Xbox 360 | Warner Bros. appoints head of digital gaming

Publisher creates new executive position to oversee online and downloadable endeavors, names Turbine, Rocksteady, Midway acquisition lead to post.

Last month, Warner Bros. showed its commitment to online gaming with the purchase of Turbine Entertainment, developer of Lord of the Rings Online and Dungeons & Dragons: Eberron Unlimited. Today, it made someone responsible for that commitment, as it appointed Jeff Junge to the newly created post of senior vice president of online games and digital games platforms for Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and Warner Bros. Digital Distribution.

Junge's impressive track record of acquisitions starts with Lego Star Wars developer Traveller's Tales.

Previously, Junge was the senior vice president of business management for Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group, a position in which he drove the company's strategy for mergers, acquisitions, and business partnerships. Junge led Warner Bros. purchases of Turbine, the bankrupt Midway Games, Rocksteady Studios, and Traveller's Tales parent TT Games (maker of the Lego Star Wars series), as well as the company's investment in the OnLive service.

In the new role, Junge will oversee Turbine and the ongoing integration of TT Games into Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. He will also be responsible for the company's entire digital games business, reporting jointly to WBIE president Martin Tremblay and WBDD president Thomas Gewecke.

Parque warner madrid compilation

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/batmanarkhamasylum/news.html?sid=6263910

PlayStation 2 | Michael Jordan to front NBA 2K11 - ESPN

Sports network reports that Chicago Bulls legend and Charlotte Bobcats owner will be 2K's next hoops cover athlete, could be playable along with other retired stars.

As the upcoming off-season's class of unrestricted free agents shows, there's no shortage of star athletes in today's NBA. Despite that, ESPN reports that 2K Sports is saving the cover of NBA 2K11 for a storied star from a previous era, Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan.

Air Jordan may be ready to fly once more.

The sports network (which is featured annually in Electronic Arts' competing NBA Live series of games) cites "multiple sources" as having confirmed that 2K Sports has landed Jordan to be the game's spokesperson. The report also includes speculation that Jordan could be playable in the game, allowing gamers to step into his Air Jordans to re-create the biggest moments of his career. Even less solid is the story's assertion that 2K Sports is in negotiations to include Jordan's teammates and other players from the era to more accurately depict those moments; that bit of information is attributed to "whispers."

One problem that would arise from such a gameplay mode would be the need to negotiate individual deals with all of the retired players. While a logistical headache, it's a task 2K has handled before. When 2K Sports created All-Pro Football 2K8 without the NFL license, it included more than 200 retired players, each of whom needed to be negotiated with individually.

2K Sports having to pursue all the other players while already having Jordan under contract would reverse a long-standing problem publishers had with the star. For much of Jordan's playing career, he had a licensing deal separate from the one that included the rest of the NBA. As a result, Jordan was conspicuously absent from most NBA games over his career, appearing instead in vanity projects like his own Super Nintendo action game, Michael Jordan: Chaos in the Windy City.

NBA 2K11 is expected to release in October, just as the league's preseason games tip off. For more on the franchise's recent history, check out GameSpot's review of NBA 2K10.

Michael Jackson - Thriller

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/sports/nba2k11/news.html?sid=6263928

DS | Scratch: The Ultimate DJ coming to iPhone, iPad, PC

Scratch publisher announces game will come to mobile platforms; no mention of 360 or PS3 versions.

Genco Interactive and 7 Studios first announced Scratch: The Ultimate DJ in late 2008, revealing the hip-hop rhythm game and its Numark-made turntable peripheral would arrive on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 later that same year. But the game never made it that far. Activision eventually bought 7 Studios, and in April 2009, Numark and Scratch publisher Genius Products filed legal action against the DJ Hero publisher for breach of contract and misappropriation of trade secrets.

The Numark turntable controller.

The court found no evidence against Activision but did order the publisher to make 7 Studios give the Scratch code back to Genius and Numark. In August 2009, Genius and Numark hired new developer Bedlam Games to resume work on Scratch, announcing the game would ship on the 360 and PS3 in early 2010.

It now seems that Scratch is headed for other platform pastures. In a press release this week, Numark announced that Scratch is now in development for the iPhone, iPad, and PC and is expected for release later this year. No mention of the 360 or PS3 platforms was made.

Numark CEO Jack O’Donnell said he sees new platforms like the iPad as "a perfect fit for Scratch: The Ultimate DJ".

This news comes four months after Activision CEO Bobby Kotick confirmed the publisher was working on DJ Hero 2.

Scratch - The documentary

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/news/6263932.html

DS | Final Fantasy Heroes of Light battling to DS

Square Enix announces new "back to the basics" Final Fantasy game for Nintendo's handheld, due October 5.

An all-new Final Fantasy game is coming out this autumn, Square Enix announced today. Final Fantasy: The 4 Heroes of Light will take the series "back to the basics," according to the Japanese publisher and will arrive on the North American Nintendo DS this October 5, with a European launch window set for autumn.

"Well, personally, I want to slay the dragon."

Four-player co-op has been promised for the title, which will be a turn-based role playing game. It will feature a class system akin to Final Fantasy X-2, with players being able to switch their character's class by changing the hat they're wearing, Square Enix said.

"Ease of play" is a focus for the game, with Square promising that users will be able to set their own battle commands to the DS's touch screen. The 4 Heroes of Light will feature over 20 different "jobs," including traditional black and white mages, a ranger, and the like. The cooperative elements will involve up to four players locally taking on dungeons and earning points that can be traded for items to use in the single-player campaign.

Visually, the game will draw from a picture-book aesthetic, with art direction duties taken on by Akihiko Yoshida, who looked after Final Fantasy XII and the DS edition of Final Fantasy III. Development is being handled by the team that developed Final Fantasy III and Final Fantasy IV for the DS. Final Fantasy: The 4 Heroes of Light tells the story of a young hero called Brandt venturing through the land of Horne attempting to rescue the land's youngest princess after discovering her missing on his 14th birthday. The game is rated 12 by PEGI and E10+ by the ESRB.

