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Putty Squad launch trailer looks good, sounds riveting
Actor Brian Blessed lends a frankly inexplicable amount of gravitas to this launch trailer for Putty Squad, a game debuting on November 29 which casts players as an ambulatory blob of goo who's most dramatic moments involve bouncing, rolling and maybe stretching a bit.
Putty Squad bounces onto pretty much everything this summer
British publisher/developer System 3 has announced an enhanced remake of its blue-blob-based action platformer Putty Squad, available sometime this summer on Xbox 360, Wii U, PlayStation 3, Vita, 3DS and Windows 8. The original Putty Squad was initially released on Super NES back in 1994, as a sequel to 1992's Putty for the Amiga. A demo was also released for Amiga and DOS systems, but the full game never dropped for either of those platforms. This new version, beyond offering obvious graphical improvements, will also include free downloadable levels and "location-based services used for extra content."
Ferrari: The Race Experience steers towards Wii and PSN
System 3 has announced yet another Ferrari-licensed racing game, Ferrari: The Race Experience, presumably a follow-up to last year's Ferrari Challenge Deluxe. Like System 3's previous efforts, this will be hitting both Wii and PlayStation 3. However, PS3 owners will only be able to find the game on the virtual shelves of the PlayStation Network. Why? System 3 explains that it's become too costly to deal with retail. "The vast amounts of money required in securing a decent in-store presence through co-operative marketing [makes it] easy to see why some games are doomed before they start. By going down a download only route, System 3 is quietly confident that it can service consumer demand directly and efficiently." While many of System 3's future releases will be exclusive to download platforms, the company did admit that it can't give up on retail altogether. "Obviously we are not moving away fully from boxed product as we are committed to maximising our games across all formats and Wii games, for example, are still only released as physical product."
Ferrari Challenge DLC takes race to Nurburgring, adds five more cars
Ferrari Challenge will get an update soon, adding five new cars and one new racetrack. The DLC, which hits PAL territories this May (while a North American date remains pending), gives players a chance to hop into a 430 Scuderia, 599 GTB Fiorano, 612 Scaglietti Sessanta, 330 P4, and an Enzo Ferrari (pictured). Gamers can drive any one of these new cars and take it for a spin on the new Nürburgring track. Previous reports suggested that Ferrari Challenge's DLC had been cancelled, but with this new announcement in place, it looks like that's not the case anymore. With the downloadable content now confirmed, only one question is left unanswered: Is it free? System 3 hasn't said. We suppose we'll know more when a specific date is revealed.
Licensing issues halt Ferrari Challenge DLC plans
PS3 racer Ferrari Challenge was supposed to have DLC in the form of new cars. However, licensing issues may prevent the already-completed DLC from ever releasing. "Unfortunately the realities and dead end streets of making licensed content available as a download, and then making it available in different territories have bitten us on the backside," System 3 told CVG."We apologize that we haven't been able to give fans of the game more in recent months," they added. The content that was in development as Ferrari Challenge DLC will now appear in SuperCar Challenge, a PS3 exclusive.
Ferrari Challenge sequel SuperCar Challenge announced
System 3 has just announced a sequel to the largely-overlooked racing game Ferrari Challenge for the PS3. Titled SuperCar Challenge, the new game will feature 40 vehicles, three difficulty settings (Assist, Arcade and Simulation), a tweaked career mode that's supposedly "more engaging," a retooled A.I. that will be more "adaptive," improved graphics and better sound effects. IGN's impressions indicate a "solid foundation" and they look forward to when the game is released "this Spring." The question is, are you willing to give Eutechnyx another chance?
