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Sony axing Liverpool game studio, ends Psygnosis' 28-year history
Sony has confirmed that it's shuttering Studio Liverpool, more famously known as Psygnosis. The publisher was founded in 1984 and is responsible for a legion of best-selling titles including Lemmings, Colony Wars, Destruction Derby, Wipeout and the Formula One games. In a statement, the company said that after a review of its "commercially viable" projects, it's focusing on projects in other parts of the business -- after slashing the studio's remit in a cost-cutting exercise in 2010. The facility is also the location of the company's European Quality Assurance team, which will reportedly remain in operation.
GC 2008: Buzz!, Destruction Derby going mobile in Europe
Hands on your buzzers. What two companies partnered during this year's Leipzig Games Convention to bring "key" PlayStation franchises to mobile carriers in the European market? Quickly now. 3 ... 2 ...1... buzzcrak! The correct answer, had you answered on time, would have been Sony and UK mobile games publisher Player X, though we can forgive your tardiness given that the duo's idea of a pivotal franchise is likely to differ from what you have in mind. No, rather than whipping Kratos' Blades of Chaos with the number 4 key on your handset, or tapping a put into the cup with the 9 in a miniaturized version of Hot Shots Golf, the companies have announced plans to bring virtual quiz show Buzz! and Reflection's original PlayStation racer Destruction Derby to mobile phones this fall and in early 2009, respectively. True, neither of these inspire us to reach for our phones just yet. However, Sony adds that the deal, a first for Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios with an outsider, will continue to bring PlayStation luminaries to mobile phones in Europe for the next three years. Thanks for playing.
Massive PS Store update includes PS1 games, Super Rub a Dub, and more
Most gamers won't miss the lack of Calling All Cars in today's update to the PLAYSTATION Store. Why? Because there's just so much to see and play: PS1 titles, now playable on PS3. 2Xtreme, Crash Bandicoot®, Destruction Derby, Jet Moto®, Jumping Flash™, MediEvil™, Rally Cross™, Syphon Filter®, Tekken®2 and WipeOut® are all available for only $5.99. Players that previously purchased these games for PSP will be able to download these updated files at no additional charge. For reviews of all these games, visit PSP Fanboy and read their Retro Reviews. Super Rub a Dub starter pack & full game. Get a free taste of Sony's quirky motion-sensing duck game. Addicts can get the full game for only $7. Gauntlet II full game. The retro classic is back for only $5. Game Trailers: Super Stardust HD, Rampart, BlackSite: Area 51 Movie Trailers: Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End Get your PS3s ready to download. It's going to be a long night.
Retro Review: Destruction Derby
File Size: 65MBPrice: $5.99Developed By: Reflections InteractivePublished By: PsygnosisOriginal Release Date: November 1, 1995Short ReviewRecommended. Destruction Derby is easily one of the finest PS1 games for play on the PSP. The graphics aren't too advanced, and the controls aren't very tight. And although there aren't too many tracks to race on, it's undeniable that the game is fun. The crash-heavy gameplay of Destruction Derby makes for an intense racing experience, and the ability to quickly jump into a single race and save at any time in a circuit makes Destruction Derby a truly ideal portable game. With such a small memory requirement, anyone that has the ability to play PS1 games on their PSP should make this a permanent part of their collection.
Some stuff headed to the PS Store... including a game demo!
If you're masticating, you may want to keep your mouth closed. Otherwise, that food may just roll right out of your mouth. We've complained and argued and whined and gave Sony our pouty-faces and they've responded just as we wanted them to -- game demos! Well, just one, but it's a start. It's for a game already released, but... still. It's something. The update to the PS Store today includes the following: a demo for Full Auto 2: Battlelines and the classic title Destruction Derby for your PSP (and after the European release firmware update... on the PS3... just speculation, but it's probably true). The demo for Full Auto 2: Battlelines is, of course, free. The PS-One title is, of course, $5.99. Now all we have to do is sell our biggest sad-faced doe-eyed looks to Sony for game demos regarding soon to be released titles and the PS Store will begin to rock. So, is anyone against demos of games already released? You'll be able to see if a game is worthwhile without having to wait for it to actually be released! Ahh, you know what we mean. It's better than having to go rent it.
Calling All Cars missing from PS3 car combat arrivals
When Sony sent word of "Car Combat Coming to the PlayStation Store" we assumed it was final confirmation that David Jaffe's Calling All Cars would arrive in February, as planned. Instead, we're today offered the PlayStation 3 Full Auto 2 demo and Destruction Derby, another yawn-inducing (we hear they're contagious) PS1 oldie for PSP. Look, we like the thematic mix, but this half-baked cake is missing the icing. Just a little more time in the oven and Sony could have delivered with PlayStation Store's first great triumph. Maybe next time.