Europe - The Final Countdown (Live)

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/ds/rpg/hikarino4senshifinalfantasygaiden/news.html?sid=6263934

PC | Alien Breed: Impact scaring up PS3 and PC this summer

Team17's Xbox 360 revamp to arrive on PlayStation Network, Steam with more customization, better cooperative play.

As Sigourney Weaver found out in the Aliens franchises, hordes of bloodthirsty extraterrestrials have a nasty habit of coming back. The Alien Breed franchise is proving similarly resistant, as UK-based Team17 this week announced plans to bring Alien Breed: Impact to the PlayStation 3 and PC this summer.

It's a universal truth that all aliens hate fire.

A revamped version of last year's Unreal Engine 3-based Xbox Live Arcade release Alien Breed: Evolution, Impact contains a number of upgrades not found in its predecessor, including deeper customization and improved cooperative play. Players can augment their weapons via cash they loot from corpses and lockers.

In addition, Team17 said it has listened to community critiques and those suggestions have been translated into new features. Unfortunately, the studio failed to specify further details.

The Alien Breed franchise was born in 1991 on the Amiga as a top-down, run-and-gun title. In the years following, Team17 released first-person-shooter iterations of the series before focusing on the Worms franchise, for which it is best known today.

For more on last year's Xbox Live revamp, check out GameSpot's review of Alien Breed: Evolution.

Roommate Alien Prank Goes Bad

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/alienbreedevolution/news.html?sid=6263902

SNES | Apple surpasses Microsoft as top tech company

Mac, iPhone creator swipes title of most valuable technology creator in the world from Windows, Xbox 360 house Wednesday.

Yesterday, Microsoft was humbled by a symbolic blow from longtime rival Apple. After a volatile day of trading on the NASDAQ stock exchange, Apple's market value officially surpassed Microsoft's, consequently conferring the crown of most valuable technology company in the world onto the iPod and Mac creator.

The iPhone has helped Apple gain substantial ground on Microsoft.

As of market close on Wednesday, Apple's market capitalization on the tech-heavy stock exchange stood at $222.12 billion, as compared to Microsoft's $219.18 billion. Market capitalization, which is commonly used by investors to determine the value of a company, is the sum value of a company's outstanding shares, and so it fluctuates significantly with stock price.

Somewhat paradoxically, Microsoft remains the more profitable of the two companies. For the January-March quarter, Microsoft turned a $4.01 billion profit on revenues of $14.50 billion, thanks in large part to favorable currency exchange rates and a healthy performance from its Entertainment and Devices division, of which the Xbox 360 and Zune are a part.

During the same period, Apple posted $3.07 billion in profit on revenues of $13.50 billion, the best non-holiday quarter for the Cupertino, California-based company. Apple's three-month earnings period was ballooned by sales of 8.75 million iPhones, up 131 percent from the same period a year ago. Mac adoption also grew during the period, rising 33 percent to 2.94 million units sold.

Apple is also reaping success from the iPad, which launched on April 3. Less than a month after its debut, the versatile tablet device reached the 1-million-unit marker, a figure that followed on from estimated opening weekend sales of 300,000.

In trading today, Microsoft and Apple have alternated as the holder of the top market capitalization on the NASDAQ exchange. As of press time, Apple held the title with a market capitalization of $228.31 billion, compared to Microsoft's $228.04 billion.

1984 Apple's Macintosh Commercial

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/news/6263945.html

SNES | Lufia II casts a spell on North America this fall

Natsume's localized DS remake Curse of the Sinistrals ditches series' roots for action-RPG experience.

The Nintendo DS revamp of 1995's Super Nintendo role-playing game Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals is coming to North America from publisher Natsume. The slightly re-titled Lufia II: Curse of the Sinistrals will arrive in stores this fall and will be shown next month at the 2010 Electronic Entertainment Expo.

Lufia II, not to be confused with the sponge.

Curse of the Sinistrals abandons the SNES game's turn-based mechanics in favor of an action role-playing game slant. Players will assume the role of Maxim the monster hunter, fighting to defeat the four nefarious "Sinistrals," whose acts are plaguing the countryside. Throughout the course of the game's narrative, Maxim will band together with five others, traversing the game's geography, solving puzzles, defeating enemies, and collecting items.

The franchise originated in 1993 with Lufia & The Fortress of Doom on the SNES and was followed by the aforesaid Rise of the Sinistrals two years later. Although it began on consoles, the most recent entries in the series have released exclusively on portable devices. Lufia: The Legend Returns came to the GameBoy Color in North America in 2001, followed by Lufia: The Ruins of Lore on the GameBoy Advance in 2003. Each entry was an RPG experience like its predecessors, although Ruins of Lore was a side story in the Lufia overall narrative.

New Lufia/Estpolis: The Lands cursed by the Gods Trailer

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/snes/rpg/estopolisdenki2/news.html?sid=6263963

PC | Game sales to hit $70 billion by 2015 - Analyst

DFC Intelligence forecasts 16 percent growth in worldwide revenues of PC, console, online, portable markets over six-year period.

Despite some depressing sales figures in recent years, analysts have generally remained upbeat about the future of gaming. While those reassurances are usually couched in vague terms, one firm is putting a solid number and a due date on its positive prognostication.

Online games like Champions Online can be more profitable for publishers even if they bring in less money in the short term.

DFC Intelligence this week released a series of reports forecasting the next few years of the interactive entertainment industry, predicting that worldwide gaming revenues will total $70.1 billion in 2015. That's a jump of roughly 16 percent from the $60.4 billion DFC tallied for 2009. Those figures represent the firm's best estimates of the global total of revenues derived from console, PC, portable, and online games, from boxed products and subscription fees to microtransactions.

Compared to gaming's explosive growth up until the economic downturn of 2008, a 16 percent rise is fairly modest for a six-year stretch. However, DFC believes the industry will continue to shrink for the next couple of years, with the bulk of its projected growth to come between 2013 and 2015.

The industry faces a number of challenges to revenue growth in the next few years, according to DFC. Most of the firm's anticipated decline is chalked up to a slowdown in the console market as the current generation of systems age.

