Monday 25 May 2009

FULL Modern Warfare 2 trailer live

As i reported earlier in the week the full MW2 trailer was shown on TNT last night during the playoffs. It is amazing!!!

Thats all I need to say. The trailer speaks a thousand words... check it out below!!

Friday 22 May 2009

Extended Modern Warfare 2 trailer hits Gametrailers

They have just released an extended trailer for Infinity Wards up and coming epic. The full trailer premiers on 24th May but check out the video below for more ingame footage and a first look at those riot shields!!

I know there is a lot of hype surrounding this game, but if its as good as COD4 then we have every reason to. Roll on 10th November.

"

Monday 18 May 2009

Uncharted 2 first in game footage

In my humble opinion the footage I have seen of Uncharted 2 makes this one of the best looking PS3 games planned this year. Check out the video below and you will see what I mean. Be warned though, you might need to get ready to catch your jaw!!

It looks like they have built on everything that was good in the original and ramped the dial to 11. The character animation is so life like its scary. You really feel like you are watching an Indiana Jones movie (high praise indeed).

Along with Modern Warfare 2, this is in my top 3. WOW!!!

Wednesday 13 May 2009

Modern Warfare 2 details emerge at last!!

First proper details of MW2 have been published in the latest copy of Game Informer Magazine in the US. See a summery below of what has been confirmed:

1) The CoD4 follow-up has you (a new recruit) out to stop the new face of global terrorism, Makarov, an associate of baddie Zakhaev from the first game. Soap, the protagonist from the first game, is back as a veteran soldier NPC.

2) Modern Warfare 2's said to sport a longer single-player campaign with more "open-ended" gameplay then its predecessor - stealth tactics can even be used in missions if the player chooses.

3) The campaign is said to run at a solid 60fps with environment detail bumped up even further than CoD4.

4) Riot Shields, movable turrets and customised weapons for single-player are promised, and responding to criticism of CoD4's infinite enemy respawns, Infinity Ward is looking to stay away from these heavy scripting sequences.

5) Players are now more manoeuvrable too; In the game's ice missions (seen in the footage on this page) players will be able to swim and scale ledges, and the snow mobiles are indeed used as a form of escape.

6) Unlike World at War, co-op will not be available through the game's campaign, though a separate series of co-op missions are planned in "Special Forces mode".

7) Interestingly, Infinity Ward's also planning a "live patching system" for the game's multiplayer, meaning you won't have to download full-blown patches for the sequel.

PLEASE NOTE INFORMATION ABOVE CURTOSY OF ANDY ROBINSON @ WWW.COMPUTERANDVIDEOGAMES.COM

Monday 11 May 2009

First ever Modern Warfare 2 Gameplay footage

See below the first ever gameplay footage of Infinity Wards future classic. This was first shown on TNT on 10th May. It looks stunning and the game is still some 6 months away. Also see below some first ever screenshots - prepare to be amazed!!!

There also appears to be vehicle sections (see the ski mobile) and another mission controlling the guns of plane (similar to the protection level from COD4)








Thursday 7 May 2009

Dirt 2 update - 1st gameplay footage

Hey guys, check out the video below for the first ever gameplay footage of Dirt 2. Its sick!!!

Thursday 23 April 2009

Very Spooky!!!

Just had this website e-mailed to me. I think it can read your mind!!!! Try it out and let me know if you can see how it works. If anyone works it out for gods sake comment. I need to know how it works.

http://www.milaadesign.com/wizardy.html

Enjoy!!

Wednesday 22 April 2009

Release dates for 3 major titles

Although unconfirmed by the publishers, retailer GAME have dated three of the biggest games of the year as part of their latest financial presentation. These are as follows.

Assassins Creed 2 - December 2009
Modern Warfare 2 - 10th November 2009
FIFA 2010 - October 2009 (as it always is)

Check out the first teaser trailer for Assassins Creed 2 Below.

Tuesday 21 April 2009

Two of the funniest Family Guy clips ever!!!

The title says it all.... enjoy!!!



and



please note - I am not the owner of Family Guy. These videos are for entertainment purposes only.

Tuesday 14 April 2009

Not PS3 related but very cool!!!

This is a driftworks prepared S14 and it is very cool. Anyone who plays GRID will appreciate i'm sure.... check it out!!!

