Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[PS Vita is region-free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/16/ps-vita-is-region-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/16/ps-vita-is-region-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/16/ps-vita-is-region-free/#comments The PS Vita will officially be region-free, as tweeted by Sony Computer Entertainment president of Worldwide Studios, Shuhei Yoshida (@yosp). Asked if it has been confirmed that Vita is region-free, Shuhei tweeted, "Yes, it is." And on the seventh day, there was confirmation.

Vita will drop on December 17 in Japan, at $390 for the 3G model or $325 for wi-fi only -- with no region locks, this means American and European buyers can order the Japanese version and have it before any of their lame, Vita-less friends. And then when those friends tell them to get a life, they can hold up their Vitas and say, "I already have one." And then they'll have no friends, especially if they tell them this joke.

JoystiqPS Vita is region-free originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Sep 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ngpplaystationplaystation-vitaps-vitapspregion-freesonysony-ngpVitaFri, 16 Sep 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Escape Plan preview: More than a touch of disappointment]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/escape-plan-preview-more-than-a-touch-of-disappointment/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/escape-plan-preview-more-than-a-touch-of-disappointment/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/escape-plan-preview-more-than-a-touch-of-disappointment/#comments [Ed. note: Fun Bits address some of our issues with controls, as you can see in this interview.]

Can I tell you how excited I was to check out Escape Plan? 'Cause I was, like, really excited. It had potential game of the show written all over it, with its black-and-white aesthetic, quirky main characters, and bold showcasing of the PlayStation Vita's many control inputs. And after sitting through a presentation at Gamescom, I was promised hands-on the next day. Ooh, goody!

My excitement, however, was immediately rattled after putting just one finger on the game. I was trying to wake up Lil, the thinner of the game's main two characters and introductory plaything, but pushing on the screen to wake her initially didn't do much. After mashing my finger repeatedly against the Vita's touchscreen, Lil finally woke up. Unfortunately, this was just the beginning of my problems.

Gallery: Escape Plan (Gamescom 2011)

Continue reading Escape Plan preview: More than a touch of disappointment

JoystiqEscape Plan preview: More than a touch of disappointment originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>escape-planfun-bitsfun-bits-interactivegamescomgamescom-2011ngpplaystationplaystation-vitaps-vitasonyvitaThu, 18 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Vita media roundup: New trailers for Uncharted: Golden Abyss and 11 others]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/playstation-vita-media-roundup-new-trailers-for-uncharted-gold/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/playstation-vita-media-roundup-new-trailers-for-uncharted-gold/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/playstation-vita-media-roundup-new-trailers-for-uncharted-gold/#comments Sony always makes a big splash at Gamescom and this year is no exception. In addition to a newer, cheaper PSP and a cheaper, if not newer, PS3, Sony is also ready with plenty of PlayStation Vita materials. You want a dozen trailers showing off what the device is capable of? After the break you'll find video of everything from Uncharted: Golden Abyss to LittleBigPlanet Vita to augmented reality app Tag. We've also got some screens for the newly titled Resistance: Burning Skies and the newly announced Smart As.

Continue reading PlayStation Vita media roundup: New trailers for Uncharted: Golden Abyss and 11 others

JoystiqPlayStation Vita media roundup: New trailers for Uncharted: Golden Abyss and 11 others originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Aug 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamescom-2011NGPplaystationplaystation-vitauncharted-golden-abyssuncharted-ngpvitaWed, 17 Aug 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Resistance: Burning Skies set to engulf PlayStation Vita]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/resistance-burning-skies-set-to-engulf-playstation-vita/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/resistance-burning-skies-set-to-engulf-playstation-vita/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/resistance-burning-skies-set-to-engulf-playstation-vita/#comments Sony has announced at its Gamescom 2011 press conference details about Nihilistic's Resistance entry on the PlayStation Vita. Subtitled Burning Skies, the title (which serves as an immediate prequel to Resistance 2) casts you in the role of Tom Riley, a fireman who watches the destruction of the United States from ground zero. That task is made a lot more palatable thanks to Riley's proclivity for toting a wieldable fire axe at all times. We guess it's fortunate he decided to take his work home with him!

A brief demo showed off familiar Resistance action, with a few neat uses of the Vita's touchscreen -- for instance, some weapons' alternate fire modes are controlled with a single touch. That sounds like the kind of power we can get drunk off of.

JoystiqResistance: Burning Skies set to engulf PlayStation Vita originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamescom-2011ngpNihilisticplaystationplaystation-vitapspresistanceresistance-burning-skiessonyvitaTue, 16 Aug 2011 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Name the new ModNation Racers Vita game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/name-the-new-modnation-racers-vita-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/name-the-new-modnation-racers-vita-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/name-the-new-modnation-racers-vita-game/#comments Sony's launched a public request to name the upcoming PlayStation Vita version of ModNation Racers in a recent US PlayStation Blog post. Our first inclination was to suggest "The PlayStation Vita Version of ModNation Racers" in the allotted comments section, but the name lacked a certain pizazz we were hoping for.

After thinking awhile longer, we figured out an absolutely perfect one: "ModNation Racers: Vita!" Take that, professional marketing guys!

Gallery: Modnation Racers for PS Vita (E3 2011)

JoystiqName the new ModNation Racers Vita game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>modnation-racersngpplaystationplaystation-vitaps-vitasan-diego-studiosceascea-san-diegosony-computer-entertainment-americavitaTue, 09 Aug 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft bringing Assassins, Rabbids, and Future Soldiers to Gamescom]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/04/ubisoft-bringing-assassins-rabbids-and-future-soldiers-to-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/04/ubisoft-bringing-assassins-rabbids-and-future-soldiers-to-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/04/ubisoft-bringing-assassins-rabbids-and-future-soldiers-to-game/#comments Sure, said assassins, rabbids, and future soldiers will arrive in video game form, but there's at least an air of danger in Ubisoft's Gamescom lineup. The French publisher revealed its German cavalry this week, saying that all titles will be available either in hands-on versions or hands-off presentations.

From Dust (released on consoles thus far), Far Cry 3, Might & Magic Heroes VI, and Rayman Origins will be on site. Ubi will also hold a roundtable discussion titled, "Is Online Gaming Changing How We Create?" and featuring "creative leaders from Ubisoft's online teams. It'll be open to press, Ubisoft partners and the show's trade visitors.