VC Friday: Impossible Mission II on PAL Wii Shop ... FOREVER
We've talked about our love of Impossible Mission in a previous VC Friday, and now the PAL Wii Shop has the sequel! That we never played! Oh, happy days. If you haven't downloaded the first game, why on earth not? Beyond the crude visuals lies a highly entertaining and surprisingly atmospheric puzzle-based platformer. The sequel sounds like more of the same but with a few new robots, which is fine with us.Meanwhile, Last Ninja 3 is the second C64 title available this week. Has it aged as poorly as the first two? Probably. It certainly looks similar in footage, though Reyn Ouwehand's soundrack still rocks our socks. Then there's Boogerman, which you really shouldn't download. Here's a video explaining why. Last Ninja 3* -- Commodore 64 -- 500 Wii Points Impossible Mission II* -- Commodore 64 -- 500 Wii Points Boogerman: A Pick and Flick Adventure -- Mega Drive -- 800 Wii Points * Europe only, obviously. As usual, make the jump for videos of all three.%Gallery-39158%
Here are some more sizzling Ferrari Challenge pics
Click for high resolution image Ferrari Challenge is gearing up for August 26 -- the game's release date for North America. With little under two weeks left before race day, we're sure some of you might be interested in seeing more of the game. Luckily, we've added a few new screens to our gallery for you to check out.In the screenshot above, you can see the Ferrari 333SP. It's one of the cars we mentioned before in our hands-on with the North American version of the game. You did read that, didn't you? Make sure that you do!%Gallery-29094%
PS3 Fanboy hands-on: Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli
Ferrari Challenge is set to hit the North American retail circuit later this month on August 26 and we've taken the NA build out on a drive for some early hands-on impressions. Our European readers have probably put in a few good laps into the game -- as it is already out over yonder -- but rest assured, there are some bits of information in this article that you too will definitely want to read about.The true "current gen" version of Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli is exclusive to the PS3, and with it comes over 40 Ferrari brand cars -- including classic models as far back as the 1950s. Each car has a unique feel; driving the 333SP felt like a charm, but some of the older models were a bit tougher to handle. Customization options are available for all automobiles; you can change the paint job and also add and remove vinyl stickers whenever and wherever. You can take those custom cars and race them online.%Gallery-29094%
VC Friday: City Turf Karate
Ask people to name the first Commodore 64 game that comes to mind, and we're willing to bet that more than half would mention International Karate +. Despite coming out on loads of different platforms back in the late-1980s, System 3's chop-'em-up is still most widely recognized as one of the C64's biggest hits, and is now available on the Virtual Console for ... slightly more than its 1987 price!Neo Turf Masters is a rather gaudy, fast-paced take on ruining a good walk golf (though if reviews are to be believed, it's heaps better than the other golfing options on the VC), while City Connection completes the bill. As usual, you can check past the break for footage of all three. City Connection -- NES -- 500 Wii Points Neo Turf Masters -- Neo Geo -- 900 Wii Points International Karate + -- Commodore 64 -- 500 Wii Points * * Only in Europe.
System 3 talk about Ferrari Challenge DLC, demo
We haven't been keeping much tabs on Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli -- a racing title currently out in Europe and soon to release across North America on August 26 -- but we suppose now is a good time to get back to it. It's an especially good time as developers System 3 have released details on its first content pack DLC for the month of August.The first DLC, priced at £3.99 (sorry no exact Euro price mentioned), will include the German Nürburgring GP-Strecke course and five more Ferrari vehicles: Ferrari Enzo, Ferrari P4, 430 Scuderia, 612 Scaglietti, and the 599 GTB Fiorano. It's currently unknown whether the DLC will be made available for the North American release next month; the downloadable content seems to be Europe-only for now. Other future content is also promised including the following race tracks: Laguna Seca, Daytona, Brands Hatch, Donington, Barcelona, Hungaroring and Suzuka. Monaco will follow in September. Also, as the North American release draws nearer, thoughts of a demo come to mind. Mark Cale, System 3's boss, had this to say about that: "There are many factors that we need to take into account, and logistically, it's very possible, but I'm afraid we can't confirm anything at the moment."
Joystiq hands-on: Ferrari Challenge
UK-based System 3 is out to fill the rather large racing simulation void on PS3 with Ferrari Challenge, a game the company is calling a spiritual successor to the Sega great, Ferrari F355 Challenge. It's also aimed directly at fans of Gran Turismo, GRID, and Project Gotham Racing.With its release set for next month exclusively on PS3 – as far as HD consoles go – we recently put Ferrari Challenge through its paces, while getting some background on what sets the game apart from other current-gen racers (apart from the fact that all of the cars are, obviously, Ferraris). Read on after the break to hear our impressions of the sights, sounds, and feel that highlight this high-spec driving sim.%Gallery-25886%
VC Friday: Back on form
If you think we've already forgiven Nintendo for totally neglecting the PAL Virtual Console last week, you can think again, sunshine. Nope, Ninty is officially in our bad books, and no amount of sweet talk, flowers, weekends away, or singing telegrams can let the company out of the doghouse right now. Frankly, we've never felt so unwan -- eh, what's that you say? Five games? Two of which prominently feature ninjas? Oh, go on then. Alex Kidd in Miracle World -- Master System -- 500 Wii Points Fatal Fury 2 -- Neo Geo -- 900 Wii Points Ninja Combat -- Neo Geo -- 900 Wii Points Last Ninja 2: Back with a Vengeance -- Commodore 64 -- 500 Wii Points * Nebulus -- Commodore 64 -- 500 Wii Points * * Unavailable in Oz, we're afraid, but look at the bright side: footage of all five games is past the break! Actually, we're not sure how that's meant to console you, or how those two facts are even related. Ridiculous, really.
