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Sony teases 'electrifying' inFamous, Uncharted 2 news
Sony has released a most unusual teaser clip (above) via its YouTube PlayStation channel, which indicates some sort of announcement regarding two PS3-exclusives, inFamous and Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, will be made on Monday, April 27. The publisher recently held preview events for both titles, the coverage embargoes on which just so happen to lift on -- you guessed it -- April 27. We know what's going on with Nate Drake's new adventure -- and seriously can't wait to tell you on Monday -- but we didn't attend Sucker Punch's open house event. Sony did promise the latter would give a sneak peek at new inFamous content, though. Scrutinizing today's video, we see Cole McGrath, the hero/anti-hero of inFamous crackle with electricity, followed by a promotional shot of Uncharted 2 in which an electrical transformer explodes. Our best, total guesses: either Cole will somehow be a playable character in Uncharted 2 (his powers do "reach into" the game during the video) or inFamous will include a playable demo of Naughty Dog's latest. Either would be "electrifying" announcements in our book. Which one would you like to happen most?
inFamous goes gold despite ridiculous grammatical error
If you were worried that the recent announcement of inFamous' unprecedented anti-delay was some sort of sick (and outrageously belated) April Fools' Day joke, you can cool your jets -- developer Sucker Punch announced today that the game has gone gold. Yes, the PS3-exclusive, open-world action title is on its way to the printers -- even with that glaringly obvious grammatical error in the title. inFamous? Seriously? Who named this thing, E.E. Cummings? The stupidly titled game is scheduled to hit U.S. store shelves on May 26, but you can get your hands on it a bit earlier when the demo drops on May 21.
inFamous gets anti-delay, releasing in May
How often do you hear about games getting pushed up instead of delayed? Good news for those who have been waiting for inFamous: the game is being pushed up to a new May release date. A free demo will be available to everyone on May 21st, with the full game launch on May 26th. We're glad to see the game get an earlier release -- this Spring drought is killing us! With the game coming out so soon, we'll have to decide on which pre-order bonus we'll want. %Gallery-12672%
Get Gigawatts or go Home: inFamous pre-order bonuses detailed
Click to embiggen. Do you want to have these badass blades in inFamous? Well, you better get ready to pre-order the game at GameStop. The "Gigawatt Blades Power" is a GameStop-exclusive download that's only available when you reserve the game. According to the retailer, the weapon will allow Cole to "annihilate any foe" with his hands. The electric blades that extend from his wrists may be powerful, but the retailer notes that they're also "gentle enough to allow for the occasional tickling." Remember folks, you can't always kill your way out of every situation. Amazon.com is offering a different pre-order bonus: an exclusive costume for use in PlayStation Home. By reserving the game at the online retailer, players will be able to get a full costume that transforms their virtual avatars into a member of the Reaper gang. You can see that bonus after the break.
See InFamous in action
InFamous is getting a lot of attention this week. We learned the other day that the soundtrack will be available on PSN in May and there's also a behind-the-scenes sneak peek to check out later today in this month's issue of Qore. If you don't have a subscription to Qore, don't worry, you can still watch some gameplay footage right here (for free!). This new video clip takes us through the mean streets of Empire City, showing off a mission that has you taking out armored buses. Needless to say, there's a lot of carnage going on. Don't miss our latest hands-on preview for more on InFamous. [Thanks, Rodrigo!]
inFamous soundtrack hitting iTunes in May [Update]
Update: The soundtrack will be available on iTunes, not the PlayStation Store, as previously reported. Trash cans, water jugs and broken glass are just some of the instruments being used in the musical score of inFamous, the upcoming PS3-exclusive adventure. SCEA Music Manager Jonathan Mayer is using his experience with God of War II and Uncharted to overlook the game's distinct sound, one that "encapsulate[s] the gritty and decimated nature of Empire City." Not only are unconventional instruments being used, traditional orchestral instruments are being played in very non-traditional ways. "Bungie cords were stretched across a concert bass drum and strummed, wire brushes were beat on a suspended tuba and shakers were constructed of broken glass." The score will be created by electronic musician Amon Tobin, composers James Dooley and Mel Wesson, and electric cellist Martin Tillman. The April issue of Qore will feature a further look into the creation of the game's soundtrack. Finally, fans will be able to download the complete soundtrack off iTunes on May 21st for $9.99. %Gallery-12672%
GDC09: inFamous hands-on
Like Naughty Dog before it, Sucker Punch is attempting to transform its success as a cartoonish platformer developer into a mature, (dare we say) realism-based game designer. The leap from Sly Cooper into the open-world inFamous is a giant one, but Sucker Punch's inaugural PS3 effort is shaping up to be one of those games that justifies your shiny, black console. One of the levels on hand at GDC was "Food Drop," as Sucker Punch calls it. Our mission began on Cole McGrath's rooftop shanty retreat where his fat buddy Zeke was lounging on a couch, reading a graphic novel. Cole, hard-working bike messenger and the game's protagonist, is already aware of his electrifying power, but hasn't quite realized the full extent of this "great responsibility." Cue: Zeke wanting to watch television; predicament: the batteries aren't charged. You can guess what happens next ... training! Hold L1 to charge up your inner-electricity, and press L2 to fire it. TV ON! %Gallery-48561%
