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PlayStation Around The Web: What We Read

Jeff Rubenstein — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 19:09:45 +0000

Good Sunday to you! With the PlayStation Vita releasing to the first North American consumers this Wednesday, we’d like to answer any lingering questions you may have about the device. So tomorrow at 3pm Pacific, I’ll be hosting a live PS Vita Q&A/demo session right here on the Blog. So if there’s anything you’d like to see demonstrated, or have any hardware or PSN-related questions, please Tweet them at us using the #PSVitaChat hashtag.

Even if you don’t have any questions to ask, we’ll be revealing some new details about Resistance Burning Skies, and maybe a few other things as well. See you tomorrow afternoon!

The PS.Blog weekly reading list (Week of February 6, 2012

The PlayStation Recap — Totally Twisted Edition

Sid Shuman — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 20:53:20 +0000

It’s a rewarding time to be a part of the PlayStation community with the long-awaited birth of Twisted Metal on PS3 and the arrival of the PS Vita First Edition Bundle next week, followed by the nationwide launch of PS Vita on February 22nd. Exciting times! Oh, and before I forget, this is your last weekend to sign up for Starhawk beta early access. Don’t miss out!

In other news, Twisted Metal co-Director David Jaffe invited you to blow up his truck, Twisted Metal fans can score exclusive multiplayer skins (and a discount on flowers!), The Tester 3 launched with much fanfare, Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus official joined PS Vita’s launch-day lineup, Square Enix showed of multiplayer footage from intriguing PS Vita launch title Army Corps of Hell, PlayStation: The Official Magazine revealed its new Starhawk cover story, Zen Pinball revealed its RPG-themed expansion, and we provided an inside look at the launch of PS Vita in a new behind-the-scenes video.

Are you picking up Twisted Metal or the PS Vita First Edition Bundle next week? What games are you catching up on over the weekend? Let us know in the comments!

I’m playing: Twisted Metal, Lumines Electronic Symphony

I’m watching: Chronicle, The Grey

I’m reading: Digital Foundry: PS3 Skyrim Lag Fixed?

I’m listening to: Official PlayStation Blogcast 011: The David Bleeping Jaffe Show

Most-Watched Video of the Week: PlayStation Vita – Official Unboxing

The 10 Most-Viewed Posts of the Week

How to Download PSP Titles to PS Vita – More than 275 PSP games will be available to play on PS Vita day one — here’s the current list and full details.

PlayStation Store Update – Gotham City Impostors, Shank 2, The Simpsons, Jak and Daxter, new UNCHARTED 3 DLC, three new full PS3 games and more.

Woo-hoo! The Simpsons: Arcade Game Hits PSN Tomorrow – This four-player coin-op classic has spent more than 20 years in console purgatory. The wait is finally over!

Starhawk: Limited Edition and Box Art Revealed – Pre-order now to get an automatic, free upgrade to the Limited Edition and all the benefits and content that bestows.

PlayStation Vita: The Unboxing – Peer into the gleaming box of the First Edition Bundle in this new video. PS Vita is just days away!

Play as the Villains in New Uncharted 3 Co-op Adventure DLC – Fort Co-Op Adventure marks the first time you’ll be able to play co-op as the UNCHARTED villains: Zoran Lazarević, Eddy Raja, and Harry Flynn.

Jak and Daxter Collection Available In Store and on PSN Today – Whether you buy it on disc or on PSN, you’ll get access to three classic PS2 games and more than 100 Trophies.

Dive Into PS Vita’s Augmented Reality Suite – PS Vita launches with a pack of Augmented Reality Play cards and free downloadable minigames. Get a tour of Fireworks and Cliff Diving here.

Vita Hill Social Club Calendar: Upcoming Events – Wanna play Mortal Kombat on PS Vita? How about Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3? Here’s how.

MLB 12 The Show: See the New Miami Marlins Ballpark – Learn how the team at San Diego Studios accurately recreated every square inch of this new stadium.

