A video game controlled by a stuffed pet toy!

A FASCINATING new video game is on its way to the Nintendo Wii later this year – and may become the latest must-have for younger gamers.

Wiiwaa is an upcoming video game currently being developed by Zoink Games for the Wii. It is a unique title due to the fact it is controlled by placing the Wii Remote inside a stuffed toy, which is used to control the on-screen avatar. The game is currently in development and a release date has yet to be announced, but is expected to be released sometime in 2010.

Aimed at young children, Wiiwaa offers a unique take on motion controlled gaming by offering control via a stuffed toy named Wiiwaa. By feeding the Wii Remote into Wiiwaa’s mouth, it becomes a controller that can be used to move its in-game counterpart. By moving Wiiwaa about, he walks across an on-rails path.

If Wiiwaa is attacked by enemies, the player can shake Wiiwaa to defeat them. The player can also make Wiiwaa duck in order to sneak up on certain enemies. There are also minigames in which players can throw Wiiwaa into the air to jump towards fruit, or hang him via its extendable rubber ears to bungee off a flying creature. The game is planned to include badges that the player can choose to attach to Wiiwaa as a reward for completing certain tasks.

For a peek at what the game will look like, have a look at the video at http://www.zoinkgames.com/wiiwaa/

New screenshots for Dante's Inferno

HERE are some great new screenshots for the forthcoming Dante's Inferno - let's hope it plays as good as it looks!
Mind you, our US counterparts already know how it plays - a demo was released this weekend. But for some reason, I downloaded it with my US account I had set up, but the demo will not install - has Sony now blocked Euro users from using US accounts?
If anyone knows, please let me know!

Optional software update coming for the PS3

A NEW system software update is on its way to the PS3 - except this time, it is optional.

The PS3 will receive its next system software update shortly – v. 3.15.

This is an optional update, and 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.

Data Transfer Utility Explained:

1. Turn both the current PS3 (A) and new PS3 (B) on and connect them with a LAN cable; PS3 (A) should be connected to the TV. Please note, firmware (v3.15) must be installed on both systems.

2. On the XMB of PS3 (A), scroll to the Settings category and select [System Settings] and then [Data Transfer Utility]

3. Follow the instructions on-screen and transfer data

4. After transferring the data, follow the instructions on-screen, and then connect PS3 (B) to the TV to view the XMB

5. If content that was downloaded from PlayStation Store was transferred as part of this operation, you must activate PS3 (B) before you can use the data. Log in to the PS3 system as the user who owns the content, and then select (PlayStation Network) > (Account Management) > (System Activation) to activate the system.

More details on Data Transfer Utility will be available here once the firmware updat

ModNation Racer beta is an early Christmas present

A BETA of ModNation Racer is coming to the PlayStation Network on December 18 - but I'm guessing that, yet again, this will only be for US gamers.

Us European players obviously aren't good enough to test out these forthcoming games.

The Beta runs untilJanuary 10, and you will have the chance to score a Beta voucher on the PlayStation Blog! Stay tuned very soon for details on the Beta giveaway.

Those of you who picked up LittleBigPlanet Game of the Year Edition already have a voucher, so you’re good to go!

Santa is coming Home....

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe is inviting PS3 users to the new Winter Wonderland space starting December 10.

Visitors can hang out with Santa and his elves and you will be able to assist in Christmas preparation via mini-games.

PlaystationBlog UE writes:

"There will be plenty to do, so make sure you keep coming back frequently to find out what Santa and his elves need next. You wouldn’t want to miss out on opening a present, or taking part in one of the task mini-games, now would you? While you’re there make sure to browse the winter market, and don’t forget to get your picture taken by the photo elf. He’ll even throw in a special festive border!"

New racing pack for Need for Speed SHIFT

Electronic Arts has announced that an all-new Team Racing pack for Need for Speed SHIFT will be released for PS3 on December 3 in Europe and on December 10 in North America.

