Zipper Interactive is showing the Vita some Socom love with Unit 13, and it gives us a glimpse of what 3rd person shooters will be like on the handheld. Rather than having a deep story, Zipper has decided to give the player a set of 36 missions and 10 High-value targets, which can be done solo or online with a friend or random stranger. It is a great look at what “Could be” on the Vita. Sadly, it doesn’t deliver on what it set out to achieve. The touch controls are a nice addition, but don’t really take advantage of what the Vita has to offer. A simple tap on the grenade icon will send a grenade out in the direction you’re aiming, and the tap of the scope icon will bring up your Red dot or Sniper scope. Not very innovative to say the least. My biggest gripe is with the controls. The little analogues are simply too sensitive from the get go and I found my self turning them to 0 to be able to aim with some control. I would have liked to have seen them have a separate option for Horizontal and Vertical aiming sensitivity, as turning down the sensitivity also makes you turn slower when your gun is not being aimed. This is Zipper, though, so one can only hope for a patch for this issue. My other major gripe is with the AI. Horrible is a nice way of putting it. Stealth missions are simply a disaster. Stabbing a guy from behind and having a guy a floor above me come running down, activating a mission failure is just absurd. Once enemies are aware of your position, they will track your movements, even through walls. Trying to flank a group that knows I’m there is simply not possible as walking around to their flank, you’ll notice the mini map icons of the enemies tracking your every move. Once again, one can only hope for a patch. As for multiplayer, the network connectivity runs smooth and co-op works as it should and is a blast, as long as you’re not on a timed or stealth mission. Timed missions are hard for the simple fact that the controls need some tweaking, as mentioned before. Graphically, the game looks great and having the points jump up after a head shot is almost as satisfying as the Killzone 3 kill chirp. Almost. The missions are fun and the dynamic setting can change up the layout quite drastically, but there is yet another problem. By the 5th mission, you are already seeing recycled areas of levels. I can understand this late in a game in small areas, but not an entire level with one different locale. This is where having a friend really changes the game, as you’re killing time as well as bad A.I., to make up for the games flaws. The pickings are slim right now, and if you want a shooter, Unit 13 is all that’s really available for early adopters. No multiplayer, in terms of competitive gameplay, and Unit 13 becomes an easy Rental at best. Review Pros Cons Small missions on the go Fun co-op Controls A.I. Recycled levels early on Rating 70% This review is based off of a retail version of the game purchased by reviewer

Read more here:
[Vita Review] Unit 13

Jet Set Radio was easily my favorite game on the Dreamcast. If you didn’t have a chance to try it back then, then you are in luck. SEGA will be bringing back JSR next summer on the PlayStation Network completely remastered in HD. Here is SEGA’s full statement: Jet Set Radio lets players join the GGs, an up-and-coming street gang in the futuristic city of Tokyo-to, fighting for the right to self-expression against an overbearing, corporate-controlled police force. Rolling and leaping through crowded urban environments on magnetically driven inline skates, players take control of gang leader Beat and his growing posse of deviant artists as they steal turf from the local gangs by covering the city with colourful graffiti. Guided by Professor K, DJ for the hottest pirate broadcast in town – ‘Jet Set Radio’ – the GGs will ultimately uncover the sinister plot hatched by the controlling powers of Tokyo-to.

