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InFamous 2 imPorts your inFamous Trophy data to grant rewards, alter story
Sucker Punch wants to reward its fans for being especially good ... or especially bad. IGN reports that InFamous 2 offers an option to import Trophy data from the original InFamous, which is then turned into starting bonuses in Cole McGrath's new adventure. We've got a rundown of what your Trophies are worth in the sequel after the break -- starting XP bumps and the like -- but the most interesting bit of info is that having unlocked specific story-related Trophies will actually alter the dialog and side missions in InFamous 2. We'd tell you what they are, but then you'd have to kill us. And also, we don't know, because IGN didn't say. Of course, you could also look at this feature as one big morality test: Will you be a goodie two shoes and choose not to import your data, or do it and effectively use a "cheat" right at the start of the game?
PhD researcher takes second academic look at Achievements
If you found the first part of PhD researcher and game designer Lucas Blair's study on effective Achievements as interesting as we did, you'll want to check out the recently published second installment over on Gamasutra. While the first article focused on implementing satisfying, compelling carrots in games, this second piece looks more at the more metaphysical components of in-game rewards. For instance, when should Achievements unlock? Once they do, should they be permanent? Much like the series' first installment, it's definitely worth a read, but take caution: You're going to spend longer than you might like playing its anecdotal Flash game, Achievement Unlocked. Reader beware!
Game designer writes academic report on effective Achievements
Game designer and PhD researcher Lucas Blair recently penned an article that should enrapture the attention of the Gamerscore boosters and Trophy-fiends among you. It's a thorough examination of the different kinds of rewards developers can include in their titles, mixed in with a few suggestions for best practices to ensure said rewards are ... well, reward-ing. There are a number of interesting comparisons in the report between the dichotomous design philosophies most developers adhere to. For instance: Should achievements be performance-based, or completion-based? Should they reward boring tasks, or interesting tasks -- which the player's likely to do without the incentive. How difficult should achievements be to unlock? It's a pretty thought-provoking read -- though, really, we think Avatar: The Burning Earth set the best example for Achievements a few years ago. Just give us those points.
NFS: Hot Pursuit patch, Achievements hint at Porsche vs. Lamborghini DLC pack
A new DLC pack for Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit will deal with the eternal struggle between Porsche and Lamborghini, it seems. The 1.2 patch for the game reportedly brings with it several new Achievements and Trophies, accidentally discovered by one of Eurogamer's readers -- since then, Xbox 360 Achievements has posted a full list of the new Achievements. It's pretty compelling evidence. The Achievements list cites specific events geared around the Porsche and Lamborghini. Also, this shouldn't be confused with EA's previous marketing stunt to give users DLC for the game which, it seems, is still ongoing. We've contacted EA for comment and will let you know what we find out.
Killzone 3's (non-hidden) Trophies revealed
Admit it -- your position as a defender against the ever-encroaching Helghast is really just a gig, isn't it? It's just a means for you to acquire precious, digital accolades. Well, you might as well study up on Killzone 3's 31 non-hidden Trophies (out of a total of over 50) posted below.
NGP 'LiveArea' UI to support Trophies, PSN friends and messaging
LiveArea is NGP's "game-oriented communication platform," according to Sony. In other words, it's the device's (touch-controlled!) user interface -- apparently replacing the XMB -- featuring access to the PlayStation Store, Trophies, PSN friends, messaging, the browser, and other applications. Each game will have some form of LiveArea presence, too, apparently keeping you up to date on news and even its other players (in case you bore of simply playing the game). Additionally, LiveArea will include the "Near" feature that tracks your location over time and creates a map of where you've been. (That's not creepy at all!) Read more about it here.
PS3 trophies threatened by jailbreak tool
The PS3 jailbreak threatens to wreck havoc on the PlayStation ecosystem in ways beyond just piracy. The integrity of the PS3 trophy system hangs in the balance, as hackers have supposedly created an app that unlocks trophies in games automatically. CVG reports that the tool has been used to unlock trophies in BUZZ! and the notoriously challenging PAIN. Oddly, the tool apparently doesn't work in games like Resident Evil 5 and Batman: Arkham Asylum, meaning it isn't quite foolproof yet. Obviously, a compromise like this undermines the entire point of the trophy system. Sony's Eric Lempel explained to us that the PSP couldn't support trophies due to the unsecured nature of that platform. "If people can artificially inflate their rankings ... it kills the whole [Trophy] system," he explained. Unfortunately, it appears Sony now faces the same issue on the PS3. "We are aware of this, and are currently looking into it," a SCEE representative commented. "We will fix the issues through network updates, but because this is a security issue, we are not able to provide you with any more details."