It's not necessarily bad news for you, Joe Public. While we're busy watching the roundtable, you could be jamming on some Anno 2070!

Continue reading Ubisoft bringing Assassins, Rabbids, and Future Soldiers to Gamescom

JoystiqUbisoft bringing Assassins, Rabbids, and Future Soldiers to Gamescom originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Aug 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anno-2070assassins-creed-revelationsdriver-san-franciscodsfar-cry-3from-dustgamescomgamescom-2011just-dance-3macmicrosoftmight-and-magic-heroes-6mobilengpnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps-vitaps3pspraving-rabbids-alive-and-kickingrayman-originssonythe-black-eyed-peas-experiencetom-clancys-ghost-recon-future-soldierubisoftvitawiixboxThu, 04 Aug 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Levine talks BioShock Infinite's Move functionality, no plans for Wii U]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/levine-talks-bioshock-infinites-move-functionality-no-plans-fo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/levine-talks-bioshock-infinites-move-functionality-no-plans-fo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/levine-talks-bioshock-infinites-move-functionality-no-plans-fo/#comments In a recent IGN interview, Irrational Games creative director Ken Levine discussed how he made that demo for BioShock Infinite so very, very good. Of course, we all know the answer to that is "witchcraft" -- however, Levine also talked about the game's Move functionality, a feature first announced at E3. He explains it will be entirely optional to the experience, saying, "my hope is that we'll succeed in the experiment and people will like it. But if they don't like it, they'll never know it's there. And that's cool."

As for the franchise's future, Levine reiterated that the BioShock title planned for the Vita will be "a new game," which is going to be "strange and surprising to people." As for E3's other hot-ticket piece of hardware, the Wii U, Levine explained, "I'm not saying it can't happen, but we have no plans to do any games for that platform." That's a shame -- we bet that tiny screen would be perfect for an upsettingly visceral EVE Hypo-injecting metagame.

JoystiqLevine talks BioShock Infinite's Move functionality, no plans for Wii U originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbioshockbioshock-infiniteirrational-gamesmicrosoftngpnintendoplaystationplaystation-moveplaystation-vitaps-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiiwii-uxboxTue, 12 Jul 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Street Fighter x Tekken coming to Vita, with Infamous's Cole McGrath [update: Cole 'exclusive to SCE platforms']]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/street-fighter-x-tekken-coming-to-vita-with-infamouss-cole-mcg/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/street-fighter-x-tekken-coming-to-vita-with-infamouss-cole-mcg/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/street-fighter-x-tekken-coming-to-vita-with-infamouss-cole-mcg/#comments
A press release detailing the PlayStation Vita lineup includes a surprise: Street Fighter x Tekken ... on the go!

Okay, not surprised enough? The Vita version of the crossover fighter "will feature Cole MacGrath as a playable character from the popular PS3 franchise, inFAMOUS." But he's not from Street Fighter or Tekken!

Shenanigans.

Update: Capcom announced that Cole will be "a playable character exclusive to SCE platforms," so looks like he's on PS3 too!

Gallery: Street Fighter X Tekken (Cole)

Continue reading Street Fighter x Tekken coming to Vita, with Infamous's Cole McGrath [update: Cole 'exclusive to SCE platforms']

JoystiqStreet Fighter x Tekken coming to Vita, with Infamous's Cole McGrath [update: Cole 'exclusive to SCE platforms'] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 21:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcome3-2011infamousngpplaystationplaystation-vitapspsonystreet-fighter-x-tekkenvitaMon, 06 Jun 2011 21:34:00 EST<![CDATA[NGP officially named 'PlayStation Vita']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/ngp-officially-named-playstation-vita/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/ngp-officially-named-playstation-vita/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/ngp-officially-named-playstation-vita/#comments It's not exactly the world's best kept secret, is it? Sony's next handheld officially became the "PlayStation Vita" this afternoon at the company's E3 2011 press conference. And you can stop pronouncing it "Vite-Uh," as Sony Computer Entertainment head Kaz Hirai repeatedly pronounced it "Veeta." Hazaa!

We'll have a ton of hands-on coverage with PlayStation Vita's games as the week progresses, but we'd love to hear your reaction to the new name right now in the comments.

JoystiqNGP officially named 'PlayStation Vita' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 21:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2011kaz-hiraingpplaystationplaystation-vitaps-vitasonysony-computer-entertainmentvitaMon, 06 Jun 2011 21:24:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock universe game coming to NGP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/bioshock-universe-game-coming-to-ngp/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/bioshock-universe-game-coming-to-ngp/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/bioshock-universe-game-coming-to-ngp/#comments You guys read that headline? Cause that's what we know. The illusive Ken Levine just said that there's a "pet project" that Irrational's been kicking around for a while that will live on NGP. And it's BioShock-related. That's all we know. But like, isn't that enough to pique your interest? It's enough for us. Man, when did you guys get so jaded?

JoystiqBioShock universe game coming to NGP originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 21:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2011ngpplaystationplaystation-vitaps-vitapspsonyvitaMon, 06 Jun 2011 21:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Dust 514 is a PS3 exclusive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/dust-514-is-a-ps3-exclusive/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/dust-514-is-a-ps3-exclusive/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/dust-514-is-a-ps3-exclusive/#comments A CCP spokesperson took to the stage during the Sony E3 2011 press conference to confirm that the upcoming MMO Dust 514 would be a PlayStation exclusive. Along with a release on the console, CCP and Sony will be extending the universe with a dedicated space in PlayStation Home, Move support on the PS3 and some kind of extension of the game on NGP.

Dust 514 will launch next summer (though Jack Tretton says spring of 2012). A closed beta will launch exclusively on PlayStation Network at the end of this year.

JoystiqDust 514 is a PS3 exclusive originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 21:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpdust-514e3e3-2011mmongpplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitaMon, 06 Jun 2011 21:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony 'PS Vita' logo appears on EU trademark registry filing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/sony-ps-vita-logo-appears-on-eu-trademark-registry-filing/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/sony-ps-vita-logo-appears-on-eu-trademark-registry-filing/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/sony-ps-vita-logo-appears-on-eu-trademark-registry-filing/#comments On friday, while no one was peeking, Sony Computer Entertainment was quietly filing to trademark the name "PS Vita" and a logo in Europe. But NeoGAF forum user B.D. noticed, and pointed out the Trademarks and Designs Registration Office of the European Union (breath) filing this morning, which again hints at the repeatedly rumored final name of Sony's codenamed handheld, the NGP.