Another factor cited is the trend toward online gaming. While subscription fees and microtransactions are more profitable for companies than boxed retail products, DFC notes that they generally provide less in the way of overall revenues in the short term.

The Game - My Life ft. Lil Wayne

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/news/6263959.html

PC | Need for Speed World green-flagged for July 20

Electronic Arts' free-to-play massively multiplayer online racer launching on PC with $20 Starter Pack; DLC preorderers starting engines July 13.

While a closed beta for Electronic Arts' open-world online racer is nearing its third month, those already on the inside, and everyone else with eyes on it, now have a date to circle on their calendars: July 20. That's the day Need for Speed World, developed by EA Black Box, leaves beta on the PC and opens to the public.

Need for Speed's World will soon become a bit more populated.

On that Tuesday, those interested can log on to the game's Web site and access NFS World's free download client. The free version allows access to the game's open-world races, police pursuits, and character progression, though a cap for the latter is placed at level 10.

For those seeking a deeper experience, EA will also launch the online game alongside the Need for Speed World Starter Pack, which costs $20. Inside the digital wrapping are access to level 50, a Toyota Corolla AE86 vehicle exclusive to the pack, and $20 worth of SpeedBoost (NFS World's in-game currency). Starter Pack purchasers also receive a discount on power-ups, double experience point periods, and rental cars.

Further, EA revealed today that those who preorder the NFS World Starter Pack will have access to the full game on July 13, a week before those who begin playing on its official street date, as well as immediate access to the ongoing beta. Additionally, those who provide a down payment can enjoy increased experience-point generation during the seven-day exclusivity, as well as the right to reserve their desired racer name.

In addition to a day/night cycle, NFS World has 150 miles of in-game road to traverse, including NFS: Most Wanted's Rockport locale and NFS: Carbon's Palmont city streets.

For more on the game, check out GameSpot's latest preview.

Hana Pestle - Need + lyrics

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/pc/driving/needforspeedworldonline/news.html?sid=6263967

PC | Sledgehammer pounding out Call of Duty FPS

Activision start-up studio's job listings reveal outfit tapped to bring series into the action adventure genre is working on a first-person shooter for the franchise.

When Activision first revealed that Sledgehammer Games was working on a Call of Duty title, it specifically said the game "will extend the franchise into the action adventure genre." Whatever tweaks the developer makes to the gameplay formula, the end result will apparently still fall under the series' standard first-person shooter description.

Tired of the first-person perspective in Call of Duty? Tough.

A number of job postings on Sledgehammer's official Web site state in no uncertain terms, "We are actively recruiting top talent for our Call of Duty First Person Shooter development team." However, not all the available positions include that phrasing; a post for a senior sound designer lists the team as making "an action title in the Call of Duty franchise."

Whether the first-person shooter is the same game or a separate project from the previously confirmed action adventure is unknown. As of press time, an Activision representative had not returned a request for clarification.

After firing the cofounders of original Call of Duty studio Infinity Ward, Activision put its plans for the series into overdrive, setting up a dedicated Call of Duty business division. The publisher's slate already includes November's Call of Duty: Black Ops from Treyarch, a new Call of Duty from Infinity Ward, Sledgehammer's action adventure, and a Call of Duty massively multiplayer online game. Activision has also trademarked a number of potential Call of Duty titles, and rumors have surfaced about Raven Software working on the franchise.

Sledgehammer - Peter Gabriel

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/callofdutymodernwarfare3/news.html?sid=6263969

DS | Gearbox counting down to Z-Day

Borderlands studio files USPTO trademark application for potential title of upcoming project.

Just after the 2009 Electronic Entertainment Expo, Borderlands creator Gearbox Software filed a host of applications with the US Patent and Trademark Office to secure the rights to possible future game titles. Among these titles were "World War II Hero," "Brothers In Arms War Hero," "Modern War Hero," and "War Hero." Of the last, studio CEO Randy Pitchford confirmed to GameSpot that a game of that name was in development, but well "down the road."

Gearbox appears to be working on more than just a possible sequel to Borderlands.

This week, one more of those "down the road" projects may have emerged, courtesy of a new trademark application that Gearbox has filed with the USPTO. The game name in question is "Z-Day," and it carries the customary telltale description of "computer game software for personal computers and home video game consoles; motion picture films about action and adventure."

Gearbox has yet to respond to requests for comment on the project. However, on the studio's Web site, the developer currently has four in-development projects listed. Among these are Aliens: Colonial Marines, as well as three unnamed developments.

One of these untitled works is likely a sequel to its highly stylized double-platinum shooter Borderlands. Though a sequel has not yet been announced, Borderland's critical and commercial success led creative director Mike Neumann to call a follow-up "a no-brainer" in November, and Take-Two has trumpeted the fact that it retains the "long-term publishing rights" to the franchise.

As for the under-the-radar War Hero, it remains to be seen whether the recently filed mark is a rebranding of that project or an entirely new title. Notably, the title also appears to be in use by another game developer: Arrowhead Games. In October 2009, the group announced that it was working on a game titled ZDay, one that sees players fighting zombies in a massively multiplayer first-person shooter environment.

04 MG Gearbox, MGB

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/news/6264086.html

DS | Pokemon multiplying on Wii, DS

Nintendo announces Pokemon Black and White will join handheld library next spring, while PokePark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure hits European Wii consoles July 9.

Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver haven't even fallen out of the NPD Group's top 10 monthly sales chart yet, but Nintendo has already lined up their successors. The company today announced that Pokemon Black Version and Pokemon White Version will arrive on the Nintendo DS in North America and Europe in spring of 2011. Additionally, European Poke-maniacs unwilling to wait that long will be able to tide themselves over with PokePark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure starting July 9.

Catch all you want. They'll make more.

Beyond a new storyline and monsters to catch, details on what gamers can expect from Pokemon Black and White remain slim. However, Nintendo has previously said that the game will be a "groundbreaking evolution of all aspects," though it will presumably maintain its traditional adventuring and battle mechanics. As for the dual name, Nintendo traditionally releases near-identical editions of the same Pokemon game under slightly different monikers, encouraging players to exchange captured monsters between versions.