The Team Racing pack will be available worldwide on December 1 for Xbox 360. The content pack includes an action-packed new race mode and five renowned racing cars.

And best off all - it sounds like it is going to be completely free!

Online video service now running for the PS3

SONY Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) further expanded its PlayStation® entertainment experience on Thursday with the launch of the PlayStation®Network video delivery service for Europe.

Now available in France, Germany, Spain and the UK, with other countries to follow in 2010, the service allows film fans to download hundreds of movies, including the latest releases, straight to their PlayStation®3 (PS3™) and PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable).
More than 2,000 movies are available across the stores to rent (from €1.99) or to buy (from €7.99), many in High Definition* (HD) as well as Standard Definition (SD), from major movie studios including 20th Century Fox, The Walt Disney Company1, Lionsgate2, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM), Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, Starz Media2, Universal, and Warner Bros. The service also provides a broad selection of content from local market studios including ContentFilm International, E1 Entertainment UK and Optimum Releasing (UK), and Constantin Film, Kinowelt and Universum Film (Germany), MK2, EuropaCorp, Pathé, SND and Wild Side Video (France) and Vértice Cine (Spain).
Titles available within the launch window include Angels and Demons; Bruno; Disney/Pixar’s Cars; Walt Disney Pictures’ The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe; Crank 2; The Dark Knight; Dead Space: Downfall; Drag Me to Hell; Gran Torino; Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix; National Treasure; Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl; Public Enemies; Star Trek; Terminator Salvation; Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen; and Valkyrie; and X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Additional content will be added on a weekly basis.
“The launch of the PlayStation Network video delivery service extends our entertainment offering and provides consumers with another way to access their favourite movies, whether at home or on the go,” said Andrew House, President and CEO, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. “With the choice of content constantly expanding, including full games, bite-size downloadable “minis” games, demos and now movies too, the PlayStation Network is the gateway to a world of entertainment.”
At launch, there will be a special offer for existing PSN members, allowing them to receive a complimentary copy of The Da Vinci Code if they buy Angels and Demons. There will also be a special promotion to encourage new members. Anyone who registers for a PlayStation®Network account using their new PS3s between 19th & 30th November 2009 will receive a voucher to download a complimentary copy of Transformers to own3.
Located on the PlayStation®Store under the “Video Store” section, the PlayStation Network video delivery service provides consumers with an exceptional entertainment experience, adding HD and SD movies for rental or purchase, to the already comprehensive line-up of games, demos, trailers and other content.
The video delivery service will be fully integrated within the PlayStation Network, using the same log-in, wallet system and user-interface. Visitors can search for movies by name, or can browse categories such as “new releases”, “genres” and ”most popular downloads”. PS3’s progressive downloading allows viewers to start watching a film shortly after the download begins. They can also access certain games or other content on their PS3 while the download is taking place.
Consumers who choose to rent have up to 14 days to watch their movie, and, once playback is started, they have 48 hours to watch the content. Purchased movies are stored on the PS3 hard disk drive and can be accessed at home via PS3 or transferred to PSP for content on the go.
The PlayStation Network video delivery service takes prime position in a line-up of PlayStation entertainment features, alongside streaming music video with VidZone®, Catch Up TV services and free digital TV viewing with PlayTV™. With games, music, Internet, photos, communications and more, it’s yet another reason to make PS3 and PSP the heart of your entertainment world. To find out more, visit  HYPERLINK "http://www.eu.playstation.com" www.eu.playstation.com.
* Initially HD content will only be available to rent
1 Content only available to rent or to buy in the UK and to rent in Germany at launch
2 Content from these studios will be available only in the UK
3 The promotional code will be sent to eligible customers in December 2009.

Video store launches on Euro PlayStation Network

GREAT news - the PlayStation Network video store is launching in Europe tomorrow (Thursday).

