. New console bundles brought a new "value Wii" into the region, The PS3 isn't far behind, however, with reports of over 22 million consoles sold at the end of August. But, the Wii figure looks even better when compared to the GameCube, which sold 4.7 million throughout its five year lifetime in Europe and Australia, combined. On the peripheral front, Nintendo's also got robust sales figures for its Wii Balance Board and its bundled titles, Wii Fit and Wii Fit Plus, to celebrate. 22.67 million copies of Wii Fit and 19.31 million copies of Wii Fit Plus have been sold worldwide.
The Game Archaeologist's excellent EverQuest Online Adventures: The memories
It's been a good month looking back at EverQuest Online Adventures, wouldn't you agree? Educational, almost. While this title is just about as far from the mainstream MMO eye as can be these days, it's heartening to know it's still out there, still running, and still capable of evoking fond memories from current and former players. While we did attempt to contact SOE for an interview to see if we could find out anything new -- or even old -- about EQOA, it failed to materialize. As a wonderful consolation prize, however, this week we'll hear from three players who have extensive experience in the game. So let's hit this column running and equip our +2 Ears of Paying Attention!
Catherine heading to Europe with Deep Silver
Catherine is packing her bags for Europe. Atlus and European publisher Deep Silver have formed a professional relationship that will see the dramatic puzzle game making its way to PAL territories. Catherine will get some language lessons on the way, offering localized text in French, Italian, German and Spanish. Atlus explained to us earlier this week that the company couldn't announce Catherine's European plans until it locked down a European publisher. The one thing missing from today's announcement is a launch window, something we hope to get during Europe's Gamescom convention, which is just a few weeks away.
Atlus: Catherine EU launch requires EU publisher
Catherine is complicated, and so is the business of publishing and distribution. Following up on German site GamersGlobal's report that there was no release in sight for Catherine, we contacted Atlus about the subtleties of the EU situation. Atlus USA's PR and sales manager Aram Jabbari explained there are "no plans at this time" regarding Catherine's launch in the territory, because the company needs to find a suitable publishing partner. Atlus doesn't have the European infrastructure, so it must first find a distribution partner before it can start promising launch windows. Jabbari cited Atlus titles Persona 4 and 3D Dot Game Heroes, distributed by Square Enix and SouthPeak, respectively, as examples of European partnerships. This is all to say that it's not that Catherine isn't coming to PAL territories, it's just that Atlus needs to find the right buddy. Gamescom is around the corner -- it would be the perfect time to set up or finalize a deal. Catherine will be ready to start her relationship with North America on July 26.
Infamous 2 hits Europe June 8, coming in so, so many bundles
Infamous 2 is coming out in the UK, Germany and Ireland on June 10, and the rest of Europe on June 8. Yes, we usually make a bigger deal out of release dates than just dropping them all plain-like in the first sentence like that, but we need as much space as we can get to explain the different bundles available to European shoppers. No joke, you guys: There are five different versions of Sucker Punch's dichotomous action title available in Europe's shops. So, there's the basic, vanilla flavored standard edition, the Special Edition (which includes extra powers and an "Original Cole" character skin) and the Hero Edition (which includes a lot of things, including a replica messenger bag). However, Europe also gets a bundle that includes the game and a "good" blue or "evil" red DualShock 3 controller, as well as a 320GB PS3 bundle. No prices have been announced for the bundles, but really, what price is too high for premium crimefighting? Or ... um, crimemaking?
Sly Trilogy gets its trilogy of PAL release dates
The Sly Cooper Collection is a compilation of three separate games, so it's only fitting that the PS3 disc follow the standard of three separate release dates for PAL regions, where it's called The Sly Trilogy. The ported rodent caper collection will arrive first in PAL territories other than the UK and Australia on December 1. Its release in Australia will follow on Dec. 2, and then it comes to the UK and Ireland on Dec. 3. If that's too long to wait, you could either import it from the US right now -- or, you know, break out your copies of the PS2 versions.