Details are much easier to come by on PokePark, which launched in Japan last December. The game revolves around Pikachu, who must save the PokePark after its Sky Prism is destroyed. The gameplay will be based around searching the park to pick up the Prism pieces with the help of key Pokemon. There will also be minigames at many of the attractions, including races, strength tests, and obstacle courses.

For more on Pikachu's Adventure, check out GameSpot's Import Friendly coverage of the Japanese edition of the game, starting at the 7:48 mark of the video below.

pokemon

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/ds/rpg/pokemonds3/news.html?sid=6264114

Xbox 360 | Big in Japan May 17-23: Lost Planet 2

Capcom's sci-fi shooter claims the sales crown in a chart-shaking week that sees six of the top 10 spots occupied by new releases.

After weeks of stagnation, Media Create's Japanese game sales chart received a significant overhaul for the week of May 17-23, with more than half of the top 10 claimed by newly released titles.

Both versions of Lost Planet 2 made it into the week's top five best-selling games.

The PlayStation 3 version of Lost Planet 2 secured the top spot with 84,607 copies sold for the week, dethroning Dragon Quest Monsters Joker 2 after the DS role-playing game spin-off enjoyed a three-week stay atop the sales charts. Lost Planet 2's 360 version also fared well, finishing the week in fifth place with 33,536 copies sold.

The next biggest new release was Konami's World Soccer Winning Eleven 2010: Aoki Samurai no Chousen for the PlayStation 3. Capitalizing on buzz for the upcoming World Cup (even though it lacks the tournament's official license), Aoki Samurai no Chousen for Sony's console was third overall with sales of 57,214. The PSP and PlayStation 2 editions of the game also cracked the charts, finishing in sixth place and ninth place, respectively.

The final new release was Namco's latest PSP Fullmetal Alchemist game, which finished seventh overall. That left just four spots on the chart for previously released games, with the aforementioned Joker 2 taking the week's silver medal and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker selling enough for fourth place. A pair of evergreen Nintendo games are now threatened with fading from the top 10, as New Super Mario Bros. Wii slipped to eighth place and Tomodachi Collection clung to 10th place as it began its 12th month on store shelves.

While there was plenty of turnover in the software results, the hardware sales figures were more stable (though mostly down week-over-week). The PSP was once again the best-selling system of the week, with the PSP Go once again in last place, trailing the pack by a significant margin. The order of systems in the middle remained unchanged, with the PS3 taking second, followed up by the Wii, DSi XL, standard DSi, and Xbox 360, in that order.

JAPAN GAME SALES WEEK OF MAY 17-23, 2010
Software:
Rank / Title / Publisher / Platform / Unit sales
1. Lost Planet 2 / Capcom / PS3 / 84,607
2. Dragon Quest Monsters Joker 2 / Square Enix / DS / 61,998
3. World Soccer Winning Eleven 2010: Aoki Samurai no Chousen / Konami / PS3 / 57,214
4. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker / Konami / PSP / 34,267
5. Lost Planet 2 / Capcom / PS3 / 33,563
6. World Soccer Winning Eleven 2010: Aoki Samurai no Chousen / Konami / PSP / 21,118
7. Hagane no Renkinjutsushi - Fullmetal Alchemist: Yakusoku no Hi e / Namco / PSP / 20,675
8. New Super Mario Bros. Wii / Nintendo / Wii / 17,657
9. World Soccer Winning Eleven 2010: Aoki Samurai no Chousen / Konami / PS2 / 14,269
10. Tomodachi Collection / Nintendo / DS / 14,015

Hardware:
PSP - 22,462
PS3 - 19,075
Wii - 18,465
DSi LL - 14,108
DSi - 9,356
Xbox 360 - 4,656
DS Lite - 2,681
PS2 - 1,175
PSP Go - 851

Big (1988) Original Theatrical Trailer

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/lostplanet2/news.html?sid=6264189

PlayStation 3 | Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock confirmed, detailed

Neversoft's battle-worn rhythm franchise to heavily emphasize axe-shredding gameplay, Gene Simmons narrating story mode.

Earlier this week, it appeared as if retailers had shredded out the opening chords of Activision's latest rhythm game, listing stand-alone and bundled versions of Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Wii. It hasn't taken long for official confirmation of Neversoft's next effort to come, courtesy of Nintendo Power magazine.

The Beast rocks with’the Pig?

While Sega's just-announced Sonic Colors has taken the cover of Nintendo Power, the magazine's online site has posted an image for the first two pages of a feature story on Warriors of Rock. According to Neversoft project lead Brian Bright, though little has changed as far as the standard note-matching gameplay, Warriors of Rock will return to the emphasis of the series to rock and roll.

"All of the cool features and things we did in GH5--the level of polish--[are] still there," he told the magazine. "Party Play still exists. The ability to play with any instrument combination--all that stuff is still in the game. But what we strove do here is handpick all the songs’So many more people play Guitar Hero on guitar than any other instrument. We wanted to focus first and foremost on shredding kind of rock."

Bright also briefly discussed the game's story mode, which will be narrated by KISS frontman Gene Simmons, as the prodigiously tongued singer previously confirmed. The storyline will apparently center upon the Beast and the demigod of rock.

"The Beast defeats the demigod of rock, and the demigod of rock is entombed in stone, and his legendary guitar is banished," Bright said. "[The guitar] is the source of his power. And so you are going through and assembling an army of warriors to be able to defeat the Beast. Along the way, you'll have to recover the legendary guitar, but in the end, you're defeating the Beast."

Nintendo Power also noted that the Wii edition, which is in development at Vicarious Visions, will exclusively feature three "Roadie modes," all of which integrate with the DS. In Roadie Set List Manager, gamers can build a custom setlist on the DS. In Roadie Quickplay+ and Roadie Battle modes, DS gamers will be able to assist Wii players by contributing beneficial and detrimental effects to their friends and foes.