Here's an excert from the official Sony PlayStation Euro blog:

"You’ve been waiting for movies to come to PlayStation Network and we can finally confirm some exciting news! Video Store will be available in the UK, France, Germany and Spain starting tomorrow November 19! Are you ready?

We’ve got amazing content lined up for you at launch, loads of latest new releases and all-time favourite classics. I will be updating you weekly via PlayStation Blog with all the new additions.

Now you can save the trip to the shops and enjoy hundreds of films in the comfort of your own sofa on your PS3 or on the go with PSP.

To celebrate the launch we are giving you PlayStation fans something extra! Angels & Demons and The Da Vinci Code: Two Great Movies for the Price of One! Its simple – you buy Angels & Demons and we e-mail you the voucher for The Da Vinci code. How great is that?

And if you are new to PlayStation we don’t want you to miss out! Just register your new console on PlayStation Network between November 19 and 30 and we will send you a voucher for Transformers movie. Yep, you can own Megan Fox in HD on your PS3 forever!"

Great times ahead for the PS3 with vids, facebook - and hopefully soon, cross-game voice chat.

Free games for the Wii

GAMERS can now download free games for the Nintendo Wii.

From now until January 16, Wiiware will allow gamers to download several games at no cost. These include World of Goo (2D Boy), six levels of strategy title Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a Darklord, as well as the opening levels of Bit.Trip: Beat, and NyxQuest: Kindred Spirits.

Nintendo says: "WiiWare has allowed developers with small budgets to release innovative, original, and smaller-scale games without the cost and risk of creating a title to be sold at retail." Nintendo WiiWare is now taking it one step further and allowing gamers to experiment for free.

Play the games for free by following these simple steps: Go to the Wiiware section of the Wii Shop and select "search by genre". Choose the "demo" genre to get a list of all the available demos. Select your choice(s), as you can choose as many as you'd like, and download.

Cross-game voice chat is coming to the PS3!

ONLINE fans of the PS3 be prepared - it has finally been confirmed that cross-game voice chat IS on its way to the console!

The news was revealed on the official Euro Sony PlayStation blog by James Thorpe, PlayStation Network product manager. In response to a question about cross-game voice chat, he said:

"I wish I could just give you a date, I really do!! Trust me when I say that as soon as I hear from ‘up top’ I will be shouting about it and making myself the most popular person on the blog.

"I know I have answered this in other posts but seeing as you are only mentioning it once I thought you should get a reply. Unfortunately my answer is the same though – As soon as I hear about it I will be straight on here to tell you guys about it. I hope, like you all do, that its sooner rather than later."

So, what gamers have been campaigning for, what they need, is finally on its way - let's just hope it doesn't take forever to arrive.....

Facebook IS coming to the PS3

IN THE latest update on the Playstation Blog, Sony has officially announced details for Facebook integration in the new Firmware 3.10 update for the Playstation 3.

With Facebook integration users can link theirPlaystation Network account to their Facebook account and have it updated whenever Trophies or Store activity is happening.

Other features include:

• The Photo category on the XMB is revamped to make it easier to see more of your photos stored on the PS3
• The PSN Friends List has been modified based on feedback they received after update 3.00. Additionally, you can now choose a colour for your PSN ID on the XMB.

PES 2010 scores a winner

THE battle of the football games is back - but Pro Evolution Soccer 2010 has really upped its game this time around.

After listening to the feedback from thousands of PES fans, PES 2010 benefits from a raft of new additions and changes, one of the most important of which is the inclusion of 360-degree control that further elevates the unrivalled realism of the title.

The 360-degree control system allows players to spread the ball with ease, opening up new attacking and defensive possibilities. PlayStation 3 owners will also benefit when using the Dual Shock's D-Pad.

PES 2010 delivers a pace of game in tune with football played at the highest level. Triangulation of passes and use of off-the-ball runs are key to breaking down the opposition, forcing the player to use the strengths of their team mates to create scoring opportunities. Gone are 'soft' goals that can be used to break the deadlock - instead, only working the channels and the precision play expected of great players will make a difference.

