Continue reading »]]> Earlier today, Square Enix unveiled their release line-up for 2009 which included 28 titles. Unfortunately, only 7 of these titles are related to the world of Final Fantasy.

It’s great that they are releasing all three Fabula Nova Crystallis titles in the same year, but they have seemingly merged Japanese, North American and European release dates all into one, so it’s difficult to tell if any will see the light of day outside of Japan this year.

There is also no news on Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers and even though Square Enix recently announced that the game hadn’t been cancelled, it seems to be stuck in development hell.

The 7 Final Fantasy Games:

• Final Fantasy XIII (Playstation 3)
• Final Fantasy Versus XIII (Playstation 3)
• Final Fantasy Agito XIII (Playstation Portable)
• Dissidia: Final Fantasy (Playstation Portable)
• Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time (Wii, DS)
• Final Fantasy IV: The After (Mobile)
• Final Fantasy VII Advent Children Complete (Blu-ray)

Continue reading »]]> Sony has already followed up the launch of the original PSP with two more iterations of the handheld device; the most recent is the PSP-3000 – or PSP Brite – and now, everyone is wondering when the PSP-4000 will come around. Well, forget that; how’s about the PSP 2?

The latest news comes from a recent EETimes article that talks about a joint venture with Imagination Technologies Group to manufacture a certain chip set for a unit called the “PSP 2.” The chip set in question is similar to the POWERVR SGX graphics processor, and you can find the SGX chip sets in everything from palmtops to mobile PCs.

It’s currently considered to be one of the most powerful available today, so most are assuming it’s a good decision to implement this piece of technology into a new portable gaming device.

However, Sony will neither confirm or deny that research and development of a new PSP is either currently taking place or coming to a close, so everything is just speculation at this point. Then again, when something carries the title of “PSP 2″ with it, it’s difficult to imagine the aforementioned joint venture is anything but a team dedicated to a Sony handheld sequel.

So now the question is, what do you want to see in a new PSP? We’re sure many owners out there have suggestions for Sony in regards to additions and enhancements, so let’s hear it. Bigger screen? Different button layout? Something crazy original like the DS? Or just more media stuff in general?

Continue reading »]]> Thirty-one years ago, the first Star Wars movie galvanized audiences around the word, sparking a phenomenon that has spanned generations. With today’s release of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, one of the most highly anticipated video games of the year, LucasArts proves that the Force is stronger than ever.

Available now on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii home videogame system from Nintendo, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system, PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and PSP (PlayStation Portable) system, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed completely re-imagines the scope and scale of the Force and casts players as Darth Vader’s “Secret Apprentice,” unveiling new revelations about the Star Wars galaxy seen through the eyes of this mysterious new character, who is armed with unprecedented powers.

“The development teams here at LucasArts, at Krome Studios, and at n-Space, Inc., have put a tremendous amount of effort into creating this all-new Star Wars story and innovative technology,” said LucasArts’ President Darrell Rodriguez. “I am extremely proud of what Executive Producer Haden Blackman and his team have been able to accomplish in The Force Unleashed, and can’t wait to hear what fans think of it when they’ve played through the game.”

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed is not only LucasArts’ first internally developed title for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 systems, but also represents the first in-game collaboration of talents and technology between LucasArts and sister company Industrial Light & Magic. The end result is a game authentic to the world in which it is set, unique in its presentation and unforgettable as a Star Wars experience.

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed also breaks new ground on these consoles by taking full advantage of newly developed technologies experienced for the first time together: Digital Molecular Matter, by Pixelux Entertainment, and euphoria by NaturalMotion Ltd. These technologies imbue objects and enemies with the ability to react with incredible realism, bringing depth and richness to the Star Wars galaxy that is unprecedented for a video game, and showcasing the unique blend of storytelling, technology and interactive entertainment that is the hallmark of LucasArts.

Working with Lucas Licensing, LucasArts has prepared an unprecedented promotional effort for today’s launch of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, including toys and games from Hasbro, Lego and Wizards of the Coast, as well as a full publishing program from Dark Horse, Del Rey, Prima Games, and Palace Press.

More information about the game can be found at the official website, www.theforceunleashed.com.

The Force, Released – Video Game News – Yahoo! Video Games

Continue reading »]]> Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) announced today that Cabela’s Legendary Adventures is now available for PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, PSP (PlayStation Portable) system, and Wii.

Cabela’s Legendary Adventures is the latest title in the popular Cabela’s franchise, where for the first time hunting enthusiasts get to relive the greatest hunting stories ever told. Players embark on epic hunting expeditions over the last century in search of legendary trophy animals in the world’s most celebrated hunting locations. Environments like the Yukon Territory and the Rocky Mountains are free-roaming and full of wild game – the hunter must adapt to the terrain, track animal behavior, and master precision firearms. The title focuses on ten big game species including White-Tailed Deer, Alaskan Brown Bear and Roosevelt Elk, but there is also a variety of species of small game, waterfowl, upland birds and turkey to hunt if you possess the expertise.

“The incredible tales that make up hunters’ lore is what inspired the creation of Cabela’s Legendary Adventures,” said Dave Oxford, Activision Publishing. “Focusing on these amazing stories has allowed us to capture what hunting is all about – a quest for a legendary experience.”

Working closely with leading outdoor recreation brand Cabela’s, the firearms and gear in Cabela’s Legendary Adventures are accurate and realistic. The Wii version of the game is compatible with the Wii Zapper accessory for added fun.