See more here: 
Jet Set Radio HD Hits PSN this Summer

There you have it folks, as the leaked images indicated, Assassin’s Creed III will take place during the 18th century American revolution and the main character is a Native American with English heritage. The game is developed by Ubisoft Montreal and set for release on October 31st, 2012 . Here is the full statement from Ubisoft: Assassin’s Creed III is powered by Ubisoft-AnvilNext, a revolutionary new game engine that delivers breakthroughs in visual quality, character models and artificial intelligence. Assassin’s Creed III will feature a ground-breaking level of stunning graphics that bring Colonial America to life. Set against the backdrop of the American Revolution in the late 18th century, Assassin’s Creed III introduces a new hero, Ratohnaké:ton, of Native American and English heritage. Adopting the name Connor, he becomes the new voice for justice in the ancient war between the Assassins and Templars. Players become an Assassin in the war for liberty against ruthless tyranny in the most stylized and fluid combat experiences in the franchise to date. Assassin’s Creed III spans the Revolutionary War, taking gamers from the vibrant, untamed frontier to bustling colonial towns and the intense, chaotic battlefields where George Washington’s Continental Army clashed with the imposing British Army. “Assassin’s Creed III features the franchise’s most expansive setting so far, along with an exciting new hero and exponentially more gameplay,” said Yves Guillemot, chief executive officer at Ubisoft. “Whether you’re a longtime fan of Assassin’s Creed or if you’re new to the franchise, you’re going to be blown away by the scale and marvel of Assassin’s Creed III.” Additional Assassin’s Creed III details can be found in exclusive cover features in the next issues of Official Xbox Magazine (20th March), Official Playstation Magazine (20th March) and Nintendo Gamer (23rd March).

More here:
Assassin’s Creed III Reveal Trailer

It hasn’t been a week and already we are seeing the first DLC content for Square-Enix’s bread and butter, Final Fantasy XIII-2. According to the press release, In this first Coliseum battle, “Lightning and her former superior officer stand in the way of Serah and Noel. When defeated, Lightning and Master Sergeant Amodar can be added to the player’s party.” Square-Enix also promises that “Additional episodes which enhance the experience and complement the narrative of FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 with storyline branches for key characters in the story will be revealed at a later date.” Get it now on the PlayStation Network, I mean, the Sony Entertainment Network! Hit the jump for more screens from the DLC. Source: Press Release

Here is the original:
Final Fantasy XIII-2 ‘Opponent: Lightning & Amodar’ DLC Now Available

Sony confirmed in a press release, as well as in emails to PSN users, that this Tuesday, February 7th, the PSN name will be no more. The PSN will be changing into the SEN (Sony Entertainment Network). The email assures us that this is “a change in name only.” Your username and password will remain the same, and anything you purchased for your PSN account will now belong to your SEN account. The email notes a software update will coincide with the name change, however, “this change will not be applied to the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system at this time,” probably because the new features will not be available on the PSP. Privacy Policy and Terms of Service will also be updated with this change, and, of coures, “you will be asked to agree to ‘them’ if you wish to continue using your Sony Entertainment Network account.” So what do you think? Sad day for us long time PSN fans, or a step in the right direction for Home Entertainment? If you haven’t read it yet, you can read the entire email after the jump. On February 7, 2012, Sony Network Entertainment International LLC (“SNEI”) will update its Terms of Service and User Agreement and its Privacy Policy. As a part of this update, your “PlayStation®Network account” will be renamed a “Sony Entertainment Network account” The first time you sign in to your Sony Entertainment Network account on or after February 7, 2012, you will be asked to agree to the new Terms of Service and User Agreement and Privacy Policy with SNEI if you wish to continue using your Sony Entertainment Network account. Please review all changes to the Terms of Service and User Agreement and Privacy Policy carefully before indicating your agreement. In particular, these are some of the additions and changes we have to these agreements: New terms for parents of minor, subaccount holders regarding the limitations of chat parental controls. Your reacceptance of the Terms of Service and User Agreement and Privacy Policy affirms your consent to the sharing of your child’s data that may occur if your child utilizes certain communication functionalities on PlayStation devices such as PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita systems. New terms that explain the location-based services offered through the PlayStation Vita system. For parents of minor, subaccount holders your reacceptance of the Terms of Service and User Agreement and Privacy Policy affirms your consent to your subaccount holder’s user of these services on the PlayStation Vita system. A description of our “What’s New” section, which provides topical information about our services and advertisements. Information about pre-ordering content. The name of your “PlayStation Network account” is changing to a “Sony Entertainment Network account.” You may click here to review the changes to the Terms of Service and User Agreement and you may click here to review the changes to the Privacy Policy. The rebranding of PlayStation Network accounts to Sony Entertainment Network accounts is a change in name only. Your username or password will not change, nor are we asking you to change them. On Sony Computer Entertainment’s PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita systems, this rebranding will occur in connection with software updates for these devices. (Note, this change will not be applied to the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system at this time.) This transition is based on Sony’s goal to enhance its unique digital entertainment offering. As a series of these activities Sony started last September, PlayStation Network will be aligned with “Sony Entertainment Network.” This helps us get closer to our goal of establishing a global comprehensive network platform of services across games, movies, music and more, all accessible from one convenient account. The Sony Entertainment Network account also enables use of Sony’s compelling non-game services such as Music Unlimited, Video Unlimited and PlayMemories Online (currently called Personal Space) across a variety of network-connected devices. If you do not agree with the new Terms of Service and User Agreement or Privacy Policy, you may decline to accept them, and you will no longer be able to access your account. If you wish to close your account or request a refund of your wallet balance, or have any questions, please contact Customer Service by clicking here. For more information, please click here. Thank you very much for being a customer!