Key skills of the many players have now been attributed names, allowing users to incorporate them into their play strategy. Cover star Torres, for instance, is renowned for his ability to receive a pass in the penalty area, and to drop the ball to a teammate in a good position for a goal-scoring opportunity. As such, he is labeled a "Fox In The Box" and "Goal Poacher", in line with his prowess in both scoring and setting up goals.

Each team has unique settings matching their real-life playing styles. Torres at Liverpool, for instance, will recreate the Merseyside club's sophisticated play and high numbers in attack, their pressing from midfield, strong defensive line, and width across the pitch.

The Master League now incorporates both the Champions League and Europa Leagues in its content, offering a complete season for players to enjoy. Success in the Master League will see players streamed into these competitions. The lure of European football can also be used to attract stronger players to your side, with transfer dealings and contracts now significantly more realistic in their use.

The makers of PES 2010 have really listened to what their fans had to say, took on the criticisms, and most importantly, done something about it, to make this the best PES so far.

PES2010 is out now on PS3, Xbox 360, PSP, PC, PS2 and the Wii.

PlayStation Store update November 12, 2009

TO COINCIDE with the Modern Warfare 2 blockbuster that everyone is playing, the original Call of Duty: Classic is now on the PS Store .

For the rest of the update this week, there is a varied offering, taking in a new bundle for Burnout Paradise, a new quiz pack for Buzz!, Fat Princess makes an appearance in PAIN and there is also additional content for Rag Doll Kung Fu, EyePet, Rock Band and Guitar Hero.

PSP users get three new games, three new minis, and the demo for Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier.

And we are being promised that next week, there should be a nice stream of content released, with some surprises (in-game chat, video and movie store, world peace?!).

So here's this week's update in full:

PlayStation Store via PS3 Add-On Game Content

• Fallout 3
  • Broken Steel (€7.99)
  • Operation Anchorage (€7.99)
  • The Pitt (€7.99)
  • Point Lookout (€7.99)
  • Mothership Zeta (€7.99)

Rating: PEGI 16+
Availability: Additional release for Spain only

• Burnout Paradise - Big Surf Bundle (Burnout Paradise full game and Big Surf Island pack) (£27.99/€34.99) Rating: PEGI 3+

Availability: All locales

• Buzz! – Euro Sports Quiz (£3.99/€4.99) Rating: PEGI 3+

Availability: All except Czech Republic, Greece and Russia

• Pain
  • Fat Princess Pack (free)
  • Speed Oocher Pack (£1.59/€1.99)

Rating: PEGI 16+

Availability: All locales

• EyePet – Lucky Dip Styling Pack 4 (free) Rating: PEGI 3+

Availability: All locales

• Rag Doll Kung Fu: Fists of Plastic -
  • Mistress of Mime (free)
  • Shaolin Scarecrow (free)

Rating: PEGI 12+
Availability: All locales

• Guitar Hero 5
  • Fly Away by Lenny Kravitz (£1.59/€1.99)
  • Lady by Lenny Kravitz (£1.59/€1.99)
  • Let Love Rule by Lenny Kravitz (£1.59/€1.99)
  • Lenny Kravitz Track Pack (£4.39/€5.49)

Rating: PEGI 12+
Availability: All except Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and United Arab Emirates

• Rock Band
  • A Day Like This – SpongeBob SquarePants (£0.59/€0.79)
  • Club Foot by Kasabian (£0.99/€1.49)
  • Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground by White Stripes (£0.99/€1.49)
  • Employee of the Month – SpongeBob SquarePants (£0.59/€0.79)
  • Girl, You Have No Faith in Medicine by White Stripes (£0.99/€1.49)
  • Icky Thump by White Stripes (£0.99/€1.49)
  • Ridin’ the Hook – SpongeBob SquarePants (£0.59/€0.79)
  • Smash It Up (Part II) by The Damned (£0.99/€1.49)
  • White Stripes Pack 01 (this pack contains the three White Stripes tracks above) (£2.49/€3.99)