PlayStation Around The Web: What We Read

Jeff Rubenstein — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 17:19:04 +0000

Most people have their Super Bowl plans locked up by now (I’ve got a rack of ribs with my name on it), but what about tomorrow? If you’re in the SoCal area, why not head on down to the Santa Monica Vita Hill Social Club for our (free) Tester Season 3 launch party. You can compete with Tester participants, meet host Meredith Molinari (she’s sweet!) and the judges, as well as my coworker Will “68 Platinum Trophies” Powers. And, you know, play some PS Vita. Click here for details.

Oh, and: Giants or Patriots? As an Eagles fan, I find the whole thing very depressing. Pass me another rib.

The PS.Blog weekly reading list (Week of January 30, 2012)

The PlayStation Recap — Big Guns Edition

Sid Shuman — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 23:27:47 +0000

I’m quietly stunned by how quickly 2012 has kicked into gear: This week gave us major new releases in the form of Soulcalibur V and Final Fantasy XIII-2; next week sees the release of The Darkness II and Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, followed by Twisted Metal and the PS Vita First Edition Bundle the following week. What upcoming release are you most interested in playing?

This week saw a deluge of information for 2012′s gaming crop: Game Informer revealed its The Last of Us cover story, Gearbox Software CEO Randy Pitchford discussed Aliens: Colonial Marines and what he knows about Prometheus, Drinkbox Studios showed off Mutant Blobs Attack for PS Vita, the team behind MLB 12 The Show served up two new videos devoted to the improved batting and pitching gameplay, a new video revealed MotorStorm RC’s online features and PS3-to-PS Vita competition, Starbreeze Studios gave us a tour of its well-received Syndicate co-op demo, The Tester 3 revealed a sneak peek of its first episode, NIS America showcased Disgaea 3: Absence of Detention for PS Vita, and Team 17 revealed its PSN release plans for Worms Ultimate Mayhem.

I’m playing: Mortal Kombat for PS Vita, Twisted Metal Multiplayer Demo, Soulcalibur V

I’m watching: Homeland

I’m reading: The End of Business as Usual by Brian Solis

I’m listening to: Official PlayStation Blogcast 010: The Curious Case of Final Fantasy XIII-2

Most-Watched Video of the Week: Mortal Kombat on PS Vita

The 10 Most-Viewed Posts of the Week

PlayStation Plus February Preview: Free The Simpsons Arcade Game, Far Cry 2, Final Fantasy V and More

PlayStation Store Update

Hands-On: Mortal Kombat for PS Vita

First MW3 Maps Hit PS3 Call of Duty Elite Premium Members on 2/28

Twisted Metal Multiplayer Demo Coming to PSN Today

It Begins: 3 Ways to Win a PS Vita Early Only From Taco Bell

Dev Diary: Skullgirls is a Feature-Rich PSN Fighter

Special Launch Day PS Vita 3G/Wi-Fi Bundle Announced

Lumines Electronic Symphony: Q-Games’ Love Letter to Electronic Music

MLB 12 The Show: Franchise Mode Improvements

PlayStation Around The Web: What We Read

Jeff Rubenstein — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 17:57:51 +0000

Finally – games are coming out again! This Tuesday brings us some high-profile new releases, including Final Fantasy XIII-2 (find a couple of reviews below). You’ll be able to find the week’s entire release list (retail and digital) right here later on today.

Don’t forget: if you’re in the Bay Area, please join us on Thursday for David Jaffe’s Twisted Metal tournament at Mezzanine.

