Joystiq

New AC adapter can charge PS3 peripherals

Justin McElroy — 2008-10-10T14:28:00+00:00

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Peripherals

Our friends in Japan will soon be able to free their USB ports from the tyranny of charging SIXAXISes (SIXAXES?), as Sony has announced they'll soon be releasing an AC adapter that can charge two PS3 peripherals. It's coming to Japan on Dec. 18 for 2,800 yen (about $28 USD).

No, we don't have a date on a U.S. release yet, but, our knowledgable friends at PS3 Fanboy hypothesize it will be cheaper when it reaches our shores.

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TGS 08: PSP Plus adds DualShock 3 controller functionality

Andrew Yoon — 2008-10-09T02:55:00+00:00

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Sony PSP

One of Sony's upcoming PSP games, Resistance Retribution, will utilize a newly developed technology called "PSP Plus." The feature will allow players of Retribution to connect their systems to the PS3, in order to enable use of PS3 wireless controllers. Using the DualShock will enable dual-analog control in the game. In addition, rumble will be supported. This potential use of connectivity was hinted at in a patent filed over a year ago.

Other games may be able to potentially utilize PSP Plus -- however, it is currently a Retribution-only tech. Stay tuned as we reveal the exciting additions PS3's Resistance 2 and PSP's Resistance Retribution will bring (together!).

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TGS 08: You got Metal Gear and Final Fantasy in my LittleBigPlanet

Jem Alexander — 2008-10-09T01:45:00+00:00

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, TGS

Sony has announced that two new LittleBigPlanet costumes will be made available for download in the future. Metal Gear Solid's Old Snake and Final Fantasy VII's Sephiroth have been stripped and their clothes donated to the LittleBigPlanet thrift store.

Unfortunately, there's no word on when they will be made available, or whether they'll be paid-for content. There's also no definite answer to whether they'll be available outside of Japan but, considering both games have large fanbases in the US and Europe, we'd be surprised if they didn't. Check out Sephiroth's Tokyo Game Show unveiling above and Old Snake's after the break.

Aren't they cute?

Gallery: LittleBigPlanet TGS 08

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Sony: No price cuts this holiday season

Justin McElroy — 2008-10-08T11:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3

If you've been waiting for the best time to buy a PS3 this holiday season, stop. Sony Computer Entertainment America spokesman Patrick Seybold has told Edge magazine that the company won't be making any pricing changes this holiday season, secure in the belief that the current PS3 cost, combined with the company's fall and winter lineup, will be more than enough to lure in consumers.

Honestly, after spending some time with LittleBigPlanet, we find it pretty hard to argue the point. For those of you who haven't taken the plunge: Is price still the issue?

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80GB PS3 releasing in Japan with bundles, various colors

Alexander Sliwinski — 2008-10-08T09:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Business

Famitsu reports (via IGN) that Sony will release the 80GB PS3 in Japan for the same price as the current 40GB model. For a limited time the company will also include Gran Turismo 5 Prologue Spec III with the system.

Sony will also offer an 80GB PS3 LittleBigPlanet bundle with extra DualShock 3 controller for about $50 more than the standard 80GB version. The company also plans to have a LittleBigPlanet and DualShock 3 bundle for about $80. All the new 80GB models, including the LBP controller bundle, will be offered in black, white and silver color varieties (already available for the 40GB as well). Remember, all this information applies only to Japan, so don't go thinking it's going to be a white 80GB PS3 Christmas.

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See Mario's World 1-1 in LittleBigPlanet

Justin McElroy — 2008-09-26T11:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3

You had to know this sort of thing was coming: As you can see right after the break, Super Mario Bros.' World 1-1 has been replicated in the make-your-own-fun platformer, LittleBigPlanet. It's not exact (in fact, we wouldn't be surprised to see players trying to immediately trump it) but it's still adorable.

What's surprising, though, is that it appears to lose a bit in the fun department during translation. Of course, maybe this is more about the actual achievement. We should really stop looking a gift Sackboy in the mouth.