Rating: PEGI 12+
Availability: All except Czech Republic, Greece, Luxembourg, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and UAE

Videos (free)

• Avatar Dev Diary 2
• Dante’s Inferno Anger Dev Diary
• Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time Launch Trailer
• Just Cause 2 Island of Panua Mini Doc 2

Premium Themes

(Static themes)

• Wise Father Theme (£1.19/€1.49)
• Yuefeng Theme (£1.19/€1.49)
• King Zumo Theme (£1.19/€1.49)
• Cavalier Warrior Theme (£1.19/€1.49)

Availability: All locales

PlayStation Store via PSP and Media Go Downloadable Games (also available via the PS3 store)

• Street Fighter Alpha Max 3 (£13.99/€17.99)
• Major League Baseball 2K9 (£11.99/€14.99)
• Mana Khemia: Student Alliance (£19.99/€24.99)

Rating: PEGI 12+
Availability: All except Australia and New Zealand

minis (also available via the PS3 store)

• Circles Circles Circles (£2.49/€2.99) Rating: PEGI 3+

Availability: All except Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, Spain and Switzerland

• D-Cube Planet (£2.49/€2.99) Rating: PEGI 3+

Availability: All except Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, Spain and Switzerland

• Bubble Trubble (£3.99/€4.99) Rating: PEGI 3+

Availability: All locales

Demo (free)

• Jax and Daxter: The Lost Frontier Demo (free) Rating: PEGI 12+

Availability: All locales

Add-On Game Content (also available via the PS3 store)

• Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce – Additional Quests 7 (free) Rating: PEGI 12+

Availability: All locales

• Rock Band Unplugged
  • Excuse Me Mr. by No Doubt (£0.99/€1.49)
  • I’m Shipping Up To Boston by Dropkick Murphys (£0.99/€1.49)

MAG enters the next phase

FOR those lucky people in the US, the beta for massive online shooter MAG is well and truly underway.

Today the next phase of the beta is coming to the chosen ones with beta 4. There has been thousands of changes made to enhance the MAG experience, from the new proximity chat feature which allows players to hear the communication of the enemy as you get closer, to an improved ranking system.

If you have not yet experienced the MAG beta please remember that it ends November 20.

Can't we have it over here in the UK, pretty please? Oh well, guess I'll have to make do with playing the stunning COD Modern Warfare 2!

No High Def Wii for 2010....

IT DOESN'T look as though all the rumours about the Wii going HD will amount to anything.

Nintendo has categorically denied that a next generation version of the console is in development.

Reggie Fils-Aime, President of Nintendo America, said during a recent interview that “there is no Wii HD”.

Many in the gaming world had been talking about a new version coming out in 2010 - but this appears to be news to Nintendo.

But that simply isn’t the case, according to Fils-Aime.

PlayStation Store update November 5th, 2009

THIS week's PlayStation Store update is now out, which includes DLC for Brutal Legend and LittleBigPlanet.

Here it is:

PlayStation Store via PS3

Special Offers
Until the 12th of November:

Siren Blood Curse (Was - £19.99/€29.99 Now - £14.99/€19.99)
Siren Blood Curse Chapter One: The Siren's Call (Was - £6.99/€9.99 Now - £4.79/€5.99)
Siren Blood Curse Chapter Two: No Refuge (Was - £6.99/€9.99 Now - £4.79/€5.99)
Siren Blood Curse Chapter Three: Nest of Devils (Was - £6.99/€9.99 Now - £4.79/€5.99)
Siren Blood Curse Chapter Four: The End is the Beginning (Was - £6.99/€9.99 Now - £4.79/€5.99)

Until the 19th of November:

