To understand this God of War: Ascension review, you must understand my first foray into the God of War series. I had just had an unpleasant day at work, I wanted to play a game to escape, and I spotted the demo for God of War 3. I figured I would give it a try -- and I fell in love with the epic landscapes, violently entertaining battles (perfect for relieving stress) and the over-the-top epitome of machismo known as Kratos. Immediately I was hooked. I just had to know the whole story. I purchased the God of War … [Read more...]
MLB 13: The Show Review
Baseball and hockey are my two least favorite major league sports, a comment that doesn’t exactly make me unique among American males. The irony, of course, is that baseball is known as “America’s pastime” even in an era when football and basketball rule the roost. But with that context as a backdrop, Sony’s achievements with MLB 13: The Show become all the more impressive, as the resulting PS3-exclusive game is at once challenging and compelling -- even for a fair-weather fan like me. The balance of depth and … [Read more...]
Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time Review
I’ve been a fan of the Sly Cooper franchise since its debut a decade ago, when Sucker Punch introduced PS2 owners to its gorgeous cell-shaded platformer with kid-friendly cast. The game’s mix of stealth, platforming and level design had a certain charm to it that gripped me through three games in the series. Eventually the reins were handed to Sanzaru Games, which ported the original Sly Collection in HD to the PS3 in preparation for the fourth game in the series -- Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time. Franchise fans will … [Read more...]
PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale Review
When I saw the ads for PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale, my reaction was “We’ve been here before, I recognize that tree.” Actually, to be honest, it was a tad more skeptical, something like “Oh, so Sony finally made a Super Smash Brothers.” It turns out that while my statement was snarky, it wasn’t completely inaccurate, because it was the exact response I got whenever I told people what game I was playing on my PS3 recently. If you’re hoping for the surprise twist where I say “It’s nothing at all like Super Smash … [Read more...]
God of War: Ascension Unveiled for PS3; No Release Date Yet
You can put those rumors to rest about Sony unveiling the next PlayStation console at E3 in June; the company has dedicated itself to the PS3 for at least another year by unveiling God of War: Ascension exclusively for the current-gen system. No release date has been announced. God of War: Ascension is a prequel that will show Kratos' emotional path of redemption, while detailing the rise of his rage to break free from Ares' bond. The game will include a revamped combat system and a brand-new online multiplayer mode … [Read more...]
PlayStation Vita Sales Reach 1.2 Million Units Worldwide
With the PlayStation Vita available in North American and European stores for just over a week, Sony has reported that sales of the new handheld gaming system have topped 1.2 million units worldwide. That number is inclusive of all sales to date, including those in Asia, not just North America and Europe. According to Sony, the sales number has "exceeded expectations" and "firmly establish[ed] PS Vita as the must-have portable entertainment device across the world." Figures from Sony indicate that software sales … [Read more...]
Escape Plan Review
Much like the first SNES got gamers used to a console controller with six buttons, the PS Vita's initial titles are providing a gentle introduction to the system's various input options. Escape Plan fits that mold perfectly, a tactical puzzle game that starts with primarily front-touch controls but ramps up in complexity by eventually using front and back inputs, both thumbsticks, gyroscopic recognition and creative combinations of all three. The result is an interesting proof of concept for the hardware, but it doesn't … [Read more...]
Super Stardust Delta Review
Sony's new PlayStation Vita has a variety of firsts for a handheld system, and its touch-sensitive rear cover is in fact a first for the whole industry. When it comes to the actual game-playing experience, the PS Vita's use of two analog sticks is a welcome addition to the handheld landscape, and few of the system's launch games demonstrate how refreshing it is to have both thumbsticks better than Super Stardust Delta. Stardust began its days as a downloadable title for PlayStation 3, billed by some as Sony's answer … [Read more...]
Twisted Metal Now Available for PS3
Twisted Metal is back on a console, boys and girls, and there's a whole bunch of car-crunching combat about to take place via PSN because of it. Twisted Metal has shipped for PS3, with David Jaffe and Scott Campbell, the original creative team behind the franchise, once again at the helm. The new Twisted Metal game takes destruction to new heights for the franchise while retaining the signature dark humor, fast-action gameplay and world of cars and weapons. With four groups battling for control, players will have … [Read more...]
LittleBigPlanet 2: Special Edition Game Giveaway
LittleBigPlanet and Sackboy are virtual poster children for the PS3, a testament not just to creative gameplay but to the power of user-generated content to keep a game fresh for years. The latest outing, LittleBigPlanet 2: Special Edition, introduces PlayStation Move support from start to finish, as well as more than $35 of bonus content, new levels and new mini-games. We thought you might want to win a copy for yourself, so we're giving one away right here. With five giant story levels and seven side levels, … [Read more...]