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Sony uses Nintendo tune to welcome PS3 to Malaysia

Justin McElroy — 2008-09-23T08:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3

When the PS3 landed in other countries, it was met with only gigantic taxi cabs and a hail of bullets. With that in mind, using the Zelda theme song to celebrate the console's launch in Malaysia seems downright pedestrian. You read that right: when Mr. Naoi Sudo took to the stage, it was to the familiar strains that have accompanied nearly all of Link's adventures.

It's not a zany gun battle, but it's still a huge gaff for Sony in the massively important Malaysian market, where they can't afford a single misstep. We would be surprised to see all of Sony Malaysia get (a) pink slip, but make no mistake: Heads will roll.

[Via NWF]

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All 48 LittleBigPlanet trophies revealed

Griffin McElroy — 2008-09-21T12:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Action

Exactly one month stands between us and the release of Media Molecule's ambitious, customizable platformer LittleBigPlanet -- for the masses who've been eagerly anticipating the title since its Go! Team-infused GDC 2007 reveal, that kind of wait could be nigh-unbearable. Being the altruistic so-and-sos we are, we thought we'd help alleviate your impatience with a recently leaked, complete list of LBP trophies (posted after the break) -- though we imagine there's a good chance that further details about the game could only increase your already fevered excitement. If that's the case, we're totally sorry.

Bronze Trophies

The Gardens - Complete all levels in The Gardens
The Savannah - Complete all levels in The Savannah
The Wedding - Complete all levels in The Wedding
The Canyon - Complete all levels in The Canyon
The Metropolis - Complete all levels in The Metropolis
The Islands - Complete all levels in The Islands
The Temples - Complete all levels in The Temples
Expert Creator - Complete all levels in the tutorials
Artist - Place a sticker
Homemaker - Place 10 stickers or decorations in your pod
Fashion Sense - Choose a costume for your sackperson with at least one item on your head, at least one item on your body, and a material
Forager - Collect 25% of the prize bubbles on the story levels
Sticky Fingers - Collect 50% of the prize bubbles on the story levels
Treasure Hunter - Collect 75% of the prize bubbles on the story levels
2X Multiplier! - Get a 2X Multiplier
8X Multiplier! - Get a 8X Multiplier
Incredible Speed! - Travel at incredible speed
Incredible Height! - Travel to an incredible height
Friendly - Complete a level with more than one player
Party Person - Complete a level online with 3 other players who are on your friends list
Socialite - Complete a level online with 3 other players who are not on your friends list
Top of the Class - Win a 4-player game
Traveler - Complete a community level
FIRST! - Be among the first 10 people to complete a community level
Opinionated - Tag a community level
Neighborhood - Watch Heart 5 community levels
Networking - Heart 3 authors
Talkative - Post a comment on a community level
Creator - Build and save a level with the thermometer more than 30% full
Team Creator - Build and save a level with more than one player with the thermometer more than 30% full
Publisher - Publish a level
Look What I Made! - A level you published was played by 5 or more people
Trendsetter (Hidden) - Place a sticker or a decoration on another player's sackperson
Cranium Collector (Hidden) - Kill 100 Creatures across all levels
Secret Stickerist (Hidden) - Unlock the race in First Steps
Sackbird (Hidden) - Spend 8 seconds or more in the air

Silver Trophies

Just Beginning - Complete all the main path story levels
20X Multiplier! - Get a 20X Multiplier
Hi Score - Collect 1,000,000 points over all levels you have played
Booty Master - Collect all the prize bubbles on the story levels
Dr Frankenstein - Create a living creature with at least 2 eyes, 2 legs or wheels, and a brain
Crowd Pleaser - A level you published was played by 50 or more people
Feel the Love - A level you published was hearted by 10 or more people
Celebrity - You were hearted by 5 or more people as a player

Gold Trophies

Play - Complete all story levels without dying, with the exception of those levels that only end when you die
Create - A level you published was hearted by 50 or more people and you were hearted by 30 or more people
Share - Play 150 community levels, tag 50 community levels and heart 10 community levels

Platinum Trophy

Earn all LittleBigPlanet trophies to unlock this platinum trophy

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Molyneux: PS3 still waiting on defining title

Griffin McElroy — 2008-09-20T18:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3

In a recent interview with gamesindustry.biz, Peter Molyneux, the outspoken creator of Black and White and Fable, gave his opinion of a territory he's relatively unfamiliar with -- the PlayStation 3. Molyneux, whose games have appeared exclusively on PCs and Microsoft's home consoles, explained his position that the PS3 is "still waiting for that definition title that represents the platform", much like Wii Sports has for the Wii, and how he hopes Fable 2 will for the Xbox 360. We'd probably award that honor to a certain ring-shaped shooter, but hey, to each his own.

