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!"