Hands-on previews, PC, Platforms, PlayStation 3, Previews, Xbox 360

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 (Hands-On Preview)

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First things first. This hands-on report will be spoiler-free regarding the first game. I’m currently playing that one through (I know, I’m late) and several previews for the new game have blown the first game’s ending. I don’t want to do the same if you’re yet to play Lords of Shadow. So read this, then get on it, you don’t want to get left behind again.

The word on the wire is that this concluding part of the Lords of Shadow saga is going to be a more open world affair. That’s not on display here though as this is more of an introduction. Don’t worry; it’s much more exciting than it sounds. There’s a massive, Holy Transformer thing for starters! But more on that later.

Continue reading Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 (Hands-On Preview) →

Action, Platformer, Platforms, PlayStation 3, Reviews, RPG

Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix (Review)

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An absorbing adventure that’s still full of heart

Square Enix aren’t the fastest of movers when it comes to giving us what we really want. That Final Fantasy VII remake doesn’t appear to be on its way soon and Kingdom Hearts III has only just been announced.

In the meantime though, we’re more than happy to revisit the past in their latest HD collection, Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix. Rather than just give us HD versions of the main canon PS2 games, Square are making the effort to bring players up to date with the Nintendo-only spin-offs and region-specific releases. Naturally, this leaves room for another HD collection before KHIII.

Continue reading Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix (Review) →

Platformer, Platforms, PlayStation 3, PSN (PlayStation Store), Reviews, XBLA, Xbox 360

Castle of Illusion HD (Review)

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Castle of Illusion HDRolling back the clock with the haunted house of mouse


Following the recent retro remake of DuckTales, we now get to see how the classic Mega Drive game, Castle of Illusion scrubs up by today’s standards. As a big fan of the 90s original, I had my fingers cautiously crossed for a nostalgic blast.

The story remains true to the original, with Mickey setting off to rescue long-time sweetheart, Minnie from the evil witch, Mizrabel. Rather than animate some traditional Disney-style cartoon scenes to set up the game, Sega Australia have gone low-budget and opted for some mildly animated illustrations.

Continue reading Castle of Illusion HD (Review) →

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Gravity Rush 2 Confirmed, But at The Last Guardian’s Cost?

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A Gravity Rush 2 trailer has been spotted on the show floor at this week’s Tokyo Game Show. Sony were not disclosing any further details at the time, but it’s likely staff from their Sony Japan department are once again working on the cel-shaded floating action platformer.

Does this mean that resources are once again being drawn away from The Last Guardian as Sony recently confirmed that the development of other Sony Japan titles like Knack and Puppeteer had taken priority over the long-delayed title. It’s something of a surprise to see Gravity Rush of all titles get a sequel greenlit ahead of completing The Last Guardian. It must have sold better than we thought in Japan.

Not that we’re adverse to another crack at Gravity Rush. If they can calm down that camera, it may well prove to be the essential title the first game desperately wanted to be. More importantly, any chance of another Uncharted title on the Vita too Sony? Trailer after the break. Continue reading Gravity Rush 2 Confirmed, But at The Last Guardian’s Cost? →

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Monster Hunter Frontier G Coming to the Vita

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It’s been a long time coming, but the PS Vita is finally getting a Monster Hunter title next year -a genuine system seller in Japan. Admittedly, it’s only a port of the PC MMORPG, Monster Hunter Frontier G from 2007. The game will also be making its way to the PS3 and Wii U later this year complete with extra monsters and worlds. The PS3/Vita versions will also share some unique content.

We’re presuming the Vita game will be taking the same release structure as the console and PC versions by being a free download, but with monthly subscriptions required. The chances of the game seeing a western release are very slim, but if the game takes off in Japan it may encourage Capcom to stop fawning over Nintendo platforms and get behind the Vita for once with regular Monster Hunter releases which would boost sales of the flagging console significantly.

We’ve got a trailer for you after the break. Continue reading Monster Hunter Frontier G Coming to the Vita →

Features, Platforms, PlayStation 3, PS Vita, PS4, PSN (PlayStation Store)

The Sunday Seven: Reasons to be Excited about PS Vita TV

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Earlier this week, Sony took to the stage at the Tokyo Game Show to announce the excellent-looking PS Vita TV micro-console, which will be released in Japan later this year. Sony haven’t announced anything about a Western release beyond “stay tuned”, but considering the high interest the device has received from this half of the world, we’re expecting to get our hands on it early next year at the latest. We can’t complain really, especially as Japan is getting the Vita TV device instead of the PS4 this year. I bet they’re furious deep down, but in a really polite way.

So, is Vita TV really just a consolation prize for gamers in Sony’s homeland? Far from it, in fact, I really want one. Is that because I’ve been told I can’t? Very possibly, but here are another seven reasons why I’m crossing everything in the hope we’ll soon be plugging the little white box into a nearby TV.