The magazine's two-page spread did not offer an expected release date for Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock. However, according to retailers, the rhythm game will be available on September 19.

guitar

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/sim/guitarhero6/news.html?sid=6264199

PC | The Last Word: May 24-28

Last week of May sees Video Game History Month draw to a close, reviews for ModNation Racers, Blur, Alpha Protocol, and UFC 2010, and early looks at Killzone 3 and Call of Duty: Black Ops.

The march to the 2010 Electronic Entertainment Expo continued at a fevered pace this week with almost no signs of letting up. GameSpot's review team wrapped up a monster May with looks at Blur, ModNation Racers, Ultimate Fighting Championship 2010, and one of the first big games of June, next week's Alpha Protocol.

Finally, a Call of Duty level inspired by the Adam West Batman TV show.

Video Game History Month wound down with looks at The Legend of Zelda, the original GameBoy, the coolest (and lamest) Collector's Editions of the past, Shigeru Miyamoto, and in a nod to next month's big show, E3. Speaking of E3, the previews team put up some pre-show looks at a handful of anticipated titles, including Killzone 3, Call of Duty: Black Ops, Star Wars: The Old Republic, and Crackdown 2.

The Last Word May 24-28

FEATURES
GameSpot concludes its inaugural observance of Video Game History Month with a look at the career of Shigeru Miyamoto, the arrival of the Game Boy, the timelessness of The Legend of Zelda, and the chaos of E3. There's also one more photo feature, which includes a look at some of the best and most ridiculous collector's editions of years past. Also, be sure to check out the latest feature on social network gaming--a growing phenomenon that has some major backing from companies like Electronic Arts.

Video Game History Month
Video Game History Month: Collector's Editions
Social Gaming Feature

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NEW RELEASES
Shippin' Out May 23-29: Super Mario Galaxy 2
ModNation Racers PSP zooms to PSN
Jack the Ripper tears up DSiWare
Doom II, Green Day demo lead XBL releases

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NEWS
With the 2010 Electronic Entertainment Expo just weeks away, some of the biggest news bits are being announced early to avoid a repeat of last year, when the surprise of Sony's PSP Go unveiling was spoiled time and again by leaks. This week saw two E3-caliber headlines dropped, as longtime Sony supporter Insomniac Games partnered with Electronic Arts to make a game for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, and Sony announced that Killzone 3 is in development and will support a stereoscopic 3D experience.

As if that weren't enough, Harmonix all but confirmed keyboard support for Rock Band 3 with its demo for Rock Band: Green Day, Microsoft dated Bungie's last planned game in the Halo universe, Halo: Reach, Ubisoft turned the keys of its the Splinter Cell franchise over to its Toronto studio, and Sega and Nintendo announced their next Sonic and Pokemon games, respectively.

Pokemon multiplying on Wii, DS
Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock confirmed, detailed
Big in Japan May 17-23: Lost Planet 2
Alien Breed: Impact scaring up PS3 and PC this summer
Final Fantasy Heroes of Light battling to DS
Lufia II casts a spell on North America this fall
Need for Speed World green-flagged for July 20
Sledgehammer pounding out Call of Duty FPS
Hitman sequel gets first-time Hollywood director
Mafia II Collector's Edition, preorder bonuses detailed
Sonic Colors bleeding onto Wii, DS
Natal shipping October 26 for $150?
Warner Bros. appoints head of digital gaming
Michael Jordan to front NBA 2K11 - ESPN
Mass Effect movie project now science fact
Insomniac goes multiplatform with EA Partners
Front Mission Evolved backpedals to Sept. 14
Rock Band 3 to tickle the ivories?
New Splinter Cell forming at Ubisoft Toronto
Next Guitar Hero due Sept. 19 - Retail Radar
Atari fiscal year ends $23.9 million in the red
Halo: Reach landing September 14
Killzone 3 shooting up PS3 in 3D
Dragon Ball: Origins sequel due June 22
Namco Bandai signs Knights Contract for PS3, 360
Splatterhouse hits the market for Halloween
Low PSP sales due to piracy - Sony

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PREVIEWS
It was a big week for the previews team, from Monday's looks at Namco Bandai's slate including Enslaved, Splatterhouse, and Knights Contract all the way through to Friday's first look at Call of Duty: Black Ops. In between, the crew caught looks at everything from Killzone 3 to Kidz Bop Dance Party, and posted new previews of BioWare's long-awaited Star Wars: The Old Republic, The Sims 3: Ambitions expansion, F.E.A.R. 3, and Crackdown 2.

Call of Duty: Black Ops First Look
The Sims 3: Ambitions Exclusive Hands-On
Star Wars: The Old Republic Exclusive Preview - The Sith Warrior In-Depth
Killzone 3 Hands-On Impressions
F.E.A.R. 3 First Look
Tom Clancy's HAWX 2: First Look
Dragon Ball: Raging Blast 2 First Look
Crackdown 2 Hands-On
Shaun White Skateboarding First Impressions
Clash of the Titans Hands-On
Puzzle Quest 2 Minigames Hands-On
Kidz Bop Dance Party Hands-On
Dragon Ball: Origins 2 Hands-On
Front Mission Evolved Q&A - More Story Details, More Gameplay Details
Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom Updated Impressions
Knights Contract First Look
Ace Combat: Joint Assault First Look
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 First Look
Enslaved: Odyssey to the West Updated Impressions
God Eater First Look
Splatterhouse First Look
Aion: Assault on Balaurea Q&A

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REVIEWS
Last week was always going to be an impossible act to follow. After all, it's not often that the GameSpot reviews team awards a 10, much less a 10 and a 9.5 in the same week. This week was no slouch though, and as copies of Super Mario Galaxy 2 and Red Dead Redemption flew off store shelves they were replaced with the likes of Blur, ModNation Racers, and UFC 2010 Undisputed. Alpha Protocol, the first of June's big releases was also reviewed this week.

Alpha Protocol (PC, PS3, X360) Review
Aqua (X360) Review
Blur (PC, PS3, X360) Review
Guns of Icarus (PC) Review
Metal Slug XX (X360) Review
ModNation Racers (PS3) Review
UFC 2010 Undisputed (PS3, X360) Review

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VIDEO
As the GameSpot Live team started gearing up for E3 2010, things got a little crazy around the site. To start with, the week saw three new episodes of Today on the Spot featuring games like Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 on the Wii, Puzzle Quest 2, F.E.A.R. 3, UFC 2010 Undisputed, Backbreaker, and more.