GDC09: An inFamous interview with Sucker Punch's Brian Fleming
We visited Sony's PlayStation Blogger's Lounge yesterday (scoring ourselves a nifty Trophy t-shirt in the process -- we'll be giving it away on the site soon!) to have a look at the PlayStation 3's anticipated action game, inFamous, and talk to Sucker Punch producer Brian Fleming. We'll have a hands-on with the game soon, but for now, here's a very short summation: it's pretty darn cool.Head after the break for the full interview with Fleming, and check out the gallery of new images from the game. Well, what are you waiting for? Charge!%Gallery-48561%
inFamous' Karma system revealed
Finally, almost two years after the game was unveiled at GDC 2007, Sony has revealed details about inFamous' Karma system -- a key part of the game which we've often intimated could either make or break it. Thankfully, it's looking pretty decent, as you can see from the two videos we have showcasing the feature. The first, which can be found above, gives a few examples of the moral choices you have to make throughout the game. These choices will affect "the way pedestrians react to Cole, the powers he can use and upgrade, Cole's appearance, and even the story." As in Fable, any decision you make will award you either good or bad karma. There are six karmic levels: three bad (Thug, Outlaw and Infamous) and three good (Guardian, Champion and Hero). Each of these levels will contain different skills which can be bought with experience points. Placing points in a Champion skill and then lowering your karma level to Guardian means you will no longer have access to that skill. Cole will change his appearance according to his karma level (again, much like Fable) and depending on whether he's a goody or baddy, his electricity will appear either red or blue. Upgrading your powers in either a good or evil direction will directly affect how they work. Good powers use electrons and are more likely to stun or restrain enemies while bad powers utilize positrons and will kill, maim and destroy. The second video, seen after the break, shows examples of this. Seeing this system in action raises our hopes for inFamous. The game was starting to look very samey, but this added ingredient may be just the spice we've been looking for.
These new inFamous videos are shocking
inFamous is due out in around three months and we still haven't seen that much of it yet. These videos seek to change that by showing around eleven minutes of gameplay montage footage. It's looking good, if a bit samey. The platforming sections look like they're a lot of fun, though the combat seems like it could get a bit repetitive. We guess that'll depend on the full scope of Cole's powers. We suspect that the game's writing and story will make or break the experience. Check out all four videos after the break.
Sony's Steinberg says 2009 lineup is 'relentless, AAA-quality'
Speaking with David Radd at GameDaily, VP of Product Marketing at SCEA, Scott Steinberg, wants you to know that, if you were under the impression Sony had "punched itself out," you're mistaken! Citing Killzone 2 as the beginning of, "a great lineup [that is] relentless and AAA-quality," Steinberg names MLB 09: The Show and this summer's inFamous as two titles that are, "going to arrest the momentum from competitors." That's without mentioning the Heavy Rains and Uncharted 2s of the world, we might add. And though Steinberg's remarks are filled with marketing speak (that's the technical term, folks), we can't help but agree that the company's 2009 lineup seems a lot more fleshed out three months into the year than its competitors. Maybe next week's Game Developer's Conference will change some of that. We'll just have to wait and see.
New inFamous trailer may burn your eyes
If you weren't excited for inFamous before, this new trailer may change your mind. The trailer, cut using only in-game footage, is masterfully mixed with dramatic music that's incredibly fitting for the game's dark and brooding mood. The use of slo-mo and rewind make Cole's electric powers look all the more fantastic. Pay close attention to the particle effects: the number of individual sparks that the game renders is rather impressive. See the trailer after the break.
inFamous launching worldwide in June, demo on the way [update]
You're currently looking at the box art for Sucker Punch's upcoming PS3 exclusive, inFamous. The cover, along with the release date (well -- month, at least), was revealed on the PlayStation Blog today. You'll be stepping into the electrified shoes of Cole McGrath at some point in June. We're not sure inFamous will be as successful as last June's major PS3 exclusive, but players will be able to try this one out before they buy, as a demo has already been confirmed. The game's soundtrack has also been detailed on Music 4 Games. Update: The source link for the soundtrack information has been removed, but the article alleged that the game music would be a collaborative effort between Amon Tobin, Jim Dooley, Mel Wesson, Martin Tilman who, between them, have worked on Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory, Pushing Daisies, Pirates of the Caribbean and Black Hawk Down. The now-removed source added that in order to produce a more urban, gritty sound, the composers will be creating music from "real-life objects and materials found in urban environments." In response to these alleged details, Sony states, "We have not made any official announcements regarding the music in inFamous." (That's right Sony! Stuff the cat right back in that bag.) We'll let you know when the truly infamous soundtrack is ready for your ears -- and eyes.