Molyneux tried to smooth the assuredly ruffled feathers of the PS3 camp by stating his belief that LittleBigPlanet, whose development team was founded by former Lionhead Studios employees, could fill that void. He goes on to sing the praises of the texturized platformer, saying that he's "incredibly proud of what they've done," and that "it's just an amazing experience to see how their game has progressed." We wonder if he can maintain his LittleBigEnthusiasm when Fable 2 and LBP compete for top honors on their shared release date of Oct. 21.

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Eternal Sonata coming to stateside PS3s Oct. 21

Griffin McElroy — 2008-09-13T11:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, RPGs

Namco-Bandai recently slapped an official U.S. release date on the PS3 version of Eternal Sonata, the former Xbox 360 exclusive RPG that conducted its way into our hearts nearly a year ago. While you're attempting to choose between The Joker or Jack Sparrow for your Halloween costume (very, very original, by the way), your attention may be diverted by the Chopin-tastic adventure, which will be landing on stateside pee-ess-threes on October 21. Considering the title will have been out for 13 months by then, we're not sure what fresh insight we could possibly add to the conversation, so we'll settle for an endorsement -- Eternal Sonata is the best musician-centric title since 50 Cent: Bulletproof.

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Motorstorm: Pacific Rift European demo to be sent to 'lucky few' on Thursday

Griffin McElroy — 2008-09-07T17:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Driving

Here in the States, Qore subscribers will be able to fling mud across the startled faces of both friends and enemies alike in the Motorstorm: Pacific Rift demo which is due out this week for those who purchased the fourth installment of Sony's online gaming mag. Unfortunately, Qore number four isn't available on the PSN in other territories -- however, a recent news brief from unofficial PlayStation blog Three Speech hints that Europeans will receive the demo soon -- albeit in a fairly unconventional manner.

Three Speech reports that random European PS3 owners will be receiving vouchers this coming Thursday via email which will allow them to download the Pacific Rift demo on PSN. We're not entirely sure why Sony decided upon this "Golden Ticket" approach for the demo's release -- sure, the hype built from all the exclusivity will likely pay off, but will all the disappointment felt by the unchosen really be worth it?

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PAX 2008 hands-on: Valkyria Chronicles

Jem Alexander — 2008-09-04T07:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Features, Sony PlayStation 3, RPGs, Strategy

Final Fantasy Tactics meets X-Com in a Miyazaki-esque, Advance Wars universe. With watercolors. That's what you get when you play Sega's upcoming strategy RPG, Valkyria Chronicles. The PS3 exclusive is already out in Japan but will be heading West before the end of the year and, from what we saw of the game at PAX, it will be Sega's console gem of the year.

We were guided through the game's tutorial by the producer, Christopher Kaminski, who showed off the basic gameplay mechanics. It's a strategy RPG, but there's no grid. Instead, you have a "fuel" meter, which depletes as you move farther, giving the game more of an action RPG feel.

Gallery: Valkyria Chronicles (Leipzig 2008)

A line-of-sight system means that battles will feel more realistic than the normal strategy turn-based fare. A literal line of sight extends from each enemy, showing the limits of their vision -- they'll attack should you enter it. Likewise, your character will receive an attack of opportunity when an enemy enters his line of sight.

When a character's fuel meter runs down, you can switch to another one by zooming out onto a board game-esque map screen. The swooping transition in and out of the battlefield works really nicely at connecting the map screen to the gameplay. Unfortunately, there's no quick way of switching between enemies, so there's a chance that constantly moving from map to gameplay could get tiring.

If you've seen any screenshots from the game (and if you haven't, head gallerywards) then you'll have noticed the gorgeous watercolor-style anime art style. This is even more impressive in motion -- both cutscenes and in-game graphics look great and the overall style sets the game apart from other hyper-realistic titles. Comic-style visual sound effects can be found throughout, with explosions KABOOMing and tanks rolling along with a visible rumble.