Wednesday 8 April 2009

First PES 2010 details released


Konami has just announced first details of PES 2010. See below a full list of "new" features which are supposed to revolutionise the series. Lets hope so, because if the last two PS3 outings are anything to go by they have some catching up to do. IMO FIFA has taken over from PES as the best footy game on PS3; but my heart lies with PES.

Gameplay: PES 2010 focuses on enhancing the excitement of matches between players, making for a truly challenging experience that will constantly test the player. Intuitive zonal defending will cover spaces and players need to look constantly for new ways to attack. PES 2010 focuses on being a real football simulation, as it requires both strategic play and quick reactions, as in real life. In addition to key out-field elements, goalkeepers are more versatile and with abilities matching those of modern shot-stoppers. The game's referees have also been reworked, with smarter AI elements allowing them to make more balanced calls during matches.

Improved Visuals: PES 2010 has undergone a major visual revamp, with its celebrated player likenesses and animations now even closer to those of real-life players - including live player expressions to be depicted with an improved lighting system which differentiates between various conditions! Stadium detail is also massively improved, with the grass and other in-stadium elements finely depicted.

All-new animation and moves: Animations now dovetail into each other seamlessly, with dribbling and shots on goals worked into dribbling animations. More individual skills are also on show, including new flicks and tricks that have a definite showing on the way a game flows. Several elements have been completely reworked, with the dribbling, turning and kicking animations greatly enhanced, while there is a noticeable change in pace when a player passes a ball from a standing position than from within a run.

Match-Day Atmosphere: Crowd reactions to the on-field action are now more varied, with all new chants and cheers. The subtle difference between Home and Away matches will be reproduced, and the crowd will react spontaneously to specific situations in a game, showing their disdain or pleasure as fouls are committed and goals scored. Likewise, the commentary has been altered to offer a fresher, more concise overview of the game.

Enhanced Master League: Master League has been thoroughly renewed with the enhancement of managerial aspects, which enables users to enjoy managing a team for a longer career lifespan. Seen by many as a key contributor to the series' success, the Master League elements in PES 2010 have been bolstered by far-ranging and vital new additions, dedicated to enriching the mode. Further details will be announced shortly.

AI: The Tokyo team has worked to improve the AI of the game, with Teamvision 2.0 implemented. Midfielders and defenders now work together to cover open space and close down attacks, meaning that cover can be provided for lower-ranked defenders. This also has the additional effect of removing soft goals, thus returning PES 2010 to its simulation roots. In terms of attacking, players can also now move several players once, sending them into different areas, opening up more goal-scoring possibilities than ever before. As such, PES 2010 necessitates a new level of control from the player. Strategic thinking is as important as quick passing, but the new system greatly opens the way the player oversees control of the team. In free kick scenarios, for instance, players can now instigate the runs of the players awaiting the ball in the penalty area.

Individual Play Characteristics: In previous PES games, the team formation has determined the movements of the players. PES 2010 introduces a new system wherein the individual attacking and defending nature of the players is integral to the way they play. Each player enjoys unique AI tied into their best abilities, and is reflected in the actions of their team mates - i.e. if a player who is known to be a good crosser of the ball is in possession, more players will flood the penalty area to receive it. Similarly, if a player is known to be good with close control, defenders will work to cover their stronger side, while lone strikers will be automatically supported by midfielders on receipt of the ball.

Strategy Use: A new power gauge system allows users to balance their strategy in a quick, but wide-ranging way before a match. Every element - pass frequency, movement, the line of defence, width of play, or the position of the front line - can be altered to match those of a favoured club: Juventus Turin are a dangerous side on the counter-attack, for instance, while FC Barcelona use width in their attack. These formulations can be altered at any point, too, with Home and Away matches forcing different circumstances on the user, as does the rigours of a Master League season.

Penalties: An all-new system has been implemented, offering greater control, placing and accuracy.

Enhanced Online: A new dedicated section of the Tokyo team is committed to improving the online side of PES 2010. More downloadable content is also planned. Konami has supported PES 2009 with the release of new licensed teams, transfer updates, etc, and this support will grow for PES 2010. Team and content updates are planned throughout the game's lifespan. These will make the game even more bespoke to the player's match day needs.

Konami has strengthend its relationship with UEFA and can announce it has secured the exclusive video game rights for the Europa League Licence (formerly known as the UEFA Cup). In addition Konami will be enhancing and developing the use of the UEFA Champions League within PES 2010 to make even better use of the best club football competition in the world.