The PS.Blog weekly reading list (Week of January 23, 2012)

The PlayStation Recap — Never Stop Playing Edition

Sid Shuman — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 23:16:45 +0000

Lots of news to keep track of this week, from the launch of Taco Bell’s exclusive PS Vita giveaway to first details on SSX’s PS3-only Mt. Fuji mountain, to the release of MLB 12 The Show’s first trailer. Ubisoft stopped by to give us a quick look at its PS Vita launch lineup: Michael Jackson The Experience, Asphalt: Injection, Rayman Origins, Lumines: Electronic Symphony, and Dungeon Hunter Alliance. The crew of The Tester Season 3 even released a video tour of the winner’s future workplace at Sony Santa Monica Studios.

What are you playing this weekend? Don’t forget: PS Vitas are ready and waiting for you now in eight major US cities as part of our Vita Hill social clubs. There’s no catch, no RSVP, and it’s open to everybody — just go! Most locations run from 2pm to 8pm on weekdays and Saturdays, and 2pm to 6pm on Sundays.

I’m playing: Starhawk Public Beta

I’m watching: Breaking Bad (and I just finished Season Four…!)

I’m reading: PS Vita: the inside story
I’m listening to: Official PlayStation Blogcast 009

Most-Watched Video of the Week: Armored Core V Walkthrough

The 10 Most-Viewed Posts of the Week

PlayStation Store Update – Scarygirl, PS Full Games Mortal Kombat and Duke Nukem Forever, LittleBigPlanet 2 Muppets Premium level kits, Mediterranean Map Pack for Assassin’s Creed Revelations and more.

Jak and Daxter Collection Hits PS3 February 7th, 100+ Trophies to Collect – Naughty Dog’s other huge trilogy gets the deluxe PS3 treatment.

Special Launch Day PS Vita 3G/Wi-Fi Bundle Announced – An ultra-limited launch bundle designed to warm those of you standing out in the cold on February 22nd. The big day is almost here…

Twisted Metal Goes Gold, Comes with Starhawk Sweet Tooth Skin – Twisted Metal is top of mind for many PS3 owners, with the February 14th release date looming ominously just over the horizon.

Pac-Man and Mega Man Join Street Fighter X Tekken’s PlayStation Exclusives – You’ve changed, Mega Man. Actually…no you haven’t.

Ubisoft PS Vita Week: Dungeon Hunter Alliance Brings an Epic Fantasy Journey – I was a sucker for PSP launch action-RPG Untold Legends, so I’ll be delving into this PS Vita launch title for sure.

MLB 12 The Show Franchise Mode Improvements – More realistic trading logic, a revamped interface, PS3-to-PS Vita cross saves, overhauled player cards and much more.

Creating Monsters for Doctor Who: The Eternity Clock – Get an insider’s perspective on this upcoming PS3 and PS Vita exclusive title straight from the source: BBC.

David Jaffe Wants YOU: Twisted Metal Tournament in San Francisco on 2/2 – If you’re in San Francisco this Thursday, swing by Mezzanine to play Twisted Metal and win rare prizes. I am told that Jaffe will be in attendance, so make of that what you will.

Yetis vs. Hunters Invades PlayStation Home This Wednesday – Get the full download on PlayStation Home’s new content here.

PlayStation Around The Web: What We Read

Jeff Rubenstein — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 18:09:15 +0000

We were humbled this week by the massive turnout at this week’s Vita Social Club meetups. We had never held more than one in a week, and here we were in five cities over two days, and close to 1500 of you turned out. That was awesome, especially considering the conditions in places like Chicago, where it was really damn cold!

If you weren’t able to make it out to one of our grand opening events last week, fear not, as we’re open in eight cities through launch. Click here for details. We’re also in the planning stages of four more events – look for details here soon.

The PS.Blog weekly reading list (Week of January 16, 2012)

The PlayStation Recap: Home Sweet Home Edition

Sid Shuman — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 22:34:35 +0000

This week, Jeff, Rey and I dispersed across the US to host a series of grand opening community events for our Vita Hill social clubs. I took on New York City and Boston, Jeff took Chicago, and Rey took Miami and Atlanta. The response was phenomenal: In NYC alone, more than 300 community members lined up to play PS Vita on Tuesday night; in Boston, more than 200 members braved icy winds for Wednesday’s showcase. As always, it was a treat to meet the PlayStation community (the best in the business, if you ask me) and quiz them on their favorite games. Thanks for coming out, guys!