Continue reading The Sunday Seven: Reasons to be Excited about PS Vita TV →

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Huge Wardrobe Collection in Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII

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Lightning may be flying solo on the battlefield in the upcoming finale to the FFXIII series, but she’s packing over forty outfits. She’s not just indecisive, the clothes will give her unique skills and benefits, essentially turning her into a one-girl party. We’re just glad she’s ditched Hope, the little whiner.

Fans of -or people who played FFX-2 at least- may remember the team using the Dress Sphere system, we expect this to work in a similar manner. Regular players of the series will no doubt be able to spot a few getups that she’s borrowed from characters of older games in the long-running franchise. Cloud’s outfit has already been announced as a pre-order incentive. We’ll endeavor to bring you a hands-on report of the game towards the end of the month.For now, enjoy the fashionista trailer after the break. Continue reading Huge Wardrobe Collection in Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII →

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FIFA 13 Smashes Top 10 Chart Record

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FIFA 13 has broken the record for longest run in this generation’s UK charts Top 10. EA’s mega-selling footy title entered the charts at Number 1 way back in September 2012 and managed to stay in the Top 10 for a staggering 48 weeks. On Monday it slipped from 10 to 14.

The game has become the best-selling FIFA yet and we wouldn’t be surprised to see it climb back into the Top 10 again before the release of the FIFA 14 on September 17th. With over 3 million copies sold, it even sold more than the latest COD for the first time in four years. Continue reading FIFA 13 Smashes Top 10 Chart Record →

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Killzone Mercenary Launch Trailer

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Well, the Vita finally has a respectable FPS. Admittedly, it wasn’t too hard for it to beat the likes of Resistance: Burning Skies (6/10) or Black Ops: Declassified (4/10), but it’s comfortably the best FPS on the handheld, despite it not really pushing the FPS boat out as Jon mentions in his review.

Rather than display some adrenaline pumping action, this launch trailer strangely opts to show off the games environments and lighting effects. But to be honest, the detail on show is incredible and well worth proudly boasting. It’s almost a shame to play it on such a small screen. With any luck, we’ll be able to play it on the Vita TV Micro-console. Continue reading Killzone Mercenary Launch Trailer →

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Rockstar Invite You To GTA V’s Blaine County

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A new trailer has emerged this weekend for Grand Theft Auto V in the shape of a ‘My Blaine County’ promo. This is just showing a small part of the game’s huge world, a part stuffed with rednecks and trailer trash that is. We’re presuming this is where’s we’ll be finding Trevor during any downtime he gets.

This is going to be huge. It’s fine, I’ve got two days to burn through my reviews backlog, I can do it. Although, I do feel a cold coming on… Continue reading Rockstar Invite You To GTA V’s Blaine County →

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Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX Launch Trailer

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Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix. Square Enix’s marketing department really need to sort out the names they’re giving to the Kingdom Hearts games. Remember the good old days of Kingdom Hearts followed by Kingdom Hearts II?

This latest HD collection is packed with content. The Final Mix version of the first game includes material not seen before in Europe, the console version of Chain of Memories also never made it to these shores before now. A HD compilation of all the cutscenes from the 3Ds game, Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days (my personal pick for most poorly-named of the series) is also included.

Form would suggest that a second compilation with KHII will be announced next, possibly including the PSP exclusive, Birth by Sleep. Maybe the Nintendo titles Re: Coded and Dream Drop Distance will get a mention too. So, you never know, we might actually have a clue what’s going on in the story by the time Kingdom Hearts III turns up in 2015. Continue reading Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX Launch Trailer →

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Watch the Final The Last of Us Dev Diaries

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Months after the release of The Last of Us, Naughty Dog have been providing us with interesting dev diaries, keeping awareness of the game high and indeed maintaining sales. The Last of Us is slipping down the charts now, but it’s become one of the biggest sellers of the year so far along the way.

These final dev diaries could well tempt a purchase from any of you yet to pick up the game and may encourage current owners to play through it again. The first video talks about the characters of Joel and Ellie, giving them a bit of background. The second is a fascinating montage of concept art images detailing numerous changes for characters, environments and the infected. Both are spoiler free and well worth a watch. Hmm, can I squeeze in another playthrough before GTA V lands? Continue reading Watch the Final The Last of Us Dev Diaries →

Platformer, Platforms, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Move, Reviews

Puppeteer (Review)

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Proof that running with scissors is fun after all

Typical, just like waiting for a bus. We’ve been waiting for a decent platformer for ages, then two come along at once in the shape of Rayman Origins and now Sony’s Puppeteer. So, rather than stress yourself into an early grave trying to beat all the timed challenges in Rayman once you’ve made an initial playthrough, pick up a copy of Puppeteer as it’s been released cheaper than most new games.

This is classic 2D side-scrolling territory, the purist’s choice of dimension for platforming. As you can see by the visuals, this is going for something a bit unusual with its handcrafted puppets and theatrical stage design. While knee-jerk reactions may compare the visuals to LittleBigPlanet, the fact of the matter is that this is a considerably better-looking and better-constructed platformer. I love how so much of the scenery is interactive and not just painted on. With every scene transition, you see everything bounce as if the stage has literally just been dropped into place, giving everything a touchable physicality on your TV.