System 3 drops Ferrari Challenge deets, first screens
Ferrari's rich historical connection with videogames alone is enough to make us curious about System 3's forthcoming Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli, for which the first screenshots and further details appeared today.Even though the online mode has been confirmed as a PS3-only feature, the shots we've seen so far show promise, at least as far as 3D racers on the DS go. According to today's press release, the DS version of Ferrari Challenge will contain fifteen real-life tracks (including Italy's Mugello circuit), eight cars per race, fifty types of Ferrari, and, if this screen suggests what we think it suggests, wireless play. Thankfully, it doesn't control via a steering wheel plastered across the touchscreen, a la the awful Ridge Racer DS; instead, the touchscreen features a swanky dashboard interface.It's out soon, as well -- July in Europe; and during Q3 in North America. Rev into our gallery for your first look at the game!%Gallery-24804%[Via press release]
Ferrari Challenge racing onto Wii this summer
What do you think of, dear reader, when we say these words: Ferrari. Videogame? If you're anything like us, your mind will have just flashed back to either OutRun or the seminal Dreamcast port of Ferrari F355 Challenge, your pulse will have started quickening, and we can almost certainly meet up IRL.Since Yu Suzuki's two awesome racers, little else has filled that Ferrari-shaped gap in our gaming hearts. So thank goodness for Activision and System 3, who are combining to bring us Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli this summer in North America. Described as "more sim than arcade," the title will let you cruise through 15 international racing circuits in your stallion of a car.Considering this is also being released on the PS3 and Xbox 360, we're taking promises of downloadable content and online play for 16 players with a mountain of salt where the Wii version is concerned, but you never know, eh? Hit the break for some screens which are not from the Wii iteration.
Ferrari Challenge motors onto the DS
Let's face it: you'll probably never drive a Ferrari in your lifetime (alas). Those of us in North America can't even have the satisfaction of driving one on a handheld -- not yet, at least. Thanks to a distribution deal with System 3, Activision is bringing Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli to the U.S. and Canada in Q3.Since this game is also coming out for the Wii, PS3, and PS2, the press release doesn't boast about the features of the DS version, sadly. We don't see why the DS game wouldn't include online multiplayer like some of its counterparts, though. Ferrari Challenge also features fifteen international circuits, which isn't too shabby.Hopefully the developers actually put time into the DS version (which releases in Australia and Europe on June 19th and 20th), as we can use some more fun racing games for our favorite handheld.Note: Image is from the PS3 version.
Ferrari game heats up this summer
Publisher Activision and developer System 3 are bringing a new Ferrari racing game to the PlayStation 3 this summer. Dubbed Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli, the game will include 15 international racing circuits and 16-player online play. The most interesting feature is in the planned DLC whereby players can download new content and update "official teams and car rosters ... to reflect real-world lineups."If you're really interested, you can try out the PS3 version of the game this weekend at the Montreal Grand Prix (June 6-8); playable kiosks will be open to everyone. If you're lazy to head up to Canada or just feel strange going to foreign lands, then check out the game's official website for more details and some shots of the cars in the game. Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli is slated for a Summer 2008 release on the PS3 as well as the PS2, Wii, and DS. [Via press release]
Activision, System 3 take the Ferrari Challenge
London-based dev System 3 has finally let the cat out of the bag, or car out of the garage as it were, regarding its plans for the Ferrari license it first acquired in 2007, announcing a partnership with Activision to distribute Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli in North America this summer. Curiously, while the deal includes versions for both PlayStation home consoles, as well as the DS and Wii, the Xbox 360 appears to have been passed over like it was standing still.The racer aims to put players behind the wheel sim-style on more than 15 different global racing circuits, with a stream of "continually released" downloadable content, including seasonal updates to team and car rosters, promised as well. Activision also notes that the game will include a variety of modes, as well as support for up to 16 players online, though whether or not this extends to all versions remains doubtful. Ferrari Challenge's PS3 version, which looks to be the obvious lead SKU, will be shown off publicly first during this weekend's Montreal Grand Prix, giving gamers with a passion for exotic autos reason enough to plan a last-minute road trip.
VC Friday: Ninja Dragon Games
A trio of games this week on the PAL Virtual Console (all of which would be dead to us if "Ninja Dragon Games" actually existed), including one we totally want, one that will probably be undeservedly overlooked in favor of the one we totally want and, um, World Games (Commodore 64), which we're entirely unfamiliar with.The former, obviously, is Double Dragon (NES), and although we plan to download Technos' landmark game with a quickness, we feel a bit bad for The Last Ninja (Commodore 64), which deserves some attention, if only for its amazing soundtrack. Check videos of all three out after the blue words, and marvel at how barrel jumping looks ... oddly compelling. Double Dragon -- NES -- 500 Wii Points World Games -- Commodore 64 -- 500 Wii Points* The Last Ninja -- Commodore 64 -- 500 Wii Points* * Only in Europe.
Super Fruit Fall potentially falling into DS
A Wii version of Super Fruit Fall came out around the UK Wii launch, and it was rated by the ESRB for release stateside. Now the puzzle game is headed to a new home on the DS via Warner Home Video Games, according to GameStop/EBGames. The retailer is listing a DS version of Super Fruit Fall for $19.99, to be released on November 15th.Super Fruit Fall is a block-matching puzzle game in which three pieces of the same color disappear when adjacent; you move pieces around by rotating the stage. In the course of our exhaustive research for this post, we played the Flash version of Fruit Fall (careful: NSFW ads), and found it ... incredibly frustrating. That doesn't mean that Super Fruit Fall isn't a good puzzle game. It just means that we're angry now.[Via Siliconera]
