SGD07
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SGD '07: Dead Head Fred
D3 Publisher's upcoming Dead Head Fred game certainly has an interesting premise. You play private detective Fred Neuman (pictured, alive), who was savagely murdered and then resurrected in a bizarre scientific experiment without his memory ... or his head. To uncover the mystery and enact his revenge, Fred will have to use the talents of his enemies against them. Fred will be able to attain one of 9 different heads from his enemies, and each offers a unique gameplay mechanic.The game looks like it's made some progress since we saw it last and we can't wait to get our hands on it. The title hits PSP systems August 21st. While you wait, check out the new screens we've collected below.%Gallery-3233%
SGD '07: Crush
Sega's psychadelic dimension-bending puzzler Crush is due in just a few day's time. However, that didn't stop Sega from releasing a few new screens to tease us just a little bit more. Of particular note is the creepy box art: what's that guy wearing? %Gallery-3232%
SGD '07: Crazy Taxi Fare Wars
When in the shadow of gaming titans such as Silent Hill and God of War, this PSP Crazy Taxi port doesn't seem too hot. Although it may not be pushing the eight billion polygons that Chains of Olympus may be pushing*, the game still has a lot of potential to be fun. Check out Sony Gamers Day pics in our gallery.%Gallery-3231%*Untrue
Syphon Filter coming back to PSP with new features
Click to un(syphon)filter the large version var digg_url = 'http://www.digg.com/gaming_news/Syphon_Filter_sequel_announced_for_PSP'; The sixth Syphon Filter game, Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow (nearly one per year since 1999, dang) is coming to the PSP this fall, and it is offering up some new features like 360 degree underwater combat, a cover system with blind fire, Havok physics (on the leetle PSP? Nice!), and a contextual combat system that adds some new and unique melee attacks, from neck snaps to knife kills. What's cooler though is that they are opening this game up on a global scale as Logan travels the globe trying to unravel the mystery behind the disappearance of his long-time partner, Lian Xing. Story was penned by comic book writer extraordinaire Greg Rucka, who you'll have to forgive for writing the novelization of Perfect Dark. He does a good job with Queen & Country thought, so we're willing to let it slide. The game also features an original score from Azam Ali, who also composed some of the music for 300.Check out the pictures from the gallery below. The last Syphon Filter game was one of the highest rated games last year for the PSP ... this one might just top that score.%Gallery-3227%
Buzz! and Buzz Jr. coming to U.S. shores, peripherals in tow
var digg_url = 'http://www.digg.com/gaming_news/Quiz_game_Buzz_headed_to_the_US_PlayStation_2'; While the Buzz! franchise of PlayStation 2 games has been extremely popular in Europe, even invading classrooms in the UK, we've never seen a version of it here. Well, that will all change soon since Sony just announced that Buzz: The Mega Quiz and Buzz Jr. will be crossing the pond and encouraging gamers to keep their hands hovering over large red buzzers.The producers told us that we hadn't seen this game here yet because the gamers were resistant to buying a new peripheral ... but how would they know that if we haven't been offered one? Gah! Anyone, Buzz! uses a special Sony PS2 add-on that plugs into one of your USB ports, and splits into four different game buzzers. That means you can have a total of eight gamers (two USB ports, and an extra set of Buzzers) playing at one time.The adult version of the game features over 5,000 questions that are trivia and time based, and the Jr. version is most about fun and clowning around for kids, while remaining educational. We played a few rounds with both, and it's actually more fun than you'd think. Plus, it helps you pretend you have a bar trivia machine, right in your own home.%Gallery-3222%
SGD '07: Silent Hill Origins
Once thought to be dead, Silent Hill Origins has managed a spectacular return, not unlike the villainous stars of this survival horror title. See new images of the game in our gallery below, and check out the game's incredible intro sequence, courtesy of Gamevideos.com.%Gallery-3228%
SGD '07: Jeanne d'Arc
This Level-5 developed PSP-exclusive strategy RPG is coming stateside this August. The game melts fantasy and history in a unique retelling of the classic story of Joan of Arc. Demon armies are trying to invade the human world, and it's up to five heroes to restrain the demon gods. As France and England battle during the Hundred Years' War, Jeanne must use a mysterious armlet to fight the demons and save the world. Sony is promising a 40 hour adventure with tons of customizable options. There will be over 150 different skills and abilities, and a total of 14 playable characters. Check out new screens from Sony's Gamers Day in our gallery below. %Gallery-3213%
SGD '07: SOCOM Tactical Strike
Fresh from Sony's Gamer Day, we have new images of Sony's recently unveiled SOCOM: US Navy SEALs Tactical Strike. As you've read in our previous coverage of the title, Tactical Strike is taking the series into a bold new direction. Check out the new screens -- they're some of the best we've seen yet on the platform. Then, check out the game's trailer, after the cut. %Gallery-3218%
Folklore journeys from the Netherworld to PlayStation 3