In the Video Reviews department, GameSpot gave critical appraisals in video form for Blur, UFC 2010 Undisputed, ModNation Racers, and Alpha Protocol. Finally, GameSpot’s Video Game History Month came to a close with the Nintendo Game Boy, Zelda, E3 and Shigeru Miyamoto. Stay tuned, as GameSpot takes E3 head on in the next couple of weeks.

Today on the Spot - UFC 2010 Undisputed, F.E.A.R. 3
Blur Video Review
UFC 2010 Undisputed Video Review
ModNation Racers Video Review
Alpha Protocol Video Review
Video Game History Month: Nintendo Game Boy

Susan Boyle - Singer - Britains Got Talent 2009

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/callofduty7workingtitle/news.html?sid=6264208

Xbox 360 | Shippin' Out May 30-June 5: Modern Warfare 2 Map Pack 2, Alpha Protocol

Resurgence DLC for Activision military shooter and Sega spy RPG debut highlight a week including EA's Sims 3 Ambitions, 505 Games' Backbreaker, and Ubisoft's Pure Futbol.

Attempting to top a massive May's worth of new releases sounds like a fool's errand, but the lineup for the first week of June is nothing to shrug off. That's thanks to new Sims and Call of Duty offerings combined with the launch of three new intellectual properties.

Nothing good ever happens in a "FunHaus."

Perhaps the biggest release is the second map pack for Activision's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. Launching for Xbox 360, the Resurgence Map Pack ($15) is a collection of five multiplayer environments, which include three new maps and two remade Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare digs. Modern Warfare 2's first batch of downloadable content, the Stimulus Package, drew criticism for its price point, but went on to sell over 2.5 million units. PlayStation 3 and PC versions of the map pack are set to launch at a later date.

Similarly significant in terms of scale is Electronic Arts' Ambitions expansion to its PC hit The Sims 3. For the first time in a Sims game, players can control their Sim's livelihood on the job at any of the game's new professions. Ghost hunter, doctor, private investigator, and more are all possible career paths for each Sim included in Ambitions.

The first of the new intellectual properties launching this week mixes high-tech gadgetry and espionage with some time-tested role-playing-game character progression. Alpha Protocol is the first original project from Obsidian Entertainment, the studio behind some high-profile sequels like Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II The Sith Lords, Neverwinter Nights 2, and the upcoming Fallout: New Vegas.

With just a couple weeks left before the World Cup kicks off in South Africa, Ubisoft will jump into the soccer genre with a new sim-minded effort. Due out for the Xbox 360 and PS3, Pure Futbol has Liverpool FC and England midfielder Steven Gerrard on its cover and aims to emphasize the physicality of the sport.

On the American football front, 505 Games is bringing Backbreaker to market. The PS3 and Xbox 360 gridiron simulator strays from the Madden formula in that it's unlicensed (although it does include team customization tools). Backbreaker also features interactive tackles and takes advantage of developer NaturalMotion's physics-based middleware technology (as featured in Grand Theft Auto IV and Star Wars: The Force Unleashed).

For further details on the week's games, visit GameSpot's New Releases page. The full list of downloadable games on the PlayStation Store, Xbox Live Marketplace, and Wii Shop Channel will be revealed later in the week. Release dates are based on retailer listings and are subject to change.

MONDAY, MAY 31
GundeadliGne--PS3--Rockin' Android
Hitogata Happa--PS3--Rockin' Android
Telegraph Sudoku & Kakuro--DS--Sanuk Games
Tropico 3: Absolute Power--PC--Kalypso
X-Scape--DS--Nintendo

TUESDAY, JUNE 1
Alpha Protocol--X360, PC, PS3--Sega
America's Next Top Model--Wii, DS--Crave
Backbreaker--X360, PS3--505 Game
Bass Pro Shops: The Hunt--Wii, X360--Griffin International
Diamond Trust of London--DS--Majesco Games
Farm Frenzy Animal Country--DS--City Interactive
Mind Over Matter--DS--505 Games
Pure Futbol--PS3, X360--Ubisoft
Sega Genesis Classics--PC--Sega
Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow--PS2--SCEA
The Sims 3 Ambitions--PC--Electronic Arts
Wizardology--Wii, DS, PC--Codemasters

THUSDAY, JUNE 3
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Resurgence Map Pack--X360--Activision
thinkSMART--DS--Crave

I'm Shipping Up To Boston - Dropkick Murphys

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/codmw2resurgence/news.html?sid=6264095

PlayStation 3 | PCs to be doused with Heavy Rain?

Compatibility listing on Nvidia site points to PS3 thriller ditching its exclusivity and heading to computers.

Get the full article at GameSpot

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"PlayStation 3 | PCs to be doused with Heavy Rain?" was posted by Randolph Ramsay on Sun, 30 May 2010 22:00:49 -0700

PC World shops for high-tech toys

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/adventure/heavyrain/news.html?sid=6264253

Wii | NHL Slapshot winding up on Wii

Electronic Arts' first hockey game for Nintendo's console will include a miniature stick peripheral; gloves drop September 7 along with NHL 11 on 360 and PS3.

Take-Two Interactive's NHL 2K hockey series is in a rebuilding year, skipping the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 editions to focus on the Wii, where it has yet to face any competition. That's going to change this year, as Canoe.ca is reporting that Electronic Arts is putting on the foil for an old-fashioned donnybrook on the Wii.

Shooting, passing, and crosschecking opponents in the teeth are now more intuitive than ever.

According to the site's gaming blog, EA will be making its hockey debut on the Wii with NHL Slapshot. The game will launch September 7, alongside the Xbox 360 and PS3 debuts of NHL 11.

As might be expected, EA's first hockey game on Nintendo's system will use the motion-sensing functions of the Wii Remote controller. More surprising is the miniature hockey stick controller shell that the publisher will be including with each copy of the game. According to the report, the 21-inch stick will snap together from three separate pieces, and let players shoot, pass, stick handle, and poke check much as they would in real life.