The colorful, sometimes over-exaggerated world makes an interesting setting for what promises to be a pretty long campaign mode. The producer told us that there are between 40 to 50 hours of gameplay in there, so those of you looking for a JRPG that you can really sink your teeth into have something to look forward to this November. Gameplay looks to be sufficiently mixed up with the inclusion of a class system and various vehicles to take control of.

The tutorial showed off a number of Valkyria Chronicles' intricacies and gave hints to further depths in the later stages of the game. We would've liked to have seen these too, but what we played was definitely fun and different enough to get us to play the full version when it's finally released. If you're a fan of SRPGs, or just fancy trying something unique, then hopefully you'll do the same.

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Pain DLC delayed a week, trophies toned down

Kyle Orland — 2008-09-04T00:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Casual

Like a hot nurse kissing a mime, there's something good and something bad in today's update from the always-busy developers behind the PS3's bone-breaking simulator, Pain. First, the bad news: the downloadable "Uncle Jimmy's Fun Park" level, originally planned for release tomorrow, has been delayed, and is currently targeted for release on the ominous date of Sept. 11.

Why was it delayed? Well that's the good news: the development team has been spending its time scaling back the difficulty of the somewhat ridiculous trophies it announced last month. Seems testers didn't have too much fun grinding their way through the "one billion points" trophy, among others. The new trophy list, which is copied below the break, is also set to be downloadable on Sept. 11
GOLD TROPHIES

King of Pain: Get All Downtown Trophies plus Trill and Grenade-a-Maid
Affliction Addiction: Get One 100 Million Points in Downtown (Change from 1 Billion)

SILVER TROPHIES

Harder Dick's Balls: Get all of Dicks Balls in the Block Party Dumpster w/o reset
Rodeo Clown: Use Ed to Explode 500 barrels in Clown Toss (Change from 5,000)
Ninja pwn: Hit the Target Stuffed Ninja in every Amusement Park Mode
2 Mill Club: Get "Pain in the Park" and "D-Town Destruction" (Change from 10 Mil)
Trill: Get Painful Bullseye Trophy with Scurv Dogg or Hung Lo add-on characters (Instead of Tosser)

BRONZE TROPHIES

Dude Abides: Use "The Dude" to score 30 Strikes in Bowling (Change from 50 Strikes)
D-Town Destruction: Get 2,000,000 score in Paindemonium and Aftermath (Change from 10 million)
Pain in the Park: Get 2,000,000 score in Abusement and After Hours (Change from 10 million)
Combo Mambo: Get 15x Combo in Paindemonium, Aftermath, Block Party, Demolition (Change from 20x)
Horsin' a Clown: Take the Clown for a ride on the Roller Coaster
Glutton: Make 30 "Eat It!" shots in "Call da Shot"
Constipated: Get 100 Strikes in Bowling (Change from 250 Strikes)
Pain and Mane: Play 100 Games of Trauma or Horse
Attention Spam: Get every type of PAIN (Groin, Head, Arm, Hand, Leg, Foot and Body) combo in Paindemonium, Aftermath, Block Party, Demolition.
Grenade-a-Maid: Get Exploded 200 times with any female launchable add-on character*(Change from 500 times)

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LBP (LittleBigPlanet) gets LPB (limited public beta) this month

Kyle Orland — 2008-09-03T21:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Online, Casual

Those of you who just can't wait for that somewhat amorphous Little Big Planet release date should keep your ears to the ground this month. A developer on the PlayStation message boards let slip that the game will be put through a "limited public beta" sometime this month -- a sort of stress test of the game's architecture before the full release.

How do you get in on that hot, hot customizable platformer action? Well, that's also a little amorphous. "If it will be possible to 'sign up' for this test, full information on how to do so will be made public in advance of the test," the developer writes. "Similarly if the test is going to be conducted in an invitation-only we will let you know ahead of time." Of course, once that information is out there, you'll read about it here.