New inFamous trailer heavy on story, light on gameplay
In this, the latest trailer for body-surfing, open-world action game inFamous, we get a glimpse at more of the story, though a straight up plot remains inFamous-ly absent. What do we know? There's a little girl who's scared, maybe of you, maybe of everything else. There's an explosion and some kick flips. Oh oh, and plenty of electricity. It might not be the most intellectually stimulating game coming from Sony on the horizon but it sure "has the potential to be far more substantial and rewarding" -- at least we thought so back at New York Comic Con.
Calendar clarification: God of War 3, MAG before March 2010
Had your hopes up that God of War III and Zipper Interactive's "massive action game," MAG, would be all up in your PS3 before January 1, Ought-10 rolled around? Better let them down ... gently. Following two disparate announcements -- one saying both games (among others) would hit within calendar 2009; the other citing fiscal 2009 -- Sony has confirmed to Joystiq that the release window is, in fact, the latter: before March 1, 2010. Two other games listed in the original press release are pretty much locked for release within the year, though. Heavy Rain, Quantic Dreams' dreamy-looking adventure game, was confirmed for calendar '09 release last August. The Sucker Punch developed action-platformer, inFamous, is coming "this spring," according to a packaging insert going out with tomorrow's major release, Killzone 2.
Sony: God of War III, MAG coming within the year
A triumphant Sony press release which heralded next week's arrival of Killzone 2 and, effectively, the kick-off for its 2009 line-up, contained a tentative list of the games that will likely cause PS3 owners to foam at the mouth with anticipation over the coming months. The list contained two mammoths in particular -- according to Sony, both God of War III and Zipper Interactive's MAG: Massive Action Game will be among the "blockbuster exclusives" which will land on the console "throughout the year." The imminent launch window for the two titles (which were mentioned alongside inFamous, Heavy Rain, MLB 09: The Show and Uncharted 2: Among Thieves) is just a bit surprising -- though we suppose Sony's selective wording ("throughout the year") could mean that the listed titles will be dropping by this time in 2010. Still, barring any delays, 2009's shaping up to be a heck of a year for the enthusiastic supporters of Sony's monolithic home console.
NYCC 09: Infamous hands-on (PS3)
Click to embiggen. A huge shadow has been cast over Sony's upcoming Infamous -- and it's called Prototype. It's strange that two very similar games are coming out so close to each other. Both games involve learning superpowers in a post-apocalyptic, open-world environment, but Prototype seemingly has more hype due to the over-the-top nature of its presentation. In spite of their similarities, the two games play very differently. Whereas Prototype has an immediate hook, Infamous is a more meticulous affair, taking its time to draw the player into its world. Prototype is more of a beat-em-up, with easy lock-ons and quick melee combos. Infamous, on the other hand, plays a lot like a traditional third-person shooter, with the slow progression of a RPG. It may be a bit less flashy than its competitor, but it has the potential to be far more substantial and rewarding. %Gallery-44232%
inFamous update: three screenshots, dev walkthrough
Click for high-resolution image. SCEA just released three more screenshots of their PS3 exclusive, inFamous. Sony is starting to reveal more about the game, showcasing the various electric powers and moral choices that are present in the game. Sucker Punch did a presentation at CES this year, and GameTrailers has captured it on video for you to watch. Find out what the main character was before the events of inFamous and what he must fight in the upcoming game. Check it out, after the break. %Gallery-12672%
CES 2009: inFamous videos show off a lotta lightning
Straight outta CES, Sony's offering two videos of its open-world shock-em-up, inFamous. On display here: open-world gameplay, various lightning attacks, and some grating sound effects (bzzt bzzt bzzt!). What's really got us, though, is this: Sony first revealed Sucker Punch's inFamous in July 2007 at E3, just one month before Sierra (now Activision) took the wraps off of Radical's Prototype, an exceedingly similar concept. It's like when two movie studios, operating totally independently, plan big-budget movies about asteroids colliding with Earth. Just replace "asteroids" with "super-powered dudes" and replace "Earth" with "Empire City" and "New York City" respectively. Just like it.
A pair of inFamous videos
inFamous is a PS3-exclusive action title in which you're able to manipulate the powers of lightning for good ... or evil. The developers of Sly Cooper have shown a lot more footage at CES, and while it's intriguing, we're finding ourselves drawn to the over-the-top violence of the similarly-themed Prototype. Watch these videos and tell us which one you prefer.