The publisher is also bringing out the big guns to promote the game, as it has lined up hockey legend Wayne Gretzky to be the game's cover athlete. "The Great One" will not only appear on the box art, but also in the game as a playable character and as a coach in the game's career mode, which follows a created character from the peewee leagues through the juniors, CHL, AHL, and finally, the NHL itself.

No Words - 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Finals

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/wii/sports/nhlslapshot/news.html?sid=6264254

Xbox | Halo novels get a makeover

Publisher Tor Books announces re-issue of first three Halo novels ahead of Halo: Reach release; new books to include updated content, art and stories.

Halo fans wishing to brush up on their Covenant history before the release of Halo: Reach later this year will have their chance with news that Tor Books will be re-issuing the first three original Halo novels with new content and cover art.

Tor Books--one of the world's biggest science-fiction publishing houses--announced yesterday that it will be updating the original Halo trilogy to "set the stage" for the upcoming Halo title.

Want to know what's going on? Read the book.

The new novels will include updated content and artwork, as well as a series of short stories that expand on the universe of Halo games to date. The first book in the trilogy to be released will be Halo: The Fall of Reach, written by science-fiction author and Microsoft Game Studios writer Eric Nylund. The book is the basis for the upcoming Halo: Reach game and will be available in August 2010.

The original Halo: The Fall of Reach novel was released in 2001 as a prequel to Halo: Combat Evolved. It details the story of series protagonist Master Chief, from his childhood to his rise to the top of the Spartan-II program, and explains the events that led up to the first game in the series.

The remaining two novels in the trilogy, Halo: The Flood by William C. Dietz and Halo: First Strike also by Eric Nylund, bridge the gaps between the Halo 2 and Halo 3 games.

According to Tor Books, sales in the Halo franchise--including video games, novels, anime, action figures, and merchandise--have eclipsed US$1.7 billion to date, while the publisher's own Halo novels have sold over a million combined copies.

The publisher also revealed plans to publish a new Halo trilogy later this year written by science-fiction writer Greg Bear, which will give readers a look into the Halo universe during the time of the Forerunners.

Beyoncé - Halo

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/xbox/action/halo/news.html?sid=6263133

PlayStation 3 | Blu-ray top reason for PS3 purchase: study

Survey finds HD movie format capability outranks games and recent price drop as main appeal of Sony's console.

Sony has long touted the multimedia capabilities of its PlayStation 3 console, with its most recent marketing efforts using the succinct tagline of "It Only Does Everything". It seems that message has resonated with consumers, with a recent survey by market research group The Nielsen Company showing the console's Blu-ray playback capability was the number one motivating factor behind potential PS3 purchases.

Blu-ray is a popular feature of the PS3.

The survey--which was conducted during a three week period around the launch of God of War III--consisted of responses from 700 gamers aged between 7 and 54 who did not own a PS3, according to the Nielsen Wire blog. Respondents were asked to select from a list of 10 choices their top five reasons for wanting to purchase a PS3. Coming in at number one with 65 percent of respondents was Blu-ray capabilities, and the second most popular response at 63 percent was the console's recent price drop, which coincided with the launch of the Slim model.

Coming in next in the list of key motivating factors was the PS3's library of games and the desire to upgrade from a PlayStation 2, which both received 62 percent of responses each. Connectivity was the next big issue--having friends with PS3s and wanting to play with them was the fifth most popular at 56 percent, while the console's other online capabilities was sixth with 50 percent. Interestingly, being able to play a specific, exclusive game did not rank highly as a motivating factor for purchase, landing in at 10th spot with 12 percent of responses.

"This is especially interesting because the tagline for Sony’s recent marketing campaign, 'It only does everything,' touts the entertainment versatility of the PS3 even as it features specific high-profile games, including GOW III, in select ads," the Nielsen Wire blog stated. "Considering the data, it appears as though this marketing strategy complements consumer sentiment."

"Despite the fact that buying a specific game does not rank high on the list of reasons for acquiring a PS3, GOW III was the most popular game among those who mentioned that a particular title is a Top 5 motivator of their console purchase. Across a list of 20 PS3 titles including Heavy Rain, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, Little Big Planet, and Gran Turismo 5, one-third (33 percent) of gamers indicate GOW III as their first choice."

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For its part, Sony seems more than happy with the success of its recent marketing efforts. Peter Dille, senior vice president of marketing and PlayStation Network for Sony Computer Entertainment America, recently said the reaction to "It Only Does Everything" had been "tremendous" with other territories asking Sony to take the marketing campaign around the world.

Blu-ray Laser Phaser

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/puzzle/playstationhome/news.html?sid=6263134

PC | Time Pilot leads fourth Game Room Pack

Latest update to classic arcade app adds Asteroids, Space Duel; console ports include Atari 2600 era-hopping flyer Time Pilot, Grand Prix, and more.

Microsoft had big plans for weekly updates to Game Room--its recently released retro offering on the Xbox 360 and PC--but those plans seemingly fell by the wayside with only sporadic updates since the service was launched on March 24 this year. But it looks like the company is getting back on track, with the latest pack hitting Xbox Live earlier this week.

Game Room Pack 4 comes bundled with seven titles, with one of the standouts being the early '80s classic Time Pilot, which saw players take control of a futuristic jet fighter as it travels through five different time periods. Arcade veteran Asteroids also makes an appearance, as does Space Duel. Early console ports make up the rest of the releases this week, with Demons to Diamonds, Stampede, and Grand Prix from the Atari 2600, and Shark! Shark! from Intellivision.

Game Room titles can be purchased for play on both the Xbox 360 and PC for 400 Microsoft points ($5) or for an individual platform at MSP 240 ($3) apiece. Single rounds of any individual game can be played for MSP 40 ($.50). The Game Room also supports Xbox Live Avatars, as well as voice chat, 1080p graphics, cross-platform leaderboards, and achievements.