Don’t forget: Vita Hill social clubs in eight US cities are open seven days a week through PS Vita’s launch on February 22nd (get details and info here). They’re open to the public and there’s no catch — come by and play PS Vita as many times as you want!

In other news this week, the team behind UNCHARTED: Golden Abyss showed off new motion-capture footage, Square Enix showed off its upcoming PSN release Scarygirl, our EU correspondent James Gallagher scored an outstanding interview with PS Vita designer Tokashi Sogabe, Jeff spoke with SCE President and CEO Andrew House concerning PS Vita, and The Tester teased first footage of Season 3 (Nolan North!).

What are you playing this weekend?

I’m playing: Choplifter HD, All Zombies Must Die!, Zombie Apocalypse: Never Die Alone

I’m watching: Breaking Bad: Season Three on Netflix for PS3

I’m reading: At Home: A Short History of Private Life by Bill Bryson

I’m listening to: Official PlayStation Blogcast 008: So You Want to be a Game Producer

Most-Watched Video of the Week: Resident Evil 6 Announcement Trailer

The 10 Most-Viewed Posts of the Week

Introducing PlayStation Network’s “12 for ‘12” PS3 Game Sale – Time’s running out! Choose from 12 PSN favorites for 30% off (50% off for PS+ subscribers), including Payday: The Heist, PixelJunk Sidescroller, Okabu and Eufloria.

PlayStation Store Update – New releases: Amy, Zack Zero, Shadow of the Colossus, ICO, Crysis 2, Rainbow Six Vegas 2, Splinter Cell: Double Agent, new demos, and 30% off Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath for PS+ subscribers.

Mortal Kombat for PS Vita: Ed Boon Talks Touchscreen Fatalities, New Challenge Tower – Though we haven’t yet seen it in action, the sheer amount of content and liberal PS Vita-centric features sound awfully kompelling (sorry!).

Resident Evil 6 Revealed! – Resident Evil gets its dark and gloomy on in this bleak new trailer. Color me interested!

PSN Top Sellers: Sonic CD Races to the Top in December 2011 – The top 20 PS3 games on PSN for December 2011, plus top-selling Add-ons, PSP games, and PSone Classics.

New Year Brings New UNCHARTED 3 DLC, Fortune Hunters’ Club Grows – The release of four new maps (Cave, Fort, Lost City, and Sanctuary) and a taste of what’s to come.

Starhawk Launching on May 8th, Public Beta Rolls Out Today – Everything you need to know about the new beta. Who’s playing this weekend?

MLB 12 The Show: Online Everywhere, Unified Settings, Play Now Plus – Read up on MLB 12 The Show’s ambitious plans for online on both PS3 and PS Vita.

Hitman: Absolution Q&A: IO Interactive Goes for the Throat – In our new interview, IO Interactive’s lead producer explains why Agent 47′s overhauled combat abilities won’t compromise the game’s legendary stealth gameplay.

MLB 12 The Show Cover Revealed – A new look this year, with Adrian Gonzalez and bright red design accents. Nice!

PlayStation Around The Web: What We Read

Jeff Rubenstein — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 19:34:35 +0000

We’re at the halfway point of what is (for most of us) a long holiday weekend. Early tomorrow, I’ll be on a jet to Chicago for one of five PlayStation Vita meet-ups to take place this week. We’ve never done social events in Atlanta, Chicago, or Miami, so I’m quite looking forward to meeting new PlayStation fans – even if it means I’m going to have to buy some gloves.

If you can make it to one of the events, be sure to RSVP here so we know much food to bring!