Additionally, Sony Computer Entertainment filed for the name "PlayStation Vita." Unfortunately, none of the listings specifically spell out what exactly the trademark is for -- each of the three listings denotes a wide range of potential applications, including gaming (and specifically handheld gaming). It's likely we'll find out what's what tomorrow evening, when Sony's E3 2011 presser kicks off, and the company is expected to put a final name on its upcoming handheld.

JoystiqSony 'PS Vita' logo appears on EU trademark registry filing originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 03:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europeeuropean-unionngpplaystationplaystation-vitaps-vitapsvitasonytrademarktrademarksvitaMon, 06 Jun 2011 03:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Konami announces Silent Hill: Book of Memories for NGP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/konami-announces-silent-hill-book-of-memories-for-ngp/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/konami-announces-silent-hill-book-of-memories-for-ngp/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/konami-announces-silent-hill-book-of-memories-for-ngp/#comments During its pre-E3 presentation (at approximately 22:20), Konami revealed a brand new title in the Silent Hill franchise, Silent Hill: Book of Memories. The game is slated for release on Sony's upcoming NGP (or is that PS Vita?) handheld. Series producer Tom Hulett offered few details on the game, saying only that it will be exclusive to Sony's portable and that it will be released "later on down the road" from the newly announced Silent Hill Collection.

JoystiqKonami announces Silent Hill: Book of Memories for NGP originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 20:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ngpplaystationplaystation-vitaps-vitapspsilent-hill-book-of-memoriessonyvitaThu, 02 Jun 2011 20:33:00 EST<![CDATA[NGP backwards compatible with all PSP games (on PSN); smoothing and dual analog support included]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/ngp-backwards-compatible-with-all-psp-games-on-psn-smoothing/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/ngp-backwards-compatible-with-all-psp-games-on-psn-smoothing/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/ngp-backwards-compatible-with-all-psp-games-on-psn-smoothing/#comments The PlayStation Portable's lack of a second analog stick has always been a problem for shooters. Sony Bend's Resistance: Retribution had a clever - albeit complicated - solution for this shortcoming: let players tether a DualShock 3 controller to the handheld. So when Sony showed off the game running in emulation on an NGP last month, with full use of that right thumb stick, we assumed there was some benefit specific to Retribution.

As it turns out, all PSP titles1 will be able to take advantage of that second analog stick, as well as other NGP enhancements. "All PSP titles that are currently available on the PSN can be played on the NGP," VP of product development at SCEA Scott Rohde told a crowd of game journalists. "And they'll take full advantage of the graphics smoothing capabilities of the system and the controls will be remapped to take advantage of the dual analog sticks."

While I can't say much about the graphics smoothing - it definitely looked like it was being zoomed up 400% - I can say that the second analog stick worked wonderfully in Retribution. The game originally mapped the right stick to the four face buttons. It's unclear how the tech will work with other games, and the representative we spoke could only say that the technology we were using was early. In fact, the sole NGP prototype that had the emulation software belonged to SCE's Shuhei Yoshida, who was taking it with him back to Japan that night.

We're hoping to learn more about how PSP games take advantage of NGP hardware at E3. Any specific questions or concerns, let us know in the comments.

1: Of course, the list of PSP games that never appeared on PlayStation Network includes several high-profile titles, like Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, and Lumines.

JoystiqNGP backwards compatible with all PSP games (on PSN); smoothing and dual analog support included originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>emulationNGPplaystationplaystation-vitapre-e3-2011pspResistance-RetributionRetributionsonySony-BendvitaThu, 02 Jun 2011 17:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Wipeout NGP gameplay video flies into view]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/wipeout-ngp-gameplay-video-flies-into-view/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/wipeout-ngp-gameplay-video-flies-into-view/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/wipeout-ngp-gameplay-video-flies-into-view/#comments Okay, the video of Wipeout running on Sony's NGP didn't literally fly into view, but it does contain a variety of flying liveries. It also contains several game journos -- including our own Chris Grant! -- staring intently at prototype NGPs. We much prefer the racing parts. Sorry, Chris!

Continue reading Wipeout NGP gameplay video flies into view

JoystiqWipeout NGP gameplay video flies into view originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 14:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gameplayngpplaystationplaystation-vitasceesony-computer-entertainment-europevitawipeout-ngpThu, 02 Jun 2011 14:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Sound Shapes heading to NGP from Everyday Shooter dev Jonathan Mak]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/sound-shapes-heading-to-ngp-from-everyday-shooter-dev-jonathan-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/sound-shapes-heading-to-ngp-from-everyday-shooter-dev-jonathan-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/sound-shapes-heading-to-ngp-from-everyday-shooter-dev-jonathan-m/#comments It's been four years since Jonathan Mak released his last game on Sony's PlayStation Network, Everyday Shooter, to critical acclaim. In that time, Mak has been working on a variety of projects -- 10 (failed) games with a Toronto-area musician, for instance -- but today he's unveiling his next major release as Sound Shapes for Sony's NGP.

Like Everyday Shooter took a basic shooting concept and added a musical twist, Sound Shapes aims to do as much with platforming, it seems. VentureBeat explains the gameplay by saying, "You manipulate a sticky ball through a two-dimensional landscape and create music as you interact." According to VB, the objects in the game's 2D world all correspond to different sounds, forcing players to move based on the beat of the music. Mak, and his dev studio Queasy Games, are bringing Sound Shapes to E3 next week where we'll check it out more thoroughly.

Update: Mak notes in a separate US PlayStation blog post that Sound Shapes can also be used to make music, "but then you can 'play' that music like it's a video game." He also notes that the game will be playable at E3.