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/playstation_3/Folklore_dark_fantasy_adventure_announced_for_PS3'; Calm down folks. We said Folklore, not folk music. Arlo Guthrie's Jam Sessions is not a new exclusive title on the PlayStation 3. Not yet, anyhow.Sony surprised us by announcing this title yesterday, and it's been flying completely under our radar. Developed by Tokyo's Game Republic under game creator Yoshiki Okamoto, executive producer of Onimusha, Devil May Cry and Resident Evil, Folklore is a dark fantasy adventure inspired by Western fairy tales.You can play the game as occult journalist Keats, or folk story enthusiast Ellen, both of whom have specific backstories, and extremely different methods of attack. As you journey into the fantastic Netherworld to solve a murder, you encounter over 100 different fantasy creatures. Although they were inspired by Western fairy tales, each one has been originally designed for this came.Adding a twist with the Sixaxis controller is the ability to literally tear the powers out of the creatures you defeat by flicking your wrists. Your own skills develop with each power you collect, and the game promises over 40 hours of gameplay with seven different realms to explore. %Gallery-3178%
SGD '07: Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles
Konami's Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles is just one of the many third-party software titles coming to PSP later this year. This Rondo of Blood remake looks nothing like its predecessor -- and for good reason. The graphics on this game are incredible. Certainly, this will move a good number of PSP systems to Castlevania fans that have long played on Nintendo handhelds. Check out the new images below:%Gallery-3224%
PlayStation 3 becomes a source of Pain
Click for a painfully larger version. var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/playstation_3/Pain_coming_to_PS3_s_PSN'; On Wednesday Sony revealed a new PlayStation Network downloadable game called Pain. After listening to all the "Ooooooooh" "Ouch!" "Dang" and "Man, that had to hurt" statements from bystanders watching the demo, the name seemed very appropriate. It's about what you'd expect from a game that cites Jackass as a major inspiration and rewards you for shots to the crotch.Basically, it's a simple approach that combines Havok physics with a big human-sized slingshot. You load up your player and launch him into a situation that causes the most pain, whether it be slamming into a moving car, hitting a propane tank (that promptly explodes, natch) or crashing through plate-glass windows. You can interact with the environment in a ton of different ways and in multiple (and curiously named) gameplay modes such as HORSE, Spank the Monkey, and Mime Toss.The game will also feature user-generated content (there's no escaping Game 3.0!) in the form of game replays that you can upload to the web, and possibly to YouTube, all directly from your console. They haven't announced a price point yet, but the developers told us it would be "reasonable." This title was a surprise hit at the Sony Gamers Day, so look for our hands-on with it soon.%Gallery-3175%
SGD '07: Sony releases latest sales statistics
Sony has just unveiled its latest metrics data for PlayStation hardware and software sales worldwide. Of particular note to avid observers of the handheld console wars is NPD's data on "portable hardware dollars market share" for the calendar year 2006. According to the data (seen above), Sony's PSP system actually beats Nintendo DS by a fraction of a percentage. This makes sense, considering PSP's significantly higher asking price. Although DS clearly has far more units in households, this kind of data proves that Sony isn't out of the game.See even more statistics, after the cut.
SGD '07: NBA '08 Block Party
Sony's NBA series returns for yet another outing this year. In the 2008 version, PSP gamers will be treated to the return of Conquest Mode, allowing players to manage and acquire territory. For gamers-on-the-go, a variety of mini-games will be available. HORSE, Dodgeball, Own the Court, PlayStation Skills Challenge, and 3-Point Contest will all return. However, there's even more to look forward to: Shooting Bricks - an Arkanoid-inspired brick-breaking game. Breakaway - Quick running game where users alternate offense and defense. Elimination There will also be additional Carnival-style games for those that, for some reason or another, don't actually want to play basketball in NBA 08. For those that do want a game of b-ball, the game will feature an "improved" season mode, new commentary, highlight reels, and wireless multiplayer. Downloadable content will update pinball boards and roster lists on a weekly basis. The game is set to release on October 2nd, and we have the very first images of the game right here.%Gallery-3214%
SGD '07: Pursuit Force Extreme Justice
Pursuit Force: Extreme Justice is officially heading to America this fall. Players will once again play as an acrobatic cop who will do anything to stop the gang violence plaguing the streets. Unlike the prequel, players won't have to do it alone: four new playable characters join the adventure. The game looks to be quite massive, featuring more than 50 levels in seven distinct environments. Sony estimates that the game offers 20 hours of gameplay right off the bat -- and that doesn't even include planned downloadable content packs (a la Wipeout Pure). There are 12 different vehicle types, including hovercrafts and new "boss vehicles" specifically designed for boss encounters. Extreme Justice will also offer an expanded weapons arsenal: more than 30 in all. The game also includes four-player multiplayer. Unfortunately, it's Ad-Hoc only (we hope that will change). Check out screenshots from Sony Gamers Day in our gallery below. Then, go past the break to see a video of the game in action. %Gallery-3216%