More here:
PSN is changing to the SEN this Tuesday

The Starhawk beta is going public on the 17th! The public testing will allow the team to work out bugs and server issues as well as allow the public to get on what has otherwise been a closed beta up until now. Who gets in, and when? (North American Starhawk Beta schedule) PlayStation Plus January 17: All PlayStation Plus subscribers and all Private Beta participants (who haven’t erased their original Private Beta files). You can learn more about PS Plus here. Starhawk UC3 Voucher January 31: UNCHARTED 3 Beta key holders. These voucher codes were found inside of North American copies of UNCHARTED 3. FB February 7: Visit GameStop and PlayStation on Facebook and see how you can get early voucher codes. IGN February 14: IGN.com (details to be revealed soon) LOGO-PSN stacked vert pos copy copy February 21: Everyone with a PlayStation Network account…in other words, everyone who wants in, gets Beta FAQ If I was in the Private Beta, am I in the Public Beta? If you were in the Private Beta, you are in the Public Beta for the duration. DO NOT delete the Private Beta file from your PS3 or else you won’t have access. Worse, you will be…unhappy. Is this a demo? This is NOT a demo. You can expect to find bugs and the vast majority of the game features planned for the final game will not be implemented. Of course, many of you will not read this sentence and will expect the Beta to be final quality. We ask that the community help itself and remind players that this is a test. It happens to be a pretty fun test, but it is a test regardless. Keep an open mind and we’ll continue to regularly update the Beta with changes based directly on your feedback. Remember when you were a kid and you wanted to help make games? This is your chance! When does the Public Beta end? When the game is good and ready! Honestly, when we’ve learned all we can and feel we can deliver the best product to you. Basically, sometime after February 21st, BUT it’s our recommendation that you do not delay joining or you might find your window of opportunity passing you by. What’s different from the Private Beta? We’re going to reveal more about the content updates soon enough. Patience, Padawan… Will you test out the solo campaign? Nope! The Public Beta is solely based around the multiplayer experience. While we have a robust solo story campaign in the final game, we can get our testing done elsewhere for that. How do you send us feedback? This is very important…to give us feedback, please visit http://us.playstation.com/psn/ and use your PSN login to enter the Beta forums. If you are in the Beta, you can enter the forums. Remember though…with Beta testing comes Beta responsibility. We are on these forums hourly looking for bug info, so please use this. We need your help and this is the best way to give us info. Source: PlayStation.Blog

See the rest here:
Starhawk Beta Is Going Public Tuesday Jan 17th!