Gallery: Sound Shapes (NGP)

Continue reading Sound Shapes heading to NGP from Everyday Shooter dev Jonathan Mak

JoystiqSound Shapes heading to NGP from Everyday Shooter dev Jonathan Mak originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2011jonathan-makngpplaystationplaystation-vitaqueasy-gamessonysound-shapesvitaThu, 02 Jun 2011 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Uncharted: Golden Abyss preview: Drake me out to the small game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/uncharted-golden-abyss-ngp-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/uncharted-golden-abyss-ngp-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/uncharted-golden-abyss-ngp-preview/#comments There's no better showcase of what the NGP is all about than Uncharted: Golden Abyss. With the NGP, Sony has created something of an uber-machine, so tricked out with bells and whistles, it would be an immense feat of creativity to simply use them all in one game; now, using them with purpose, that's a whole other thing.

Before kicking off a demonstration of Golden Abyss in Los Angeles last month, Sony Bend creative director John Garvin wanted to make one thing clear. "Golden Abyss is a brand new Uncharted game," he said. "It's not a port." In case the lack of Naughty Dog involvement makes you nervous, Garvin says, "We've been collaborating and working closely with Amy Hennig, the creative director at Naughty Dog, to make sure that our characters and story are authentic."

As far as characters go, we've got series' star Nathan Drake making a return, the role being reprised by omnipresent voiceover artist Nolan North. To capture that performance, Sony Bend is using the same mo-cap and sound studios that Naughty Dog uses for its Uncharted titles and, in the short cinematic I saw, it showed.

If there was one area that made it clear that the main Uncharted series still belongs to Naughty Dog, it may be the lack of a number on that title. "It's a standalone story that takes place before Drake's Fortune," Garvin explained. "It's not a prequel, but a standalone story." In other words, it's self-contained.

Gallery: Uncharted: Golden Abyss (NGP)

Continue reading Uncharted: Golden Abyss preview: Drake me out to the small game

JoystiqUncharted: Golden Abyss preview: Drake me out to the small game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2011NGPplaystationplaystation-vitapre-e3-2011SCEASony-BendUncharteduncharted-golden-abyssuncharted-ngpvitaThu, 02 Jun 2011 13:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Feast your eyes on a menagerie of new NGP game images]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/feast-your-eyes-on-a-menagerie-of-new-ngp-game-images/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/feast-your-eyes-on-a-menagerie-of-new-ngp-game-images/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/feast-your-eyes-on-a-menagerie-of-new-ngp-game-images/#comments We may not know much about Sony's NGP (or is it PlayStation Vita?) just yet, but we do have a whole mess of new images from its game lineup. After the break, you'll find eight (eight!) galleries of brand new screens, pulled from Uncharted, Wipeout, Little Deviants, and many more.

Continue reading Feast your eyes on a menagerie of new NGP game images

JoystiqFeast your eyes on a menagerie of new NGP game images originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hustle-kingslittle-deviantsmodnation-racersmodnation-racers-ngpngpplaystationplaystation-vitaps-vitareality-fighterssony-computer-entertainmentsound-shapessuper-stardust-ngpsuper-stardust-portableuncharted-ngpvitawipeoutwipeout-ngpThu, 02 Jun 2011 12:33:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation website source code reinforces PS Vita name]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/ps-vita-ngp-source-code/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/ps-vita-ngp-source-code/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/ps-vita-ngp-source-code/#comments It's looking more and more likely that Sony's new handheld, currently known as the NGP, may soon receive "PS Vita" as its official name. The source code on Sony's own E3 2011 contains a handful of references to the name, including two subdirectories apparently labeled "Games and Media" and "Features." Attempts to access either subdirectory leads to "page not found" errors for the moment.

This is the second time the name has been discovered on one of Sony's own websites, having previously been spotted on the SCE developer site. Again, it's possible that Sony is simply using an internal codename for the device, though evidence to the contrary is certainly starting to add up.

JoystiqPlayStation website source code reinforces PS Vita name originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2011ngpplaystationplaystation-vitaps-vitapspsonyvitaWed, 01 Jun 2011 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Vita.SCEdev.net website spurs more speculation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/30/vita-scedev-net-website-spurs-more-speculation/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/30/vita-scedev-net-website-spurs-more-speculation/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/30/vita-scedev-net-website-spurs-more-speculation/#comments As we all know, one website name is more than enough to confirm the rumored final name of the temporarily named NGP as "PlayStation Vita." Okay, okay, we may be getting ahead of ourselves a bit, but it is certainly interesting that Sony's developer sites contain a curious subdomain: Vita.SCEdev.net.

So, why does Sony have a developer subdomain with the word "Vita" involved? Your guess is as good as ours. We do know that the site scedev.net is most certainly registered to Sony's UK branch, and a handful of other subdomains tied to Sony gaming products also work (PSP, NGP, and PS3, for instance), while random words only elicit a "page not found" error. As per usual, we've contacted Sony for comment, and are more than happy to hear from you internet supersleuths who see something in this that we don't.

[Image credit: GamesPundit]

JoystiqVita.SCEdev.net website spurs more speculation originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 May 2011 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ngpplaystationplaystation-vitaps-vitapsvitasonysony-computer-entertainmentvitaMon, 30 May 2011 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: NGP to be officially named 'PS Vita,' renamed at E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/29/rumor-ngp-to-be-officially-named-ps-vita-renamed-at-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/29/rumor-ngp-to-be-officially-named-ps-vita-renamed-at-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/29/rumor-ngp-to-be-officially-named-ps-vita-renamed-at-e3/#comments Sony's second handheld console will undoubtedly be given the star treatment during the company's hours-long June 6 press conference at E3, but one particular rumor began circulating this morning and has been making the rounds rather quickly. According to anonymous sources speaking with two separate, unknown sites, the NGP will officially become the "PS Vita" as of just a few weeks from now, during the aforementioned E3 presser.

Two images were initially posted to one of the sites yesterday -- a Blogspot site owned by someone named Hugo Miramontes -- though the shots were later taken down along with the post. In its place, a note now sits, which reads, "This has to be one of the stupidest things I've ever done. I don't know what I was thinking. I'm sorry. I really am." We reached out to Miramontes for comment, and had yet to hear back as of publishing.

A cached version of another now deleted post, which originally indicated just the "PS Vita" name, has comments from the blog's author, explaining that the images are "prepared graphics for E3."