3 on 3 NHL Arcade (Was - £6.29/€7.99 Now - £4.79/€5.99)
Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket Powered Battle Cars (Was - £7.99/€9.99 Now - £3.99/€4.99)
Echochrome Micro (PSP) (Was - £6.29/€7.99 Now - £3.99/€4.99)
Syphon Filter: Combat Ops (PSP) (Was - £7.99/€9.99 Now - £3.99/€4.99)
Command & Conquer (PSone) (Was - £3.49€4.99 Now - £2.39/€2.99)
Command & Conquer: Red Alert (PSone) (Was - £3.49€4.99 Now - £2.39/€2.99)
Command & Conquer: Red Alert Retaliation (PSone) (Was - £3.99€4.99 Now - £2.39/€2.99)

PSone Classic
Party Time with Winnie the Pooh (£3.99/€4.99) PEGI 3+

Demos (free)
NBA 2K10 Demo PEGI 3+

Add-On Game Content
Brütal Legend - Hextadon Map Pack (free - until the 19th November only) PEGI 18+

LittleBigPlanet
Anniversary Cake Costume (free)
Spacesuit Costume (free)
(both costumes available for one week only)

EyePet
Hospital Styling Pack (£2.39/€2.99)
Lucky Dip Styling Pack 3 (free)
PEGI 3+

Rock Band
Best of You by Foo Fighters (£0.99/€1.49)
The Pretender by Foo Fighters (£0.99/€1.49)
Wheels by Foo Fighters (£0.99/€1.49)
Word Forward by Foo Fighters (£0.99/€1.49)
Foo Fighters Pack 03 (this pack contains the above four Foo Fighters tracks) (£3.49/€5.29)
About a Girl by Nirvana (£0.99/€1.49)
Blew by Nirvana (£0.99/€1.49)
School by Nirvana (£0.99/€1.49)
Nirvana Pack 02 (this pack contains the above three Nirvana tracks) (£2.49/€3.99)
Fake Friends by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts (£0.99/€1.49)

Videos (free)
Assassin's Creed 2 Lineage Trailer
Battlefield: Bad Company 2 Battlefield Moments Episode 1
DC Universe Austin Studio Tour Video
DC Universe Jens Anderson Video
Front Mission Evolved Trailer
Star Ocean: The Last Hope Trailer
Nier Trailer

PlayStation Store via PSP and Media Go

Special Offers
Until the 19th of November:

Echochrome Micro (PSP) (Was - £6.29/€7.99 Now - £3.99/€4.99)
Syphon Filter: Combat Ops (PSP) (Was - £7.99/€9.99 Now - £3.99/€4.99)
Command & Conquer (PSone) (Was - £3.49€4.99 Now - £2.39/€2.99)
Command & Conquer: Red Alert (PSone) (Was - £3.49€4.99 Now - £2.39/€2.99)
Command & Conquer: Red Alert Retaliation (PSone) (Was - £3.99€4.99 Now - £2.39/€2.99)

Downloadable Games (also available via the PS3 store)
Ghostbusters (£16.99/€26.99) PEGI 7+
Dragoneer's Aria (£11.99/€14.99) PEGI 12+
Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron (£31.99/€39.99) PEGI 12+
minis (also available via the PS3 store)
Spot the Differences! (£2.49/€2.99) PEGI 3+

PSone Classic
Party Time with Winnie the Pooh (£3.99/€4.99) PEGI 3+

Add-On Game Content (also available via the PS3 store)
Rock Band Unplugged
Toxicity by System of a Down (£0.99/€1.49)
Waking The Demon by Bullet For My Valentine (£0.99/€1.49)
PEGI 12+

Videos (free)
Metal Gear Solid Peacewalker Trailer
Thexder Neo Trailer

Playstation video store - first movies revealed

DETAILS are starting to trickle in ahead of the PlayStation video store UK launch later this month.

We’ve already seen what it will look like, and now partners and first titles you’ll be able to download are out too.

