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Sly Cooper comparison pics show a smooth transition to HD & 3D generation gaming
In case you missed it at E3, all three of the Sly Cooper games from PlayStation 2 are being remastered in high definition (and in the case of the third game, 3D), and as you can see we've got a few comparison pictures from the Playstation Blog. Since original developer Sucker Punch has moved on to other thing like inFAMOUS, the conversion is being handled by Sanzaru Games (with some help from the original high res texture maps and art assets), and from the looks of things the transition to higher res and widescreen is going well. Head over to the blog for a better look or check out Joystiq for their hands on -- everyone else has to wait for the updated games to be released in November.
Preview: The Sly Collection
With an HD compilation of ICO and Shadow of the Colossus sadly nowhere to be found at E3, we could still find solace in the fact that three of the PS2's best action-platformers -- the Sly Cooper trilogy -- are being "remastered" for release on PS3 as The Sly Collection. Sanzaru Games, which last worked with Sony on the PS2 port of High Impact's Secret Agent Clank, is on the case, providing the thieving raccoon in HD, 3D and even the realm of PlayStation Move. Sanzaru started out its work on the trilogy with Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves, a game that was originally designed to be in 3D, but ultimately only shipped with select levels playable while wearing retro red-and-blue glasses. For the E3 demo, one of the game's boss fights was chosen, and had me squaring off against my foe in a bamboo forest. It was a good choice -- the green stalks really helped drive home the sense of depth, and the colorful, crisp HD visuals made it one of the better 3D experiences I've had with Sony's console. %Gallery-95931%
Secret Agent Clank confirmed to arrive on PS2 in late May
Sony has confirmed via the PlayStation Blog that Secret Agent Clank will be sleuthing its way onto the PS2 after all. The port is being handled by Sanzaru Games who you may (but probably won't) know from its Wii and DS game, Ninja Reflex. It looks like the game will stay very faithful to the original PSP version, but with slightly improved graphics (thanks to the "additional power of the PlayStation 2") and an added "lock-strafe camera mode."You'll be able to get your hands on the PS2 version of Secret Agent Clank on May 26. Alternatively, you could save yourself the wait and pick up the PSP version right now. What do you mean you don't have a PSP yet? We hear there's a bunch of cool stuff coming out in 2009.
Valve, Nunchuck release Ninja Reflex over Steam
Valve and Nunchuck Games have tiptoed around caltrops and poison rice balls in order to release Sanzaru Games' "ninja party game" Ninja Reflex over Steam. The game, recently released for both the Wii and DS, leverages Valve's Steamworks tool set, adding some 50 new achievements not found in the previous versions. Even better, the companies hint at an in-game "basket" of Easter Eggs lifted from the Half-Life and Portal universe. Whatever that means, we want it. Beyond the added achievements, the appropriately dubbed "Steamworks Edition" also carries an attractive asking price of just $9.95 $8.95, making the alternative $39.99 Wii and $29.99 DS versions seem laughable by comparison. The game is up on Steam now, and is next on our list of things to get -- right after we finish eating this rice ball.
Catch these Ninja Reflex screens in your chopsticks
It's no Wii, but the DS still has its fair share of mini-game compilations. Nevertheless, the crucial ingredient of ninja means we feel compelled to cover Ninja Reflex, EA's forthcoming selection of ninja-based party games.More information on the once mysterious title has stealthily found its way to our inboxes, including the news that the game will feature a series of six reflex-honing martial arts challenges. These include such exercises as hunting koi with your bare hands, taking down attackers with either shurikens, nunchucks, or a samurai sword, testing your quickness against the flash of a firefly, and catching flies with chopsticks. Regrettably, there is a crushing lack of painting fences or waxing cars.Having prepared with EA's game, we appreciate some people will want to go one step further, and become a full-time ninja. If you are one such person, you'll want to head here for full instructions. Thank us later.%Gallery-15605%[Via press release]
Wii, DS ninja party game strikes from the shadows in March 2008
Right on time, agents from EA have stepped from the shadows to confirm details surrounding the previously revealed Ninja Reflex, a "ninja party game" for the Wii and DS. The game, which will ship in March 2008, will be co-published by both EA and the appropriately named Nunchuck Games, and is being developed by Sanzaru Games, a new California studio founded earlier this year by seven former Activision devs with an obvious ninja obsession. And who can blame them?While we presume that a Wii-based ninja party game will have us lurking from the rafters and terrorizing the family cat, EA notes that Ninja Reflex's gameplay will center on performing challenges and testing reaction time " with millisecond precision" as players try to earn the right to wear the coveted black belt. There is also promise of four player multiplayer matches, and while we've grown weary of traditional party games, we imagine there's nothing quite as satisfying as the crunch that comes from leaving your best mates blackened and bloodied as they beg for mercy after being beaten senseless at the business end of your Wii remote.
Ninja Reflex screenshots stealthily sneak up behind you (and kill you)
Did you know that today is the Annual Day of the Ninja? So if you've been waiting for an excuse to flip out, hit on ninja babes, and assassinate pirates, consider today your excuse.Electronic Arts is celebrating this sacred holiday by revealing new screenshots and details for its newest party game, Ninja Reflex. Developed by newcomer studio Sanzaru Games (former Activision developers), Ninja Reflex will feature "a series of martial arts challenges to test gamers' reflexes and measure their reaction times with millisecond precision." Up to four players will be able to participate, sharpening their skills and speed in this mashup of Brain Age and ninjitsu action.The minigames shown so far are predictable, ranging from catch-a-fly-with-chopsticks contests to shuriken-throwing competitions. Hopefully, the final product will have more interesting activities -- and online support, too! Creep into our gallery under the cover of night and check out some of the screenshots EA has made available. Go ninja, go ninja, go!%Gallery-11356%[Thanks, Troy]