That said, all of this could be little more than a well-crafted hoax. Lest you forget, before the NGP was officially confirmed, multiple rumors pegged the system as being codenamed "Vita" and/or "Veta." Of course, Sony could've just stuck with the name, but it could also be that there are folks on the internet with plenty of extra time on their hands. Hit the poll below the break and let us know what you think of the images and the name. And hey, if you're real into Photoshop and wanna tear apart those shots for the obvious hoaxes they are (are they?), we'd love to hear from you!

Continue reading Rumor: NGP to be officially named 'PS Vita,' renamed at E3

JoystiqRumor: NGP to be officially named 'PS Vita,' renamed at E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 29 May 2011 18:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2011hugo-miramontesngpplaystationplaystation-vitaps-vitapsp-2psvitasonyvitaSun, 29 May 2011 18:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony will stream PlayStation E3 press conference straight to PlayStation Blog]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/29/sony-will-stream-playstation-e3-press-conference-straight-to-pla/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/29/sony-will-stream-playstation-e3-press-conference-straight-to-pla/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/29/sony-will-stream-playstation-e3-press-conference-straight-to-pla/#comments Never one to be left out, Sony has finally announced its plans to stream its E3 press conference directly into the PlayStation Blog. This follows in the footsteps of Nintendo, Microsoft and, despite our strenuous pleas to reconsider, even Konami. Make sure to circle June 6th in your Sexy Sony Executive calendar (June is Jack Tretton's month!), because things get going at 5pm PT.

Though Sony has something of a reputation for its press conferences dragging on (and on and on and on), we don't think this year's conference will take up the entire five hour event. Yes, Sony's event on the 6th is five hours long and yes, if it's all press conference we'll kill ourselves too. And that is where suicide pacts come from.

JoystiqSony will stream PlayStation E3 press conference straight to PlayStation Blog originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 29 May 2011 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E3E3-2011jack-trettonkaz-hiraiNGPplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitaSun, 29 May 2011 17:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Kojima: something big planned for 25th Metal Gear anniversary next year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/kojima-something-big-planned-for-25th-metal-gear-anniversary-ne/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/kojima-something-big-planned-for-25th-metal-gear-anniversary-ne/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/kojima-something-big-planned-for-25th-metal-gear-anniversary-ne/#comments Kojima Productions head honcho Hideo Kojima took to his company's official podcast to address some rumors surrounding his ongoing projects. Rather than elaborating on fans' questions (and potentially spoil Konami's long-term marketing plans), Kojima simply delivered either "Yes" or "No" answers (summed up by Andriasang).

First up: He won't be making any big splashes at next month's E3, (that's a "no"), but he did confirm that there are big plans afoot for next year's 25th anniversary of Metal Gear.

Before you get too excited, he also shot down the dream of a Metal Gear Solid 4 port to NGP, and offered another "No" when asked if MGS5 would be announced next month. As for the 3DS port of Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater, "yes," it'll arrive by year's end.

Finally, he noted that we won't see Metal Gear Solid Rising's multiplayer anytime soon, never mind at Microsoft's E3 presser (where he will not appear). Now we're hoping that Kojima's big surprise for next year is reversing all of this year's "No" answers.

[Image source: Mega64 (screencap)]

JoystiqKojima: something big planned for 25th Metal Gear anniversary next year originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 May 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dse3-2011hideo-kojimakojima-productionsmetal-gear-solid-5metal-gear-solid-risingmetal-gear-solid-snake-eater-3dmicrosoftngpplaystationplaystation-vitapodcastps3vitaxboxFri, 27 May 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ takes on distribution of four Codemasters releases this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/thq-takes-on-distribution-of-four-codemasters-releases-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/thq-takes-on-distribution-of-four-codemasters-releases-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/thq-takes-on-distribution-of-four-codemasters-releases-this-year/#comments THQ announced today that, through its THQ Partners unit, it would be handling the North American distribution of four of Codemasters 2011 releases. In fact, THQ Partners actually began its task today, with the release of Dirt 3 into the retail channel.

The deal also encompasses distribution of Operation Flashpoint: Red River, Bodycount and F1 2011. The new Operation Flashpoint hits June 7, with Bodycount set for "later this summer." Financial details of the deal weren't disclosed, but it has been confirmed that Codies will continue to handle the marketing of all four titles in-house.

JoystiqTHQ takes on distribution of four Codemasters releases this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 May 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bodycountcodemastersdirt-3distributiondsf1-2011marketingmicrosoftngpnintendooperation-flashpoint-red-riverpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3thqthq-partnersvitaxboxWed, 25 May 2011 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Collapse' game site registered by Ignition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/collapse-game-site-registered-by-ignition/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/collapse-game-site-registered-by-ignition/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/collapse-game-site-registered-by-ignition/#comments Domain hound superannuation has dug up pending website domain Collapse-TheGame.com, registered to Ignition Entertainment. The discovery would fit nicely with recent comments made by Ignition's Shane Bettenhausen, who told SideQuesting that there's a "99 percent chance" the company would be announcing a new project at E3. Of course, there's no evidence yet linking the so-called "Collapse" to the potential E3 reveal.

Bettenhausen added that the publisher's next project "might be" for NGP and suggested that Ignition's E3 announcement was dependent on Sony's press conference plan, according to SideQuesting.

Ignition's latest release, El Shaddai, was developed by its Tokyo-based studio and debuted in Japan a month ago. It's expected to be released in North America and Europe later this year.

The company's recently consolidated Austin branch is said to be working on the long-delayed FPS Reich. Additionally, Ignition's website (pictured above) indicates that the publisher has "more coming soon" to reveal.

Joystiq'Collapse' game site registered by Ignition originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 May 2011 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>collapsecollapse-the-gamedomain-registratione3-2011ignition-entertainmentngpplaystationplaystation-vitashane-bettenhausenunannouncedutv-ignition-gamesvitaTue, 24 May 2011 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Patent points at PlayStation Move-compatible PSP Go dock]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/patent-points-at-playstation-move-compatible-psp-go-dock/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/patent-points-at-playstation-move-compatible-psp-go-dock/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/patent-points-at-playstation-move-compatible-psp-go-dock/#comments A patent filed by Sony back in November 2009 (and recently published) with the USPTO seems to indicate that the company was once exploring methods of integrating its colorfully-tipped Move controllers into its handheld video games. The patent in question is for a dock which, in an attached illustration, fits a folded-shut PSP Go. The dock includes a built-in camera which functions like a PlayStation Eye, detecting Move controllers in a narrow radius in front of the dock.