Major studios including 20th Century Fox, Disney, MGM, Paramount, Sony, Universal and Warner Bros are all on board to push out new blockbusters on the PlayStation video store, letting you download movies to your PS3 and PSP.

The first titles on the store will include Transformers 2, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Casino Royal, Crank 2, and recent titles including Angels & Demons, Bruno, and Hannah Montana: The Movie.

No demo for Assassin's Creed II

IF YOU fancy having a test of Assassin's Creed II before it is released, prepare for disappointment.

It looks like gamers will have to wait until the game is released to play the upcoming sequel to the 2007 smash hit.

Assassin’s Creed 2 is due out on November 17, but apparently Ubisoft will not be releasing a demo before the game goes on sale.

Sneak preview of God of War III

I AM one of the lucky few who have been sent a special code courtesy of Sony to download the early demo of God of War III - and it rocks!
I have been a big fan of the God of War games on the PS2 and PSP in the past, and have been eagerly awaiting the HD versions that are on their way to the PS3 in the form of HD-updated version of the PS2 God of War I and II games, plus the eagerly-anticipated number three due out next year.
After playing the demo, I can honestly say that the game plays as well as ever, but the graphics are stunning - everything you expect from a current PS3 game.
You should not be disappointed - and here's a clip from youtube of the demo to tickle your tastebuds....

Fancy a larger Nintendo DSi?

Nintendo's officially confirmed the Nintendo DSi LL (or 'Nintendo DS XL', as seems to be the Western name).

The massive new handheld, said to be targeted at a more mature audience who like their portables large, will be released in Japan on November 21 priced at 20,000 yen (£134) (UPDATE: And in Europe in Q1 2010).

The upgraded handheld features a larger 4.2 inch screen and comes in three colours: 'Dark Brown', 'Wine Red' and 'Natural White'.

The DS LL measures 161 x 91.4 x 21.1mm and weights 314g. In comparison, the DSi measures 137 x 74.9 x 18.9mm and weighs 214g.

The new model will offer greater battery life than the exiting DSi, says Nintendo. The XL's battery can last from 4-5 hours (extensive use) to 13-17 hours (energy saving use), compared to 3-4 hours to 9-14 hours for the DSi. On the down side, the XL will take three hours to charge - 30 minutes longer than the DSi.

Each DSi LL will come bundled with a second, larger stylus apparently meant for "home use", as it's too large to be stored in the system.

The fat portable will also pack three DSiWare games for free: a pair of Brain Age titles and an unreleased dictionary program.

UPDATE: Nintendo's confirmed a 'Q1 2010' release date in Europe. "Nintendo today confirms that a new Nintendo DSi XL console is launching in Europe in the first quarter of 2010," a rep told CVG.

"The retail price of the Nintendo DSi XL is expected to be higher than that of the Nintendo DSi. Further details will be released soon."

Are you ready to shell out for another DS so soon after the last one?

Video store comes to the PS3

THE launch of the PlayStation video store in the UK is fast approaching - and here is the first screen to tickle your taste buds.

This is the first screenshot of the Euro-version.

The PlayStation video store, or PlayStation Network video delivery service, as it is called, will launch in the UK, France, Germany and Spain next month, letting you stock up your PS3 and PSP with movies. This shot you see above is how the PlayStation video store will be laid out, and there have been a few subtle tweaks to the version available to PlayStation heads on the other side of the pond.

For one thing, the Euro PlayStation video store has had a bit of a rejig on the left hand column, with Anime and other genres relegated to the Categories section, and “HD Only” given a raise. We’re also liking the promise of “Special Offers” too, letting you grab movies for cheap for a short period of time like those DVD dispensing Pop cabinets you see in cinemas.

Finally, the Channels section looks promising - let's hope we finally catch up with the US and get some decent downloadable content.
(as first published on electricpig)

Blu ray coming to the Xbox 360?