Marvel vs. Capcom 3 Achievements tease progression system, Mission mode
Given the slow, slow drip its developers have had us on since the game was first announced, the recent release of the Achievement list for Marvel vs. Capcom 3 represents one of the biggest info bombs we've been hit with so far. While the list doesn't do much to confirm any rumored characters (though the "Fate of the Satsui no Hadou" certainly seems to hint at the inclusion of Ryu's near-clones, Ken and Akuma), it does reveal some features which have made it into the final cut of the game. For instance, the "Combat Specialist" Achievement mentions a player level progression system, while "A New Avenger" and "Passed the Field Test" reference a Mission mode, which will presumably assist in the aforementioned progression system. Check out the full list of Cheevos after the break for more even speculation fodder.
Sony 'PlayStation App' for iPhone and Android coming to Europe
It's not quite a PlayStation Phone, but Sony has announced a PlayStation app for phones. That's still pretty cool, right? SCEE will soon release "The Official PlayStation App" in Europe, offering light PSN interaction on your iPhone or Android device -- "light" as in you won't be playing games through it, but you can look at your Trophies and the status of your friends. You can also keep up with the EU PlayStation Blog from within the app. The first version of the PlayStation App will be available soon in the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands. Sony is working to add more countries to that list and also planning new features. No announcements have been made for a release outside of Europe, however.
Gran Turismo 5's full Trophy list revealed
Alongside today's news that Gran Turismo 5 retail discs have begun popping up in Europe comes a video detailing the game's entire Trophy list, minus three "Hidden" Trophies. Czech site Konzolista has the whole shebang, backed up by a clip found on GT Planet. Rather than detailing the Trophies, we're gonna leave it to you to choose -- the clip has been embedded after the break and contains potential spoilers (albeit, seemingly minor ones). You've been warned!
Assassin's Creed Brotherhood trophies spoil mission locations
It appears the trophy (and presumably Achievement) list for Assassin's Creed Brotherhood has made its way online. Frustratingly for Platinum hunters, it appears Brotherhood will require you to collect all the flags and all the feathers in the game in order to unlock the elusive trophy. Drat! In addition, there are new multiplayer trophies for the new online portion of the game. If you're concerned about spoilers, now would be the time to look away. Scanning the trophy list, we can garner three locations for missions: Rome, Spain and the present day. "Dust to Dust" requires you to collect an artifact in the present day, which may suggest that Desmond's abilities will be put to test in the sequel. There are also "VR Missions," which we can only hope will be inspired by Metal Gear Solid's wackier levels. For the rest of the achievements, visit PS3Trophies.org. [Image credit: IGN]
Call of Duty: Black Ops reveals entire list of Achievements / Trophies
Hot off yesterday's big Zombie reveal, today Treyarch has given 1UP the entire list of Achievements / Trophies for Call of Duty: Black Ops. Spoilers, minor though they may be, abound in the list we've dropped after the break -- you've been warned.
Mafia 2 PS3 exclusive DLC revealed - 'Jimmy's Vendetta'
Finally, the first details on Sony's exclusive Mafia 2 content (announced at E3) have surfaced. An early look at the game's Trophy list reveals that the PS3 version the game (see update below) will have free add-on DLC titled "Jimmy's Vendetta." From the Trophy descriptions, it appears the add-on includes several missions and an arcade-style points system, multiplier included. With one Trophy requiring 1,000 kills, it would appear that the add-on is lengthy (or repetitive!) enough to allow players to rack up such an impressive body count. Update: An official statement from 2K Games on July 16th tells us that "Jimmy's Vendetta" is actually the second planned DLC pack for Mafia 2. "The Betrayal of Jimmy" is the first, PS3 exclusive pack, available for free at launch with an in-box code, or from the PSN for $9.99. "Jimmy's Vendetta" will come later, and pricing and availability have yet to be announced as of this update. The trophies after the break are presumably from the second pack.