If Sony's actually looking into developing this peripheral, it's far more likely that they're doing so for the NGP rather than the nearly-defunct PSP Go. If it is a real thing, though, it's definitely going to bring up some intriguing metaphysical questions. For instance: Is a handheld gaming device still a handheld gaming device when it's not hand-held?

JoystiqPatent points at PlayStation Move-compatible PSP Go dock originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 May 2011 21:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dockngppatentperipheralsplaystationplaystation-moveplaystation-vitapspsonyusptovitaMon, 23 May 2011 21:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Uncharted NGP takes place before Drake's Fortune, more details coming June 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/uncharted-ngp-takes-place-before-drakes-fortune-more-details-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/uncharted-ngp-takes-place-before-drakes-fortune-more-details-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/uncharted-ngp-takes-place-before-drakes-fortune-more-details-c/#comments Though Sony Bend is tasked with developing Uncharted for Sony's next handheld system, the franchise creators at Naughty Dog aren't above answering a few questions about Nathan Drake's NGP outing. In an interview with French site GameBlog.fr, Naughty Dog co-president Christophe Balestra placed the new game's setting between the first and second Uncharted games, but was later corrected by Sony. "It is an all-new story set before Uncharted: Drake's Fortune," Sony told us.

The correction is notable as Sony won't actually confirm any of the other details revealed by Balestra, telling us, "New information on Uncharted NGP (working title) will be released on June 2." The other details, however, are similarly intriguing: potential interaction between the NGP title and Uncharted 3 on PlayStation 3, and a focus on exploration over gunfights.

Let's hope we learn much more on June 2.

[Thanks, Elena]

JoystiqUncharted NGP takes place before Drake's Fortune, more details coming June 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 May 2011 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christophe-balestranaughty-dogngpplaystationplaystation-vitapspsonysony-benduncharted-ngpvitaMon, 23 May 2011 18:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7 aiming for all consoles this holiday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/19/lego-harry-potter-years-5-7-aiming-for-all-consoles-this-holida/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/19/lego-harry-potter-years-5-7-aiming-for-all-consoles-this-holida/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/19/lego-harry-potter-years-5-7-aiming-for-all-consoles-this-holida/#comments If you're as obsessed with the boy who lived as we are, this summer's final chapter in the Harry Potter film series is unlikely to sate your desire for British wizardry. Thankfully, Warner Bros. has announced that the next entry in the Lego Harry Potter series will arrive on pretty much anything that plays video games, sometime "this holiday."

Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7 follows Harry and co. through the treacherous final years at Hogwarts, leading up to the seventh book's catastrophic conclusions. Interestingly, the game is one of a handful of announced games for Sony's forthcoming system, the NGP (in addition to the PSP -- they're going to live alongside each other, remember?)

If Lego HP lives up to its promise of launching on all those consoles this holiday, it looks like North America is still set to be one of the first territories getting Sony's new handheld before year's end. Reps from WBIE hadn't gotten back to us as of publishing.

[Pictured: Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4]

JoystiqLego Harry Potter: Years 5-7 aiming for all consoles this holiday originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 May 2011 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsharry-potterlegolego-harry-potter-years-5-7microsoftngpnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspq4-2011release-datesonytt-gamesvitawarner-broswarner-bros-interactivewbiewiixboxThu, 19 May 2011 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[NGP and Xbox 360 unite, birth Chinese knockoff]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/05/ngp-and-xbox-360-unite-birth-chinese-knockoff/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/05/ngp-and-xbox-360-unite-birth-chinese-knockoff/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/05/ngp-and-xbox-360-unite-birth-chinese-knockoff/#comments No, Sony and Microsoft didn't finally decide to kiss, make up and release an incredible Xbox 360 / NGP hybrid. What you see above is in fact the iReadyGo RG. Boasting an NGP form factor and a decidedly Xbox 360 color scheme, the open source device supposedly packs a 1GHz processor, a 720p camera, HDMI output and support for a variety of video formats. Our cohorts at Engadget also report that the manufacturer is hiring Android developers, possibly indicating the final device will include Google's mobile OS.

What the iReadyGo RG won't offer: Uncharted on the go.

JoystiqNGP and Xbox 360 unite, birth Chinese knockoff originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 May 2011 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>knockoffmicrosoftngpplaystationplaystation-vitapspsonyvitaxboxThu, 05 May 2011 17:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony discusses the past and future of AR gaming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/10/sony-discusses-the-past-and-future-of-ar-gaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/10/sony-discusses-the-past-and-future-of-ar-gaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/10/sony-discusses-the-past-and-future-of-ar-gaming/#comments Sony's been working to tap the largely untapped augmented reality gaming market since 2003, when it launched the world's leading window wiping simulator, EyeToy Play. Check out the video below to see how their AR strategy has changed since then -- and where it's going in the coming years.

Continue reading Sony discusses the past and future of AR gaming

JoystiqSony discusses the past and future of AR gaming originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 10 Apr 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>araugmented-realityngpplaystationplaystation-moveplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitaSun, 10 Apr 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tretton talks up need for 'cutting edge' tech, MS and Nintendo falling behind]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/tretton-talks-up-need-for-cutting-edge-tech-ms-and-nintendo-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/tretton-talks-up-need-for-cutting-edge-tech-ms-and-nintendo-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/tretton-talks-up-need-for-cutting-edge-tech-ms-and-nintendo-f/#comments In a recent interview with Fortune, Sony PlayStation CEO Jack Tretton spoke up the strength of the upcoming NGP handheld, while simultaneously taking off the kid gloves. Speaking on the current console cycle, Tretton said, "If you're really going to sustain technology for a decade, you have to be cutting edge when you launch a platform." He added, "[Microsoft and Nintendo] are starting to run out of steam now in terms of continuing to be relevant in 2011 and beyond," Tretton said.

"I mean, you've gotta be kidding me," Tretton added, "Why would I buy a gaming system without a hard drive in it? How does this thing scale? Motion gaming is cute, but if I can only wave my arms six inches, how does this really feel like I'm doing true accurate motion gaming?" He also called out the family of DS hardware, saying Nintendo's handhelds are a "great babysitting tool," adding, "no self-respecting 20-something is going to be sitting on an airplane with one of those. He's too old for that."

