The Dante’s Inferno development team discusses the use of violence in this action-packed videogame from Electronic Arts. Included in the mix are gameplay engineer Tom Wilson, art director Ash Huang, and lead designer Steve Desilets. Check it out and let me know what you think (please)!
Category: PS3
EA Details Brutal Legend DLC, Hammer of Infinite Fate
Double Fine’s excellent Brutal Legend (as opposed to the excellent Psychonauts) is getting its first piece of downloadable content on December 17 — Hammer of Infinite Fate. The DLC will cost $4.99 for PlayStation 3 and 480 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360. Here are some details from the press release:
The Hammer of Infinite Fate pack allows players to upgrade Eddie Riggs with three new outfits including the Mountain Man, Black Metal and Zaulia Threads, as well as seven more back patches to slay the tainted coil in style. Eddie’s trusted hotrod, The Deuce (aka The Druid Plow), will also get a face lift with four brand new paint jobs and four more upgrades that players can purchase including the Oculus of the Lost, an all-seeing GPS for the world, and the Eye of Sorrow, a weapon that harnesses the power of the Sea of Black Tears and launches black projectiles of doom at enemies, in addition to The Disgorger and the Coiling Maw.
Players will also be able to unlock 9 new achievements and trophies in Brütal Legend which are based on the latest additions of the Hammer of Infinite Fate expansion pack. Mount Rockmore will also see six more heads for players to purchase and unlock, including Rima, Razputin, Dadbat, Hunter, Kage the Kannonier and Tim Schafer himself.
Any of you buying this DLC? As a Double Fine fan, I plan on supporting the company.
Yoshitaka Amano’s Take on Final Fantasy XIII
Here’s a fantastic illustration by legendary artist Yoshitaka Amano, best known as the original artist and character designer for the Final Fantasy series. As some of you know, Tetsuya Nomura has been handling art for many of Square Enix’s games, including FFXIII. It’s super cool to see Amano’s take on Nomura’s character designs.
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 Community Contests Start Today
THQ has announced details on the first community contest in a ten-week series for its game WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2010 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. (You might know it as the videogame with the best writing in the history of videogames.) The company is challenging its customers to create the ultimate WWE Superstar and/or Diva. Here’s a snippet from the press release:
The first community contest begins today, encouraging site members to use the game’s Create-a-Superstar Mode to construct and name their ultimate Superstars and Divas. Consumers will also submit brief written descriptions to further tell the stories behind their creations. All entries will be received via PlayStation Network for the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and Xbox Live Marketplace for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. The entries will be judged on character design, character name and the written description. The winner will receive his or her choice of a WWE sweatshirt and WWE t-shirt from www.wweshop.com (subject to availability).
As a videogame lover and WWE fan, I encourage all of you to participate in these contests. If you happen to win with an original Superstar based on me, I’ll get you something special. The storyline can start off with something like this, “Cast off from the place he called home due to dubious circumstances, a lonely Superstar goes back to his roots to fight the battles he loves, the only way he knows how.” Ha!
Sony Details PlayStation 3 Firmware Update 3.15
Director of PlayStation Network Operation Eric Lempel has detailed the upcoming PS3 firmware update 3.15. There are two major features in this update: a transfer utility and the ability to play PSP Minis on a PS3. Here’s what Lempel had to say:
It enables existing PS3 owners who purchase a new PS3 system (perhaps as a second unit for the household) to transfer their content from their current PS3 to the new system. Content such as games, game save data, and videos downloaded from PlayStation Network can be transferred to the new PS3 system and deleted from the current PS3 system. Other content, including personal media files (photos, music, videos), can be copied onto the new PS3 and remain on the current PS3 system.
The 3.15 update also enables “minis” to be played on a PS3 system. As we’ve reported here before, “minis” launched on PlayStation Network this fall in conjunction with the launch of PSPgo. These bite-sized games offer a more casual experience and are ideal for shorter gameplay session.
I’m curious about PSP Minis. Although long RPGs are my favorite kinds of games, I can always use something that can kill five to ten minutes, whether it’s waiting for the cable guy, standing in line, etc. Do you have any thoughts on PSP Minis?
Sega Confirms Yakuza 3 for March 2010
Gamers have been waiting…and waiting…and waiting to hear if Yakuza 3 is destined for a U.S. release…and Sega has finally confirmed the game for a March 2010 release. Assistant community manager Aaron Webber wrote the following on the PlayStation Blog:
After months upon months of requests, a myriad of rumors, and even full campaigns that speak to the unparalleled dedication of the fans, we can finally speak those words that all of you have been waiting anxiously to hear. So, here they are: Yakuza 3 is coming West.
I was never really into the series, but know a few people that love it. Are any of you looking forward to this game? I’m pretty much going to be ignoring every March release, except for a teeny title being released by Square Enix.
This Week’s Videogame Releases
This is probably the last week of the year that “big” games are being released. For PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, there’s The Saboteur, which has been getting mixed reviews and some interesting attention for its unlockable nudity. On the Nintendo DS, Link returns in The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks. Finally, the Nintendo Wii gets a dose of frights 38 days after Halloween with Silent Hill: Shattered Memories.
Any of you guys and dolls planning on picking any of these games up? I have my eye on Spirit Tracks, but will probably wait until it goes on sale.
Final Fantasy XIII Suntory Elixir Commercial
Here’s the latest commercial for the Final Fantasy XIII “Elixir” beverage by Suntory. Yes, Japanese videogames get their own beverages — reason #348 you should be jealous of Japanese gamers. And also, for relaxing times…make it Suntory time.
Just for kicks, here are some old Elixir shots from my archive. Check ’em out. There’s some cool stuff below the fold.
Continue reading “Final Fantasy XIII Suntory Elixir Commercial”
Just Cause 2: Vehicular Stunts Video
Here’s a nifty video of the upcoming Just Cause 2 from Square Enix. In this clip, game director Magnus Nedfors and lead game designer Peter Johansson talk about the title’s vehicle stunts. Check it out!
White Knight Chronicles International Edition Dated for 2/2/2010
Sony has announced that White Knight Chronicles International Edition will be released on February 2, 2010. Here are some additional details from associate product manager Cristian Cardona:
- Over 50 disc-based online quests. You can complete these quests solo, or cooperatively with up to three other players to gain extra gear and experience. (That’s just on the disc. Wait until you hear what else we’ll have at launch!)
- Voice Chat. Need we say more? =)
- The Georama. Build an online village for your character where you can invite friends to complete quests online and purchase unique items and gear.
- Live Talk. Leonard and his companions will have side conversations during gameplay, adding a little more character to your travels through the world of White Knight Chronicles.
Sony also showed of the box art for the international edition. Hit the break to check it out.
Continue reading “White Knight Chronicles International Edition Dated for 2/2/2010”