IN a chat with Gizmodo, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer answered a question about Blu-ray's presence in the Xbox 360's assemblage of accessories.

He said: "Well I don't know if we need to put Blu-ray in there," said Ballmer, predictably, then not so predictably adding "You'll be able to get Blu-ray drives as accessories."

Proper skeptics they are, Gizmodo pushed for clarification, to which Ballmer responded:

Our immediate solution for Blu-ray-quality video on an Xbox 360 is coming this fall with Zune Video and 1080p instant-on HD streaming. As far as our future plans are concerned, we're not ready to comment.

So no further comment about "You'll be able to get Blu-ray drives as accessories," but effective confirmation--without backpedalling or obfuscation--that it'll happen at some point.

Work underway on Killzone 3?

ACCORDING to StickSkills, KILLZONE 3 has been labelled as one of the “Secret Games Of 2010″ for the PS3 in the latest Playstation: Official Magazine issue.


The issue reads:


“Insider slips reveal three big names you can already pencil for the next year. Killzone 3 is reportedly deep in development, Insomniac’s Full Moon Show podcast hints at a project we can only conclude is Resistance 3, and a Treyarch employee’s online mentions of a Call of Duty: World at War sequel.”

Watch this space.....

XMB chat coming to the PS3? Let's hope so!

IF THE rumour mill is to be believed, joyous days are ahead for all those PS3 gamers currently suffering in silence.
XMB chat is on its way.

It appears that a Naughty Dog staffer posted a message on the US Sony PlayStation forum, saying that XMB chat was on its way in the next Sony PS3 firmware update.

Anyone who has any interest in online gaming will now how frustrating it currently is that you can chat to someone while out of a game, but then if you want to both go into a game, you have to leave chat first, join a game with your friend (if you are that lucky) and then try and chat in game.

If this works as it is supposed to, it will mean you can see your buddy online, both chat away, then join a game together - without any messing logging out.

If this does happen, then Sony may finally conquer the online gaming market - and catch up on the Xbox 360, whose users have been doing this for years.

Here's hoping....

Vidzone to stay a PS3 exclusive

VIDZONE Digital Media is not looking at replicating its success on the PS3 by providing a streaming service on Xbox Live.

The company already charges Xbox 360 users for individual videos, but is not currently looking at extending the platform with a PS3-style streaming service.

VidZone is currently in the process of rolling out the streaming service to more European PlayStation regions.

Sky TV is coming to your Xbox 360

SKYand Microsoft have confirmed that Sky Player will arive on the Xbox 360 on October 27.
That means in just a fortnight subscribers to the Sky TV packages be able to invite virtual pals over to watch the self–styled “greatest league in the world”, as well as lay their hands on a string of on-demand content.

While both tech giants have given Sky Player on Xbox 360 the official nod, neither is coming clean on pricing. An official page on the Xbox website states “full channel-line up and pricing will be confirmed at launch on the 27th.”

Both football and flicks will get special virtual parties where you can invite avatars over and share banter while your team loses or shoots some bad guys.

Will this be a cheaper way to get Sky than your traditional box and dish set up? Time will tell.

Now you can cycle with your Wii

AN INTERESTING new addition is on its way to the Nintendo Wii fitness collection - the Cyberbike.

The Cyberbike’s premise is very simple: connect the full-size exercise bike to your Nintendo Wii and then cycle your way through the selection of interactive fitness games bundled with the kit.

Eighteen different virtual tracks feature in the game, said manufacturer Bigben Interactive.

Cyberbike will be available in January next year – just in time to burn off those festive indulgences. A price has not been revealed yet.

WATCH THIS SPACE!!

DUE to the overwhelming success of my PlayStation 3 blog - ps3ontheweb.blogspot.com - I am now expanding to cover ALL the latest games consoles.
I will bring you the latest news, previews and reviews, as well as top tips and insights into what gamers really want to hear.
This blog will be launched soon - so watch this space!