Joke's on you, Mr. Tretton -- not only are we sitting on a plane playing with our DS, we're using it to play Pokémon. Any self-respect we may have once had has clearly been eroded into oblivion.

JoystiqTretton talks up need for 'cutting edge' tech, MS and Nintendo falling behind originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jack-trettonngpplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitaFri, 08 Apr 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Japan denies any earthquake-related NGP delays]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/sony-japan-denies-any-earthquake-related-ngp-delays/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/sony-japan-denies-any-earthquake-related-ngp-delays/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/sony-japan-denies-any-earthquake-related-ngp-delays/#comments Sony's Japanese arm has told the Wall Street Journal that earlier reports suggesting Japan's recent earthquake would delay the release of the NGP in some territories -- including comments made by SCEA president Jack Tretton -- were outright "wrong."

Company rep Satoshi Fukuoka said it expects "no impact from the quake on our launch plan," and that while that plan still calls for the device to arrive later this year, Sony has never said it would launch simultaneously in Asia, North America and Europe.

Sony will, however, continue to monitor the situation in the earthquake- and tsunami-ravaged region and alter its plans if necessary.

JoystiqSony Japan denies any earthquake-related NGP delays originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earthquakejapanngpplaystationplaystation-vitapspreleasesceasceiscejsonyvitawall-street-journalWed, 06 Apr 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tretton: Japan earthquake may push NGP out of 2011 in some regions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/04/tretton-japan-earthquake-may-push-ngp-out-of-2011-in-some-regio/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/04/tretton-japan-earthquake-may-push-ngp-out-of-2011-in-some-regio/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/04/tretton-japan-earthquake-may-push-ngp-out-of-2011-in-some-regio/#comments As a result of the recent earthquake in Japan, the NGP handheld may not make the holiday 2011 release window worldwide. "It may be the straw that says 'maybe we get to just one market by the end of the year,'" SCEA president Jack Tretton told Bloomberg, suggesting that Sony may opt to stagger production of the handheld and release it in just one territory this year. According to Bloomberg, damage from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami has slowed Sony's production line by forcing the closure of "several" factories in northern Japan. Sony's plan as of January was already to have the handheld out in "at least one territory" by holiday 2011. It's just more likely to be just one now.

Of course, we hope we can all agree that the people of Japan have more important things to worry about right now than rushing out video game hardware. On the upside, Tretton brought up the point that increased time before release will allow developers to put more work into their launch games.

JoystiqTretton: Japan earthquake may push NGP out of 2011 in some regions originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 18:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delaysearthquakejack-trettonjapanngpplaystationplaystation-vitapspsonyvitaMon, 04 Apr 2011 18:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Music Unlimited platform coming to PSP, NGP and Xperia Play]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/music-unlimited-platform-coming-to-psp-ngp-and-xperia-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/music-unlimited-platform-coming-to-psp-ngp-and-xperia-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/music-unlimited-platform-coming-to-psp-ngp-and-xperia-play/#comments In a recent interview with Eurogamer, COO of Sony Network Entertainment Shawn Layden confirmed that the company's Music Unlimited platform would soon make its way to PSP owners living in the UK in "a matter of weeks," and would appear on the NGP and Xperia Play later this year. The cloud-based music streaming service (which kicked off in the U.S. this year as part of the PS3's Qriocity application) will let listeners access their music and genre channels set up on a PC or PS3 on-the-go -- for a monthly fee, of course. We've contacted Sony to see if this info applies to the States as well.

Layden explained the inspiration came from the PSP and PS3's ability to share games between one another, adding that Sony hopes to, "bring all those different content domains into a more comprehensive space for the user." Hey, we're all about synergy, here. We just hope Sony finds a way to add Qriocity support to our most anticipated NGP launch title, Now That's How I Touch Music: Vol. 6.

JoystiqMusic Unlimited platform coming to PSP, NGP and Xperia Play originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mobilemusicmusic-unlimitedngpplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspqriocitysonystreamingvitaxperia-playFri, 01 Apr 2011 15:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Falcom announces NGP launch RPG, Trails in the Sky sequel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/falcom-announces-ngp-launch-rpg-trails-in-the-sky-sequel/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/falcom-announces-ngp-launch-rpg-trails-in-the-sky-sequel/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/falcom-announces-ngp-launch-rpg-trails-in-the-sky-sequel/#comments Nihon Falcom, creator of the Ys and Dragon Slayer series, has ardently supported the PSP with games, and will continue this trend into the next generation. According to an interview with Dengeki PlayStation magazine summarized by Andriasang, Falcom is developing a new role-playing game for the NGP, for release in that system's launch window.

Dengeki also announced a sequel to Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky, a game that happens to be coming out on PSP in North America. The sequel's name translates to Legend of Heroes: Trails of Blue. If you'd like to read more -- a lot more -- about that series, we can help with that.

[Image: The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky]

JoystiqFalcom announces NGP launch RPG, Trails in the Sky sequel originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>falcomjapanlegend-of-heroesngpnihon-falcomplaystationplaystation-vitapspsonythe-legend-of-heroes-trails-in-the-skyvitaWed, 23 Mar 2011 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NGP games will be downloadable day-and-date with retail releases]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/18/ngp-games-will-be-downloadable-day-and-date-with-retail-releases/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/18/ngp-games-will-be-downloadable-day-and-date-with-retail-releases/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/18/ngp-games-will-be-downloadable-day-and-date-with-retail-releases/#comments SCEA hasn't managed to deliver all PSP UMD releases digitally -- let alone simultaneously with retail -- and even said the likelihood of making such parity would be several years off. That doesn't appear to be the case with PSP's sucessor, the NGP, based on comments made by SCEE president Andrew House.

"One thing we learnt from PSP, is that we want to have simultaneous delivery in digital and physical for NGP," House told MCV. "Just to clarify that, all games that appear physically will be made available digitally."

While that's certainly positive news, we're still waiting on word about Sony filling in the gaps on downloadable PSP back-catalog games -- which will run on the NGP, some with patched-in support for the handheld's second analog stick. Then there's the matter of the system's proprietary flash storage media, needed to store downloaded games, being a bit fuzzy. In short: Sony still has a lot to explain about its powerful new portable.