Play TV gets an update

The excellent PS3 tv tuner gets a massive update this week. It now has an SD upscaler for those lucky enough to have a HD tv. Increased volume and fast forward controls are added. You can now go back to the previous channel at the push of the circle button.

Although these sound like small additions, when you put it all together it makes the system a lot more robust. There is also talk of eventually playing full HD tv through Play TV but more on that in the near future.

Fight Night Round 4 physics video released

FN R4 is due for release on June 30th 2009. This is the latest video to show off the new physic engine, it looks stunning. You can now punch through blocks, fight inside and deflect glancing blows. Its a real step forward in what is already an excellent game series.

In addition to that, how does Ali vs Tyson sound? Oh, I think so!! Enjoy.

Tuesday 31 March 2009

Colin McRae: Dirt 2

Just found out that professional rally driver Ken Block has been brought in to do the consultation on Colin McRae Dirt 2. Ken is in the Subaru USA Rally team and can drive a bit!!

I'm also pleased that they have kept the Colin McRae title. It was rumored that following the stars death in September 2007 his name would be dropped. After talks with his family they have kept his name and I think it is a fitting tribute to the legend.

This is one of my most wanted games of the year. I will be sure to keep you up to date in the run up to its September release.

Check out the development video below. Some of the jumps and drifts shown are amazing. I love the drifting through the aircraft hanger; very Grid!!

Friday 27 March 2009

Modern Warfare 2 release date confirmed

Infinity Ward have confirmed 10th November 2009 as the release date for the sequel to Call of Duty 4 MW. In a shock move they have also dropped " Call of Duty" from the title. The game will simply be named Modern Warfare 2!! However, Activision are still at the publishing helm.

Infinity Ward's CEO, Vince Zampella confirmed "No detail is too small and every finishing touch imaginable is underway to make Modern Warfare 2 our best ever. We can't wait for our fans around the world to play starting November 10th."

Check out the latest teaser trailer below

Sunday 22 March 2009

Resident Evil 5 - initial thoughts


I had RE5 preordered for over a year and I was disappointed when I read the reviews. I had always assumed that it would be a 9 or 10 but the critics thought otherwise. I made the same assumption with Killzone 2.

Despite the average reviews I left my preorder in place, and took receipt the day before release. I have played through the first 6 levels of RE5 and I have been pleasantly surprised. I'm shocked that people are complaining that it is just a rehashed version of RE4. Resident Evil 4 is renowned by most critics as a masterpiece. If this is the case then comparing the latest to number 4 should be high praise indeed.

The graphics are superb. The sidepieces, boss battles, and action are second to only God of War. It is much better than the critics would have you believe. I would not give it the coveted 10/10 but from what I have played so far, it comes in at a high 9. Obviously, I have yet to finish it so I will reserve judgement until the end credits, but the signs are good

Thursday 5 March 2009

Call of Duty MW2 unconfirmed information leaked?

A source on twitter is rumoured to have released the following info about what is in COD MW2. However, this is as of yet unconfirmed. These were supposedly loaded onto IW Twitter page by an unknown play tester. See the full list that has caused all the controversy below.

This list has since been reported as fake by IW Rayme Vinson and Robert Bowling (check out his blog - http://www.fourzerotwo.com its awesome). However, you never know, some stuff on the list could be true!!

* Vehicles will be in MW2
* M16 will return, using stopping power will only be OHK at head, neck, and torso (abdomen, limbs, and hands/feet will not)
* Ak47 and M4 will return, unknown if there are any changes
* M40 will return, ACOG damage boost will be fixed
* Scorpion, P90, M21, R700, G3, G360 will not return
* There are more unknown weapons that will not return
* New sniper rifle: SR25M (United states forces)
* New Assault rifle: Diemeco C8 (Canadian forces M4 equivalent)
* New Assault rifle: L85A2 (United Kingdom forces)
* Total weapons in multiplayer are said to be around 35
* Favourite Modern warfare 1 maps will return
* Helicopters, air strikes, UAV will return
* Red dot sightings will come in different shapes for multiplayer (circular, square, original)
* Snipers will have special grass camouflage (As seen in Modern warfare 1's campaign)
* All perks will return from MW except eavesdrop and others will be altered
* All gametypes will return from MW and all will have hardcore versions
* New gametype: Secure (Call of duty version of capture the flag, however you capture the enemy's Intel)
* New gametype unconfirmed name, similar to search and destroy, however instead of trying to plant a bomb, you try to kill a specified enemy
* Solider customization for each class (and each country)
* Sniper with silencers will NOT be in multiplayer
* There are NO bots in local multiplayer
* Similar version to Nazi Zombies, however details are unknown
* NO guest players online, 1 player per console
* Killcam save feature
* There is blood and gore
* Offline/Online Co-op
* Story takes place in the Middle East
* Role as US marines return
* Ken Lally voice work in campaign
* Release is set for sometime in November
* New army tags will be available to add different elements in campaign (similar to halo skulls)
* Campaign-only weapons

