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....