For more information on Cabela’s Legendary Adventures visit www.activision.com.

Cabela’s

Cabela’s Incorporated, headquartered in Sidney, Nebraska, is a leading specialty retailer, and the world’s largest direct marketer, of hunting, fishing, camping and related outdoor merchandise. Since the Company’s founding in 1961, Cabela’s� has grown to become one of the most well-known outdoor recreation brands in the world, and has long been recognized as the World’s Foremost Outfitter�. Through Cabela’s growing number of retail stores and its well-established direct business, it offers a wide and distinctive selection of high-quality outdoor products at competitive prices while providing superior customer service. Cabela’s also issues the Cabela’s CLUB� Visa credit card, which serves as its primary customer loyalty rewards program. Cabela’s stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “CAB.”

Activision Ships Cabela’s Legendary Adventures in North America for PlayStation 2, PSP and Wii – Video Game News – Yahoo! Video Games

Continue reading »]]> Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) today introduced unparalleled social gaming experiences for gamers and non-gamers alike with the release of Buzz! Quiz TV, available exclusively for PlayStation 3 (PS3) system and Buzz! Master Quiz, available exclusively for PSP (PlayStation Portable system. With over 5,000 questions for Buzz! Quiz TV and over 3,000 questions for Buzz! Master Quiz, trivia buffs will be put to the test with the vast variety of questions from topics including celebrities, music, movies & television, sports, history, science and more. Expanding upon previous PlayStation 2 installments, Buzz! Quiz TV and Buzz! Master Quiz expand the Buzz! franchise into the next generation with PS3 features like online interactive play, content generation and wireless buzzers; and on-the-go social gaming with the PSP system.

“The introduction of the Buzz! franchise to the PlayStation 3 system and the PSP system demonstrates our continued commitment to expanding our social gaming catalogue while broadening our audience with exciting and fun content that brings people together,” said Scott Steinberg, vice president, software marketing, SCEA. “With its accessible content, social, engaging gameplay and superior online and multiplayer capabilities that includes the ability for users to create and share their own quizzes online, the newest editions to the Buzz! franchise continue to elevate the classic board game to an entirely new generation.”

For an endless supply of fun, Buzz! Quiz TV fans can now create and share their own questions online via MyBUZZquiz.com. Quizzes created via MyBUZZ can be played online or on the PS3 system and provide opportunities to personalize quizzes for certain occasions or individuals. Players can choose to keep their quizzes private, share them with their PlayStation Network friends or open them up for full access within PlayStation Network. In addition, up to four “sofas” (sets of one to four players) from anywhere in the United States or Canada can team up for trivia showdowns in the online multiplayer mode, “Sofa vs. Sofa.”

Further extending the already robust trivia content with Buzz! Quiz TV for the PS3 system, new quiz packs containing over 500 questions each will be available to download from PlayStation Network, and will focus on genres such as Lifestyles, Music, Sports and other exciting categories. Three new quiz packs suitable for friends and family members of all ages will be available immediately upon launch: Sci-Fi, Videogames and National Geographic: Safari.

Also available on launch for Buzz! Quiz TV via a downloadable update will be full trophy support, allowing players to collect a variety of trophies to bolster their PlayStation Network standings, based on several different achievements within the game. In addition, players will have multiple buzzer support in “Sofa vs. Sofa,” a choice among four new contestants and ten new buzzer sounds, question and download pack management, and Eye and EyeToy support. Photos can be taken during the game and saved in galleries in-game. The “Get Your Buzz Face On” feature will allow players to favorite photos and save them to the PS3 system.

Buzz! Master Quiz for the PSP system takes the popular game show host, Buzz, and shrinks him down for fun on the go. Buzz! Master Quiz features six all-new single and multiplayer games specifically designed for PSP, including the speed-is-of-the-essence “Quickfire Challenge,” the picture puzzler “Picture This” and the mind-boggling “Virus Challenge.” Each round comes with pictures and videos. Buzz! Master Quiz also includes a more robust

single-player mode with 15 different quiz challenges designed to test all aspects of general knowledge. Medals are awarded in each round and a variety of special in-game rewards can be collected according to how many correct questions the player has answered in a row, or how fast the player reacts.

For fans on the road, Buzz! Master Quiz for the PSP system offers three innovative multiplayer modes, all requiring either just one PSP or one copy of the game to enjoy. “Pass Around” involves one PSP system being transferred from player to player. In this mode, gamers can quiz their friends on their general knowledge and choose who to pass the PSP system, adding a new tactical edge to gameplay. “Quiz Host” is a mode in which up to six players can compete against each other with one taking control of the game to select and answer the questions. The Quiz Host has the power to award or even deduct points as he or she sees fit. “Game Sharing” allows up to four to connect wirelessly and share one copy of the game in an effort to determine who can succeed in “Fastest Finger” play.

About Sony Computer Entertainment America

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation and PS one game console, the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, the PSP (PlayStation Portable) handheld entertainment system, the ground-breaking PlayStation 3(PS3 system) computer entertainment system and its online and network services the PlayStation Network and PlayStation Store.

Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for the PS one game console, the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and the PSP system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif. Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Links

Website

Popular Buzz! Quiz Show Franchise Makes Its Debut on PlayStation 3 and PSP – Video Game News – Yahoo! Video Games