Dead to Rights: Retribution 'GAC Pack' DLC coming May 26 [update: June 1 in North America]
Click image to dance into our gallery Grant City officers looking to extend their Turner and Hooch-like experience in Dead to Rights: Retribution will soon get a new DLC pack. The "GAC Pack" (400 on Xbox Live / $4.99 on PSN) drops on May 26 in PAL territories [update: June 1 for North America] for Xbox 360 and PS3 and adds two new gameplay modes: Assault on the 87th Precinct and Riot Control. In Assault on the 87th Precinct, players take up the role of the enemy -- Grant City Anti-Crime. Playing as a Sniper, Brawler and Tank, players must perform the titular assault on the Grant City Police Department and secure the building, a twist on one of the game's campaign missions. Then there's Riot Control, which is essentially Dead to Rights' version of Horde mode: Jack and Shadow face off against waves of GAC forces, earning points "based on speed and style." Riot Control will support international leaderboards. As an added incentive for downloading the "GAC Pack," two previously pre-order exclusive DLC items will be included: the "Jack Pack" and the "Shadow Pack." These add a new set of armor for Jack and some camouflage for Shadow, as well as an "action mode" which turns every bullet into a tiny, exploding grenade. Finally, there's a noir graphic filter included if staring at all of those colors upsets your delicate retinas. %Gallery-91977%
Master Chief's bullet-riddled Xbox 360 case mod auctioned off for charity
Sure, Kim Kardashian and Russell Crowe signed airbrushed Xbox 360s bearing their likeness for the David Peachy Foundation's "Konsoles for Kids" charity auction, but Weta Workshop co-founder Richard Taylor built his donation into a badass diorama. That's Halo's Master Chief venting the console with his trusty assault rifle, sending chunks of circuit board, capacitors and LEDs out the other side. According to its eBay seller, the PAL system's still fully functional, and ships with controller, cables and a full warranty. Auction lasts till April 24th; bidding is presently at $810 AUD.
Demon's Souls hack-'n-slashing through Europe in June
Namco Bandai will unleash Demon's Souls upon European territories on June 25, ending the region's dearth of pleasurable pain, the publisher has announced. The PlayStation 3 exclusive will be released as a limited "Black Phantom Edition" retail package, featuring the game, a soundtrack CD, an artbook and a strategy guide (trust us, Europe, you'll need it!). Atlus, as you may recall, published the game in North America, following its debut in Japan under the Sony label. The game was co-developed by From Software and SCE Japan Studio. If you're a would-be demon slayer anxious to learn more about what's in store should you embark on this difficult quest, might we point you to our review?
Unicat retro TV channels the 1940s, bidding now underway
How does technology a half-century old manage to be this sexy? We're not certain. But this one-of-a-kind, handmade retro television -- which seemingly combines an old desktop lamp and a giant magnifying glass -- definitely tugs at our heartstrings. With a 5.5-inch monochrome CRT screen and no inputs to speak of, you won't be watching Blu-rays on this set, and its PAL standard and 220V plug mean non-Europeans might not be bothered to try. Still, for an old over-the-air TV, it's remarkably full-featured, with knobs for volume, band (VHF-L / VHF-H / UHF), brightness, contrast and V-sync, and we can't get over its clean, handsome design. If your Nixie tube collection is getting lonely, check out the auction at our source link; bidding starts at €300.%Gallery-90244% [Thanks, Alex]
Facebook for webOS gets a much-needed, and much-appreciated, 1.1.0 update
After a disappointing initial effort, Palm has unleashed version 1.1.0 of its webOS Facebook app. Currently only available via the update function but not the standard App Catalog, users will find new and improved access to their inbox, all their friends' photo albums, profiles, direct photo uploading, friend search and a list view for upcoming events and birthdays. The first thing we noticed was the initial news feed now matches the notification preferences set on the standard webpage stopping the inevitable flood of Farmville updates we blocked so long ago. Features still missing include chat, video and the ability to respond to friend requests but with a distinctly faster and tighter experience, it's certainly surpassed the mobile webpage as the best way to access Facebook on the Pre. Can't reach the update button right now? Check our gallery for a few more images or this video demo from PreCentral embedded after the break. [Thanks, @Isaac] %Gallery-87251%
Nintendo trademarks Last Window (Hotel Dusk 2) in Europe
Cing's sequel to Hotel Dusk is destined for a PAL release, a recent trademark shows. This may cause one to believe Last Window could eventually find its way to North America and we'd certainly entertain the notion -- at least it should be importable. Admittedly, Nintendo actively promoted Cing's first game and a lot of DS enthusiasts in the U.S. seemed to enjoy it, so we can see it happening. But without so much as a mention during the recent Nintendo Media Summit, we're not gonna hold our breath just yet. Let's at least agree to wait until E3, OK? Source - OHIM online European trademark database [Via Siliconera]
Sky Crawlers landing in Europe this February
Namco Bandai declined to publish The Sky Crawlers: Innocent Aces in North America, licensing the game out to XSEED instead. However, the company is handling the game itself for the European release, due in February. The game is a flight action game developed by Ace Combat dev Project Aces, and based on both the novel and the Mamoru Ishii-directed anime film of the same name. In addition to the game, the movie is planned for a DVD and Blu-Ray release in PAL territories at an unspecified future date ("coming soon"). That seems like a good idea -- licensed games probably work better when people know what the source material is. %Gallery-67448%