SGD '07: God of War: Chains of Olympus
Before being deceived into killing his wife and daughter in the original God of War, Kratos was a mere puppet of the Gods. The PSP-exclusive Chains of Olympus tells the story of Kratos' perilous journey before the original God of War where Kratos will have to battle "the most feared creatures of Greek Mythology." This exclusive PSP title, developed by Ready At Dawn, will be available this holiday season. Check out new screens from Sony's Gamers Day below. Then, check out a video, after the cut. %Gallery-3212%
PS3's Stranglehold coming with Woo's Hard Boiled in HD
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/playstation_3/PS3s_Stranglehold_coming_with_Woos_Hard_Boiled_in_HD'; Good news for PS3 owners, and a synergistic slap in the face to Xbox 360 lovers: the PlayStation 3 Collectors Edition of John Woo's Stranglehold will have the HD Blu-ray version of his classic film (and Chow Yun-Fat's classic firing-two-guns-whilst-jumping-through-the-air starring role) included on the game disc.Midway had to work out a special deal with the Weinstein's Dragon Dynasty imprint, which owns the rights to John Woo's Chinese-language films. They'll be releasing a new special edition of Hard Boiled sometime later this year under that banner, so this may be the only way you can see the movie in HD for some time.Mind you, the fancy version of Stranglehold will cost you $10 on top of your standard "next-gen" fee, resulting in a steep $70 price tag. No word on special features, or if the disc will play in regular Blu-ray players ... but we'll take our game with a shot of Inspector Tequila. Thank you very much.%Gallery-3187%
SGD '07: PaRappa the Rapper
Sony Gamer's Day was filled with tons of goodies, such as the new PSP version of PaRappa the Rapper. There isn't much new to see here, considering its simply a port of a PS1 classic. Regardless, feel free to check out some screens in our new gallery below.The game hits PSP systems this July.%Gallery-3221%
Warhawk back on Blu-ray, with beta and Bluetooth headset
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/Warhawk_back_on_Blu_ray_with_beta_and_Bluetooth_headset'; This announcement will have everyone seeing blue, or blu, depending on your vowel usage: the Blu-ray disc version of Sony's online shooter, Warhawk, exists after all and will come bundled with extra materials, including developer interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and a Bluetooth headset. Aside from distinguishing it from the PlayStation Network version of the game, the headset should prove handy if you're in a rush jump in and trash talk.Warhawk will also have a public beta starting on May 24th. You can sign up at the official site, quite possibly by the time you're reading this. We had a lot of fun with this one at Sony's Gamers Day, and it should be even better once they the beta opens and all the fresh meat starts pouring it.%Gallery-1945%
Sony announces SOCOM Confrontation for PS3
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/playstation_3/Sony_announces_SOCOM_Confrontation_for_PS3'; Sony has announced a PlayStation 3 entry in its popular SOCOM series, namely SOCOM Confrontation. Given the abundance of obscenely large weapons, it seems a fair guess that all confrontations in the game will end in violence and battered egos. That's precisely what Sony's counting on, as the game does away with single-player pleasantries and prioritizes online mayhem.Supporting up to 32 players in battle, Confrontation will launch with five North African themed maps, with further map packs becoming available for download in the PlayStation Store. Outside of conflict, the game will allow you to set up tournaments and clans, access leader boards and completely customize your soldier's appearance. Generally, you'll want to go with a constant frown on that virtual mug. Blissfully smiling soldiers are just begging for bullets, you know.SOCOM Confrontation is scheduled for release during the holiday season on the PlayStation Network.%Gallery-3180%
High Velocity Bowling is ... bowling its way onto PS3
Click for bigger version. var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/playstation_3/Wii_Sports_like_bowling_game_for_PS3'; In a game announcement destined to pit Wii against PS3 (did you ever think you'd hear that?), Sony announced its very own High Velocity Bowling game that utilizes the Sixaxis' motion controls. You literally flip the controller on its side, hold it with your thumb between the analog sticks, and then sweep your arm gracefully along an arc while holding and releasing one of the buttons to send your ball down the alley.Sound simple? Well, it is and it isn't. Holding the Sixaxis like that feels really, really weird. It's like we're wired or programmed to hold that controller with both hands, and doing something like that makes our gamer genes cry out in pain. Although, in all honesty, once we got the hang of it, it wasn't all that bad. It's not Wiimote easy, and with the Sixaxis having no wrist strap whatsoever, we're especially worried about people sending these things sailing through their 1080p plasma screens.There's no Mii-like cutesy Fisher-Price people in this bowling game. Instead, you get extremely uncanny valley-ish avatars that look a tad frightening. Those shiny wood floors sure look good in HD, though, and there's a fairly kitschy Lebowski feel to the whole setting. Strangely enough, this downloadable PlayStation Network game is different than the bowling game you can play in Home (which still in the works). They haven't announced a price point yet but as far as a release date goes, "Fall" has been the watchword of the day.