Tuesday 3 March 2009

Killzone 2 - Single Player

Despite my earlier post about jumping straight online, I got chance to attack the single player game on Sunday. I have about 3 levels left to complete on the single player and so far it is the best 5 hours gaming I have had in years. Firstly, the visuals - you have never seen anything like this before! This is not an exaggeration, or a fan boy jump to praise the PS3, it is simply a fact. I have been killed on at least 5 occasions because I stopped with my jaw on the floor looking at the lighting.

The second level has a Arc Tower, which is like a massive lightning beacon that wipes out aircraft. It looks so real as you fly in, avoiding the forks of lightning shooting into the sky that I ducked to avoid being hit. This is the game you have been waiting for to show people just what your PS3 is capable of.

Its been a long time in the making but, believe me when I say, it is well worth the wait!! More to follow soon with a review; that is of course, if I can pull myself away from the pad for long enough.

Saturday 28 February 2009

Killzone 2 - First impressions


In a move typical of me I fired Killzone 2 up on Thursday night and headed straight for the multiplayer, or Warzone as its known. I know the single player mode is being touted as amazing but as happened with COD4, my heart lies online. Now, as a diehard Call of Duty player my first thought was, stupidly, 'this isn't Call of Duty!'. To put that into context, the controls have a real weight about them that you simply don't get in COD. Every jump lands with a thump as your character bends his knees and then straightens up. Every turn is slower and more deliberate than we have come to expect in FPS.

At first this is alarming and in the back of my mind I was thinking 'this isn't as good as I had hoped' but after a few hours you realise that it better than expected. The slower controls ground you and it makes you feel like a Helghast soldier rather than just a floating gun. I have found the first 3 hours online hard going because you only begin with the most basic of weapons - an assault rifle from each side and a pistol. It took me 90 minutes to unlock any other weapons but the more you play the more you get rewarded for your efforts. For example, after you complete 8 body count (read TDM) matches with over 10% of the kills you get an increase in points per kill. That in turn lets you rank up quicker and unlock more such as extra grenades, extra ammo, etc.

It is stunning and worth committing a big chunk of your gaming life to. Despite some mild frame rate issues when things get mental I have found no other notable concerns. On top of that the graphics have not been dulled down at all for the online, which is a feat in itself considering how good this thing looks.

If you don't own it yet, BUY IT. If you do, then I will see you on the battlefield. Die ISA Scum!!!

Thursday 26 February 2009

Get the best price when you trade in games (UK only)

I imagine a lot of you are like me and don't have the disposable income to buy 3+ games in a month. The problem comes when we get a month like November when at least 5 top class title were released; LBP, FIFA 09, Resistance 2, Mirrors Edge, to name just a few.

I have always found that in times like these I would collect up some of my completed games and trade them in to either Game or Game Station. The problem is that these massive games retailers offer such a pittance that it make you question if its worth while.

This is where CEX comes in. CEX is a company who deal in second hand games only. They offer a very good price when you trade in your old games. They have over 60 stores in the UK and most of these are in major cities. Now here is the clever bit! Game Station has a price match policy for trading that agrees to match any other retailer within 5 miles of the store. As long as you have a CEX within 5 miles of a Game Station they have to match them on price. All they ask is that you print off a copy of the game trade price from the CEX website and bring it with you.

For example, I took a copy of Motor Storm Pacific Rift into Game Station and they offered me £8 for it. I checked on the CEX website and they were offering £18 for the game. I printed off the information and went back the next day to Game Station were they gave me the £18 trade price against FEAR 2.

I wish more people knew about this policy because I recently saw one poor guy only get £24 for 3 PS3 games. He handed over 3 games and still had to pay £11 to get his new game. Using the price match he would have got £54 instead.