The PS.Blog weekly reading list (Week of January 9, 2012)

The PlayStation Recap — Vita Road Trip Edition

Sid Shuman — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 23:39:50 +0000

Much like Jeff and Rey, I’ll be racking up some some serious frequent flier miles this week. I’ll be heading to the US East Coast to help launch our PS Vita Social Clubs in New York City (on 1/17) and Boston (1/18). If you’re in the area, stop by to check out a wide array of PS Vita games, eat free food, and get a shot at winning PlayStation gear. If you want to go, be sure to RSVP…and arrive early!

In other news this week: Novus Prime: Vindication came to PlayStation Home, San Diego Studios detailed ModNation Racers: Road Trip’s new career mode, Netflix was confirmed for PS Vita, new Qore host Jesse Blaze Snider talked Twisted Metal, The Tester announced its Season 3 guest panelists (Nolan North!), Namco Bandai Games revealed the Prologue trailer for PS Vita launch title Touch My Katamari, Seed Studios released a sizeable free upgrade for PSN strategy game Under Siege, XSEED showed off PS Vita platformer Sumioni: Demon Arts, and PS Vita shooter Unit 13 confirmed a March 6th release date.

I’m playing: Batman Arkham City, Darksiders

I’m watching: Breaking Bad on Netflix Instant Streaming on PS3

I’m reading: At Home: A Short History of Private Life by Bill Bryson

I’m listening to: Official PlayStation Blogcast 007: Journey to the Center of CES

Most-Watched Video of the Week: PS Vita: Pocket Soccer (Augmented Reality)

The 10 Most-Viewed Posts of the Week

PlayStation Store Update – Final Fantasy Origins, Choplifter HD, college sports apps from SEC Network and XOS Sports, Crazy Machines Elements, and two new PS3 games round out this week’s offerings.

Watch the Sony CES 2012 Press Conference Right Here – You can still watch the full archive of Sony’s CES 2012 keynote here, which featured Sir Howard Stringer, Kaz Hirai, Will Smith, and a blizzard of cool new gadgets, phones, and network services.

PlayStation and Taco Bell Give You a Chance to Win PS Vita Before it’s Available in Stores – Three ways to win PS Vita before launch, with an average of one PS Vita being given out every fifteen minutes from 1/26 through 3/11.

Call to Arms! Starhawk Public Beta Begins Tuesday, January 17th – The enhanced Starhawk Public Beta goes live for PS Plus this Tuesday; read the post for the full beta rollout schedule, including dates for UNCHARTED 3 owners.

New Gran Turismo 5 DLC This Tuesday: Car Pack 3, Speed Test Course – New cars include the Lamborghini Aventador, Jaguar XJR-9 LM racecar, Aston Martin V12 Vantage, the 66′ Volkswagen 1200, Mini Cooper S Countryman…and the new Nissan Leaf, presumably for color.

11 New Games Come to PlayStation Home This Wednesday – Lots to see this week, with a new Casino game space, Indie Park, Espionage 9, Los Penguini Brothers, Savage Cosmos, Gnome Curling, Electrokid, Give or Take, Novus Prime: Vindication and …phew, I’m outta breath.

CES 2012: PS Vita’s Augmented Reality Transforms Your Table Into an Arena – Table Soccer is just one of the augmented-reality games you’ll be able to play for free if you pick up a new PS Vita on February 22nd. Watch our vide demonstration from CES here!

Choplifter HD Hits PSN Tuesday (Zombies Included) – This gaming classic (1982!) gets an HD makeover from inXile. If you’ve tried it, drop your thoughts in the comments!

Join Us: Play PS Vita in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Miami, NYC Next Week – I’ll be flying to the East Coast this Monday (sorry, MLK!) in preparation for meetups on Tuesday and Wednesday in NYC and Boston. If you attend, be sure to say hi!

DC Universe Online Celebrates One Year Online – DCUO’s Executive Director of Development drops by to note a few key PS3 milestones for this popular free-to-play MMO.