JoystiqNGP games will be downloadable day-and-date with retail releases originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 16:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andrew-housedigital-distributionngpplaystationplaystation-vitapsnPSN-StorepspsonyvitaFri, 18 Mar 2011 16:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: 'NGP will arrive in Europe this year']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/report-ngp-will-arrive-in-europe-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/report-ngp-will-arrive-in-europe-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/report-ngp-will-arrive-in-europe-this-year/#comments UK trade site MCV reports that "sources" have told them that NGP "development deadlines have been set to ensure key Western releases are finished before the end of the summer for deployment in the autumn." And if you thought "sources" was vague, try "online leaks" which, according to MCV, " suggest the console will launch on Friday, November 11th." That's awfully specific, no?

Speaking with Engadget, SCEA's Jack Tretton already said that while Sony's desire might be for "a worldwide simultaneous launch," a more realistic goal would be to "get at least one territory out by the end of holiday 2011." If NGP only came to one territory this year, Japan would be the obvious choice; however, MCV's sources would indicate otherwise, with the site writing, "third party licensees insist that NGP will arrive in Europe this year."

Regardless of Sony's plans, a lot could happen between now and the end of the year.

JoystiqReport: 'NGP will arrive in Europe this year' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>NGPplaystationplaystation-vitapspsonyvitaThu, 10 Mar 2011 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[NGP in development 'since the beginning of 2008,' first-party Suite games in the works]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/ngp-in-development-since-the-beginning-of-2008-first-party-su/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/ngp-in-development-since-the-beginning-of-2008-first-party-su/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/ngp-in-development-since-the-beginning-of-2008-first-party-su/#comments How long has the successor to PSP been in the works? According to Sony Worldwide Studios president Shuhei Yoshida, "since the beginning of 2008." The timing coincides with the first rumors about the device, which (correctly) predicted the system's lack of a UMD drive, touch screen and dual analog support.

Yoshida also explained that Worldwide Studios had been officially involved with NGP game development since then, too, which helps explain the dearth of first-party content for the original PSP beginning in 2008. According to Wikipedia, Sony has released only 16 first-party games for the PSP in the last two years -- about the same number of games it had ready for the system's launch.

While Sony is working on delivering triple-A titles for the NGP launch, Yoshida noted that first-party teams are also working on "short form games" for PlayStation Suite, Sony's upcoming cross-platform service for NGP and Android. Given the last game we recall Sony ever developing for a non-PlayStation device was Wipeout 64, that's certainly an historic move.

JoystiqNGP in development 'since the beginning of 2008,' first-party Suite games in the works originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidmobilengpplaystationplaystation-suiteplaystation-vitapsppsp2shuhei-yoshidasonyvitaFri, 04 Mar 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NGP games will come on 2GB and 4GB cards, with room for save data, patches]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/ngp-games-will-come-on-2gb-and-4gb-cards-with-room-for-save-dat/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/ngp-games-will-come-on-2gb-and-4gb-cards-with-room-for-save-dat/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/ngp-games-will-come-on-2gb-and-4gb-cards-with-room-for-save-dat/#comments This slide, shown during Sony's Next Generation Portable GDC panel, shed some light on NGP's still-mysterious storage details. Unlike the experimental PSP Go, the NGP doesn't sport any internal storage. Things like save data and patches will be stored on the actual game cards themselves which, notably, will be offered in both 2GB and 4GB varieties, with 5 to 10 percent of the storage allocated to the aforementioned data. On a 2GB card, that leaves 1.8GB to 1.9GB for game data; on a 4GB card, that leaves 3.6GB to 3.8GB.

That puts the NGP's game media storage size between that of the PSP's, whose UMD discs range from 900MB to 1.8GB, and the PS3's, whose Blu-ray discs hold up to 50GB, though "many PS3 games" (i.e., multiplatform titles) remain around 9GB, thanks to the Xbox 360's DVD-ROM size limitation. Of course, as pointed out in a second slide (afer the break), this leaves the NGP with far more storage per game than a "10MB phone game."

But that's not all! As previously suggested, the NGP has another storage option, simply called "removable memory" in this presentation. "Cards will be large to support a variety of downloaded content," the slide says. This includes games available over PlayStation Network; and, thankfully, Sony says it's implementing a "single submission for both formats" to streamline the process of getting games approved for both card-based and downloadable releases.

We're hopeful this streamlined process obviates current embarassments like the continued absence of high-profile games in the PSN catalog of PSP titles, which has crippled the appeal of Sony's PSP Go handheld.

Continue reading NGP games will come on 2GB and 4GB cards, with room for save data, patches

JoystiqNGP games will come on 2GB and 4GB cards, with room for save data, patches originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GDCGDC-2011new-game-mediaNGPplaystationplaystation-vitapspPSP2sonyvitaThu, 03 Mar 2011 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Video from Sony's NGP panel: Uncharted Portable, Little Deviants, and augmented dino-reality]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/video-from-sonys-ngp-panel-uncharted-portable-little-deviants/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/video-from-sonys-ngp-panel-uncharted-portable-little-deviants/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/video-from-sonys-ngp-panel-uncharted-portable-little-deviants/#comments In order to show developers precisely what NGP is capable of - and to break up the fifty plus slides used in the one hour presentation! - Sony shared three live demos of NGP software and we dutifully recorded them.

Apologies for the poor quality of the NGP screen - the combination of the bright OLED screen being captured on video, piped to a conference center projector, and then in turn captured by our camera has resulted in some ... less than stellar video quality. But you will be able to glean the input mechanics and the style of gameplay (or in the case of the augmented reality demo, dinosaurplay). Check out videos of Little Deviants, Uncharted Portable, and augmented reality after the break.

Gallery: Sony Next Generation Portable (NGP) GDC panel

Continue reading Video from Sony's NGP panel: Uncharted Portable, Little Deviants, and augmented dino-reality

JoystiqVideo from Sony's NGP panel: Uncharted Portable, Little Deviants, and augmented dino-reality originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GDCGDC-2011little-deviantsmobileNGPoriginalplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspPSP2sonyUncharted-POrtablevitaWed, 02 Mar 2011 19:00:00 EST