So there you have it. I hope this helps at least some of you get what you really deserve for your old games. I have included the details of the CEX website below for those of you who want to try this out. Also, if you are looking for good second hand games, phones, laptops, etc CEX themselves are excellent.

Happy hunting!!

http://www.cex.co.uk/

Wednesday 25 February 2009

The Helghast are coming, look busy!!!


Just had confirmation from GAME that my copy of Killzone 2 has been dispatched, so by tomorrow evening I should have some Helghast skulls in my trophy cabinet. I will try and post an initial impression over the weekend, and follow it up with a full review next week.

I have heard on the grapevine that the multiplayer is better than COD4 and includes a full ranking/perks system. If that's the case then this will be very special indeed. I have not been this excited about a game since GTAIV.

Anyone looking for a clan?

Just wanted to tell you all about the clan I play PS3 online with. We are called Alpha Bravo Clan, or aB clan for short. We currently have lots of members spread all over the country, a lot of whom own a PS3. aB clan has an open and friendly attitude to gaming.

Although we play hard we are the kind of clan that welcomes all types of player. You don't have to be top ranked in COD4 or have 300 trophies to join. All we ask is that you play fair, join in and display the clan tag of "aB" when competing online. On joining the clan you are also issued with a special number, so everyone knows who you are. Mine for example is 27 or alp27 to give its full title.

Once a year Alpha Bravo Clan does what all clans should do and gets togther for a weekend of outdoors activities. Since we formed we have met on a yearly basis and taken part in team building activities such as PARACHUTING - GO.KARTING - AIRSOFT COMBAT - THEME PARK THRILL RIDES - BARBECUES - CAMPING - CANAL BOATING. As you can see we are a pretty active bunch. Our yearly meetings are a must see, and we always do our best to suit everyones budget.

We are always looking for new members and if you are interested please check out the clan website.

http://www.alphabravoclan.co.uk/

Tuesday 24 February 2009

Street Fighter IV


I picked up a copy of Street Fighter IV on Friday after not playing a SF game for ten years. The first thing that grabs you is how close the game play, and look, is to SF2. Its like playing the game you remember, but it has been polished to within an inch of its life. This thing looks stunning, and when an ultra combo is pulled off the camera zooms into the fighters face and then pans out to show the move off in amazing 3d.

When the developers were testing the game they had a new hit detection model, but the playtesters didn't think it felt right so they retuned the whole system to work like the old rectangular hit boxes used in SF2. Those guys really love SF2 and its fans. They have made this game with them in mind, and if you could pull off dragon punches and sonic booms in SF2 you will be instantly at home here. The move list is very similar to earlier games, and the charge back, forwards, punch for Guiles sonic boom or quarter circle punch for the Ryu hadouken are all there.

Oh, and did I mention the game is hard as nails. I consider myself a fairly good gamer, but I have found beating Seth, even on medium, a massive challenge. Don't get me wrong, this is not a complaint but more a compliment and a nod to the developers for having the stones not to fall into the trap of the casual gamer. Casual gamers will still love it, and get great pleasure throwing fire balls and doing special moves, but the hardcore players will get the real benefit. This is a HC gamers paradise, they will learn insane combos and know the animation frames for each move. New comers and casual gamers will be destroyed by the elite. Online this is no place for button mashers. It is like a baptism of fire, but practice makes perfect and after your first few hours, and some time in the training arena, it all starts to come together.

If you can afford it, I would strongly suggest you pick up the official guide by Prima games. It has invaluable information for both beginners and experts and could give you the edge.

This is stupidly addictive, and for those patient enough to commit it will bring pleasure for months and years to come. Only time will tell if this is to be a classic, but the signs are good.

SCORE 9/10

Welcome

Welcome one and all to the Ultimate PS3 blog. The aim of the blog is to bring you all the latest Playstation 3 news, write game reviews and hopefully preview the latest up and coming titles. I will be starting the blog off with a review of Killzone 2 which is due to be delivered to me on Thursday/Friday this week.

In the mean time I would urge everyone to download and start listening to the Podcast Beyond "BEYOND!!!!" from IGN. I have included a link below to take you to the latest episode (number 80). Trust me, you won't regret it - the podcast is awesome and presented by the Playstation Team at IGN.

http://uk.ps3.ign.com/articles/955/955305p1.html

Well thats all for now but once I get someway through KZ2 I will post the review. Take care and thanks for reading!!!

alp27