[Via PS3Fanboy]

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PAX 2008 hands-on: WipEout HD

Jem Alexander — 2008-09-01T15:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Features, Sony PlayStation 3, Driving

It's been a long time coming, but WipEout HD is, we're assured, almost with us. Now improved and 100% epilepsy free, the game was available to play on the PAX show floor at Sony's booth. With idle hands leading to all sorts of terrible things, it seemed only right that we put them to work on something constructive by taking a futuristic hover car for a test drive.

It's easy to forget just how pretty WipEout HD is, seeing as the last time we saw it was at Leipzig 2007. The art style is so strong and works so well in HD -- we saw it draw many people passing by to stop and watch. Screenshots are one thing, but the game in motion is a joy to behold. Even whilst close up to the screen, the game looked sharp, with aliasing being almost imperceptible on some levels. Though, having said that, it was more visible on other levels, but never was it a distraction from WipEout HD's overall visual quality.

Gallery: WipEout HD

Tired of gray and brown current-gen titles? WipEout HD more than compensates by assaulting your eyeballs with as many different colors as humanly possible (no wonder it failed the epilepsy test). One level in particular starts off completely white, with a tidal wave pulsing through every so often. Every time it passes by, the colors of the environment change, each one bold and saturated, as is the norm for the series. Potentially distracting, this made playing through the level a joy as it constantly fluxed and changed around us.

"Obviously, we crashed on purpose just to check out what it looked like. Obviously."

All this is compounded by the silky smooth framerate, which never wavered no matter how hard we tried to trip it up. Even the crashing animation looks stunning, with your craft splitting into glowing chunks and exploding in a burst of light. Obviously, we crashed on purpose just to check out what it looked like. Obviously.

As for gameplay, there's not much that's new here. As the name suggests, it's any WipEout game you've ever played, but in HD. Controls are still rock solid (we didn't try SIXAXIS controls, but the option is there if you're feeling masochistic). Powerups are the same and even most of the tracks can be found in previous iterations of the game.

One aspect of the game that has been added in since we last saw it is a split-screen competitive mode. A huge boon for the latest entry in a franchise that has been a popular party game over previous console generations. The implementation is well thought out too, with the ability to select either horizontal or vertical split screen. Really, horizontal's the only real choice, but it's nice to have the option.

It's kind of scary seeing games such as this, alongside PixelJunk Eden and Ratchet & Clank: Quest For Booty, being made available for download. This game easily has the graphics and gameplay of a full Blu-ray title. WipEout HD is a game we were looking forward to grabbing from the PSN Store over a year ago. While our desire for the title dwindled as it faded out of the public eye, seeing it again in full force has us hyped all over again. Now if only we had a solid release date ...

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European 80GB PS3/LittleBigPlanet bundle spotted

Kyle Orland — 2008-09-01T14:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Business, Casual

Apparently, Sony won't be satisfied until every single PlayStation game is available as part of a bundle with a system. The latest title in this cavalcade of software tie-ins is apparently LittleBigPlanet, which a French retailer has revealed as part of a €399 European bundle with the 80GB PS3. The combo package will be available on Nov. 5, according to the retailer, complete with the incredibly busy box pictured above. Seriously, it looks like a unicorn vomited a graffiti-flavored rainbow on this thing. Also, is it just us or does that masked face in the lower right look suspiciously like Strong Bad?

[Via PSExtreme]

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PS3 Fanboy go-nuts for doughnuts at the PlayStation Blog PAX meetup

Joystiq Staff — 2008-09-01T08:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Culture, Sony PlayStation 3, Sony PSP, Galleries

Click to satisfy appetite.

Like PlayStation? Like doughnuts? PS3 Fanboy loves both, so a PlayStation Blog PAX meetup at a local doughnut cafe in Seattle seemed like a match made in heaven. Check out the PS3 Fanboy photo gallery from the event, which shows off the many attendees, competitive WipEout Pulse players (one of whom won a MGS4 PS3) and swag. Did we mention there were many free and tasty doughnuts as well?

Gallery: PlayStation Blog PAX 2008 meetup

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Joystiq interview: LittleBigPlanet's Pete Smith and Jim Unwin

Jem Alexander — 2008-08-27T08:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Action

The LittleBigPlanet breakdown session was a little different than most. We've been seeing the game at every trade show since it was revealed at GDC 2007. As a result, the session took a more informal Q&A approach, rather than a showcase for the game's features.