Sly Cooper Collection nabs three Platinum Trophies
If collecting virtual Trophies has become something of an addiction, you should be playing close attention to Sly Cooper Collection. Like God of War Collection before it, each game will feature its own Platinum -- meaning, you'll be able to get up to three Platinum Trophies in this HD remix. However, there are a few PlayStation Move mini-games being added, meaning you'll likely need to buy a Move if you want to get every possible Trophy.
New MAG gametype and maps coming in 'Interdiction' DLC on June 22
As hinted at by a Sony survey distributed last month (and then a rash of recent unintentional Trophy unlocks), the world of MAG will soon expand rather drastically with the June 22 release of the Interdiction DLC pack. The bundle, which will cost $9.99, includes the titular Interdiction gametype, where two factions storm one of three brand new, completely neutral maps, vying to control three command posts. Each post your team holds adds to your score while depleting your enemy's, which could lead to some lengthy tug-of-war encounters. In addition to the new gametype and maps, the pack includes a "Heavy Improved" armor set for each faction, which promises to turn an ordinary soldier into a "walking tank." (Hardly sounds fair, does it?) Players will also be able to unlock a selection of new medals and Trophies -- if they haven't done so already. Click past the jump to see the full list of available accolades.
Red Dead Redemption Achievements aren't horsing around
Up until about 15 minutes ago, our excitement for Red Dead Redemption was limited to our ability to create online posses in the game's open-world multiplayer mode. Thanks to a certain listing in the title's recently released Achievement (and, presumably, Trophy) list, however, our fascination has radically shifted. The listing in question? "What About Hand Grenades," which is unlocked when the player throws their first ringer in a round of horseshoes. We've posted the full list of Achivements after the jump, though we seriously doubt we'll unlock anything other than the one mentioned above. How are we supposed to embark on frontier adventures when there are horseshoes to be played?
PS3 Firmware 3.30 available now
According to the PlayStation.Blog, PS3 firmware 3.30 "preps" the system for the forthcoming implementation of 3D gaming. (3D Blu-ray movie support will also be added in a future update.) In addition, everyone will be able to enjoy an enhanced Trophy collection, featuring new sorting methods to help better organize your PS3 achievements. The update is mandatory, so you should download and install the update if you plan on using any PSN functionality. (ProTip: Your download may be faster if you visit the PlayStation website and save the update to a memory card.) [Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
Green Day: Rock Band Achievements walk a lonely road
So, you not only want to play Green Day: Rock Band, you want to be the best at playing Green Day: Rock Band? You want some metric by which to measure your Billie Joe-bility against that of your friends and colleagues? MyGamerCard recently got its hands on the list of Achievements for the game -- which will presumably double as the Trophies, though we don't yet know which precious metals each task falls under. Check out the full list of trials posted after the jump!
Army of Two: The 40th Day DLC fix coming soon, EA says
Has your brotainment been at an all-time low with Army of Two: The 40th Day's campaign DLC, Chapters of Deceit? Well, according to Eurogamer, EA is well aware of the issue regarding faulty Achievement and Trophy unlocks and is currently working on a fix. "There is a known issue affecting Achievements in an Army of Two DLC pack," an EA spokesperson said. "We are looking into a solution and hope to provide an update soon." In the meantime, we suggest you enjoy one of those other games that inspired The 40th Day. It's not a bad way to pass the time until you wait for "soon" to come around.
PS3 clock bug squashed; games are playable [update]
digg_url = 'http://digg.com/playstation/PS3_leap_year_bug_is_gone_games_are_playable_now'; We've apparently made it through the worst of the storm, friends. We've received a number of tips informing us that the internal clock bug that was affecting non-Slim PS3s for the past 24 hours has been fixed, rendering all games playable once more. We tempted fate shortly after receiving these reports by testing out a few of our PS3 Phat units and can confirm that they're running games just fine. Additionally, our "lost" Trophies appear to be properly re-synced to our PSN accounts. The extent of the damage incurred during the bug-out is unknown, but will likely surface in the next few hours. No Joystiq staffers lost any of their hard-earned Trophy data, but we're an awfully small sample group for a problem that affected every living being on Earth. Update: PlayStation Blog confirms that PSN service has been restored and all PS3 systems should be operating normally. Click past the jump for additional information.
