Playstation Home Giving Away Classic PS1 Games November 23, 2013

Does anyone remember when I was raving about Sony’s E3 2013 Quest in Playstation Home?  Well, it looks like Sony is doing something like it once again to celebrate the launch of the Playstation 4.  A new area, dubbed the Greatness Awaits space, has a quest that all PS3 owners can join.  If you participate in it you can earn download codes for three classic Playstation games, Warhawk, Twisted Metal, and Destruction Derby.

You will enter the Greatness Awaits playspace automatically the next time you log into Playstation Home.  To start the quest just talk to the guy next to the giant Playstation Vita.  The PS1 games can be redeemed through the Playstation Store.  They should be playable on the PS3, PSP or PS Vita.

Playstation Home is free to play only on the Playstation 3.

Xbox One Released November 22, 2013

Last night at midnight, Microsoft released their newest console, the Xbox One. It is out now for a price of $499 US.

Expect a ton of Xbox One videos all weekend! We’re going to be going over every inch of this new console with a fine toothed comb. So just sit back, relax and enjoy this image.

BEYOND: Two Souls Advanced Experiments DLC Trailer November 21, 2013

The first DLC for BEYOND: Two Souls has been released into the wild for any person who wishes to play it.  The Advanced Experiments level takes place during Jodie’s specialized training on behalf of the CIA and pushes Jodie and Aiden’s skills to the absolute limit.  Since there are no spoilers present during the level, you can enjoy it at any point in your game progress.  Here is the DLC’s official trailer.

If you preordered BEYOND: Two Souls at GameStop and got the Special Edition version of the game, you already have this DLC.  Otherwise, the price is $4.99 US.  BEYOND: Two Souls is out now exclusive to the Playstation 3.

Xbox One Smartglass App Released November 20, 2013

When it was first announced, Microsoft promised that the Xbox One would be controlled in three ways. One was by a controller, second was by the Kinect and the third was through a completely revised version of Xbox SmartGlass. Today, in anticipation of the release of the Xbox One on Friday, Microsoft has released one part of that control system, the Xbox One SmartGlass app.

The new SmartGlass app allows for secondary Xbox One control and new features in games that support it, like the launch title Dead Rising 3 or the upcoming Metal Gear Solid V. Curiously, Microsoft chose not to update the already existing Xbox Smartglass app, and instead released the updated SmartGlass for Xbox One as a completely seperate app. So if you already have SmartGlass installed on your mobile device or PC, you’ll need to go searching for the new version.

The Xbox One SmartGlass app is free to download on your iOS, Android or Windows device right now. Just search for the Xbox One SmartGlass app in your respective digital marketplace.

The Last of Us: Between the Lines with Barry Kibrick November 20, 2013

Between the Lines, a show known for tackling topics inspired from great literature, has discussed a video game for the first time ever.  In this video, host Barry Kirbrick sits down with Naughty Dog Creative Director Neil Druckman to talk about the deeper philosophical meanings present in this year’s PS3 hit The Last of Us.

As a person who was an English Major in College, I enjoy a great debate over a story, and its fantastic to see one taking place over a video game.

The Last of Us is out now exclusive to the PS3.

Dead Rising 3 Launch Trailer November 19, 2013

We’re three days away from the launch of the Xbox One and with it an entirely new generation of Xbox games.  For me, the most anticipated game of that launch is going to be Dead Rising 3 from Capcom.  Today, Capcom released the game’s official launch trailer, and after seeing it I have to remark how much of a difference music has in changing the mood of something.

Dead Rising 3 is coming November 22nd, 2013 exclusive to the Xbox One.

Remedy at D.I.C.E. Europe 2013 November 19, 2013

Remedy’s Managing Director Mattias Myllyrinne did a presentation recently at D.I.C.E Europe 2013.  While the majority of his presentation is on the importance of video game development studios being able to adapt to an ever changing marketplace, he does talk briefly about his studio’s most recent Xbox One exclusive title, Quantum Break.  Since it is not a launch title, there hasn’t been a lot if information coming out about this game recently, but it is on my radar for being my own most anticipated Xbox One title.

Regardless, even without the Quantum Break segment, people in the gaming industry need to watch this presentation as he talks about some very important information that I believe is essential to the continuing success of the gaming industry.

Quantum Break is coming exclusive to the Xbox One.

Final Fantasy X/X2 HD Remaster Release Date November 18, 2013

Square Enix has announced the final release date for the highly anticipated HD remastered rerelease of Final Fantasy X and Final Fantasy X-2.  Final Fantasy X has been considered by many to be one of the best games on the Playstation 2 and one of the best RPGs of all time.  Final Fantasy X-2 is a bit more split on its criticism, but it does continue the story of Final Fantasy X, a rare feat for the franchise at the time.  To get you pumped for the reveal, here’s the game’s latest trailer!

Final Fantasy X/X2 HD Remaster is coming to the Playstation Vita and Playstation 3 March 18th, 2014.

Like with the Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX, the first editions of the game will include an exclusive artbook.  Don’t worry, anyone who has already preordered the game from a participating retailer is eligible for the upgrade automatically.

Remedy Talks Quantum Break on Finnish Radio November 18, 2013

There is no game on the Xbox One that is more anticipated for me than Quantum Break from Remedy.  Made by the creators of Max Payne and Alan Wake, Quantum Break looks to tell a complex story about the dangers of experimenting with time, all the while your actions have long lasting consequences through the game.

Recently, Matias Myllyrinne sat down for an audio interview about the game with YleX.  It was done in Finnish, but someone online was good enough to repost it with English subtitles and Quantum Break footage when applicable.  In the lead up to the Xbox One’s launch a lot of focus has been given to the console’s launch lineup, but I think that this little gem needs some time to shine.

Props to Rudolf “Ruuttu” Einberg for translating and editing this elaborate little video.

Quantum Break is coming exclusive to the Xbox One.

Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes Gameplay Walkthrough November 15, 2013

It turns out that Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes, the prequel to Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, will offer side missions as well as a main storyline.  That means that you could find yourself revisiting familiar environments you already explored in the game’s storyline but in completely different conditions like daytime or under harsh weather.

Well, Konami decided to show off just one of those side missions today.  This demo is running off the Playstation 4 and has a narrator explaining the new game mechanics during gameplay.  You may recoginise the environment the mission takes place in as the same environment from the first Ground Zeroes trailer, only instead of taking place at night, the mission takes place during the harshest possible sunlight.  Good luck being stealthy in this!

Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes is coming to the Xbox 360, Xbox One, Playstation 3, and Playstation 4 Spring 2014.