Those present - producer Pete Smith and interface designer Jim Unwin - did start off by volunteering some information: Firstly, the game is finished and pretty much ready to go. The European release date has been finalized as October 29th, with other regions to be confirmed later. Barring unforeseen circumstances there's no reason at all why this game shouldn't ship in time.

We were also told that when LittleBigPlanet was first shown at GDC, Media Molecule had only about five members. As much as the presentation at GDC was a glimpse into the PS3's future, it was also a hiring pitch. Media Molecule was looking for new members in order to work on this incredibly ambitious project. The level shown at GDC was the entirety of LittleBigPlanet up until that point. In fact, they hadn't even finalized the name until a few days before.

Gallery: LittleBigPlanet

As a result of this, the game has been developed in the public eye, which is why it feels like it's taken so long to release. Normally, you won't see a game revealed until much later in the production process. Smith confirmed that there are plans for paid-for and free downloadable content, but bemoaned the rumors and speculation flying around about things like allowing people to charge for their levels. "We don't know that stuff ourselves, yet. We're going to be listening to the community once the game comes out, to see what you want."

The game has a global server, allowing you to share your level creations with people anywhere in the world, and you'll play co-operatively in the same way. 50 trophies are included with LittleBigPlanet and, as if to tease us further, Unwin scrolled through them, just to make sure we got the picture.

Could you clarify for us whether image importing into LittleBigPlanet is only via the PlayStation Eye? Or are there other methods?

At the moment it's only possible with the PlayStation Eye, but other methods could be patched in later. There's so much stuff we want to put in this game, but if we add all of it before launch, it's never going to come out. So there's a lot of stuff that we've had to delay. We say delay, and not cut, because that's exactly what we mean. This game was made to have content patched in later.

Of course, if you take a look at the list of stickers and other content available in the Create mode -- [at this point Unwin scrolls through the scarily long list] -- you'll see that there's plenty of stuff to keep your creative side happy for now. Obviously this won't all be available at the start of the game, that would be overwhelming. You'll earn this stuff as you play through.

Are there limits to how much you can put in a level?

There's a thermometer in the Create mode which shows how complex your level is. This is just a rough estimation and we've only ever seen it maxed out once and that was here, at Leipzig. One guy kept a level open for an entire day while groups of German press rotated in and more content was added. By the end of the day it was maxed out, but none of our levels, the ones on the game disc, even come close.

Are you going to be moderating the content of levels? This is quite likely to happen, especially when you allow use of the PlayStation Eye to take pictures.

We'll be using a similar model to SingStar. There'll be user moderation, so people can flag different levels if they find content abusive. The thing about the PlayStation Network, as opposed to the internet in general, is that you're never truly anonymous. You've signed up to the service and have to log in to post levels, so we've got information on you.

We could brick someone's PS3. I mean, that's an extreme example, but we have the ability to do that. Mostly, though, your level will be removed and, if you repeatedly offend, you could get banned from the service.

How many levels will be on the disc?

Around 50-ish. There'll be an interlinking story, too, so it's not just a random selection of levels. About the first half of the game is one long tutorial, introducing you to all the gameplay mechanics in the game.

Will there be any levels that require the Create mode to get to the end?

No, not to beat the level. Though there are levels where using the create mode will allow you to access hidden areas. The Create mode will have its own set of tutorials to get you used to it.

How long does the game take to complete, if you just focus on completing the developer-made levels?

It takes me [Jim Unwin, interface designer] about 12 hours to complete all the levels, and I've been developing the game for the past however-many months. So expect it to take a bit longer than that.

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Amazon puts PS3 deals in the Gold Box

Justin McElroy — 2008-08-25T13:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3

If you've been holding off for just the right moment to get a PS3, that moment may be swiftly approaching: At midnight (Pacific Time) on Wednesday Amazon will be mounting a Gold Box event that features all PS3 deals, all day.

Now, we admit we have no real clue what will be up for grabs or just how good the savings will be. But, hey, if the Circus of Values pulls into town and you miss it, don't come crying to us.