Ninja Gaiden fans, feast your eyes on Ninja Gaiden 3 collector’s edition courtesy of Tecmo and Team Ninja. This CE will set you back $99.99 and will include the followings: – Ninja Gaiden 3 game – Art Book – Soundtrack – Exclusive “Duel of the Masked” Figurine set – Dead or Alive 5 demo (Play as either Ryu Hyabusa, hitomi, Ayane or Hayate) Ninja Gaiden 3 will be available on March 20th in US and March 23rd in UK . If you haven’t catch Ninja Gaiden 3 latest multiplayer trailer , check it out below.

Read more here:
Ninja Gaiden 3 Collector’s Edition

Back at E3 2011, Konami had a couple of stations set up to run Silent Hill Downpour. Now, I never personally got a chance to get hands on time with it. However from what I’ve seen and read in the internet, this game should be a hit. Check out the latest press release and screens. January 12, 2012 Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. KONAMI RELEASES NEW SCREENSHOTS AND RELEASE DATES FOR SILENT HILL FRANCHISE Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., today announced the definitive release dates for the three 2012 Silent Hill franchise titles: Silent Hill HD Collection, Silent Hill Downpour and Silent Hill Book of Memories. Available nationwide this March fans can experience the horror and thrill that they’ve come to love while embarking on exciting new quests and challenges. Silent Hill HD Collection: March 6. Silent Hill HD Collection serves as a tribute to the core Silent Hill fans by taking the most famous games of the series, Silent Hill 2 & 3, and re-mastering them in high-definition graphics and adding new voiceovers. Silent Hill Downpour: March 13. Silent Hill Downpour follows the story of Murphy Pendleton, a convicted felon, who finds himself trapped in Silent Hill after his prison transport bus crashes. Silent Hill Downpour is the most expansive Silent Hill to date, as players can embark on side missions, explore the town and piece more of the mystery of Silent Hill together. Silent Hill Book of Memories: March 27 Available exclusively for the brand new PlayStation®Vita handheld device, Book of Memories is an all-new game in the Silent Hill series, with a unique premise and storyline. The story begins with a strange book that is received; inside that book is your entire life story and all of your memories. You discover that by altering what’s written you can actually change the past. You can write your own ideal history. And for the first time ever in a Silent Hill game, it will support multiplayer, so friends can share in the fright in a co-op mode.

View original post here:
Konami Release New Silent Hill Downpour Screens

I had a chance to play the original side-scrolling fantasy action-adventure “Trine” recently and I loved it. It pushes some of the most dynamic and beautiful graphics ever made for a PSN title. Come December 20th , developer Frozenbyte and publisher Atlus will deliver the next installment in the series, entitled Trine 2 , on the PlayStation Network for North America . The European release date hasn’t been announced, the price hasn’t been confirmed either. But I would suspect a $14.99 tag. Hopefully a PlayStation Plus members’ discount will follow. If you haven’t seen Trine 2, check out the co-op video after the jump … Trine 2 will have enhanced features, graphical updates and (what I am personally excited about) online co-op . Mark your calenders for December 20th, as this Christmas’ magical adventure shouldn’t be missed.

Read the rest here: 
Trine 2

Getting ready for the Vita Japanese release? Well, The new PS3 software update was released yesterday to get your PS3 ready for the arrival of the PS Vita. According to the official PlayStation blog , “update ( v4.00 ) will prepare your PS3 to serve as a content management device”. That basically means that you will be able to save all your digital content (music, movies, saved data, games …) between your PS3 and the PS Vita. You will also be able to update your Vita using the PS3 network. Although the main theme for this update is introducing the PS Vita management system to your PS3, but there will be some other features ( mainly for PlayStation Plus members ) installed in the process, as after the update PS+ members will be able to choose to enable of disable each of the previous (v3.72) automatic update features (game patches, software update, Sync trophies …). There will be also a “new PlayStation Network setting for filtering friend requests and messages” for all users. For more information, tips on installation or questions regarding the new software update, visit this link .

See more here: 
PS3 Firmware Update 4.00