Continue reading Puppeteer (Review) →

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Puppeteer Launch Trailer – Buy It Now!

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Rayman Legends may have been stealing all the limelight recently, but you really shouldn’t let Sony’s awesome platformer pass you by. Matt scored the game 8/10 this week. I’ve played through the game too and absolutely loved it. It’s beautifully designed both technically and visually. Don’t forget there’s a killer co-op mode too, player two can control a flying character to help you find hidden items and remove obstacles for you. Check out some awesome footage in the launch trailer after the break. Continue reading Puppeteer Launch Trailer – Buy It Now! →

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WRC 4 Gets Light and Weather Trailer

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Last gen you couldn’t move for rallying titles, but recent years have seen only a handful of releases. We blame Sebastian Loeb hoarding all the silverware for killing off interest in the sport. Nevertheless, we can’t wait to get our tires muddy with Milestone’s latest WRC title.

This is the first time we’ve seen the game in action, with the trailer showing events taking place at dawn, noon and dusk. Fingers crossed night races will make it into the final game. Expect varied weather conditions too with rain and snow once again playing key parts in having fun sliding around U-turns. Continue reading WRC 4 Gets Light and Weather Trailer →

Action, PC, Platforms, PlayStation 3, Reviews, Xbox 360

Lost Planet 3 (Review)

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After the slightly frosty reception the thawed out first sequel received, it would seem the Lost Planet series has been pining for those long cold winters again. So the third game is a prequel to the original, taking place many years before.

You are Jim, red-haired (finally!) and awesomely bearded-up for the cold. Jim has a wife and newborn son back on earth, but he’s taken this job on the frozen rock of E.D.N. III to earn some serious money as a Rig operator / go-to guy for exterminating the pesky Akrid wildlife while the NEVEC Corporation searches the planet for T-Energy.

Rather than the Vital Suits of the last two games, you get to romp around in a 50-foot high walking Rig. These huge mechs are essentially maintenance machines, hardly built for combat, but as you and Jim will find out, you’re stuck with what you have.

Continue reading Lost Planet 3 (Review) →

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KickBeat Launch Trailer Brings The Rhythm and Bruise

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Why has this not been done before? The rhythm action has literally had some inspiration beaten into it thanks to Zen Studios’ KickBeat. Merging the worlds of beat ’em ups with rhythm action seems like an enticing prospect to us and one look at this trailer had us scampering for the demo on the US PSN store.

Featuring  angsty tracks from the likes of Pendulum, Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie, the scene is set for the loudest of beatdowns. Better yet, why not play the game to the rhythm of your own music files? Kickbeat is out now in the States and is a Cross-Buy title for the PS3 and PS Vita. There’s no sign of the game on the EU store right now, but we’re keeping our fingers crossed for a release date soon. Continue reading KickBeat Launch Trailer Brings The Rhythm and Bruise →

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Leaked Logos Show Unannounced Ubisoft Titles

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Whoops, Ubisoft’s upcoming secret lineup has potentially just been leaked thanks to the likes of A9VG and (who else?) NeoGaf. Take a look at the above image and you can see a number of as yet unannounced titles. The fact these titles already have logos as opposed to the usual internet domain registrations could indicate they are already deep into development.  Continue reading Leaked Logos Show Unannounced Ubisoft Titles →

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Metal Gear Solid 5: Making Quiet 3D Scan Video

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Konami have released a new video showing behind the scenes footage of the 3D facial scans and motion capture for Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain, featuring Stefanie Joosten, the actress playing Quiet.

It’s been a somewhat strange week in the new news as Hideo Kojima’s been tweeting about making characters more ‘erotic’ (later changed to ‘sexy’) for marketing purposes. This video featuring new character, Quiet, seems to be acting as damage control. There’s no dev speak in it, just a soulful backing track that may as well be saying “See, we’re not just obsessed with cleavage!”

It’s worth a watch to see the imposing number of cameras the acting talent face for a 3D scan of their faces. The detail we’ve seen so far is undeniably impressive, making that wait for next-gen MGS all the harder to endure. Hopefully, by then Kojima and Suda51 will have stopped their body swap experiment. Continue reading Metal Gear Solid 5: Making Quiet 3D Scan Video →

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Capcom Release 70 Minute ‘I Am Street Fighter’ Documentary on YouTube

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Got 70 minutes spare to sit through a history lesson you’ll actually enjoy? Well, get comfortable and enjoy this new documentary Capcom have made available for free on YouTube – it was previously an exclusive with the pricey 25th Anniversary Collector’s Set.

The informative documentary focuses on the runaway success of Street Fighter 2 in the 1990s and how it ignited the fighting genre like nothing before or since. Expect interviews with key developers and pro gamers. We’ve got the whole thing lined up for you after the break. Continue reading Capcom Release 70 Minute ‘I Am Street Fighter’ Documentary on YouTube →

Gaming reviews, previews and features by Brendan Griffiths