[Via PS3 Fanboy]

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Joystiq hands-on: Killzone 2 multiplayer

Jem Alexander — 2008-08-25T11:09:00+00:00

Filed under: Features, Sony PlayStation 3, First Person Shooters

Killzone 2's multiplayer gameplay was shown off behind closed doors at the Leipzig Game Convention this week and we were there to get our hands well and truly on. As is customary for these breakdown sessions, we were given a short presentation by members of the development team.

We were told about the Squad system, which allows players to form 4-man groups mid-game. Doing so will show your squadmates' health bars, allow you a private headset channel and let you use the squad leader as a spawn point, keeping you together constantly. Setting up squads is easily done in the spawn menu. When a player receives a squad invite, they will receive a flashing notification. Accepting or declining takes only a couple of button presses from that point, making sure you're kept in the game at all times.

Guerilla Games also ran through the extensive community features found in the game. Full clan support, featuring 64 players each, 16 vs 16 clan challenges, four separate leaderboards, a mind-boggling array of stats being tracked and a clan currency system. "Valor" is wagered by each clan at the start of inter-clan skirmishes, with the total being awarded to the winner. Earning valor will propel you up the leaderboards and the intention is to host official clan tournaments, made up of 256 clans, with the entire valor pot going to the overall winner.

Gallery: Killzone 2 (Leipzig 2008)

Community features are all very well, but without a game to back it up it's all a bit moot. Thankfully, Killzone 2 is an exceptional multiplayer experience. It's fast paced, frantic and, most importantly, fun. This is aided mostly by the class system, which adds a tremendous amount of depth to the game. You'll start life as a lowly soldier. No special abilities to your name, but you do have the best selection of weapons. Rising through the ranks will reward you with new "badges" (classes) at specific intervals. These have been strategically managed so that they are awarded in order, with those that affect gameplay least being the easiest to obtain.

We played at first as a Helghast scout; a three-eyed hooded assassin. With a sniper rifle. Each class has two abilities: A primary ability that's set in stone (invisibility, in our case) and a secondary ability which can be swapped out for any other class' secondary ability. We stuck with the scout's enemy location tagging. These skills may seem powerful, but they have their limitations. Whilst standing still our invisibility cloak works perfectly, but whilst moving the integrity of the invisibility weakens. Firing a weapon removes it completely and we can only reactivate it if the ability has refreshed, WoW style. All skills have a refresh period like this.

The level we played was pretty vast and, despite playing against Guerilla Games employees in Amsterdam, lag was non-existent. The graphics are indistinguishable from the single player gameplay and the motion blur and (incredibly) pretty explosions are ever-present. We've seen this game a few times now and we're still amazed by how good it looks whenever we get a chance to play. According to our copilot, Guerilla Games' Simon Larouche, the only limitation they have to take into account for multiplayer is destructibility. Physics objects such as locker doors will still exist in multiplayer, but fully destructible walls will not.

Team Deathmatch works via a tug-of-war style system. Each faction has a meter which shows how close they are to winning. The more enemies that are killed, the more your meter fills. Being killed reduces your team's meter, however, so if two opposing factions are equally matched the game could go on for quite a while. You won't mind, though. The class system allows you to mix up your gameplay style after any death, Team Fortress style.

The level was huge and, at first, a bit daunting. There were also a few frustrating moments when we were looking around for enemies for what felt like five minutes only to be shotgunned in the face when we found someone. Despite the lack of headsets, teamwork was prevalent with medics healing the wounded and team mates rushing to help those between a rock and a hard place. There's something about the game which makes you feel more connected to the others on your faction.

An open beta is on the cards, but won't be released until after the Resistance 2 and SOCOM betas, for obvious reasons. The game will not be suffering from any region locking - when you start a match you are the server, so anyone across the world can join. If you're searching for an already set-up online game, then the default is to be shown games in your territory, but you're also given the choice to search worldwide if you wish to.

Killzone 2's multiplayer is more than just a mere bullet point for the back of the box. Considering all the hype has been about the single player for so long, we never expected the multiplayer to be so fleshed out. It remains to be seen if Killzone 2 can trump Resistance 2's 60-player online battles or Call of Duty 4's stranglehold on gamer's multiplayer time, but Guerilla is putting up quite a fight.

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