Pink Floyd-Time

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/gameroom2010/news.html?sid=6263136

PC | Rollercoaster Tycoon taking on big screen

Sony Pictures Animation picks up the rights to make a live-action film with CG elements based on Atari's PC theme park simulation series.

To date, game-based films have inconsistent track records when it comes to critical and commercial success, but that could change with the wealth of gaming licenses optioned for the big screen lately. The Hollywood Reporter has said the latest game to get picked up for a feature film is Atari's PC line of theme park simulators, Rollercoaster Tycoon.

"It's a thrill-packed rollercoaster ride," raves unimaginative critic.

According to the trade paper, Sony Pictures Animation has secured the rights to turn the franchise into a film and is currently developing it as a hybrid of live-action and computer-generated imagery. Harald Zwart has been named as the executive producer of the project, though it's possible he would direct it as well. The filmmaker has previously directed movies like Agent Cody Banks, The Pink Panther II, and the upcoming Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith remake of The Karate Kid. His credits as producer are slightly slimmer, most notably featuring last year's Nazi zombie horror film Dead Snow.

Since their debut in 1999, the Rollercoaster Tycoon games have challenged players to balance the various tasks of creating and running a theme park, from designing particularly thrilling rides to hiring employees and planning pedestrian paths to ensure guests can get where they want to go. Although it has spawned a number of expansion packs and compilations, the last full installment in the Rollercoaster Tycoon series was 2004's Rollercoaster Tycoon 3.

Rollercoaster Tycoon is not the only Atari-related movie in the works. Last year, news broke that Universal Pictures had won a bidding war to make a movie out of Atari's 1980 arcade hit Asteroids. And in 2008,Leonardo DiCaprio signed on to play Nolan Bushnell in a biopic about the company founder.

NEW YORK NEW YORK ROLLER COASTER

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/rollercoastertycoon3wild/news.html?sid=6262743

PlayStation 3 | Heavy Rain falling on Hollywood - Report

Film industry blog says former New Line Cinema executives are on the verge of a deal with Quantic Dream to bring PS3 thriller to the big screen.

Get the full article at GameSpot

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"PlayStation 3 | Heavy Rain falling on Hollywood - Report" was posted by Brendan Sinclair on Wed, 19 May 2010 16:05:47 -0700

The Heavy - How You Like Me Now?

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/adventure/heavyrain/news.html?sid=6263123

PC | World of Warcraft mobile auction house in testing

You say you don't get enough World of Warcraft while you're actually playing the game? Here, use this.

Get the full article at GameSpot

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"PC | World of Warcraft mobile auction house in testing" was posted by Andrew Park on Wed, 19 May 2010 17:45:32 -0700

We Are The World 25 For Haiti - Official Video

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/worldofwarcraft/news.html?sid=6263126

Xbox 360 | Dante's Inferno 2 development heating up?

Job listing points to work starting on "sequel to a major new IP" which will make its "franchise the world-leader in the action/melee-combat genre."

Get the full article at GameSpot

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"Xbox 360 | Dante's Inferno 2 development heating up?" was posted by Tor Thorsen on Wed, 19 May 2010 18:04:21 -0700

Dantes Inferno E3 2009 Trailer [HQ] (RATE THIS GAME)

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/dantesinferno/news.html?sid=6263128

PSP | UFC 2010 Undisputed's online mode locked

THQ latest publisher to use premium one-time code to encourage purchases of new games; buyers of used copies of MMA game will have to pay $5 for access.

Last week, Electronic Arts made the controversial announcement that all its sports games will require a one-time code to unlock their online modes. The practice, which effectively adds $10 to the price of used games, begins next month with the launch of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11. During an earnings call yesterday, French publisher Ubisoft said it would likely adopt a similar policy to reap revenue from used game sales, which currently do not benefit publishers directly.

UFC 2010 will deliver a blow to used-game buyers' wallets.

Now a third publisher has revealed it, too, will begin shipping games that come with locked online modes. Following reports on sports game site Pasta Padre, GameSpot has confirmed that THQ's UFC 2010 Undisputed will require a similar one-time code to play on Xbox Live or the PlayStation Network.

According to the description on the back of the manual, the 12-digit code--which is completely free with new versions of the game--is needed to create or join an online training camp and to participate in any of that camp's functions. These include training, sparring, and competing online with other camps' members. The code will also be needed to unlock online exhibition mode, as well as achievements and trophies that require group participation.

Though THQ had not responded to GameSpot's requests for comment as of press time, Web blog Destructoid is reporting the company has offered the following statement: "The main enhancement of UFC Undisputed 2010's premium online content is the new 'Fight Camp Mode' in which players can assemble ranks of up to 40 people and train together. This is a significant value-add to the game as players can continually improve their skills by training with their friends and bringing teams of MMA specialists together."

The statement continues, "This multiplayer content for UFC 2010 Undisputed will be available via a one-time code included with the game at purchase. Codes for accessing the content will be available for second-time buyers for an additional $5." It promised more details soon on the game's community Web site.

In February, THQ announced that Brock Lesnar would be the cover athlete for UFC 2010 Undisputed, the follow-up to last year's 3.5 million-unit hit. The game will feature more than 100 other fighters from the mixed martial arts league, as well as commentary from Joe Rogan and Mike Goldberg. THQ has also introduced a new sway and posture system to enhance a player's ability to defend and deliver coups-de-grace attacks, as well as incorporated new moves from the sambo, karate, and Greco-Roman wrestling disciplines.

For a look on what to expect from UFC Undisputed 2010, check out GameSpot's UFC 2010 Undisputed Create-a-Fighter hands-on preview.

ESPN: UFC vs. BOXING

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/psp/action/ufcundisputed2010ps3/news.html?sid=6263129

PlayStation 3 | Premium PSN to cost under Â…50?

Report says Sony's new online service would include one free game a month, access to streaming music service.

Get the full article at GameSpot

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"PlayStation 3 | Premium PSN to cost under …50?" was posted by Brendan Sinclair on Mon, 17 May 2010 18:36:31 -0700

SUPER JUNIOR PREMIUM LIVE IN JAPAN 2009 - SORRY,SORRY

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/puzzle/playstationhome/news.html?sid=6262879